Archive for October, 2009

Do You know That Feline Diabetes Has Four Dangerous Complications?

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Do you have a diabetic cat?  If you do, you already know that it’s necessary to pay a lot more attention to your kitty’s health.  Although cat diabetes doesn’t cause circulatory problems or blindness like diabetes in people does, there are four dangerous complications of feline diabetes that you need to know about. 

Feline Neuropathy

The cat owner will notice weakness in the pet’s legs.  If you see your cat walking on her “wrists” on her front legs, or on her “elbows” in the back, it’s a symptom of feline diabetes.  The nerves are damaged by blood sugar levels that are too high.  When cat diabetes is treated, sometimes this problem goes away.

Feline Ketoacidosis

This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic.  The kitty’s body usually breaks down glucose for energy for bodily processes.  But in cat diabetes, the body can’t break down this glucose, so the body starts breaking down fat instead.  This process produces ketones, which are a waste product.  Ketoacidosis results from the build-up of ketones; this is a fatal condition unless the kitty is taken to the vet right away.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis in cats include:

  • Breath either smells sweet, or like nail polish remover
  • Dehydration
  • Either excessive thirst, or not drinking any water at all
  • Not eating for more than twelve hours
  • Fast breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Frequent urination

Feline Hypoglycemia

If a diabetic cat is given too much insulin, or doesn’t eat on schedule, her blood sugar levels may drop to dangerously low levels.  You may see the cat staggering around in an uncoordinated fashion, and the pet may also have seizures.  A fatal coma may follow. 

Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat’s gums.  It’s necessary to get your kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

Hepatic Lipidosis

An overweight cat who suddenly stops eating is at risk for this condition.  The cat’s body tries to use fat for energy instead of glucose, leading to a fat build-up in the liver.  Symptoms are similar to ketoacidosis, and also include jaundice, or a yellowing of the cat’s eyes and gums.  Again, get Kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

The Best Way to Prevent These Four Complications of Diabetes in Cats

Preventing the complications of feline diabetes is often dependent on keeping the cat’s blood sugar at normal levels.  Research shows that natural remedies for cats, which include the herbs astragalus, fenugreek, and goat’s rue, along with chromium, are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in kitties.

Don’t wait for your feline diabetic to fall victim to these complications.  Click on any link above to learn more.

Feline Hypoglycemia Is A Complication Of Diabetes In Cats

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Do you have a cat with feline diabetes?  If you do, you need to know about feline hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.It may seem like a good thing for a feline diabetic to have low blood glucose levels.  However, if the cat’s blood sugar levels get too low, your feline companion could go into a coma and die.   

What Causes Diabetic Cats To Develop Hypoglycemia?

There can be several reasons for low blood sugar levels in cats with feline diabetes:

  • Sometimes a cat owner makes a mistake, and gives the cat too much insulin.
  • Two people in the family each gave the cat insulin, so he received a double dose.  This problem can be avoided by having only one person who is responsible for giving insulin to the cat.
  • An extremely vigorous exercise session may have lowered the cat’s blood sugar.
  • The insulin dose was administered before the kitty was fed, and then the cat either wasn’t hungry, or he threw up.
  • The feline diabetic no longer needs insulin because of dietary changes, or a spontaneous remission.

Symptoms Of Feline Hypoglycemia

The cat may behave strangely, because low blood sugar levels affect the brain first.  This is because the brain doesn’t store glucose to use later, like other organs in the body. 

If a cat with diabetes shows these symptoms, he may have dangerously low blood sugar levels:

  • Shaking or shivering
  • Becoming uncoordinated, and staggering around
  • Acting like he’s blind
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Either very hungry, or not interested in eating
  • Tilts his head
  • Acts disoriented; he may walk in circles, yowl, or hide
  • Glassy eyes
  • Drooling
  • Seizures
  • Coma

What To Do For A Feline Diabetic With Hypoglycemia

Corn syrup or honey should always be kept in the cupboard if you have a diabetic cat, along with empty syringes (without needles).  If the pet’s sugar levels become too low, you can use the syringe to squirt a little corn syrup or honey into his mouth.  If the cat is unconscious, rub a little honey or syrup on his gums.  If doing this, take care to avoid being bitten, especially if the kitty is having seizures.

