Cat Health Problems and How to Cure Them

 

Cat health problems are on the rise. Diarrhoea, kidney disease, thyroid problems, asthma, aggression, diabetes, leukaemia and cancer are all much more prevalent today than they were only a few decades ago. Veterinary care seems only able to maintain rather than cure the problems. However, when you adopt a system of natural cat health care, you can prevent and cure the problems.
When your cat starts to experience a health problem, commonly known as disease, she starts to exhibit certain symptoms. She might drink more, or there is a change in appetite, a lump may appear, she may show lethargy when she was previously energetic. These symptoms are not diseases. They are the body's adjustment, or adaptation, to a causative problem.
Let's look at an analogy to illustrate this. Suppose you put a two stroke mixture of fuel in your car which runs on unleaded fuel. Your car would still run, but the performance would not be as good and the exhaust would be smokey. If you continued to use this incorrect fuel, ultimately the engine parts would clog up and stop working altogether.
There was nothing wrong with the engine. It was being 'fed' the wrong fuel. And it's the same with your cat. If your cat gets a disease, the cause is most likely the food you are feeding her. Because this has changed dramatically in the last few decades, it shows a strong link to the cause of deteriorating health in cats.
And when you examine the common commercial cat foods, you can see why:
Cats needs a quality protein. Commercial cat food uses inferior 'protein' sources as its cheaper.
Cats don't naturally eat much, if any, carbohydrates. Commercial cat food is high in carbohydrates because it's cheap.
Cats are sensitive to chemicals. Commercial cat food is high in chemicals as they are cheap and are an attempt to address the shortfall in nutrition, add flavour, colour, improve the appearance, texture and allow a long shelf life.
And this is not looking at the 'food' more closely.
You can prevent cat health problems by adapting a quality, natural diet as part of her regime of natural cat health. This alone can save you countless dollars in veterinary bills, over the years.
If your cat already has a health problem, the best thing to do immediately is change the diet. This may not be without resistance on your cat's part. You would expect that. But, by persevering, you may be able to completely cure the problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeleine_Innocent

Interesting Facts And Oddities About Cats

 

If you are a new cat owner you probably would want to know important information about these beautiful animals. Felines make ideal pets because these are not very demanding animals. Knowing cat facts would enable a new owner to resolve problems associated with cat behaviors. Responsible cat owners would dig every cat facts that can help in raising the cat into a happy and healthy pet.
Did you know that your pet was born blind? Kittens vision will be developed after a couple of weeks. Cats that sleep practically all day would be active at night because they are nocturnal animals. Being nocturnal animals, cat owners commonly believe that their pets have the ability to see in complete darkness. This is one of the false beliefs about cats. Cats and humans daylight vision are almost similar. But these animals can see much better in the dark because their eyes have a reflective layer called tapetum lucidum. Cats are inclined to roam at night, these animals that have eerily glowing eyes can see much better in the dark thus it is not surprising if people associate cats with supernatural beings.
Cats have a life expectancy of 15 years but some cats live for over 20 years. One unfounded fact about cats is these animals nine lives. This belief stemmed from the cat's ability to land on their feet after falling from heights. They do not really have nine lives but they have a remarkable survival rate because when they fall, they relax the body and take on the flying squirrel stance thereby reducing the velocity. Cats have the ability to position the body in such a way that the impact from the fall will be significantly reduced.
Felines make ideal pets for senior and less active pet parents. Cats are low maintenance pets as unlike dogs, these pets do not need to be walked and to be amused by the human family. The independent personality allows cats to live peacefully on their own. Cats can spend the day grooming the coat, sleeping and sitting on the window sill to watch the world go by.
A cat owner can easily make the pet happy. A belly rub, a few minutes of cuddling would be enough to make it happy. Cats though have different personalities and some individuals have the tendency to develop unwanted behaviors. This is why it is important for the owner to learn information about cats to be able to understand cat behavior.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Welsh

