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Showing posts with label Cat Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cat Health. Show all posts

8/28/13

Cat Baskets


Cats sleep most of the day, and they usually find a cozy spot to sleep. It may be your bed, favorite chair, stack of papers and books, fresh pile of linen, on top of a piece of furniture, or in an isolated corner.
For my cat Mittens, those were all preferred spots at one time or the other, that is until I got her a cat basket. I placed it in her favorite corner, added an old towel for cushioning, and at first she ignored it. So two days later I added her favorite toy to the cat basket, watched from afar, and waited patiently. As curious as a cat, as the saying goes, she stepped in the basket and got hooked. Since that day it has been her preferred, cozy spot.

10/29/12

For pet lovers : tips for Pets in Pain


For pet lovers the thought of your pet being in pain is very upsetting.
In the past, veterinarians were trained to not give much worry to the physical pain pets can suffer. In a Fox New report Dr. Dawn Boothe, DVM and professor of clinical pharmacology at Auburn University stated:
"Twenty years ago, veterinary schools taught that animals don't feel pain to the degree that humans do, so there wasn't much attention paid to the issue."
Fortunately, today the school of thinking has changed quite a bit and now pet owners are encouraged to observe their pets carefully for signs they are in pain. And, they are encouraged to take action to help make them more comfortable.
While pets with severe injuries like a broken leg will usually display clear signs of pain such as severe limping or crying, experts say that pets suffering from chronic pain aren't always so easy to detect.
According to Dr. Sandee Hartsfield, DVM, a professor of small-animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University:
"A pet with an acute injury like a broken leg is more likely to respond to you by moving away or biting or pawing you, while a pet suffering from chronic pain such as arthritis tends to be quieter than usual."
Arthritis is a general term that refers to a great number of conditions where there is a loss of viscosity and lubrication of the joint. This begins as mild and occasional inflammation (just like with humans) but then develops into a chronic condition that involves actual deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds the joint. Cats and dogs are highly prone to arthritis... especially as they age.
There are signs that indicate that your pet is suffering from joint pain. It may get up slowly after sleeping. It may be reluctant to run or even walk or have trouble hopping into the car. In the worst cases, he or she yelps when you pet him.
Other possible signs that your pet may be suffering from chronic pain are:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Distancing itself socially
Below are a few suggestions from veterinarians to help relieve chronic pet joint pain in pets:
  • Gentle massage with hands or applying heat with warm moist towels to tender areas.
  • Carefully monitoring diet to prevent excess weight which aggravates joint problems
  • Comfortable bedding
  • Dietary supplementation with nutrients known to help with joint pain
Since our pets can't simply tell us when they are in pain you might want to carefully monitor your pets for signs of chronic pain and if trying the above suggestions doesn't help consider going to the vet.
Naturecast Pet Products' Rejointenator is unlike any pet supplement on the market today! It's an all-natural pet supplement that prevents, treats, and relieves joint pain in pets. There are Rejoinatenator formulas for both dogs and cats. Go to http://naturecastpetproducts.com/rejointenator/ and learn more about the Rejointenator can relieve pain and improve mobility in your pet.

10/26/12

Cat Food Ingredients


Few people really know what the common cat food ingredients are, in the majority of commercial cat food. Most people are comforted by the pretty pictures on the packet or can, and believe or assume that the manufacturer have the health of their furry friend at heart. After all, there are plenty of veterinary endorsements.
Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. For a start veterinary endorsements mean absolutely nothing. It has always been possible to buy people. There will probably always be people who care more about their bank balance than their ethics.
The commercial pet food industry is a multi billion dollar industry, so they can afford to buy even highly priced recommendations.
Few people realise that the majority (all?) of veterinary colleges around the world are heavily subsidised by the commercial pet food industry. Universities are always short of money, looking for new ways to keep going. The commercial pet food industry is only too pleased to step in and help, because they can heavily influence the students.
Not only that, but veterinary colleges pay no attention to the importance of diet. This vital aspect of animal health care is given over completely to an industry with a heavily loaded vested interest.
And how well the graduates have learned, with practically every veterinary clinic groaning with packets and cans of commercial pet food from floor to ceiling.
There are a multitude of problems with the ingredients in commercial cat food, regardless of the price tag. They vary from poor quality 'raw' ingredients, to the wrong type of food for the species, to a high chemical load, even to the inclusion of hazardous ingredients such as melamine or plastic that have no business being in anyone's food.
For the purposes of this article, just one of the common cat food ingredients is under scrutiny. Propylene glycol is an alcohol used as a solvent. It is used to prevent melting in extreme heat or freezing in extreme cold. It is commonly found in personal care products and cosmetics. It is used in animal feed to keep it moist. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is found in hydraulic fluid and industrial anti-freeze.
When propylene glycol is applied to the skin, as with personal care products, it is absorbed through the skin and finds its way into the blood stream. When animals are fed food which contain this chemical, it is absorbed by the body a lot faster.


