allergies in cats: July 2012

Keeping Cats Cool in the Heat

Summer is here and with it has come quite a bit of heat. All over the country, cat owners and probably just assuming that their furry little friends are finding ways to deal with the heat on their own. And much of the time they are, but you can do a lot to help them stay cool and reduce the chance of a heatstroke by trying one or more of these tips.

As should be obvious, heat will affect cats with thicker coats than cats with short hair or no hair at all. Therefore, the longer the fur of your cat, the more aware you should be of their needs and the more attentive to cooling them down. Much of this is done with cool water constantly replenished as that's one of a cat's primary sources of air conditioning, as with most animals. The importance of water can't be stressed enough, so the more the better. Feeding them wet cat food is also good right now as it will help with that water need and won't dry them out like dry cat food will.

Next, try to provide somewhere shady for your cat to lay down out of the heat, such as under a bed or inside one of their cat trees. Give them an option to investigate rather than having nowhere to go and nowhere to get out of the heat. Even pressed against something relatively cool, like the toilet or on floor tiles, is a better option than sitting in the sun or somewhere that's too hot.

Periodically throughout the day, something you may want to consider is misting your cat with a spray bottle (assuming you don't typically use this as a punishment tactic of course), or simply running some cold water in the sick and petting your cat after dipping you hand under the stream. This will let you cool them down quickly and helps moisture to soak down into the fur and onto their skin. If your cat can tolerate it, even a cold bath would help.

If you have a fan, set that up in a place where your cat can sit and relax. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your cat alone in the house for a while. If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, let them roam around outside looking for a cool spot on their own. At night, open windows to get ventilation going and blow in (hopefully) cooler evening air.

Keeping your pet from having a heatstroke doesn't take much, but it's important to be aware of the risks anyway. Be smart and help keep your cat healthy!

For more cat information or tips about cat health, head to SimplyCatBreeds.org!

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How to Train Your Cat to Use a Harness and Leash

If you own a cat and would like to take her for a walk, or to spend some nice quality time outside your house with your pet; if your feline friend is always at the window fascinated with the outside world, or if it has too much energy, and is always scratching your furniture and climbing everywhere, then you could try training your cat to use a harness and leash, so you can take her out for a walk, which will prove to be healthy for you and your pet.

The first thing you will need to do is to purchase a harness that is the right size for your cat; you should buy a flexible or adjustable 8 or H figure cat harness, or a kitty holster; to check if the fit is good, you should barely be able to introduce one of your fingers between the harness and your cat. You shouldn't use a collar and a leash on a cat, as they are very delicate animals, and you could harm its neck or throat by using these devices.

Once you have the appropriate harness, you can start training your cat to use it; this can be a long process, and at first your pet might reject the harness, so you should be very patient and supporting with your pet during this stage of the training. Remember that yelling or losing your temper will only prompt the animal to fear you. The first thing you need to do in this stage is to let your cat familiarize with the harness; you can leave it in a place where the cat will sniff, paw and play with it, just let the cat get to know the harness and leash and be comfortable around this items.

After a few days, put the jacket on the cat without the leash; do this before you feed your cat, so it will associate the event with something pleasant. During the first sessions of harnessing your cat, leave the adjustable straps at its loosest and tighten them as the cat becomes accustomed to the harness. Repeat this process several times a day. When you see that your cat is comfortable wearing the harness, attach the leash to it, and let your pet drag it around for a few minutes every session; be sure to be around to help your pet in case the leash gets stuck somewhere.

The last step is to make your cat be comfortable with you taking the leash; during the first times that you do this, let the cat walk freely and follow it with the leash in your hand. Do this inside your apartment or garage, but don't go outside with your cat yet. Once your cat feels comfortable start making short trips outside, to a quite spot with little canine and human traffic, in this way your feline friend will start feeling comfortable in the outside while you hold the leash. Do this every day and gradually increase the length of the walks; if the cat shows distress signs, pick her up and head home.

If you inform yourself and follow instructions to train your cat to use a harness and leash, you will be able to have nice and comfortable walks with your pet in no time, opening a new and exciting world of possibilities for you and your feline friend.