Buying the Right Cat Activity Centre For Your Cat

 

When owning a cat, whether it is an indoor cat or an outdoor cat, there are certain things that have to be taken into account. Will my sofa stay scratch free? Will my cats get bored and lie on the bed all day or go outside and not want to come in because he/she gets bored inside. A cat activity centre is the answer to those problems. A small post for a cat to scratch is not always sufficient enough to keep your cat happy. Saying that, people do not need a large one to do the job that they want it to do. When buying one, whether in store or online, without knowing anything about the product can sometimes mean people are buying something that will not do the job they want it to or worse a product that have had bad reviews in the past. Taking the time to find out all the information you need about a cat activity centre is key to a happy cat and a happy human.
People who own more than one cat may want to opt for a larger cat activity centre that has multiple beds and ropes to play with and multiple levels to climb up on. Of course this requires space so finding out the size of the product first and comparing it to the size of the space it is going to go in is one of the first things that should be looked at. There are different size large activity centres so if you want a large one but have a small space you may still be able to find one to suit your needs. Looking at reviews on them as well can help you choose. Sometimes they are not made suitably for more than one cat and after a week or so it starts to wobble already or it may have toys attached to it that come off easily, all reasons to take reading reviews seriously so you get the best cat activity centre for your cat.
Of course there are also smaller cat activity centres that are just as fun for a cat. If people own just one cat or have kittens they can be perfect for them as they have everything a larger one has but just less of it. So instead of multiple beds it may only have a couple and instead of multiple levels to climb up it may only have two or three but if someone has a smaller space to put one in then they are great for cats. The sofas will stay scratch free and the cat will have a bed and a toy to play with all in one.
No matter what type of cat activity centre someone is after, making sure the right one is brought is important to having a happy cat and a happy human.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robyn_T_Lang

How to Get Your Cat Healthy

 

To have a cat strong and healthy, it is essential that you are fed properly. Gone are the days when being an animal is fed with leftovers, and our cat has special requirements to be healthy.
It is true that cats are a bit demanding when eating. Anything, as leftovers, eats them only rarely and on a whim. This is mainly due to their nutritional needs. Our cat is a very careful eater, who refuses his food if it smells good, or is not served at the proper temperature. Your senses of smell and taste, you can detect if the food is not fresh.
One of the first things we learn as owners of these gourmets is that you need to feed every day at the same time.
It can happen to our cat, in his nocturnal escapades, supplement their diet by hunting and eating small prey, which in no way means that you are hungry or increasing you ration food, and avoid this. The cat hunting instinct, even the best fed a mouse hunt, if presented the opportunity.
Nutritional Requirements:
The cat, not a vegetarian and mandatory nutrient needs of animal origin and is unable to survive long on a diet completely free of meat.
The best way to ensure that your cat enjoys a balanced diet, is offering food prepared specifically for them, either canned or dry food or semi-dry, which contain the nutritional elements necessary for nourishment. In addition, you can give fresh food once or twice a week, to provide variety and interest to your diet. These foods can be cooked beef, broiled, grilled, or with some vegetables, canned sardines, chicken, fish stew, etc., taking care to remove all the thorns and bones.
Always bear in mind that food should be fed with specially formulated for cats, for example, should not be formulated to feed the dogs, because the cat needs 20% more protein than dogs, and require certain animal fats encuenran only in meats and fish (such as tureen).
Dry foods, be used as part of the diet, given that this type of food, increase the water requirement of the animal. It is best to alternate them with canned and fresh foods to make more balanced diet.
Whatever type of food you use, your cat should always have fresh water, so that you can eat according to your requirements.
A normal adult cat should weigh between 4 and 5 Kgs, but the weight of a cat varies according to the complexion of the race.
Eating well does not mean overweight. An overweight cat has a large abdomen that hangs down, breathing heavily and becomes less active. That excess kilos on requires the heart and makes you more prone to arthritis and other diseases as they age. Sometimes you can try a hormonal problem, but usually a fat cat, because they eat much more than you need.
If your cat is overweight, check with the vet if not the result of a medical problem, if not, the specialist can advise which is the best diet for your cat to lose weight, taking into account race, age, physical condition, and naturally, their own tastes and preferences, and remember, a cat overweight, has a much lower life expectancy than other cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaikh_Shoeb_Sam

