CAT BLADDER STONES - A Straightforward Guide to Preventing Cat Bladder Stones

Cat bladder stones could be really painful for your cat. This problem is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, inactivity, and inflammation and is really hard on your cat's immune system. As a cat owner, you can take steps make sure you do everything to treat the problem effectively and take good care of your cat.

When cats live outdoors they feed primarily on mice, rabbits, rodents and even insects. What you may not realize is that nearly 90% of a rodent's body is composed of water. So, when cats eat mice and rodents they are naturally keeping themselves properly hydrated.

"BladderStone" by Bludwar  Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

As cat owners, we've pretty much taken away our cat's natural food and replaced it with dry cat food. The dry food absorbs the water in your cat's digestive tract and actually contributes to a dehydrated state. When your cat becomes chronically dehydrated this opens the door for the formation of a cat bladder stone.

More and more, cat owners are turning to a natural raw meat diet or at least switching to a high quality canned food diet for their cat. The moisture content in canned food helps keep your cat properly hydrated. Also, don't hide the water bowl, in fact, keep several fresh water spots available for your cat.

Cat bladder stones, like I already mentioned, can be really painful. Especially, if a stone blocks the urethra of your cat. This is extremely painful and life threatening. So, as soon as you notice the symptoms, you should take your cat to your vet.

Bladder stones are usually caused by bacterial infections and dietary reasons. So, in order to treat this problem and to prevent it in future, you should make some changes in your cat's diet as suggested early and add some homeopathic remedies to cure the infection and strengthen your cat as well.

The size of a cat bladder stone can differ a lot - it could be just about the size of a grain of sand or the size of a small pebble. The larger the stone, the more difficult it would be for your cat. Very small bladder stones can be flushed out of the system through the urine. However, if the stone is big in size, you need to give your cat the right kind of medications to treat the problem.

When it comes to treatment, most vets suggest antibiotics. While antibiotics are effective to some extent, they can weaken the immune system of your cat. Moreover, certain types of antibiotics could increase the inflammation and make things worse for your cat. So, it is always better to stay away from antibiotics and opt for some natural remedies instead.

Homeopathic remedies are fast becoming the way to treat bladder infections, feline UTI, and similar cat urinary tract problems. Unlike antibiotics, homeopathic medications for cat bladder stone do not have unwanted side effects.

They can treat bacterial infections extremely well and boost the immune system of your cat. As a result, your cat is not only cured of its problem but also becomes stronger. These medications can also prevent recurring infections. So, it is a good idea to give a regular dose of these medications to your cat.

Homeopathic remedies are effective and safe. Moreover, they do not burn a hole in your pocket. They are very much affordable. Now, why would you look for any other treatment option to treat cat bladder stones? Make the right decision today and take good care of your cat.

Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky SNIP clinic and together they provide affordable spay/neuter services to pet owners.   Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health of Cats

Cats are susceptible to urinary tract health problems. In fact, 30% of cats in the entire world could suffer from urinary health problems at some time in their life. One way to keep your cat away from urinary problems is to give it urinary tract health cat food. In our modern society today, there are cat foods which are specifically designed to boost the urinary tract health of cats.

Cat Food - Photo by pathwithpaws 

Cats are not fond of drinking water. This is because they descended from a family of desert creatures. Their liquid intake depends on the food they eat. When cats do not get enough water daily, they become susceptible to urinary problems such as urinary tract infection. Likewise, they could suffer from dehydration. It is imperative, therefore, that cat owners give their cats urinary tract health cat food that are specifically designed to address the specific daily nutritional requirements of cats.

Cat food for urinary tract health helps prevent the onset of urinary tract infections in cats. If the cat already has the infection, cat food for urinary tract health could help accelerate the cat's faster recovery from the infection.

Urinary tract health cat food may come in different forms. Commercially sold urinary tract health cat food may be sold in dry form or in wet form. This may also be frozen or premixed. No matter what form it comes, however, cat food for urinary tract health is supplemented with the right vitamins and minerals and other necessary nutrients, such as the amino acid derivative taurine, arginine, niacin, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Most often than not, when a cat has suffered from urinary tract infection, the veterinarian would give prescription food designed to alleviate or prevent the recurrence of the disease. Nonetheless, the cat owner could still opt to give his cat other forms of diet that contain the necessary nutrients needed for the faster recuperation of the cat.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food

Dry cat food is cheaper compared to wet cat food. It is also more convenient as it could be left out in the cat's bowl for several days without the danger of spoiling. Moreover, it is thought to help scrape off the dental calculus of cats. However, dry cat food is found to be associated with the problem of obesity in cats. Likewise, it could lead to some urinary problems in cats as it contains less moisture and does not add to the daily requirement of liquid intake in cats.