Esteban Bernechea is a chemical engineer currently working at the Center for Technological Risk Studies (CERTEC) in the Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya, to earn a phd in chemical processes.
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Essential Products for Indoor Cats

If you're interested in getting indoor cats, my advice is to drop by the pet store and buy some basics before going to the shelter, even if you think you'll just look at the cats. Why? Because odds are good that you will fall in love with at least one of those cute little faces and voila! You will have a cat, but no gear.

Take it from me, I know from experience! I thought I was mostly prepared when I adopted my cat, Cody, but I wasn't even close. Before going to the shelter in my hometown, I had quickly picked up a travel crate, which really wasn't big enough, and a gimmicky litter box that I returned as soon as I'd had a chance to read some reviews. So there I was, scurrying to purchase cat food and a plain litter box while someone else took care of my new kitty.

My goal is to save you - and your new cat - from that headache! Following is a list of recommended starter items to make this process go much more smoothly!

Food

I'd advise buying a mix of foods and flavors, including both canned and dry varieties. Cats can be finicky in general but never is this more true than during the first few stressful days of adjusting to a new environment.

When shopping, keep in mind that grain-free canned food is advised for optimal feline health. This stems from its balance of nutrients which is more similar to a cat's natural diet. This will help provide your cat with the protein and water he needs.

It's best to stick with good quality cat food with high levels of protein. You'll want to look for 30-40 percent protein in dry food and 10 percent in canned.

Stay away from foods which contain corn (sometimes listed as "maize"), wheat, soy, and rice, particularly if these are indicated as the first ingredients. Cats do not need to eat grains!

As to flavors, lean more toward poultry-based foods like chicken and turkey instead of fish or seafood-based foods. The latter should be given on a limited basis, at most once or twice per week.

Suggested Canned Food:

Evo
Freshpet Select
Innova
Nature's Variety Instinct
Simply Nourish by PetSmart*
Wellness (grain free), especially the chicken formula
Weruva*

Suggested Hard Food:

Nature's Balance Ultra Premium Dry
Nature's Variety Instinct
Wellness CORE
*Cody's favorites

Although the above-mentioned varieties can be more expensive than grocery store brands, your cat won't eat as much due to the lack of fillers and grains. I happened to have some cat food that had rice in it; my cat easily consumed double the amount of that food as compared to a Wellness grain-free product.

Dishes

You could wait on these and begin using your own, however if you opt to purchase them now, go for bowls which are heavy or rubber-edged to protect against slipping. Stainless-steel is preferred. Plastic and porcelain dishes can scratch, causing crevices where germs can accumulate.

Bowls with a slight contour or slope on the inside are best for canned food, which tends to get stuck in the edges of the dish as a cat eats.

Litter Box

A traditional, large, uncovered litter box with high sides is encouraged, compared to a hooded cat litter box which will trap odors. These litter boxes are inexpensive, widely available, and are a good place to start.

If you're looking to get a kitten, check that one of the edges is low enough for a kitten to step across. If you plan on getting a full-grown cat, ensure that the box is large enough for the cat to maneuver without stepping in his business. Think "clean paws."

Rubbermaid carries a fantastic cat litter box with high sides along with a 'scooped out' entryway which even older kittens would be able to use.

If you are considering getting multiple indoor cats, purchase no less than one box per cat to start out. Understand that the rule of thumb is one box for each cat plus one.

And don't forget a litter scoop to clean out the box! The narrower the slats, the better. Keeping the box spic and span is one of the best things you can do to make sure your cat develops and keeps good litter box habits! Clean out the cat litter box at least once or twice daily!

Litter

Cats prefer litter that is unscented, and clumping litter is best. The finest cat litter I've tried is Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat. This brand clumps extremely well, and that helps to keep the litter box clean. ScoopAway's unscented clumping litter is also a good choice.

Toys

It's recommended that you spend some time everyday playing with your cat. This will not only help you bond with your cat, but it's also pretty entertaining!

I've never come across a cat who didn't like batting at a feathery thing on a string, so that's a good place to start.

You could also grab a laser pointer toy for about five dollars. My cat goes insane chasing that little light around the living room. This is also really good exercise for your cat.

And catnip is a great way to break the ice and help your cat relax!

Scratching Post

Cats love and need to scratch! It's important that indoor cats are provided with a scratching post or pad as an appropriate outlet for this behavior.