Wrap the kitty in a blanket, and take him to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.

Regulate Glucose Levels Naturally With Natural Remedies For Cats

Research has shown that natural remedies for cats are safe and effective for cats with diabetes.  Herbal pet remedies that contain goat’s rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium, can help to normalize glucose levels in diabetic cats.Find an established company with a good track record for formulating high-quality natural pet remedies.

Many vets are quite open to using natural remedies for cats.Before changing your diabetic cat’s medications or diet, check with your kitty’s vet.  By using these natural remedies, you may be able to reduce or eliminate insulin injections for cats with diabetes.  Learn more by clicking on any link in this article.

Is The Rise of Natural Healing About To Begin?

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

There is a tension, much like the yin and the yang, that exists between the established big power medicinal industry and the old time natural ways of healing. No question about it, the balance of power is in favor of the big power house companies. They have lots of cash and lots of political influence too.

In ancient terms it is the tension and conflict that exists between the mechanists and the vitalists. Perhaps now the mechanists have become a bit too powerful. Some speculate that they have control even over government agencies that are designed to regulate such things.  With such power, even questionable things can be officially ‘approved’. But is the research all that solid in the end?

HydroFloss

However, the natural remedies, much to the chagrin of such powerful industries, persist. How could that be? As a matter of fact, these powerful companies often make their medicinals from concentrated, synthetic copies of chemicals that naturally exist in nature.

Oramd

As a result of this crazy power structure, the every day remedies that grow in the desert or the forest or maybe even one’s own backyard can’t get the coveted government stamp of approval as a substance that really works. These natural ways may not even have the long list of side effects that today’s pharmaceuticals may have. It’s a bit ironic when you think about it. On the other hand, mother nature was there long before the current government / corporation power structure that we know today. It seems that mother nature will be there long after the status quo disappears too. Mother nature never needed government approval. But even today, mankind and governments need mother nature.

allergy symptom relief

But we spoke of a balance a few moments ago. The power definitely seems to rest on one side of the equation. But what is happening on the other side? Alternative healers, old books, herbal remedies and folk wisdom passed down through the ages are still out there and from them, many people learn to apply natural healing methods (that don’t have that big stamp of approval from an authoritarian agency) to solve their health problems. Because the costs of getting ‘official’ treatment and officially approved prescription meds now make the cost of getting said treatment beyond the reach of many.

In other cases, some people just know about simple things that work and they seem to work better, cost less and cause less trauma to the human body when implemented than the results derived from going through ‘official’ channels. If you are a person who doesn’t have unlimited wealth, what way are you likely to go?

Disclaimer: This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have any health problem whatsoever, visit your physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

Why Prescription Discount Plans Help Individuals Save Money

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Everybody is eligible to receive drugs at a negotiated fee regardless of their pay, age or pre-existing conditions. There is a new prescription medication discount card accessible to anybody that desires it, and it is free of charge! Access to medical care and rx access is here too.  For too long, citizens without presciption insurance have been paying full retail cost for their prescription medication but by way of this innovative program they will now have someone at their side. Personal medical insurance is available.

There are more than a few organizations that have programs to cut the cost of drugs to those individuals lacking health insurance policies. This has developed into quite an opportunity to save health care dollars including cardholders in the entire 50 states. As a rule, these drug discount cards are received at more than 35 ,000 local and national pharmacies.

Quite a few non-profit organizations and clinics dispense the cards as a way to fulfil a need and help out their area through demanding times. The discount cards have been distributed to regional United Way agencies, clinics, physician offices and pharmacies in addition to local community health centers. These cards are not insurance, but they can lessen the price of your prescription medication by up to 60  % or more. The person merely presents their card to the pharmacy next they are certain that they will pay either the discounted cost or the pharmacy’s retail charge, whichever is less.

There are people that are saving $15 -$50  on a drug as a consequence that is funds they can spend to get groceries, pay apartment rental or pay the power statement. Persons are also able to receive the prescription medicine they desperately want. The cards are accessible at no cost to anyone and there is no cap on how often they can be used.

