Cat Hairballs

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

D.J.C. asked:


Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat’s stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.

Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.

According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.

With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract.  Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these.   Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.

Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task.  Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.

Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer.  Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care.   Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.

 Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean.  In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.

As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn’t bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.

If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up.   It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically.  At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.



Killing fleas and Ticks on cats? How to kill fleas and get rid of fleas and ticks on cats?

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Writing

Cats Camille asked:


If you are sure your cat has fleas and ticks, then you need to treat your house:

# Most importantly, if you have just discovered the fleas and ticks on cats, then quarantine your cat to one room. Hopefully you will soon be killing fleas and tick quickly and you will soon see your little kitty cat again.

This must be done(unless too late already)so that all cat fleas and ticks will hopefully stay in one room and you wont have a complete flea infestation.

# Vacuum the whole house to get rid of any fleas and ticks on the floors or furniture. They often like to hide in all kinds of places.

# Make sure to wash and disinfect all your clothes in case any fleas or ticks are hiding inside of them, as they often do. Also, you may want to spray your clothes in case fleas have planted their flea larvae inside.

# Next, shake all rugs, if you have any, and vacuum them as well.

# You can also use a flea and tick control spray to get rid of any fleas and ticks on your cat and house. The flea and tick spray to kill any hidding fleas and ticks.

# Make sure to wash your bedroom and other rooms very well too. Any closets or wardrobes must be thoroughly washed and checked.

How to get rid of fleas and ticks on your cat:

# First of all, wash your cat in an “anti flea bath.” This often means you will have to wash your cat in a bathtub with water and flea shampoo.

# Be very careful that the soap and water doesn’t go in your cats eyes. Cats naturally **** water and being bathed so most people who don’t know how to bath a cat will most likely encounter serious difficulty with this step.

To avoid having problems when bathing a cat, I recommend you to read more on how to bath a cat here:
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#” target=”_blank”>catlovingcare.com/

#
After drying your little cat with a towl, sitt your cat down between your legs and start the work of combing the ticks out. First tackle one half of its hairs before brushing through to remove the fleas and ticks from the other half. Brush slowly and regularly, trying not to pull out any hairs. If there still are some consistent ticks, then use a pair of pincers to pull them out!

# When pulling ticks out of your cats furr, you must be very careful to avoid leaving the head of the tick inside, as this will cause infections, some of them deadly.

# When pulling out a tick, take a lighter and hold it near her or his fur.

Beware to part his or her fur BEFORE lighting the lighter. When the fire comes near the tick, it will roll up and be easy to remove.

WARNING: Be very CAREFUL when using this method of killing fleas and ticks! Sometimes a better option is to search online for a flea and tick remover for example tick twister.

# Make sure to buy a cat flea and tick control. This is needed to be sure that after your hard work killing fleas and ticks on your cat, the fleas and ticks don’t come back again. you can find all kinds of good flea and tick control here: CatLovingCare.com. is here to share with you all kinds of good deals and cat tips. From her professional cat experience, she there for knows a lot about cats and can help you with her knowledge too. She loves sharing tips, tricks and other useful information all around cats and is always willing to help answer a question. Visit her on catlovingcare.com or ask her a question. She will be sure to answer you as fast as possible! Cat- Camille’

If your cat has fleas and ticks, then you need to start killing fleas in your house:

# Most importantly, if you have just discovered the fleas and ticks on cats, then quarantine your cat to one room.

Hopefully you will soon be killing fleas and tick quickly and you will soon see your little kitty cat again.

This must be done(unless too late already)so that all cat fleas and ticks will hopefully stay in one room and you wont have a complete flea infestation.

# Vacuum the whole house to get rid of any fleas and ticks on the floors or furniture. They often like to hide in all kinds of places.

# Make sure to wash and disinfect all your clothes in case any fleas or ticks are hiding inside of them, as they often do. Also, you may want to spray your clothes in case fleas have planted their flea larvae inside.

# Next, shake all rugs, if you have any, and vacuum them as well.

# You can also use a flea and tick control spray to get rid of any fleas and ticks on your cat and house. The flea and tick spray to kill any hidding fleas and ticks.

# Make sure to wash your bedroom and other rooms very well too. Any closets or wardrobes must be thoroughly washed and checked.

How to get rid of fleas and ticks on your cat:

# First of all, wash your cat in an “anti flea bath.” This often means you willhave to wash your cat in a bathtub with water and flea shampoo.