Taking Care of a Pregnant Cat

Cats need a lot of care and attention during their pregnancy. In this article, I would suggest you some important points that will help you take good care of your cat during pregnancy.
Recognising Signs of Pregnancy
In order to take care of a pregnant cat it is essential to be aware of some signs of pregnancy in cats. Most cats become affectionate and quite during their pregnancy. They will spend more time at home and will completely change their daily routine. By the third week of pregnancy the cat's nipples will become enlarged and dark pink. You can even take your cat to an experienced veterinarian to detect your queen's pregnancy. He will be able to palpitate the abdomen and feel the kittens around 17 to 25 days.
Diet & Nutrition During Pregnancy
Once you are sure that your cat is pregnant, the first and foremost step is to take care of her food and ensure that she gets the right amount of nutrition required at this stage. Cats need more nutrients when they are pregnant especially calcium and proteins. Lack of calcium can lead to something called as milk fever or eclampsia. Brands like Eukanuba, Cimiao prepare special food for cats during pregnancy. This food contains all the necessary nutrients that are essential for your cat during pregnancy. If you are making the food at home than it is important to increase the amount of proteins in her food. Proteins contribute a lot in the growth and development of kittens. You must avoid giving her too much salty, spicy or fatty food as it is not good for your cat's health. It will be easier for your pregnant cat if you start giving her smaller and more frequent meals.
Notice Small Changes
Another important thing that you must take care during your cat's pregnancy is to keep a track on her behavioural changes. She might act differently or become more aggressive during her gestation period. Your cat can also have morning sickness; make sure there is plenty of water available for her. It is common for a cat to deliver in her own litter box. Therefore, you must ensure that you provide her with a non clumping litter. Such a litter box will help to keep her and her offspring clean.
Role of Exercise
Exercise is very important for cats during pregnancy. This will keep her muscles toned and will help her during birth. Also, you must ensure that the place around her is cleaned and wiped properly. She must be kept away from worms as they can pass to the kittens via bloodstream or mother's milk after birth. Furthermore, you should take her to a veterinarian for checkups at regular intervals.
Things to do in the Last Week of Pregnancy
Apart from these tips your cat needs some special attention during her final stage of pregnancy; here are some points that will help you to take proper care of her during last stage of pregnancy:
- Keep other cats away
- Don't pick her up, hug her tightly or do anything that will make your cat miserable
- Remember to give her special attention during the final stage of pregnancy
- Keep a close eye on your cat
- Prepare a home for kittens before they are born

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Akansha_Mehra

Facts About Cats

 

There are so many cat questions that one would be tempted to ask. In this write-up we are going to take a brief look on some facts about cats in an attempt to answer some of them.
History of Cat Domestication
The African wild cat was the first of the cat species to be domesticated. Egyptians cultivated the culture of domestic cats more so due to the problem of rats that they used to face during those days. These creatures were widely embraced due to their good services to human beings in Egypt up to a point that the ruling Pharaoh declared them demigods. From then onwards, cats gained a reputable position amongst human beings. Anyone who was seen to endanger the life of any one of them would be subjected to the Egyptian law. The Egyptian cat domination continued to reign supreme up to a point that people would shave their chests and eyebrows in respect of their cats. With time, the culture of domesticating these animals spread further and wide throughout the world.
Some Amazing Cat Facts
If you thought that you knew all about cats then did you know that a cat is unable to taste sweet? Unlike our tongues, cats' tongues do not have (sweet) taste buds. Cats' tongues have barbs which enable them to scoop any liquid inwards.
Ordinarily, a cat litter is made up of between 2 to 6 kittens. The kittens are born with closed eyes which are then opened after about 7 days. As these kittens grow up, the colors of their eyes change.
Though cats may seem to have a smaller backbone, they have more vertebrae more than us. These animals also have more bones than human beings. On the same note, have you ever noticed that unlike other animals cats walk using their toes? Some cat problems such as snoring are not really problems as such. In fact, if your cat snores, this simply means that it trusts you.
Another of the facts about these amazing creatures; have you ever noticed that a cat relies on its tail for balance? A cat tail just as the four legs is very useful in providing balance for these animals especially while on a rough terrain or need to act swiftly.
There are more and more cat facts in fact these are among the most amazing creatures in the entire world. You simply can't get enough out of them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Keru_K