Wet cat food, either canned or home-made may contain 75-78% water and therefore, provides the cat the necessary liquid intake required for it to effectively flush out unwanted organisms and bacteria in its system. It helps keep cats away from being dehydrated as well. Giving your cat wet food is one way to prevent urinary tract problems in your cat.

Since cats rely on their food intake to get enough water, most veterinarians and cat experts would recommend cat urinary tract health diets that contain a lot of moisture. Thus, most prescriptions may consist mostly of wet food and other forms of diet which could supplement the liquid intake of your cat.

Melissa Simmonds has made extensive study on cats. She has done extensive research on cat food for urinary tract health For more information, visit the most comprehensive urinary tract health cat food resource online.   Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

How to Prevent Your CAT's Bladder Stones by Changing Her Diet

Most of us haven't heard of a bladder stone, as it's usually a kidney stone humans struggle with. However, this problem can occur in a cat or dog because of a mineral deposit that has formed in its urinary bladder. Many times these stones or crystals will dissipate on their own, but it becomes problematic when they bond together. Then the cat's bladder stones become so large it's hard for a cat to pass it through urination.

X-ray of a Struvite bladder stone in a cat
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These bladder stones are actual stones made of minerals like calcium and magnesium. They can be a single deposit or can be a collaboration of smaller pieces. The stones can become quite large and take up most of the bladder or be very fine so they pass through while the cat urinates.

This formation of stones is called urolithiasis and develops within the urinary tract, the ureter, the kidneys or in the bladder. Most times this problem happens in the cat's bladder. Part of the issue is the pH difference in the urination, which causes the mineral deposits to develop and turn into crystals or stones.

If you want to stop cat's bladder stones from forming, then give your cat a balanced diet. Sometimes people unknowingly feed their pets a cat food which is high in minerals. Some cat food makers report that when cats consume magnesium ammonium, they'll develop bladder stones or crystals. This is why the manufacturers increased the acidity in the food so magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals won't develop. The problem is very few cats have this urinary issue, and when the rest of the cat population eats this food, they are more acceptable to calcium oxalate crystals. This is as problematic and can also cause painful results for your cuddly pet. The best way to know what your cat is eating is to look at the cat food's ingredients. It needs to be low in calcium and magnesium.

When you feed your cat correctly, it will be easier to achieve a urination pH level that ranges from 6.4 through 6.6. You want your cat's digestive system to be functioning with the highest efficiency. The digestive enzymes need to be formulated with the right mineral balance, and when this happens, bladder stones aren't going to develop as easy.

However, if you suddenly see signs of a problem, then take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of them are similar to a bladder infection, but both need to be treated appropriately. Symptoms don't always appear with some cats, but there can be urinating troubles, straining or blood. Even a never-ending bladder infection can be because of a stone. At times, a vet can feel the cat's bladder stones through their abdominal wall. Other times the stones can be discovered through an x-ray or ultrasound.

The best way to prevent cat's bladder stones from starting is to feed them correctly - it's the best kind of love! This is why it's important to stop these stones from starting in the first place.

by Kate Rieger Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

3 FELINE SKIN DISEASES That All Cat Owners Should Know About

Just like humans, your precious kitty is also prone to several skin diseases. Cat dandruff, ring worms and acne are 3 of the common feline skin diseases that can affect your pet. Although proper grooming is the best method to prevent these skin problems from occurring in the first place, you have to be extra aware and attentive in case your feline friend has been already affected by any of these ailments. Here are some general facts that will help you keep these skin problems at bay.

„Feline chin acne“  Wikimedia Commons.

Acne

Feline acne is one of the most common skin irritations that a cat may experience. Symptoms of this ailment include the cat getting a lot of blackheads on its chin. Acne occurs mostly due to excessive oil secretion in the skin. However, poor diet and improper grooming can also be a factor. Though acne is not as serious as other cat health problems, you should not ignore this skin condition as it might worsen anytime. Fortunately, you should be able to find special acne shampoo and antibiotic creams that can help take care of this condition. However, in case of excessive inflammation, you have to take your pet to the vet.

Cat Dandruff

Skin diseases in cats are usually a result of poor nutrition and improper grooming. Though cats groom themselves, it is seldom enough to keep them healthy. Dandruff is mainly caused due to the dryness of the skin, which again is the result of lack of nutritional elements in the body. If you are continuously feeding your cat cheap dry food, change her diet immediately to good quality canned food as these will provide the essential nutrients to her body and keep her skin hydrated. You might also want to use special cat dandruff shampoo to prevent the occurrence of dandruff.