# Be very careful that the soap and water doesn’t go in your cats eyes. Cats naturally **** water and being bathed so most people who don’t know how to bath a cat will most likely encounter serious difficulty with this step.

To avoid having problems when bathing a cat, I recommend you to read more on how to bath a cat here:
Frontline” title=”http://catlovingcare.com

Frontline” target=”_blank”>catlovingcare.com

Frontline
Plus for cats is my personal favorite. read why…

#In the case that you buy a flea and tick shampoo or treatment online, check the fur of your cat every few days to be sure the fleas or ticks are gone.

If you do see more fleas or ticks, quarantine your cat, and begin the whole process again.

Hope this will help you quickly start killing fleas and ticks and get rid of fleas and ticks on your pets for good!

Greetings,

Your friend Cat Camille – known published author



Cat Health And Cat Care Of Cat Skin And Cat Organs

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Martin Marks asked:


Cats have a dry skin just like humans. The fur on their body protects them from exposure to elements such as dirt. For pet cats that have dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing or soap-free products. Cats normally develop skin problems such as Seborrhea. The best way to treat this disorder is to use medicated shampoo.

Sensory Organs:

Cats have the great qualities. They are better than human beings in seeing things and hearing sounds around them. They smell and feel the nature very well. Due to these abilities, cats were often mistaken to possess black magic. The current era does not suspect cats of having an influence over the supernatural powers. It is necessary to know cats’ sense, which may help in understanding their behavior much better.

1. Sight: Cats have a good night vision. Where there is no enough light, cats see much better than humans. However, they are not able see in complete darkness. This ability comes at the cost of daytime vision, which is beneficial for nocturnal predators. Actually, cats fail to see distant objects at daytime. People know little about the colors that cats see visibly. Science says that, they can identify some of the colors than humans do. With their eyes, cats detect faster movement of things in their surroundings. On the other hand, it is hard for them to pay attention on slow moving objects.

2. Sound: Cats have very sharp ears. Even when fast asleep, cats trace the noisy sounds of small rodents. Their ability to hear sounds is three times as high as that of human beings. Cats move their large ears sideways to capture the sound more accurately. For this, they first locate the place from where the sound actually comes. While chasing the target, they sometimes pause to listen and determine the location of their prey.

3. Smell: Cats largely depend on their sense of smell. They always sniff their food before eating. Smelling things is the essential part of feline communication. There is a mechanism at the top of their mouth, which makes possible for them to analyze smell. With the help of this mechanism, cats twist their lips, open their mouth, and express disgust over certain things.

4. Taste: Cats use this sense to decide the foods good for them. They are truly carnivores. As such, their sense of taste best lies in recognizing fat and protein. Unlike dogs, cats prefer to stay away from sweets. In addition, cats do not respond well to the taste of salt. Experts suggest the reason behind this as, cats get enough salt from the meat food.

5. Touch: Cats have touch receptors all over their body. These receptors are nerve cells that transfer sensations of pain, pressure and temperature from any point to the brain. The nerve cells are concentrated mainly on their front paws and face. The hair, covering body of cats, help them to stay alert even on the slightest touch of air passing by.



Feline Health – Basic Care and Nutrition

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Michael D. Rosenthal asked:


One of the more common domesticated house pets is the cat. If you are contemplating having one for a pet, there are certain aspects that you need to be aware of before you bring one into your household, specifically basic care issues and proper nutrition. Feline companionship brings with it a variety of responsibilities but your biggest obligation to that pet is the attention and care that you give it.

One of the elements regarding the basic care of cats is the initial preparations needed before bringing the animal home. The basic items needed immediately are a litter box and litter, separate food and water bowls, a brush designed for the type of fur the cat has (i.e. long-hair or short-hair), and a carrier to bring it home in and as well as for trips to the vet. And of most importance, cat toys since they enhance the bonding process. Eventually, you may want to consider a bed or basket for them to nap and sleep in.

Once you have determined what type of cat they will be, as in strictly indoors or indoor/outdoor, then there are additional care issues to be covered. If the cat is going to be outdoors part of the time, one of the first things you should get them is a collar. It will obviously hold the cat’s identification tag and veterinary status. Make sure that the collar has an elastic section so that if they get caught on something and start panicking that they can escape from the collar without severely choking themselves.

