Several rats must have cursed your lovely cat! It has feline diabetes. Like a human being, it has gone through pathological tests. And the tests have confirmed that the cat has diabetes. In the initial stage, you are not willing to believe this. But the test reports are before you! It is a serious disease!
Now, what is diabetes in a cat? How does it differ from the diabetes in human beings? Not much in principle, except that human beings can be advised to exercise control over the diet, but the cat won't stop eating rats!
Now you know what diabetes is. At the cost of repeating and for the benefit of the cat, I repeat it for you. Blood contains sugar. This sugar is known as glucose. The hormone insulin controls the blood sugar level. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. When this organ does not produce adequate insulin, it is the state of diabetes.
Cats pass more urine than the usual and wish to drink more and more water. It suffers weight loss, develops lethargy and poor coat condition and decreased appetite.
In the state explained above, your cat needs to be provided with immediate treatment. If you neglect its present stage, it will soon become inactive, stop urinating, will begin to vomit regularly and in the end fall into a coma. You need to give to your cat, appropriate food, at fixed intervals.
Your vet surgeon needs to be consulted immediately. It needs insulin shots. The surgeon will decide about the number of shots required per day.
Before taking the cat for the insulin shot, give it the proper food. Never take it for the insulin shot on an empty stomach. The reaction or side effect in such a case will be instant. If that is not done, a hypoglycemic shock may occur with the cat. Excess insulin may also do the ultimate damage.
Feline diabetes may affect cats of any breed, age or sex. The exact causes for diabetes in cats are not known. But the known causes read like the ones that contribute to diabetes in human beings. They are obesity, pancreatic disease, genetics and hormonal imbalances...and the usual cause, wrong medication!
If you are a genuine lover of animals, you need to give the same care to your pets, presently the cat. That you can do by taking it for periodical physical examination to your vet. By doing so, you may get a gift there. The precious gift of the life of your pet!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
How to care for your kitten
It is not an easy matter to care for kitten. Remember that just like children they can be destructive and very demanding. So think twice before purchasing a kitten.
Can YOU care for a cat ?
To care for a cat you will need to:
-Provide plenty of human companionship
-Provide regular, suitable meals with a constant supply of fresh water
-Provide a clean and comfortable bed
-Provide the cat with outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis
-Groom it regularly. Longhaired cats require daily grooming
-Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
-Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
-Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
-Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness - pet insurance can help offset the cost of veterinary treatment.
-Bringing the kitten home
Can YOU care for a cat ?
To care for a cat you will need to:
-Provide plenty of human companionship
-Provide regular, suitable meals with a constant supply of fresh water
-Provide a clean and comfortable bed
-Provide the cat with outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis
-Groom it regularly. Longhaired cats require daily grooming
-Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
-Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
-Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
-Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness - pet insurance can help offset the cost of veterinary treatment.
-Bringing the kitten home
Moving to a new home is very stressful for a kitten. Give it reassurance and time to adjust to the new surroundings before making introductions to other animals in the household. Make sure all the doors and windows are closed and that there is a guard in front of the fireplace (a dark quiet chimney can be very inviting to a nervous kitten). Make sure that the kitten knows where the bed, litter tray and food bowls are.
The kittens' bed should be a refuge to retreat to if things become too stressful. It needs to be warm, dry, comfortable and draught free. There are many types of bed to choose from or you can put some warm bedding inside a strong dry cardboard box with a hole cut in the side. Putting it in a warm secure corner (near a radiator in the winter) will make it welcoming and the kitten feel secure. On the first few nights a warm water bottle under a blanket may help to compensate for the absence of the kitten's mother or littermates. If you happen to have, or can borrow, a large pen (a kittening pen or the type of metal pen used to hold dogs securely in the back of a car) this is ideal for providing a safe den for the kitten and can hold its litter tray and bed. It is also an excellent way to introduce other animals.
Introducing other pets and children
Introduction to other household residents should be gradual, gentle and very quiet. Excited children can easily injure a kitten unintentionally so always supervise play and do not allow the kitten to be picked up unnecessarily. Children should be encouraged to sit on the floor and wait for the kitten to explore them. Make sure that the kitten is allowed to stop playing when it wants to and is not treated like a toy. Kittens, like many young animals, will need a lot of sleep and should be allowed time to rest.
Introducing a kitten to a dog or cat needs to be undertaken carefully to avoid conflict. A bad experience can be difficult to overcome. If you have a large mesh pen in which the kitten can sit safely while the resident cat or dog can gradually get used to it, this is an ideal way to make introductions. Some dogs, especially those not used to cats or of an exciteable or aggressive disposition, need extra special care for introductions. They should be kept as calm as possible on the lead and made to sit quietly. The new kitten should be given a safe position in the room and allowed to get used to the dog and approach if it wants. This may take quite some time and requires patience and rewards for the dog if it behaves well. For quieter dogs or those used to cats, introductions can be made using a strong cat carrier. Keep the dog on a lead initially, place the carrier on a high surface and allow controlled introductions which are short and frequent. Most dogs will soon calm down when they realise the newcomer is not actually very interesting. Progress to meetings with the dog on a lead initially for safety. Do not leave the kitten alone with resident dogs or cats until it is well established. More details on introducing cats...
Feeding
When you first take a kitten home feed it on the same food it has been used to. A sudden change of diet combined with the stress of adapting to a new home can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea. If you want to change the diet, do so gradually by mixing it with the kitten's usual food. Kittens have small stomachs and have to be fed little and often, like babies. It can be very difficult to put together a homemade diet which provides all the nutrients required by growing kittens - it is a great deal easier to feed a good quality commercial kitten food and spend the time playing with the kitten instead! There are foods which have been specially formulated for kittens because they have different nutritional needs to the fully grown cat. Read and follow the feeding instructions carefully. If the food is marked 'complete' it contains everything the kitten needs to stay healthy. If it is marked 'complementary' it does not supply all the kitten needs and should be fed with other foods.
Kittens aged 8-12 weeks need four meals a day, 3-6 months three meals, and kittens over 6 months old, two meals. You may want to provide some dry food on an ad lib basis - it depends very much on your lifestyle, what your kitten likes and is used to and if you have other cats in the house with certain feeding routines and habits.
