Hangin’ with the Animals

posted by Animal Lover2 on Feb 15

By CS Swarens

Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Sometimes it seems like cats and hair balls go hand in hand. Even a short haired cat will occasionally develop a few. If you have a medium to long haired cat, brushing and combing is essential to preventing this and other common cat ailments. Aside from helping your cat look like a show piece, brushing will help remove dead hair that your cat would swallow in the course of washing.

In order to prevent hair balls, you may also want to add a teaspoon of fish oil to cat food once a week. This will help any hair that the cat ingests pass through the digestive system. You may also want to try feeding your cat a teaspoon of bran or canned pumpkin each day. If your cat is feral, it may chew on grass or other plants to help manage this and other common cat ailments.

Fleas can wreak absolute havoc in your cats life. Not only are they itchy, they can spread diseases. Some cats develop physical allergies to fleas, while others will experience emotional and mental distress. Similar to hair balls, routine grooming will help keep fleas to a minimum. Flea collars are also readily available to treat this and some other related common cat ailments. There are also environmentally friendly fur rubs that will deter fleas and give your cat a pleasant odor at the same time. If your cat is highly intolerant of fleas, you may also want to ask your veterinarian about flea inoculations.

If you notice your cat scratching inside his/her ears, some other common cat ailments may be present. Similar to fleas, ear mites and wax buildup can be very annoying and disturbing to your cat. They also rank well near the top when it comes to easily treated common cat ailments. Chances are your cat’s veterinarian will notice ear mites and wax during annual checkups. The medication for both conditions is fairly easy to administer, and will provide a great deal of relief to your cat. It is important to treat ear mites early, as they can do a great deal of damage to your cat’s hearing and long term health.

Finally, few people realize emotional and mental distress are common cat ailments. As an example, if you move out of one home and into another, a grown cat may find it difficult to adapt. There are many stories of transplant cats taking to their paws and returning to their old home, even if it is thousands of miles away. When you own a cat, it is important to realize that they have very stringent rules about their physical territory. They will guard their “property” much as a human owner might. While we cannot see the cat version of fences created by stool and urine markings, cats most certainly recognize the territories of others of their species.

As with humans, cats can suffer from a wide array of ailments that start off with very subtle symptoms. Aside from yearly check ups, it is very important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in what time the cat eats, or engages in other occupations. That said, for the most part, if you adopt a kitten or full grown cat, you can look forward to at least one decade of living with a happy, healthy companion. That said, common cat ailments should not be overlooked or ignored.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet’s pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

Research over 45 cat breed profiles http://www.findapetonline.com/cat_breeds_a_z.html

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

posted by Animal Lover2 on Feb 13

By Audrey Frederick

I think that the most frightening thing that can happen to an indoor cat owner is to have their dearly beloved cat escape out the door. Whether it is an accident, where the cat broke through a screen, or someone leaving the door ajar and the cat’s curiosity got the best of it. It is an experience that can make even the bravest of cat owners fall to their knees.

However, accidents do happen, no matter how careful we are. So what should a cat owner do first? In some instances prepare yourself for a long day or night of endless searching and calling.

Many studies have shown that indoor cats often show certain types of behavior when they find themselves in strange and unknown territory.

Most often they will go into what is called a “shut down mode” which is a type of self-preservation mode due to the fact that they are frightened and overwhelmed.

Most indoor-only cats have never seen the new sights and sounds of the outdoors and the experience is not only over whelming, but also down right scary.

If you are lucky enough to see your cat escape, keep a watchful eye on where it is going if it is at all possible. A frightened cat generally will not come when called, and now that you are outside, you too, are considered a scary person by the cat.

An indoor-only cat’s first impulse is to hide somewhere that is why if you can keep your eye on the escapee you have a better chance of catching him/her.

A word of warning here, however, even if you know where Kitty is hiding, the chances of him/her coming into your arms willingly are slim and none.

First try offering food or treats, should you get no response do not be dismayed, as your cat may just be too frightened or distracted and does not realize you are its friend and not an enemy. If you try to grab the cat or make a fast motion toward it, you are only frightening it more. Talking softly and moving slowly will work better; again, keep in mind that Kitty is frightened and when you try to pick him/her up, Kitty may scratch or bite. This is a defense mechanism and has nothing to do with you. Remember how you would react if someone came toward you when you were frightened, how would you react?