A further method that some companies are able to assist uninsured persons is through Prescription Assistance Programs. These programs are operated by every drug company and every one is a little special. If a person qualifies though, they might be given their prescription medication at no charge. To meet the criteria the patient needs to be without prescription drug insurance and their household pay can’t exceed certain guidelines.

There is a vast need for prescription medicine assistance at the moment, especially since a lot of patients continue to suffer the loss of their jobs. A bunch of citizens need help at this time more than ever.

 

Tips For Preventing Bladder Stones In Cats

Monday, October 26th, 2009

If you’ve ever had any experience with a cat bladder stone, you want to know why this happened to your cat and how to prevent it from happening in the future.  Read on to learn what causes bladder stones in cats, and how to prevent them. 

How Do Bladder Stones In Cats Form?

Researchers have several theories on this.  Most are in agreement that stones form when mineral levels in the urine get too high.  This can be due to a bladder infection or from his diet.  When the mineral levels get too high, crystals form.  These crystals grow and form stones in your cat’s bladder.  These stones can be very small, about the size of a grain of sand, or they can grow to the size of a small pebble.

Passing urine can be very difficult for your cat if one of his ureters (the tube that runs between his kidney and his bladder) or his urethra is blocked by a stone.

Tips For Preventing Bladder Stones In Cats

The most important thing you can do is to start feeding your cat a high quality canned food.  Cats who eat dry food exclusively are more prone to developing bladder stones because they are usually chronically dehydrated.  Cats have evolved to get most of their water from their prey.  A mouse is over 90% water, so a cat in its natural environment doesn’t need to drink as much water.

Most canned foods have a moisture level of about 78%.  You can see that feeding your cat canned food will help prevent him from becoming dehydrated.  A cat that is dehydrated will have very concentrated urine, which can lead to the formation of cat bladder stones.

Provide lots of fresh clean water for your cat to drink.  It’s best to give him filtered water to be sure it’s pure.  A cat that drinks plenty of water will have dilute urine, which is helpful in preventing bladder stones.

Some cat owners give their cats a supplement containing cranberry.  Cranberry is an herbal remedy that prevents bladder stones by making the urine more acidic.  It also helps to prevent cat bladder infections, too.

Herbal Pet Remedies Can Help Prevent Cat Urinary Problems

People have been using herbal remedies like uva ursi and barberry to treat and prevent urinary problems for centuries.  Homeopathic remedies are also becoming very popular.

Now pet owners are questioning whether herbal pet remedies are effective for pets.  The answer is yes.  The advantages of these remedies is that not only are they safe and effective, but they’re inexpensive, and don’t have any side effects.

However, it’s extremely important to buy products that are formulated especially for animals.  You’ll want to purchase herbal pet remedies only from reputable companies that stand behind their products.

Natural remedies for cat urinary problems can help treat and prevent the problem of cat bladder stones.  Just click on any link in this article to learn more.

Letting Your Cat Move Freely with a Magnetic Cat Door

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

In some cases the magnetic cat door operates on batteries or electricity, but most do not which means they are not subject to battery or electrical failure and are ever-lasting. This feature is very convenient, as the door won’t let the cat be locked out during bad weather because the storm kocked out the electrical system of the neighborhood.

How These Doors Operate

This door is able to detect the electromagnetic field of a magnet that is part of a collar that the cat has to wear, which turns the collar into some sort of door key. When this magnet is close to the door due to the approach of the cat, the door opens. The system thus allows the cat to come and go as it pleases while the door is locked when the cat is away.

The idea behind this concept is to give freedom of movement to the cat, who can them come and go without the need of the owner to interrupt his or her activities just to open the door or a window for the pet.

Security

One of the safety features of the magnetic cat door is that it only opens for your cat and for nothing else, locking itself after the cat is inside the house. This will keep unwanted animals from getting inside the house. Plus it will protect against theft because a person will not be able to slip through the locked door either.

There are a few models that will give you other options, such as leaving the door open or closed at all times. Despite what some people think, these doors are very easy to install.

