Archive for September, 2008

What Is Feliway?

Friday, September 26th, 2008

While Feliway Spray sounds like a way to get rid of felines, it is in all reality a pheromone scent intended to prevent felines from inappropriate unrination. When Fifi decides to pee outside the litter area, you do have a problem, since cat urine is one of the more awful pet smells. Feliway uses the facial pheromones to avoid litter box problems, but also Feliway has a useful relaxing effect for relaxing stressed felines.

How Does Feliway for Cats Work?

Feliway Spray is is made of the Feline Facial Pheromones combined with an ethanol compound. These exact same facial pheromones are used all the time by all cats in order to claim their territory. Other felines in the area can tell these pheromones from a distance and be aware of claimed areas. Felines won’t to pee to claim territory when it’s already been marked, so this will prevent inappropriate urination. Cats place these pheromones onto objects by rubbing their cheek or foot pads against certain areas. If you’ve ever had your little friend rub their chin against you, now you know undoubtedly what was really happening. When people say their moggies own them, that’s undoubtedly the case. Feliway essentially duplicates this effect.

What Will Feliway Fix?

  • Urination not in the litter area
  • Spray marking of territory by non-spayed/neutered pets
  • Helps calm those who are stressed out
  • Can stop incessant disagreements
  • Helping bring in cats to new places

Common view by relieved users on the net are that it’s a wonderful product. Don’t forget however that these problems can result from disease, so you remember that Feliway for cats isn’t necessarily an end-all though it ought to reduce the external signs. Felines can act in a confusing manner that we may not understand how to fix, but it’s a risk-free bet that Feliway will help.

Common Diseases That Could Affect Your Cat's Health

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

When it comes to cat health there is a lot of information available out there, even down to the health information of different cat breeds. Possibly the most important cat health information regardless of the breed is the common cat diseases your pet may be at risk of getting. There are a few very common diseases all cats can get and we will explore a couple of them here.

It is vital that you are aware of the potential risks your cat may face so you can be prepared should you notice any symptoms developing. There are two commonly occuring cat diseases you should learn more about from the outset.

The risk of cancer

Much like in us, cancer occurs commonly in cats also. Unfortunately it also has much of the same effects on their organs and bodies. And like it does in us, some cancers appear quite quickly and others will develop more slowly. Some of these cancers can be treated medically and other treatments are being dicovered all the time. Diagnosing cancer early is crucial to the success of any treatment.

The risk of rabies

Understanding the very real risks of rabies in cats is vital information you should ensure you are aware of. Rabies is a fatal condition caused by a virus that attacks the brain.

Most people are familiar with rabies having heard about or seen a rabid dog. Although less common in cats it should still be consider a serious condition. Rabies vaccinations are the best way to prevent this disease. They are safe and effective and should be administered by a vet when the cat is still a kitten.

The symptoms of rabies are unfortunately quite similar to the symptoms resulting from other unrelated diseases making it difficult to look out for. Things to look out for are a change in the cat’s temperament, drooling and any drastic changes to appetite. The best thing to do if you suspect there is a problem with your cat is to take it to the vet immediately. It is not worth the risk of having the animal bite you or a family member.

Information about your cat’s health is every bit as important as knowing about your own health. Having a cat, or just about any pet for that matter, is like having a child and it remains your responsibility to know and understand the risks it may face during its life. To ensure your cat enjoys a healthy and long life learn all you can from experts like veterinarians and trainers.

Strange Cat Behavior– What To Be Concerned About

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Cats are capable of being fascinating companions. The majority of the time they can be wonderful to have around, but there are some strange cat behavior that can irritate even the most enduring owner.

Missing The Litter Box

 You know that there is something wrong when a cat or kitten has a problem when they being to urinate in places other than their kitty litter or the place in which they have been taught to go. The first step is to clean out the litter box on a regular basis so that it is nice smelling. No one likes an unclean toilet! This could possibly resolve the crisis. If not, take your cat to the vet for a once over. Your cat could have a physical problem that might be making it hard for them to make it to the box in time. After having your cat looked at by a veterinarian for possible physical problems which could have caused this strange cat behavior, there are other ways in which you can assist your cat back to toileting where it is supposed to.

 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- Can Your Cat Have This Problem   

Did you know that a few cats develop behaviors that are obsessive compulsive, like tail chewing, excessive licking, wool-sucking, or fur-pulling? Characteristic physical problems could be something as negligible as fleas or as major as neuropathy. So having your cat looked at by its vet is a smart first choice.

 Excessive Fear Or Inhibition Results In A Scaredy Cat 

There are a few cats that have an excessive fear or inhibition around people. If you show patience and love the cat can grow out of the timid state. But do not rush this process, as you can make it worse and it can result in a cat behavior that is violent and bites or scratches. 

