Maintaining Your Cat’s Health

Maintaining Your Cat’s Health...This allows the vet to stay current with the shots and regular exams that felines require. Paying attention to any physical changes in your pet will give you a better idea of your pet’s health....

Maintaining Your Cat’s Health
By: Abby Reid

Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but many animal lovers adore keeping cats as pets because of the animal’s warm yet independent spirit. There are steps that you can take to keep your pet healthy and to avoid any issues or concerns. By using a combination of care, prevention and pet health products, you can ensure your cat’s companionship for years to come.

There are two important ways in which you can maintain your cat’s health and happiness. Scheduling annual veterinarian check-ups allow a professional to give special care and attention to your cat. This allows the vet to stay current with the shots and regular exams that felines require. Paying attention to any physical changes in your pet will give you a better idea of your pet’s health. Investing in a few specialized, approved pet health products can also make a significant difference.

Conduct an overall evaluation of your cat when you are petting or sitting with it. Take a quick look at the animal from nose to tail. It is smart to do this on a regular basis and at a set time, your pet will grow accustomed to it and you will not forget its daily check-up. Alert your veterinarian if you discover any potential concerns. Begin with your cat’s head. Are its eyes clear and alert? Are its ears pink and clean? Do the ears give off a pungent smell that seems abnormal? Have bugs appeared as a dark, thick formation inside the cat’s ears? Are its gums pink and teeth healthy, clean and strong? Does tartar reside along the gum line? Has your cat developed unpleasant breath?

Gently feel and inspect your pet's body for sores, lumps, puffiness, bumps, scratches, parasites or irregularities. Keep an eye out for flea dirt, which is similar in appearance to black pepper and appears red when dampened. Check your cat’s paws, ears and tail.

Feel free to ask your vet any questions that you may have. Don’t be afraid to verify what is and isn’t normal.

Regularly brushing your cat keeps it looking neat and tidy. Rubber brushes remove dead skin cells and loose hair. Combs that are specially designed for a cat help lift fleas and small bugs out of its hair.

It is imperative to clip your cat’s claws on a regular basis. When this isn’t done, a cat’s claws can grow into its paw pads, which may result in pain and infection. A veterinarian will be happy to show you how to properly trim a cat’s nails in a way that will not harm the animal. While many people choose to have their cats declawed, this is not the only way to eliminate its scratching. It can also be very painful for the pet. Felines can be trained to scratch only in designated areas, such as a well-designed post.

Cat owners should do as much research as possible regarding the proper care of cats. They should also own at least one book or pamphlet on emergency first aid. By familiarizing yourself with emergency procedures, you could possibly save your cat’s life. Do not attempt to treat your cat with any medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen or suphedrine. Many medicines intended for humans can be poisonous to cats.

Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

Vaccinations For Cats

Vaccinations For Cats...Cat health related vaccines that have been licensed by the federal government are tested to make sure that they protect pet health against diseases for one year....What Studies Tell About Pet Health Vaccines**Health Problems Related to Cat Health Vaccines**Adverse Reactions to Pet Health Vaccines....

Vaccinations For Cats

The debate on giving annual vaccinations to ensure good cat health versus the unhealthy implications of inoculation on the pet health has been going on for years. Many veterinarians believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that annual vaccine shots for deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, is unnecessary and even harmful in some cases.

There is no doubt vaccinations (immunizations, "shots") have saved the lives of millions of cats. Before the days of effective vaccines, cats routinely died from panleukopenia ("feline distemper") and complications of upper respiratory (herpesvirus, calicivirus) infections. Newer vaccines are available to protect against feline leukemia virus infection, feline infectious peritonitis virus and other infections (chlamydia, feline bordetella, ringworm). Current vaccination programs protect our cats (and us) from the threat of rabies.

