How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

It can be incredibly difficult to tell if your cat is sick, because they are exceptionally good at hiding their symptoms. In fact, in many cases symptoms of illness will not appear in a cat until the condition has become nearly fatal. For example, with certain forms of cancer, you may have no idea that your cat is sick until it is too late. For this reason, it is especially important for cat owners to be aware and vigilant about their cat's health. Regular veterinary visits are obviously important, but you should also watch for these signs that will help you with how to tell if your cat is sick.

Changes in Social Behaviour

A loner cat that suddenly becomes clingy or an excessively affectionate cat that suddenly becomes reclusive may be a sick cat. If you notice sudden or extreme changes in your cat's behaviour, this may be a sign of illness. Unfortunately, there may be no other obvious symptoms so if the odd behaviour continues for more than a few days you should visit your veterinarian.

Changes in Activity Level

Likewise, if your cat has become lethargic, distant, or lacks energy, this is also a common sign of illness. Arthritis is one example of a cat disease that will likely make your cat less active than normal. But even more life-threatening conditions can have a significant impact on your cat's activity level. Similarly, if your cat starts to behave erratically or appears to have an excess of energy, there may be an underlying health concern.

Changes in Appetite

Whether you're monitoring your cat's eating or drinking habits, obvious changes could be a sign of illness. Indeed, one of the earliest signs that your cat is sick is lack of appetite or diminished consumption of water. If you have a general idea of how much your cat eats or drinks on a daily basis, you'll be well prepared to notice changes in appetite that may signify illness. Similarly, excessive weight gain or weight loss for no apparent reason is a common symptom of sickness in cats.

Halitosis

Bad breath in cats is often associated with metabolic diseases or most likely dental disease. Ensure your cat undergoes regular dental health checkups with your veterinarian in order to maintain proper oral health.

Changes in Grooming Habits

A cat that becomes disinterested in grooming is likely ill. From arthritis and obesity to oral health problems, there may be many underlying reasons your cat is not grooming. Regardless, if the lack of grooming persists, visit your veterinarian.

Other changes

Changes in sleeping habits, litter box habits, excessive scratching or other routine changes may indicate your cat is not feeling well. Essentially, you should monitor your cat's general behaviour and if you notice significant alterations, visit a vet.

If you notice any of the above changes in your cat's behavior, it is advisable to visit a veterinary clinic near you, such as Steveston Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, BC.

Leave Your Dear Little Cat In A Cat Holiday Home

If you are planning for a vacation or perhaps going on a business trip with your co-workers, look for a cat holiday home to keep your kitty while you enjoy your holiday with friends. Before you start your research, you should consider a lot of factors to make sure that you have chosen the right home for your cute little kitten.

Location Is Important

The location is one of the most important aspects to consider. You should look for a local home so that you can drop your kitty when you want and get it while you are returning from holiday.

Living Space Matters

Remember, you should first check the living space of the home to make sure that your kitten will have a comfortable stay. The living space should have a moderate temperature along with special areas so that they can take some rest in the afternoon. Nowadays, most of the homes have indoor and outdoor sections so that the pets can play and mingle with each other in the leisure time.

A reputed care facility centre always has a comfortable bed or sleeping space for the cats. Look for a neat and clean holiday home. Before choosing the home, you should check out the pictures of the care homes online and also visit the holiday homes in personal to make sure that it meets your standards.

Special Dietary Requirements

In a reputed care home, your pet always gets fresh water and food all the times. Most of the homes usually have a fixed feeding time for all the pets. Some of the kittens may have some special dietary requirements. If your kitty also has a special dietary need you should better let the staff know about it so that they can feed the right food to your cat.

Cost

Cost is a deciding factor when it comes to choosing the holiday home. Always choose a kitty home which will take care of your pet in the best way. Most of the local holiday homes usually charge on an hourly basis.

So you should first ask them about the cost before you choose them. You will be happy to know that some of them also offer discounts on accommodation services if you have two or more kitty.

Vaccinations

Most of the care home staff will first ask you whether you have given all the vaccinations to your kitty. If not, they won't allow keeping your pet there because the disease may spread and affect the health of the other pets badly.

Conclusion

Now you can enjoy your holidays while your pet will have a good time with his/her friends in the new home.

Happy Holidays!

Ravi Shanker Thakur writes articles for Kings Wood Cattery, a renowned cattery in Surrey. If you are looking for a cat boarding in Surrey, this is the right place to go.

Shopping Tips for Buying Litter Trays for Your Cats

When shopping for your pet, you will realize the different options available when it comes to everything from food to toys and other accessories. It is important to take the time to research the options so that you can get the best products for your pets.

Whether you have one cat or several, you know that the pets can be very choosy and if they do not like the items you give them, they will go unused. Buying the right litter trays will help to make you and your pets happy.

Consider the design

If the cat does not like the design of the tray, you can be sure that using it will be a problem. There are many designs available with some that have hoods and others without hoods.

You can use the tray with and without a hood and see which one the cat prefers. If you decide to get a hooded tray, make sure that you secure the lid on the box after use. The hood falling off while the cat is using it can scare him off it for good.

Consider the maintenance

Most people prefer trays that are easy to clean and the plastic open trays are a good option. They are also quite durable and they offer more ventilation. A trashcan will come in handy to scoop the waste. You can get a lidded can that comes complete with a foot pedal, leaving your hands free to work. You should line the can using a plastic trash bag and be sure to seal the bag and replace it when it is full or when it starts to smell.

Choosing a good size

When you are shopping for a litter box, look for a tray that is a good size for your cat. The cat needs to be able to move or maneuver comfortably and if the box is too small, you will have to deal with "spray" outside the box.

Trays that are large and have high sides will help to make sure comfort and keep the litter inside the box. Some cats find it difficult entering or exiting boxes that have high sides and it may be necessary to cut an opening.

You should avoid changing boxes abruptly to avoid disorienting the cat. If you buy a new one, you should not remove the old one until the cat gets used to it. Consider the location of the litter box and the type of litter you use when choosing the best type.