Do not give your kitten cow's milk as it can cause diarrhoea. If you wish to feed milk use one that is specially formulated for cats. Diarrhoea that persists for more than 24 hours requires veterinary attention. Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Toilet training
Cats are very fussy about their toilet habits and kittens will usually have learnt to use a litter tray by copying their mother. You may just need to show your new kitten where the litter tray is and place it on the tray on waking up from a sleep and after meals, or when the kitten is sniffing, scratching or beginning to crouch and looks as if it is about to go!
You will need a plastic litter tray which can be filled with sand, peat or cat litter available from pet shops. Earth from the garden should never be used for unvaccinated kittens as it may harbour diseases from other cats which have used it as a toilet. The tray should be placed on newspaper to catch any litter pushed over the side during digging - a large tray will prevent such problems. If you intend to let your kitten out to use the garden in the future then a simple open tray will suffice for the few weeks involved. If you intend the cat to continue to use the tray then you may want to purchase one of the covered types with a lid which gives the cat more privacy, stops smells from escaping and prevents mess with the litter.
Place the tray in a quiet accessible corner where your kitten will not be disturbed. Make sure that the litter tray is not next to food and water bowls. The kitten may be reluctant to use the litter tray if it is too close to its food.
The litter tray must be kept clean and emptied regularly. Some disinfectants (like Dettol) which go cloudy in water are toxic to cats, so use only hot water and detergent when cleaning out the tray or ensure you use a cat-friendly disinfectant such as bleach which has been diluted as the manufacturer recommends and the tray rinsed thoroughly before use.
If your kitten is inclined to mess elsewhere in the house, confine it to one room with a litter tray until the kitten learns to use it regularly. Place the kitten on the litter tray a short time after it has eaten or when it is sniffing, scratching, beginning to crouch and generally showing signs of looking for a suitable corner to use as a toilet.
If the kitten is reluctant to use the tray it could be because:
-It is not clean enough - empty it more often
-It is not big enough - it should be big enough for an adult cat to turn around in and to use more than once without getting dirty
-You have cleaned it out with a chemical that is too strong smelling
-It is too near the bed or food bowls
-The kitten does not like the texture of the litter you have chosen - revert to the type it has used before.
The kittens' bed should be a refuge to retreat to if things become too stressful. It needs to be warm, dry, comfortable and draught free. There are many types of bed to choose from or you can put some warm bedding inside a strong dry cardboard box with a hole cut in the side. Putting it in a warm secure corner (near a radiator in the winter) will make it welcoming and the kitten feel secure. On the first few nights a warm water bottle under a blanket may help to compensate for the absence of the kitten's mother or littermates. If you happen to have, or can borrow, a large pen (a kittening pen or the type of metal pen used to hold dogs securely in the back of a car) this is ideal for providing a safe den for the kitten and can hold its litter tray and bed. It is also an excellent way to introduce other animals.
Introducing other pets and children
Introduction to other household residents should be gradual, gentle and very quiet. Excited children can easily injure a kitten unintentionally so always supervise play and do not allow the kitten to be picked up unnecessarily. Children should be encouraged to sit on the floor and wait for the kitten to explore them. Make sure that the kitten is allowed to stop playing when it wants to and is not treated like a toy. Kittens, like many young animals, will need a lot of sleep and should be allowed time to rest.
Introducing a kitten to a dog or cat needs to be undertaken carefully to avoid conflict. A bad experience can be difficult to overcome. If you have a large mesh pen in which the kitten can sit safely while the resident cat or dog can gradually get used to it, this is an ideal way to make introductions. Some dogs, especially those not used to cats or of an exciteable or aggressive disposition, need extra special care for introductions. They should be kept as calm as possible on the lead and made to sit quietly. The new kitten should be given a safe position in the room and allowed to get used to the dog and approach if it wants. This may take quite some time and requires patience and rewards for the dog if it behaves well. For quieter dogs or those used to cats, introductions can be made using a strong cat carrier. Keep the dog on a lead initially, place the carrier on a high surface and allow controlled introductions which are short and frequent. Most dogs will soon calm down when they realise the newcomer is not actually very interesting. Progress to meetings with the dog on a lead initially for safety. Do not leave the kitten alone with resident dogs or cats until it is well established. More details on introducing cats...
Feeding
When you first take a kitten home feed it on the same food it has been used to. A sudden change of diet combined with the stress of adapting to a new home can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea. If you want to change the diet, do so gradually by mixing it with the kitten's usual food. Kittens have small stomachs and have to be fed little and often, like babies. It can be very difficult to put together a homemade diet which provides all the nutrients required by growing kittens - it is a great deal easier to feed a good quality commercial kitten food and spend the time playing with the kitten instead! There are foods which have been specially formulated for kittens because they have different nutritional needs to the fully grown cat. Read and follow the feeding instructions carefully. If the food is marked 'complete' it contains everything the kitten needs to stay healthy. If it is marked 'complementary' it does not supply all the kitten needs and should be fed with other foods.
Kittens aged 8-12 weeks need four meals a day, 3-6 months three meals, and kittens over 6 months old, two meals. You may want to provide some dry food on an ad lib basis - it depends very much on your lifestyle, what your kitten likes and is used to and if you have other cats in the house with certain feeding routines and habits.
Do not give your kitten cow's milk as it can cause diarrhoea. If you wish to feed milk use one that is specially formulated for cats. Diarrhoea that persists for more than 24 hours requires veterinary attention. Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Toilet training
Cats are very fussy about their toilet habits and kittens will usually have learnt to use a litter tray by copying their mother. You may just need to show your new kitten where the litter tray is and place it on the tray on waking up from a sleep and after meals, or when the kitten is sniffing, scratching or beginning to crouch and looks as if it is about to go!
You will need a plastic litter tray which can be filled with sand, peat or cat litter available from pet shops. Earth from the garden should never be used for unvaccinated kittens as it may harbour diseases from other cats which have used it as a toilet. The tray should be placed on newspaper to catch any litter pushed over the side during digging - a large tray will prevent such problems. If you intend to let your kitten out to use the garden in the future then a simple open tray will suffice for the few weeks involved. If you intend the cat to continue to use the tray then you may want to purchase one of the covered types with a lid which gives the cat more privacy, stops smells from escaping and prevents mess with the litter.
Place the tray in a quiet accessible corner where your kitten will not be disturbed. Make sure that the litter tray is not next to food and water bowls. The kitten may be reluctant to use the litter tray if it is too close to its food.
The litter tray must be kept clean and emptied regularly. Some disinfectants (like Dettol) which go cloudy in water are toxic to cats, so use only hot water and detergent when cleaning out the tray or ensure you use a cat-friendly disinfectant such as bleach which has been diluted as the manufacturer recommends and the tray rinsed thoroughly before use.