Ringworm

This is another skin problem that can affect a cat at any point of time. Mainly caused by fungus, ring worms can spread to the surrounding areas if you are not grooming your cat regularly. The skin of the affected area shows signs of crusting, scaling and redness. If your kitty has been affected, bring her to the vet and he will prescribe oral medication and specific shampoo to deal with this problem. Your vet may also ask you to clip the hair in that area.

These 3 common skin conditions are some of the cat health problems that might affect your kitty. When in doubt, always check with your vet.

By Flora Westbrooks Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

Why Is My CAT So Fat?

Is your cat overweight? The odds are pretty good that it is. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has research that shows as many 57% of house cats in the US are overweight. First, you should learn the best way to tell if your cat is overweight. Then we can look at why your cat is so overweight. After that, we can look to the next steps to get your cat's weight back under control.

This is Chloe's first big baby boy. He doesn't have a real name like his brother but we do call him fat cat most of the time. All he does is eat and sleep. He loves to lay on his back and he loves to have his belly rubbed & his lower back close to his tail. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How do you know if your cat is overweight? What does a fit and healthy cat look like? You can answer this with a body condition score of your pet. First, look down on it from above. Can you see a naturally occurring waist between the back of its ribs and its pelvis? With a fluffy cat, you may need to use your hands to feel for this. Then put your hands on its chest. If you can easily feel its ribs, it is probably fine. If you can feel a thick layer of fat between your hands and the bones, then your cat is overweight.

So how did your cat get so fat? Many people think that spaying or neutering their cat made it overweight, and veterinarians say that removing your cat's hormones can change its metabolism and it can change its activity level. Just like with humans, if a cat develops a sedentary lifestyle and doesn't change the way it eats, it will probably put on weight. So if you have recently had your cat fixed, it makes sense to monitor its body condition score a couple of times a week. If you see its body begin to fill out, change its diet. The earlier you make the change, the better off your cat will be.

How can you stop your cat from getting overweight? Or if it has already gotten a little thick, how can you stop the weight gain before your cat becomes enormous? There is no trick to this. Just like with people, the answer for cat obesity is diet and exercise. The vet really can't help that much. There is a medication for overweight dogs, but it is not safe for cats. So it is up to you to improve your cat's diet, cut down on the amount of food it gets in a day, and provide it an opportunity for exercise.

Just because you have an indoor only cat, that is no excuse for it to be lazy. A healthy cat will exercise and play if it is given the chance. You just need to make sure that it has something it can climb up on. Cats love to climb and look down on people. They also love to look out of windows, so if you have a window sill your cat can climb up on, make sure you keep it uncluttered so he can enjoy it. You may want to buy it some kind of carpeted climbing structure, but before you do, check to see if there is anything in the house that discourages your cat from being active. You might not have noticed this before, but it could be that anytime your cat moves around your house, your dog chases it. Or worse, your children do. So before you add things to the environment, it may be there are things you need to take away, or little people who need some instructions on how to play nice with the cat.

If you think your cat is overweight, you may be right since well over half of US cats are. You can check your cat's body condition score to know if it is overweight or not. It could be that your cat is fat in response to having been spayed or neutered, or there could be something else that changed its activity level. You can do your part to help your cat's health by altering its diet and giving it more chances to play and be active. So why is your cat so overweight? Because you haven't started helping it lose weight yet.

By Kef Hollenbach Having been raised with six, yes, 6 house cats, I thought I had learned everything about our precious felines. A rude awakening when what I thought would be easy turned out to be very, very difficult. Taking several years of painful, and expensive, learning. Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

---

SENIOR CAT Care Symptoms

Advances in medicine have increased the mortality rate of humans. You can say that the same goes for animals that just like humans need constant cat care when they reach their senior years. These symptoms vary so you have to be ready.

Cats reach their senior year or are classified as such when they have lived for 10 to 13 years. You might think that is nothing but one year for a cat is already 5 to 7 human years for them. So, if your cat is 10 years old, he or she is 70 years old?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chances are, you have probably lost track of how long your cat has been there but a regular checkup with the local veterinarian can tell you if things are beginning to change.

Samples will then be taken from your cat and everyone will have to wait for the results. These consist of a blood sample, urinalysis and feces. It is here that the doctor can tell if your cat is anemic, has leukemia, is a diabetic, have kidney problems or has worms in the digestive system.

Aside from the physical, the vet will ask if you have noticed any changes in their activities or behavior. Some of the things often associated with old age that you should be aware of is the loss of sensory perception. This means their senses do not respond that fast anymore even if you try your best to play and train them to keep these sharp.