The majority of kittens are socialized as they grow up, by being held by a variety of different people who smell different and act different. If your kitten didn’t get this advantage, it may grow into a reserved and nervous adult cat. Give it time to come out, then reward “showing up” with a food treat it likes. You will be able to coax it out with a trail of food leading to its bowl, moving the bowl a bit each day. Talk tenderly to it, letting it warm up slowly. While your cat may never be fully socialized and welcome contact with others, it can still be a nice family pet. 

Anxious And Apprehensive Cats 

You will find that there are a few cats that feel a lot of stress and anxiety. This stress can lead to additional cat behavior problems, like depression or litter box avoidance. If these symptoms (of stress and anxiety) become visible unexpectedly, first make sure the cat’s heath is ok with the vet. If your cats health is ok, then you would want to look at the cat’s environment could be contributing to the stress level.

 

Two Unusual Rare Cat Breeds

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

There are many types of cats, you have your exotic cats, you have your domestic tabby cats and then you have your more unusual rare cat breeds. If you are looking for a rare cat breed then you have a few options that your can choose from. Here we will discuss the Sphinx and the British Shorthair, both rare and both very beautiful cats.

 

Sphinx

 

The Sphinx is a rare cat breed that you might want to think about and one of the most unforgettable since they are hairless. In fact the Sphinx is not always completely hairless there can be a fine down on the body, similar to that on a newborn baby.

 

One of the features that make them so extraordinary is the surface of the Sphinx skin. It has been compared to a suede-covered hot water bottle of heated chamois. These are impressive cats which are medium sized and strong. They characteristically have strong boning and superior muscle development and the adult cats tend to be bigger than the female cats.

 

As well, this rare cat breed requires a particular cat diet, so you are required to make sure that you are feeding them the correct foods if you want them to be healthy and do their best.

 

British Shorthair

 

The British Shorthair is another rare cat breed that you may be fascinated in. These are considered as being the oldest English breed of cat, one which was first appreciated for its physical strength and hunting capability.

 

Soon they became known for other reputable characteristics, and they are recognized as being a comparatively rare cat in the United States and other areas of the world.

 

These cats continue to get more and more popular and because of their easygoing nature and intelligence, they are one of the most well loved breeds of cat.

 

Here are just two types of breed which would make incredible pets and are considered as being rare. Whether you are just interested in the look of these types of cats or just want a cat that is going to make for a fascinating conversation, going with one of these rare cat breeds is a fantastic idea.

 

Just make certain that you are equipped for the cat prior to bringing it home. You are going to need to have toys for it to play with, healthy food for it to eat, and a trainer if you want the cat to be well behaved.

Finding An Exotic House Cat

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

There are many varieties of cats on the market but f you are interested in getting an exotic house cat, the first thing you will need to do is understand about the variety of exotic breeds that are out there, large domestic cat breed and other, and then use a few tips to help you decide which particular exotic house cat is going to be right for you. 

The world of exotic felines is so exciting and yet can definitely be very confusing as well, especially because there are so many different types out there. There are quite a few different exotic house cat types and each breed has several levels or generations within the breed. Of all these, here are a few of the most popular and which you are going to want to seriously consider as your choice. 

The Bengal 

The Bengal is absolutely a favorite exotic house cat, as not only are they incredibly rare but stunning in appearance as well. These are a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, and the breed has been in existence for over two decades now. If you decide on a Bengal, keep in mind that the quality of these cats will vary significantly, so it all depends on what you are looking for and the amount of money that you are going to be willing to pay. 

When it comes to the size of these cats, most females get to around ten pounds, males twelve. Their personality is playful, intelligent, and affectionate. 

The Savannah  

Another exotic house cat that you may want to consider here is the Savannah. This breed is a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, and they are incredibly rare. Most Savannahs cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, and they are tall, lanky cats with a solid spot over a basecoat color that will range from warm golden orange hues to cool silver.  

They are gorgeous cats to look at and are definitely worth thinking about and keeping at the top of your list if you are looking for an exotic cat to bring to your household. 

Just make sure, as you should with any other type of pet that you are sure they are going to make a good addition to your household, taking into consideration other animals and children if there are any. The last thing you want is to bring in a cat or other animal that is going to be mean or aggressive, especially if you have pets or kids in the home.

Encountering Senior Cat Health Problems

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

 What do we do when we are not feeling well? Well when we are sick we go to the doctor who detects what’s wrong with us and if required will give us some medicine to make us feel better. When we get home we take the prescribed medication and perhaps go to sleep. For our elderly cats when encountering a senior cat health problem, the steps are the same only that the elderly cat must depend on its human friend to understand they aren’t feeling well, pack them into the cat carrier and whisk them off to their own doctor to find out what is making them fill ill and then get medicine so they can feel better. 