If your kitten is inclined to mess elsewhere in the house, confine it to one room with a litter tray until the kitten learns to use it regularly. Place the kitten on the litter tray a short time after it has eaten or when it is sniffing, scratching, beginning to crouch and generally showing signs of looking for a suitable corner to use as a toilet.
If the kitten is reluctant to use the tray it could be because:
-It is not clean enough - empty it more often
-It is not big enough - it should be big enough for an adult cat to turn around in and to use more than once without getting dirty
-You have cleaned it out with a chemical that is too strong smelling
-It is too near the bed or food bowls
-The kitten does not like the texture of the litter you have chosen - revert to the type it has used before.
More information on soiling indoors
When your kitten starts to go outside more often, gradually move the litter tray towards the door. A few handfuls of cat litter from the tray spread onto well dug soil in the garden will encourage the kitten to dig there. Do not remove the litter tray from indoors until your kitten has started using the garden.
Going outside
Your kitten should not be allowed outside until at least a week after it has finished its first course of vaccinations at about 13 - 14 weeks old (depending on the vaccine). Once it is fully vaccinated and has become used to life in your house, you can start to let your kitten go outside. Choose a dry day (if possible) and a quiet time and accompany your kitten outside, allowing it to explore the new environment. Continue to accompany the kitten until it is used to your garden and can find its way back to the house without difficulty. It is best not to leave your kitten outside alone until it is 6 months old.
Cats like to come and go as they please. A cat flap allows them to do this. If you fit a cat flap you won't need a litter tray indoors when the kitten grows up. You can teach your kitten to use a cat flap by propping it open initially and enticing it through with food. Gradually close it down so the kitten learns to push the flap. If you already own a cat be aware that the kitten may watch and learn and let itself outside before you are ready - kittens learn quickly by watching other cats.
To prevent neighbourhood cats from coming into your house, you can buy a cat flap which will only open for your cat. The flap is operated by magnetic or electronic keys on your cat's collar.
Cat collars
When your kitten becomes older (over 6 months old) you may like to fit a collar on so that he has some form of identification or to carry a magnet or 'key' to an electronic cat flap - never put on a collar just for the sake of wearing one. Collars must be fitted carefully - kittens are very active and inquisitive while growing up and can easily get the collar hooked on a tree branch or fence or the kitten can get its front leg caught up in the collar and injuries can occur. 'Snap open' collars will reduce the likelihood of the cat becoming entangled should a problem occur. For a young, rapidly growing cat you will need to remember to check the collar's fit (you should be able to get one or two fingers under the collar) and increase its size accordingly. Flea collars are not the best way to deal with flea problems and can be an added danger to curious kittens intent on climbing or squeezing into small spaces where they may get caught up. You may also want to consider having your cat micro chipped for identification purposes.
Hazards in the home
Kittens are very inquisitive creatures and will investigate small, dark places which they can crawl into. For this reason, should your kitten go missing for any length of time, you should look in cupboards, wardrobes, outside sheds etc in case it has accidentally been shut in or got stuck.
Keep the washing machine and tumble dryer door shut when not in use and check them before putting the clothes in.
If your kitten is a plant nibbler then remove any plants which may be poisonous, for example Dieffenbachia (dumb cane), Poinsettia, Lily of the Valley, Christmas Cherry, Castor Oil plant, Avocado plant, rubber plant and ivy. Most cats will not touch such plants but kittens may be more inquisitive.
If you live in a flat above ground level or have a house with several storeys keep the windows shut to ensure that kittens do not fall out.
Outdoors keep garden chemicals stored safely and take care if using slug bait or chemicals on the garden itself - some types can be very toxic to animals.
Entertainment
Kittens are very playful. Give them an assortment of toys to keep them occupied and exercised - these need not be expensive - every kitten loves a cardboard box to play in. Play is also a good way for you to get to know and trust each other. Provide your kitten with a scratching post.
Keeping your cat in good health
Grooming
It is a good idea to accustom your kitten to being groomed from an early age, particularly if it has a long coat. A long-haired cat needs daily attention to keep fur free of tangles. Grooming removes excess loose hairs which can cause fur balls to build up in the stomach. Combing and brushing will help remove these hairs and it is usually appreciated by the cat, provided it has been accustomed to grooming early in life. Grooming also gives you a chance to keep a close eye on your cat, asses its health and help to develop the bond between you. Always be gentle and make grooming a rewarding and pleasant experience.
Worming
Worms can make kittens weak. Kittens should be treated against roundworms at 4-6 weeks and then regularly every 2 - 3 weeks until they are 4 months old. After this worming they should be treated for roundworms and tapeworms every 2 - 6 months depending on how much they hunt and if they have fleas. Use a proprietory wormer available from your vet and follow the dosing instructions carefully. More information on worming can be found by entering ‘worming’ into our search facility.
Neutering
Each year many unwanted cats and kittens have to be put to sleep or are left to fend for themselves because there are not enough homes to go around. Neutering your cat ensures that you do not contribute to this problem.
A male cat can be castrated from four to five months of age. Neutering will reduce the likelihood that he will spray indoors to mark his territory. He will also spend less time roaming in search of mates and thus has less of a chance of being run over by a car or getting into fights. Cats which are bitten and scratched in fights are more likely to be at risk from infectious diseases.
A female kitten needs to be spayed to prevent unwanted kittens. This can be undertaken by a vet from four to five months of age. She does not need to have a litter before she is spayed. Spaying has no harmful effects and removes the stress on both you and your cat brought on by calling (the loud mewing which female cats make to attract a mate), pregnancy, birth and the care and rehoming of kittens.
Fleas
Even clean cats pick up fleas so check for these while grooming. Flea dirt can usually be seen as small brown specks particularly around the neck and base of the tail. When placed on damp cotton wool 'flea dirt' slowly dissolves producing bloody streaks.
For effective control, adult fleas on the kitten must be killed and reinfestation from the environment prevented. Traditional flea preparations - sprays, shampoos and collars - can contain substances that are potentially toxic to kittens and may not be very effective. Your vet can supply a number of new products to kill fleas that are very safe because they act at receptors that are not present in mammals, only in insects. The 'spot-on' products are very easy to apply and can be used from a young age.