Another indicator is when your cat gets into a fight with another cat and there are injuries, the healing time may not be that fast anymore.

Studies show that one of the first things to wear out in a cat is the kidney as a result of hormone imbalance. If you notice that urine comes out while he sleeps or he urinates more frequently, then there is something wrong. The good news is that this can be treated if this was detected early.

Senior cats can no longer eat the same high quality diet as they used to in the past. They require specially formulated food that keeps their weight under control and helps reduce the consumption of nutrients that are risk factors in the development of diseases.

Exercise is another way to keep your cat in shape. This slows down the deterioration that takes place inside their body. Cats don’t play catch like dogs so give them a ball of yarn or some other toy to play with.

If your cat is in pain and something has to be removed, you have no choice but to let it undergo surgery. You should check with the vet if they will be given anesthesia before hand so they don’t feel anything during the operation.

Other symptoms you have to be aware of once you cat reaches senior age includes a significant increase or decrease in appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg,   a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest.

The second any of the above symptoms occur, you should bring your cat straight to the vet because just like humans who have reached the golden years, senior cats need more attention especially when any of the symptoms are present.

---

---

Deworming Multiple CATS

Ah yes, everyone's favorite pet chore. One day you clean your cats' box and discover little white chunks of what appear to be cooked spaghetti lodged in the feces, that is, until one starts to move. 

You know then that it's time to deworm your cats. If your veterinarian says that your cat doesn't have anything particularly tough or nasty then he or she may recommend a regular schedule using commercial dewormers that can be found readily in any pet store. Your veterinarian even may have a good general purpose dewormer on hand for your use. Fortunately, there is a wide range of deworming medicines available on the market. Most are liquid or pill form.

If you have only one cat, your task is relatively simple. Choose a dewormer that your cat will find acceptable if not palatable. Many liquid dewormers claim to be very tasty to cats. Unfortunately, many cats would vigorously disagree with that assessment. In such a case, if you have access to a pill form of dewormer that your cat is willing to swallow, you're in luck. If your cat won't swallow pills without major mayhem breaking out and turns his nose up at every liquid dewormer you try, then you have a problem. If you have more than one cat, it can become even more of an issue. If your cats will

happily take whatever you offer, then the only thing you have to worry about is keeping the greedy guts from getting more than they should. But, If each of them has a different idea as to what is acceptable (or not) for deworming medicine, then you have a major headache.

Rather than cater to each cats whims and maintain a veterinary pharmacy worth of dewormers in your house or routinely running your finicky feline into the veterinarian every to he needs deworming, you might try a different route. You will need a liquid deworming medicine and a syringe. Syringes are readily available in the livestock medication section of farm supply stores. You only need the section with the barrel and plunger. No needles are needed or should even be used. Syringes in farm supply stores usually offer the two sections separately. Select one of smaller size. Your cat won't need large amounts of medicine at any one time.

Measure out the proper amount of dewormer for your cat into a measuring cup. A measuring cup usually comes in the package with a liquid dewormer. Take one of your syringes and place the open end (where the needle would normally attach) into the measuring cup and draw the medicine up into the barrel by pulling upward on the plunger. Try to get it all at one time. You could do this task by increments but trying to manage a squirming cat while refilling a syringe really is more difficult than it is worth. Now restrain your cat gently and situate yourself so that you can hold the cat and use the syringe easily. It could require some experimentation to work out a suitable position for the both of you. . If you keep one hand underneath the cats head and cradle his chin it will make this part of the task go more smoothly. Slide the end of the syringe a little bit into your cat's mouth and slowly depress the plunger This will empty the medicine into your cat's mouth slowly enough that he can readily swallow it without choking. Repeat for each cat.

Naturally, your cat will not be particularly pleased with this method. He may object rather strenuously. With repetition, however, you will become much smoother with the task. You don't need to rush during this task. Take your time to discover what will work best for you and your cats. Your cats will become more accustomed to it despite themselves. This method will ensure that each cat, even your most finicky, gets the proper amount of medicine he needs. And that, of course, is the whole reason for the entire exercise.

---

---

Taking Kitty to the DENTIST

It is important for you to go to the dentist at least annually for checkups. This is, however, also important to your cat! Many people never think about it, but good dental health can keep your cat happy and disease-free. Whenever your cat goes to the vet, make sure that dental health is checked and discussed, and if your cat is acting strangely at all, especially with eating habits, make sure that dental health problems are not a concern.