Cat health related vaccines that have been licensed by the federal government are tested to make sure that they protect pet health against diseases for one year. But, because these vaccines are not tested for long-term pet health side effects nor do they measure the time for which the vaccine will be effective, some studies at universities have suggested that cat health can be protected by these vaccines for many years negating the requirement of annual shots. This also means that pet owners don’t have to waste money on annual inoculations for better pet health and cat health.
What Studies Tell About Pet Health Vaccines

Typically, rabies is the only pet health disease that can pose a threat to people; most vaccines aren’t statutory by law. However, vets recommend annual boosters to guard cat health against those potential diseases that can be life threatening (parvovirus in dogs, distemper, herpes in cats etc). In advent of this new and scientific data that cites annual booster shots leading to certain health risks such as hyperthyroidism in cats, more and more vets are now making changes in their practices. According to a poll, it has been found that the vaccination count has fallen down by 49% than the figure 5 years ago.

It’s safe to assume that no one, including vets, scientists etc, knows the duration of protection cat health vaccines offer. Moreover, vaccine makers don’t wish to spend millions of pounds on proving the duration of their vaccines nor do they wish to test it.

Health Problems Related to Cat Health Vaccines

More studies, off late, are beginning to link many chronic pet health problems to inoculations. Cat health skin related problems such as hair loss, ulcers, lesions, indurations and serious problems such as indurations or hard lumps at and around the site of the injection have often been related to vaccines. While these adverse reactions to pet health vaccines may not pose the threat of an epidemic, it definitely rings an alarm bell and warrants a re-examination of the conventional beliefs related to vaccination practices.

Adverse Reactions to Pet Health Vaccines

Adverse reactions to pet health vaccines include fever, stiffness of joints, lethargy, abdominal tenderness, anaphylactic shock, kidney and liver problems among others. In some cases, vets believe that those cats/dogs that have a pre-existing health problem may suffer a much faster decline in their health when given annual booster shots.

By: Mark Stimpson
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Know The 7 Dangers of Declawing Cats Now OR You'll Hate Yourself Later

Know The 7 Dangers of Declawing Cats Now OR You'll Hate Yourself Later**1. It's Not What's Best For Your Cat*2. Stress Relief*3. Territory*4. Self Defense*5. Potty problems*6. Other Concerns*7. It's Not Simple or Painless.....

Know The 7 Dangers of Declawing Cats Now OR You'll Hate Yourself Later

Many cat owners are having difficulty training their feline friends not to scratch their furniture, rugs, and other household belongings. While there are successful alternatives for some reason people are still going through the horrible process of declawing their cats.

Declawing a cat is not only hazardous to your cat but also inhumane.

Here are the 7 reasons you will regret having this procedure done to your poor feline friend:

1. It's Not What's Best For Your Cat

While there are many things you can do to help your cat out. Declawing isn't one of them. This has no real purpose and does not help your cat out in any way. Some procedures are necassary to your cats health such as neutering which prevents many diseases.

This abrasive procedure is only looking out for the best interest of the couch. Cats should be treated as members of the family. Think of it this way, declawing your cat would be the same as taking another family members feet for ruining the carpets on a muddy day. They can't help it being muddy just the same as your cat can't help the stress they feel that make them scratch.

2. Stress Relief

Just like the rest of us, cats get stressed out too and the most effective and common way for cats to relieve that stress is to scratch on things. This should concern all cat owners for the simple fact that if your cat can't cope with stress they become destructive.

Cats have stress relieving spots on their paws and scratching relaxes them. So without being able to scratch you have taken away there main source of stress relief, and that is going cause behavioral issues much more serious than cat scratching.

3. Territory

If you have other pets in the house or if your cat is an outside cat they will have problems marking their territory and get into more fights. This possess a problem since they no longer have claws. Scratching is just one of the main ways they mark their territory and again taking their claws is just another way of taking a part of what makes them cats.

4. Self Defense

Also declawing your cat takes your cats natural form of defense. Without their claws your cat can't defend themselves. If they were ever to get into a fight with another animal, either your other pets or a strange animal outside they couldn't possibly win. Plus, if their was ever a person trying to take them or harming them whether intentionally or not they couldn't escape without biting.

5. Potty problems

When you declaw your cat it causes pain which when they walk into a litter box causes more pain from the uneven surface and abrasive litter. This pain is associated with using the litter box. Again causing a serious potty problem when they refuse to use their litter box anymore.