There are many choices to pick from. To start out, just be certain that what you buy is stable and won't tip over when a cat puts his or her weight on it. If all else fails, a bit of firewood or carpet sample will do the trick.

Cody is completely attached to his SmartyKat "ScratchScroll," a wave-style scratcher that I got at Target for approximately $20. PetSmart carries something similar, the Dream Curl Curved Scratcher, for $29.

Crate & Travel Accessories

Buy a travel crate that's big enough to permit an adult cat to comfortably turn around.

If you will be driving greater than an hour to bring your cat home, it's suggested that you grab a bottle of Feliway to make the ride home go more smoothly. This item mimics the cat's pheromones and has a calming effect. Simply spray it into the crate before you put your cat in. This may also help calm your cat as he adjusts to his new environment.

You're now ready to begin the fun part: finding and choosing your new cat or kitten! For information on selecting a new cat, check out the article, "Indoor Cats: Choosing Your New Pet" at Indoor Cats HQ. For all you need to know about caring for your indoor cats, visit Indoor Cats HQ today!

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Round Worms

While taking a small little fluffy kitten home is quite an exciting experience it is important for people to make sure they learn the methods of keeping their little kitten healthy and fit. Since kittens need a particular type of diet and a clean environment to develop into healthy cats, it is important that people spend time and effort in learning about the basic requirements of kittens and cats and also learn about how to safeguard them from the common parasites such as the round worms, hookworms, tapeworms and other such like worms.

Usually it has been noticed that experts in the field of cat care recommend the thorough check up of the cats on a regular basis and are expected to pay special attention to their check up routine during and before their mating time. Since this is the time when most of the cats happen to transmit the larvae of the round worms to their little kittens, it is important for the cat owners to ensure that during and before the breeding season the cats are taken for the round worms related checkups and are treated for such infestation if need be, right before their breeding.

There are some simple yet obvious symptoms which would give you sign of round worms' infestation in your cats. All you have to do is be a little attentive to your cats eating habits and overall energy levels, and you would be easily able to find out of there is any round worms' infestation in your cats.

More often than now when a cat is infested with round worms, he would begin to gradually lose his appetite where even you if happen to serve him the best of food and try to feed him his favourite dishes, he would refuse to eat at all. There would never be an overnight change in your cat's eating habits and this effectively means that if you are careful and attentive in observing your cat's eating habits you may be able to see a gradual reduction in its diet. If you do observe such a change you should take immediate steps to make sure your cat is taken to the vet. In addition to the loss of appetite there is a possibility that you may see your cat being extremely lethargic, which is another sure shot sign which would indicate the infestation of round worms in your cat. Thus, if you can be a little alert with the little things your cats does in his/her day to day life you would be able to save your cat from a lot of problem.

This article will help you with the knowledge of the causes of roundworms in your pets. hookwormsindogs.net

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When and How Much to Feed Your Cats

Have you ever wondered how often or how much you should feed your cats? That is a question that many people have asked themselves, but few know the actual answer to. Of course it all depends on what type of food you are feeding your cats. Is it canned or is it dry? But did you know that the amount that you feed your cat and how often you feed them varies depending on their age, health, and preference? According to veterinarians at Cornell University, these 3 factors are the main components that you should use when you decide when to feed your cat and how much to feed them.

When cats are kittens, they require more food because they are growing and need the proper nutrition to help them in their growth. In order to keep them healthy, you should be feeding a kitten that is growing more often throughout the day. "Growing kittens up to six months of age may require three meals a day," says Francis Kallfelz, DVM, PHD, board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and James Law professor of nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Once your cat is fully grown and reaches adulthood, it is acceptable to only feed them once or twice a day as long as they are healthy and do not have any diseases. Depending on whether your cat has a disease such as diabetes or not, you may have to feed them differently depending on when you give them their insulin.

When it comes to feeding your cats, dry food is fine as long as it is well rounded and balanced. Most of these dry cat foods cost less and last longer, so that is why owners choose them. However if you do decide to give your cat dry food, make sure to provide them with lots of water to prevent them from developing urinary tract infections. Having clean and fresh water around consistently is an important thing for any cat. If you decide you want to feed your cat canned food, this can be used separately or in addition to dry food. You need to be careful because canned foods can be more palatable, so cats may tend to overeat. In order to fight this, try and use a food of medium palatability.

