Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes. This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind. Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.

A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats. Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally. These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want. Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer. Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid. In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound. This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have. A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets. Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.

Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do. Like humans, cats feel pain. Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed. Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck. Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.

Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats. Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with. Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before. Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.

When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, you’ll need to wait until he or she approaches you. You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and will not know if you plan to hurt him too. Take your time and let him know that he has nothing to fear, and eventually he will come to you. When he does start to approach, you can let him sniff you while you gently pet him. After a while, he will learn that he can trust you, and he will start to come to you whenever you call him.

Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as flyswatters or water guns the wrong way can lead to more emotional damage. If you continue to use the wrong means of discipline on an emotionally damaged cat, he can become mean or lethargic. When a cat turns mean, it’s not always a bad thing, fortunately. Meaner cats are easier to reach, as they still care if only a little about what happens to them – while lethargic cats have reached the point where they no longer care.

Cats that have become lethargic won’t play, take treats, or respond to anything you say to them. With a lethargic cat, the ideal way to get him to respond is to bring in a companion cat. Over time, a lethargic cat will eventually look for attention, maybe a scratch behind the ears or just a pat. When this happens, you should always use a soft voice and snuggle with him. Never raise your voice at this point, and make sure you let the cat know that this behavior is a lot better.

You should always make slow movements around a lethargic cat, as he is still quite traumatized. Once he is coming around and letting you touch him again, he is getting back to his normal self. Keep in mind that it may take some time, which is to be expected with this type of situation. If your cat starts to get upset or if you raise your voice, he will hide again. If you continue to use a soft voice and have patience, your cat will eventually get past this. Whenever you acquire a cat which is lethargic, you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period.

Angry or mean cats on the other hand, will either fight with you and scratch, or simply run away from you. With mean cats, the best thing to do is use gentle treatment with a soft, coaxing voice. You should never resort to raising your voice or using any form of discipline, as this will cause him to become meaner. Never attempt to trap the cat either, as trapping will only make the cat react negatively. Just take your time and let the cat know you are there for him; he will eventually calm down and respond.

Abused cats are truly a sad thing, although they are out there. Abused cats can be a sad thing to see indeed, especially those that were physically abused. Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve. Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat – you should always be as gentle as you possibly can.

The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine, and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them from grooming.

Normally, when someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens, meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats, but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of your cat.

Getting rid of a cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own – although cat allergies are something we could all live without.

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. There is however much that we do know about Catnip and cats even if we don’t have the ultimate answer of exactly “why?” yet answered.

The Science Stuff

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from the mint family and is in fact also referred to as “Catmint”. It is a plant indigenous to Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States and Canada.

The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form in some pet stores.

Other Uses For Catnip

Catnip is not only good to stimulate activity in cats, it can also be used by humans as an herb for a medicinal tea which may soothe toothaches, help against coughs, and may also perform as a sleep aid. Furthermore, Catnip can be used as an herb on salads or other foods as has been the case for centuries in France. Lately Catnip has also been garnering favor as a natural insect repellant rivaling the effectiveness of many store bought varieties of repellent.

Catnip and Kitty

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats. What determines whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).

Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated house cat is not the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way the common house cat would. It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested. Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with your cat. If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.

Catnip and Lazy Cats:

Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are notoriously lazy, choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you haven’t already) that your cat is becoming more and more round. This is generally not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting catnip to your cat encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).

Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case, then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more svelte than without a Catnip treatment. Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.

Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture:

If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then Catnip may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly “Catnipped” scratching post and see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post) hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats

If you’ve never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is advisable to try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing
the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a possible cat fight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you the satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh, high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his or her own. If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of
reach of kitty. Otherwise you’ll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow it in a place that your cat won’t be able to access it. A room that you always keep closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to Catnip.

Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself (and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It’s a win win situation.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

Practically all kittens are born infected with some type of worm. These worms can and usually are transmitted through the mother’s milk or while the kittens are still inside the mother’s womb. Unless the mother lives in pristine conditions (think sterile clean rooms), expect that your newborn kitten will have worms. The same goes for an older cat as well. It takes a lot of work to keep cats worm-free. For the most part, veterinarians will say to deworm your cat, as needed. But how do you know exactly what “as needed” means? There are a few indicators which will help you decide when the deworming process is necessary.

Indicator #1 – If your kitten was found as a stray, don’t assume anything. If you decide to keep the kitten, make sure that a veterinarian visit is on your list of priorities. Deworming will be a given. If your cat is a pet that likes to prowl, catch mice or other small animals, it is more likely than not highly susceptible to worms. Wild animals are the perfect hosts for carrying worm larvae and if your cat consumes it, they will develop a worm problem.

Indicator #2 – Suppose your cat is predominantly an indoor pet. They can still develop worms but the problem could be harder to detect. If your cat develops a heaving problem or occasionally has retching episodes, these behaviors are a good indicator that your cat is trying to rid itself of worms. Also, vomiting the worms up is, of course, a clear indication that your cat needs to be dewormed immediately. More than likely, the worms vomited up are roundworms and resemble spaghetti in appearance. Sometimes, tapeworms are a culprit. Tapeworms are flat and segmented.

Indicator #3 – It is important to note that worm testing at the veterinarian’s office does not always show a positive result for worms. Vets test the feces of your cat and unless the worms are actively migrating or on the move, these worms can lie dormant within the cat host body for long periods of time. It is only when some type of stress factor occurs (like pregnancy or surgery) that the worms would show itself in a fecal exam.

Indicator #4 – If your cat’s appetite changes or it develops diarrhea, those are some possible indicators of a worm infection. A dull coat of fur or the growth of a pot-belly is other indicators. In addition, if you ever see your cat nibble on the feces of another animal, you might as well be prepared to go through a deworming of your cat.

For the most part, testing of your cat’s feces is the best bet to determine what type of worm infestation your cat may have. Without a proper worm diagnosis, your cat cannot receive the correct medication. This means that medication for roundworms sometimes does not work for tapeworms or other species like the hookworm or whipworm. By determining the correct species, you can be ensured of a successful deworming.

It is important to note that most medications come in liquid or in some type of pill. Since cats can be a bit ornery, you have to ensure that they actually take their medicine and ingest it. Disguising the deworming medication in their cat food or other treat is the simplest way. Another thing to be aware of is that it may take several treatments of deworming medication to completely rid your cat of worms. The reason for the possibility of multiple treatments is that the worms may be in different stages of development and not all stages are susceptible to the treatments. However, multiple treatments will ensure a worm-free kitty.

The bottom line on deworming your cat is just as your veterinarian says: do it on an “as-needed” basis. Frequent trips to the vet for fecal testing as well as keeping a sharp eye on your beloved cat will make all the difference in the world when it comes to determining the frequency of the deworming process.

For more information on affordable worming products >>>Click Here<<<

Spraying
Cats are territorial, and spraying in all cats, whether male or female, is completely normal… But if your cat has a habit of marking (amongst many other things) your doors, windows, curtains and electrical equipment, then you have a problem. Female cats will spray their territory when in heat and trying to attract a mate, and all cats will spray their surroundings when they are in competition, or when they feel threatened, frustrated or anxious. In this way, then, we can view a cats’ spraying activities as a way of heightening its own sense of safety by lessening the risk of intrusion onto their territory. You will have to do a bit of detective work – perhaps with your vet or a behaviourist – to ascertain what the root cause of the problem is in order to treat it. A good pet insurance plan is advisable in order to cover yourself for what can turn out to be very costly visits.

Soiling Indoors
As with any house pet, unless you train them, you won’t get them to do their business where you want them to. Cats are very meticulous about their toilet habits, but a common behavioural problem in cats is that they will often soil anywhere other than in the litter tray. Although it certainly is common, regular soiling outside the litter tray is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored, and can be down to one of three things: stress and anxiety, the litter tray, or an internal health problem.

Nervous and Aggressive Cats
Nervousness can be linked to your cat’s aggression – but of course, that depends on the cause(s), which can often be numerous and hard to determine. Think of your cat in terms of your own experiences and those of other people you have met in your life. Some people seem naturally predisposed to nervousness, a trait which was probably determined before their conception. They may also have had a bad experience, and are traumatised as a result. Kittens that are not properly socialised within the first and very crucial eight weeks may also be afraid of other cats and humans. You will just have to work slowly with your cat to overcome the problems – a visit to a cat behaviourist might be a good idea in extreme and distressing cases.

Further Recommended Reading:

• Cat Secrets
• No Bad Cats

There are even cat owners who will tell you that their cat understands every word they say and they believe it. Unfortunately the experts tell us that this is not actually the case. No matter how intelligent your cat is it cannot understand your language.

What it does do is understand the tone of your voice and it is believed that as far a cat is concerned we only have two tones. These we can call love and anger. If you want to test this theory out try telling your cat off but using your loving and soft voice. The result will be that your pet will look up at you and purr in exactly the same way as if you were telling it how much you loved it. I would not recommend trying the reverse experiment of shouting at the cat how much you loved it but trust me there would be no purring.

As someone who lives alone I talk to my cat all the time and it is as much for my benefit as his. If someone on the television or radio comes out with a statement I disagree with I will explain to my cat why that is wrong. I have even in the past asked my cat if it knows where my car keys are when I can not find them. Not surprisingly he never does.

In my experience cats love to be talked too. Mine sits there wide eyed listening to every word I say. Well he does until he gets bored which can vary from 30 seconds to 10 minutes when he either goes to sleep or wanders off. A cat can be an ideal sounding board if you have a problem you want to discuss and sort out in your own mind. They rarely interrupt, never make pointless suggestions or change the subject. Yet, somehow once you have explained all the facts to your cat the solution becomes much clearer.

So talking to your cat can be good for both of you even if neither of you really understand a word the other is saying.

For lots more “Cat Secrets” >>>Click Here<<<

Non clumping clay litters

Granulated pieces of clay litter are about the size of small-grain rice. 100% clay litters are natural, very inexpensive and available in every grocery store, pet stores, and online catalogs. They have been on the market since 1945. Clay litters are not biodegradable or flushable. The clay naturally contains silica dust which is a known carcinogen. Manufacturers say that the cat litter does not have any more silica dust than sandy beaches. Even so, if your cat has a sensitive health or behavior problem, you may try biodegradable litters. Many are dust-free and flushable, such as alfalfa pellets. Some clay litters are scented with a deodorizer that absorbs odors or is activated when the litter is pawed at or stirred. Your cat may or may not like the scent so try both kinds.

Clumping litter

Also known as “scoopable,” this type of litter forms a solid ball when urine penetrates a deep layer of the litter. The urine hardens the litter which can then be scooped out in a hard ball. This litter lasts longer and controls the smell of urine quite well. Some declawed cats may prefer the fine texture and softness of clumping litters. Because clumping litters control the odor so well, they seem ideal at first, especially if you have more than one cat. But there is a serious problem to some scoopable/clumping litters.

For clumping litters to work, they need a “clumping agent.” A popular clumping agent in many scoopable brands is sodium bentonite. This agent acts as a cement and may compromise your cat’s health that can be traced to sodium bentonite’s properties. This clumping agent expands to 15 times its size when wet. When a cat steps in the litter box, some sodium bentonite clings to his paws. Later on, the cat will lick it off. Once it gets into his digestive system, this trace residue will expand. This results in an impaired immune system, respiratory distress, and irritated bowel syndrome.

Non clumping clay litters at least have larger granules that tend to fall off his paws. And they do not contain this type of cement that gives scoopables their “clump.” Since manufacturers do not have to disclose ingredients on the litter’s label, call them and ask if the clumping litter contains sodium bentonite. If it does, try another brand.

Litter containing ingredients such as calcium bentonite and sodium bentonite may also ruin the plumbing in your house. Some municipalities may fine you if certain clumping litters are found in your pipes or sewer.

Biodegradable litters

Biodegradable litters come from plants. These litters are made of alfalfa, corn cob, aspen, citrus peels, pine and wheat. Most are flushable but call the manufacturer to be sure, or if you have a septic tank. New biodegradable litters are hitting the market almost every year. Some litters are finely ground, others are pellet type. Some naturally clump without sodium bentonite. Most are dust-free.

Newspaper litters

Litters recycled from newspaper come in pellet form. These are found in grocery stores, online catalogs, and pet stores. However, newspaper could be toxic to some cats or people because some inks are toxic. Some do not control odor too well.

Litter Boxes

Look for litter boxes in hardware stores, pet stores, and online catalogs. Disinfect and rinse them well before using. Have at least one box per cat. Add an additional box if they are kept indoors only or declawed. The size of the box depends on the cat and his personality.

For details on a whole variety of cat litters >>>Click Here<<<

Co-existing tip #1 – Take your cue from your cat. Many times, we humans do not know when to stop petting. Usually your cat will instigate a petting session, but they can only put up with so much petting and become over stimulated. Since they cannot turn around and tell us to back off, they let us know in their own way that “enough is enough” by nipping at us. This does not indicate that they are being malicious, but rather that they need their own time-out from the petting. By cuing into their behavior moments before they nip, you can avoid their sharp little teeth. Tensing of the body, tail flicking, and even pinned back ears are all signs leading to the cat’s nipping behavior.

Co-existing tip #2 – Stalking and pouncing are all part of a cat’s innate nature. Hunting and stalking prey are ingrained in their genes. That is just what cats do. Don’t take it personally when all of the sudden, out of nowhere, your cat decides you make for a fun plaything and pounce. Luckily for most cats, this playful aggression is just a phase that they eventually grow out of as they enter into their adult cat roles. It is up to you to know how to avoid conflict with your cat during these “playful” times. One way is to deflect this playful aggression away from you before it actually happens. Pay attention to where your cat is and learn the body cues that tell you when they are about to make their move. Another way is to divert their attention to another activity.

Co-existing tip #3 – Digging is another cat quirk ingrained in their genetic makeup. This quirk shows up predominately during bodily waste elimination. Just picture them in their litter box. They are always scratching around so that they can cover up their “evidence.” Cats also dig for recreation and can make short work of your garden or houseplants. It doesn’t pay to get upset with what is usually normal behavior for a cat. Instead fight back with citrus products. Cats absolutely hate any citrus smells – orange, grapefruit, lemons and limes. Bury the rinds from these fruits in the soil of your houseplants or outside in your garden’s perimeter.