Other animals in the house will also have to be treated. The cat's bedding should be washed or replaced. Your vet will also be able to supply products that can tackle the fleas in the house, including some that can be taken by the cat to prevent the flea reproducing. More information on fleas can be found by entering ‘fleas’ into our search facility.
Ear mites
Many cats have ear mites. Often there are no symptoms but in some cats they cause irritation leading to the production of a greyish/brownish matter in the ear. In severe cases the ear canal becomes blocked and infection follows. Even if the mites do not cause a painful reaction they can be very irritating and can be passed to other cats and dogs in the household. If you have a dog which is persistently getting trouble with ear mites, your vet should check your cat's ears too as they may be the source of the mites. If your kitten's ears appear dirty, itchy or full of dark-coloured wax it is worth checking the problem with your vet.
When your kitten starts to go outside more often, gradually move the litter tray towards the door. A few handfuls of cat litter from the tray spread onto well dug soil in the garden will encourage the kitten to dig there. Do not remove the litter tray from indoors until your kitten has started using the garden.
Going outside
Your kitten should not be allowed outside until at least a week after it has finished its first course of vaccinations at about 13 - 14 weeks old (depending on the vaccine). Once it is fully vaccinated and has become used to life in your house, you can start to let your kitten go outside. Choose a dry day (if possible) and a quiet time and accompany your kitten outside, allowing it to explore the new environment. Continue to accompany the kitten until it is used to your garden and can find its way back to the house without difficulty. It is best not to leave your kitten outside alone until it is 6 months old.
Cats like to come and go as they please. A cat flap allows them to do this. If you fit a cat flap you won't need a litter tray indoors when the kitten grows up. You can teach your kitten to use a cat flap by propping it open initially and enticing it through with food. Gradually close it down so the kitten learns to push the flap. If you already own a cat be aware that the kitten may watch and learn and let itself outside before you are ready - kittens learn quickly by watching other cats.
To prevent neighbourhood cats from coming into your house, you can buy a cat flap which will only open for your cat. The flap is operated by magnetic or electronic keys on your cat's collar.
Cat collars
When your kitten becomes older (over 6 months old) you may like to fit a collar on so that he has some form of identification or to carry a magnet or 'key' to an electronic cat flap - never put on a collar just for the sake of wearing one. Collars must be fitted carefully - kittens are very active and inquisitive while growing up and can easily get the collar hooked on a tree branch or fence or the kitten can get its front leg caught up in the collar and injuries can occur. 'Snap open' collars will reduce the likelihood of the cat becoming entangled should a problem occur. For a young, rapidly growing cat you will need to remember to check the collar's fit (you should be able to get one or two fingers under the collar) and increase its size accordingly. Flea collars are not the best way to deal with flea problems and can be an added danger to curious kittens intent on climbing or squeezing into small spaces where they may get caught up. You may also want to consider having your cat micro chipped for identification purposes.
Hazards in the home
Kittens are very inquisitive creatures and will investigate small, dark places which they can crawl into. For this reason, should your kitten go missing for any length of time, you should look in cupboards, wardrobes, outside sheds etc in case it has accidentally been shut in or got stuck.
Keep the washing machine and tumble dryer door shut when not in use and check them before putting the clothes in.
If your kitten is a plant nibbler then remove any plants which may be poisonous, for example Dieffenbachia (dumb cane), Poinsettia, Lily of the Valley, Christmas Cherry, Castor Oil plant, Avocado plant, rubber plant and ivy. Most cats will not touch such plants but kittens may be more inquisitive.
If you live in a flat above ground level or have a house with several storeys keep the windows shut to ensure that kittens do not fall out.
Outdoors keep garden chemicals stored safely and take care if using slug bait or chemicals on the garden itself - some types can be very toxic to animals.
Entertainment
Kittens are very playful. Give them an assortment of toys to keep them occupied and exercised - these need not be expensive - every kitten loves a cardboard box to play in. Play is also a good way for you to get to know and trust each other. Provide your kitten with a scratching post.
Keeping your cat in good health
Grooming
It is a good idea to accustom your kitten to being groomed from an early age, particularly if it has a long coat. A long-haired cat needs daily attention to keep fur free of tangles. Grooming removes excess loose hairs which can cause fur balls to build up in the stomach. Combing and brushing will help remove these hairs and it is usually appreciated by the cat, provided it has been accustomed to grooming early in life. Grooming also gives you a chance to keep a close eye on your cat, asses its health and help to develop the bond between you. Always be gentle and make grooming a rewarding and pleasant experience.
Worming
Worms can make kittens weak. Kittens should be treated against roundworms at 4-6 weeks and then regularly every 2 - 3 weeks until they are 4 months old. After this worming they should be treated for roundworms and tapeworms every 2 - 6 months depending on how much they hunt and if they have fleas. Use a proprietory wormer available from your vet and follow the dosing instructions carefully. More information on worming can be found by entering ‘worming’ into our search facility.
Neutering
Each year many unwanted cats and kittens have to be put to sleep or are left to fend for themselves because there are not enough homes to go around. Neutering your cat ensures that you do not contribute to this problem.
A male cat can be castrated from four to five months of age. Neutering will reduce the likelihood that he will spray indoors to mark his territory. He will also spend less time roaming in search of mates and thus has less of a chance of being run over by a car or getting into fights. Cats which are bitten and scratched in fights are more likely to be at risk from infectious diseases.
A female kitten needs to be spayed to prevent unwanted kittens. This can be undertaken by a vet from four to five months of age. She does not need to have a litter before she is spayed. Spaying has no harmful effects and removes the stress on both you and your cat brought on by calling (the loud mewing which female cats make to attract a mate), pregnancy, birth and the care and rehoming of kittens.
Fleas
Even clean cats pick up fleas so check for these while grooming. Flea dirt can usually be seen as small brown specks particularly around the neck and base of the tail. When placed on damp cotton wool 'flea dirt' slowly dissolves producing bloody streaks.
For effective control, adult fleas on the kitten must be killed and reinfestation from the environment prevented. Traditional flea preparations - sprays, shampoos and collars - can contain substances that are potentially toxic to kittens and may not be very effective. Your vet can supply a number of new products to kill fleas that are very safe because they act at receptors that are not present in mammals, only in insects. The 'spot-on' products are very easy to apply and can be used from a young age.
Other animals in the house will also have to be treated. The cat's bedding should be washed or replaced. Your vet will also be able to supply products that can tackle the fleas in the house, including some that can be taken by the cat to prevent the flea reproducing. More information on fleas can be found by entering ‘fleas’ into our search facility.