A magnetic pet door is resistant to water, which means that you won’t have to worry about rain or winter affecting it, and it won’t let water come into your house either. While a magnetic cat door is very convenient, it’s not recommended for very young kittens.

Cost

They generally cost about . There are some expensive models that go up to 0. Custom made models are also available, but they cost more.

At What Point Do I Need To I Take My Kitten to See a Veterinarian?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

One of the critical mistakes new feline owners make is not visiting the vet for a routinephysical examination.  Many folks are convinced that the only reason they need to see a cat vet is when the feline is unwell or injured.  Lamentably this myth can be negative to the fitness of your pet.  Correct care for your kitty entails more than food, water and a clean litter box. 

As with youngsters there are many diseases that will be forestalled by getting correct vaccinations.  Most vets counsel that cats get them straight after they are born.  These vaccination shots can shield your kitten from heartworm, FIV and other illnesses that may negatively affect the fitness of your feline.  During your visit your vet will cover in detail the recommended vaccination schedule.  The vaccines your doctor suggests will be based totally on whether the kitten will remain indoors or out of doors.  Also whether other pets are kept in the house is an element.  By giving your vet this information they will be able to administer the correct vaccines to give your cat the best protection. 

Even if your feline is an indoor kitty it is sensible to keep abreast of a once a year trip to the vet.  This can help you keep tabs on your pets health as well as uncover any issues in advance and also get the right booster vaccines administered. 

Another sound excuse to take your kitten in for routine checks is that you may not know that there is something wrong with your kitten, but your vet is trained and can learn if there are any potential issues.  Also if you’ve been taking your kitten to them for a period of time, they’ll have your cats complete history, and most will know your cat and will recognize if something appears to be different on that particular visit.  Aid your vet during your kittens exam examination by noting any changes that you will have observed in your moggy since the last visit.  You may not think that it is weird or that there’s not anything up with your moggy, but it’ll help in determining your feline’s general fitness.  Any changes in your feline may not mean anything, but it is often good to keep your veterinarian informed of changes as they can write it down for any future reference in case something does arise and wishes attention. 

There may come a point when you’ll need to make an appointment veterinarian before it is time for the subsequent prepared check up for boosters.  There are still diseases that the boosters don’t forestall, so take your feline chum in for a special visit.  There will also be other issues that though not life-threatening, shouldn’t be ignored, that you’re going to want to test your cat for, for example fleas and ticks.  Our felines get treated for fleas when they require it.  I didn’t have to before, but we probably did bring a dog into the family and with him came fleas.  So we do treat all of them or fleas, and I get a popular flea treatment from my vet. 

It is critical for yourkitten’s health and well being that you make regular appointments with the veterinarian to get their booster shots and an overall check.  It’ll keep them healthy and ecstatic, and they may reward you with tons of love. 
.

Chicago Kitten Doc

What You Need To Know About Bladder Stones In Cats

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Has this ever happened to you?  You find your cat in his litter box, straining to urinate, crying out in pain.  He can’t seem to pass any urine.  According to your vet, your cat’s urinary problem is a result of cat bladder stones.

Bladder Stones In Cats

A bladder stone, or urolith, is made up from minerals present in your cat’s urine.  These minerals sometimes form crystals that stick together to form a stone in your cat’s bladder.  These stones can be as small as grains of sand, or they can grow to the size of a piece of pea gravel.

Your feline friend may have only one stone, or he could have several dozen.

Why do the minerals form crystals?  There are several theories.  Your cat’s urine may be high in minerals due to his diet, or it may be because he has an infection in his bladder.

Cat bladder stones
usually take several months to form, but they can grow in just a couple of weeks.

Symptoms Of Cat Urinary Problems

If your cat suddenly starts urinating in places other than his litter box, this can indicate that he’s having a urinary problem.You may observe a change in your cat’s grooming habits when he’s licking his bottom more than usual.

Blood in the urine is another symptom to watch for.  It can sometimes be hard to see this in cats as they usually go in the litter box.  But if he’s urinating outside his box, you may see it.