Co-existing tip #4 – Scratching can be beneficial for cats. Using their claws offers up several benefits for cats. For one, scratching helps eliminate dead cells from the claws. Secondly, when cats claw on things, they are marking their territory, both in a visual and scented way. Cats need a sense of their own domain and clawing helps your felines feel more secure. Before scheduling surgery to remove their claws due to their destructive ways, you can help them by providing scratching posts and pads for their use. Use catnip as an incentive by rubbing it on the scratching post.

Co-existing tip #5 – All that meowing has a purpose. Sometimes, it seems that your cat’s mission in life is to drive you up the wall with all their caterwauling. However, all that vocalizing is how they communicate. And since we are mere human beings, we just don’t get what they are telling us. However, through a little trial and error, we can determine at least what some of that cat calling is all about. One of the reasons for the incessant meowing could be hunger or boredom. If there is no food in their bowl and it’s close to dinner time, put food in their bowl. If they shut up and eat, you got lucky and figured out that particular meow. Other times, all that meowing could mean that your cat is ready to mate or they are fearful of something. If there is a storm outside or one is about to start, that might be a good indication of why your cat is meowing.

Cats are complex creatures and these five basic co-existing tips aren’t even close to deciphering the moods and quirks of your feline. It could take a lifetime to figure it all out! However, just remember to take your cue from them and always assess a situation before administering punishment to your family feline.

For more information, read >>>No More Bad Cats<<<

Cat scratch disease is caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselea that generally lives in the mouths of cats. They spread it to their claws through routine grooming. Interestingly, cat scratch disease is not spread through cat bites, only through cat scratches.

Most Americans have been exposed to cat scratch disease, and 5% of the US population has antibodies in their blood but no history of clinical illness. Because antibodies are only made in response to the invasion of a disease, it is clear that they were exposed to Bartonella directly. It is possible that they did not subsequently become ill, or that the disease was mistaken for the flu.

Cat scratch disease does present with flu-like symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, and lethargy, but they last for only a few days, much shorter than most flu’s.

There is a more severe form of cat scratch disease that causes high fever, anorexia, weakness, and badly swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the armpits and groin area. Sometimes the lymph swelling gets so bad that the swelling spontaneously ruptures; at other times, doctors choose to surgically drain them to prevent the rupture and relieve the pain.

Typically, the most serious form of the disease is seen in younger children and the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV, are receiving chemotherapy, or who have been the recipient of an organ donation. When the serious form of the disease presents itself, the consequences for the victim can be disability or even death.

If the disease in humans is treated immediately with antibiotics, the outcome is usually good, but it’s very hard to diagnose because it’s so similar to flu and because it is not a common disease. Cat scratch disease is often overlooked in its earliest stages, and only caught when the lymph nodes are involved. Almost every verified case of cat scratch disease follows a cat scratch wound; a few occur after a bite, and a few even crop up with no obvious cause.

Another oddity of cat scratch disease is that only rarely are adult cats involved in the transmission. Generally, a kitten scratch passes the disease. This does not mean you should not worry about it with an older cat, but only that you should worry more about the kittens. It is contagious for only about two or three weeks in a kitten, after which it goes dormant. It can recur, however.

Kittens can be diagnosed as cat scratch disease carriers through a simple blood test, and positive kittens can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Because this disease can come back, however, this is not a silver bullet for preventing cat scratch disease. Declawing kittens at an early age is the best way to prevent infection. You should be aware of the ramifications to the cat before declawing it, however. Not only can it be dangerous for the cat to go outside, it can also be psychologically traumatic and cause unexpected complications like arthritis.

There are a few alternatives to declawing your cat, such as claw covers or trimming back their claws, but you will have to be vigilant if you are in a home with an immunocompromised person.

Fewer than ten percent of family members scratched by a cat carrying cat scratch disease will develop the disease, and very serious illness from the disease is rare. If you’ve had cat scratch disease once, you are almost certainly immune to it afterward.

Cat scratch disease should not be confused with another cat-borne disease, toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is deadly to a pregnant woman’s fetus, but presents in different ways and is more likely to be inhaled when a woman changes her cat’s litter box. Cat scratch disease can be dangerous to a pregnant woman as well, but in an entirely different way.

In addition to allowing small pets in the cabin, Frontier also accommodates larger pets as checked baggage. Pets weighing more than 20 pounds, who do not fit the pets-in-cabin requirements, may be checked for a $150 fee.

This is a good option. These fees could very probably work out less expensive than putting a pet in boarding kennels. Certainly worth telling you about. What do you think?

That is all very well, but promoting big business does absolutely nothing to help the many hundreds of thousands of pets in need. I donate to pet related charities myself, but one of the original intentions of 4PetsOnline was to be a voice for abandoned and mistreated animals and pets.

We now consistently have a monthly readership of 15,000 — 17,000 individual readers and growing. The vast majority of you have pets which means your pet shopping dollars number among the estimated $36 billion (and growing) spent annually in the USA on pets.

4PetsOnline has recently set up alliances with the following companies:

• PetCareRx  Save up to 50% on all your pet care supplies
• Amazon  Shop any department, it doesn’t have to be for your pets!
• GreenDoggieBags  Save 10% on Eco-friendly Pet Waste Bags. Use code SAVE10 at checkout
• The Bird Shed  The backyard birder’s choice
• High Tech Pet  Featuring Electronic Pet Fences, Automatic Pet Doors, Radio Trainers, Bark Control Collars and many more innovative products
• The Saddle Zone  A discount dealer of saddles and tack
• Wizdog, LLC   Never worry about your dog’s bathroom needs again
• Checks Unlimited   Lots of pet related, high security personal checks
• Sittercity  All sorts of sitters from all over North America

Just click on the store names

Do your pet related shopping through those companies, using the links supplied on 4PetsOnline and at least 5% (I hope to increase this as support grows) of the commissions I receive will be donated to pet related charities. NOT the big charities with CEO’s earning mega-salaries, but small charities that survive through the work donated by volunteers and have no fat-cats at the top.

NOTE: Due to legislation, PetCare RX are unable to pay commission on prescription items

You HAVE to use the links provided otherwise you will not be recognized as coming from 4PetsOnline

Accountability:
A full accountability will be published regularly on this blog under an easy to find heading.

Charities I Plan To Contribute To:

The number of charities I shall contribute to will of course depend entirely upon the support I receive from visitors to 4PetsOnline.

• The first one will be the Pet Adoption Fund located in Canoga Park, California. Pet Adoption Fund is a non-profit organization, with a 501 (c) status. They rely solely on donations. I visited them many times while living in California and adopted a cat from them that had been abandoned in a builder’s yard. Their volunteers had dug her out, starving and severely dehydrated from beneath a building. ‘Pepper’ is my 9/11 cat because that’s the date on which I adopted her.

Related content:

1. Raise Money For Pet and Animal Charities
2. Charities This Blog Supports
]]> http://4petsonline.com/pet-charities/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cats-4/ http://4petsonline.com/cats-4/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:06:41 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=4033 Cats can be such persnickety creatures. Do you ever get the feeling that they just sort of put up with us humans? Sometimes, their behavior lends itself to certain status roles – cat as the royalty and humans as the court jester or servant. So when they start meowing, we are supposed to automatically know what they want! A cat’s meowing; cat calling or caterwauling can have countless meanings, sometimes more than one at the same time. All this vocalizing is the cat’s way of communicating or talking with us. Hissing and purring is also lumped into this vocal communication of cats. If we are to co-exist somewhat peacefully with these furry felines, we have to at least have a basic understanding of some of these vocalizations.

Perhaps one of the best ways for us humans to understand some of these cat vocalizations is to try and read their body language and behavior during their meowing communications. For instance, if you are standing in the kitchen and all of the sudden your cat starting rubbing on you and meowing take a look at its food and water bowls. Chances are that one or both just might be empty. Go ahead and fill the cat’s bowls with food and drink. If it stops rubbing and meowing and heads straight for the kitty kibble, then guess what? You have just interpreted one of the cat’s many meows!

What happens if your cat starts meowing and scratching, and scratching is not part of the cat’s normal behavior? Go take a look at its litter box. Cats do not like going potty in a dirty litter box. If the litter box looks like it needs to be cleaned, then do it and see if the cat continues the meowing and scratching behavior. If you interpreted the cat’s vocalizations correctly, it will have gone straight to the fresh, clean litter box to conduct a little “business.” If not, then you still have a problem on your hands trying to figure out what your cat is trying to tell you.

Purring is also part of the cat’s vocalization. And when paired with some meowing, you may just have a cat on your hands that is trying to suck up to you. Sometimes, it is for a food treat, a good ear scratching session or a little play time. So it is up to you, as the owner, to interpret that purring and try all three solutions. Chances are that your cat would appreciate all three! Cats are bold animals. If they wanted the ear scratching first, they would probably just head butt your hand until you commenced with the scratching.

The cat’s tail can also tell the tale when paired with meowing or some other vocalization. That twitching tail can mean anything from being happy to restless to fearful. For instance, if the cat’s tail is twitching furiously and accompanied by a meow, that could signal excitement, meaning they want to play. If you were holding them or petting them, it could mean to cease and desist – they’ve had enough! If a cat is feeling threatened, they may tuck their tail down low and emit a low growling type of sound or even hissing. The cat’s ears may also look pinned back as well.

If your cat is not usually the meowing fool, be certain that you are alert for any signs of changing behavior. Sometimes, when cats get sick, they try not to show their “weakness.” So when they start to meow suddenly, think back to any unusual behaviors. Signs of scratching, potty accidents or loss of appetite could have been a precursor to illness. The meowing is an indicator that they cannot take it anymore and need help. Big changes in a cat’s life could also be the key to your kitty’s sudden overabundance of vocalization. Have you moved recently? Was there a death in the family? Have you introduced another animal to your home? These can all precipitate the meowing, cat calls or caterwauling.

Of course, all that noise from your cat could simply indicate that they want to play or get your attention. For them, it is especially fun to do this while you, their ever-loving owners, are asleep in bed. Whatever you do, do not show any reaction. Giving them attention – whether positive or negative – just encourages them. Try to ignore them or close your bedroom door. If that doesn’t work, keep a water gun by your bed and shoot it with water every time they wake you up with their meowing. Cats hate getting wet!

Your furry family member possesses a multitude of meows and other vocalizations. You may never be able to interpret a lot of what they are communicating to you. However, the few ideas above should give you a good start in the right direction.



Related content:

1. Top 5 Tips to Co-Exist Peacefully With Your Crazy Cat
2. Tips When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
]]> http://4petsonline.com/cats-4/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/top-5-cat-ailments-to-beware-of/ http://4petsonline.com/top-5-cat-ailments-to-beware-of/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:43:43 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3847 As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms.

Fleas

Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.

Fleas also could transmit other infectious agents. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.

You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy or you see bites on human members of the household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks.

To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Hairballs

When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors.

The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.

Overactive thyroid

Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amount of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looked ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision.

Diabetes

Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.

The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit.

If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals.

Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water.

Related content:

1. Top 5 Tips to Co-Exist Peacefully With Your Crazy Cat
2. How Do I Stop Other Cats Using My Cat’s Catflap?
]]> http://4petsonline.com/top-5-cat-ailments-to-beware-of/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/leopard-cat/ http://4petsonline.com/leopard-cat/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:40:52 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3546 Walking up the drive after an early morning walk, my husband and I were alerted to a lot of yowling and general cat bad language from our backyard. We hurried to see what was going on and found that a black cat we have always discouraged from our backyard because it systematically catches and tortures dozens of birds, especially babies, had cornered a beautiful leopard cat up against the back wooden fence and under a privet hedge.

My husband threw a pebble at the black cat and after a final yowl of anger he leaped on top of the wooden fence where he continued to hiss and spit. Another pebble, tossed at the fence made sufficient noise to cause him jump down on the other side.

The leopard cat remained under the hedge for a minute or so, then cautiously left his cover and crept into full view on the lawn.

Truly, it was the most beautiful cat I have ever seen. His coat was an orange-tan color and all over it had circles of black spots. The picture I am including was the best example I could find on the Internet but it really doesn’t do justice to the long-legged, elegant cat standing on our back lawn.

Cautiously I tried to approach, but after the trauma with his black adversary he wasn’t in a mood to make friends. Immediately I began to move towards him he took off and with one graceful leap, vanished over the side fence (not the one where the black cat had departed.)

We’ve never seen him before and he wasn’t wearing a collar or any identification—not that either would have done me any good.

He (or she) really was the most amazing cat I have ever seen. A real leopard in miniature. I shall keep a keen eye open for him, if he’s a stray he must be valuable and his owners must be searching for him.



Related content:

1. The Cat Whisperer
2. Cat Care – Talk to Your Cat
]]> http://4petsonline.com/leopard-cat/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cats-2/ http://4petsonline.com/cats-2/#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:39 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3513 Oscar the cat can put a collision with a combine harvester behind him as custom-made implants provide new back paws. Oscar may not be better than he was before – not faster, not stronger – but he is, indisputably, more bionic.

The cat, who took a nap in a sunny field unaware of the combine harvester steaming towards his hind paws, is back on his feet thanks to a world-first operation and state-of-the-art bioengineering.

His new kitten heels were designed with custom-made implants, which “peg” the ankle to the foot and mimic the way deer antler bone grows through skin. Oscar’s transformation, which has left him resembling a feline Ahab, has been described as a case of science copying the natural world.

The young cat’s road to recovery began after his local vet from St Saviour in Jersey referred owners Kate and Mike Nolan to Dr Noel Fitzpatrick, a Surrey-based neuro-orthopaedic surgeon.

“We had to do a lot of soul-searching and our main concern has always been whether this operation would be in Oscar’s best interests and would give him a better quality of life,” said Mrs Nolan.

Once the Nolans understood the treatment and discovered the operation could have an impact on human medicine, surgery was arranged. In a three-hour procedure, the veterinary surgical team inserted the pegs by drilling into one of Oscar’s ankle bones in each of his back legs. The implants, which are attached to the bone at the amputation site, were coated with hydroxyapatite to encourages bone cells to grow onto the metal.

The skin then grows over a special “umbrella” at the end of the peg to form a seal against bacteria and potentially fatal infections. The peg protrudes through the bone and skin, allowing the custom-built artificial paws to then be securely attached.

Oscar was trying to stand a day after the surgery and, despite some problems with infection, he was able to bear weight equally on all four limbs within four months.

Fitzpatrick said the patient had made a remarkable recovery. “Oscar can now run and jump about as cats do,” he said.