  Three Natural and Economical Feline Treatments

4/5/12

Natural ways you can discourage fleas in your home and on your pet

Fleas can reproduce very quickly. In just one fleas lifetime (about two weeks) she can lay hundreds and hundreds of eggs. Once these eggs hatch the larva will begin feeding on pet hair, flea feces, dried blood, or any other disgusting organic matter found in carpets, furniture, and on your pets.
After feeding this larva will spin a cocoon in which it can lay dormant for up to a year waiting for a victim. The use of pesticides on fleas while in this cocoon stage is pointless. They are almost completely immune to poisons. There is not a pesticide on the market today that can kill them completely or consistently while in the cocoon stage.
Unfortunately, even when fleas can be killed using pesticides there is still the concern over the chemicals being used. Many pesticides are in themselves an issue for the health of your family and pets.
In April 2009, advisories from the EPA regarding spot-on type flea treatments began to be released. The EPA reported receiving over 44,000 reports of adverse reactions in pets. Those reactions ranged from mild skin irritation to seizures and death (600 deaths according to the report).
Cyphenothrin and permethrin are just two products that are used in many flea treatments that have proven to be problematic, especially for smaller dogs and cats.
Believe it are not there are many simple ways to combat flea infestations which work just as good if not better than using toxic chemicals.
The first and one of the most important things you can do is vacuum. Vacuuming daily will rid your carpets of those cocoon stage fleas. The heat generated from the vacuum will also encourage them to hatch into their more vulnerable stage so that they can be dealt with swiftly. When possible use a vacuum with a bag and dispose of the bag promptly after vacuuming the floors and furniture. Yes, you need to vacuum all the furniture as well. If you have a current infestation daily vacuuming is one of your best defenses. As you will be targeting the fleas and the eggs before they have a chance to hatch and multiply.
Also keeping your pet healthy and feeding a healthy diet will help to discourage fleas. The better shape that your pet is in the less attractive they will be to nesting fleas.
Garlic can be used to rid your pet of fleas. However, garlic must be used with caution as it can be toxic to your dog when given in the wrong amounts. Discus the use of garlic for flea control with your vet to determine the right amount for your pets body weight. There are also many natural store bought mineral supplements for your pet such as diatomaceous earth.
Prevention is key. Keeping your pet bathed and brushed and performing regular full body inspection for parasites is a good idea.
There is also a number of natural alternatives to pesticides including items like cedar oil, rosemary extract, citronella and many more.
Lastly, I would like to give you one of my simplest and favorite flea prevention methods for your pets bed.
For whatever reason fleas hate eucalyptus. I like to create these cute little pouches of eucalyptus for my pet's bed. Here are simple instructions on how to make your "flea free pet bed" pouch.
You will need:
A handful of fresh eucalyptus steams (available at many hobby stores and florist.)
One 10" round cut cheese cloth or other breathable material.
One 3 inch strip of ribbon.
Tear your eucalyptus in to small 1-2 inches strips and place it in the middle of your cheese cloth. Gather the edges of the cloth to the middle creating the small pouch which encases your eucalyptus. Tie the gather with a bow using the ribbon. Couldn't be simpler.
You will want to place this pouch inside of your pets bed. In a way that your pet will not be able to access it. Place one pouch per pet bed.
Not only will this help to keep fleas off of your pets bedding it will smell nice. You will want to replace the eucalyptus in the pouch at least once a month for best results.
These are just a few of the natural ways you can discourage fleas in your home and on your pet. There are many recipes for homemade flea shampoos and sprays. There are also many natural shampoos and sprays being sold on the market.
Don't allow your pets or your family to become food for these nasty bugs this summer. Use prevention methods and be open to trying the natural alternatives for elimination and prevention of fleas. Here is wishing all pets a flea free summer.