Top 2 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Litter Tray

If the cat suddenly stops using the litter tray, this could signify symptoms of urinary tract infection. The cat could be looking to find a larger space to relieve itself as opposed to the small space provided by the litter tray, because they are having difficulty urinating or are experiencing pain in the process.

Furthermore, the cat is likely to stop using its litter tray in case the tray is not clean enough. Cats are clean creatures; therefore, if the litter tray is full, they will consider looking for another cleaner place. If there are several cats in the home, it is advisable to consider one litter tray for every cat. Pet owners should make sure the tray is cleaned daily.

Nevertheless, it is important to train your cat to use a litter tray to urinate. As you shop, you will discover that there are many types of cat trays available in the market. It is important to choose the right brand. The factors to consider when choosing litter trays include:

· Type of tray

There are different brands of trays available in the market. Generally, there are four categories of trays namely, the open trays, basic trays, automatic litter boxes and covered trays. Many of the cats experience great comfort in using the open trays because they are user-friendly. Furthermore, the open trays give better ventilation. Although many of the cats enjoy the open trays, other cats love the privacy offered by the covered ones.

Therefore, it is important for the pet owners to observe the cat's reactions because some cats may feel trapped with the covered ones. The automatic litter boxes make it easy for the pet owner to clean. Furthermore, the boxes are hygienic. However, in certain instances, the cats are likely to be frightened by the sound and motions of these types of trays. Therefore, some cats are likely to refrain from using the trays. Pet owners may consider activating the boxes while the pets are not around.

· Size of the breed

4 Tips for Using A Kitty Litter Tray Effectively

When you buy a new litter tray for your cat, you have to make sure that your pet uses it effectively. There is no point in investing in products that the cat will not use. There are some helpful tips that will make sure that the cat uses the tray.

The right design

The first step in ensuring that your cat uses the litter box is by buying the right type or design. There are many options in the market and you should think about the right size, materials, style and features. Kitty's litter tray is an important item that when used well will keep your home clean and nice smelling, while also ensuring that your pet is happy.

Choosing the location

You need to choose the best location for the litter box. If the cat is not comfortable in the location you select, he will simply ignore the box. Continued use of the tray will depend on your selection of a quiet and appealing location.

A noisy, dark or damp location is not ideal and it is important to ensure that people or other pets do not distract the cat when he is going about his business. Keep the tray away from furnaces, air ducts or loud equipment or appliances.

Easy to clean

When choosing the box and the location, you should think about ease of cleaning. By ensuring that you can perform this task on a regular basis, you can make sure that your cat does not develop an aversion for the box. Many cats will not use a dirty tray.

Keeping the box clean and scooping daily will ensure that you do not have to deal with a foul smell in the house. Avoid using harsh detergents or ammonia products to clean the box as they can put off the cat. Regular soap and water works effectively.

Number of cats

If you have more than one cat, you should make sure that you have a litter box for each of them. Most cats do not like to share when it comes to this important function and it can pose a challenge if they have to "go" at the same time.

If you invest in plastic trays, you need to know that at some point, you will not be able to get rid of the odor no matter how hard you try. The containers pick up the odors after a while and you will need to replace them. If possible, it is a good idea to replace the old box with a similar one to minimize the problems that come with change.

Choosing The Right Carrier For Your Cat

A cat carrier is definitely one of the important essentials that you should consider before you bring home a cat or a kitten. It provides security and safety in instances that you need to travel, in visiting the vet, or going on trips that you want to be with your pet cat. Several factors however should be properly thought about when buying a cat carrier. Be sure to choose the correct size and material that can provide comfort and ease. What do you think is the best cat carrier that suits your pet cat?

Choosing a Plastic Cat Carrier

A plastic cat carrier can be a hard cat carrier, which is one of the sturdiest and toughest available in the market. Made of a durable and versatile plastic, this can be very flexible than the usual soft and cardboard pet enclosures. Some pet shops sell carriers such as fold-away which is very convenient but be sure to choose materials that are made of plastic since it would be the best option for you and your cat.

Although the size of your cat will greatly matter in the choice of a carrier, generally normal and medium sized cats would be happy in a soft nylon mesh carrier. Big cats however need a hard plastic carrier for more security, comfort and protection. At your end, this kind of carrier can easily be managed and cleaned.

Travel Tips

If you choose a plastic pet carrier for traveling with your cat, it may be a better choice since they are enclosed securely and considered the safest, just opt for the one that uses durable and sturdy plastic material. You can test the sturdiness by simply filling the carrier with something heavy, like a huge bag with food. If it doesn't droop, wilt or deforms, then you have a point for that. A carrier made of a thinner plastic can be bent and doors can easily open even without undoing the latches, by merely turning the carrier on its side.

This can be quite dangerous to your cats, because it can sneak out and get eventually get lost. If you are planning to travel farther, secure a carrier that is airline approved either for cabin or cargo use. Some airlines require a certain type of carrier, focusing more on the safety, security and comfort of a particular pet.

Other Uses

Other people overlook the need of a personal carrier and panics when emergency situations set in.These emergencies can range from the cat having eaten some poisonous plant or your cat accidentally hit by a passing car. You need to transport the cat to a nearby animal hospital very quickly. A carrier can make your cat feel more secure after that trauma. A plastic cat carrier plays an important role in emergencies like these.

Lastly, always opt for a carrier that can be useful as well as comfortable. Cats are often sneaky, others wild, scratchy, or feisty. They can be properly trained to be more domesticated and loving ones, and a carrier can be an instrument to teach them how to be tamed and sober.

Introducing a New Pet Into an Existing Cat or Dog Home

While adding a new furry family member may sound like fun, there are some things you should do to make sure it is a good fit for your family. It is always a good idea to start with a bit of research on the new breed you are considering adding to your home. This is important because you want to be sure the two are compatible breeds. The typical age to add another pet is at a young age and around the same time frame. However, sometimes this is not always possible to do so here are some helpful guidelines to help make your introduction and transition are a smooth and safe one.