If your cat is straining to urinate, or can’t pass any urine, this indicates a blockage.  A urinary blockage is a veterinary emergency, and you need to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

Treatment For Cat Bladder Stones

X-rays or an ultrasound will be necessary to diagnose bladder stones.  Once they are diagnosed, you vet will probably outline two treatment options.

Your vet may want to do an operation to get the stones out of your cat’s bladder.  An operation is the quickest way to solve the problem of a blockage.

The second is to try to dissolve the stones with a special diet.  This is a good option for many cats.  However, it may not work well for all felines.  The major reason is that it’s a slower treatment.  It can take several weeks or months for the stones to dissolve.  During this time your cat will still be passing bloody urine, and may still be straining to urinate.

Diet therapy doesn’t work with all stones.  It’s helpful if the cat passes a stone so that you vet can analyze it to see what it’s made of.  Some types of stones can’t be dissolved.

Some cats won’t eat the special diet food.  Unfortunately, unless it’s the only thing your cat is eating, it’s not effective.

Are Herbal Pet Remedies The Answer To Cat Bladder Stones?

Many cat owners are turning to herbal pet remedies to help solve cat urinary problems.  These herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used by people across the world for centuries.Natural remedies help to heal the underlying problem instead of alleviating the symptoms.

It’s very important to buy these herbal pet remedies only from reputable companies that specialize in producing them.  Do your homework and be sure that the company stands behind its products.  You want to be sure that you find remedies especially formulated for pets.

These natural remedies are inexpensive and readily available.  Side effects aren’t a concern when using these proven remedies.

Now that you have this information, you can take action to prevent cat urinary problems.

Explaining Cat Doors

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

If you have one or more pet cats, then you might want to install one or two or even more cat flaps for both your and your pets’ convenience. Cat flaps take away the need to get up and down to let your cat in, and make for a more peaceful life, and a happier cat that enjoys his freedom.

You may need to consider having them fitted by a professional builder or workman, depending on what your door is made of, as it is important to get a good fit, to ensure that the cat door remains water tight, and is fitted in the correct place

Think About Burglars

It’s important to make sure that installing a cat door doesn’t make it easier for burglars to break into your house by uninstalling them or by any other method. That why a lot of people prefer to place cat doors in the lowest part of their doors, which also lets the car get in the house by walking through it, instead of having to jump or climb.

Cat flaps are not considered to be big enough for a burglar to be able crawl through, but obviously they are a good size for a potential thief to get his hand through and gain access to your keys if you leave them dangling in the lock, or close by on the side

Not Your Cat

By having cat doors in your house you are potentially allowing all the cats in the neighbourhood to come in to your home, which may not be something you are happy with. A simple way to get around this problem is to have a cat flap with a locking system, which identifies the cat by a small tag, added to his collar.

Normally working on a magnet, this means that the cat flap remains locked shut if approached by another cat, but when your cat comes near, the magnet on the collar releases the cat flap lock and he is allowed to pass through

Cat Door Basics

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Families with cats often install a cat door for their beloved pets. This type of door for one’s feline friend is also called a cat flap. The idea of a cat door is to let a car come in and out without the owner opening the door. These doors have been improved greatly from the time they were invented. These days, pet doors are framed with sturdy and versatile plastic or wood. The doors themselves are built to last the comings and goings of the cat. These are important points when buying or considering different cat doors.

Size and Frame

The size and build of the feline should be considered when buying a cat door. Some cats are larger than most while others seem quite finely boned that they cannot actually push open a heavy cat door. The frame that holds the door should be resistant to water, since it will be exposed to rain and even snow.

The door can be made of other materials, including glass. Of course, both the door and the frame should be appropriate to the size and the strength of the cat.

Electronic or Magnet-based

These doors were designed to work in coordination with the cat. Some doors can sense the presence of the cat through a “key” attached to its collar. This distinction gives the cat the advantage of being the only cat able to go in and out of the cat door. This is very beneficial if the cat’s being chased by dogs or by other cats. The disadvantage to this is that if the “key” gets lost, the pet is left out on its own until such time that its owner wonders where it could be. Other doors open when a sensor senses the presence of a cat. Since the features of each cat door vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model, it pays to find specific information about them before making a purchasing decision.