5 Tips for Grooming a Cat

 

Grooming a cat can be quite challenging especially for new beginners. This is why it is very important before you actually go and get your own pet cat, you must at least know the basics on how to groom it. Proper pet grooming ensures that you are a responsible pet owner. Not only does grooming make your pet look good, it also keeps your pet healthy because it is not exposed to a lot of germs. If you want to have a pet cat, you must first learn these five tips on how to properly groom your pet. If you think you can do these tips, then you are definitely ready to have a cat.
Do not force anything when trimming your cat's nails
The nails of a cat can be very dangerous both to your skin and to your furniture. This the main reason why it is very important that you trim your cat's nails on a regular basis. Unfortunately some cats do not like getting their nails trimmed. This means they will be fighting at all times whenever you try to trim its nails. Do not force your cat when it does not want to. Being able to trim one or two nails is already good enough.
Brush your cat regularly
Brushing is a very important grooming technique. Brushing ensures that your cat's coat is shiny and clean at all times. You should get a brush that is appropriate for the hair length of your cat. You won't have any problems getting your cat to stay still in order to brush it. Cats like getting brushed.
Cut away matted cat hair
If the hair of your cat is a bit on the long side., it will get matted on a regular basis. The matting can come from any substances that attach to your cat's hair. Matting can be very painful for your cat. You should cut way the matted part as soon as you see it in your cat.
Clean your cat's ears
You should clean your cat's ears twice a month at least. You can use cotton balls to remove any residue inside your cat's ears. This helps prevent any infection from building up in your cat's ears. You should be very gentle when you try to clean your cat's ears.
Prepare your cat for bathing while it is still young
You can condition your cat to regularly take baths if you prepare it at an early age. If your cat is accustomed to regular bathing as a kitten, it will not complain if you continue to bath it when it grows up. This is the main reason why you should start bathing your pet cat when it is still a kitten. If you do this, you will have an easier time if you implement other pet grooming techniques.

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Lost Cat Help

 

Looking for a lost cat can seem like a daunting task, but starting your search early and in the right way can significantly improve your chance of finding your lost cat. First, try and stay calm. There is a good chance that your cat is nearby!
Your lost cat may be hiding somewhere safe, like in the bushes, under the porch, or inside your garage. At the same time, if you think your cat is lost then don't wait days to begin your search. Be proactive and begin your search immediately. Go outside with a bag of your cat's favorite food and shake it around a bit. There is a good chance that your cat will hear the familiar sound and come out from hiding! If it is noisy outside, you may need to wait until dark when it is quieter so your cat may feel more comfortable in coming out from its hiding spot. If your cat still does not make an appearance after you have tried calling it after 10 PM then leave some food outside so your cat will not be tempted to leave the area looking for food because of hunger. Also, remember to call your cat but also to stop and listen regularly. If your cat has climbed a tree or is in some kind of distress, you may be to hear it meowing.
An important thing to keep in mind is that once you have spotted your cat, you don't want it to get scared and run away to hide again! If you see your lost cat nearby, approach slowly and use a calm tone of voice to call it. Stay low to the ground and try and coax your cat into coming to you by shaking a bag of its favorite treats or by dangling its favorite toy from your hand. There is a good chance that, if you are patient enough, your cat will slowly make its way toward you. If your lost cat is still nowhere to be seen, leave an article of your unwashed clothing outside overnight. Your lost cat may stay nearby if it knows that you are around (via your scent on the clothing.)
In the meantime, start letting the world know about your lost cat. It's always a good idea to take pictures regularly of your cat in case a time like this arises. That way you will have an update picture to use for a flyer that you can put up in your neighborhood. In addition to flyers, make sure you utilize the Internet.