Picking the right pet types

The best cat-dog matchup is one where both animals are familiar with each other in previous settings. Animals or strays who have been rescued from distressing conditions can still reside in the same living environment; however, those pets will need extra socialization and training. There are some dog breeds who should not reside with cats because they are instinctively born to hunt while other breeds are not.

For a current dog and new dog relationships, it is essential to avoid any aggressiveness during the meet and greet phase. It is important for each dog to have their own food and water dishes, toys, and beds. Also, it is best to separate the dogs when giving any treats. Always confine them when you are not able to supervise them. Although, you can just provide a barrier for the new dog, such as a baby gate, so your current dog can come visit as they wish to. If you notice any bullying behavior or excessive growling while the dogs are interacting, quickly separate them and tell them no. If you need additional help, veterinarians can usually provide resources for a certified behaviorist to help you with the transition period.

Give the pets time

It does take time for pets to transition to the unexpected changes in their environment. Cats and dogs are both territorial in nature so it is best to be patient and make introductions gradual over a few days to several weeks depending on how they are responding to one another.

Pets need their own space

It is important for each pet to have a safe and private area for rest. Again, each pet needs their own water and food dishes as well. Cats may need separate litter boxes. If it is a cat and dog introduction make sure to keep litter boxes in a place where your dog can not find it. Yet it is a good idea to transfer scents from each animal. You may rub a towel or blanket on each pet and leave in the opposite pets resting space; this will allow them to get use to one another scents.

Observe for nail trimmings

A cat's instinctive swipe at another cat or dog can not only upset the pet but could result in an injury. So keep close monitoring of nail manicures or another option would be to cap the nails with vinyl covers to protect your other pets from injury.

How to Prepare for Your New Kitten

Expert Author Robyn McLaren

You have decided which lucky kitten you are going to adopt, so now it is time to get your house prepared for the new family member!

It is really important that your house is prepared properly for your new kitten, so they can settle in with you as soon as possible, take a look at this list of things you need.

A Cat Carrier 

Purchasing a carrier for your kitten should be one of the first things on your shopping list when preparing for your new kitten, as you will most likely use it to take your new pet home in. There are lots of different kinds of carriers to choose from, and many have different pros and cons.

The most important thing to check is that it will be safe and comfortable for your kitten to be kept in. It is a good idea to check some reviews before buying, as this will give you an idea of how good the product is. You can also add a soft towel or a blanket to make your carrier extra comfortable for him or her.

Bed 

If you don't want your new kitten to sleep in your bed with you or on your couch in the living room when preparing for your new kitten, you can provide your cat with its own bed. There are lots of different beds on offer from luxurious abodes to a simple cushion.

You could even donate one of your old jumpers to him or her, as it will smell like you, and get them more used to your scent. Make sure that whatever you choose, your kitty can get in and out from it easily.

Food 

It is a good idea to buy the same food that the breeder has been feeding your kitten, when preparing for your new kitten as that is what they will be used to. Make sure that it is kitten specific, so that he or she will get all of the nutrients they need.

Keep your kitty hydrated too, by always making sure that their bowl is filled with water. Kitten milk can be given as a rare treat! Your new pet will need their own food bowls to stop them from stealing other pets' food!

A Litter Tray 

You will obviously need to get your kitten a litter tray, when preparing for your new kitten unless you want some little 'presents' around the house! There are many to choose from so you can pick whatever one you think is best for your new kitten. Just make sure that there will be plenty of room for them to dig around in, so they can comfortably do their business.

Toys 

When preparing for your new kitten, you should definitely purchase some toys! Toys provide mental and physical stimulation for your kitten, and also allow you to develop a close bond between the two of you.

A small ball is always a good idea, as kittens love to chase them around. Another toy that kittens generally like to play with is a stick with a feather hanging from it. Kittens can bat their little paws at them for hours!

Kitten Proofing Your Home 

To your kitten, your house is like a huge playground, so when preparing for your new kitten, it is a good idea to close up any small spaces they may get stuck in, like behind the fridge! Keep any rooms that you don't want your kitten to wander into shut, kitten's love to play around with toilet roll so the bathroom door is a good one to keep shut, unless you want a huge mess.

Keep any harmful products like cleaning detergents or anti-freeze out of reach of your kitten, lest they decide to play around with them - trips to the vet in an emergency aren't fun, and can be costly.

If you keep all of these tips in mind, when preparing your house for your new kitten, your new pal is sure to settle right in, and feel completely at home in no time

Traveling in the Car With Cats and Small Dogs

Have you ever tried to travel in the vehicle with your cat? Most cats hate the car. They either stay scared in one place, like the windshield where they refuse to move, or they investigate everywhere, including under the pedals at your feet. What about a small dog? Perhaps your little friend likes to climb in your lap. Or maybe he gets easily thrown about at the simplest turns and stops. Big dogs seem to be able to brace themselves easier in the car, but for a small pet, it can be a challenge. Here are some ideas that can help.

Pet Carriers 

When traveling in the car with cats and small dogs, try putting them in a pet carrier. Cats like boxes and crate trained dogs enjoy their own private space. But before you just put them in a travel pet crate and go for a ride, make sure they get used to the crate at home first. Make their space nice and comfortable. Entice them to go inside with treats. Perhaps even put a few of their favorite toys inside so that they enjoy spending a little time in there.

Use a pet travel carrier that is big enough for them to move around in. Also, get one that can be secured in the car. Some are designed specifically for use with the seat belts of vehicles while others may require the use of kennel straps. Some carriers have even been crash tested.

Practice 

You may not travel as often with your cat as you do with your small dog. But the more you practice, the better they will get at traveling in the car. Start with taking short trips. Just drive around your neighborhood or to the drive through teller at the bank. Be sure that you don't go somewhere that doesn't allow animals. Never leave your furry friend in the car unattended. Even if the weather is mild, you still have to worry about theft.