Photo by www.ilmicrofono.it

Kittens, like baby humans, have fewer teeth than adult cats. Each kitten has 26 temporary teeth, which begin to appear at about three weeks of age. An adult cat will have 30 permanent teeth-16 on the top and 14 on the bottom. A cat usually begins getting his or her permanent teeth when he or she is three of four months old. Some of these teeth have two roots while others have three.

The most common dental diseases found in cats are resporption lesions and gum disease (gingivitis). Resorption lesions are also known as cervical line lesions or neck lesions and often result in tooth loss. These lesions are difficult to detect, as they often grow below the gum line. Gum disease is found in over 70% of cats by the age of three. You can tell if your cat has gum disease by looking for yellow and brown tarter build up along the gum line and over the tooth, red inflamed gums, and chronic bad breath.

Get this E-Book

Oral disease is often an indication of other more serious health problems. For example, it is common for a cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) to have oral health problems. Dental conditions are also commonly found with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline calicivirus. Therefore, if your pet is have dental problems, you need to see a vet right away about these conditions to make sure they are symptoms of a much more serious disease.

Cats can also accidentally break teeth. This can be a result of a fall, a fight with another cat or other animal, or biting into something too hard to chew. Usually, the upper canine tooth will be the tooth fractured. This is the tooth in your cat's mouth that looks like a large fang. If this is fractured, your cat may or may not be in pain. The first symptom of this kind of a fracture is continuous sneezing.

Overall, oral health is important in all mammals. Cats are susceptible to a number of dental disease and problems, just like humans. By taking your cat to the vet often and asking about oral health, you can make sure that you are providing the best health care foods and tools for your feline friend.

---

---

RABIES in CATS - The Truth About Feline Rabies

Most people associate rabies with dogs. However, rabies in cats is much more common nowadays. This disease is caused by a virus that is almost always deadly.

Got Rabies? - Photo by cbgrfx123 

Transmission

The virus that causes feline rabies is carried in the saliva of animals. These infected animals can transmit the disease to other mammals by biting them. This is the most common method of transmission. However, cats may also become infected if they have an open cut that allows the virus to enter their body. Some cats get the disease when they eat an animal that has the disease.

Symptoms

If your cat has this disease, he will be very irritable and excitable. Rabies in cats can also cause symptoms such as lack of appetite and seizures. As the disease progresses, it leads to paralysis of muscles. This paralysis causes respiratory distress and eventually death.

Diagnosis

Currently, there is one main method to diagnose feline rabies. The affected cat’s brain will have to be examined in a laboratory under a microscope. Obviously, this must be done after the animal has already died from the disease.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for rabies in cats. Once your cat begins to show symptoms, there is nothing you can do about it. Since the disease causes a very painful death, it is common for cats suspected of having the disease to be euthanized. It is very rare for any animal to survive a bout with this virus.

Prevention

The best way to prevent feline rabies is to have your cat vaccinated. In most parts of the United States, it is require by law. You should have him vaccinated at three months of age and again when he turns one year old. When your cat reaches two years old, he will likely receive a booster shot that remains effective for three years. You should also try to limit your cat’s exposure to wild animals that may carry the virus.

Rabies is a very serious disease. There are also many other serious diseases and conditions that may affect your cat in the future such as feline feline herpes virus So, stop by common-cat-diseases.com to learn about more of these other conditions like the feline leukemia virus.

By D Swain Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

The Scoop on Kitty VACCINATIONS

If you’ve bought a pedigree kitten, it should already have had its shots.  If you’re thinking about buying a pedigree kitten, make sure you get paperwork proving that the vaccinations have been given and they’re all up-to-date.  If you’re buying a non-pedigree cat, a moggy, then you will need to consider the issues surrounding each vaccination yourself.

A six-week old kitten.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

All kittens ought to be vaccinated before they are allowed outdoors.  This is to build their immune system up.  The vaccination program for kitties starts between 6-8 weeks, so it’s possible that if you take kitty home at 8 weeks, he’s already had his first shot.  The shots are given 2-3 weeks apart, and there are usually 3 shots in total.  As a rabies shot is not always included in the initial kitten shots, if your kitty is going to be going outside, then this is an additional vaccination that you should discuss with your veterinary once kitty is 4 months old.

The shots that young kittens get will cover them against such diseases as:

Rhinotracheitis -  which is characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, fever, ocular discharge, and coughing.

Calicivirus - which affects the respiratory system, and has symptoms such as pneumonia, diarrhea and even arthritis.

Feline leukemia virus
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feline Distemper -  which is associated with diarrhea and vomiting type symptoms.

Feline Leukemia Virus - , otherwise known as FeLV – this destroys the cats immune system and is responsible for many feline deaths as it leads to fatal infections.