Courtesy of The Guardian UK



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1. How to Fight Cancer – The Dogs To The Rescue
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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cats-2/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/your-kittens-life-the-first-year/ http://4petsonline.com/your-kittens-life-the-first-year/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:57:11 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3469 In the first year of life, kittens develop at a rapid rate, both physically and socially. Learn about the major milestones in their development, and how you can help the process along.

First Six Weeks

For the first week of life, kittens live only to process food and gain nutrients. Their eye and ear canals will not yet be open, and the mother cat will take care of all their needs. By the end of week two, their eyes will be completely open. Throughout this week and the next, their senses of sight, smell, and hearing will be developing and they’ll become more aware of the outside world. During week three, kittens may start to purr and the mother cat may begin to wean them, as they can digest on their own.

Between weeks three and four, the kittens will start to stand and even walk. In week five, the weaning process will start taking place in earnest. Owners should offer kittens’ well-balanced canned food especially formulated for kitten needs. As the kittens are slowly weaned, they will continue to nurse for up to eight or 10 weeks to satisfy their need to suckle. At five weeks, kittens will be more independent, can start to learn about the litter box, and socialize with their litter. During week six, socializing is the most important skill for kittens to learn as they play with each other and adjust to humans. If a kitten is not socialized to be handled by humans by six weeks, it is a very difficult skill to teach later in life.

Seven to Twelve Weeks

In this time period, the kittens’ socializing skills continue to grow. They will play with other kittens and humans, so enjoy this playful time. Physically, his motor skills will improve and he will start taking on adult sleeping habits. Typical play revolves around skills needed for hunting prey: hide and seek, jumping, pouncing, and tracking a toy across the room.

Don’t forget to get your kitten her first round of shots by week eight. A booster round should follow three to four weeks later. If she has fleas, a topical treatment can be started at eight weeks.

Three to Six Months

During this time of growth, you may turn around one day and your kitten suddenly looks more like a cat. A round kitten may become long and lithe before gaining his final adult weight. At approximately four months, a kitten will start losing baby teeth and adult teeth will come in. Although it may be a somewhat painful process for the kitten, it provides you with a good opportunity to massage his gums and begin a dental care regime. Throughout these months, continue to feed him kitten food, as he needs the additional nutrients.

Socially, kittens will find their social rank in the house, sometimes challenging the alpha cat and sometimes falling meekly into order. These tendencies depend on personality and social position. Traditionally, kittens were not spayed or neutered until six months. However, many advocates of early spaying and neutering believe that having the procedure done between three and six months of age is more beneficial to the cat. Read up on the procedure and talk to your veterinarian to decide how to proceed.

Six Months to One Year

This time of development roughly equates to teenager status in human beings. For this reason, your kitten may sometimes rebuff your affections as he tests his boundaries or tries to establish dominance. Like with teenagers, continue to give your kitten unconditional love—but on his terms. As mothers have said for years, he’ll grow out of it!

By the end of her first year, a kitten will be almost fully grown and developed, although she will continue to grow for another year. (Some breeds may even not be fully developed until four years of age.) If you have given her love and attention throughout the growing process, you two will enjoy a wonderful relationship for many years!

Be sure to have the camera handy during this time of unequaled growth to capture all different parts of the growing process. Years later, it will be hard to believe the mature, sedate adult cat on your lap was ever a leaping little fur ball!

Related content:

1. Baby Kitten Care Essential Info
2. How To Raise A Kitten To Be Happy And Healthy
]]> http://4petsonline.com/your-kittens-life-the-first-year/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-secrets/ http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-secrets/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:45:21 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3475 Learn The Cat Training Secrets The Experts Don’t Want You To Know! Most people believe that apart from litter-box training, there’s not much training you can involve yourself in with a cat. Nothing could be further from the truth; cats are intelligent animals and when approached in the right way are extremely receptive to training.

Click on the link below to see exactly what I mean

Cat Training Secrets

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-secrets/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/kitten-care/ http://4petsonline.com/kitten-care/#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:40:07 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3462 Even if you’ve had years of experience with adult cats, taking care of a kitten is a whole new world. Kittens eat differently, sleep differently, and need time to adjust to changes both inside their bodies and in the outside world. Learn about a kitten’s basic needs and how to help your kitten grow into a happy, healthy adult cat.

Make Your Home Kitten-Proof

What, exactly, does kitten-proofing entail? Particularly if you already have older cats, what more do you need to do?

For one thing, kittens are much more active and curious than older cats. Like human babies, they often satisfy your curiosity by chewing everything in site. For this reason, you should purchase all-natural cat litter—not the clumping clay variety that is commonly used with older cats.

Another element of kitten-proofing your home is giving the kitten a safe place to be. This need not be an entire room, but it does need to be quiet and closed off from other animals. After a few days, give the kitten and the other animals some closely supervised time to get acquainted. If your new kitten has not been to the vet, keep it quarantined from other animals until you can be certain he doesn’t have any infectious diseases. Give the animals a few weeks to get used to each other and don’t push too hard; before you know it, the safe room will be a thing of the past!

The First Visit to the Vet

The first visit to the vet should take place shortly after you’ve got your kitten, particularly if it was a stray and you do not know its medical history. This is particularly important if you have other household pets that could be infected if the kitten has any communicable diseases. Until you take the new kitten to the vet, you will need to keep him away from the other pets.

At the veterinarian’s office, your kitten will undergo a detailed physical exam. This will include looking at baby teeth to determine age, measuring temperature, palpating organs, listening to the heart, brushing fur for signs of fleas, and checking eyes and ears. After the physical exam is complete, the vet will perform several lab tests, such as:

Fecal float checks for worms

Blood Tests check for FeLV and FIV viruses

Depending on your kitten’s age when you first take her to the vet, she may be vaccinated. Vaccinations take place at 9 to 10 weeks of age. Kittens are given a booster shot at 12–14 weeks and possibly a Rabies vaccine, depending on local laws or if your cat is considered at risk.

Two procedures that may be taken care of at different times are spaying/neutering and declawing. Some vets prefer to spay/neuter at a younger age, as it may be better for the cat. You need to make a separate appointment for this. Unlike spaying and neutering, declawing is a more debatable procedure. Learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of this procedure before you make a final decision.

Social Growth

In his first month and a half of growth, a new kitten experiences tremendous changes. Typically, new cat owners will not bring home a kitten until week 6, when it has been weaned off its mother’s milk. For this reason, typically new kitten owners will be more involved in the social growth than physical growth.

If the mother was comfortable with humans, the kittens will usually learn that behavior and learn to socialize easily with people. However, if your kitten has not become accustomed to being handled by humans by the age of six weeks, it will be difficult to train this behavior later, and the cat may always be somewhat more skittish than others.

Be sure to teach your kitten at a young age that hands are not toys—they feed, pet and hold the kittens.

Introducing Canned Food

Kittens need many more nutrients than adult cats. However; with smaller stomachs they must each more regularly. A six-week-old kitten should have four daily feedings until he reaches 12 weeks of age. From 12 weeks to six months, she can take three daily feedings. After that point, feed your kitten once daily, like other adult cats.

When choosing food, keep your kitten’s health top priority. Do not feed your kitten:

• Table scraps or milk
• Dog food
• adult cat food

All of these may be easy options for you, the pet owner, but the kitten will not receive the nutrients she needs. Instead, feed her a well-balanced diet of food made specifically for developing kittens. Begin with canned food, which is more calorie-laden for energetic kittens. Later on, you can start supplementing with dry food.

Now that you’ve learned the basics of kitten care, bring home your new kitten and enjoy the time you spend together. She’ll be an adult cat before you know it!



Related content:

1. Your Kitten’s Life: The First Year
2. How To Raise A Kitten To Be Happy And Healthy
]]> http://4petsonline.com/kitten-care/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/your-cat%e2%80%99s-vaccination-timetable/ http://4petsonline.com/your-cat%e2%80%99s-vaccination-timetable/#comments Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:07:16 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3442 A vaccine is a substance that is made from dead or living pathogens. It is injected into the body through inoculation (intranasal versions have also recently been developed), which causes the body to create antibodies and, therefore, makes your cat immune to getting the disease in the future.

What vaccines does your cat need, and on what timeline? What are the most common vaccines and what special vaccines may be needed? Find out more about common vaccines, some of the risks, and the appropriate time frame for getting vaccines to keep your cat healthy.

Vaccines

Several years ago, the VAFSTF (Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force) published a list of vaccines that were highly recommended for all cats. These included:

• Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine (aka “Feline Distemper”)
• Feline Calicivirus
• Rhinotracheitis AKA Feline Herpes Virus
• Rabies Vaccine

While the vaccines above are recommended for the health of all cats, others are more dangerous and present a higher risk of adverse reactions. For this reason, they are recommended only in certain instances. These vaccines include:

Chlamydiosis: Appropriate for households with multiple cats or where chlamydiosis infections have been confirmed, after vet consultation.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A controversial vaccine, the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) currently recommends against its use.

Bordetella: A recently-approved vaccine is not yet ready for common use, but may be used for multiple-cat environments on a case-by-case basis.

Gardiasis: This vaccine is in a similar state to that for Bordetella, being too new for general use but can be approved when exposure is clinically significant.

There are many different times when vaccination may not be appropriate, depending on your cat’s health situation. Cats that probably should not be vaccinated include: sick cats (particularly those with weakened immune systems or chronic disease), those receiving cortisone therapy, or kittens under six weeks unless in extreme conditions. Cats over 10 years old typically do not need booster shots. Finally, it is believed that pregnant queens may experience stillbirths as a result of some vaccines.

No matter what the situation, always consult a variety of sources and talk with your veterinarian before making vaccination decisions.

Timeline

Kittens are usually first inoculated between six and eight weeks of age. This first round of shots consists of the FVRCP, which can be a three-in-one shot and vaccinates against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. A booster round of shots is administered three to four weeks later and booster rounds continue until twelve weeks of age. Rabies shots, however, are not given until twelve weeks of age at the earliest.

If you adopt an older kitten or cat, their initial vaccinations are normally given in one does or two doses that are three to four weeks apart. One dose is given when the vaccine is an MLV, or two doses of a killed virus vaccine are recommended.

Once your cat has been vaccinated, they are usually put on an annual schedule of vaccinations. It is important for you, the pet owner, to keep track of vaccinations. Although your vet’s office will keep records and do their best to remind you, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your cat’s best health.

More recently, pet owners and veterinarians have been forgoing an annual vaccination scheme, due to fears about Vaccine-Related Sarcoma. This condition is most often caused by the rabies or FeLV vaccines. Vaccine-related sarcomas occur when cancerous tumors grow at the site of a vaccination. A small, painless lump often develops at the site of a vaccination; in rare cases, however, it progresses to a sarcoma. Pet owners are encouraged to check a vaccination site for several months after the vaccination, and schedule a vet appointment if the swelling has become a solid lump.

If your cat is an animal that spends all his time indoors, forgoing annual vaccinations may be a possibility. However, in general this tactic is not recommended and should only be considered under extenuating circumstances. Even if your cat will not be getting annual vaccinations, you should still bring him in for a check-up and testing. Be sure to thoroughly research any vaccination-related decisions and discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your veterinarian.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/your-cat%e2%80%99s-vaccination-timetable/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/5-houseplants-toxic-to-cats/ http://4petsonline.com/5-houseplants-toxic-to-cats/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:15:04 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3358 There are many common household plants, both indoor and outdoor, that are poisonous to cats. Several of these plants can cause your beloved cat to become quite ill, including vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions. In some cases, these plants can cause your pet to have complete respiratory failure, kidney failure, or other fatal illness. For this reason, it is important to assist your cat immediately if it eats a toxic plant.

Lilies

Perhaps the most toxic and common form of plant that can be fatal to your cat are lilies. Pretty much every form of lily can cause death to your pet. This includes the Tiger lily, the Easter lily, the Japanese show lily, the Rubrum lily and the Day lily. If your cat ingests any part of one of these plants, even a small amount, it will result in complete kidney failure in about 36 to 72 hours.

After ingesting a lily, your cat will begin to show symptoms within a few hours. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. As the damage to the kidneys worsens, the symptoms will become worse. If your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it will need prompt attention from a veterinarian in order to prevent kidney failure.

Lily of the valley

Although the name of this plant has “lily” in it, it is not the same as the lilies already discussed. Nonetheless, this small, sweet smelling flower is also toxic to your feline friend. If your cat eats any part of the Lily of the valley, it can eventually die from cardiac dysrhythmias.

After eating a portion of a Lily of the valley, your cat might start to vomit and diarrhea. It also may show signs of confusion and weakness and even collapse prior to death. If you are certain your pet has eaten a part of a Lily of the valley, you should induce vomiting (as discussed later) and administer activated charcoal, which will help soak up the toxins and prevent them from getting further into your pet’s bloodstream. You should then take your pet to see a vet to ensure its safety.

Foxglove

Foxglove, also known commonly by its Latin name Digitalis, is also potentially fatal to a cat if eaten. Not only is the entire foxglove plant toxic, so is the water from the vase if the plant is cut and brought indoors.

If your cat ingests foxglove, it may begin to vomit and salivate excessively. Its pulse may become slow and strong early after ingestion, then later become rapid and weak. Ingestion of foxglove causes cardiac disturbance that can lead to hypotension, collapse, and shock, which can ultimately lead to death. (More on how to treat shock in your cat will be discussed later). The pupils of your cat may become dilated after eating foxglove and you cat may become delirious before slipping into a coma. While some of the symptoms of foxglove poisoning can be treated at home, your pet still needs to be taken to the vet to flush the foxglove out of its system and to help regulate its heart.

Monkshood

All parts of the monkshood plant, including the water in its vase, are toxic. Contents of the monkshood plant cause disruption in the nerve impulses when ingested in low doses. When ingested in large doses, it completely inhibits these nerves. Monkshood also causes irritation to the mucus membranes when ingested, which can lead to vomiting and excessive salivation. Some animals appear to go blind after eating monkshood, which is followed by cardiac dysrhythmias and death. Your cat needs to visit the vet right away in order to recover from monkshood poisoning.

Anemone

The entire anemone plant is toxic. It is irritating to the mucous membranes and often causes blisters to form after it is chewed. If it is ingested entirely, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can occur, which can lead to shock, convulsions, and death. If your pet ingests anemone, administer activated charcoal and see the vet immediately.