Ear mites
Many cats have ear mites. Often there are no symptoms but in some cats they cause irritation leading to the production of a greyish/brownish matter in the ear. In severe cases the ear canal becomes blocked and infection follows. Even if the mites do not cause a painful reaction they can be very irritating and can be passed to other cats and dogs in the household. If you have a dog which is persistently getting trouble with ear mites, your vet should check your cat's ears too as they may be the source of the mites. If your kitten's ears appear dirty, itchy or full of dark-coloured wax it is worth checking the problem with your vet.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Caring for your Persian Cat
Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They're great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.
Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they're divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, bicolor, particolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they're best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.
Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they're divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, bicolor, particolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they're best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.
Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You will need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you will need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.
The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They're very playful, yet they do not require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They are not destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.
Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it does not get out of control.
When you compare Persians to other breeds, you will notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like climbing or jumping, as Persians don't like to do either. All you will need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy and beautiful Persian cat.
The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They're very playful, yet they do not require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They are not destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.
Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it does not get out of control.
When you compare Persians to other breeds, you will notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like climbing or jumping, as Persians don't like to do either. All you will need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy and beautiful Persian cat.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Feline Leukemia and its dangers
If you have a kitty, you must learn about feline leukemia. Many cats die each year from this dangerous disease, which has been found to be caused by a virus which is highly contagious. To protect your precious cat learn more about feline leukemia and what you need to do to protect your kitty.
Feline leukemia is a virus that causes more serious diseases, such as anemia and cancer. There is only a 10% chance of survival for cats that catch feline leukemia, very few living longer than 3 years after catching the virus. Any cat can catch feline leukemia, but young kittens which younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable.
Like many other diseases, feline leukemia is spread through the saliva of infected cats. Since cats often groom each other, and eat and drink from the same bowls, it is easily spread from cat to cat, especially those who are in close contact with each other all the time, such as cats living in the same home. Female cats that have feline leukemia can also pass the virus along to their unborn kittens, who through their milk when feeding their young. Most cases of feline pregnancy in cats infected with feline leukemia never make it to term, the unborn kittens succumbing to the disease and dying in the womb before they are ever born.
Cats that have feline leukemia often have frequent illnesses, since the disease destroys their immune system, making them unable to fight off disease causing bacteria and germs. Over time, feline leukemia takes its toll on the cat’s overall health, and you will see the cat getting sicker and sicker. Cats with feline leukemia will often run fevers, have little energy, refuse to eat, or eat very little, and will lose weight rapidly. Cats that have feline leukemia will often become anemic, and many of them will also develop feline lymphoma, or cancer.
Much like HIV, there is no current treatment for feline leukemia. Once a cat has contracted this disease, all you can do is try to keep the cat as healthy as possible, to try to postpone the inevitable. If your cat does become sick, you have to seek immediate medical treatment, often in the form of long courses of high-dose antibiotics. Since you cannot treat this deadly disease, all you can do is try to keep your cat as healthy and comfortable as possible, for the duration.
Some cats are naturally resistant to feline leukemia, their immune systems being able to kill the virus before it causes any real damage to the internal organs of the cat. If the virus spreads into the cat’s bone marrow before the immune system is able to destroy it, the cat will eventually succumb to the virus.
There are vaccines available that can help prevent feline leukemia, however they are not one 100% effective. Before you bring a new cat into your home, you should have it tested for feline leukemia, to be certain that you aren’t putting your other cats at risk, even if those cats have been vaccinated.
If your cat does contract feline leukemia, you should do everything you can to limit contact with other animals, to prevent the spread of the disease, and to keep your cat from contracting potentially deadly infections.
As a cat owner, you should learn about feline leukemia, have your cats vaccinated, and limit their contact with other animals as much as possible, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious feline disease.
Feline leukemia is a virus that causes more serious diseases, such as anemia and cancer. There is only a 10% chance of survival for cats that catch feline leukemia, very few living longer than 3 years after catching the virus. Any cat can catch feline leukemia, but young kittens which younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable.
Like many other diseases, feline leukemia is spread through the saliva of infected cats. Since cats often groom each other, and eat and drink from the same bowls, it is easily spread from cat to cat, especially those who are in close contact with each other all the time, such as cats living in the same home. Female cats that have feline leukemia can also pass the virus along to their unborn kittens, who through their milk when feeding their young. Most cases of feline pregnancy in cats infected with feline leukemia never make it to term, the unborn kittens succumbing to the disease and dying in the womb before they are ever born.
Cats that have feline leukemia often have frequent illnesses, since the disease destroys their immune system, making them unable to fight off disease causing bacteria and germs. Over time, feline leukemia takes its toll on the cat’s overall health, and you will see the cat getting sicker and sicker. Cats with feline leukemia will often run fevers, have little energy, refuse to eat, or eat very little, and will lose weight rapidly. Cats that have feline leukemia will often become anemic, and many of them will also develop feline lymphoma, or cancer.
Much like HIV, there is no current treatment for feline leukemia. Once a cat has contracted this disease, all you can do is try to keep the cat as healthy as possible, to try to postpone the inevitable. If your cat does become sick, you have to seek immediate medical treatment, often in the form of long courses of high-dose antibiotics. Since you cannot treat this deadly disease, all you can do is try to keep your cat as healthy and comfortable as possible, for the duration.
Some cats are naturally resistant to feline leukemia, their immune systems being able to kill the virus before it causes any real damage to the internal organs of the cat. If the virus spreads into the cat’s bone marrow before the immune system is able to destroy it, the cat will eventually succumb to the virus.
There are vaccines available that can help prevent feline leukemia, however they are not one 100% effective. Before you bring a new cat into your home, you should have it tested for feline leukemia, to be certain that you aren’t putting your other cats at risk, even if those cats have been vaccinated.
If your cat does contract feline leukemia, you should do everything you can to limit contact with other animals, to prevent the spread of the disease, and to keep your cat from contracting potentially deadly infections.
As a cat owner, you should learn about feline leukemia, have your cats vaccinated, and limit their contact with other animals as much as possible, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious feline disease.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Cat Allergy
Allergies occur not only people but also cats.