Calming Remedies 

Ask your veterinarian about calming remedies. Medication may be an option, especially for cats or dogs that have an extreme fear or are hyperactive in the car. Natural topical or oral remedies may also be available. You may even want to consider a non-medicinal remedy such as an anxiety wrap. Anxiety wraps, such as the ones made by Thundershirt, have a very high success rate for both dogs and cats.

Calming remedies can be a great short-term solution. But in the long-run, you want your dog or cat to be comfortable traveling in the car. It is less stressful for you both that way. Taking the time to practice may seem like a hassle so at the very least, get your furry friend used to their pet carrier at home.

Finding the Right Kitty Litter Trays for Your Cats

Cat owners need to provide their cats with a safe environment, water and adequate food. Furthermore, kitty litter trays are important for cats. If you have a regular tray as opposed to the self-cleaning one for the cat, you will need to scoop the litter at least daily to keep the tray clean. Cats are sensitive about cleanliness and this explains why it is important to ensure the tray is kept clean. Scooping the litter will contribute to a hygienic environment for the cat. Waiting for several days before scooping the litter will only make it to smell unbearable, deterring the cat from using it.

The choice of litter tray

Litter trays as very important, next to their food. Just like people like it when their toilets are clean, cats love it too when their boxes are not messy and smelly. Cats look for a place where they can comfortably move around while doing their stuff. When choosing the box it is important to choose a tray that is large enough to accommodate the cat. If the cat is currently a kitten, it is important to choose one that will be large enough when it is grown. The box should feature a depth of at least 4 inches to prevent the litter from spreading everywhere.

The first thing cat owners should know is that cats will normally frequent a neat and clean area. Therefore, it is important to choose a litter tray that is right for you and the cat. There are different types of trays available in the market including the automatic ones, basic ones, open ones and closed ones. The choice of the tray should be one where the cat does not feel cramped up when using it. The cat should be able to get to the box easily leaving the hind end hanging outside.

The main types of litter trays

The automatic litter boxes offer a perfect choice for pet owners who are on the move frequently. The automated tray makes the process of cleaning rather simple. What you need is to change the litter regularly. The covered litter boxes feature a cover over the tray; therefore, the cat receives privacy. Furthermore, the box features a filter which helps to filter out the odors and smell. You may also consider buying the basic tray in case price is the most important factor. You will be in a position to save a substantial amount of money on the tray when you choose the basic tray.

Automatic Cat Feeders: How To Avoid The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Buying One

Automatic cat feeders are a very good solution for feeding our pets when we are not home or when we are too busy to take care of that task on a daily basis. They are great for us and our pets but buying an automatic cat feeder for the first time can be challenging and a big headache if you ignore some important factors before making any purchase. Believe me; some people have learned this lesson the hard way by buying several automatic feeders, one after another to find out that none of them were a good solution for their cats.

You can avoid wasting time and money by keeping the following factors in mind before buying any automatic pet feeder:

1. Price is not a good indicator of high quality

Some high-priced automatic cat feeders are excellent and are worth the money you pay for them, but on the other hand you can find expensive automatic feeders on the market that are cheap made and not a solution at all for you and your cat. If you want to do a good buy try not to consider the price as a buying criterion. It is recommended to investigate customer reviews and quality of the materials as well. Sometimes "All that glitters is not gold".

2. Automatic pet feeders perform differently depending on pellet sizes

If you feed your cat with small pellet size (1/4" diameter) and you need your cat to eat small portions of food at a time you have to keep in mind that not all automatic pet feeders will accomplish this. Some devices perform better with small kibbles because they are designed with a roller and baffle system which allows them to push the food out in small amounts of food at a time. However, there are other types of automatic feeders that work with a screw system to dispense the food and they perform better with big pellet sizes (1/2" diameter) to release small and specific amounts of food at a time to make a feeding schedule for your cat.

3. It is not a good idea to buy the automatic pet feeder just days before you leave on a trip

Automatic cat feeders were created for us to feed our pets when not being home so it makes sense to buy one if we want to go on a trip, but in order to leave our cat alone with an automatic solution we must go through a learning curve experience before. This is very important because as you use this new device you learn eventually some fails, how to fix them, how your cat behaves with it, etc. And this process takes longer than just a few days, this takes at least 3 weeks before you can leave your pet alone at home and being confident it will get fed on time. Several issues could happen if you don't test the new device enough, some of them are:

Batteries not lasting as they suppose to and the unit might stop working.

If it works with an AC adapter, your cat might unplug it while walking around.

The first week could go smoothly but the following days your cat could break into the feeder and tip it over or figure out a way to gorge itself eating all the food at once.

The automatic feeder might jump one feeding cycle while you are away because you missed some instruction when programming it.

Incidents like this could happen when your experience with the new automatic feeder is not long enough to detect them on time and fix them.

4. Cats are very versatile animals

With some good exceptions, it seems like human being cannot keep up with cat's versatility when it comes to create automatic feeders. You can buy the best one on the market but there is not foolproof automatic cat feeder if your cat is smart enough or very determined to get extra food from it.

Before buying an automatic feeder for your pet, keep in mind that there is a real risk of your cat trying to break into the feeder. Usually, cats are very obsessed with food and you will have to teach your pet to respect the automatic feeder from the outset and discourage it from trying to break into it.

There are breeds like the Bengal or Siamese that could more likely try to manipulate the unit to get extra food from it, but this isn't 100% true either because all cats have their individual personalities. You better than anyone knows how your cat is. To give you an idea, if your cat is smart enough to open doors or manipulate things in general with its paws, then you need to get an automatic feeder with extra protection. Fortunately, there is one brand on the market that is foolproof for very smart and versatile cats.

5. Some automatic pet feeders do not offer good warranty

This is the last factor and the most important. Some automatic feeders offer very limited warranties that are not long enough. Make sure the automatic feeder has at least a one-year warranty before buying it.

Finally, it is highly recommended to ask a friend to check on your cat every other day or so to make sure your pet will be OK.

Basic Feline Nutritional Needs

Nutrients are essential substances that every living creature gets from the foods it consumes. As for our pet cats, we need to nourish them with foods that carry nutrients nature has intended for them. Here are the foods that encompass the basic nutritional needs of cats. You should know them in order to keep your feline pet healthy and alert.