12/13/10

Balanced and nutritious pet food recipes


To keep the pets healthy and strong, we shall give them balanced and nutritious pet food recipes like the following:
1. Original Ultra Premium Dry Cat Food - this is something that is put together by considering all scientific tests and formula to make your pet cats healthy and strong. This has nothing to do with marketing campaign or tactics this is pure concern with the health and welfare of cats. Original Ultra Premium Dry Cat food is perfect for all breeds of cats and all conditions whether pregnant cats, kittens, male or female cats, even adult cats can all enjoy this tasteful and healthy food especially created based on their needs. This has ingredients like fresh chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes, skin and coat essential fatty acids and best of all it has NO artificial preservatives added. It is also highly digestible by your pets so by giving this to your cat you are guaranteed that your pet is having the high quality it truly deserves.
2. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food - this is a grain-free formula for dogs with allergies based on the unique protein and carbohydrate blend. What many people seem to not notice is that even dogs and all other animals for that matter can also be prone to some allergies so we shall be careful in giving the pets foods that may trigger the allergy. This dog food product is made from combination of sweet potatoes, chicken as well as natural ingredients that are effective to improve the immune system of dogs. If you notice that your dog is allergic to protein and carbohydrates in their diet by seeing symptoms like bowel movements and skin problems you should immediately switch to sweet potato and fresh chicken formula for your dog diet.
3. Grain Free Potato & Duck Formula Dry Dog Food - another type of dog food for dogs that have allergies to protein content of their food. Since this recipe uses the combination of fresh potato and duck meat, dogs can still get the protein nutrients they need in their body. Since dogs have not been exposed to duck meat, this formula is perfect for their diet and allergies.
With all the information you just read, it would be great if you will start providing your pets with these kinds of pet foods. Natural balance cat food or dog food can be the key to longer life of your beloved pets so try and order now. If you are the busy type of person who doesn't have much time to go to the market and go through long lines there is an easier and best option for you and that is by ordering online, you can check out different websites for more information.

12/11/10

Which cat urine cleaner you should buy?





The following are four tips to buying cat urine cleaner:

1. Fragrance Free : The best option is to go with fragrance free urine cleaner. Those that contain heavy perfumes only cover up the smell and do not clean the actual urine out of the carpet or furniture. Masking the smell only gives you a false sense of clean when the stain is removed and the odor returns. Instead, choose the cleaner that does not have a fragrance so that you can tell when the odor is gone.

2. Repeat Soiling Prevention : It is important that your pet understand that the spot that the soiled is not the place to do their business. Cats tend to use the same area over and over as it is comfortable to them. Any cleaner should include a repellant to keep the cats from wanting to urinate on the same spot. This may cost a bit more overall, but the end result is definitely worth it.
3. Safe : Any cleaner that is used should not contain any harsh chemicals that can harm any living creature in your home. There are many natural ingredients that can be used and should be the main ingredients in any cleaner that you choose. If the cleaner does contain harmful or toxic ingredients, you, your family or your pets can become ill or worse.

4. Size : Finally, you want to make sure that the company is offering enough of the cleaner to do a proper job. A small bottle may not contain enough cleaner to take care of more than one stain. You want to get at least a quart for your money's worth in order to have it one hand when you need it.

The smell of cat urine is one of the strongest and should be cleaned up as soon as possible. A safe and non-toxic cat urine cleaner that is fragrance free is your best option. 

12/10/10

The best veterinarian for your cat



In getting the best veterinarian for your cat, check nearby animal hospitals and check for feline specialists. Ask about the length of their practice, their specializations and the availability of the doctor if ever you need to ask something about your pet's health or condition. It is better if you can talk with the chosen vet before formally deciding whether you want him or her to be your pet's vet. You would want to gauge if the vet is approachable and friendly.
You may want to try bringing your pet to see if your pet is comfortable with the environment and the cat vet. Along with the vet that you want for your cat, also consider the staff in the hospital. Are they friendly to animals and do they give attention to every patient they have? Look around the place. Inspect for cleanliness while waiting for the vet. Also choose an animal hospital near your place in case of emergencies. Ask recommendations from friends and search the internet for opinions about different pet hospitals and cat vets in your area.
After getting your pet a veterinarian, bring your pet over to get acquainted with the doctor. Also ask about general check-ups and vaccines. Get all the vaccines your pet needs and schedule other check-ups in the future. With a cat vet, you are now confident that there will be someone to take care of your pet in case something goes wrong. The next thing that you should know is when to bring your cat to the vet.
When to bring your cat immediately to the vet? When your pet experiences trouble breathing, seizures, and bleeding in any area, you have to bring it immediately to your vet. Call your vet in time when your cat suddenly changes its routine like more frequent use of the litter box, appetite loss and lethargy.
Since cats are fastidious animals, they most often spend time grooming themselves. At the same time, a cat grooming one particular area over and over again may also mean that it's suffering an illness or allergy. Sneezing, coughing, vomiting and inability to walk or loss of balance also need medical attention since they are symptoms of some common and fatal feline diseases.
Find out more about cat vomiting and also learn more about cat neutering