When it comes to portion control, it is a good idea to look at the instructions on the cat food label. However, remember that these portions are to be fed to the average cat, so if your cat is a little smaller, than you should feed them a little less, but if it is a little larger, than you should feed them a little more. If you decide to make the meal for your cat more appealing, by mixing canned and dry cat food, then make sure to match the calories from both up to the proper serving for your cat.

When it comes down to it, just try to work around your schedule. If you find yourself being busy at night, then feed your cat during the day or in the morning, but if those other times are more hectic for you, try to feed your cat in the morning. The key is consistency. Once you choose a time, try to stick to it because that is what your cat will become accustomed to.

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Sources: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/news/feed.htm

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If Your Cat Gets Sick

Cats do get sick from time to time, so you may occasionally have to take it to the veterinarian. Most of the time you will know when your cat is ill. What are the signs? A vet should check out any of the following symptoms: frequent vomiting, frequent diarrhea, a bloated belly, runny, dull, or closed eyes, restless or strange behavior, no desire to eat, coughing or sneezing, constant scratching or head shaking or any combination of the above.

If something is wrong with your cat, don't delay taking it to vet. If you are not sure that your cat is sick, call the vet office and carefully describe your cat's symptoms. Ask for a judgement as to whether the cat should be taken in for a visit. Not all signs of sickness are as obvious as those listed above, so you should watch your cat for changes in its personality. It might lose interest in playing or become surprisingly unfriendly. If something like this continues for two or three days, you should probably take the cat to the vet for a general checkup.

When you do take your cat for a checkup, ask the vet any questions that have come up since the last visit. If your pet isn't sick but doesn't appear truly healthy to you, ask the vet if a cat vitamin is a good idea. The vet can tell you the best kind to buy for your cat. If the vet determines that your cat is sick, then he or she will prescribe medicine and treatment. In certain, giving medicine and treatment may have to be done by an adult. You can discuss this with the vet and your parents.

A common health problem for cats that usually does not require a vet's help is fleas. A good time to check for fleas is when you brush your cat or when you see your cat scratching itself more than usual. An assortment of washes, powders and sprays can be bought from pet stores. Use any one of these, as directed and with the help of your parents. Flea collars are another popular method of controlling fleas, but they sometimes have a bad effect on cats. If you out a flea collar on your cat take it off immediately if the cat becomes ill. Check your cat each day to make sure that the skin below and near flea collar is not being harmed.

Kitten younger than three months should not wear flea collar. At that young age, kittens should not be treated with flea powders or sprays either. You have now learned about some of the ways that your pet cat can be troubled by health problems. You also need to keep a watchful eye on your cat. Remember that you will know your cat better than anyone and will be most aware of its ups and downs.

Caring For Your Cat
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Grooming And Bathing Your Cat

Cats shed their hair year-round, losing greater amounts during a change in season. You can help control the amount of cat hair left around your house by brushing your cat regularly. The hair of a longhair cat will become tangled and matted unless you groom it at least once a week. But even short hair cats need to be brushed once in a while.

Introduce your cat to brushing while it is still a kitten. Hold the kitten on your lap and pet it affectionately. When the kitten is quiet and relaxed, begin to gently brush the hair on his back with a wire brush. Start at the back of the head and brush toward the tail. Always brush in the direction in which the hair lies.

At first your kitten may not want to be brushed. But continue to pet it gently and begin to brush again when it is calm. If you do this on a regular basis, the kitten will gradually get used to it. Your kitten may even learn to enjoy being brushed.

Until the kitten has learned to accept brushing on its back and then its sides, do not attempt to brush its belly. Kitten's bellies are very sensitive and they will react by wrestling with and clawing the brush and your hand. Longhair cats frequently develop mats, clumps of hair that cannot to be separated. To get rid of mats, use a pair of blunt scissors, those that are rounded at the tips rather than pointed. Cut directly into the mat in the direction of the skin, rather than cutting that mat out sideways. Cutting the mat out will leave a bald spot. Cutting into it will break it up enough so that you can comb and brush it. Be careful not to cut your cat!