Water

This is the most important nutrient on earth. It is synonymous with life. It makes up approximately 70 percent of your cat's weight. You should provide your pet with sufficient supply of clean drinking water to keep it hydrated. While it is true that a lot of canned pet foods contain water, these are not as fresh as the drinking water from your faucet. Besides, food moisture content is not enough to sustain your pet's need for fluids. A deficiency of water (as much as 15 percent) may trigger serious illnesses or even death to cats.

Protein

Like us, cats need protein for energy, development of cells, and repair of worn out tissues of their body. This substance is also the basic building blocks for antibodies, enzymes, and hormones to make their body function normally.

Protein is obtainable from many foods. These include meat (beef, turkey and chicken), fish and eggs. Please note that you need to cook eggs before feeding them to your feline friends. Raw egg whites are not good for their health.

Essential Amino Acids

Cats need amino acids in order to make proteins work in their system. You should provide your pet with foods that are loaded with these substances because the animal's body is not able to manufacture them.

Taurine is just one of the essential amino acids your pet needs. It is a nutrient that helps to protect the animal from eye and heart ailment. It also works to keep pregnant cats healthy. Like protein, essential amino acids can be obtained from meat, fish and eggs.

Fats

Fats provide energy for your feline pet. It is needed for the production of certain hormones, efficient absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, body insulation, and protection of your pet's internal organs.

Among the most important fatty acids include linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. If your pet doesn't have sufficient supply of essential fatty acids, he may not reach his maximum growth potential. The deficiency may also make him prone to poor skin and coat health, joint diseases, inflammatory ailments, and kidney or renal failure.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are important because they provide energy and protect your pet from intestinal disorders. They play a role in keeping your cat physically and mentally alert.

Vitamins

Cats need vitamins to keep their metabolic functions normal. But you don't need to go to the extent of supplying your pet with supplements unless a specific deficiency is diagnosed by your vet. You should allow your pet to get the vitamins he needs by feeding him with a complete diet. Remember, a deficiency or overdose of vitamins can be harmful to cats.

Minerals

Your feline pet needs minerals because these substances are necessary for the health of his teeth and bones as well as the maintenance of fluid balance in his body.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip is a naturally occurring herb that grows all around the world. To humans it smells very similar to mint, however to cats it smells incredible. If one grows catnip in their garden they may find all of the cats from the local neighbourhood will come to bask in its scent!

To most of us the catnip plant looks like weeds! It usually grows around 3 feet high and has a number of branches. The most distinctive feature is usually the small bunches of purple and white spotted flowers that bloom at the stem - that and the gang of cats purring all around it!

Although the plant can be found worldwide, it originated in Europe and it's latin name is Nepeta Cataria.

The active ingredient in the catnip that causes such effects in cats is an oil called nepetalactone. This mild hallucinogen needs to be inhaled in order to cause an effect. Cats often concentrate the smell using what is known as the Flehmen response. They pull back their gums and press their tongue against the roof of their mouths. This often gives the impression that a cat is smiling!

What does Catnip look like?

To most of us the catnip plant looks like weeds! It usually grows around 3 feet high and has a number of branches. The most distinctive feature is usually the small bunches of purple and white spotted flowers that bloom at the stem - that and the gang of cats purring all around it!

Effects of catnip?

The active ingredient in the catnip that causes such effects in cats is an oil called nepetalactone. This mild hallucinogen needs to be inhaled in order to cause an effect. Cats often concentrate the smell using what is known as the Flehmen response. They pull back their gums and press their tongue against the roof of their mouths. This often gives the impression that a cat is smiling!

When they come into contact with catnip, the majority of cats react in the same way. They will rub their cheek, chin and face into the herb, they will also sniff and lick it. Sometimes cats will roll on top of it in, almost in an attempt to cover themselves in the scent of the oils!

After these initial effects, other changes will begin to take place. These can actually be compared to those of intoxicated humans. For example slowed and slightly uncoordinated movement, slurred meowing and sometimes even displays of sexual arousal!

Depending on the dosage the effects usually only last for a handful of minutes. After this there is a cool-down period where the cats will display absolutely no interest in the catnip.

In rare circumstances cats become aggressive and agitated when exposed to catnip. If this happens simply leave the cat alone and do not agitate them further. The effects will quickly wear off and they will go back to normal shortly. If this happens it is probably best to avoid exposing the cat to catnip again.

It may also be worth noting that catnip does not effect all cats. Susceptibility has been shown to be a genetic trait and it has been estimated that around 30% of cats are actually immune to its effects!

Kittens are usually not effected by catnip and susceptibility often starts to develop around 6-8 weeks of age. If a cat is only 12 weeks old and they are not being affected by catnip then the chances are they are immune to its effects.

Learn The Fun and Easy Way To Care For Your Cat

The poet T.S. Eliot once said that households depend on cats, and there may be some truth to this. A cat is often a valuable member of the family, especially if it is healthy and happy. Unfortunately, cats aren't always the easiest creatures to live with. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. A collar like this could save your cat's life.

Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If that doesn't work, cover those cords up however you can. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. They can scratch this instead. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.

Cats frequently groom themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hair balls. Buy special food in order to help that problem. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hair balls, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat's hearing is more sensitive than yours. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. This will ensure nothing bad happens.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Most of them simply aren't mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. When your children age, you will realize when they're able to deal with a pet.

It's very rewarding to own a cat, though it's not always easy. The tips you've read can help you build a better bond with your cat. Soon, the purrs will become more frequent than the meows.

What Is A Breakaway Cat Collar?

Why would you want your cats collar to break? Is it the same thing as a safety collar? What's the purpose of a collar that breaks?

A breakaway collar is sometimes called a safety collar. The collar has a special clasp that will give way or open under a strain.

Cats love to climb. It doesn't matter if it's a cat tree, a real tree, your window blinds, curtains or simply shelving. They are especially enticed by moving objects above their heads whether it be a bug, bird or just about anything else that moves. So what does that have to do with a breakaway collar? Plenty!

