A Common Cat Litter Box Problem - Feline UTI

by: Nancy E. Wigal

Cat litter box problems stem from a variety of sources. One of the most common causes is a feline Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Cats tolerate pain pretty well. As a matter of fact, we can be fooled that kitty is feeling fine because she's eating, purring, and snuggling up to us for human love and attention. But at the same time, if she's demonstrating out-of-cat-litter-box experiences, she could be suffering from from a feline UTI. It's up to us to figure it out.

When you know the symptons, it becomes clear that kitty has a problem. She may cry in pain while urinating. She may try to urinate, but little or nothing comes out.

Your cat may groom her privates excessively, and cries while she does it. But the biggest indicator that your cat may be suffering from a feline UTI is blood in her urine.

If your cat has stopped using her cat litter box, and she's urinating on a surface that's white or very light colored, the blood will clearly stand out in the cat urine puddle.

Many cats who suffer from a feline UTI associate the litter box with the pain that comes from this infection. Their kitty logic says if they stop using the cat litter box, maybe the pain won't come around again. This is when you start discovering cat urine puddles all around your home.

If you're one of the lucky ones whose cat is still using her cat litter box while suffering from a feline UTI, the cat litter color and composition may hide the blood. It's always a good idea to closely check your kitty's deposits on a regular basis to make sure she's healthy.

Feline UTIs are quite treatable with antibiotics from your vet. If you suspect a feline UTI, call your vet immediately and follow her instructions for bringing in your kitty for further evaluation.

Once the feline UTI is diagnosed and treated, your cat should regain her good litter box habits again. If not, a short period of confinement for cat litter box re-training is very effective.

Feline UTIs are preventable with a permanent change in your cat's diet. Consult with your vet on how to safely proceed with this.


About The Author
Nancy E. Wigal solved the cat urine odor problem in her home, and kept the cat that caused it. Read "18 Ways to Stop Cat Urine Odor Problems" to discover your solution.
http://www.stopcaturineodor.com

The Right Food To Feed Ragdoll Cats & Kittens

In general cat food can be classified into dry, moist, and semi-moist foods. Each one has its benefits, and Ragdolls need various kinds of food at different stages. Kittens need on the whole breast milk and moist food, while adults require more protein and dry food. Pregnant Ragdolls have special dietary needs that alter throughout the pregnancy as well.

A. Feeding Ragdoll Kittens

Introductory food

Ragdoll kittens should be only breastfed for the first four to five weeks. Cat milk consists of all the nutrients necessary for the kitten's growth, including antibodies that help deter disease. Breast milk also passes on other antibodies that the mother produced to fight previous diseases.

Extra food ought to be supplied after four to five weeks, as the kitten needs more nutrients to support its fast growth. Introductory food should be easy to digest. Mix canned food with warm water or kitten replacement milk until it constitutes a loose paste. Do NOT use regular cow's milk this is too heavy for kittens and may result in indigestion.

Dry food

After another four to five weeks, your kitten should be ready for dry food. To make the adjustment easier, moisten dry food with a little warm water in the first few feedings. It's also important to choose high-quality supplements to dry food and some of the good brands are Iams®, Science Diet®, and Nutro Kitten®. Science Diet Feline Growth® is popular among Ragdoll kittens. Supplements can be provided twice a day with morning and evening feeding. You can switch to adult food after approximately 12 months.

Choosing and preparing kitten food

Ragdoll kittens have fragile stomachs, so take extra care in choosing kitten food. Food ought to always be warm or slightly above room temperature. Discard any food that has been left out for more than 30 minutes, especially in the summer. Bacteria grows quickly in warm, wet foods and may upset your kitten's stomach, or even lead to food poisoning. To keep from wasting food, just observe how much your kitten eats at a time so you know how much to prepare per feeding.

House flies can easily contaminate kitten food, so keep your feeding area as fly-proof as possible. Wash the feeding bowl each day with hot, soapy water and replace water in the drinking bowl several times a day. Wash the drinking bowl at the same time and refill with fresh water.