Feline AIDS – like FeLV this destroys the immune system of a cat leaving it open to fatal infections.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP - this incurable disease attacks the cat’s abdominal area.

Chlamydia – affecting eyes and respiratory area, this disease is both common and contagious.

Some of these vaccines will need to be given annually to ensure that your cat remains immune so check with veterinary clinic to ensure that your cat’s vaccinations are always kept up-to-date.

---

---

---

How Long Will My CAT Live?

The answer to that depends upon several factors. 

The care that you give your cat, the quality of the food that your cat eats, the kind of lifestyle that your cat lives. All these things play their part in the chances of your cat enjoying a long life. 

Veterinary medicine has made some great advances in recent years,  and this is one of the reasons the average age of  domestic cats is increasing. A well cared for cat that is kept indoors and is fed a good nutritional diet, would be expected to live for about 15 years. 

Some cats do live to 20 plus years and there are records of a few cats reaching over 30 years. These sort of ages for a cat are very much the exception however.  

The genetic make up of a cat can be a factor in determining its life span. Some breeds of cat appear to be more resilient than others. Selective breeding can have the effect that some breeds are genetically  prone to ailments which shorten their life expectancy. Mixed breeds, the typical  moggie or mouser, is usually more vigorous in its genetic make up and may expect to live slightly longer than a pure breed cat. 

Cats that are kept strictly as indoor only cats stand a better chance of living to a ripe old age than cats that are allowed outside. The reasons for this are many. Outdoor cats face danger from traffic, from being attacked by other cats or by other animals. They run increased risk of being accidentally poisoned by  pesticides or deliberately poisoned by malicious humans. Outdoor cats are also at risk from catching feline diseases particularly from the feral cat population.  

The are many things to consider in deciding to keep your cat as an indoor only cat or an outdoor-indoor cat, life expectancy is only one of them. 

Overfeeding your cat is a good way to shorten its life. An overfed cat stands more chance of health problems than a cat that is weight controlled. Diabetes, arthritis, breathing difficulties, heart and liver disease can all result as a consequence of overfeeding. All of these conditions may mean your little pet not living a long and healthy feline life. Your veterinarian can advise on the best diet for your cat.  

Exercise too, is important for your cat's health and in maintaining its weight. Healthy cats mostly exercise themselves of course, but the playtime you enjoy with your cat can contribute to keeping kitty healthy. Elderly cats particularly benefit from gentle play-exercise.  

Regular visits to the vets for routine checks will give your cat the best chance to live a long life, and to live that life healthily. Many life shortening problems can be tackled successfully if detected early. 

Neutered or spayed cats often enjoy a slightly longer life than unaltered felines. This is particularly so for male cats as an unaltered male will often receive injuries defending his territory. There are many other good reasons for spaying and neutering of course, aside from extending the life of your cat.

Author: Larry Chamberlain

---

---

Ways For Choosing The VETERINARIAN

Pets are very in trend these days. Even before, many individuals already have their own pets. This can be done for various purposes and you can choose the type of animal according to your preferences. But you must think about this decision since it entails various responsibilities and other things. It would just be like taking care of a baby but their development is not as advanced so there is a need to always look after them and take care of them as well.

A veterinarian stitching a dog, after surgery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Their health is a priority especially since they could get sick as well. You should properly think about how you could easily take care of it as they could also get sick like other people and it could also be worse or a normal type. But despite the differences, you will still see changes in their behavior. Aside from personally taking care of them, you should also inquire about professional help by going to a veterinarian (Melfort SK).

Veterinarians are doctors that specialize on the health and conditions of animals instead of humans. They will be needing checkups from time to time and these people are the ones legally allowed to do it. Because of the fame of having pets these days, you can also see that various clinics and professionals are surfacing which means you will have various choices as well.

Because of this, it is necessary that you have standards in order for you to easily choose. Several factors can be utilized as indications in order for you to know the necessary features which could be advantageous or helpful. You will also knot the things that might not be very helpful through properly observing these things. It makes things easier and easily narrowed down.

One thing that could be considered a major factor when choosing is the comfort and feeling of your pet. Once your choices are narrowed down already, try to take them to visits and decide if they feel comfortable. They are after all, the ones being services. To make processes easier for both the doctor and the animal, this has to be done.

Well experienced staff is a must. When you take care of animals that have various temperaments, sometimes the same method would not be effective for the other especially during the services. Their ability to handle and make sure the job is done could only be developed through training as well as experiences.

One other thing that you should think about is their establishment and how it looks. Appearance is not a really necessary thing. However, it is necessary that the place be properly clean. Sicknesses and different conditions might be acquired when you are in a dirty place. Aside from that, this would also make your dogs more uncomfortable which you do not want to happen.