Some people may be allergic to cats. People in the presence of a cat starts sneezing, red eyes and tears. In severe cases asthmatic effects can appear. The symptoms are similar to the manifestations of hay fever, that is a seasonal allergy to pollen plants. Only in the case of allergy to cats cat allergens are wool, leather or even cat saliva. Allergics often offer nonhairy cats: either Rex breed with a short curly fur without undercoat or nearly hairless sphinx with a few short hair. But there are people who have cat allergy even on the sphinx! So if you or a member of your family has allergies to cats, cats in the house is better not to keep. At the same time, allergy to pollen plant for food, for medicine, for the dust is not an obstacle to the maintenance of the cats. In a weak form of allergy to cats you can have cats at home, but allergic individuals is better to limit their communication with cats, and caring for the cats, especially wool nits, to designate to another member of the family.
Do cats themselves are also various allergic reactions. The symptoms of a cat allergy may be sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, diarrhea, Hair Loss. Different symptoms manifest themselves in different types of allergies. Food can also cause cat allergy. Аllergic reactions can cause not only industrial feed but also a simple home products. Quite frequently allergic to milk, not all adult cats retain the ability to digest lactose, such allergy manifested diarrhea. Registered cases of cat allergy to meat! Sometimes allergens are perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and other things enjoyed by cat owner. Most of the cats there allergy to dust during construction repairs, the glue or paint. In this case the inhaled cat starts sneezing, coughing, runny eyes. This is also allergic to household cleaning agents, dust or cigarette smoke! Some cats have allergy to fleas. If such a cat flea settled, it starts itching strong, it starts all the time, at selected sites beginning to fall wool. People! Keep track on your pets, with suspicious symptoms please contact with a veterinarian as fast as possible. If cats discovered allergy, try to exclude the possibility of allergens from her life. Do not use it in the presence of perfumes and cleaning means, not let the room during the repair, during destroy parasites gipoallergennym forage and feed. Even if your cat has no allergy, try to use less chemicals, it is, by the way, will be useful for your health also!
Some people may be allergic to cats. People in the presence of a cat starts sneezing, red eyes and tears. In severe cases asthmatic effects can appear. The symptoms are similar to the manifestations of hay fever, that is a seasonal allergy to pollen plants. Only in the case of allergy to cats cat allergens are wool, leather or even cat saliva. Allergics often offer nonhairy cats: either Rex breed with a short curly fur without undercoat or nearly hairless sphinx with a few short hair. But there are people who have cat allergy even on the sphinx! So if you or a member of your family has allergies to cats, cats in the house is better not to keep. At the same time, allergy to pollen plant for food, for medicine, for the dust is not an obstacle to the maintenance of the cats. In a weak form of allergy to cats you can have cats at home, but allergic individuals is better to limit their communication with cats, and caring for the cats, especially wool nits, to designate to another member of the family.
Do cats themselves are also various allergic reactions. The symptoms of a cat allergy may be sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, diarrhea, Hair Loss. Different symptoms manifest themselves in different types of allergies. Food can also cause cat allergy. Аllergic reactions can cause not only industrial feed but also a simple home products. Quite frequently allergic to milk, not all adult cats retain the ability to digest lactose, such allergy manifested diarrhea. Registered cases of cat allergy to meat! Sometimes allergens are perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and other things enjoyed by cat owner. Most of the cats there allergy to dust during construction repairs, the glue or paint. In this case the inhaled cat starts sneezing, coughing, runny eyes. This is also allergic to household cleaning agents, dust or cigarette smoke! Some cats have allergy to fleas. If such a cat flea settled, it starts itching strong, it starts all the time, at selected sites beginning to fall wool. People! Keep track on your pets, with suspicious symptoms please contact with a veterinarian as fast as possible. If cats discovered allergy, try to exclude the possibility of allergens from her life. Do not use it in the presence of perfumes and cleaning means, not let the room during the repair, during destroy parasites gipoallergennym forage and feed. Even if your cat has no allergy, try to use less chemicals, it is, by the way, will be useful for your health also!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
How to choose your first cat indoor
You must understand one thing: if you want to be a cat owner its is a big responsibility. Indoor cat can bring years of enjoyable pleasure for you and your new companion friend. Although cats are seen as self-reliant, you as the owner will always have to be the diligent parent.
If you’ve never owned any pets before, you should get some pet education before bringing your new furry friend home.
Probably the best way to find out about caring for an indoor cat is to visit the homes of friends who have indoor cats. Your friends can be an excellent resource for what’s going to be required of you to care for a cat. Other resources are community cat clubs, veterinarians, animal shelters, books, tapes, videos, and the Internet.
Before you get your first cat, decide what your commitment to this relationship will be. How much devotion, cost, effort, and attention are you willing to provide to your new friend. Also consider what your personal preferences are for the new family addition. Are you looking for?
-Longhair or Shorthair
-Adult or Kitten
-Pedigree or Non-Pedigree
-Male or Female
-Breed (Persian, Burmese, etc)
To many, a kitten is a cute, cuddly bundle of joy, just like a new born baby. But like a baby, you’ll need to watch over carefully to the health of the kitten as it grows to adulthood. An adult cat, on the other hand, is more capable of attending to its own personal care.
Hair
Cats shed hair, just like humans. Some breeds shed more hair than others. Cats are fastidious groomers. Be prepared and none too surprised when they vomit a hairball from time to time -- completely natural with little cause for alarm. It’s a good practice to routinely brush your cat to collect the loose hair.
Shorthair cats usually need less routine brushing than longhairs. If you brush your cat routinely, they can have less incidents of hairballs and upset digestion. Giving your cat a bath (cat formulated shampoo only) once in a great while is good also.
Pedigree
You may choose a pedigree cat if your intention is to invest, breed, or show. There are other reasons why someone would choose a pedigree over a non-pedigree, and that’s a personal choice. Expect to pay more for a pedigree primarily because its lineage can be traced and its pedigree is highly prized by others.
Breed
Generally the cat's breed isn't a factor and your selection usually is a personal preference.
Gender
Cats are individuals. Both female and male cats can make wonderful companions. If the cat has been spayed or neutered, then the cat's gender doesn't play a huge role. The cat's own unique personality will determine how good of a pet it will make. Your personal preference may be to choose a cat whose personality is agreeable to yours.
Non-pedigree cats are just as cute and cuddly as the pedigree. A lot less expensive too!
Summary
A cat is a wonderful addition to your family and will give you many years of enjoyable pleasure.
If you’ve never owned any pets before, you should get some pet education before bringing your new furry friend home.