This is a true story of how a breakaway or safety collar saved the life of a cat that just couldn't resist climbing on top of a wood pile while in hot pursuit of a mouse. There was a stacked pile of firewood stored in a covered carport for winter use and there was one agile cat that was an excellent hunter and a very good climber.

One day the cat spotted a mouse running in and out of the wood logs. He could not resist the mouse's invitation to get on top of the pile of wood and attempt to capture him. It only took a few seconds for the cat to climb right up to the top of that wood pile and attempt to catch this mouse. It was a good game for a while, the mouse had the advantage of running in between the logs and all the cat could do was try to stick his paws in between those logs and run from front to back of the stacked wood. The cat was adamant about having this mouse for his very own and was quite determined to capture and devour this mouse. This cat and mouse game went on and on, until the cat's collar became snagged in a wooden peg that had been placed against the wall to prevent the logs from leaning. It all happened so fast! The collar was caught and the cat made a move to jump down from the pile. Luckily he was wearing a breakaway collar. These collars are specially designed to break when weight is applied against them. When the collar became caught on the peg, the cat was literally hanging by the collar. The collar fulfilled its obligation to break from the weight of the cat. The collar broke open and the cat was released from what could have been a fatal situation. Even though the collar broke open to release the cat from almost certain death, it really was not broken, just opened. The collar worked just like new and was placed back onto the cat. A simple cat and mouse game could have cost this cat his life. Instead, the breakaway design of this collar truly saved his life!

Both indoor and outdoor cats can benefit from this type of collar, as cats are notorious for getting into things and being where they really shouldn't be. Breakaway or safety cat collars are about the same price as a standard collar and you will find them readily available from most pet collar manufacturers. A word of caution though, this type of collar should not be used to walk your cat on a leash unless the cat also wears a harness for the leash to be attached to.

Cat Kidney Problems: Feline Chronic Renal Failure

Age is a problem without a solution, everyone grows older and their body fails as time passes, it is inevitable in animals and people alike. However, this doesn't mean that you can't take steps to stave this off in your beloved pets, especially if you have an older cat for a companion. Among some of the most common problems for cats is chronic renal failure, which means that the cat's kidneys have in some way been compromised and is no longer doing their intended function. Kidneys play a vital role in the body, filtering out toxins in the blood, hydrating the body by separating out the water from the urine, and basically providing one of the most functions for keeping the body alive so you can imagine how much of a problem it is when they shut down. Everyone can survive with just one kidney, but they play such a pivotal role in the body why would you take the risk of allowing damage to them? For felines, it is almost an inevitable problem since felines become more and more susceptible to chronic renal failure as they get older to the point that one in five cats over the age of fifteen suffer from some form of kidney damage. Unfortunately the sad fact is that, with cats, chronic renal failure is a progressive condition that in most cases is untreatable since it's almost impossible to figure out the cause behind the failure. In the few cases that the cause can be discovered and corrected, the damage already done will remain and continue to cause problems for your cat.

So, as you can imagine, it is very important to spot the signs of chronic renal failure in your cat before the damage can become too extensive, as that is the only real way to 'cure' the ailment. Unfortunately the signs of chronic renal failure can be difficult to detect in your cat, especially if they are older, so it's imperative that you keep a close eye on your cat's health as they get on in years. This is even more important considering that the symptoms of chronic renal failure are very vague and can often be attributed to other health problems, which means the slow onset of symptoms can go almost entirely unnoticed since the best indicator is the presence of toxins in the blood that are normally excreted in your cat's urine. So what are the physical symptoms then? Well the biggest indication is if your cat is exhibiting a lack of appetite or thirst as well as a general lack of energy. If you're in tune with your cat's mood then you can watch for signs of depression which can be another sign that your cat may be experiencing kidney problems. All of these symptoms can be accredited to other problems and you should investigate other causes before assuming that your cat's kidneys are failing, however if your cat is older or comes from unknown parentage (another cause of chronic renal failure being that it is inherited from the parents) then you should consider taking your cat to the vet. The only guaranteed way to determine if your pet is suffering from chronic renal failure is to get it's blood and urine tested.

If your cat does suffer from chronic renal failure then you are probably wondering what you can do for your pet but the sad news is that there isn't much that can be done. As was mentioned previously, many times the cause of the failure isn't discovered and the best you can do is alleviate the symptoms and stall the progression of the failure as much as possible. The goal isn't to cure your cat but rather to improve your cat's standard of living and keep them comfortable, This means changing your cat's diet to lower the presence of the toxins that would put undue stress on your cat's kidneys; a diet that is phosphate and protein restricted is best and has been shown to protect the kidneys from further damage. In addition, many felines are also prescribed various medications that alleviate the symptoms so that your cat can enjoy a higher standard of living, but adjusting it's diet is the most important change that is usually made. There is some good news in that sometimes the cause of the renal failure can be discovered and, if it can be, then the prognosis is much more hopeful for your cat. If the cause can be fixed then in all likelihood the progression of the failure can be stalled entirely, even if the damage already done can't be reversed. Chronic renal failure is a very serious problem for older felines or kittens, but it can be managed once it is discovered.

Give Your Cat or Dog a New Friend Without Friction

If you have decided to add another beautiful and adorable pet to your family, then you have to make sure that the bond between old members and the new one strengthens quickly and becomes concrete with time. When you are selecting the right type of animals, experts suggest looking for genuine information and statistical data in the online platforms.

With the help of the internet, you would be able to decide whether you are bringing the same type or introducing a new type of animal in your home. Compatibility is very important. Otherwise, the two pets will keep fighting and your home will not find a single fragment of relaxation. If you are doing this for the first time, you should select the same type of animal. However, bringing a different breed (of the same species) would not be a problem in this case. For example, if you have a dog, it is better to bring another dog (different breed is fine choice). Bringing a cat in the fold can cause trouble and even one of your pets could get hurt in the ensuing battle.

However, impossible is nothing. So, we are offering you a few bits of information for your own benefit.