Table scraps can be given occasionally, but don't make regular meals out of them. Cooked human foods do not contain the nutrients required for your kitten's growth. Generic cat food from groceries are an improvement, but Stellarhart recommends high-quality foods from specialty pet stores. Also, cats don't like the smell of plastic and metal containers, so use only glass drinking bowls.

Dry vs wet foods

Dry foods are generally better for your Ragdoll, except in the breastfeeding and introductory stage. They work your kitten's chewing muscles and help keep the teeth white. Dry food consists mainly of meat and vegetables, and can be moistened or served dry. Serving them dry allows your cat to nibble throughout the day, rather than eating one large meal at a time. Dry food ought to contain about 9 to 10% moisture, 8% fat, and 30% protein.

Moist food consists of about 75% moisture and equal amounts of fat and protein. Not all moist foods are the same some are all-meat or all-fish, while others are a mix of meat and vegetables. The former should not be used for regular meals, as your cat can get addicted and refuse to eat other foods. The small treat cans of variety foods are usually all-meat or all-fish. As with kitten food, moist foods ought to be warmed to room temperature before serving.

Semi-moist food has about 35% water, 27% protein, and 7% fat. Most of them are nutritionally balanced, highly palatable, and can be left out for nibbling, but they spoil faster than dry food.

Kitten treats

Occasional kitten treats will not harm your kitten, but take care not to fill them up so they can still eat regular meals. Treats ought to not provide any more than 10% of your kitten's daily caloric intake. Look for hard chew treats to help improve your kitten's dental health

B. Feeding Ragdoll Adults

Ragdolls are not very active, so they gain weight more rapidly than other cats. Do not let them become obese provide them only 70 calories per kilogram of body weight. A lot of what people believe to be cats' favourite foods are actually harmful. Here are some of the most common cat food myths:

Fish

Fish may be good for cats, but it can't cover all their nutritional needs, and too much of the same nutrients can be harmful. Tuna is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which need vitamin E to break them down. too much tuna in your cat's diet can cause yellow fat disease (steatitis).

Milk

Milk is rich in water and carbohydrates, but many cats are lactose intolerant and get digestive problems a few hours after drinking milk. Regular cow's milk can lead to diarrhoea and loose stools, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. If your cat likes milk, use replacement cat milk instead.

Catnip

Cats love the smell of catnip leaves, but it can cause short-term behavioural changes. Catnip is a hallucinogen and may possibly put your cat in a state of near delirium. Some effects include rolling, rubbing, chasing phantom mice, or simply staring into space. Although it's not addictive, catnip has no place in your cat's diet.

Dog food

It could be more convenient to feed your cat and dog from the same dish, but it's not very healthy for either pet. Cats require more protein, taurine, preformed vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and arachidonic acids, which they can get from a meat-heavy diet. A lack of these nutrients can make your cat seriously ill, and an overdose can have the same effect in dogs.

Low ash diets

A popular belief among cat owners is that diets low in ash can help deter urinary tract infection. But that's only partly true. Ash is not a single nutrient, but is actually a group of minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Lower levels of magnesium keep urine at its normal, slightly acidic state, but reducing other minerals will have no effect.

Other foods to avoid

Alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be toxic and cause fatal complications.

Baby food. Many baby foods contain onion powder, which can be harmful to the blood.

Fish and meat bones. Small splinters can cut into the digestive tract and lead to bleeding.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate). Caffeine can affect the cat's heart and nervous system.

Citrus oil extracts. This can cause stomach upsets and vomiting.

Fat. Animal fats can cause pancreatitis. Don't feed your cat fatty cooked meats, or at least trim the fat off first.

Grapes and raisins. These contain a toxin that can harm the kidneys.

Human vitamin and iron supplements. Excessive iron can damage the liver, kidneys, and the lining of the digestive tract.

Liver. Liver is safe in modest amounts, but too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity.

Macadamia nuts. Unknown toxins in macadamia can damage the muscles, digestive system, and nervous system.

Marijuana. Marijuana can cause vomiting, depression, and irregular heart rate.