Help for your cat: Inducing vomiting

Inducing vomiting is generally appropriate after your cat ingests any toxic plant. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of Hydrogen Peroxide with one cup of water and administer it to your cat. Or you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of salt with one cup of water or administer ½ mil of Syrup of Ipecac per pound of your cat. Of course, the vet should still be contacted immediately.

What to do for shock

If a cat is in shock, its heartbeat might be escalated. Or, it might have an irregular pulse or a very little pulse. In addition, its tongue might appear to be curled and its gums might be pale and have very little color. When a cat experiences shock its body temperature is often below normal.

A cat that is in shock needs to be seen immediately by a vet so it can have medication and intravenous fluids administered. While driving to the vet, it is best to have someone hold the cat and try to sooth it along the way. The cat should be kept warm, as loss of heat only increases the severity of the shock.


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]]> http://4petsonline.com/5-houseplants-toxic-to-cats/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cats/ http://4petsonline.com/cats/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:28:44 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3347 Cats are very susceptible to becoming overheated. Think about it for a minute – they spend their entire day walking around inside a heavy fur coat, even on very hot days. A cat that is not accustomed to the outdoors is particularly susceptible to becoming overheated. If this happens, the cat runs the risk of having a heatstroke.

A cat that is acclimated to the outdoors is more likely to be able to handle excessive heat. Nonetheless, all cats can have problems if the weather becomes to hot and they don’t have a means to cool down.

Signs of Heat Problems:

Cats show many different signs of trouble when they become overheated. For example, a cat may begin panting rapidly. Eventually, it may even become unresponsive. In addition, the cat’s gums may turn bright red when it becomes too hot. If the cat begins to vomit excessively or have diarrhea, it may be overheated. To test for heat trouble on a cat, the pet owner can gently pinch the scruff of the neck. If the scruff stays in an upright position after being pinched, it is getting dehydrated.

If a cat is experiencing heat stroke, it may also be lethargic and have difficulty getting up and down. In addition, its body temperature may become very high. A cat that is experiencing heat stroke may even have seizures or seem depressed.

Treating an Overheated Cat

The best way to treat an overheated cat is prevention. If, however, it does become overheated and shows any of these discussed symptoms, it should be taken to the vet immediately. While the cat is being transported to the vet, a damp towel should be wrapped around it to help cool it down. In addition, a water bottle with a mixture of water and Bach’s rescue remedy is good to have on hand. This mixture should be sprayed on the cat if it begins to have a heat stroke because it will help to lessen the cat’s stress.

Before taking the cat to the vet, it might be a good idea to bring it inside and give it cool water to drink and a cool bath to initially bring its body temperature down. With true heat stroke, it can be difficult to reverse the physiological effects. In many cases, the cat will require an IV of fluids and intensive monitoring and treatment.

Preventing Overheating

The main way to prevent overheating for outdoor cats is to be sure plenty of fresh water is available and that shaded areas are accessible to the cat. Fresh water is particularly important for cats, as they generally have little trouble finding a shaded area.

For indoor cats, temperatures can still become excessive. Of course, the best option is to have air conditioning in the home in order to keep both the owner and the cat cool. If this isn’t a possibility, indoor fans can offer the ventilation necessary to keep the cat cool. Ceiling fans are ideal, as cats can knock down floor fans. In addition, cats can usually easily stick their paws through the screen of floor fans. If a floor fan is the only option, it should be secured in some fashion and placed in an area difficult for the cat to reach, such as being mounted to the wall.

For both indoor and outdoor cats with long hair, it might be a good idea to trim the cat’s fur in the summer to help keep it cool. In addition, a black cat is at greater risk of overheating than a white cat because the black fur absorbs heat.

In addition to having several dishes of water available for outside cats, it can also be a good idea to place piles of ice cubes or chips outside for the cat to eat. Or, ice cubes or chips can be placed inside the water bowls to help make the water more refreshing and to encourage the cat to drink. A cup of Gatorade added to the bowl of water can also be helpful in keeping the cat’s electrolytes level high and preventing dehydration.

Indoor cats should have a cool place to relax. It can be helpful to leave a little water inside bathtubs or sinks so the cat can play in the water to cool off. Even though the cat is indoors, it is a good idea to leave more than one water bowl inside for it to drink from in order to cool down. Also, the shades should be kept drawn to prevent outside heat from the sun from coming in.


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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cats/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/win-a-housecat-housecall-dvd-and-purina-cat-chow-coupon-worth-up-to-11/ http://4petsonline.com/win-a-housecat-housecall-dvd-and-purina-cat-chow-coupon-worth-up-to-11/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:53:30 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3321 Do you watch the hit reality based TV series Housecat Housecall, presented by Purina® Cat Chow®?

We are giving away two Season 2 DVDs, plus two coupons for Purina® Cat Chow® or Purina® Kitten Chow®, each worth up to $11.00.

To enter, just send us a story about your cat or kitten. It can be funny, endearing, exasperating, anything Just make it entertaining and at least 100 words long. The best submissions will be published on this blog and the two winning entries will be announced here on July 5th.

Send all entries to: purinacompetition@4petsonline.com Entries will close at midnight CST June 30th.

The third season of Housecat Housecall began on June 5th on Animal Planet, providing cat owning families with resolutions for addressing their various cat behavioral concerns. This new season features an exciting and diverse group of cat lovers including a legenday Broadway performer, a Major League Baseball manager and producer, choreographer and celebrity television judge, Carrie Ann Inoba, from the hit show Dancing With the Stars.

New episodes will air on Saturdays at 10:30 AM E/P and repeat on Sundays at 8:00 AM. It is hosted by popular TV personality and Australian veterinarian Dr. Katrina Warren. Each week Dr. Warren will visit cat-owning homes, observe the cats in their home environments and recommend problem solving solutions to their owners.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/win-a-housecat-housecall-dvd-and-purina-cat-chow-coupon-worth-up-to-11/feed/ 2 http://4petsonline.com/multivet-ssscat-cat-training-aid-2/ http://4petsonline.com/multivet-ssscat-cat-training-aid-2/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:09:21 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3241
• Motion-detector-activated training solution to teach your cat to stay away from restricted areas
• Harmless, non-toxic spray releases automatically when cat approaches
• Uses 4 AAA batteries (sold separately)
• 100-percent safe for all cats, humans, and the environment
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Product Description
MultiVet SSSCAT is an automated cat repellent using spray to set boundaries in the home. The fully adjustable nozzle uses a motion detector–along with a can of harmless HFC134a gas–to repel cats in a three-foot radius. It’s a fast, effective, harmless and painless way to keep your cats away from certain areas. The refill can holds over 500 sprays and the motion detector uses 4 AAA batteries (not included).

MultiVet SSSCAT Cat Training Aid

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/multivet-ssscat-cat-training-aid-2/feed/ 3 http://4petsonline.com/and-the-winners-are/ http://4petsonline.com/and-the-winners-are/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 16:22:01 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3115 After an exciting month with some especially good photographs submitted from all around the world, I’m delighted to be able to announce the winners of both classes. Both winners will receive an autographed copy of the beautiful new book “Pet Photography 101″ by Andrew Darlow. I will be contacting the two winners to notify them of their success and the two books will be mailed out withing the next few days. It’s a pity that the author only provided me with two autographed books because the choice was a difficult one and I could easily have awarded several more prizes.

There were two classes: Furry Friends and Feathered Friends

	The winner of the Furry Friends Class is Helen McDonald from Warwick, QD, Australia. Her dog is called Pikey Man and she titles her photograph ‘Just Chilling.’
	The winner of the Feathered Friends Class is Anna Priest from West Hills, CA. The babies are called Boo and Thor and she titled her photograph ‘Sibling Love’.

Again – thanks to all who entered. All your pets are wonderful.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/and-the-winners-are/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/photo-contest/ http://4petsonline.com/photo-contest/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:05:52 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=3018
Here are a few of my favorite entries received so far for our Pet Photography 101 Contest. Think you could do better? The get clicking and get your entries in!

Sibling Love is an entry from Anna Priest from West Hills, CA. The babies are called Boo and Thor.



 

 
Pikey Man Is this guy’s name, sent by Helen McDonald from Warwick, QD, Australia. She titles it ‘Just Chilling.’

 


 

 
Ferdie is an entry from Josh Wiggins from Torquay, Devon, UK. He says it is a photo of his sister’s new puppy.



 

 
Sleeping Beauty is an entry from April Davies of Phoenix, AZ. The pup’s name is Wizard.



 

 
Let’s Cuddle is an entry from Tracie Beaumont of Lutherville, MD. The two cats are called Tinker and Taylor.



 

 
Nap Time was submitted by Kristal Merrit of Longview, WA. The kitties are called Ginger and RuggRat. No name for the chick.



 

 
Blossom is the name of this kitty from Manchester, UK. Her owner’s name is Susan Bullock. Blossom is 14 years old.



 

 
Mango the Kakariki after her big bath! This delightful pic was submitted by Laura Davies from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, UK.



 
BigBoy the Parrotlet Hails from the Bronx, NY. He is owned by Anita Morganstern.



 

 
Molly Owned by Anna Priest of West Hills, CA, caught checking her new garden the day after coming home from the local Animal Shelter.



 

 
Aaiguille A miniature hedgehog is owned by Jodi Hixon who lives in Brandon, FL.



 

 
Molly again. Anna Priest sent another photo of her rescued pooch, taken after her first grooming.



 

 
Biscotti is a very attractive dove. Bethany from Bowmannville, Ontario, Canada.

 

 

 

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/photo-contest/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/pet-photography/ http://4petsonline.com/pet-photography/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:03:11 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=2862


Win a Copy of Pet Photography 101

4PetsOnline has recently received two copies of this great new book—both signed by the author, Andrew Darlow, who is an award winning author and photographer. His book is packed with beautiful photographs and helpful tips on everything you need to take better photographs of your pets.

The book’s promotional material only mentions cats and dogs, but having just finished reading it from cover to cover, I would say the author is doing himself a big injustice—Pet Photography 101 will guide you in taking better photos of any pet, furry or feathered.

Which brings me to the competition:

Use the form at the foot of this post to submit photos you’ve already taken of your pets and I will award two prizes, one signed copy of Pet Photography 101 for photos of your furry friends and the second for photos of your feathered friends.

The competition will close on April 30, 2010 and the winners will be announced a few days later and their photos will be published for the world to see on 4PetsOnline. I shall also publish a few photos as I receive them, just to keep the competition fresh in everyone’s mind. Yes—you could become a published photographer!

So—GET CLICKING!

You can enter as many times as you like, each entry must be submitted individually. Just complete the entry form (below) and attach your photo.

At the end of the competition the judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

ENTRY FORM

Name: * E-mail Address: * Mailing Address: * City: * State: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington, DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming –Territories– American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Midway Islands Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Province Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan –Territories– Northwest Territories Nunavut Yukon Zip Code: Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahama Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Iislands Costa Rica Cote D’ivoire (Ivory Coast) Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard & McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Islamic Republic of Iran Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People’s Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Monserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Lucia Samoa San Marino Sao Tome & Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Pierre & Miquelon St. Vincent & the Grenadines Sudan Suriname Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks & Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom (Great Britain) United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America United States Virgin Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State Venezuela Vietnam Wallis & Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Phone: * Pets Name * Message: Attach Your Photo: Verification Code: Enter Verification Code: * * Required



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]]> http://4petsonline.com/pet-photography/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/how-do-i-stop-other-cats-using-my-cats-catflap/ http://4petsonline.com/how-do-i-stop-other-cats-using-my-cats-catflap/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:50:24 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=2462 I have a timid female cat and recently put a cat flap in. Unfortunately other cats are now coming in. I have chased cats out and they haven’t come back, but one cat in particular just will not get the hint. I once even cornered him and poured a jug of water on him but he’s been back. Are there any tried and tested (humane!) ways of getting rid of the unwanted cats?

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/how-do-i-stop-other-cats-using-my-cats-catflap/feed/ 27 http://4petsonline.com/are-some-cats-never-able-to-tolerate-a-second-cat-in-the-home/ http://4petsonline.com/are-some-cats-never-able-to-tolerate-a-second-cat-in-the-home/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:50:31 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=2456 I have tried twice to bring a second cat into the home. My 9 year old cat, Katy will become depressed and urinate on shoes and throw rugs every time. I end up finding a home for the second cat and after a week or so Katy returns to her old self, using litter box and wanting affection. My question is, are there some cats that will never tolerate another cat in the home?

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/are-some-cats-never-able-to-tolerate-a-second-cat-in-the-home/feed/ 14 http://4petsonline.com/why-do-cats-come-to-visit-my-two-spayed-female-cats/ http://4petsonline.com/why-do-cats-come-to-visit-my-two-spayed-female-cats/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:50:19 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=2451 I have two female cats; they are both spayed. Every once in awhile it seems like every cat in the neighborhood comes to visit them. One of our cats, Kitty, also gets in the habit of peeing on things inside the house during this time. She doesn’t do anything else that makes it seem like she’s in heat. Even though they’re spayed, might one of them be attracting other cats? Is Kitty marking her territory? Any suggestions? I can deal with the cat visits but not the peeing.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/why-do-cats-come-to-visit-my-two-spayed-female-cats/feed/ 6 http://4petsonline.com/some-tips-for-successful-cat-leash-training/ http://4petsonline.com/some-tips-for-successful-cat-leash-training/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:45:41 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1947 Whether your cat likes to spend its times indoors or outdoors, there might come a time when you need to take your cat outdoors and this is where you need to train your cat to walk on a leash. You might have seen dogs taken out on a leash, you even might have seen ponies on leash, but have you ever seen a cat on a leash? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Here are some practical tips for leash training your cat.

The main purpose of a leash is to control the erratic behavior of your pet while outdoors. Cats are taken on leashes so that they don’t run away from you and cause public nuisance. Once a cat escapes it’s very difficult to catch him, because they are very agile and able to get through small spaces easily, not to mention their jumping abilities. In some areas, it’s illegal for a cat to run free. It’s also potentially dangerous, despite your cat’s fine instincts. There are cars, large dogs and rabid squirrels to contend with that your cat might not be able to escape.

Just as with any type of training, cat leash training will take a considerable amount of time. Do you remember the first time you tried to put a collar on your cat? The cat might have resisted putting it on and after you managed to put it on somehow, the cat would have been busy for hours trying to remove it. You will have a similar experience with the leash, but if your cat is already accustomed to a collar, half of the battle for leash training is won.