Bating your cat is not something you will have to do regularly. Usually your cat will keep itself clean. But from time to time a cat will get itself so dirty that it will not be able to do the whole cleaning job itself. The problem could be grease from a car or soot from fireplace. In cases like these, you should give your cat a bath.

You will need help ask your parents or a friend to give you a hand. Fill a sink or tub with a few inches of lukewarm water. Put and old towel on the bottom so that the cat's feet will not slip and slide out from under it. To protect your cat during a bath, ask your mother or father to place a drop of mineral oil in the corner of each eye and put a small ball of cotton in each ear. Have your helper hold the cat firmly as you pour water over it from a cup. Use a mild soap or baby shampoo, trying not to go get any into cat's eye or ears. Rinse the cat off, take it out of the water and dry it with towel.

Never bathe a kitten less than three months old and never dunk a cat's head underwater. Only give a bath when it is really needed, because frequent baths will interfere with the normal condition of your cat's skin and fur. Even though you will have to be firm with your cat when giving it a bath, make every effort to be kind and gentle as well. Cats do not really like water, but if they like and trust you, it may be a little easier for them to handle a bath.

Caring For Your Cat
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Cat Pregnancy Signs Cat Owners Should Become Aware Of

A pregnant cat, also known as the 'queen', has to be taken cared of properly, specifically given more focus by the owner. It is important for cat owners to take certain steps to ensure the health and safety of their queens, as that will help them ensure the safety and the health of the babies inside the wombs of their pets. Your cat may be pregnant if you observe these symptoms of pregnancy or cat pregnancy signs:

1. Queens more often than not become more affectionate toward their masters. They actually do things to get the attention of their owners. If your feline is beginning to show more 'interest' in you e.g. always goes to your side, always follows you wherever you go, and the like, you may actually be owning a pregnant cat.

2. Cat owners who notice their cats being hungry all the time or have increased appetites should become aware that this is one of the usual signals that their felines may be holding babies. This is one of the symptoms of pregnancy that are observed in humans, and in most pregnant animals as well e.g. dogs, cats, etc. It is best that you mix her adult cat food with some kitten food, in order to increase the nutrients and vitamins she'll get. Remember that there are fetuses inside her that need the right and enough nutrition, too.

3. Swollen nipples are also one of the very first cat pregnancy signs you'll notice if you have a pregnant cat. The nipples will actually turn into pinkish hues, and will start swelling or growing bigger at the same time. After the female feline and the male feline mate, count 3 weeks and you'll see the nipples getting swollen and pinker, provided that the egg cell and the sperm cell of both cats succeeded in meeting and forming babies.

4. Part of the list of symptoms of pregnancy that cat owners should know is vomiting. If pregnant humans have morning sickness, realize that your pet can also experience that too. There is therefore no need to worry if a pregnant cat vomits occasionally, but, if the vomiting is almost non stop, send her immediately to the vet for check up and proper treatment.

Other cat pregnancy signs that you should be aware of if you own a female cat include: an abdomen that starts swelling or protruding; an increase in your cat's weight; nesting actions e.g. during the time labor is near, your cat starts searching for a private and quiet spot where she can actually give birth. Cat owners should prepare special areas where their felines can give birth e.g. place a large enough box in a quiet area and place some blankets inside the box to make their pregnant cats comfortable enough to have labor there.

Karen Winton finds cats as good companions. Learn to care for your pregnant feline. See: Your Pregnant Cat. Interested in owning siamese cats? Read this first: Siamese Cat Secrets.

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How to Introduce Your New Cat or Kitten to Your Older Cats

What is the best way to introduce a new cat or kitten to your household? Patience is the key. Cats are territorial creatures, and bringing in a new addition to the home can be a stressful experience for your pets not to mention yourself - if not handled correctly. I am positive that if you want to experience a peaceful and rewarding relationship between your new and existing pets it requires patience, hard work, and time. A good time frame to expect for this introduction normally takes about two weeks before the pets feel comfortable with each other. Under special circumstances it may take longer for this process. Remember patience is the key and it is well worth the wait. Follow the suggestions below and you and your pets will be rewarded with great times and a lifetime of fun!