Mushrooms. Some mushrooms contain highly toxic substances that can affect multiple systems and even cause death.

Onion and garlic (powdered, cooked or raw). These contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which can lead to anaemia. They are harmful to both cats and dogs, but cats are more vulnerable.

Persimmons. Persimmons seeds can block the intestines.

Potato, tomato and rhubarb. These can be harmful to the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. The leaves and stems could also be toxic.

Raw eggs. Raw eggs can damage your cat's hair and coat.

Salt. Salt and salty foods can lead to electrolyte imbalance, a potentially fatal condition affecting the heart and nervous system.

String. Strings from beans and other vegetables may not be digested, which can cause blockages.

Sugar. Sweets are high in empty calories, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Yeast dough. Yeast can expand in the stomach during digestion, causing it to rupture.

Just remember that you are not feeding a human but an animal with unique feeding requirements.


Author: Drew Pilton

The easiest way to give a pill too your Ragdoll cat

The easiest way to give your ragdoll cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Ragdoll Cats are used to eating dry food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.all you have to do If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, is too pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won’t eat it. In this event, you should look into a pet piller. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.

When you get your gun, your vet should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat’s mouth, and down his throat. You’ll need to hold him tight, to make sure that he doesn’t wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you’ll need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.

Or you can try giving your cat his pills by your hand. open his mouth with your hand slowly. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. if he hasn’t already, your cat will swallow the pill.

you can go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication, If you can’t get any of the above techniques to work. You should use this as a last selection.

Ragdoll Cat History is Stranger Than Fiction

The origins of Ragdoll cats are full of myth and controversy. This cat’s history is often contradictory and confusing; some of the Ragdoll story is just not possible. Other parts we know to be factual. First things first: the Ragdoll cat breed started in California back in the 1960s. It was founded by a woman named Ann Baker. The very first cat of this breed was for all intensive purposes a regular cat named Josephine. Ann Baker noticed something special about Josephine and her offspring. She decided to breed for this characteristic. Ragdoll cats get their name from the fact that they go limp like a Ragdoll when held. Ann Baker went so far to trademark the term Ragdoll; anyone who bred Ragdoll cats had to pay her royalties to use the name.

It is for this characteristic of the Ragdoll cat breed that Ann Baker made her unusual claims. Josephine was once hit by a car. On one account Ann Baker claimed she had taken the injured cat to a local University to have her patched up; she asked the University to give her cat new DNA and this is why Ragdoll cats came to be.

Another claim the breed's founder made was that Ragdoll cats feel no pain whatsoever. The reason she gave for this followed suite with her previous claims that the cats were genetically altered and that they were in fact, alien hybrids. Move over x-files, there have been alien-feline hybrids on earth since the 60s.

Other claims made about this breed of cat are that they felt no fear, they are the ideal cat for people with cat allergies, and they do not have cat instincts due to the fact they are alien hybrids.

When it comes to myths about Ragdoll cats, ragdoll history is truly stranger than fiction.


by: Louie Latour
About The Author
Louie Latour is a Ragdoll cat enthusiast and founder of the site http://www.RagdollCats.info which was established in 2005 to promote the Ragdoll cat breed.

Get The Latest Modern Cat Furniture

Get The Latest Modern Cat Furniture**While shopping for your cat, you can choose from an array of condos to towers and cat trees, stylish kitty litter boxes to scratching posts, all in funky shapes and designs. Cat lovers can find a variety of cat furniture and cat treats to spoil their feline friends....

Get The Latest Modern Cat Furniture

Where ever you prefer to shop for your cat, you can find the perfect type of modern cat furniture to meet her needs. Pet furniture styles have transitioned from being basic models that simply serve a function to trendy furniture that make your cat comfortable and also looks attractive alongside your home decor. For example, did you know that scratching posts come in a variety of styles? Though the simple column design is still available, there are also new methods for protecting your furniture from your cat’s claws. While shopping for your cat, you can choose from an array of condos to towers and cat trees, stylish kitty litter boxes to scratching posts, all in funky shapes and designs. Cat lovers can find a variety of cat furniture and cat treats to spoil their feline friends.