12/8/10

Some signs to indicate a stressed pet


Here are some signs to indicate a stressed pet.
Itching. Most of the time, this isn't a symptom of stress. There are other more obvious reasons for itching like ticks, fleas, lice, rashes, skin allergies, etc. But if these reasons aren't present or they are scratching more than normal then stress becomes a troubling possibility.
Shedding. A bit of shedding is normal. A lot of shedding isn't. Most instances of shedding are due to a poor diet or the animal isn't getting enough sun. Sometimes it's a genetic trait. But it's also a sign of increased stress levels. Remember your teacher complaining that the trouble you made could cause them to grow bald. Well stress does this to all animals.
Lethargy. If your pet doesn't want to do anything, then something is wrong. Pets are active creatures. If they're not, then they could be depressed, unhealthy, unhappy or completely stressed out.
Aggression. Most pets are not aggressive to their owners. If they are, they are usually sick or injured. They simply don't want to deal with an owner that's pushing them to play when they can't. However, this aggression also points to stress as a reason.
No appetite. Pets that are not in prime condition will not eat much. This usually means they are sick or stressed.
Lacking interest. Is your pet just sitting there when something that made him jump up and down appeared? This is troubling for any pet owner. If he's not actually sick then stress may have gotten hold.
Passivity. Stress can make animals not just care about anything.
Negativity. Stressed pets will send out negativity in droves. It can lead to a display of bad behavior like barking constantly or chewing anything.
Changed potty habits. You could have the most well trained pet in existence. But once stress hits, it could turn them into careless, uncaring animals who does his 'business' in the wrong place. Stress or depressed animals do this.
Sounds. If your animal is making a sound then that could be a sign of stress. Dogs will bark and cats will purr. Listen to your pets and hear what they have to communicate.
Body language. If your pets suddenly change their body language then stress could be heavily affecting them. Humans slouch when stress hits and this behavior has counterparts in the animal kingdom.

11/16/10

what makes for good cat nutrition



Our feline companies are carnivores and as such their digestive systems are adjusted for high protein diets and not suited to treats fit for human consumption.
Digestion is a mechanism designed to break down food that supplies your cat with the essential nutrients and subsequent energy to live a healthy, energy-filled life. As a cat's digestive system is developed for a high protein diet it has powerful gastric juices that assist in breaking down bones and meat. Their digestive systems do not have the necessary enzymes for a diet rich in plant matter or carbohydrates.
As a responsible cat owner, it is important to understand what makes for good cat nutrition and what cat treats should be avoided. The following 'foods' and 'treats' are not recommended for cats:
1.     Canned Human Tuna - Canned tuna is not harmful provided it is an occasional treat and does not constitute your cat's main diet. Tuna is high in mercury and may result in mercury poisoning. Canned tuna also has a high sodium (salt) content and it not nutritionally balanced.    
2.       Dog Food - Dog food does not contain sufficient proteins and taurine, which is an essential amino acid that cats produce in insufficient amounts. Dog food is not nutritionally balanced for cats. Similarly, dogs should not be fed cat food.
3.      Grapes and raisins - Whilst the experts have not established what component contained in grapes and raisins causes renal (kidney) damage, cat's that have ingested them have reportedly suffered renal failure.  
4.        Tomatoes - Unripe or green tomatoes contain solanine, a toxin harmful to cats. Ingestion of tomatoes can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
5.    Garlic and Onion - Whilst a single feeding of food containing onions and garlic is not likely to make your cat ill, longterm, the sulfoxides and disulfides contained in these bulbs damages red blood cells which contain hemoglobin that is the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells. Reduced oxygen supply to the cat's organs can cause severe health problems and in severe cases - death    
6.        Chocolate - This sweet treat is a no-no for cats and dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that cats cannot metabolize. Apart from nausea and vomiting, chocolate stimulates the central nervous system, increases the heart rate and may cause seizures and death. The more pure the chocolate the more dangerous it is.
7.    Caffeine - tea and coffee contains caffeine and caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and not recommended for cats.     
8.        Dairy Products - Whilst there is much debate on the subject of cow's milk for cats, the fact is that cats do not have the right enzymes to breakdown dairy products made from cow's milk (ice cream, cheese). They may suffer from gastrointestinal problems as a result of a lactose intolerance. The question of growth hormone in cow's milk is also a matter of separate debate.
9.        Alcohol - save the Budweiser and Johnnie Walker for human consumption.
Finally, it's advisable to feed your cat a veterinary approved commercial cat food. If you are trained in the field of animal nutrition, organic cat foods or even homemade foods are perfect alternatives, provided they are nutritionally balanced. Give your cat occasional treats - but cat treats designed for cats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyn_Nunn

