Thirst Increase In Cats

Thirst Increase In Cats--One of the most common of these problems might be an increase in thirst. This is a pet health issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly and will need immediate attention...

Thirst Increase In Cats

Those of you who have cats need to be aware of all the pet health related problems that may affect your cat within their lifetime. One of the most common of these problems might be an increase in thirst. This is a pet health issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly and will need immediate attention.

One of the most severe pet health problems is CRF or chronic renal failure and one of the most common symptoms is an increased thirst for water accompanied by excessive urination. You can find more information regarding this disease from your vet. It is very important to have your pet health questions answered by your vet because the more knowledge you have, the more easily you will be able to recognize the symptoms and take action.

Chronic renal failure is a severe pet health problem that will induce changes your cat’s overall appetite and increase his thirst. The appetite can vary from one cat to another but mostly is on the decreasing side. You might even find your cat acting finicky and it will be tough to guess what they really want. In such a condition, the stool will most often be dry and firm but there will be an increase in urination.

This can lead to dehydration and make their coat quality poor. Their faces will bear a pinched look and the body temperature might be lower than normal. If you feel their kidneys then it will have a lump feel. The best way to confirm renal problems is through urinalysis and blood tests. Based on the analysis, the vet will be able to guide you towards proper pet health care and restrictions in diet.

Chronic kidney failure, otherwise known as Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) or Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI), is a progressive deterioration of kidney function over a relatively long period of time (typically months to years). Acquired kidney diseases are the cause of most cases of kidney failure in cats, and tend to manifest in middle to old age and is a regular pet health question.

Some of the more common diseases are listed below.

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis is the most commonly identified problem in cats suffering from CRF. It is often the end-stage of many causes of kidney disease, where damaged nephrons (the functional unit of kidney tissue) are replaced with fibrous tissue. Typically affected kidneys will be small and scarred.

Glomerulonephritis is a disease in which the glomeruli (which help filter urine from the blood), are damaged by inflammation.

Pyelonephritis is the name for a bacterial infection of the kidneys.

Amyloidosis is a disorder by which insoluble protein fibres are deposited in various organs of the body. When it occurs in the kidneys, their function is impaired and chronic renal failure can result. Amyloidosis can be seen as an inherited condition in Abyssinian cats.

Hydronephrosis is an excessive accumulation of urine in the kidney caused by an obstruction or blockage in the ureter - the tube linking the kidney to the bladder.

Renal lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells affecting the kidney. Typically both kidneys will be very enlarged if this condition is present.

Normally, the creatine and BUN levels will be highly elevated during the test analysis apart from Amylase and phosphorous levels. Potassium will be on the lower side. The treatment of such pet health condition will be directed mostly at supporting the body and other organs keeping in mind that one of the organs might fail. This is a progressive pet health condition and the amount of support required will be determined only after clinical tests and laboratory findings have been confirmed.

Normally your cat will go through extensive dehydration and will require more and more water to keep him going. As a result of this, you will see a remarkable increase in his thirst and however high the amount of water intake be, he will still be feeling thirsty. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to visit the vet immediately for a diagnosis and get him into a pet health care program as soon as possible.

By: James Gosling
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Finding The Right Training Supplies For Your Cat

Cat training supplies needed is never complicated. ,Choosing the supplies needed for training a cat need not be expensive** Litter Box--A Scratching Post-Bed for the Cat-Yarn or Balls as Toys...

Finding The Right Training Supplies For Your Cat

Choosing the supplies needed for training a cat need not be expensive. What is important is to know the supplies that are really needed for training and are found to be the most effective. Choosing the cat training supplies needed is never complicated. The only thing that needs to be considered is to determine what the cat owner would like to improve in the behavior of the cat.


Here are the most important supplies needed for training:

1. Litter Box

A litter box is very important in training a cat especially if the cat will be trained to litter in a proper place. When choosing a litter box, the size of the box and the sides should be considered. The cat should be able to jump to it easily, which is why enough space is needed. Cats scratch when littering. The sides should have some height so that the litter will not be scattered when the cat scratches.