Observing Senior Cat Health Problems 

Even though a cat can be solitary and independent creature, it’s important to be familiar with and be aware of your cat’s behavior. A couple of issues that can signal distress in your cat include constant scratching, for example, which could stem from an active flea problem or your cat could have allergies. Something else to look for is drooling, shying away from anything that gets too near to the face and the inability to eat dry food. This can signal that the cat has a bad tooth that could need to be extracted. Check their paws for splinters that can become infected or broken nails. 

Recognizing A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Observing your cat repeatedly going to the litter box with no results can signal a cat urinary health issue. This health problem can be found in both male and female cats and can be caused by sediment building up in the tract making it impossible for the cat to pass any urine. This can quickly become a dangerous illness for your cat and should you observe this behavior, call your veterinarian immediately and apprise them of the situation. In most cases an immediate visit to the doctor is required so the veterinarian can place a catheter in the cat to empty the bladder. If this is not done, the urine can back up into the kidneys.  

Treating A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Deciding on a course of treatment for your pet once a cat urinary health issue has arisen will be determined by your veterinarian and can include a change in what type of food your cat will be able to eat along with medication to help keep the problem from reoccurring.  Keeping up to date on all information relating to senior cat health problems that your feline may be experiencing along with cat related health problems in general will help you in recognizing the signs of distress when your cat is not feeling well. Understanding their behavior enables us to better care for their overall health and well being.

 

Sources For Domestic Cat Health Advice

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

If you are a cat owner, staying in touch of health issues associated with cats is a vital step in providing your pet with superior care. Ensuring your cat has fresh water, good food, and loving surroundings to play in are a key role in the happiness and well being of your cat. But for you to understand and recognize the signs of probable health troubles that could be plaguing your cat you many need to ask for domestic cat health advice. This  is a necessary part of having a cat in your home. 

Reasons For Domestic Cat Health Advice 

There are various reasons you many need to seek domestic cat health advice  these include basic questions concerning at what age should a cat be spayed or neutered, what type or brand of food will promote the best health in your cat, are vaccinations necessary for cats kept indoors, does a cat need to have their teeth cleaned, how do you administer medications to your cat, what do you need to do if your cat is exhibiting unusual or odd behavior, is it necessary to call or take your cat to the veterinarian if your cat is only periodically displaying unusual behavior or bad habits and are there specific or special needs necessary regarding senior cat health. 

Seeking Domestic Cat Health Advice 

The primary person to contact when seeking domestic cat health advice is your veterinarian. Having seen the cat over a period of time, they know him or her and have an ongoing history of vaccinations, check ups, illness or any problems or issues the cat has experienced during their lifetime. If your cat has not been to a veterinarian in a long time or maybe he’s never been at all, then no current medical history has been established and this needs to be rectified for the future well being of your cat. If your cat has not been to the veterinarian in a while or ever and is showing signs of behavior that could signal he’s not feeling well, ask friends or family for the name of the veterinarian they take their pets to and then make an appointment for your cat to get a check-up, vaccinations, flea preventative and anything else he might be needing. 

Additional Sources for Domestic Cat Health Advice 

To keep yourself informed and up to date on information concerning domestic cat health advice, there are books related to pet health at the library, stores specifically catering to pet care and the local humane society. All are sources for information but none should supercede or take the place of the proper domestic cat health advice you will receive only from your veterinarian.

 

Cat Breeds: Selecting and Choosing Suitable Cats

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

A cat can make a wonderful pet. However, this may not always be the case and the kind of cat that will be right for you and your family should only be kept as pet to avoid hassles. To find this out it is necessary to learn about the various breeds of cats and choose judiciously. There are a number of cat breeds that are cute and can very easily adapt to living in your home and become excellent pets for you and your family. Some pet cats can be quite playful and can entertain children very well.

 

While proceeding to select the suitable breed certain things need to be considered. There are some breeds that are very loud and noisy while others are quiet. If you don’t mind noisy cats or even prefer them then the Korat, Siamese or Burmese cats can be chosen. Quieter breeds are the Scottish Fold, Somali or the American Curl cats.

 

Again you need to decide whether you wish to keep affectionate and cuddly pets or the ones that remain aloof and are more playful. If you can spend a lot of free time on your pet then the cuddly cats that crave for affection can be opted for. Otherwise it is better to get those that stay aloof.