1. The first step is to isolate your cat or kitten from the other pets in the household. A separate room (safe room) for you new cat is the best way to start. The smaller room will help your new cat get used to their new home and will adjust more quickly. It is very important to make sure you provide a litter box, scratching post, toys, and food. This will not only keep your new cat safe from your other pets in the household, it will also give all of the pets a chance to get used to each other's scent. For the first week, the only interaction that your new cat and resident cats should have is playing paws under the door.

2. Cats like routine, not change. You may notice a change in your resident cat's behavior when you first bring your new cat home. Typical reactions to expect from your resident cats are hissing, growling, hiding or fighting each other. Cats are very sensitive pets and do not be surprised if your resident cat treats you differently by ignoring you altogether or displaying aggression. Remember patience is very important through this process. During the first week (with your new cat in their safe room) the new and resident cats will have the time to get used to each other and their scent while safely separated by a door. By the close of the first week the new and resident cats will begin to acclimate to each other and feel less threatened. You should notice the negative behavior dissipate.

3. For the second week when you take that first step to have the face to face introduction keep your new cat in the cat carrier with the carrier door closed. Your resident cats will be very curious and may display aggression at first, but with your new cat safely in their carrier there shouldn't be any major drama. Repeat this for the first three days increasing the time each day. Typically by the fourth day it is safe to open the carrier door when introducing your resident pets. Your new cat will come out of the carrier when he/she feels safe enough, do not force this! Eventually your new cat and your resident cats will feel safe and comfortable with each other and your new cat will be an important part of your family.

Introducing a new cat to your household just takes time and patience. It is easy to learn how to introduce cats and dogs and all of your other household pets.

Ian Heffron is a staff writer for CatRazy a cat magazine covering topics from cat health, cat advice and tips, and cat supplies.

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Does Your Cat Seem Stiff? The Ache of Arthritis

Have you heard about cat arthritis? That sprightly cat of yours has always made you feel good everyday as a proud cat parent, however, one day you noticed an unusual lameness and inactivity from your cat and you wondered what could be the problem. Feline species, when they reach their teens, may experience body stiffness causing them to be reluctant in getting up and difficulty in lying down or resting. An observable physical sign likewise includes muscle atrophy or when the muscles deteriorate and reduce in size affecting the cartilage and ligaments as well as the amount of support normal size muscles should be giving.

Cat arthritis is due to the inflammation of joints especially the ball and socket type of joints in cats. The area affected is the cartilage that is destructed. When the cartilage is destructed, the protection of the bones' joints will weaken causing irritation and pain. Arthritis, also called a degenerative joint disease or if in worst stage, osteoarthritis usually affects the cat's joints such as the shoulders, hip, ankle, elbow, and the spine. Obesity or overweight in cats trigger this kind of disease and the cause is normally brought about by an abnormal stress, which is the obesity) put on a normal joint.

Injuries from fall and other accidents such as car accidents and the like also belong to this kind of cause. However, immune-related deficiency and infectious diseases in cats that may be genetic or acquired are examples of normal stress put on abnormal joints that may have acquired any of the above reasons why arthritis occurs. Deterioration or erosion of bones happen when arthritis is present and this is responded by the cat's body activity to fight against it as it releases hormones that affects the surface of the bone adding pain. Since arthritis is a chronic disease, it persists and gets even worse as time passes by; hence, expect that your cat may experience as much pain as she ages.

Dealing with cat arthritis may be easy when you are knowledgeable with the right treatment and preventive measures. Although this kind of disease is not fatal, it could still affect your cat's lifestyle causing her to be inactive. Here are some tips that you may do to help your cat improve her lifestyle:

1. Measure your cat's daily food intake. Do not over feed her.
2. Avoid your cat from doing strenuous exercises that may cause too much stress on your cat's flexible muscles and bones
3. Guard your cat from getting unwanted injuries and major accidents.
4. Consult your cat's veterinarian for the right and effective cat arthritis pain reliever.

Cat arthritis may only be fatal to your cat when you are not equipped with the right knowledge on what medication to give your cat since some of the over-the-counter pain relievers commonly used by humans may not be proper to give to your cat. Toxicity and overdose could be life threatening; so as your cat's parent, be mindful of the medications that you will give.