The tag attached to the collar should provide vital information specifically, your name, address, and phone number. Modern technology has created an identification microchip that vet’s can inject into the skin of a cat’s neck. Speaking of veterinarians, that is the other most important aspect of the cat’s health and well-being. If you want them to be around for a lot of years, every penny you spend on veterinary visits will have benefits and your pet will live a happier and healthier life that way.

Finally, unless you are looking at the cat as an investment, as in breeding them for money, once they have reached the appropriate age, get them neutered or spayed. The ideal age for this is once they are six months old. Where males are concerned, it’s an out-patient type surgery, pending any complications — bring them in first thing in the morning, and pick them up towards the end of the day. Females will vary, but usually the spaying is a 24 hour turnaround.

The first rule of thumb with feline nutrition is that cats are not vegetarians — they require meat in their diets so that they have a sparkle in their eyes and a glossy coat. They require certain dietary needs and animal derived nutrients are one of the main ingredients necessary to their good health. The cat food that you feed them should come from a reputable manufacturer and be given to your cat at room temperature. One important note here is that you should establish a routine as to the place and time of day that you feed your cat.

Another aspect of feeding is that there should always be fresh dry food and water for them to take advantage of throughout the day. If you include canned food in their diets, it is recommended that they receive two or three small feedings per day, not one big one. And remember that until they are out of the kitten stage, that they are constantly eating and drinking.

Another health issue is your cat’s weight. Avoid letting them overeat. Just like with us, a cat can develop obesity and overweight issues. Arthritis, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan are issues that can result from a cat being overweight. So take care on this matter. Based on the breed, adult cats should way between 9 and 12 pounds, and the males tend to be heavier than the females. If you feel that your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet for a check-up and some questions is a good idea. Oftentimes, the weight issue is related to a hormonal problem, so it is better to be safe than sorry.



Do You Have A Cat That Is Constantly Afraid?

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Judy Jantzen asked:


If you have a cat that is constantly afraid then you need to read the following very carefully.

A cat should have a good safe hiding place, where it can be left alone until it perceives that things are safe. The cat will usually pick one of its own, but it should have access to its food bowl, water and litter box.

Close room doors when possible to make the cat feel more secure. This is extremely important when company comes to visit or you have a noisy party. Giving a cat as a gift at a noisy party, can freak the cat out, because it violates its comfort factor. Take the time to introduce the cat quietly.

Cats have a social organization that is flexible and allows them to share their territory with other cats. Some times they are accepting of another cat and sometimes they do not – just like people, who have just met someone new. Liking and disliking, on a moments notice. One may want to play and the other may not. Their time as a kitten may determine the likelihood of their desire to be sociable.

When cats have been introduced, they may want to fight to protect territory or establish dominance. Many cat training e-books will tell you NOT TO allow a fight to happen or to continue, if one happens. Make a loud noise, such as yelling HEY. Use a spray bottle with clean water and spray them once or twice from a distance. A clean, well washed out used cleaner bottle will work nicely. They will probably be on the run for their safeafe place before you can get the second spray out.

DO NOT try to physically separate them or in their passion of the moment, they may be aggressive toward you. Be very careful in handling, while a cat is fearful. Their instinct is for self protection. When they have reached their safe hiding place, close the door and give them a time out, just as you would a child.

Be consistent with your water bottle treatment and the time outs. Other punishment may cause further bad behavior and fear. The cat may become aggressive toward you, if it preceives you as a threat. It is NOT acceptable to them, for you to hurt them in your temporary anger. Be loving after the time out, so that the cat knows you love them, but that there are limits to be lived by.

A cat will usually react to fear with 3 Fs – fight – freeze – flee – sometimes loss of bladder/ bowel control. A cat may also puff out its fur, hiss or spit. What causes the fear? Figure it out and fix the problem. Some things that cause fear are a person, children, other animals or loud noises such as a vacuum cleaner being used.

One example we had, was the putting on of a ski hat and sunglasses when Winter came. It freaked out our recently rescued cat the first few times it happened. He had a bad memory?

DO NOT force a fearful thing/ person on them. Introduce at a safe distance – slowly. Feed the cat a treat and praise them for accepting the new thing/ person. Remember that animals have a better inner radar than we do, about people and the vibes they give off. Trust their judgment.

Routines and schedules are important for the well being of your cat. Be as consistent as ppossible. They want the same things to occur each day in the same way and at the same time.

Play time before bed time will help to ensure a good sleep. The more leaping, jumping and running the better. Remember that cats are noctural by nature. They like to play at night and tiring them out will help them sleep. If you sit down to watch a TV program, that you watch each day, the commercial breaks are a great time to brush your cat and play with it.