Start training your cat for a leash by attaching a leash to your cat’s collar. Do not tighten the leash and keep it slackened, so that the cat gets used to it. Also, do not walk or drag the cat the first time you put the leash on your cat. Let her get used to it. This is the secret of successful cat leash training. Try this method for a few minutes on the first day.

If the cat shows a little bit of uneasiness, distract him by offering his favorite toy or food. Repeat this for several days till the cat gets accustomed to the leash. Once it is comfortable, just keep the leash on for few minutes everyday.

The next step is to walk your cat with the leash on within the house. Praise him if he takes it easily and give him some motivation by offering food or a toy. If the cat is not responding favorably, repeat the above mentioned steps till he gets completely comfortable with the idea of a leash.

Cats are very independent animals and like to stay that way. It is often said that humans do not make cats their pets; it is the other way round. Cats use humans so that they can get food and shelter. For this they have adapted themselves in such a way that we feel affectionate towards them and take them as pets. You need to use these attributes in order to coax your cat to walk on a leash.

Leash training is just one unusual form of cat training. Visit Cat Toilet Training to find out why and how you can easily teach your cat to give up its litter box and use the toilet instead!



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]]> http://4petsonline.com/some-tips-for-successful-cat-leash-training/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cat-litter-options-for-your-pet/ http://4petsonline.com/cat-litter-options-for-your-pet/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:16:36 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1642 If the idea of house training a pet is enough to keep you from getting a companion for your home, then a cat just might be the perfect pet for you. There’s very little training involved. All you need is some cat litter and a litter box, and you now have a pet that can stay inside all the time.

Most kittens already know how to use a box. Their mother has taught them. Your jobs are few. Keep the box clean, and let your cat know where it is, lest he find someplace else to do his business. The only problem is figuring out what type of litter is best to use for both your new pet and for your home.

There are an increasing number of options available, so it’s good to know a bit about each type before you run out and buy a bag.

One factor you’ll need to look at is the price. This is where clay litter has a big advantage. Clay was one of the first litters developed commercially and is less expensive than most of the others. The problem with clay is that it not only absorbs liquids, it also hangs on tightly to most odors. You’ll need to change it frequently or the smell will permeate your home. Clay is also problematic if your cat has allergies because when he scratches in the box the dust will start to fly.

The most popular litter right now is probably clumping cat litter. That’s because the litter combines with the moisture in the waste to form, as the name suggests, clumps. These clumps are easy to scoop away, meaning there is no need to change out the entire box. Once you scoop the waste, just replace the missing litter with some new litter. And the scents this litter is available in will do a decent job of hiding the smell, although it won’t get rid of the odor all together. The biggest problem with clumping litter is that some cats will actually eat the clumps. Watch your pet carefully.

Silica litters are great at controlling both odor and moisture by using silica crystals mixed with water and sand. Silica is the same substance used in those small packets placed in pill bottles or new shoes. Those packets are there to absorb moisture, and they work just as well in cat litter. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, but the liquid and odors are absorbed by the crystals. Another positive attribute is that this litter is biodegradable. When it decomposes it simply returns to a sandy base. On the down side, it does not clump, so scooping the solid waste can be messy.

Another biodegradable litter is paper litter, which is becoming very popular with environmental pet owners. This litter is made from pellets or recycled paper. In addition to being biodegradable, it is absorbent and is easy to carry around because it does not weigh very much.

Another litter quickly gaining in popularity is litter made from wood. It too is biodegradable. Pine is the most frequent wood used, primarily because of it’s ability to naturally absorb odors. But really, all softwood litters are good at both liquid and odor absorption. The result is a more natural litter because no chemicals are added.

But once you decide on the type of litter you want, it’s always wise to consult with your cat. They will surely let you know if they disagree with your choice by simply not using the litter box. Some cats for example don’t like silica because the crystals hurt their paws. Others avoid pine because they just don’t like the smell. Even though your cat can’t speak, he will definitely let you know if he doesn’t like what you have selected.

And while it is smart for you to know as much as possible about all the choices available to you, your cat will have the final word on whether or not you made the right decision.

For additional details on these and other cat litter options go to CatLitterBoxesPlus.com. You’ll also read about various litter boxes including the automatic cat litter box that makes clean up easy.



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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cat-litter-options-for-your-pet/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/do-your-part-for-your-cats-proper-grooming/ http://4petsonline.com/do-your-part-for-your-cats-proper-grooming/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:22:39 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1476 by Sean Davids

Most cats can tend to themselves in terms of cleanliness. Yet in order to keep your cat in the best possible hygienic health, you also need to do your own share. Proper grooming is essential in order to avoid fleas and ticks making their home on your cat. It is also advised to inspect for any skin concerns, injuries, or bald spots at this time.

Before you begin grooming, the required pet grooming supplies should be obtained to help make the job less challenging with a better outcome. You will need to pick up a few products like grooming scissors and a grooming glove, in addition to a brush and comb. Ensure that all of these products are specifically designed for the grooming of your cat.

To keep your cat looking good, you will need to groom her regularly. By combing and trimming the hair regularly you will both be able to enjoy the advantages of a well groomed cat. Utilize a brush with a number of tiny pins for grooming your cat’s coat. The head should be small so it’s less difficult to brush. Brushing your cat in the direction of hair growth is the correct grooming method. Otherwise, together with a few scratches, you’ll likely have a furious cat to contend with.

Grooming your cat does include the occasional bath. To make the job as easy as possible, wash her in her carrier and use a towel to help ensure she is as calm as can be expected. Select a shampoo made for cats that will create a good lather. The shampoo should also be made to ease dry, flaky skin and thereby make your cat feel better.

When grooming a cat, an important part is to keep the cat’s hair from becoming mangy and matted. Trimming long haired cats regularly with a good pair of grooming scissors and a comb is advised. Always move carefully to avoid puncturing or scratching sensitive skin on your cat.

To diminish shedding and make brushing smoother and gentler, use a grooming glove on your cat. Try to find a pair that can be laundered. You ought to also be able to utilize it to eliminate that unwanted cat hair that gets everywhere.

Good grooming tools can mean the difference between a well groomed cat and a mangy looking one. The tools you use for grooming should be utilized in a way that makes the experience calm and pleasant for your cat.

About the Author:
Pets are an important part of our lives and their well being is a priority. So when it comes to pet grooming information we want the best, most current and most reliable sources of information available. Whether it’s cat or dog grooming tips you’re looking for, visit the Pets Grooming site.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/do-your-part-for-your-cats-proper-grooming/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/your-reluctant-cat-at-the-groomer-some-tips-before-you-go/ http://4petsonline.com/your-reluctant-cat-at-the-groomer-some-tips-before-you-go/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:12:13 +0000 Virginia Sutherland http://4petsonline.com/?p=1412 by Virginia Sutherland

It is well known, cats have an absolutely amazing tongue that they use to keep their coat clean and beautiful. Sometimes, especially in what is called “the shedding season”, or for cats with very long or thick fur, your cats own efforts may need some help. Getting an occasional bath can remove a lot of loose hair, which spells less hairballs, and less cat hair on your “fur”niture. It also keeps mats and tangles at bay while keeping kitty looking magnificent.

You’re going to pay a good amount of money in order to send your cat to the groomers, and your cat will probably not be very pleased about the whole process. There is a variety of services a groomer can do for your cat. Some groomers offer fur trims while other will shave the cats completely with the exception of the head and tail. Most groomers will give cats baths and condition their fur.

Getting the claws trimmed its a great idea, especially if you do not trim the claws on your own. You may even opt for some nail polish on those talons…

Needless to say, most cats do not enjoy this process whatsoever and will put up a fight every step of the way. After all, cats aren’t really sure what is happening when a groomer starts coming at them with water and soap, and so it’s only natural that the cats would react with fear and sometimes even with aggression.

Finding a groomer that has extensive experience with cats is important. Grooming a cat is very different from grooming a dog. A groomer inexperienced with cats can make the visit into a disaster. Groomers used to cats will have the right temperament and be gentle with the cat, while at the same time knowing how to safely restrain kitty while she is being shampooed and getting her manicure.

When your cat comes home from the groomers – especially if this was its first experience with a groomer – it may hide out for a while. You might be disappointed because perhaps you want to show off your shiny, groomed cat, but you need to be patient with your cat because going to the groomers can be a traumatic experience for a cat.

Do all cats need to go to a professional groomer? No, not at all. Most cats are quite self sufficient in the art of keeping themselves clean and beautiful. If you do decide to take your cat to be groomed, be prepared that it may cost a bit and have some extra delicious treats for her in order to get back in her good favor again.

About the Author:
Virginia Sutherland, author and long-time cat owner loves to write about cats. Here are more of her articles: Cat Distemper Symptoms and Cat Health Swollen Paw

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/your-reluctant-cat-at-the-groomer-some-tips-before-you-go/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cat-food-the-dangerous-ingredients-no-cat-food-should-contain/ http://4petsonline.com/cat-food-the-dangerous-ingredients-no-cat-food-should-contain/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:50:52 +0000 Virginina Sutherland http://4petsonline.com/?p=1403 by Virginina Sutherland

All of us would like to feed our kitty the best food possible, but finding a nutritious healthy food for your cat is not as easy as it seems. Looking at the beautifully designed bags filled with kibble, along with the enticing text using words such as “wholesome” “nutritious” and “Veterinary Recommended” it can be easy to be put at ease, especially after reading that the very first ingredient is meat!

Unfortunately there are a number of ingredients in cat food that not only do not belong there, they can be detrimental to your cat.

Pet food companies go through some effort to make you believe that grains are “wholesome” for your pet. The truth is that grains are implicated with a slew of health problems. Grains are also not part of a cat’s natural diet.

Corn, which can be found in most pet food, is a really bad ingredient. It is highly allergy producing, it irritates the intestines, and possibly the most detrimental problem is that corn has a high glycemic index.

I high glycemic index means that after your cat eats food containing corn, her blood sugar levels will raise. Cats do not have the necessary enzymes and hormones deal with an absolute onslaught of sugar in the blood. Cats are designed to get their energy from protein, not from carbohydrates.

While the diet of a wild cat contains approximately 3-5% carbs, many commercial kibbles contain 30-60% carbs. 10-20 TIMES the normal amount.

A cat eating kibble will have a blood sugar spike after their meal. Cats, having again a very different way of metabolizing food, do not release insulin in response to a high carb content meal like we do. They release insulin in response to eating meat.

Constant spikes in blood sugar levels are taxing on vital organs such as liver and kidneys and taxing on the endocrine system. The end result is not infrequently insulin dependent feline diabetes.

Corn is also implicated in feline obesity. Cats do not register full from carbohydrates like we do. They register full from eating protein. In order to get their protein needs satisfied, the cat has to eat more food, thus becoming obese after ingesting foods rich in corn.

Getting your pet onto a food that contains no grains should be a goal for all pet owners and can reverse illnesses such a IBD and even insulin dependent diabetes.

A grain free food for your dog or cat will make a real improvement in their health.

About the Author:
Learn more about pet food including how to find free cat food and purina cat food coupons visit us at luvmycritters.com

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cat-food-the-dangerous-ingredients-no-cat-food-should-contain/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/is-cat-declawing-inhumane/ http://4petsonline.com/is-cat-declawing-inhumane/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:35:56 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1397 by Moses Wright

Cat declawing used to be a widely accepted method for controlling . Alternatives to cat declawing are now considered humane solutions to destructive cat scratching.

Cat declawing is a major surgery which involves the surgical removal of the last digit of the cat toes. Instead of the surgical removal of the last portion of the toe, the veterinarian may deal what is called a tendonectomy and cut the tendon to the claw.

The main reason that cat owners elect to get their cat’s declawed is to stop or prevent destructive cat scratching. Some cat owners believe that they must have their cat’s declawed to save their furniture and even themselves from getting scratched. A cat owner who gets the cat declawing to stop cat scratching during play may be disappointed when the declawed cat bites since they can no longer use its claws to defend itself.

Cat declawing can cause dangerous complications and behavior problems such as infection and the decline in litter box usage. Cat declawing can cause a cat to walk differently than its natural gait which can cause long-term skeletal and joint problems. If a declawed cat becomes a stray the cat is defenseless to protect itself.

Decline can cause litter box problems. When a cat experiences pain from declawing, the pain may be worse when the cat digs in litter box. The cat may associate pain with the litter box and avoid the litter box.

The Humane Society and other organizations that promote the humane treatment of animals are opposed to cat declawing. There are several humane alternatives to cat declawing. A cat owner can simply trim the tips of the cat’s claws regularly.

A cat’s claws can be trimmed with a regular fingernail clippers. That cat owner can extend the claws by gently pressing on the cat’s paw. The pink part of the nail, called the quick, should be avoided as they will bleed of cut. Only the very tips of the claws need to be cut.

Scratching post can be an effective alternative to cat declawing. If a cat refuses to use his scratching posts, the cat owner may encourage use by rubbing the scratching post with catnip and placing it near where any destructive scratching has occurred.

Vinyl claw covers are tiny plastic nail caps that glue onto a cat claws. Vinyl nail caps typically stay in place for about five weeks.

About the Author:
Moses Wright is a big lover of cats. He set up this site to help fellow cat lovers with their cat health questions and provide more info on common cat diseases symptoms.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/is-cat-declawing-inhumane/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/considering-kitten-names-and-meanings/ http://4petsonline.com/considering-kitten-names-and-meanings/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:57:30 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1372 by Moses Wright

Naming the kitten is one of the first responsibilities of a kitten owner. Some kitten owners may feel somewhat stressed over this decision while other kitten owners are able to relax and enjoy naming the kitten.

The cat owner will need to live with their decision for a long time, a cat owner will want to be comfortable with the name chosen. Cat owners should not be too stressed about selecting the right name. There are several resources to help kitten owners choose a name. Kitten names and meanings are available on many websites.

The characteristics of the kitten often provide inspiration for a name. Many kitten names refer to the color of the cat’s fur. Examples of names for black cats include Shadow, Charcoal, and Ebony. Many white cats may be named Snow or names related to snow such as Snowball.

The color of the cat may be used in a more abstract way to create a name for the kitten. Purity can be a kitten name that is associated with the color white. Dark or black cats may be named Hades or Goth.

