Taking Care of your Cat

Cats can be one of the most lovable and playful pets to have. They bring a sense of radiance to the house and fill it with joy. Surveys conducted in the past have documented those families with cats in their house score higher on the happiness index. It isn’t surprising that cats are the most preferred pets to keep; by the single occupant. But keeping a cat at home means taking on a big responsibility. The health of the pet in the house is an indicator of the general health of the entire family.

Cat care begins the moment it is brought into the house. It should be introduced to its litter box as soon as possible as this gives it a sense of comfort. It feels that it owns its little space in the world. The children of the house will be very keen to get friendly and play with the cat. But they must be told that the new member must given time to settle down and get used to the place. Another prospective problem is if there are any other pets in the house. A dog could be a problem because it is not possible to judge the reaction of the other animal towards the new entrant into its territory. It will be best served it the dog is kept on a leash initially. The family should be very clear about the "incoming-outgoing" policy for the pet, before the pet arrives. Will the family be comfortable with the pet going out of the house as she pleases? Will the pet be accompanied by a family member? If the cat can leave and enter whenever she likes it is imperative that a cat door is installed before she is brought into the house. Keep it locked for the first few days; open it once the cat gets accustomed to the place.

The feeding dish and water bowl must be easy to clean. Plastic and aluminum are the most popular choices. The design of the dish and bowl should be such that is it is stable and does not keel over when a little pressure is applied. Choosing the right litter box could be a tricky job because the cat will not like any litter box that you offer. It has to feel and smell right. It could mean multiple trips to the local pet specialty retailer. The dimensions of the litter box must correspond to the size of the cat. Kittens might find it difficult to get accustomed to big boxes. A litter pan could be used in the case of a kitten. Once she grows up the pan could be placed inside a litter box. After sometime the pan could be removed. Cleaning the litter box is very important as an unclean litter box can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other insects. The usage of disinfectants could result in the cat never using the litter box again because of the smell. Ideally it should be scrubbed clean with soap and water.

Clipping the claws is necessary because it will prevent the cat from injuring herself on anyone else. But it is not a simple task because there is a vein called the quick that grows in the claw. Cutting this would lead to bleeding. It must be done with a lot of care using clippers recommended by the vet.

As a rule cats are not very fond of water. If brushing and combing does not clean her then the bath option is to be exercised. While bathing the cat wet her from head to tail and then apply a pet shampoo recommended by the wet. Avoid getting lather in the eyes or ears. Rinse thoroughly so that none of the shampoo is left behind. Dry her with a clean towel and keep her indoors till she is completely dry. The cat should be combed regularly to avoid the occurrence of fleas. While combing powder can be used separate hair that gets entangled with each other.

While traveling the temperature inside the vehicle must be monitored and regulated to suit the needs of the cat. If she is exposed to extreme heat, she could suffer irreparable damage. Ventilation must always be there.

The choice of vet must be made prior to the arrival of the pet. Ideally the vet should take personal interest in the cat and he must be situated at a convenient location in case of an emergency. It would help to go to the vet that is most preferred by people living in the neighborhood.

By Anish Chandy

Urinary Tract Infection in Cats and Dogs

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common health problems in cats and dogs. Bacterial infection is a common cause of urinary tract infection. When bacteria enter the urinary tract through urethra and multiply in the bladder, it can lead to UTI. It is more common in female cats and dogs, because of a shorter urinary tract and weaker sphincter muscles. Generally, cats are more prone to UTI than dogs.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Cats and Dogs

Urinary tract infection in cats and dogs is mainly caused by the bacteria, Escherichia coli. Other causative agents are Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Klebsiella. Bladder tumor, bladder cancer and abnormalities of the urinary tract can increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Kidney stone causes a blockage of urinary tract, leading to infection. According to some researchers, urinary tract infection in cats and dogs is associated with their diet. Commercial dry pet foods may be contaminated with bacteria, which can cause infection. Inadequate food storage and unhealthy feeding practices can lead to multiplication of E. coli.

Symptoms of UTI in Cats and Dogs

There are two types of urinary tract infection in cats and dogs such as upper urinary tract infection and lower urinary tract infection. Upper urinary tract infection causes the symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss and anorexia. The signs and symptoms of lower urinary tract infection are related to abnormalities in urination. This includes trouble and extreme pain during urinating. The frequency of urination is increased. There is straining while urinating and localized pain. The urine is cloudy and foul smelling. There may be a presence of blood in the urine (hematuria). Some other symptoms of UTI are tender lower abdominal area, fever, fatigue, lethargy and loss of appetite. When you notice these symptoms in your pet, you should immediately take it to the veterinarian.