Some processes and services require the assistance of devices. And if this is the case, you must observe the machines present in that place. Some have more devices being utilized. This could potentially be dangerous for your pet particularly when their devices are not that functional. It has to be in good condition before you allow your pet to be serviced by the establishment.

Reviews can be your best guide. These are comments and opinions of the previous and current clients. Through their reviews, it would be easy for you to gain insight regarding how things are working. It would also be a good way for you to know more about the different sides of each clinic.

About the Author: Mattie Knight You can visit northeastvet.com for more helpful information about The Proper Veterinarian For Your Pets.

---

---

---

Your Pets and ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is the term used in both human and veterinary medicine to describe any type of joint inflammation.  Several types exist, including rheumatoid, degenerative, and infectious arthritis, each having a different cause.  Infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and certain drugs, such as sulfa antibiotics, can promote joint inflammation.

Photo by eddale 

The clinical signs associated with joint disease are basically the same.  Stiffness or lameness involving one or more limbs is often the most obvious sign of a joint problem, usually aggravated by cold weather and/or exercise.  New medications and surgical techniques have been introduced in the treatment of canine joint disease.

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, describes the condition in which a cartilage defects or erosion occurs.  It can be inherited but is usually a part of the normal aging process in older dogs.  Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria that gain entrance to the blood stream causing inflammation in one or more joints.  Bacteria from the gums, periodontal disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease can cause damage to the cartilage and joint structure.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-related disease seen frequently in toy breeds.  Caused by an overactive immune system, antibodies coalesce within the joints causing inflammation.  Fever and depression are also features of these diseases.  Hip dysphasia refers to a hereditary arthritic condition which begins as a partial dislocation of the hip joints. In time the cartilages lining the joint surfaces wear down because of abnormal strain on the joints.

The key to lessoning the effects of any form of arthritis is early detection and treatment.  Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as vitamins and supplements, and even cortisone if needed.  The real key is you and your observations to your veterinarian.

---

---

How to Get Rid of CAT DANDRUFF

A cat's face (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you see a lot of dead skin flakes on your cat's back, it is likely cat dandruff. Like us human, it is not unlikely for cats to get dry skin due to climate, allergies, and even sun burn. Knowing what causes the dead skin, can help you to determine how to get rid of cat dandruff for good.

There are many causes of cat dandruff. Some are harmless, however others many need medical attention. Some common causes are diabetes, diet, parasites, and dry air. Before beginning an at home treatment, it is important to see a veterinarian first to rule out any serious medical conditions.

Once you have ruled out any medical ailments, put your cat on a high protein diet. Even if you think you are feeding your cat the highest quality food on the market, some are filled with animal proteins rather than meat proteins. Read the ingredient list. Meat protein should be the first item listed.

Cat Care - $2.99

Cats are little people in the respect that their skin is subject to reaction to dry air and sunburn too. As if your skin needs moist air, a cat's does as well. Consider buying a humidifier for your home. Both your skin and your cat's will see the benefits. Also, as with fair skinned humans, if your cat is white furred, it is important to give them a place to get shelter from the sun when they are outside.

So, to get rid of cat dandruff, rule out the major health issues by going to vet. Then give him the proper diet and protection from arid and sunny environments. Your cat will be happy and sport a healthy looking coat!

Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

---

CAT FIGHTS

Feral or unferal, your kitty may get tangled up in one of these if they are in particular an outdoor cat. Indoor cats if by themselves are obviously not as prone to this risk, unless they find themselves outside, or a stray visitor inside.. but two or more indoor cats can have their "bad" days as well.

Feral Cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you allow your cat to roam outside in the big wild outdoors, I seriously recommend you take kitty to your veternarian from a young age and start getting him vaccinated! And make sure this is done every year no questions! This is necessary if you don't want your kitty to get infected by nasties like Feline Aids (FIV) which is transmitted through blood while fighting. This also protects your kitty among a lot of other different diseases out there like Feline Leukemia

(FLV). It is also highly advisable to get him (or her) neutered. Unspayed males will fight feirsly for a female if she is in heat, which can leave both cats in tatters and spayed males can find themselves in the middle of something they don't understand if an unspayed males get the wrong idea...

Cats fighting outside at night time can be quite of a shock, as sometimes they can sound close to a child shreking or yelling, and it is definately the last thing you want to hear when your trying to sleep at night! My ultimate way of getting rid of cats engaged in a fight is to turn the hose on them, as noises won't startle them hardly as they are concentrating too much on the other cat!