The name chosen for a kitten may be a name from the place where the cat breed originated. Oriental or Siamese kittens may be given Chinese or Japanese names. Persian names may be used for Persian kittens. Many lists of kitten names and meanings also have the name origins.

The kitten’s personality may be used to choose a name. A brave or boisterous kitten may be named for this characteristic. Timid may be a name given to a shy kitten.

Some common kitten names are the names of cats in comics, cartoons, and literature. Felix, the name of a legendary black cartoon cat, is a common cat name for black cats. When Disney’s Lion King was popular, Simba was a common kitten name.

If the kitten owner has a favorite historical figure or author, the kitten owner may want to consider naming the cat after them. Amadeus, Beethoven, and Dante are some common pet names that are borrowed from historical figures. Since the kitten owner already has positive feelings about the names of favorite historical figures, the kitten owner is likely to continue to like this name choice.

The kitten owner should not feel rushed to immediately decide on a name. It may be wise to take a few days and observe the kitten’s personality as well as consider a few alternatives during this time.

About the Author:
Moses Wright is a pet lover who can answer your cat health questions and maine coon cats problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/considering-kitten-names-and-meanings/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/when-cat-pee-smell-permeates-your-home-what-to-do/ http://4petsonline.com/when-cat-pee-smell-permeates-your-home-what-to-do/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:24:47 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1358 by Sonia Kekkonen

So now that you are a cat owner, it is a possibility that you may at some time have to deal with a cat that has peed outside the box. (Cats DO prefer to use their box, so if your cat is not, there is some reason that you have to not only discover, but also fix.) Getting cat urine on your carpet is by no means one of the joys of pet ownership. It can be really distressing and frustrating and it is easy to get angry at kitty…

Removing cat urine is one of the more challenging cleaning tasks. Not only is it very pungent, the urine actually bonds with fibers in your rug. The biggest mistake when cleaning the cat urine is to not use proper cleaners.

Salts in the urine form crystals that causes another type of bond with an ionic charge. The longer the urine has been on the rug, the stronger these bonds become.Using a homemade cleaner will not dissolve these bonds, nor does steam cleaning your carpet. Sometimes steam cleaning will make the problem worse.

Some commercially available “pet odor removers” work by masking the odor by masking the foul smell caused by the bacteria that is using the urine as it’s source for fuel.Other products use compounds in the attempt to absorb the smell.

This may help for the moment, but does not completely remove the urine, making the smell return eventually. With some urine left on the carpet, your cat will be more likely to urinate on the same spot again.

So, you got cat pee on your rug? What is the first thing you should do?

1. Blot or mop up as much urine as possible. Lay down absorbent towels and walk on them. Care should be taken if water is added to the spot -it can easily spread and make clean-up more difficult.

2. Use a cleaner that can be injected into the padding underneath the spot. Inject to cover about half a foot in diameter. Spray the surface of the rug liberally.

3. You are done! That is all that needs to be done when you use the proper tools. Prevent your cat from accessing the spot for a few days until it is completely dry.

Even though it can be easy to let the frustration out on the cat, remember that cats do not eliminate outside the box without some, for them, good reason.

When a cat eliminates outside the litter box it is a sign that something is amiss. Frequently a medical issue such as a urinary tract infection is the cause which would need medical attention. The cause needs to be discovered and corrected to ensure future success.

Finding and eliminating the cause of the behavior while cleaning the urine with the proper cleaner will assure that you will have a sweet smelling home, and a cat that goes in the box.

About the Author:
Remove Pet urine, Rid of Cat Urine Smell along with other articles and tips can be found on our site dedicated to our furry friends: www.catsdogsandpets.com

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/when-cat-pee-smell-permeates-your-home-what-to-do/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/pets-can-hep-you-live-longer-read-how/ http://4petsonline.com/pets-can-hep-you-live-longer-read-how/#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:59:01 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1340 With rising concern over heart attacks and other diseases, perhaps you have overlooked a simple solution to the betterment of your health. By simply owning a cat, studies show you can decrease the incidence of a heart attack by up to 30%. There have been reports of cats and dogs saving lives through amazing feats. If you could extend your life, there’s no better way than by adding a furry ball of love into your world.

The elderly seem to be most affected by pet ownership, although children love them the most. Having a cat that comes and jumps on your lap makes you feel needed, while the cat fulfills its need for attention. A pet can solve empty nest syndrome when children have grown and moved away, and it gives the owner a sense of purpose and keeps depressive thoughts away.

What can a cat or dog do for you? Well they can scratch your furniture, poop in your yard, cause spills and thrills throughout your house. Well, they’re not perfect either. Even in the face of these little mishaps, improvements in areas such as heart disease caused by higher blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels are consistently experienced. It’s not completely understood but cat owner seem to benefit a little more from these life extending benefits than their dog owner counterparts. It’s easy to see why a pet can have such effects on us. Instead of a sedentary and isolated existence that many might adopt later in life, a pet adds spice and activity to daily life. The care and requirements of a pet companion keeps one their toes, active and happy as they care for the needs of their friend. Additional actives such as dog walking and getting out of the house with the pets are a big help for many.

The lifespan of the pet should be considered, since it is not unusual for them to live over fifteen years. Finding the right pet for you can depend on your tolerance and patience and there can be additional costs involved for their upkeep. Food, litter, and vet bills can add up quickly, but you have to consider the health benefits you may receive, which can often far offset the costs of rescuing a poor kitten or puppy from a shelter, however.

Pets take time, in order to care for them properly. It is not fair to you or the animal to take on additional responsibilities that you don’t have time for. Cats offer an advantage over a dog because they are generally lower maintenance, since it is easier to leave them by themselves overnight and you don’t have to walk them or let them out. A clean litter box and full bowl of food is usually all they need for overnight absences but you might want to reconsider if you go away for long trips.

Sometimes, it is more than health reasons that makes you want to take a pet in, it might be what they bring as your constant companion. The joy that an animal can bring comes from knowing you are loved. If you visit a shelter and find an animal that steals your heart, you can save the animal from death and maybe save your own life in the process. Saving two lives at once is something most pet owners don’t think of initially, but sometimes that is what happens, when they decide to get a pet.

David is an expert on pet health and care. Keeping your cat healthy and happy is a responsiblility of each owner. See his site for ideas on Cat Health.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/pets-can-hep-you-live-longer-read-how/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/properly-caring-for-senior-cats/ http://4petsonline.com/properly-caring-for-senior-cats/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:25:41 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1255 As cats age, their bodies change. They may encounter slight changes or develop serious cat illness or disease. Caring for senior cats can involve special care for age-related changes and medical conditions. Aging causes normal, gradual physical changes. Dehydration is a concern for older cats because they become less sensitive to the thirst drive as they age. Cats may become more sensitive to heat or cold because aging decreases their ability to regulate their body temperatures.

A slight loss of acuity of their senses is a normal aging process. The sight and hearing of older cats is often not as good as younger cats. Any blindness or drastic changes should be reported to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Drastic changes in the senses can be a sign of disease.

Infection and certain cat diseases can be partially caused by the advanced age of the cats. Senior cats may develop inflammation of the joints which is known as arthritis. Arthritis can be a painful condition which may require veterinary treatment and may be treated with pain relief medication, diet, and exercise.

Older cats often develop changes in their mouths. Common problems that affect the cat’s mouth are mouth ulcers, dental disease, and tooth loss.

Another concern for senior cats is cancer. The growth of bumps or the presence of sores that will not heal our signs of cat cancer. Any signs of cancer need to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Advanced age calls for some changes in the cat care. As a cat becomes less active with age, the cat may require a diet that is lower in calories to prevent the cat from gaining weight.

Senior cats need to be taken to the veterinarian more frequently for regular checkups. This is important because it allows the veterinarian to screen for age-related cat diseases.

Because senior cats become less active, cat owners should initiate play frequently. Many senior cat owners do not realize that active play is essential for senior cats to retain muscle strength and to get exercise that can benefit several cat health conditions like arthritis.

Moses Wright has been a pet lover since young. He started this site to provide pet lovers with free pet advices and tips on homemade pet food.



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]]> http://4petsonline.com/properly-caring-for-senior-cats/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/how-to-raise-a-kitten-to-be-happy-and-healthy/ http://4petsonline.com/how-to-raise-a-kitten-to-be-happy-and-healthy/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:21:50 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1242 These tips on how to raise a kitten will make sure you know what to expect before you bring the kitten home, and will have a good understanding of what is needed for the kitten to settle into its new home quickly and easily.

Your kitten will probably be about 6 to 8 weeks of age when you bring it home, which is a good age to be separated from its litter mates. By then it will be fully weaned, eating solid food and have some idea about clean toileting habits. Kittens younger than 4 weeks may not thrive.

Check that your kitten has received the necessary vaccinations, and find out in advance what local government regulations apply where you live. Take the kitten to your vet as soon as possible to be cleared of any health problems. Ask the vet’s advice about spaying and ongoing health needs, like worming and vaccinations.

You need to be properly prepared in advance and have what you need for the kitten. You will need a litter tray and a supply of litter, food and water bowls, kitten food, a bed and some toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and your kitten should learn to use the litter tray quickly. A cat won’t use a dirty tray, so make sure the litter is changed regularly. The litter tray needs to be in a quiet place, out of general traffic areas in the house.

Continue feeding the food the kitten is used to for a few weeks to help prevent stomach upsets which are sometimes caused by changing the diet suddenly. This also reduces the number of major changes happening to the kitten and helps it settle better. Be sure to feed at regular times, and let the kitten eat in peace, without interruption. Fresh water must be available all the time. Wash the food and water dishes every day.

You can buy all kinds of cat bedding and while a cat likes sleeping in a basket, a blanket or soft towels will do the job. Take the kitten to its bed after feeding and at night, and it will soon get the idea. Remember that a kitten is still a baby and needs to be able to sleep a lot in the first few weeks in your home.

Toys are essential for your kitten to provide exercise and activity to prevent boredom; if you don’t provide the toys, the kitten may well decide that the lounge room curtains make a good plaything! Spend some time, several times each day, to play with the kitten to create a bond between it and its human family. You can buy a vast variety of cat toys, or paper rolled into a ball, an old sock stuffed with paper or even a toy car.

Cats generally settle easily into their new home. Some discipline may be necessary to help your cat understand the house rules when kitten decides to sharpen claws on your chair legs or swing on the curtains. Your kitten will appreciate a cat scratching post and it will help to save your furniture.

Knowing how to raise a kitten will help you and the kitten adjust to life together and get this wonderful relationship off to a good start.

Do you have a new kitten or cat? If you are new to owning a feline, Cat Keepers is a great resource for helpful advice on how to raise a kitten for the first time. If you arent sure how to raise a cat we have all the information you need to help get you started.



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]]> http://4petsonline.com/how-to-raise-a-kitten-to-be-happy-and-healthy/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/silica-cat-litter-raises-concern-about-pets-health/ http://4petsonline.com/silica-cat-litter-raises-concern-about-pets-health/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:41:17 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1023 by Ned Dagostino

Cat owners love their pets a great deal. Their love is easily proven by the little things they do for their pets. One of these little things is cleaning their litter everyday. Another is putting up with the stench of that litter. Silica cat litter has appeared on the scene like an answer to a cat owner’s prayer! Just an inch high layer of the new silica cat litter is sufficient to dry out the cat’s waste and make it absolutely bone dry and completely odorless! Waste removal is now as simple as scooping up some hard, dry pieces of the cat’s feces and disposing of it. This is as pleasant as it can ever get!

The number of times you have to refresh the cat’s litter box is just once or twice or month compared to almost daily for traditional cat litters. Each time you refresh the litter box you just have to lay down an inch or so of the silica cat litter. This makes it very economical. No wonder cat owners consider silica cat litter to be a wonderful product. But there is a darker side to this wonder product. The question that’s being voiced is whether silica is a health risk for your cat. Read on to find out…

Silica is rather like powdered glass. It can be quite rough on your pet’s paws. Not only the bruising it may cause, you should also be aware of the danger that your pet cat may swallow the silica when it cleans its paws. This can have extreme repercussions if taken in large quantities. Even in trace quantities, the silica is likely to accumulate in the cat’s intestines over a sufficient period, which is just as damaging to the cat’s health.

You may be happy that you now have to refresh the cat’s litter box just once or twice a month. But did you know that pet experts and pet lovers alike are very critical about this very point. Keeping the litter for so long is inviting bacterial, fungal and microbial infections. These infections may affect your cat, and spread to pets and people as well.

There is no doubt that silica cat litter is superior to the other cat litters available now. Its odor-killing quality alone is sufficient to make it the numero uno cat litter. The application cost is so very low, that even cost conscious pet owners have no reservations in using it. The daily chore of fishing around the litter box for the cat’s droppings is now, no, not pleasant but, simple and bearable. You are spared the sight (and obnoxious smell, phew!) of stomach-turning slimy stuff. You just pick out some ‘stones’ from the litter and carry it off for disposal. Then the chore of refreshing the litter box has been erased from your daily task list. Once or twice a month is like… freedom!

The contra to these advantages is that, firstly, the cost of conventional clumping litter works out to the same as that of silica, and secondly, you get to remove the clumping litter every day.

One mustn’t forget that silica can bruise your cat’s paws. If these concerns put you off of buying silica litter, you can buy the variety which comes mixed with ordinary litters. These are more acceptable to many than the purely silica variety.

Silica cat litter is actually a very good product suffering from some severe drawbacks. The mixed variety can be a bridge between all-silica and all-clumping. This way you get the benefits of both varieties of cat litters. The clumping prevents your cat’s paws from damage, and the silica litter prevents the foul odor from pervading the house!

About the Author:
Another way to avoid repeatedly cleaning up after your cat is to buy a self cleaning cat litter box. Go to www.CatLitterBoxesPlus to read about the various cat litter options available. You’ll also discover the best way to remove cat odor should any accidents occur.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/silica-cat-litter-raises-concern-about-pets-health/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/ear-mites/ http://4petsonline.com/ear-mites/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:01:12 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=1004 by Moses Wright

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that commonly infest the ear canals of cats and dogs. Canker ear is a name that refers to having ear mites. Infestations of ear mites are highly contagious among pets.

Rabbits and some other pets may also develop ear mite infestations. If one pet in the household gets ear mites, it is recommended that all pets that can get ear mites are also treated for ear mites to prevent the infestation from circulating among the pets.