Diagnosis of UTI in Cats and Dogs

The diagnosis of UTI in cats and dogs is done with the help of physical examination, medical history and symptoms. The veterinarian performs a thorough physical examination including palpation of abdomen. The medical history includes the questions about reproductive status of your pet, water consumption, previous medications, illness or changes in urination. Urinalysis is done to determine the presence of bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells and crystals. Excessively alkaline urine indicates the possibility of UTI. Culture and sensitivity of urine is performed to identify the causative agent.

Treatment of UTI in Cats and Dogs

Urinary tract infection in cats and dogs is treated with a course of antibiotics. In case of severe infections or persistent urinary tract infections, catheterization or surgery may be required. UTI in cats and dogs can be treated with some herbal remedies. Goldenrod Horsetail compound is the herbal tincture, which can help to soothe the irritating symptoms of UTI. Some other herbs used for UTI treatment are Uva Ursi, Berberine, Cranberry and Ester-C. These herbs help to reduce inflammation and manage the symptoms.

To prevent these health problems, you should take good care of your pet. Your dog's health and cat's health will depend upon the amount of attention you spend on its nutrition, and other health-related issues. Along with this, ensure you spend ample time and give your pet plenty of exercise to keep it happy and healthy forever.

By Reshma Jirage

Is Your Cat Scratching Driving You Crazy?

Does a particular article of furniture or your walls appear like they have been put through a shredder? Is your cat scratching everything but what he's suppose to? There are ways to keep your cat happy and healthy while allowing you to stop pulling your hair out.

First of all, scratching is a natural instinct for your cat. He's genuinely not trying to send you over the edge. Scratching helps to get rid of the dead cells off his claws, helping them to remain sharp and in peak condition. Scratching also helps your cat to feel good. As your cat scratches they also stretch, which helps improve their muscle tone.

A lot of people feel that the way to go is to declaw your cat. This is a procedure you do not want to take lightly. Declawing your cat is a controversial medical procedure. This requires removal of the nail, and occasionally even the end of the toe bone including the cells responsible for nail regeneration. The practice of declawing has lost its appeal in recent years, and has even been banned in some countries, unless medically required, because it's a painful, and for the most part, unneeded action.

Cats like rough surfaces that they can shred to pieces. You will need to provide an alternative solution to your furniture such as a scratching post, rope, or board. It is probably best to avoid carpet covered scratching posts as this may tend to teach your cat to scratch other carpeted areas. Once you have this then you can start training your cat to use it.

The best way to keep your cat from scratching your furniture and walls is to cover the target area with something your cat will find undesirable like double-sided sticky tape, sandpaper, foil, or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side facing out. You could apply an odor which your cat will not like by attaching cotton balls to the object such as perfume or a muscle rub. Make sure the scratching post is conveniently placed in front of what it is your trying to protect so your cat will readily accept this as their alternative. Try making your scratching post or board more enjoyable by rubbing it with catnip leaves or spraying a catnip mist on them.

Clipping your cat's claws regularly may also help to keep your belongings in better shape. If you have never done this before it can appear a bit daunting, but with a pair of cat nail clippers, it's not so difficult. Clip only the clear tip of the nail. Don't clip the area wherever pink tissue is seen or the somewhat opaque area that outlines the pink tissue.

For the first while, praise your cat profusely when he uses his scratching post. You can even reward him with a small treat when he does so.

If your still having no luck then you can always try the plastic nail clips for your cat. There are many different brands out there and they come in a variety of colors, but keep in mind these could get expensive if they keep falling off.

All of the above tips will help you condition your cat to use a scratching post. Most of all you will need persistence and patience and soon you will be able to get that new couch and you can keep your hair on your head where it belongs.

Find helpful answers to all your cat scratching questions and problems http://www.catscratchfurniture.com

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Kitten Care Guide - Complete Care Tips For Your Kitten

Kitten care may be intimidating to the first time cat owner. There are a lot of things to know about kitten care. From bottle feeding to socializing your kitten, you'll have to learn these things in order to raise your kitten properly.

Kitten care should be fun. You will look at your kitten and see a totally helpless creature for the first few days. You need to take care of your kitten and eventually; they will grow into strong, intelligent, and loving cats.

Kittens will grow very quickly. For the first six weeks, they will grow their fastest in their entire lifespan. This stage is crucial. There are some things that you should not do during this stage of a kitten's life.

You should not feed your kitten dog food. This might make end up with cats vomiting or cat sickness. You should not feed it table scraps either. Avoid giving your kitten liver, canned tuna or any type of canned fish for human beings. You should feed your kitten specialty food and nurse them with their proper milk. Kitten care in feeding is important.