9/12/10

Restore pet mobility



This article reviews a device invented to restore pet mobility. Dogs admire to stay mobile at all times, walking around and using their sense of smell. If pet mobility is hindered, your pet cannot live a pleasant life.
The traditional solution to restore your pet's mobility when it is handicapped is to take it to a vet and get some medication. If this solution does not yield results, you should think of an alternative to relieve its distress by making available some means for it to move around. Today, different devices are available that enable free movement of your pets in spite of their disabilities. There are dog wheelchairs for your paralyzed dogs. This apparatus allows your dog to freely move around without any hassle. This may also motivate it to exercise its bones and muscles so that it hastens the process of healing and restoring healthy limbs.
Dog wheelchairs are available on the web and at veterinary clinics. These carts enable dogs to remain in their natural position in spite of their disabilities. Cart wheelchairs come in various types. For dogs that are paralyzed in their back legs and cannot make much use of them, a rear wheel cart will help overcome this problem. For a dog which does not have front limbs or has injured its front limbs, a front wheel cart will come to the rescue. Where all four limbs have been paralyzed or the entire body is paralyzed, a four wheel quad cart can help the pet to conquer its disability.
However, your pet may take time to get used to its wheelchair or cart. Initially, it may feel awkward. You must keep coaxing it to walk around with its new-found support with treats and positive reinforcement. Eventually, your pet will start walking happily again. Some amount of patience and time is required before your pet is ready to use the wheeled support.
Pet owners can immediacy stop worrying about their pet's disabilities. These days a number of stores cater to dogs and aid pet mobility by offering a wide range of products from wheelchairs to carts to rear harnesses to dog collars.
Pet mobility products like harnesses and wheelchairs can restore your pet's action and enable it to live a normal and healthy life in spite of its disabilities.
For more information about pet mobility: http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/dog-wheelchair-carts.html

9/7/10

The Right Cat Litter

cat litter

Many categories of cat litter are on the market. Most litters are disposable; some are even flushable. Clawed cats are not chancy to care what type you utilize. Declawed cats, on the other hand, are often challenged with litter box issues. 

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 utilizable in every grocery store, pet stores, and online catalogs. 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 fragile health or behavior difficulty, you may test biodegradable litters. Some clay litters are scented with a deodorizer that absorbs odors or is activated when the litter is pawed at or stirred. 

Clumping litter: Also known as "scoopable," this type of litter forms a solid ball when urine penetrates a deep layer of the litter. 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 beginning, precisely if you have more than one cat. But there is a important problem to some scoopable/clumping litters. 

For clumping litters to work, they need a "clumping agent." A popular clumping agent in frequent scoopable brands is sodium bentonite. This clumping agent expands to 15 times its size when wet. When acat steps in the litter box, some sodium bentonite clings to his paws. This aftereffects 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. 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 home. 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.