Even though ear mites live in the ear canal of the dog or cat, but ear mites may also be present in the pet’s environment. The ear mites can be spread to other cats and dogs in the household from sharing the same environment or through direct contact.

Scratching of the ears and shaking the head are signs of an ear mite infestation. Some cats do not show any signs of canker ear, but the cat owner may see the discharge in the ears.

A veterinarian diagnoses the ear mites by examining the discharge from the ears. Your mites cause a discharge that is thick and brown or black which is often described as resembling coffee grounds. The ear mites themselves are microscopic.

Many pet owners mistakenly think that cleaning the dog’s or cat’s ears is sufficient for treating an ear mite infection. However, a medication is necessary to kill the ear mites. The veterinarian may provide a topical solution to treat the current ear mite infestation and prevent future infestation.

The antiparasitic medication must be given for up to ten days. The veterinarian may want to see the cat or dog after this time to check how successful the treatment has been. The veterinarian may also want to re-examine the cat or dog weeks later to check for a re infestation of the ear mites.

Any minor cuts on the ears due to scratching may be treated with an antibiotic ointment. The veterinarian may also thoroughly clean the discharge from the cat’s or dog’s ears.

A possible complication of an ear mite infestation is a ruptured eardrum. A ruptured eardrum can cause instability when the pet is walking. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to ear infections and skin disease.

About the Author:
Moses Wright has been a pet lover since young. He started this site to provide pet lovers with free pet advices and tips on homemade pet food.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/ear-mites/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/your-cat-may-think-outside-of-the-litter-box/ http://4petsonline.com/your-cat-may-think-outside-of-the-litter-box/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:36:18 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=598 by Kara Mishiro

Cats are wonderful pets. They are independent, self cleaning (most of the time), and dont require a lot of the maintenance that dogs do. Though cats are relatively easy to care for, there is one thing that MUST be done on a regular basis if your cat is to remain healthy and happy. Any guesses? If you said, clean the litter box, then you are right on target!

Your cat’s litter box is a big part of its life, and it can become a big and stinky part of yours, as well. Litter boxes can tell you a lot about your cat’s health. For example, one of the most common cat-owner complaints is urinating outside the litter box, also known as inappropriate urination or inappropriate elimination (think #1 and #2).

You know you have a problem to deal with when your cat suddenly poops in your favorite sneakers. Though your initial reaction might be anger, your cat is trying to tell you something. For one thing, you may not be living up to your cat’s over-the-top cleanliness standards. Kitty expects a clean box and will often rebel by choosing a new location if you aren’t doing your job. You should scoop your cat’s box (of urine and feces) on a daily basis.

Your realtor can tell you another reason your cat may opt for another spot. Location, location, location! Not only may your cat have a preferred location for its box to begin with, he may not take kindly to your changing that location after he’s grown comfortable with your first choice. Avoid noisy or high traffic areas. How would you like an audience when doing your business?

Owning a cat, you probably already know how picky they can be. They’re not less finicky when it comes to their litter. If you find poo in your shoe and you’ve recently changed your cat’s litter, you might be to blame. Cat’s get accustomed to a type of litter and expect it to be their when nature calls. Should you wish to change litters, do so slowly by mixing the new in with the old in small, but increasing amounts until you’ve managed to pull the old switcheroo. Your cat will be none the wiser and your shoes will be spared.

Of course, your cat may avoid its box from the start. This may be due to something as simple as distaste for the type of litter you’ve chosen. Your cat may not like the scent or texture of the litter and may exhibit its objection by rejecting your offer.

Also, as a rule, you should have one litter box per cat in your household. If that sounds a little over the top, let me put it into human terms for you. Imagine being one of the last people to use a gas station restroom. That queasy stomach feeling you’ve just experienced is what your cat experiences when it’s the last kitty to come to the box. More boxes will give kitty more options. Of course, that comes at the added cost of you having more boxes to clean. But that’s certainly better than finding surprises in your laundry.

Equally painful in result (ruined shoes) but more serious are potential medical conditions. If your cat is suffering from bladder stones, constipation or a urinary tract infection, it may experience pain during elimination. While not the smartest conclusion to draw, cats can associate the pain of elimination with their litter box and decide to change locations to get away from that pain. This is where your poor shoes come into the equation again. If your cat suddenly changes its bathroom habits, contact your vet just to rule out a medical condition.

The litter box will play a very important role in your cats life. It will also be an important part of your life as well! By keeping an eye on your cats litter box behaviors, you will be able to determine, to a certain extent, the health and happiness of your feline friend. The most important thing you can do to keep your cat happy is to scoop the poop on a daily basis! And that my friend, is the scoop on litter boxes!

About the Author:
Visit www.kittencareguide.com for more on care of kittens and cats and help choosing litter boxes.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/your-cat-may-think-outside-of-the-litter-box/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-tips-for-beginners/ http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-tips-for-beginners/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 08:41:12 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=575 by Janice Chee

In the wild, cats have a natural ability and instinct to care for themselves. House cats, on the other hand, depend on humans for care and feeding. They require a considerable amount of attention. Bookstores and local humane societies can provide cat owners with a plethora of educational materials on the responsibility of cat ownership and the care of cats.

You may not know it, but cats can be trained. Like other animal training programs gentle, positive training will work best. Offer your cat a treat when they behave correctly or as you have taught them. When they misbehave just ignore them.

Cats are very clean animals and like to spruce themselves up every day. It is still a good idea to bath your cat about once every three weeks. You can use a specialty cat product, but mild soap will work fine. Remember to keep the soap away from your cat’s eyes. Some cats are difficult to bathe, and you may find it takes a lot of effort and a little first aid. Train your cat to enjoy baths from the time they are a kitten and reward them after a bath with a treat. As they say, start out like you can hold out. You don’t want every bath to be a battle.

Do everything you can to make the bath fun and rewarding for your cat. Don’t hit or punish your cat at bath time. This will only cause your cat to be more apprehensive about bathing in the future.

Don’t forget to clean your cat’s ears and nails with a gentle q-tip. Towel dry your cat after its bath. Don’t even consider using a blow dryer. The noise and hot air will scare the cat, and the hot air can damage your cat’s sensitive skin. Brush your cat after the towel dry.

It’s a good idea to buy your cat its own bed. While it is common for cats to sleep with their owner, your cat will be just as satisfied sleeping beside your bed. This will keep your clothes and bed linens from always being full of cat hair. Some people are allergic to cat hair, and you don’t want to have to choose between your cat and your sleeping mate.

Keep the litter box where any odor will not disturb your family. No one wants to smell the litter box, so clean it often. The less you clean the litter box the worse it will be when you do clean it.

About the Author:
For more information on the best way to care for a cat, click on the link. And, if you are looking to learn how to choose a pet for kids, visit our sister site and get your answer.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cat-training-tips-for-beginners/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/know-who-your-cat-really-is/ http://4petsonline.com/know-who-your-cat-really-is/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 09:19:02 +0000 Tiffany Schneider http://4petsonline.com/?p=520 by Tiffany Schneider

There is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable pets who purr on one corner of the house. At times, they can be a menace to housekeeping too. Scratches in furniture, broken ornaments, and ruined stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do.

There is an explanation for cats being naughty. And if they are aware of why cats do this, people who have cats will be able to manage their pets’ behavior. Here are some issues about cats that make them misbehave combined with suggestions for making them act better.

Cats who suffer from boredom tend to be ill mannered. Since they do not have anything to do on a daily basis, they have no other means to resort to. When cats act in this behavior ,they are usually seeking attention. Other times, they may just be trying to find a way to exhaust their energy.

Regardless of the situation, problems can be alleviated if you just set aside some time to play with your cat. But you should not play with your cat right after he/she has misbehaved, as this will send the wrong message and reinforce the unwanted behavior.

Being nocturnal creatures, cats are normally active at night and this may be a time when they get into mischief. One solution to this problem is to keep your cat occupied during the day so that he/she will be tired at night and sleep, rather than keeping you up.

Some of the misbehavior noted in cats is caused by the urge to mate. Indoor cats especially may display problematic behavior at such times. You may want to consider a surgical solution to this problem. Female cats can be spayed, while males can be neutered; this brings sexually-driven behavior problems to an end.

Cats misinterpret owners’ reaction to its misbehavior. Owners usually get mad when their pets misbehave. But they are vague in telling their pets that they are mad. When owners reprimand their pets for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them.

Owners must be clear with their reactions. If their pets misbehave, owners would make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game. Remember that cats seek reward. They avoid punishment. Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when it happens. By associating punishment for misbehaving cats learn what should not be done.

Cats have fun playing with specific objects in the home. There are objects that cats adore. It might be the curtains, or pillows. One advantage is that they don’t like some smells also. Spray an irritating odor on those objects to keep the cats at a distance. By being aware of the reason that pets have bad behaviors owners have a better opportunity to fix these bad behaviors.

About the Author:
Want to get the latest on behavior of cats go get the best info online on cat care and get your free report.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/know-who-your-cat-really-is/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/cant-decide-which-cat-is-for-you/ http://4petsonline.com/cant-decide-which-cat-is-for-you/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:41:58 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=483 It can be a little tough to choose a cat we think we could get along with”and also one which will get along with us! Understanding the different personalities among cat breeds can save a great deal of unhappiness between owners and their cat. We will go over the most favored breeds of cat, both for personality and physical characteristics, and give you an idea of the lifestyle requirements for the most popular cat breeds.

The Oriental breed is known for being a very sharp-minded and curious breed. They have a fragile bone structure, but very lithe muscles to compensate. Orientals are very devoted to their owners, so if you want a strong bond with your cat, this would be a great breed to go with.

The American Shorthair is extremely popular with families, as they tend to be very affectionate and friendly. The American shorthair originally was a working breed, mostly for mouse hunting, which explains the agile muscular structure and short hair. They do need a little exercise, but most are quite content being a lap cat.

One of the most popular cat breed by looks alone is the Birman. They have characteristic bright blue eyes, a white body, and darker patches on the ears, tail, legs, and face. While they enjoy a good romp, they do not require a great deal of attention from their owner. They will take affection when youre ready to give it, but are happy to lounge quietly.

The Sphynx breed, also called the hairless cat, looks as though it has no hair, when in fact it does have a suede-like coating of hair on most of its body. They are very inquisitive and love to be the center of attention. You can count on this breed to come up with plenty of silly antics to gain your attention!

If youre looking for an extremely laid-back, docile cat, the Ragdoll breed would be an excellent choice. They love people and tend to follow their master around from room to room, similar to a puppy. They love to play, but remain very gentle during playtime. They are not very vocal creatures, but they are intelligent and love to please their owners.

You should now have a better idea of the sort of cat that youll want to include in your family. Just remember that your lifestyle will ultimately be imposed upon your cat, so try to choose a breed whose lifestyle traits mesh the best with your own.

About the Author:
Welcome your new cat to the family with a quality cat house, steps, or perch tower.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/cant-decide-which-cat-is-for-you/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/taking-care-of-your-cat-learn-how-to-do-it-right/ http://4petsonline.com/taking-care-of-your-cat-learn-how-to-do-it-right/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:43:07 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=419 by Calvin Wapasa

Domestic cats are cute creatures that can look after of themselves, but if you were to have one as a pet, you should know particular things about how to take care of domestic cat. If you get the cat at its infancy, the domestic cat grows up in a familiar surroundings and gets used to b e controlled by other pet, and this results in fewer inter-pet rivalry.

Fortunately, kitties are already litter trained when they are sold to new keepers. This means that the only undertaking left for you to do is to train it where to go when they have to go to the toilet. You might be trailed wherever you go, as kittens follow their owners all the time, and you might find the cat climbing up the kitchen worktop. Since this is unhealthy, particularly if you have food lying there, so to prevent this, keep a bottle of water handy and squirt some on its face.

To keep its claws sharp and cut, the domestic cat needs a scratching post, which you need to retain. If you find that they are scratch elsewhere, use the strategy of splashing their face with water. Over and above providing them with the necessary scratching post, you ought to keep them nails well trimmed down, as this would prevent them from scratch the furniture or harming somebody in the house. Pressing down their claws on the floor can do this, so that the claws are extended which makes trimming easy. Claw checking must be done as a matter of routine so that they are also used to the procedure as they age. Usually kitties do not shed hair as much as the older domestic cats, but you as the keeper, must comb them on a regular basis, so that it falls under a routine, be it long or short hair.

Never give your cat rubbish food to eat since to ensure their health, you must get great quality food easily found at pet stores. In case you are uninformed about the brand of the food which is richest in vitamins and minerals, look for help from your veterinarian in terms of recommendations. Make sure that your domestic cat has a good amount of clean water to drink, which should be kept in a bowl, so that they never get dehydrated. Take your kitten to the veterinarian for regular inoculations and though they get a few when young, remember their annual regimen, as they get older. Be sure to keep a record of the injections so this can be shown to the veterinarian. If you keep a big domestic cat, let them get adjusted to the new environment on their own. Pets fighting among themselves is quite normal and there is no cause for concern, but if things go to the extreme, you might have to part them and keep them in confinement in separate rooms.

You also need to properly guide and train an older cat, so that it shows disciplined behavior. This is the reason why wateris convenient, as squirting it on them tells them that they have done something wrong, and you do not have to get physical with them. House cats should always be kept indoors because research has shown that this extends their life for over ten years since going outside puts them at risk of being hit by an automobile or contaminated with a virus from stray animals.

This is the reason why stray cats, which live out-of-doors live only for about a couple of years. It won’t take much to know how to look after of your cat just carry out some research so you will be better able to look after your familiar and so both of you will enjoy each other’s company for a long time.

About the Author:
Home Beekeeping Information offers more information, visit this link: Keeping Bees as a Hobby.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/taking-care-of-your-cat-learn-how-to-do-it-right/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/pet-adoption-rescue-is-a-sad-necessity-in-this-country/ http://4petsonline.com/pet-adoption-rescue-is-a-sad-necessity-in-this-country/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:01:49 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=416 by Anthony Pace

It is unfortunate that pet adoption rescue services need to take place daily in this country. It’s a tragic commentary on how we treat pets. Animals of every stripe are neglected, abused and even discarded as if they have no feelings of suffering and pain associated with loss of care.

The animal shelter where most abandoned street dwelling animals eventually end up will sadly put them to death because adoptee families are hard to find. In every town, city and state in these United States this tragedy continues to play out on a daily basis.