Sometimes you just don’t know where to start. There are so many designs, how do you know what your cat will like?

Here are some suggestions that other people have found useful when shopping for their cats.

What can I buy for my cat?

It’s no longer true that a dog is man’s only best friend. Your best friend may just be a cat and you want to treat it just as you would a best friend. Well, a best friend who wears a collar! Whether they are worn for identification or for safety, a collar can be both a functional and attractive accessory for your cat. You can choose from numerous vibrant colors and designs to best represent your cat’s personality whether that is in jewels, crystals, or nylon.

Does your cat love to climb?

Consider a cat tree for his perching pleasure. Your cat can move to different levels of the tree and choose to watch your every movement or simply bask in the late afternoon sun. Does your cat love to be with you though not necessarily interested in going for a traditional walk like a dog? Consider a stroller so you can bring your cat with you on walks or anywhere. Does your cat scratch everything in sight and ignores the scratching post you bought? Try a scratching lounge. It’s a bed for your cat that also serves as a place to do some scratching. Or you can look into buying transparent adhesives that protect your furniture and aren’t eye catching to your guests. These things may not be a necessity for owning a cat, but they are certainly handy to have and well loved by cats. If you are interested in enhancing your cat’s quality of life, these things can come in very handy.

Since we have realized over time that it is not safe to let your cat outside to roam around, indoors has become the preferred “habitat”. Indoor cats still need sun and fresh air for health reasons. You can choose from a selection of outdoor, fully enclosed cat furniture to allow them to be outside without you worrying about other animals interfering with them or the risk of wandering off. They can get exercise in a protected environment.
Many cat furniture designs are created for multiple pets. You can get a double decker stroller for your cats, so they’re not crammed in a small space together. Your cat can also access sunny spots indoors by providing them with cat trees featuring comfortable perches. These allow cats to enjoy their own domain and personal space. All models are designed with the cats’ comfort and cleanliness in mind.

Perhaps you are interested in your cat’s nutrition and health and are willing to also invest in their physical well being. Maybe you should consider a pet fountain for your cat. Not only is this a practical approach for keeping filtered water available for your pet, but the sound of water moving entices your cat to come drink more often. Drinking more water will help your cat stay hydrated and healthy without drastic changes to his diet. Simple nutritional supplements can also help your cat to be healthier. Nutrition doesn’t necessarily always have to mean vitamins either. There are numerous formulas available to decrease your cat’s anxiety, help with joint pain, and provide hair ball relief.

Through the course of history, humans have changed their furniture styles, why not do the same for cat furniture? As a cat’s needs have been studied and analyzed, designs for furniture has developed to accommodate those needs. Your life and your cat’s life can be made easier with the development of new furniture features and there are new creations on the market all the time.

By: Kristin Kronstain
Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

Cat wormers and other cat medications

cat wormers are only available in syrup but as the demand for an easier administration procedure of this treatment grew through the years, medicine manufacturers have develop suspension, tablets, spot on, and paste....

Cat wormers
and other cat medications

Dogs are the common house pets by many but as years pass, more and more people are recognizing that cats can be good house pets too. Decades may have proven these but it is only recently when medicative treatments have been invented to save the health of cats and other felines. One is the cat wormer which has saved hundred lives of the cats.
Years ago, cat wormers are only available in syrup but as the demand for an easier administration procedure of this treatment grew through the years, medicine manufacturers have develop suspension, tablets, spot on, and paste. Let us tackle these one by one and see which can be the most appropriate for your cat.
Liquid cat wormer. Liquid cat wormer is the most preferred type of medicine in worming cats. This is for the reason that some can be readily mixed to the food of the infected cat without any flavors added. Some of the varieties also have palatable taste to induce the cat to take the medicated food.

Suspension and tablets cat wormer. Suspension and tablet cat wormers are available in chewable tablets which can be digested easy by the cat. This offers convenience as the medication does not need to be measured up because it is in the tablet form. Dosage can be on the quantity of tablets that should be taken for the time intervals.