Ade is a contributor for VIP Sitters that offer Pet Services and Pet Sitting Toronto like Cat and Dog walking, House Sitting, Grooming, pet travel services and Emergency Ambulance Service.

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The Scrapings From Your Plate Isn't Healthy Cat Food

It's dinner time in your home, everyone's seated at the table ready to enjoy the wonderful meal you prepared, and here comes your cat. Your feline friend rubs against your leg as you begin to eat, and although you have already feed him/her, or their bowl is filled with food waiting, your cat continues this begging ritual that includes a bit of leg rubbing and a dose of meowing.

As cat owners we sometimes find pleasure in sharing our meals with our beloved cats. Although this sharing process can be a bonding moment and our felines definitely enjoy when we share, the meals that we prepare for ourselves and our family isn't healthy cat food. Some of the ingredients that we use to prepare our meals are toxic to cats. Commonly use seasonings and vegetables such as; garlic, onions, garlic powder, and onion powder, can all cause serious health problems in cats if consumed. Both onions and garlic contain a substance called N-propyl disulphide. This substance destroys the red blood cells in cat's which results in an illness called anemia.

There are also other vegetables and spices that help to make our meals tasty, but that are not beneficially to your cat's health, salt is a major one. Most people use salt in their meal preparation, even an amateur chef knows that it helps to bring out the flavor in your food, however salt, consistently consumed overtime, causes electrolyte imbalances in your cat. A cat who experiences an electrolyte imbalance will begin to lose weight, vomit and excessively urinate, this illness can be fatal.

Cats need specific vitamins that our foods do not provide them. Although the meal that you prepared may be healthy and meet you and your families nutritional needs, your cat's food contains essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as taurine, that their body needs to stay active and healthy. Taurine is an essential amino acid that your cat's body does not produce, but is consumed through their food. The lack of taurine causes central retinal degeneration which can result in blindness.

It is also important to remember that cats have a very sensitive digestive system, some more sensitive than others. Feeding your feline food prepared for human consumption, can sometimes upset their sensitive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so any meals that contain dairy products can cause stomach craps, and diarrhea.

Sharing your meals with your cat in addition to their regular food can cause our unhealthy weight gain. Cats are just like humans when it comes to weight gain and lose, if they are consuming extra calories more than they are using, they will gain weight. Cats that are over weight are more susceptible to certain health problems such as diabetes. Although your cat may enjoy sharing your meals with you, and it may sometimes be tempting to indulge them, it's our responsibilities as cat parents to make sure our feline friends are eating their own premium high protein cat food.

Kerry-Ann and her husband have been cat owners for over twenty years. They have two beautiful healthy cats, ages 18 and 2. They are also the creators of http://www.cat-health-101.com. To read more about how to choose healthy cat food for your cats visit http://www.cat-health-101.com/dry-cat-food.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Ann_A_Crawford

Your New Kitten

The first step toward having a good pet cat is choosing a healthy kitten. Visit a litter of kittens about two weeks before they are ready to leave their mother. They will be six weeks old. Ask permission to pick up the kittens and be very gentle when to do so. Make sure that a kitten has clear, bright eyes and a shiny, full coat. Check the skin under the fur for any problems such as sores, rashes or bald spots. You want to choose a kitten that has healthy skin.

Next, make sure that the kitten is neither too thin nor too fat. A kitten that is either all skin and bones or has a bloated belly is likely to have an infection. Do not select such a kitten. Also check the kitten's nose and ears for any sign of discharge or infection.While you are checking for signs of physical health, take note of the kitten's temperament. Carry the kitten to another part of the room and watch how it behaves. Is it nervous or scared? Does it respond to gentle petting by growing calmer? You want a kitten that adjusts quickly to you. This is a sign it has been handled by the owners of the litter, which is important in preparing the kitten for living with people.

It is extremely important to start out with a friendly cat. A scratching, hissing or terribly frightened kitten will grow up to be a difficult cat at best. At worst, the kitten will never become a friendly, loving pet. After you have chosen a kitten that you like, make arrangements to pick it up when it is ready to leave its mother (when it is about eight weeks old). A day or two after you get your new kitten, take it to a veterinarian (an animal doctor). The vet will give it the first in a series of shots to protect it against common cat diseases. Tell the vet if you intend to let the cat outdoors. If you do intend to let it out, the kitten may need a shot to protect it against rabies.