6. Other Concerns

Above all that has already been stated, your cat can also get joint problems and other health issues. The declawing process causes so much pain that they begin to walk in a certain way to try and minimize pain, and also to restore balance.

Plus one other concern is that instead of scratching they have to give you warnings in other ways so they will begin to bite. Many and most cats get a biting problem after being declawed.

7. It's Not Simple or Painless

Many people who have declawed their pets make it seem like the process was simple and painless. Well, it's far from it. This is not a simple nail trim and nor does it feel that way. You cat will be going through an actual surgery. Which as most people know surgeries alon are dangerous.

There is a chance of something going wrong in all types of surgeries. This surgery is no different. Declawing a cat is like amputating 10 limbs (thats if you only declaw the front paws...)

What the procedure actually is, is when a vet cuts off your cats toes one by one from the first knuckle down. This is a cruel procedure that causes pain and suffering not just then but for their whole lives.

So when dealing with bad cat scratching behaviors consider trying one of the many other proven techniques. It is possible to train a cat, you just have to know how.

By: Thomas Turner
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Benefits Of Trimming Pet's Nails

Benefits Of Trimming Pet's Nails...Why your dog needs regular nail trims...Your cat needs regular nail trimming, too...Rabbits, birds and small animals also need nail trimming...

Benefits Of Trimming Pet's Nails

Do you hear a click-click-clicking when your pet is trotting down the hallway toward you? If so, your little - or not so little - pet is in serious need of a nail trimming. Many pet owners don't realize the importance of regular nail trimming to their pet's health. If you've been shaking your head over the television ads for the latest pet-care craze, the Pedi Paws, you might be surprised to learn just how important it is to keep your dog, cat or other pet's nails carefully trimmed.

Why your dog needs regular nail trims

That clicking you hear when your pup walks across the tile or wood floor could be doing far more damage than you think, and not only to your gorgeous floors. Neglecting your pet's nails can have some unexpected serious consequences for your dog. The dog injuries that result from untrimmed nails range from torn nails to arthritis.

A dog's nails curve as they grow out. If they're not trimmed, they'll eventually curl under the foot where they can dig into sensitive paw pads and cause pain. Dew claws are even more prone to this kind of curling and growing in. If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you can imagine how painful that is for your poor pup.

Even worse, dogs actually walk on their toes. When their nails dig painfully into their paw pads, they tend to compensate for the difficulty walking by resting their weight further back on the paw. That awkward gait puts stress and strain on all the other muscles and joints. Just as wearing the wrong shoes can result in backaches and sore knees in humans, trying to walk with uncomfortably long nails can cause joint pain and discomfort for your dog. In the worst case scenario, it can contribute to the development of arthritis and other joint problems.

In addition, long nails are more likely to be torn or injured by impact or by catching in carpets, sweaters or upholstery. When that happens, the outer enamel of the nail can tear away and expose the inner tissue, called the quick. The quick is a fleshy bit of nerve and tissue that grows outward from the bone and is surrounded by the keratin that forms the claw and nail. The quick inside is easily injured, and when it's deprived of its protective keratin, it's prone to infection that can travel into the dog's foot and blood. Regular trimming reduces the chance of injury and infection.

Your cat needs regular nail trimming, too

Like dogs, cats have claws that grow in a curve and can curl under their paw pads if they're left untrimmed. Trimming a cat's claws offers extra benefits, though. Cats are notorious for destroying furniture by using the upholstery as a scratching post. Scratching is an instinctive behavior, and while most people think the intent is to sharpen the claws, there's another reason that cats scratch your furniture. They have scent pads in their feet, and scratching is a way to mark their territory.

Because the scratching is so destructive, many owners of indoor cats used to choose to de-claw their kittens. The practice has been falling out of favor in recent years, though, because it leaves the cat defenseless if it happens to get outside. It's actually illegal in many European countries, and there is a push to make it illegal in the United States.