For indoor cats, obviously water all over the carpet is unwanted so I find usually placing a large object between the two which will cut of eye contact with both cats, if they are engaged in a fight, don't get in their way as cat bites can not only hurt, but are more likely to become infected than dog bites. Use a chair and turn upside down and use the back of the chair and gently slide the chair between the cats, this will startle them and stop them from fighting. Give the cats 'time out' by placing one in a closed room for a short period of time.

A good tell-tale sign if a cat is frightened, the hair will stand up all over the body and when the cat threatens or is ready to attack, you will see the hair stand up in a narrow band along the spine and tail to make him look bigger, and this is also a good time to get out that hose or chair!

With the average lifespan of an outdoor only cat if they are feral or unferal, is only about three years! Which is why if you love your kitty and want him to have a healthy live, keep him indoors and he can live a whopping 16 years longer!

Not only will you benefit from keeping your kitty living longer indoors, it will save you expensive veternarian bills for infected scratches, broken teeth, torn ears, and so on by these nasty one-on-ones.

---

---

Using Flower Essences with CATS

Waratah, australia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you are trying to integrate a new cat into your feline family?   Do your cats fight with each other?

 Is your new cat grieving its lost human companion who had to go into a nursing home?  Flower remedies or essences are helpful in many situations.  Choosing the right essences is facilitated by knowing what the animals are thinking and feeling.   As an Animal Communicator, I can gather this information and choose appropriate remedies.

Flower remedies are the vibrational patterns of flowers in liquid form.  Each flower's unique energy pattern models specific healthy emotional vibrations.  When the bio-electrical systems of the animal align with the model, not only may an animal's emotional state and behaviors change, but sometimes even physical illnesses will be helped to resolve.

One client had six cats and had rescued a seventh.  When she tried to integrate the new female, the cats fought and there was chaos.  A new cat will cause a shifting about of everyone's position in the group dynamic.  In this instance, the new cat was fairly dominant.  She was unwilling to come into the group at the bottom of the pecking order.  The currently dominant cat wasn't about to give up her position.  The other five cats had their various relationships and ranks, but now all positions were fluctuating.

First, I explained to each feline what was going on and why the person wanted to keep the new cat.  I also gathered information about how each cat felt about the new one and about their individual willingness to cooperate.  I talked to the new cat to get her perspective as well.  We all brainstormed for solutions that might help smooth out the process

Then I chose flower essences.  While continuing to use Rescue Remedy, I added Walnut to help each cat cope with a major life change; Quaking Grass, to help each cat's vibrations find harmony and flexibility in the group energy; Chicory for the one cat who tended to be jealous and manipulative; and Tiger Lily to reduce aggressive behavior during the shift.  In addition, I suggested that the client mist the house twice a day with some Rescue Remedy diluted in water, creating a calming atmosphere.  The human agreed not to behave in ways that showed favoritism towards the new cat.

The cats began to settle down quickly once they were on the essences.  Over a period of months, the new cat was integrated without anyone getting hurt.

Flower essences start working immediately, yet work gradually and gently.  Sometimes behaviors change quickly, but the essences should be given for several months to assure a sustained transformation.  Flower essences will not change someone's personality, although they can take the edge off of an extreme behavior.

Another client had a male Abyssinian cat who told me he was "a God" and who was beating up on the female cat in the family, a American Short Hair, because he felt she didn't "worship" him appropriately.  His person was astonished.    "Does he think my husband and I worship him?" she asked.  The Abyssinian answered, "Yes." He said that his people thought he was beautiful; they fed, petted and admired him as much as he wanted.  The female cat was sweet, but not very self- confident, especially as the male would swat at her each time she walked past him.

We set this goal:  to boost the female's confidence while lowering the male's aggressive tendencies.  For the male I chose Vine, for being domineering, inflexible, and a bully, combined with Beech, for intolerance, and Tiger Lily, for aggression.  For the female I chose Larch, to build self-confidence, combined with Centaury, for allowing oneself to be bullied.  As a result of the essences, the male cat stopped his aggressive behavior while the female no longer ran madly past him.  The situation resolved quickly because the right flower essences were used.   The male's beliefs about himself did not change; his concern about the female cat and his behaviors towards her did.

Flower essences can be used with most species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds.  They are non-invasive and do not conflict with prescribed medications.  If you are having a behavioral or emotional problem with an animal and you would like to try a holistic approach, consider using flower essences.  With the assistance of an Animal Communicator, you are more likely to hit on just the right combination, with the added benefit of understanding your animals' perspectives.   This helps achieve the desired results.

Author: Nedda Wittels