2. A Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch. Much of the time they scratch anywhere they like. They scratch on the walls, couches and even on other furniture. Therefore, it is necessary to have a post where a cat can scratch. A scratching post can be bought commercially or the owner can improvise.

When making an improvised scratch post, the post should be sturdy enough. It should not tip over once the cat touches it. It can be covered with a rough mat or the other side of a carpet. However, it is not recommended to use the same coverings used for the couches or furniture otherwise, the cat will do the same to them.

3. Bed for the Cat

A bed should be also be prepared for a cat especially if the cat is be trained not to sleep anywhere he wishes. A bed should be specially made for the cat. The trainer or cat owner can improvise a bed that is made of a soft pillow. It should be inviting and appealing to the cat. Cats love to sleep in warm places. That is why it is important that the bed should provide enough warmth for the cat. A scent can also be added to the bed, which is more appealing to cats.

4. Yarn or Balls as Toys

When teaching a cat some tricks. The best tools are the yarns and balls. Cats love to play with things that are light and moving. There are toys that are specially made for cats but yarns and small balls are the cheapest yet most effective.

By: Jay Schindler
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Choosing The Right Litter Box For Your Cat

Cat box--Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners., The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use...

Choosing The Right Litter Box For Your Cat

Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.

Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees success.

In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered:

Size and Depth

This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.

Material of the Box

Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.

Ease of Cleaning

Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand.

Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.

There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and feces and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out.

Style and Features

There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:

-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim.

-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide "privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents.

-Designer boxes. Also known as "hidden boxes", this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation.

-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.

-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.

Cost

The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.

Appealing to the Cat

Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again.

Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well!

By: Jay Schindler
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

What Cats Want Owners to Know

Cat behavior reflects decisions that cat owners have made. Living with cats can be such a pleasure and very rewarding until they shred the drapes, pee on the couch and sleep on the dining table....

What Cats Want Owners to Know

I had to learn how to anticipate my cat's needs. After living with cats for many years, I concluded that it isn't the cats that need to be trained, but their owners. Cat behavior reflects decisions that cat owners have made. Living with cats can be such a pleasure and very rewarding until they shred the drapes, pee on the couch and sleep on the dining table. You can have a more rewarding relationship with your cats with proactive cat training.

When I got two cats, I lived in a small apartment with two bedrooms. That meant that a small number of cats was a good choice. One cat will get lonely; more than two cats will create problems as shown in studies of rats that are put in overcrowded environments. Cats are expert loungers who don't like stress. Too many cats for the square footage of one's living space guarantees stress for the cat, which creates unruly cats. I did not plan to let my cats roam the neighborhood to impose on other people, or get injured, and get diseases to increase the vet bills, so I needed to limit the number of felines in the house. Indoor cats are healthier and live longer.

I chose kittens rather than pre-owned cats that would have brought along habits, good and bad. I got litter mates so they had been together since birth and they were able to get along together. I got a male and female, but I now think I should have had only two females. Males that have been neutered are more prone to cystitis which is chronic and makes them irritable and prone to spray curtains, beds, couches, etc. Since males to have to be neutered, unless you plan to raise limitless numbers of kittens, females make easier domestic pets. Naturally, females have to be spayed for the same reason. A male cat that doesn't use the litter box may have cystitis which requires a visit to the vet.

I found that periodically simply clipping the cat's front and back claws carefully to dull the tips, avoiding cutting too close to the nail quick, prevented their ability to greatly damage fabrics they scratched. There was no need to de-claw them which would be very cruel. Providing scratching posts of carpet or scratching toys purchased in pet stores also draws their attention away from couches, or drapes. When catnip is sprinkled on scratching posts or their toys, they are more interested in scratching those.