Author: Judy Jantzen - My husband and I have owned cats for the past 25 years. Currently have a orange tabby and a black short hair. All the cats we have owned have been strays.

For more fabulous articles and some of the finest cat goodies available anywhere including cat food bowls, cat carriers, fur ball remedies, return address labels and cat training e-books check out our web site at: Cat Goodies Finder.com





Feel Sad No More With a Pet Cat

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Kritthaphat N. asked:


One of the popular pets is the cat. Some people love them because they are sweet and affectionate. But just like any other animal your pet cat also has a wild and vicious side especially when they are attacked or provoked. You will know that your pet cat is angry when he arches his back and his fur is raised. This is a sign that the cat is already angry and ready to attack. Cats attack by using their sharp nails and scratching their enemy. They can also slap and bite. One will usually end up with scratches and cuts after the cat calms down. Only on rare occasions do people get seriously hurt through cat attacks. Yet still one should be very careful in provoking the cat because no one wants a fight. On the lighter side of cats, they are also fond of playing. You may notice that your pet cat is fond of strings the reason behind this is because they see the string as the tail of their mother. Cats look for each other and follow one another through their tails. Sometimes when cats are playing with another it may seem that they are fighting because they make loud noises and they look like they are wrestling one another. But the truth is they also play the same way. The only difference is that when they are angry they bite and scratch.

Now when it comes to the nutrition of your pet cat they need essential vitamins and minerals like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats. Cat foods are available in the market and can be bought any time you need one. Just make sure that you read the label of the cat food before purchasing it, check if it has all the essential nutrients your pet cat needs. Another important consideration is the recommendation of your veterinarian. Since vets know the specific food that your cat needs he will be a lot of help when it comes to deciding what to feed your cat. Cats need different kinds of food depending on what stage they are in. Kittens have special needs that are different from those senior cats. Just to be sure better to consult the vet. Cats also get infected with different diseases like urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, kidney failure and diabetes. Diseases are usually transmitted through viruses from other cats. When you have two or more cats living in one place it’s best to bring them to the vet regularly so as to prevent problems. Another problem with the cat is fleas. We all know that fleas can be dangerous and it can lead to anemia, and tapeworms. One thing you can do to prevent fleas from infecting your pet cat is to make sure that the cat is always clean. Good grooming is the answer.

All in all caring for cats require a lot of effort on the owner’s part but once you’ve done it you’ll see that it’s very fulfilling.



Dog Health Care Article: How Your Dog Gets Fleas and How to Get Rid of Them

April 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Terrie Simpson asked:


In this article, “How You Dog Gets Fleas And How To Get Rid Of Them”, we will discuss the methods by which your dog can become infested with fleas. In addition, we will discuss a bit about the life cycle of fleas and how flea and tick treatments can stop the flea life cycle dead.

Fleas are those nasty little insects that periodically infect our cats, dogs and homes. Fleas feed on the blood of our pets. They can irritate their skin not only from the bite and skin infections, but also some pets are allergic to fleas.

Fleas are the most common cause of skin problems in dogs and cats. If you notice your dog scratching and chewing the back half of its body, check for fleas around the base of the tail, the back side of the hind legs or the dogs stomach.

No matter how clean our homes are, our dogs can encounter fleas on their daily excursions outside. They then bring this insect home on their fur and the cycle of infestation starts. The adult flea lays eggs which drop off the dog all over the house: in the pets bed, on couches, in the carpet, around the baseboards, practically anywhere your dog is allowed to roam in the house and car. These eggs hatch, become larvae, and develop into cocoons where they develop into adult fleas, and the cycle begins again.

There are many over the counter preparations which can kill the flea, but do nothing to stop the cycle. Because there are still eggs, larvae and cocoons around the pets living environment. Through your veterinarian you can obtain either a topical or oral preparation. One method kills the fleas before they lay the eggs and the other kills the eggs that have been laid on your pet. Both are equally safe and harmless to the pet and its family. Both methods require monthly dosages of medication on a permanent basis to prevent re-infestation. Your veterinarian will prescribe the best medication for your particular pet and the dosage will be according to your pets weight. As your pet grows, the dosage will change. Not only will your pet and home be flea-free, but the chances for your pet being infected with tapeworms will also decrease.

Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to start a monthly routine to save your pet the irritations caused by fleas.