A good place to start is on the Houston SPCA website, where you will find an online tool enabling you to place an ad notifying others about your lost cat. But don't stop there, be sure to do a Google search for "lost cat" and read as much as you can on the topic!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Natanya_Smith

Questions and Answers About Cat Health

 

Cats make wonderful pets, and can be a great addition to your family. If you are a cat owner, however, it is very important that you learn about the health of your feline friend and that you make sure you are doing everything in your power to keep your cat healthy. Cats need regular medical care, just like people do, and they can get sick just like people can. This means that you should learn how to take care of your cat and you should learn about the signs and symptoms of some common problems in order to be sure that you are giving your cat the very best care possible. To get you started on being a good cat owner, here are a few questions and answers about cat health.
1: Should I declaw my cat?
This is a question that new cat owners sometimes ask, especially as they see their cat tearing into the sides of furniture to have a good scratch. In general, this decision should not be taken lightly. Declaw is an amputation of the last segment of the toe, so there is some significant degree of discomfort associated with this procedure.
Most veterinarians will advise trying scratching posts and engaging in play with the kitty as much as possible to try to avoid scratching behavior and in turn avoid the procedure. In many cases, cats will not develop the itch to scratch furniture or other valuable surfaces when given an alternative, especially when presented at a young age.
If all fails and it comes down to declaw or the kitty must go, then be certain to find a veterinarian who is proactive and vigilant about peri-operative and post-operative pain management. Ideally if you can find a veterinarian who declaws by cutting laser, post-op recovery tends to be less traumatic and healing times are faster using such a device.
2. Should I allow my cat to be an indoor/outdoor cat?
While every family has to make this decision on their own, there are a number of risks associated with allowing your cat to be an outdoor cat. Diseases including FIV can be contracted through contact with infected animals and your cat may become the prey of coyotes or other animals that wish it harm. Keeping your cat in your home can be a far better choice to ensure your cat's safety.
3. Does my cat need vaccines?
Cats should be vaccinated against common and dangerous medical conditions including rabies, feline leukemia, herpes virus, calicivirus, and panleukomenia [herpes, calici, and panleukopenia typically come bundled in one vaccine]. A commercial FIV [feline immunodeficiency virus] is commercially available, but it has overwhelmingly been rejected by the veterinary community as ineffective. Vaccine protocols and vaccines should only be tailored and administered by a licensed veterinarian.
4. Why is my cat coughing up hairballs?
Your cat licks himself or herself as part of his/her grooming routine. In some cases, this can lead to your cat coughing up hairballs or to your cat vomiting up hairballs. You can help to resolve this problem in some cases by having your cat regularly brushed (especially if your cat's fur is becoming matted or knotted) and by feeding your cat food that is designed to help with hairballs.
5. Why is my cat spraying urine?
Cats spray urine in order to mark their territory. While this behavior is normal- especially in multi-cat households, it is not to be encouraged. Try to minimize or eliminate the stress in your cat's environment and be sure to clean up all marking sprays thoroughly to avoid future spraying. Do not use ammonia-based products when cleaning up urine, as the ammonia can have a smell similar to urine and cause your cat to mark again.
Speaking to a Vet
These are just a few of the common cat health questions that cat owners may have. The best way to get your questions answered is to speak with a licensed veterinarian, either online or in person, for information about caring for your cat properly and meeting your cat's health needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Welton

Love Your Kitty With These 10 Awesome Games for Your Cat

Feline behavior problems such as neurotic chewing, obsessive grooming, over eating, and aggression can sometimes be caused by boredom.
You can improve your cat's mental health and physical prowess with as little as 15 minutes of quality playtime each day. Even this much consistent playtime will do wonders to strengthen a satisfying bond between you and your cat.