Cat training that works quickly and easily requires water sprayers. If my cats ever attempted to scratch anything they shouldn't, I sprayed them with water kept nearby in a spray bottle. Eventually, they will avoid doing undesirable behaviors if you just pick up the sprayer. They stop even trying to scratch the couch. I kept spray bottles everywhere for discipline. If they tried to get on kitchen counters or tables, I would spray water on them. They don't like to be sprayed with water and it doesn't hurt to add a loud "NO". After some conditioning, the cats will react to just the loud command "NO".

Cats are more inclined to use a litter box if it is kept scrupulously clean and smelling nice. People don't like dirty toilets and neither do cats. Also, they don't like to be annoyed or made nervous when they go to the litter box. It should be in an out-of-the-way, quiet place as far from house traffic as possible. That is another reason to avoid getting more cats than your living space should have. Consider through the cat's perspective--they like peace and quiet. Cats aren't like dogs who like lots of activity. If cats are nervous and stressed, they are less likely to use the litter box.

I learned that I shouldn't confuse cats by having things like bean bag chairs lying around the house. They can mistake a bean bag chair for a litter box. My cats were more cooperative when I kept their litter box in the same place and very clean. No amount of training will prevent the occasional hairball or upset stomach, so those things just have to be tolerated and cleaned up quickly. Cat owners learn quickly that tile or wood floors clean easier than carpet. People get sick, so do animals, and they can't be punished for that.

They trained me when I saw that they preferred sleeping in cardboard boxes that were about fifteen inches square with sides about eight inches high. They would curl up in those to sleep and stay off the couch or bed. They also taught me that they liked to play on their terms. If I played too roughly, they would bite, I treated them in a gentle, loving way and they never became aggressive or irritable with me without provocation. They like attention when they want it, not necessarily when the owner wants it. Follow their lead.

When I learned to anticipate their needs rather than trying to "train" them, or modify their behavior, it became obvious that some of my choices as a cat owner needed careful consideration.

By: Abana Abbott
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Desired Cat Condos & Trees

Cat condos and cat trees provide your cat a perfect place for claw-sharpening. Apart from that it also acts as a source of entertainment and exercise,...

Desired Cat Condos & Trees

If you own a cat then you must be aware that cats have an innate urge to scratch. According to the expert veterinary doctors, scratching on a sisal scratch post acts as a form of therapy or stress release for your feline. Otherwise, your cat scratches your bed and furniture. To avert such a saddening situation it is wise to buy cat condos and cat beds.
If you don’t provide your feline with a scratching post, you may witness various negative results on your sofa or your favorite carpet. This is the reason why people nowadays prefer to buy separate cat condos and cat trees so that cats can get some privacy and can also use that place for scratching.

Cat condos and cat trees provide your cat a perfect place for claw-sharpening. Apart from that it also acts as a source of entertainment and exercise, for your cat can play, climb, hide and scratch. Last but not the least cat condos provide your feline friends a place to relax. Seeing its real worth and importance nowadays you can find various types of cat condos and cat trees, and the internet is the best place to find various types of cat condos and cat trees available in different sizes, colours, fabric and material.

If you are looking for the best cat condos and cat trees then Pet Supply Factory is the best place to get one of the best and most comfortable cat condos. Furthermore, it also offers various types of cat furniture like cat beds and even a cat gym.
Your cat deserves a great place to laze and enjoy life. That’s why buying the best cat condos and cat trees becomes the obvious and best solution. But prior to buying any cat condo or cat tree, try to keep various checkpoints in mind.
While buying any cat condo or cat tree, make sure it is sturdy in order to avoid any accidents. After safety, it’s durability. Durability is something which can’t be ruled out while selecting a cat condo. Thus make sure that your bought cat condo is durable and you get true value for your money.


Thus, if you want to provide your cat maximum comfort then simply buy one of the best cat condos and cat trees from Pet Supply Factory. For more information on cat condos, cat trees, cat furniture and cat beds please visit www.petsupplyfactory.com.

By: Jim Otto
Article Source: http://articleaddict.com