Young Pets Are Best Choice

Whether you are bringing a cat to surprise your dog or the other way around, experts believe that it would be better for you to select a young pet. When animals are young, they act docile; they try their best to adapt the surrounding environment to survive. Therefore, it is easy with a young pet to start the socialization training exercise. Through this process, both of your animals would easily be familiar with each other and would not give in to their instincts. However, you have to understand that some breeds of pets such as dogs, are born with highly evolved hunting instinct. Therefore, it would be hard for you to convince your pets to drop their primal agenda and accept the new comer or the old one.

Training Process

This process can take days or years. It depends on your focus, intensity, and influence over the animals. The first time when your two pets meet each other is a crucial moment. You have to make them love each other. If they jump into violence mode, your work would become so much harder. Prepare separate places for two pets. Bring separate eating and drinking tools too. Always remember that cats and dogs both species are territorial. So, it does not matter whether they like each or not, if you mess with their privacy they will fight with each other sooner or later.

Plus, you also have to make sure that they do not tend to execute any bullying behavior. If you let one of your pets to bully another, they will not be friends ever. And you will lose your command over one or both eventually.

Time Is Very Important

You can't expect your pets to love each other at the first sight. So, do not push them on each other. Let them behave on their own way and come back to the safe ground to find you and the other pet. This way your new and old pet will see each other as family.

How To Rid Your Kitten Of Fleas

So you found fleas on your tiny kitten, what should you do to get rid of them?

This will have a lot to do with how old your kitten is. It is not recommended to put any type of chemical based products on kittens under the age of six weeks old. Fleas on young kittens are extremely dangerous and can possibly kill your kitty.

If your kitty is still nursing, it can be assured that the flea infestation is on the mother cat and not the kitten, so be sure to treat the mother first.

There are few ways to remove the fleas safely without harming your kitten. You can bath him/her in liquid detergent such as Dawn with warm water, and then pick out the remaining fleas with a comb. This kills the fleas quickly and safely.

It might be easier to have 2 people doing this, one to hold the kitten while the other one massages and washes him/her. Be sure to wrap the kitty in a warm towel so he/she does not get cold.

Once the bath is over and the kitty is warmed up, you will then need to comb him/her out with a special flea comb. One trick also is to put a small amount of Vaseline jelly on comb; this will catch any remaining fleas.

These flea combs are not expensive and work great at getting the stray fleas off. The best time to use the comb is while the kittens' fur is still a bit damp, the fleas will find it hard to move in the damp fur and make it easier for you to catch any reaming ones.

Keep the Vaseline jelly close by, so when you see a flea, you just put some Vaseline on the flea making it so it can't jump away and you can remove it.

Another idea, is to have a warm cup of water close by, when you find the flea and remove it, put it in the water, fleas will drown. For best results, put a small amount of dish washing soap in the water.

If these methods are not working for your kitty, then the next step is to call and talk to your Vet for more suggestions and help.

Do remember also, that fleas and their eggs get everywhere, not just on your kitten. You might also need to use special products for ridding your home of fleas, such as sprays and bombs. Keep in mind also that these types of remedies can also affect other animals in your home as well as small children, so please read all information before using these.

Fostering Kittens: 0 to 8 Weeks Old, And Taking Care Of Young Kittens

If you are doing this for an organization, remember they are the owners and are responsible for the animal.

Kittens: what you may need: bottle, formula, warming devices, baby wipes, thick gloves, lots of paper towels, a kitty litter box, bed, and food and water dishes. Also very important to have are toys - so they don't get bored. Absolutely no catnip at first.

You may want to visit a Veterinarian, to get an idea of age of the kitten if you are not experienced with kittens. Veterinarians are also great on getting tips on what to do, and will provide formula if you need it.

Zero to four weeks: This is a time when they should be left in care of Mother cat, but sometimes kittens show up without her.

You will need to keep a very tight schedule: feeding at least every 2 hours with kitten formula. Remember, all babies have special needs. Cat milk or human formula is not for kittens, please do not use. Formula should be warmed in a saucepan or in a warmer. Do not use microwave to warm up formula is not recommended - it destroys nutrients and can become much hotter than you intend it to. You can hold the kitten while feeding, for first few weeks you can do it with bare hands, after that use thick gloves. The hand that holds the bottle will need it. Kittens will massage fingers with claws, as they would do to their Mother.

Baby wipes are used to clean around the face, and can be used to stimulate bowel and bladder movement. The Mother cat would lick her kittens to do this. You must gently rub the lower stomach. Have paper towels in the area to catch the waste, cradle kitten in the paper towel, and use thumb to make downward strokes, from ribs to tail, like Mother cat would lick..

Keep kittens warm - they need help with this, a hot water bottle in a towel works fine. 

A house breaking pad under the kittens is a good idea, and will come handy later.

Four to six weeks: They have teeth and will be willing to eat some solid food, but formula is still needed - use canned kitten food mixed with formula. Feeding is also less frequent, about every three to four hours. Food must still be warmed. When first feeding, do not be surprised to see kittens playing or sitting in the food before they figure out what it is. They will clean their paws and then they will go back for more. Dry kitten food should also be introduced slowly. Leave a small amount of dry food out, in a small dish. They will play with it, but it will get eaten.

The kittens are now able to void their bladders, and move their bowels. So now it is time for litter training, any litter is fine. You will need a very low box. The kittens will catch on quickly. The first time, use a house breaking pad (the one they laid on) with small amount litter on top. Their scent is there so they know it is safe. If there is a mistake, simply place kitten in the litter box.

Play is now a great teaching tool. Moving the toys around they will find hands not only do the feeding and cleaning, but are fun.

Six to Eight weeks: Kittens are now solid food eating, litter trained, playing little balls of fur. No more formula needed. At the end of the eight weeks, the kittens will be ready to go to a forever home.

Keeping Your Home Safe for Kitten

When you have finally decided to take care of a kitten you must select the ones that you can bring home. Be sure to have enough stock for your kittens and have the room prepared for its shelter.