Once you start having fun daily with your cat, there will be no shortage of play ideas. But, just to get you started, here are some fun ideas to avoid a boring routine and to add excitement to liven up your cat's world.

Brown Paper Bag Game
Cats enjoy hiding immensely. Find a large paper bag and observe the fun you cat has. They relish popping in and out of it. Cut some holes in the bag and put one of his favorite toys inside. This game will keep your cat busy having tons of fun for both of you.
Hidden Treasure Game
Hide one of your cat's toys in between the furniture cushions, or under a pillow. This will convert the toy into a hunting game for your kitty. Each time he finds the "treasure", try a new hiding place.
Swat the Mouse
Create a cat toy or a play mouse that you can dangle in front of your cat. Tie yarn or string to the mouse and attach the other end to a short stick - like a pencil or chopstick. You and your kitty will have a blast as you dangle the mouse in front of him and he tries to swat it.
Fun With the Toilet Paper Roll
Find an old toilet paper roll with no paper on it. Kitty will love batting it around. Once he has had enough of this game, try putting an object inside, such as a small ball. Then tape the two ends of the roll. This addition makes the roll wobble each time he hits it and the fun starts all over again.
Kleenex Game
Kitty will love pulling out the tissues one at a time from a box of Kleenex. It could make a big mess, but its worth it seeing you cat having such fun.
Laser Chase Game
Those little lasers used to point to a screen for public speakers make great toys for cats. Please, however, use caution when using laser light. Never shine it in your kitty's eyes. If you don't have access to one of these laser pointers, a flashlight with a focused beam works well too. Your cat will love chasing the light around the floor and walls. It's a super challenge for kitty - not to mention great exercise.
Bouncing Ball Fun
Bouncing balls are small, but they can be big fun for you and your cat!
Sock Game
Your cat will love playing with a stuffed sock. Here's how to do it. Fill a sock with another sock or with cotton balls. Spice it up a bit with some catnip. Then watch your cat go bonkers.
The Ice Cube Game
On a smooth floor, such as in the kitchen, slide an ice cube across the floor. It's like cat ice hockey and your cat is sure to win!
Bathtub Ping Pong
Just drop some ping pong balls into a dry, empty bathtub and watch your cat have a blast!

I hope you see from this list how easy it is to come up with games that you and your cat will love.  Try 2 or 3 playtimes a day when your cat seems most active. Both you and kitty will be happy and fit!

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People Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat!

Today I want to tell you about some specific "people foods" your cat should never eat. As you know, some cats will beg you for food while you're trying to eat. It becomes very tempting to give our feline friends some of our human food. We have good intentions. We want our cats to taste what we're eating. We want our cats to be happy.
Sometimes, not very often, I will give my cats a tidbit of chicken or turkey from my plate. But, it's a practice I don't encourage doing on a regular basis. Why? Because cats need the nutrients specifically provided for them in good premium cat foods. Any "extras" that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals. A sliver of turkey or chicken from your dinner plate certainly won't kill your cat, but you're helping him or her develop bad habits.
The main reason I discourage feeding cats "people food" is that there are a number of foods that are toxic, or poisonous to cats. In other words, there are foods that can cause your cat serious injury or death. So be very careful when feeding your cat human food and table scraps. For example, the gravy or stuffing that you poured over your Thanksgiving turkey may have onions in it, among other things. For humans, that gravy or stuffing might taste great and it's harmless. But, did you know that onions are very toxic to cats.
The following is a list of foods that cats should never eat:

Onions, Garlic, & Related Root Vegetables
Onions contain a substance called N-propyl disulphide which destroys red blood cells in the cat. This causes a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Onions and onion products are not recommended for consumption by cats. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.
Green Tomatoes, Green/Raw Potatoes
These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants. It's pronounced So·la·na·ce·ae. The Solanaceae family of plants is used by humans as an important source of food. These include the potato, the tomato, eggplant and chili peppers to name a few. Some of these plants are also used for spices and medicine. But, some of these plants are poisonous. In particular, the leaves and stems of the plant. So be careful!
Chocolate
This is one you probably already knew about. It's becoming more widely known than ever that chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs. What makes chocolate poisonous??? Chocolate is made from the fruit, or beans of the cacao tree. Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. Theobromine is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses among others because they are unable to metabolize the chemical effectively.
Grapes and Raisins
No one is 100% sure why grapes and raisins can be harmful to cats and dogs. But, the ASPCA (American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals) says: "As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount." That's good enough for me.
Milk
I bet you're surprised by this one. Although milk is not toxic to cats, it may have harmful side-effects. Did you know that adult cats that are fed a nutritious diet don't need milk? It's true...and many cats are lactose-intolerant, which means that the lactose in milk and milk products can cause stomach upset, cramps and gassiness. If your cat really loves milk, a small amount of cream may be okay two or three times a week. The more fat in the milk, the less lactose.
Another solution is CatSip. Catsip is a product made from skim milk, with an enzyme added that helps the digestion of lactose. Catsip is available in supermarkets such as Safeway, Albertson's and A&P. It's also available at big pet-products stores, such as PetSmart and Petco.

These are the most common "people foods" that can be potentially harmful to cats. The bottom line is to feed your cat nutritious food developed with his or her needs in mind. Also, choose treats designed for cats instead of table scraps. If you think your cat has been poisoned contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. A $60 fee may be billed to your credit card.

Connie Edwards is a proud cat owner and cat lover. Her boyfriend Brad and her have 5 of them. They refer to them as their "furry children". Connie is very knowledgeable on the subject of cat behavior. If you love cats, check out her new website.

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Persian Cat Care

Persian Cats are the most popular cat breed today. They are known for having gentle, sweet personalities and also for their beautiful long hair. They make great companions and are not very demanding.

The Persian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds in history. Other names for it include "Persian Longhair" or "Longhair". The ancestors of today's Persian cats were brought into Europe in the 1600s. Traders would come from Persia and Iran with jewels, spices and occasionally a longhaired cat. This is where they get the name Persian. However, there are even hieroglyphic references to these cats that date as early as 1684 B.C. During the 1800s, this cat became a symbol for wealth and prosperity among the Europeans. The Persian was also one of the first cats to be in competitions and to be registered. They were not called Persians until 1960; before that they were just called Longhairs.

Even though the white Persian is the color that is usually photographed and seen on television, Persians come in uncountable numbers of colors. For competition the colors are divided into seven divisions, which are the solid color division, the silver and golden division, the shaded and smoke division, the tabby division, the particolor division, the bicolor division and the Himalayan division. Their coat is very long and flowing.

This cat should be kept inside or their coat will quickly become damaged. Persian cats need to be combed every day with a metal comb. If they are not brushed regularly, the coat will quickly become tangled and develop hairballs. To keep the coat as clean as possible, it is also recommended that you give an occasional bath. Try to start bathing the cat while they are young so that they can get used to it. This will keep the coat healthy, clean and beautiful. Please remember that this cat cannot maintain their fur by themselves; it is too long and dense. It needs to have daily grooming.