 

Some cat breeds are friendlier then others. The Himalayan Persian, Ragdoll, Snowshoe, Abyssinian, and Maine Coon cats belong to this group while the Russian Shorthair, Nebelung and Norwegian Forest are less sociable. The inquisitive and mischievous cats that are always looking for amusement are the Siamese, Sphinx, Rex and Balinese breeds. These are best for those who have lot of time to be with their pets and amuse themselves seeing their pets playing some mischief. The Rex can especially be a great source of entertainment. Their silly acts can indeed be very enjoyable to watch.

 

Apart from the behavior and temperament of the cat the appearance and body features are important considerations too. Preference for long haired or short haired breeds counts importantly. Since short hair requires less caring, those who cannot spare too much time looking after and grooming the cat can choose short haired cat breeds.

 

It also needs to be decided wisely whether it is preferable to get a kitten or a little older cat or a full grown one that may have been abandoned. People usually opt for buying kittens from cat exhibitors who are seeking to sell out some of their kitten litter. The older cats can be secured from some place like an animal shelter.

Description Of The Himalayan Cat Breed

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

 

A Himalayan cat breed is actually a Persian cat and Himalayan cat bred together. The long hair is something from the Persian while the seal points are from the Siamese cat.  A Himalayan cat can be best described as a longhaired cat with the markings of a Persian kitten. The breed has a distinctly sociable behavior of the Siamese cat. You can expect your Himalayan cat breed to have a sweet temper and show signs of being highly intelligent. Due to inbreeding, this breed may be prone to abnormalities and birth defects.

 

Taking Care Of Your Himalayan Cat Breed

 

A Himalayan cat breed has similar needs to other kittens. The degree of difference lies mainly on the maintenance of the coat. Bathing of the Himalayan cat breed should be kept at a minimum of once a month or when the cat is dirty enough to warrant the need for a bath. Cats do not really enjoy bathing and too frequent bathing can upset the balance of the cat’s coat making it more prone to drying up or skin problems. Brushing may also benefit the both the Himalayan cat breed and cat since this can lessen the appearance of hairballs.  

The Himalayan cat breed also needs to eat the right kind of kitten food. Supplements may be necessary for the proper growth and abundance of its fur while kitten food that meets the demands of all kinds of kittens should be recommended by your veterinarian. Fresh water should be at hand always in a spot that the Himalayan cat breed recognizes as a comfort zone or some place that it may consider its own. This means that the place where the kitten food is served along with where the fresh water is kept should be consistent, especially if in side the home.  

A warm spot for it to sleep should be made ready for it. This should be in a spot where there is less traffic and somewhere that the Himalayan cat breed can call its own. Some experts recommend putting a sort of carrier, box or basket that gives the impression of protecting the cat when it is inside. This will give the kitten a sense of having a sort of cave or hole to which it can retreat to when stressed or not wanting to be disturbed. 

Taking care of a Himalayan cat breed can entail regular brushing as well as bathing to ensure that the coat is kept clean and free from parasites or tangles. Other than the long coat, the care for the Himalayan cat breed is pretty similar to that of other breeds.

Safe Kitten Food To Feed Your New Pet

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Kittens are not only entertaining but make great companions. Cats can maintain their independence and at the same time have social interaction with humans; this is what sets them apart from other domestic animals for pets. This is why kittens are normally picked over more mature cats when people are making a purchase. 

Caring For Your Kitten 

One of the things that you need to be careful about is kitten food. The needs of the adult cat and that of the kitten are different from each other. Therefore, when you purchase food pick safe kitten food, what we mean by safe is kitten food that is geared towards the health and well being of your kitten. Along with the right kind of kitten food, fresh water should be provided for the pet. Fresh water is actually more important than regular milk that most people think cat’s need. Kittens need cat milk not necessarily cow’s milk. 

Having taken care of the safe kitten food and water to feed your new kitten, you will need a place for your kitten to call its own. This sense of property is necessary for the kitten to feel secure in certain areas of the house. A blanket or a basket in a warm area of the home might do the trick.  

Safe Kitten Food Necessities 

Protein and fat are among the necessary ingredients of the right kind of kitten food. Some dry safe kitten food such as Purina Pro Plan is preferred by people while others prefer the wet kind. Sometimes, the choice depends on what kind of kitten food the kitten was exposed to initially. Kittens might also benefit from vitamins and minerals that help them have a beautiful coat and healthier body systems. By products of any kind are not as desirable as meat from beef, pork and poultry. The reason for this is that some by products may contain germs and may have been exposed to other dangerous elements before being used for cat or kitten food.

Antioxidants are also a great addition to kitten food. These not only add to the health of the animal but also act as a preservative for most cat food. Corn meal is another thing that one might like to look for in the food that one will get for a kitten. This helps with the digestion. 

Picking the right safe kitten food for your new kitten  is one of the most important things that you need to discuss with your vet. This will assure you that you are giving the right nutrients for your new pet.