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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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