Socializing your kitten is part of kitten care. You can talk to your kitten, cuddle with your kitten, and play with it. When you handle it properly, they will associate positive experiences with you and thus, become properly socialized.

Part of kitten care involves what you should allow and what you should prohibit when your kitten is playing. You should now allow your kitten to play with your fingers and associate it with some play toy. This may develop into a bad habit and may eventually cause scratching and biting not only to you but to other people in the household as well.

Part of care involves what kind of toys to buy them. In some cases, you don't even have to buy them because you can find them lying around the house or you can make them. One toy that you may want your cat to play with is a plastic straw. These are excellent for teething during the early stages of cat's life. Aside from straws, you can also get old shoulder pads. They will enjoy playing with this too.

Kitten care also involves what your cat should not play with. Avoid giving your cat curling ribbons or loose string elastics. They may get a cat hairball. You don't want your cat going to the vet because of their toys.

Kelvin Westly is a caring and passionate cat owner. Click here to discover more about the tried and tested cat care and training tips here at: Cat Pet Training by using lesser time and effort on your cats.

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Changes in Your Cat's Heart, Lungs, Kidney and Liver - What You Should Know About It

Even with the best nutrition, exercise, and proper health and dental care, certain changes to your cat's internal organs are inevitable as she grows older. Let's see what you can expect and what you can do to prevent or manage problems that may occur as a result.

Like your cat's other muscles, her heart will lose muscle tone and become less efficient with age. Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, is fairly common in elderly cats.

Depending on your cat's age, general condition, and symptoms, the veterinarian may simply listen to her heart with his stethoscope, use radiographs (X-rays), or recommends an electrocardiogram or EKG or echocardiogram to diagnose a heart problem.

Age also takes a toll on the lungs, making them less elastic and limiting their ability to oxygenate blood. The result is usually reduced stamina and a higher susceptibility to respiratory problems, especially if your cat has asthma.

Older cats are also more likely to contract infectious respiratory diseases, so your vet may recommend changes in your senior's vaccination schedule. The kidneys also become more vulnerable to disease over time due both to natural changes that occur as the body ages and to other health problems, including gum disease and heart problems.

Symptoms, usually increased drinking and urination, do not usually appear until kidney disease is well advanced, so most vets recommend screening for proper kidney function through urinalysis or blood chemistry analysis as part of the regular physical exam and before any procedure that requires anesthesia.

Medication and a special diet may control kidney disease, especially if you catch it early. The job of the liver is to remove toxins from the blood and to produce certain proteins and enzymes. Infections, parasites, cancer, toxins, medications, and a number of diseases all can cause potentially fatal damage to the liver, especially in an older cat whose liver is less efficient than it was when she was younger.

Jaundice is commonly associated with liver disease, but because other symptoms are not specific, liver disease can be difficult to diagnose. Nevertheless, most vets recommend screening for proper liver function as part of routine geriatric care and before anesthesia.

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Diabetes Mellitus and Pancreatitis in Cats - What You Should Know About This Glandular Problem

Older cats may suffer from hormone related diseases caused by glandular changes that occur with advancing age. Again, most vets recommend routine screening for hormone levels in the blood because early intervention with diet, drugs, and other treatments improve the odds of effective control of these diseases.

Let's look at some of the more common glandular problems seen in older cats. The pancreas produces several enzymes that are essential for processing sugars and fats in the diet. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas loses its ability to metabolize and regulate blood sugar through the production of insulin.

Symptoms of diabetes include heavy water consumption, and consequently, heavy urination. Obesity can lead to diabetes, but not all diabetic cats are fat. If your cat drinks and urinates a lot, or if she is overweight, consider having her tested for diabetes.

Some cases can be managed with changes in diet, but many diabetic cats require daily insulin injection to control excess blood sugar. If that is true for your cat, your vet can teach you to give the injections at home and to monitor blood sugar with urine glucose strips available from any pharmacy.

He also can explain what to do if your cat's blood sugar drops too low from the insulin injections. Even with careful home care and monitoring, you will need to take your cat to the vet frequently to be sure that her insulin dosage is correct.

Pancreatitis is a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and elevated heart rate. Eating too much fatty food can bring on an attack of pancreatitis, or it can be caused by certain infections, medication, metabolic disorders, trauma or shock.

If your cat is diagnosed with pancreatitis, your vet will probably advise you to withhold food for a short period to give the pancreas a chance to rest and recover. He also may administer fluids and electrolytes to combat dehydration and may prescribe other treatments to manage potential complications or to address the suspected cause of the pancreatitis.

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