Probably the best way to find out about caring for an indoor cat is to visit the homes of friends who have indoor cats. Your friends can be an excellent resource for what’s going to be required of you to care for a cat. Other resources are community cat clubs, veterinarians, animal shelters, books, tapes, videos, and the Internet.
Before you get your first cat, decide what your commitment to this relationship will be. How much devotion, cost, effort, and attention are you willing to provide to your new friend. Also consider what your personal preferences are for the new family addition. Are you looking for?
-Longhair or Shorthair
-Adult or Kitten
-Pedigree or Non-Pedigree
-Male or Female
-Breed (Persian, Burmese, etc)
To many, a kitten is a cute, cuddly bundle of joy, just like a new born baby. But like a baby, you’ll need to watch over carefully to the health of the kitten as it grows to adulthood. An adult cat, on the other hand, is more capable of attending to its own personal care.
Hair
Cats shed hair, just like humans. Some breeds shed more hair than others. Cats are fastidious groomers. Be prepared and none too surprised when they vomit a hairball from time to time -- completely natural with little cause for alarm. It’s a good practice to routinely brush your cat to collect the loose hair.
Shorthair cats usually need less routine brushing than longhairs. If you brush your cat routinely, they can have less incidents of hairballs and upset digestion. Giving your cat a bath (cat formulated shampoo only) once in a great while is good also.
Pedigree
You may choose a pedigree cat if your intention is to invest, breed, or show. There are other reasons why someone would choose a pedigree over a non-pedigree, and that’s a personal choice. Expect to pay more for a pedigree primarily because its lineage can be traced and its pedigree is highly prized by others.
Breed
Generally the cat's breed isn't a factor and your selection usually is a personal preference.
Gender
Cats are individuals. Both female and male cats can make wonderful companions. If the cat has been spayed or neutered, then the cat's gender doesn't play a huge role. The cat's own unique personality will determine how good of a pet it will make. Your personal preference may be to choose a cat whose personality is agreeable to yours.
Non-pedigree cats are just as cute and cuddly as the pedigree. A lot less expensive too!
Summary
A cat is a wonderful addition to your family and will give you many years of enjoyable pleasure.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Cat eye health care
Caring for your cat eye health is an important part of thir grooming. Cats eyes are sensitive just like humans, and need to be taken care of. Different breeds of cats require different type of care, due to the difference in eye types. There are many different types of eyes, so you may want to speak to your vet for specific instructions. Here are a few free tips for you.
If you have a cat that seems to have build up in their eyes on a daily basis, wiping them daily would be a good idea. Removing this build up will help decrease the chance of the eyes getting an infection. Make sure you start in the corner of the eye and wipe outward. When wiping the eyes, be sure to use a damp washcloth and be careful not to scratch the eye.
No matter what kind of cat you have, you need to make sure their eyes are taken care of. If there seems to be something abnormal or different about your cats eyes, you may want to think about taking them to the vet and having them checked out. Your cat eyes are very important to them.
Cats who have eyes that protrude from the face tend to dry out easily. In order to prevent your cats eyes from getting too dried out, you should get some eye drops. Visit with your vet to determine the best type of eye drops for your breed of cat.
For cats who have watery eyes that seem to drain a lot, cleaning cats eyes on a daily basis is necessary. Make sure to wipe the eyes everyday to prevent tear stains from showing up on the fur. Wiping should be done with a wet washcloth and once again, be careful not to scratch the delicate eye.
Checking your dogs eyes everyday will help keep them healthy and help you notice a problem as soon as it occurs. The sooner a problem is taken care of, the easier it is to get rid of. This will also get your cat used to his eyes being wiped and it will become easier the more you do it.
If you do notice something that does not look normal while wiping your cat eyes, it is a good idea to visit the vet. Yearly visits to the vet are also recommended to make sure that not only the cat eyes are healthy, but the rest of your cat as well. The sooner an illness or disease is detected, the better chance you have of treating it and getting rid of it.
If you have a cat that seems to have build up in their eyes on a daily basis, wiping them daily would be a good idea. Removing this build up will help decrease the chance of the eyes getting an infection. Make sure you start in the corner of the eye and wipe outward. When wiping the eyes, be sure to use a damp washcloth and be careful not to scratch the eye.
No matter what kind of cat you have, you need to make sure their eyes are taken care of. If there seems to be something abnormal or different about your cats eyes, you may want to think about taking them to the vet and having them checked out. Your cat eyes are very important to them.
Cats who have eyes that protrude from the face tend to dry out easily. In order to prevent your cats eyes from getting too dried out, you should get some eye drops. Visit with your vet to determine the best type of eye drops for your breed of cat.
For cats who have watery eyes that seem to drain a lot, cleaning cats eyes on a daily basis is necessary. Make sure to wipe the eyes everyday to prevent tear stains from showing up on the fur. Wiping should be done with a wet washcloth and once again, be careful not to scratch the delicate eye.
Checking your dogs eyes everyday will help keep them healthy and help you notice a problem as soon as it occurs. The sooner a problem is taken care of, the easier it is to get rid of. This will also get your cat used to his eyes being wiped and it will become easier the more you do it.
If you do notice something that does not look normal while wiping your cat eyes, it is a good idea to visit the vet. Yearly visits to the vet are also recommended to make sure that not only the cat eyes are healthy, but the rest of your cat as well. The sooner an illness or disease is detected, the better chance you have of treating it and getting rid of it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Cats toilet training
Cats toilet training: cats are very affecting and sentimental animals. They are cuddly and very beautiful. Cat owners live their cats so much that want them to be only indoors, so that they can be safe and clean always. However, keeping cats indoors poses the problem of dealing with their wastes. Thus it is necessary to cats toilet train.
Cats Toilet Training Essentials
1. Cats should be trained early on. It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.
2. Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.
3. Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name. This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.
This can be bought in pet shops. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.
4. Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.
5. For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.
6. Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.
7. When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.
The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat.
8. However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected immediately. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.
The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.
Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.
Cats Toilet Training Essentials
1. Cats should be trained early on. It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.
2. Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.
3. Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name. This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.
This can be bought in pet shops. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.
4. Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.
5. For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.
6. Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.
7. When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.
The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat.
8. However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected immediately. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.
The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.
Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Cat Health Problems
The fact is if you're a new cat owner, many cat health problems may befall your feline friend. Some problems are easily preventable, while others are hereditary.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are another common cat health problems. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this cat health problems. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.
Hairballs
Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a cat halth problems dislodging hairballs.