If you know where Kitty is and if you can leave your door open, try to position yourself behind Kitty and sort of nudge the cat toward home territory. Again talking softly and no fast or sudden moves as you encourage the cat toward the house.

If you have not been able to see where Kitty has gone, the chances are good that your cat is within a 2 or 3 house area hiding somewhere. The scary part here is the longer your cat is gone the further it may wander.

I know we often will go about the neighborhood calling our cat’s name, that in itself makes us think we are doing some good, but kitty won’t answer 99% of the time. The best thing to do here is post flyers right away, talk to all the neighbors in close proximity, and search all the obvious and non-obvious places such as under porches, behind woodpiles, in sheds and under and in bushes. The next thing you should do is call the animal shelters and report your cat missing. Also ask to borrow some humane traps from the animal shelter and set them in your immediate area with food in them, with the hope that a hungry kitty and not a possum will find refuge.

There are two things that you can do for your cat before you have to ever experience this situation. They are (a) have identification on your cat or better yet have a microchip installed, (b) believe it or not teach your cat to come for food treats, this could save its life if it escapes outdoors. The thought here is if the cat has been taught to come when called for food; it will do so, indoors or out.

As a cat owner, I have been through this experience, thankfully with good results, as my cat came back. I know the anguish that one goes through when our 4-legged friend slips through the door and I pray you never have to experience it and should you, I hope these thoughts help.

In my world cats fill a very important part of it. Without my guys ( and girl, too) I think I would be lost, our families are very important, but cats fill that part of you that no one else can. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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

posted by Animal Lover2 on Dec 3

by SHERYLL CROSS

Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world. Cat lovers around the globe understand the needs and demands of their feline pets, especially when it comes to cat grooming. Cats often clean their faces after meals, lick themselves regularly as if taking a bath, and even file their nails on the scratching post. Truly, they should be treated royalty for having such habits. Grooming your cat may seem to be a tough job, but take it as if you’re just doing small favors for your cat. First, you have to examine your cat’s skin and coat. You may know if your cat’s coat is unhealthy if it is uneven and dry, sometimes may have scales and scabs. You can also smell your cat’s coat if it has bad odor. If all of these are present, check on your cat’s diet. You may be giving your cat the wrong kind of food and your cat’s not getting proper nutrition. Also, the coat of your cat should be combed and brushed regularly. Cats should be brushed daily to prevent their furs from tangling and looking rowdy. Just don’t forget to use the proper tools like quality steel combs that won’t hurt your cats. Ask some professional pet groomers what are the ideal hygiene tools you needed specifically for your pet.

Your cat’s nails should be clipped from time to time. Indoor cats need their nails to be clipped unlike outdoor cats that use their long nails for defense, climbing, and balance. If you’re not used to clipping your cat’s nails, try to bring it to pet grooming salons where pet groomers can teach you the proper way of doing it. You can also ask them to teach you techniques to make your cat comfortable first before clipping its nails.

Cats need brushing their teeth too. You can brush kitty’s teeth at least once or twice a week. Brushing your cat’s teeth will remove plaque build-up that may lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Or, bring your cat to pet to your vet or a pet groomer and let him or her do some professional cleaning in your cat’s mouth. It is also important not to use toothbrushes and toothpastes used by humans. A lot of special dental cleaning tools are available in every pet shop or pet stores.

We all know that most cats hate being sprinkled or bathed. Well, they actually hate getting wet. But yes, cats don’t need frequent baths. Bathe your cat only if you feel that it needs one. Use shampoos, conditioners, and soaps intended only for cats. Again, the shampoos and conditioners that we use shouldn’t be applied on them. If your cat has allergies or skin problems, ask a veterinarian for medications. Don’t ever use a product without asking the opinion of the professionals. Well, these are just basic tips on how to groom your cats. Just don’t put too much attention to grooming them, let them have quality time with you. Just like other pets, they need exercise, fun, and sleep. Just don’t forget to give the attention and care they are worthy of. For more information, visit this site on cat grooming.

Sheryll Cross is a web copywriter for US Website Builder, that is associated with Beauty Time Pets Grooming.