The need for pet rescue is so overwhelming because there simply are not enough loving homes for the pets that are born in this country each year. If dog and cat owners were more responsible by spaying and neutering their pets, there would be much less of a problem of overpopulation of unwanted animals.

Countless unnamed individuals along with the Humane Society are tirelessly hard at work attempting to find homes for as many pets as they can, before they are eventually euthanized. Most pet adoption agencies, which are made up of volunteers, provide dignified care to cats, dogs and other pets by the individuals who give of their precious time.

One time-honored recommendation from those in the field of pet rescue is to not buy a pet from the pet store. Often times these animals are bred for profit in what is considered a puppy mill setting. Puppy mills are generally atrocious confines where dogs, cats and other pets live in squalid conditions.

Pet adoption rescue professionals postulate that you continue the cycle of animal cruelty when you purchase your pets from a pet store that buys animals from puppy mills. You can deter the abuse of animals by buying your future pet at a pet adoption center or from your local SPCA where there are an abundant number of pets looking for a loving home.

In an ideal world, all pets that are born would receive a loving, caring home. In reality, many pets are treated simply as a commodity and are abused and neglected by their breeders. It is really sad to see animals treated inhumanely because we, as a people, should honor the dignity of every living creature on this earth.

Get a local pound or pet shelter pet if you want to be part of the solution that will lessen the need for pet adoption rescues in this country. Spay or neuter all dogs or cats when appropriate to make sure there are no unintended or unwanted pregnancies. And finally, since your pet’s life is so short on this earth, provide the best love and care so it has a happy and healthy life.

About the Author:
To learn more about the heroic people involved in helping out the nation’s terrible problem with unwanted animals, visit Pet Adoption Rescue. Also, you can visit Animal Rescue Shelters to learn more about actually what takes placein many of the shelters nationwide.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/pet-adoption-rescue-is-a-sad-necessity-in-this-country/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/aggression-in-cats/ http://4petsonline.com/aggression-in-cats/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:33:15 +0000 Virginia Sutherland http://4petsonline.com/?p=331 by Virginia Sutherland

Cats are usually viewed as relatively peaceful creatures. Most people assume that if a cat is given food, water, and a suitable place to rest then it will remain docile and loving toward its owners while also displaying the usual feline independence.

But not all cats have the laid back couch potato meditative zen type of style. Some cats are constantly going at 160 mph. Fast, agile, interested, investigating, and bouncing off the walls, keeping their owners awake at night by leaping across the bed or attacking toes under the blanket. Cats are as different to each others as humans are. As long as the personality style is acceptable by the owner there is no problem.

There is one trait though that most people are not happy with and that is an aggressive tendency within the cat. While dogs can get away with being somewhat aggressive due to their “protecting the home” status, aggressiveness in a cat is not a desired quality.

Cats that are aggressive can cause quite a bit if damage. While they are small and can’t inflict the type of bite a large dog can, their speed and agility can cause damage very quickly.

Some cats are aggressive by nature, but other cats become aggressive after dealing with abusive owners or other unfortunate situations. It’s no wonder that a cat dealing with a sadistic owner would become aggressive, no matter what its natural demeanor once was. Some people refer to aggressive cats as “feral,” but this isn’t entirely accurate because an aggressive cat might be quite domesticated in terms of using a litter box and eating from a bowl. By the same token, not every undomesticated cat is aggressive.

If your cat is acting aggressively what should you do? First, have your cat examined by a veterinarian to diagnose any teeth or gum problems or other painful physical ailments. Then, get a book on cat behavior and learn to spot the signs you cat is giving you when she is getting agitated. Be affectionate with your cat so she learns to trust you, play with her frequently, that helps the bonding between the two of you. Research a product called Feliway which is very successful in helping aggressive animals to calm down.

You’ll have to accept the fact that some cats are just aggressive by nature, and that it isn’t something they can necessarily be trained away from doing. If your cat endangers the residents within your home – such as young children or babies – then you’ll have to make the decision of whether to keep the cat or find it another home. If you surrender the cat to a local shelter you need to inform them of the cat’s aggressive tendencies so that it doesn’t wind up in another home with young children.

About the Author:
Virginia Sutherland is passionate about cats, and passionate about writing about them. Cat Health Quiz and Choosing A Cat Breed Quiz are two of her many feline articles.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/aggression-in-cats/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-silica-cat-litter/ http://4petsonline.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-silica-cat-litter/#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:08:31 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=317 by Ned Dagostino

We’ve all used those little sachets of silica gel in our cameras and electronic equipment. Silica is highly hygroscopic which means that it simply pulls moisture into itself, even out of thin air! Now they’re using silica as a cat litter to suppress the odor of the cat’s litter box. An inch high layer of silica is laid in the litter box. The cat’s waste – liquid and solid, both – are thoroughly dried out in a very short time. That takes care of the odor! The solid waste is so dried out, that it’s almost petrified! You can scoop it out very conveniently without encountering any unpleasant sight or smell.

You need to use very little silica cat litter. For a single cat, you’ll need to lay out one inch of the litter in the box, and this will last for two to four weeks. This saves you the bother of refreshing the cat litter every few days and in some cases everyday. This particular silver lining does have its attendant cloud! The fear is that silica is harmful to your cat’s health and well-being.

Silica is rather like powdered glass. It can be quite rough on your pet’s paws. Not only the bruising it may cause, you should also be aware of the danger that your pet cat may swallow the silica when it cleans its paws. This can have extreme repercussions if taken in large quantities. Even in trace quantities, the silica is likely to accumulate in the cat’s intestines over a sufficient period, which is just as damaging to the cat’s health.

Some owners have an issue with the fact that it is not necessary to re-lay the litter everyday. They say that litter which is not changed for two weeks or more will be a happy hunting ground for bacteria which will adversely impact your cat’s health.

There is no doubt that silica cat litter is superior to the other cat litters available now. Its odor-killing quality alone is sufficient to make it the numero uno cat litter. The application cost is so very low, that even cost conscious pet owners have no reservations in using it. The daily chore of fishing around the litter box for the cat’s droppings is now, no, not pleasant but, simple and bearable. You are spared the sight (and obnoxious smell, phew!) of stomach-turning slimy stuff. You just pick out some ‘stones’ from the litter and carry it off for disposal. Then the chore of refreshing the litter box has been erased from your daily task list. Once or twice a month is like… freedom!

On the minus side, the cost advantage is countered by the fact that the traditional clumping litter works out the same on a long term basis. The second point against silica cat litter is that clumping litter must be refreshed in a couple of days, which makes it healthier for the cat.

Let’s not forget that silica can be physically damaging to the cat’s paws. If you are extremely conscious of your cat’s well-being, then you can go in for the mixed variety. Here the silica litter is mixed with the clumping variety which gives you a fairly good alternative.

The decision is yours, whether or not to use silica cat litter. The advantages and disadvantages have been set out in this article for your information. Use it to ananlyze your particular situation. It’s always better to make an informed decision rather than going by ‘buzz’. The mixed litter does seem appealing and worth a try-out. Anything to free the house from that obnoxious stench!

About the Author:
Another great solution, but also a more expensive one, is to invest in an automatic cat litter box. Visit www.CatLitterBoxesPlus.com to learn about all your cat litter choices. You’ll find out why clumping cat litter remains the most widespread choice on the market today.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-silica-cat-litter/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/nutramax-denosyl-same-the-brilliant-liver-supplement-for-cats/ http://4petsonline.com/nutramax-denosyl-same-the-brilliant-liver-supplement-for-cats/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:58:31 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=269 Denosyl SAMe to support liver functioning in their pets.]]> by Rocky Whithers

Many pet owners rely on Denosyl SAMe to support liver functioning in their pets.

Your dog is made up of hundreds of cells, some of which bond together to form organs, which are the major players in sustaining life.

The major organs are vital, but it is the sum of all those parts that is the key to health.

Cells are essentially what we are made up of, so we shouldn’t ignore the small guys.

Imagine driving a neglected car, it goes, but all it takes is one tiny component to fail, and the whole thing may not function.

The same can be said for our bodies and those of all animals around us, we can neglect or abuse our health a bit but we are laying ourselves open to infection and disease.

And once disease takes hold, it can be harder to eradicate than a bit of common sense and prevention.

We can sustain some damage at cellular level without too much hardship, but if a major organ is affected, you have serious problems.

If you think a transplant will sort the issue, remember they are expensive, donors can be hard to find and there are associated risks. Why not prevent rather than cure?

Nutramax Denosyl for pets are available as a nutritional supplement. What it does is to stimulate glutathione levels in the liver.

What on earth is glutathione I hear you say. Well it’s a powerful antioxidant which helps to repair, regenerate and protect liver cells.

By working on protecting this vital major organ at cellular level, you are giving your dog the best building blocks to form a defense against opportunistic diseases.

If the liver is already weak, it will not have a fighting chance against disease.

It can be used as a preventative or in conjunction with other treatments to prevent or treat the following diseases and related illnesses:Hipidosis, Chronic Hepatitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Drug-induced Hepatitis caused by Prednisone or Rimadyl, and Pancreatitis.

Nutramax Denosyl for cats are well within your budget, and will greatly benefit your dog’s health, both now and in the future.

A small investment now can save a lot of heartache later on.

If humans choose to abuse their body, it’s their choice, but our canine friends will generally eat what we put in front of them and their lives and therefore health are controlled by us their owners.

Denosyl SAMe tabs for cats is a simple, effective and inexpensive way to do the right thing by your best friend.

About the Author:
For the most up to date Denosyl SAMe tabs news and product reviews, check out our dog and cat health pages. For pet owners, this is a super resource for Denosyl tabs and information about what it is.

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/nutramax-denosyl-same-the-brilliant-liver-supplement-for-cats/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/when-to-buy-versus-adopting-a-cat/ http://4petsonline.com/when-to-buy-versus-adopting-a-cat/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:40:36 +0000 Virginia Sutherland http://4petsonline.com/?p=146 by Virginia Sutherland

Once you have decided to welcome a cat into your home, to be a member of your family, the next questions is where to get the cat from? Should you purchase a cat from a breeder? A pet store? (A reputable breeder is a much better and much safer choice than a pet store) Or maybe you should adopt a cat from a shelter, or from another family.

If your quest is to get a cat that you can show, a pedigree may be the best option, however, most organizations have a “household cat” category where you can show off your precious one.

Acquiring your cat from a reputable breeder, (again, a caution about buying a cat from a pet store, in the US at least, many of these cats come from kitten mills where the cats are raised in deplorable conditions) can have some benefits. Many breeders offer a guarantee, and you can research past generations for health issues as well.

Some people are very set on a particular breed. Or a particular personality trait. One way to get what they want is to buy a cat from a breeder, however, most cat breeds are available for adoption, and getting hte personality you want may be easier with an adult cat than with a kitten.

Adopting a cat opens up the possibilities considerably, because there are usually a huge variety of cats of all breeds and ages awaiting adoption. Since a lot of these cats had previous owners, most of them are litter box trained and used to living with people.

Not only do cats at shelters come with a medical history, along with information about how they deal with young children or other pets or cats, adopting a cat, giving it a safe loving home is a particularly heartwarming thing to do, knowing that you just may have rescued this cat from death.

Not all adopted cats come from shelters. Some people have to give their cats away for whatever reason – allergies develop, moving to another city, financial problems – so if you peruse the pet ads within a local newspaper you’ll probably find an impressive selection of cats looking for new homes.

The advantage of adopting from a shelter is that you are more assured to know any health issues prior to deciding to adopt. Adopting privately means you do not know if the cat has any health issues that may end up being expensive, both financiall and emotionally.

Some struggle with the decision of whether to rescue a cat at the shelter, or to purchase one from a breeder. Rest assured that once you do decide to get a cat, one will find you. Cats are just like that. You can start your search, investigating your options, and before you know it “your” cat will appear.

About the Author:
Read more helpful tips by Virginia Sutherland such as Removing Cat Urine From Carpet for the most effective way to get rid of Cat Urine In Carpet

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]]> http://4petsonline.com/when-to-buy-versus-adopting-a-cat/feed/ 0 http://4petsonline.com/what-is-a-maine-coon-cat/ http://4petsonline.com/what-is-a-maine-coon-cat/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:52:58 +0000 Anne http://4petsonline.com/?p=21 by John Savage

The Maine Coon Cat is a domestic breed of cat. In fact, it is one of the largest domestic cats in existence, and is characterized with a bushy tail, which is usually striped and long fur. The Maine Coon Cat is native to North America. In fact, it is believed that the Maine Coon is actually native to the state of Maine, and the Maine Coon is the Maine State Cat.

The Maine Coon has been around for more than a century, and it is believed that their physical design enables them to withstand the harsh winters of New England. Everything from their overall size, to the shape of their paws, to the thickness of their fur makes them suitable animals for harsh winter weather. Furthermore, their fur has a water resistant quality to it.

As with so many domestic animals, a number of legends have grown up around them, some which may be true, and others which definitely are not. It has been suggested that the Maine Coon is a product of the domestic cat and the raccoon mating, but most experts think this is not possible. Other suggestions are that the native North American cat mated with the Vikings cat, and this is a possibility because of the similarity between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat.

The Maine Coon Cats of today would not have been considered as a part of the breed at one time. Only brown tabbies were referred to as Maine Coon Cats, and any ‘Maine Coon’ of a different color was referred to as a Maine Shag Cat. Cat experts largely agree that the Maine Coon is a product of mating between short haired domestic cats with long hair cats from overseas, at a time when people began migrating from Europe.

Maine Coon Cats also have unique personalities. They are often likened to dogs in fact. Unlike most cat breeds, the Maine Coon is highly sociable with humans and other pets. These cats will actually run to you when you call them, and are likely to be sitting at the door waiting for you when you arrive home. They do like a lot of love and attention.

Maine Coons were once a favorite among those who participated in early cat shows – as far back as 1861, but in the 1900′s, Persians came onto the scene, and the Maine Coon lost a bit of popularity. They once again started gaining popularity in the 1950s. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association were formed in 1968, by six breeders. The purpose of the organization was to preserve and protect the Maine Coon Cat breed. This breed of domestic cat was not recognized by all cat registries, however, until 1980.

Nowadays there are many, many people who are fortunate enough to own, exhibit and love a Maine Coon Cat. The Association which was founded many years ago by a mere six breeders has now grown to well over 200 breeders, and there are over 2000 other members who are not breeders as well.

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