Trimming your kitten's claws is one far easier solution to the scratching problem. When you keep your cat's claws trimmed short, it actually reduces the urge for them to claw furniture. Removing the sharp point also allows the cat to "scratch" without destroying furniture and upholstery. In addition, keeping the claws trimmed reduces the chance that your cat will catch a claw in the screen or upholstery and injure itself trying to get away.

Rabbits, birds and
small animals also need nail trimming

Few people think of birds and nail trimming in the same breath, but many birds can be handicapped if their nails are allowed to grow too long. Birds use their claws for perching. When the nails are allowed to grow long and gnarled, it interferes with their ability to perch safely. In addition, long nails can easily catch in carpeting and clothing, with the risk of injuring the nail or the toe when trying to pull away.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other exotic small pets also need regular mail trimming to prevent injuries both to themselves and their owners.

No matter what kind of pets you own, you have two choices when it comes to trimming their nails. The first is to have it done professionally by your veterinarian or pet groomer. Depending on the part of the country in which you live, that will cost you $8 to $15 every few weeks. Your other choice is to trim your pet's nails at home. There are a number of tools on the market that can help you trim your pet's nails easily at home. The newest pet grooming tool on the market is the Pedi Paws pet nail trimmer, which makes trimming pets' nails easy and painless for both pet and owner.

By: Shawn Thomas
Article Source: http://articleaddict.com

Vaccinations For Cats

Vaccinations For Cats***Many veterinarians believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that annual vaccine shots for deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, is unnecessary and even harmful in some cases....

Vaccinations For Cats

The debate on giving annual vaccinations to ensure good cat health versus the unhealthy implications of inoculation on the pet health has been going on for years. Many veterinarians believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that annual vaccine shots for deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, is unnecessary and even harmful in some cases.
There is no doubt vaccinations (immunizations, "shots") have saved the lives of millions of cats. Before the days of effective vaccines, cats routinely died from panleukopenia ("feline distemper") and complications of upper respiratory (herpesvirus, calicivirus) infections. Newer vaccines are available to protect against feline leukemia virus infection, feline infectious peritonitis virus and other infections (chlamydia, feline bordetella, ringworm). Current vaccination programs protect our cats (and us) from the threat of rabies.

Cat health related vaccines that have been licensed by the federal government are tested to make sure that they protect pet health against diseases for one year. But, because these vaccines are not tested for long-term pet health side effects nor do they measure the time for which the vaccine will be effective, some studies at universities have suggested that cat health can be protected by these vaccines for many years negating the requirement of annual shots. This also means that pet owners don’t have to waste money on annual inoculations for better pet health and cat health.

What Studies Tell About Pet Health Vaccines

Typically, rabies is the only pet health disease that can pose a threat to people; most vaccines aren’t statutory by law. However, vets recommend annual boosters to guard cat health against those potential diseases that can be life threatening (parvovirus in dogs, distemper, herpes in cats etc). In advent of this new and scientific data that cites annual booster shots leading to certain health risks such as hyperthyroidism in cats, more and more vets are now making changes in their practices. According to a poll, it has been found that the vaccination count has fallen down by 49% than the figure 5 years ago.

It’s safe to assume that no one, including vets, scientists etc, knows the duration of protection cat health vaccines offer. Moreover, vaccine makers don’t wish to spend millions of pounds on proving the duration of their vaccines nor do they wish to test it.

Health Problems Related to Cat Health Vaccines

More studies, off late, are beginning to link many chronic pet health problems to inoculations. Cat health skin related problems such as hair loss, ulcers, lesions, indurations and serious problems such as indurations or hard lumps at and around the site of the injection have often been related to vaccines. While these adverse reactions to pet health vaccines may not pose the threat of an epidemic, it definitely rings an alarm bell and warrants a re-examination of the conventional beliefs related to vaccination practices.

Adverse Reactions to Pet Health Vaccines

Adverse reactions to pet health vaccines include fever, stiffness of joints, lethargy, abdominal tenderness, anaphylactic shock, kidney and liver problems among others. In some cases, vets believe that those cats/dogs that have a pre-existing health problem may suffer a much faster decline in their health when given annual booster shots.

By: Thierry Babineaux
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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