These cats are extremely sweet and gentle. They adapt easily into even the most boisterous households. Persian cats have a beautiful melodious voice that is very pleasant to hear. They communicate very well with their owners using their voice and their enormously expressive eyes. Persian cats are playful but not overly demanding of their owners. They seem to love to pose and look like they are trying to be beautiful. This cat absolutely loves to be admired and pampered. They are also not destructive cats. They don't like to climb and jump very much like other cats do, because of their short legs and mass. Most of the time they just like to show off how beautiful they are!

Keeping this cat inside is not only good for their coat, but it is also good for their health. This will keep disease and parasites away from the cat as well as everyday dangers such as cars and dogs. You should bring your cat to a vet once a year and keep your cat inside for optimal health. Persians can live for 15 to 20 years if cared for properly. However, they do have one health problem that needs to be looked after. Because their eyes are so large, the cat may have trouble keeping them cleaned. Therefore, you should check their eyes regularly for problems.
Compared to other cat breeds, this cat is very easy to keep. You won't have to worry very much about this cat jumping and climbing onto things. The only thing you will have to be sure to keep up with is daily grooming. Many people don't want to brush their cat everyday and if you feel this way then this isn't the cat for you.

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Soft Cat Food

Soft Cat Food

Cat food affects your pet's life, not just during those few moments when she's eating, but for every hour of every day. Cat-food choices abound with fish, chicken, fresh flavors, hard crunch, chewy centers, and of course, wet mushy delectable bites. Cat-food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats. Cat food is specifically formulated to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cats, One specific nutritional requirement that cats need is the amino acid taurine.

Adult
Adult cats (1 year) can be fed once or twice a day. adult canned cat-food is made with real meat or poultry and is specially formulated without corn, wheat or animal by-products and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Older kittens and adult cats should not be fed milk.
Ingredients

Whether you're selecting wet or dry cat-food, the first place to start is the list of ingredients. When choosing your cat's food, the ingredients and the nutritional levels are more important than whether you choose between wet or dry cat-food. If you don't see something familiar, that you would eat, at the very top of the list of ingredients, then pass up the food.

Kittens
Food for your kitten: Growing kittens need more nutrition for their development than mature or senior cats. Kittens have other special dietary needs, so be sure to get a kitten formula for kittens. Kittens will need supplemental food as early as 2-1/2 weeks after birth and certainly by 4 weeks because mom's milk is not going to be an adequate nutrient food source. Kittens should only be given kitten replacement milk (like KMR), never cow's milk. Kittens and aging cats need more food than the adult cat.

Meat
Cats are obligate carnivores and experts say that meat should be their primary source of protein for proper health. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium. A glance at the food labels shows that many -- but not all -- varieties of these foods are loaded with undesirable ingredients such as meat by-products, grains and glutens. Just as for human food, there are regulations regarding the labeling of cat food that can help consumers assess the amount of meat in the food. I just simply bought a chicken thigh and a breast (some cats may like dark meat more than white or vice versa) and cut them up into small pieces (the size of an eraser head or a bit larger) to see if my cats would eat raw meat.

Organic
Organic Cat-Food does away with all the artificial stuff and only combines the best possible organic meats, veggies, grains and more. Organic cat food is processed and prepared in such a manner that these essential vitamins and minerals are preserved to a more significant degree that is the case with highly processed and more traditional cat food products. Many cat owners are turning away from commercial pet foods and are feeding their cats homemade organic pet food. If you are looking for the best organic cat food on the market today, then you need to buy healthy cat food. The stuff that makes up Organic Cat-Food have all the vitamins and nutrients your cat needs to grow healthy, strong and live a long happy life. I do not spend the additional money for organic but if you are so inclined, you can purchase organic meats.

Soft
The three main types of cat foods are dry, soft-moist and canned products. Soft-moist cat foods generally offer higher palatability as compared to dry diets, are convenient to serve and store easily.

Soft cat food can be great for your cat - for more information about soft cat food visit http://www.betinis.com/soft-cat-food.html

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