8/24/10

Fish Oil for Cats



Omega three fatty acids fish oil for cats can help improve its immune system, cognitive functions, arthritis, behavior, cholesterol levels, offer cancer prevention and give them a vibrant coat.
Fish Oil for cats can also help with swelling which, if not treated, can cause such problems as strokes, heart attacks, high cholesterol, early death, and many different kinds of bacterial infections. It's really efficient in treating a multitude of overall health difficulties and maximizing their survival rate. Vets are utilizing fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids for cats as part of a regular therapy regimen simply because they are much more easily absorbed into the system and indicate results faster as compared to all the others.
Just like our own food, its food lacks the extra Omega-3 fatty acids that they need just as much as all of us do. You might be asking yourself why you ought to be worried about such a small dietary detail just for a cat, however let's be honest, what would we do without having our furry friends? Study demonstrates owners of pets have got significantly less health problems than individuals who do not own pets.
It has been proven that pet owners have a lower heart attack mortality rate by 3%, much better psychological well-being, lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, less anxiety, and go to the doctor less as compared to people who don't have pets. Studies also demonstrates that children who have domestic pets experience a nurturing character that might continue into adult-hood, stay involved with extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and hobbies, have increased cognitive abilities, and less allergic reactions when exposed to pets throughout their first years of life.
After providing the cat fish oil, you may not notice a difference for some months. That's simply because, again, just like us, their systems change from the inside out. From individual cells, to tissues, to organs, and eventually the skin and hair comes out glowing. You don't have to buy a unique fish oil for cats, the ones all of us use works perfectly.
Omega-3 fatty acids that supply most advantages are DHA and EPA. Examine labels carefully to discover the purest type of fish oil that filter out dangerous harmful toxins in the fish from the water streams they come from, making sure it's been molecularly distilled in order to filter the harmful toxins that consist of the dangerous chemical substances mercury and dioxin. It is true our own cats need all of us for their well being just like we need them for our health.
Are you looking to skyrocket the health of your cat? Learn more about how add high quality fish oil supplements for cats into your favourite felines diet can help improve their skin, coat, allergies, and prevent diseases such as cancer from manifesting. There are many benefits to fish oil for cats. It has been used by top breeders for a long time to improve the skin and health of their cats.

4/11/10

Natural Healing For Cats

When you are a cat owner, you know how fortunate you are. You know how lucky you are that your cat accepted you and decided to live in your home.
All cats are special and unique.
Of course, you also only want what is best for your cat, especially when it pertains to their health.
If you find your cat has come down with a minor health problem, do you want to have to go to the vet, or is there another option available?
Would you be surprised to learn there are many natural healing remedies that can help your cat?
Most natural treatments consist of herbs and other all-natural ingredients.
The benefit of using these remedies is twofold.
They do not contain harsh chemicals or synthetics that are the main cause for serious side effects.
The other benefit being they are always less money then any product you would purchase at a pet store or vet office.
We know just an office visit at the vet now can be very expensive. Therefore, if your cat has minor health problems why not treat him or her with natural remedies.
Another plus to treating your cat at home, is no nasty car ride. As cat owners, we all know that is usually not a favorite. Sometimes when they see their travel case, they become so nervous they get themselves even sicker.
What happens if your cat gets ill late at night or on a holiday? Thank goodness, there now are emergency vet offices open 24/7 for serious problem, which of course you should immediately take your cat to the vet.
However, if your cat's illness is not very serious, would it not be more preferable to treat your cat at home.
In addition, when using natural healing treatments for your cat you can treat the problem immediately.
Most likely, you will have what you need to treat your cat with natural ingredients right in your own home.
In conclusion, the elements used in natural healing are very effective in treating your cat. Many of the ingredients have been used for centuries in treating humans as well as pets.
So the next time your cat feels a little under the weather, try using a natural remedy to make them feel better.
Find out more
Free Information on natural remedies for your cat
http://www.allthingspets.info

Do You Have an Allergy to Cat Dander?

Many people who love cats find that they are very allergic to cats. Some people try out hairless breeds of cats, because they assume they are allergic to cat hair, and find this only works some of the time. This is because people are actually allergic to cat dander and saliva. Finding a way to cope with a cat dander allergy is very important if you or a loved on suffers from it. There are a lot of different methods for dealing with a cat allergy that can be found both online and offline. Curing your cat allergy will relieve you of your symptoms and raise your quality of life.
Cat dander is dead skin cells. Cats, and most other warm blooded animals including humans, shed their skin in tiny flakes in order to constantly replace old skin with new healthy skin. This is performed in some way by almost all living creatures so to help them stay healthy by warding off disease and infection. The constant replacing of skin cells is how creatures heal themselves. The 'dust' that is on the surfaces in your house is actually dander. Ever member of your family, and your pets leave a small amount behind every day.
Most people believe that dander is invisible but it is actually very very small. While you can see the dust left on the surfaces in your house, it will require a microscope to see pieces of individual dander. Even if you cannot see the clouds of it traversing your house or coming out of your couch everytime you touch its surfaces doesn't mean it isn't there. It is also a common belief that if you do not have a cat you will not be effected by cat dander. This has proven to be false. Even office buildings, which have never had cats in them, have traces of cat dander in them. This is the result of people with cats at home bringing small amounts of dander with them to work on their clothing. Luckily, you will have to have an extremely severe allergy to cats for this to effect you.
A lot of people also think that they can eliminate all of the dander from their living area simply by vacuuming and dusting. It is simply not possible to completely remove dander from your house once you have had a cat in it. However, it is true that vacuuming and dusting your house often can cut down your allergic reaction to cats incredibly.
Margaret Salingzer is a part time author who often writes about topics that include fashion, health, and family. For some of her recent work please visit Sleeveless T Shirt and Black Leotard