However, for your kitten's homecoming, here are few more steps that you could do to help keep your kitten safe inside your home. These steps cover those things inside your home that could pose a threat to kittens.

Kittens are naturally curious. That's one of the reasons for their relentless pouncing from one place to another regardless of the height. They can even squeeze themselves into places that are small and hard to reach. Keeping pets safe can be time consuming, but it's well worth the effort.

Here are a couple of things you need to look out for when bringing home a pet kitten.

What to Get Rid Of

Detergents, medicines, chemicals, and toxic materials are some of which that you should get rid of or keep away from the kitten's reach. You can move them to a cabinet with a handle that's difficult for kittens to grasp. Some kittens are surprisingly clever that they are able to turn a door handle and pry it open.

Other things that you should consider

Other stuff that you need to watch out for are stuff that could easily fall into your pet such as free standing furniture, curtain, table lamps and most especially power cords. They naturally love to fret on things which usually happens when they are teething. This is one of those phases when you need to be extra careful. You should always tuck away electrical items such as power cords. You can use tools to tie them together or to tie them to shorten their length when not in use.

Paper or plastic bags can also be perilous as they can stifle or choke them when not properly kept. Kittens can also climb on a number of furniture so you can make use of table cloths for that matter. Now, if you have a flower vase at home, you have to keep it away if possible.

Things to Remember

Remember that kittens are to be kept inside your house until such time that they get older and would be able to handle themselves well. Therefore, closing the doors is a great idea to prevent them from freely wandering around. In cases where they can go out and escape, you have to prevent them from being able to jump out.

Types of Aggressive Cat Behavior

Exactly what drives cats to be aggressive towards each other or towards people? 

It is very important to assess the circumstances leading to this aggressive cat behavior so we can explain which the triggers are.

Never rule out a medical condition. Your cat may seem normal but he may be suffering from a number of diseases that cause aggressive behavior, especially those that cause pain for example, an abscess in the mouth or tooth, trauma, even arthritis. It is very important to consult with a vet if this aggressive behavior suddenly appeared.

Some cats are not well socialized. Socialization is an important cat behavior. It will be much easier to introduce a new cat to the household if your cat has been socialized since a very young age. Cats that have not been well socialized lack the necessary skills to interact with other felines, and when confronted with a new situation such as the arrival of another cat they will become defensive and aggressive. The best way to deal with this situation is to leave the cat alone until he calms down. Leave the new arrival in a separate room. Introduction should be done slowly.

Cats are territorial. At home each cat has his own space or territory. This becomes evident when you bring home a new kitten or cat. It also occurs when another housemate tries to take over a space "own" by the other cat. To avoid confrontation make sure each feline has its own space, toys, utensils, litter box, cat tree, etc.

Another form of aggressive behavior it is the "redirected" aggression. It happens when something disturbs one of the cats or there is a sudden change on his environment. For example, if a cat is disturbed by the presence of a stranger, person or animal he can't get to, he will redirect his aggression towards whoever is closer to him. The redirected aggression inhibits the bites therefore the cat becomes very dangerous. This type of aggressive cat behavior is spontaneous; it is virtually an impulse the cat cannot control.

Sometimes even petting your kitty can provoke aggression. Experts in cat behavior believe that repetitive petting may arouse some cats to the point it gets unpleasant and even painful. Your cat then becomes irritable and aggressive. Signs that your cat is bothered by the petting are flattened ears, tense body, twitching tail, and growling,

Play aggression is normal between kittens and young cats and it is the most common aggressive behavior directed towards people. Some felines never learned to inhibit this rough play and may become overly aggressive when playing with their owners. Some elements that promote this cat behavior are letting your cat "attack" your hands or feet and leaving him alone for long periods of time. You can teach your cat to play with his toys instead of your hands or feet. Use compressed air or spray water to deter rough play.

Whole male or female cats tend to show more aggression than cats that have been fixed, so the first step to avoid having an aggressive feline is to spay or neuter all your cats.

Aggression is dangerous, so knowing and understanding the triggers of the aggressive behavior is crucial to diagnose the problem and respond effectively.

7 Signs Your Cat Loves You

Cats show affection to you as an owner in many different ways. Some cats will show a lot of affection while other cats will show less. They have body language that you can pick up on that tells you how they are feeling. Here are some ways cats show affection for you.

Slow Blinking of Eyes

A cat may show affection to you by slowly blinking their eyes at you. This is a sign of affection but not many people realize it when the cat does it. Watch your cat for a while and see if this happens.

Grooming

Cats send a lot of time grooming but this isn't always about keeping clean. They use this to bond with you and to relive stress. If your cat comes over and licks you it's a sign you are a part of their "cat family". The cat will do this as a way of showing you affection but it's another one that we often don't pick up on as actually a sign of cat affection.

Butting and Head Rubbing

A cat loves to walk around your legs and rub its head or butt against you. This is a sign of marking you as property. The face of a cat has pheromones and these are rubbed onto you so the cat feels comfortable around you. Each cat has different pheromones so they can recognize you easily. They do this a lot when sitting on your lap and when you go to pet the cat they may want to rub their head against you. This is a sign of affection to you.

Following You

If the cat likes to follow you from room to room in the house they are showing interest in you and want to be in the same place that you are. A cat that doesn't show other kinds of affection may just follow you around and give you affection that way.

Gifts

No one likes to see a dead birds or a snake in the house but the cat is showing you affection this way by presenting gifts to you. It's not the right move to scold the cat when the animal does this because it's a sign of affection towards you. The cat is hoping that you'll be pleased with the gift brought to you.

Excitement

If you have been gone a long time, the cat may act exited when you get home and may run around more than normal or be a bit of a pest. This is normal and it's a sign of affection towards you.

On the Belly

A cat that rolls over and show you their belly is showing you that they trust and care about you. A cat won't do this in the wild because the animal would be attacked. If your cat does this the animal is showing you that you're important.

These are some of the ways that your cat will show affection to you as the owner. Your cat may do all of these or just a few it all depends on the mood of the cat and how they feel towards you.