However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening cat health problems. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.
To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.
Worms
Worms are a recurring cat health problems. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.
Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal cat health problems. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.
Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.
Feline Leukemia Virus
FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.
Lyme Disease
If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This cat health problems is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.
Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:
(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.
The key to dealing with this cat health provlems is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.
Good Health Care
Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life without any cat health problems. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.
Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.
Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are another common cat health problems. This infection is particularly common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also develop this cat health problems. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect. If your cat's urine smells strong, again a urinary tract infection may be the cause. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian. Ask about cat foods that reduce the likelihood of another infection.
Hairballs
Hairballs are among the most common of cat health problems. Cats groom themselves almost constantly, and swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. Occasionally, the hair gathers into a ball and lodges in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, he probably has a hairball. While the end product is unpleasant for the owner, most cats don't have a cat halth problems dislodging hairballs.
However, hairballs can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening cat health problems. There are a few signs to look for to see if your cat's hairball is dangerous. If your cat is constipated, off his feed, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then he could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.
To prevent hairballs, groom your cat frequently to remove loose hair. In addition, feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.
Worms
Worms are a recurring cat health problems. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. If your cat seems unable to gain wait, is infested with fleas, or has white specks that look like grains of rice in his stools, take him to the veterinarian for worm testing.
Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal cat health problems. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.
Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.
Feline Leukemia Virus
FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.
Lyme Disease
If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This cat health problems is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.
Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:
(a) lethargy,
(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,
(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,
(d) loss of appetite.
The key to dealing with this cat health provlems is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.
Good Health Care
Taking your cat for a regular check-up with the vet, and keeping all vaccinations on schedule will help assure your cat a long and healthy life without any cat health problems. Prevention is the first line of defense for most feline illnesses.
Many owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from cars, from cat fights which may expose them to deadly viruses, from ticks, and other hazards.
Outdoor cats will enjoy greater freedom, but require a watchful eye, loving attention to their health status, and regular visits to the veterinarian.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Cat health advice
Cat health advice: Cat owners should make sure to visit the veterinarian at least once a year for an annual examination and shots. If a cat becomes sick or injured, it is advisable to visit the veterinarian or animal hospital immediately. Your kitten will need a series of vaccines when it is very young. This series of shots is commonly referred to as a “3 in 1”. When your kitten is 2,3 and 4 months of age it will receive a combination vaccine that protects your cat from panleukopenia (also referred to as feline distemper), calicivirus and rhinotracheitis. If your cat has not been vaccinated and is four months or older, it will be necessary to administer a series of two vaccinations 2 to 3 weeks apart, followed up with annual vaccinations.
There are two immune system viruses (retroviruses) that can infect your cat or kitten; Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). There is a vaccination available for feline leukemia but not FIV. It is possible that your cat can be infected and show no symptoms for months or years with either of these deadly viruses and the owner should make sure their cats are tested when visiting the veterinarian. Its mother can spread these viruses to a kitten at birth or through a bite of another infected cat. Outdoor and stray cats often carry these infections but neither is transmissible to humans. To ensure that your cat does not become infected with these viruses, it is advisable to keep them indoors. If you do allow your cat to be an outdoor cat, you must vaccinate the animal against the feline leukemia virus. No vaccine is 100% effective but it is an excellent preventative measure to safeguard your cat from ill health.
Aside from FeLV and FIV, there are some other ills that can befall your cuddly companion. Tiny parasites in the form of ear mites are a common problem that is easily transmitted between cats. You may notice your cat scratching its ears or shaking its head, which are two symptoms of ear mites. Take your cat to the vet if this occurs, he or she will clean the ears of your feline friend and administer proper medication. Worms are another problematic medical condition to look out for when caring for your cat or kitten.
Tapeworms and roundworms are common parasites that can infect your companion. Your vet can properly diagnose this nasty bug and prescribe medication to treat your cat. Fleas can transmit tapeworms as well as irritate your cat’s skin. Check your cat weekly for fleas and ticks. Fleas are ubiquitous and will be all over your house if found on your cat and flea bombing your living space will be in order in addition to cat-safe flea shampoo or powder. Be sure to treat all domestic animals if you find one flea. Your vet can advise the best treatment program. Male and female cats can develop feline urological syndrome (FUS), which is an infection of the lower urinary tract. As in humans, if your cat is repeatedly visiting the litter box, you see blood in the urine or your cat is making loud cries or straining while urinating you must take your cat to the vet for medication. FUS is more common in male cats and this infection can be fatal if your cat does not receive rapid treatment.
There are two immune system viruses (retroviruses) that can infect your cat or kitten; Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). There is a vaccination available for feline leukemia but not FIV. It is possible that your cat can be infected and show no symptoms for months or years with either of these deadly viruses and the owner should make sure their cats are tested when visiting the veterinarian. Its mother can spread these viruses to a kitten at birth or through a bite of another infected cat. Outdoor and stray cats often carry these infections but neither is transmissible to humans. To ensure that your cat does not become infected with these viruses, it is advisable to keep them indoors. If you do allow your cat to be an outdoor cat, you must vaccinate the animal against the feline leukemia virus. No vaccine is 100% effective but it is an excellent preventative measure to safeguard your cat from ill health.
Aside from FeLV and FIV, there are some other ills that can befall your cuddly companion. Tiny parasites in the form of ear mites are a common problem that is easily transmitted between cats. You may notice your cat scratching its ears or shaking its head, which are two symptoms of ear mites. Take your cat to the vet if this occurs, he or she will clean the ears of your feline friend and administer proper medication. Worms are another problematic medical condition to look out for when caring for your cat or kitten.
Tapeworms and roundworms are common parasites that can infect your companion. Your vet can properly diagnose this nasty bug and prescribe medication to treat your cat. Fleas can transmit tapeworms as well as irritate your cat’s skin. Check your cat weekly for fleas and ticks. Fleas are ubiquitous and will be all over your house if found on your cat and flea bombing your living space will be in order in addition to cat-safe flea shampoo or powder. Be sure to treat all domestic animals if you find one flea. Your vet can advise the best treatment program. Male and female cats can develop feline urological syndrome (FUS), which is an infection of the lower urinary tract. As in humans, if your cat is repeatedly visiting the litter box, you see blood in the urine or your cat is making loud cries or straining while urinating you must take your cat to the vet for medication. FUS is more common in male cats and this infection can be fatal if your cat does not receive rapid treatment.
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