2/8/10

Kidney Infection in Cats


 

Detect kidney infection in cats early could conserve your pets life and spare you a great deal of anxiety and expense as well.
Kidney infection in cats is frequently bacterial in nature, and often creates when the bacteria gains access to the urinary tract through the urethra, moves to the bladder, and then on to the kidneys. By the time the bacteria makes its way to the kidneys it has fully engulfed the entire urinary tract leading to symptoms including inappropriate urination, more frequent urination, smelly urine, blood in the urine, pain during urination, sensitivity to touch in the area of the kidneys, and possibly, when stones are involved, a complete shutdown of the urinary process. While the other symptoms are signs of a serious but not dire problem, the last symptom of kidney infection in cats is very, very, important requiring immediate medical care from a trained veterinarian doctor. If total blockage is occurring or has occurred, death is likely in less than 48 hours and possibly 24 hours. If the blockage isn't corrected and the bladder drained, allowing the kidneys to free themselves of the toxic soup of bacteria and waste, death will occur.
On the other hand, while the best course of action is still a veterinary visit to both confirm the condition and prescribe the proper antibiotic there may be substantial costs involved, especially if your pets must take up residence in one of those tiny cages at the clinic. For some the cost as well as the stress placed on older animals simply outweighs the benefits.
My personal preference is never to leave my animals overnight. I have lost two cats over the years both at the veterinary clinic and both with overnight stays. If I had it to do over again would I have done it differently; absolutely. Nevertheless, no one will argue with the fact that cats are sensitive to their surroundings and stress places a great deal of added pressure both on their immune system and their will to live.
Kidney infection in cats is a serious concern and often times the veterinary visit is a necessity rather than a choice. If this is the case make sure you take their favorite toys, blanket, or even a picture of you to place in the cage. Your vet will understand and maybe even encourage you to do this.
Many pet owners have discovered accomplishment with home remedies for mild to moderate kidney infection in cats without obstruction. One of the most effective home remedies is a combination of homeopathic natural remedies  containing the herb uva ursi, combined with increased fluid intake.

Kidney Stones in Cats



Any difficulties attached to the kidneys, are frequent in cats. This is due to cats have evolved to live off their wits. They have a super fanciful stalking and hunting abilities and these can only be executed with the use of adrenalin. Adrenalin is produced in the kidneys.
The common cause of kidney stones in cats or anyone else, is the dietary supplementation of isolated and synthetic nutrients, in particular calcium and vitamin C. Nutrients cannot be isolated as they co-dependent on many others for full and efficient absorption.
At best, the synthetic nutrients are excreted. At worst they cause internal problems, such as kidney stones. All processed cat food will be supplemented with additional nutrients, as most are very poor quality.
By feeding your cat a processed cat food, you are not only starving her of quality food, you may also be contributing to kidney stones and other kidney problems.
Apart from the poor quality and the synthetic nutrients, the majority of processed cat food contains harmful preservatives despite the claim on the label. So your cat is also probably experiencing a toxic overload, to add to her existing burden.
The first thing to address is the diet. Convert your cat to a quality raw meat and bones diet. Perseverance on your part will eventually convince her.
The homeopathic medicine Urtica urens can be helpful is dissolving the salts which make kidney stones. It is also a helpful medicine in relieving the system of a toxin overload.
Cats who do well on Urtica urens may also suffer from urticaria (a rash of round red welts, which itch intensely and may swell, also known as hives, or can occur after an allergic reaction) of the skin. Or they may have suffered from this in the past.
If this has been suppressed with drugs such as cortisone, this simply adds to you cat's overloaded toxic burden.
The suggested potency (strength) is 6x or 6c twice a day for a week or two, depending on the results observed.