Cat wormer paste. This type of wormer is effective against all types of worms. This is easy to use as you only need to place the nozzle inside of the cat’s mouth and squirt it inside.

In deciding on which form of cat wormer should you take, it is wise to take the advise of a veterinarian. It is also a pre-requisite that you bring your cat with you, so as the vet may see the actual health condition of your pet. Sometimes, it is not only one parasite that infects the animal. Most often some parasites go along together. In such case, medication that addresses both infections must be administered so as to completely treat your pet.
One of the factors that can be linked to these infections is the unsanitary and unhygienic environment conditions. It is a must that you also check the cleanliness of the area to avoid possible diseases and infections not only to your pets but also to your health as well.

Cat wormers vary depending on the severity of the infection and the disease. In choosing the form of cat wormer to be administered, consult your vet and follow thoroughly the instructions indicated for easier and effective treatment of your cat. It is not enough that you ask suggestions to your friend or consult the internet. It is best to have an authority to treat and restore the health of your cat

By: Sandy Scott
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Creating the Purrrrfect Outdoor Living Space for Your Feline

Creating the Purrrrfect Outdoor Living Space for Your Feline*** They enjoy watching the wildlife and birds outside their hillside home as much as they enjoy their four pet cats...

Creating the Purrrrfect Outdoor
Living Space for Your Feline

In amongst all the articles for furnishing your outdoor living areas, this one concentrates on a different type of living space - outdoor cat enclosures.

More and more cat owners have experienced the problems associated with letting their pet run free outdoors. The average life span for an outdoor cat is 5 years vs. 15 years for an indoor cat. They are susceptible to so many more risks than their indoor counterpart, such as aggressive dogs or other predators, fighting with other cats, cars, exposure to diseased animals or poisons, the list goes on. A single run in with any of these hazards will probably result in a hefty vet bill, in fact for many pet owners, a monthly bill for cat insurance has become a sign of the times.

In an effort to protect our pets, it's becoming more and more common to see constructed cat enclosures that allow kitty to scamper outdoors, and enjoy the fresh air in a controlled safe environment. The challenge is constructing this cat corral in a way that is pleasing to look at and doesn't create an eyesore or lower your property value. It should also be fairly simple to remove if you're ever thinking of selling your home.
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times describes the creative enclosure constructed by Beverly Hills couple Susan and Dan Gottlieb. They enjoy watching the wildlife and birds outside their hillside home as much as they enjoy their four pet cats. However, in an effort to protect their cats from predators, and protect the birds from their cats, they devised an enclosed nature path that keeps everyone safe.

It began with a few planks of wood with wire fencing stapled to the underside, creating a tubular wire shape. Some areas are covered with dirt, where others have rubber matting on the bottom. Initially, the path wound through a small area of the yard, but due to its incredible popularity, has since been expanded to include five cat doors leading from the house to various runs throughout the property. This type of design is very affordable, can easily be integrated into the landscape, hidden amongst the hedges, and is simple to dismantle if you ever move.

If you're not feeling handy, there are numerous companies out there who do nothing but make cat runs in all shape, sizes, and customized for your pet's needs. Another option is to collect some photos off the web as samples, and hire a handyman to complete the job. Most runs begin with a cat door leading to a tunnel created out of mesh, or chicken wire. The path meanders throughout the yard, sometimes stepping up to balconies or upper windows. Other enclosures are constructed as more of a pen or a gazebo filled with small trees, shrubs, and even fountains or ponds.

For apartment dwellers, or those with limited space, kitty windows are great alternatives. These are screened in boxes that protrude from a window, similar to a bay window, which provides a safe, sunny spot for your cat. For those with balconies, netting systems can be purchased that allow your pet freedom to roam, without the danger of falling off the railing.

Whatever your situation, there are lot's of ways to give your indoor cat an outdoor lifestyle, without the added risk.

By: Leslie Eskildsen
Article Source: http://articleaddict.com