The vet will also examine the kitten for signs of disease. Bring along sample of the kitten's dropping so that the doctor can check for worms.

If the vet gives you medicine for the kitten, make sure that you or one of your parents understands how to give medicine. Ask the vet or the vet's assistant to show the proper method. Give the medicine to the kitten exactly as directed by the vet. Twice a day is not good enough if the kitten is supposed to get medicine three times a day. Young kittens like to eat every few hours, about four times a day. At each meal, serve a saucer of fresh milk alongside a small dish of dry cat food. For one or two of the meals, mix in canned food (meat or fish). If the kitten gets diarrhea, switch to powdered milk. If the diarrhea continues, reduce the amount of milk and the number of meals at which it is served.

Kittens love occasional treats, such as fresh liver, kidney or cottage cheese. But dry cat food is the best thing for a steady diet. Keep treats to once or twice a week. As the kitten grows older, you can gradually reduce the number of meals. At six months, two meals each day are adequate. At one year, one meal a day is all that is needed. If your cat pesters you for a second meal, give a little more than half of the one-meal portion twice a day. The size of portions is usually recommended on the cat food box.

For your new kitten, and later your adult cat, keep a bowl filled with fresh water all times.

Although your kitten will decide for itself where it will sleep, it might enjoy a soft, snug spot you prepare for it. A fluffy, clean hand towel folded and placed in a shoe box that sits on its side, could make an attractive bed for your kitten. But the kitten may just decide to perch itself on a chair instead. You will have to help your kitten get used to using a litter box to go to the bathroom. Getting your cat used to a litter box is usually easy, because cats are naturally clean and like to bury their droppings. A litter box is nothing more than a shallow rectangular container. The easiest kind to use is made of soft plastic. Into this you pour cat litter, which is sold in stores. Cover the bottom of the litter box with about two inches of cat litter.

Take your kitten to its litter box as soon you bring it home. Sometimes that first visit is all is needed. But until you are sure that the kitten understands, take it there after each feeding. Sometimes cats will not use a litter box if something about the particular brand of litter is not to their liking. Occasionally they will avoid the box if its location is not private enough. Try to solve these problems if the kitten does not use the litter box from the start.

About the only unpleasant task involved in owning a cat is cleaning the litter box every two or three days. If you do not clean it, the box will begin to smell. Empty all the used litter into a paper or plastic bag and take it outside to the garbage. Then wash the litter box with soap and water. Put the newly filled box back in the same place, so that you do not upset your cat's routine.

If you plan on allowing your cat to go to outside, you may decide to let it go to bathroom outdoors. In this case, do not provide a litter box. Instead, take your new kitten outdoors to a spot where there is a patch of dirt in which it can dig and burry. After a few days, the kitten will wait by the door to be let out. Some people even install little cat doors so that their pets can come and go as they please.

An outdoor cat should wear a collar with an identification tag on it. The tag should give that cat's name as well as your name and address. Now that you know how to make your kitten feel welcome in its new home, it is time for you and your kitten to get to know one another.

Caring For Your Cat
http://ilovekitty.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sairil_Syam

What to Look for in the Cattery

There are several things that you should look for in the cattery that will let you know that the breeder is responsible and the kitten is likely to be well-adjusted. These include:

Cleanliness - Make sure that the cattery is clean and comfortable for the kittens and the adult cats. Primarily, this shows that the breeder is caring for the animals and running a respectable business.

Secondly, the cats will be healthier, happier and better adjusted if they are raised in a hygienic and comfortable environment. It is true that the cats may need to be kept in pens or cages at some stage at the cattery, especially when there is controlled breeding involved. If this is happening at the cattery that you are visiting, then you should check to see that the pens are spacious enough for the cats to be able to move around freely, and that they are cleaned on a regular basis. The cats should also be given time outside the pens so that they can stretch and play.

Human contact - The cats should have regular human contact in the cattery. Having this regular contact with humans makes them comfortable and confident as pets, and will increase the likelihood of them settling into their new family home with you. If the kittens are raised in cages and left to their own devices without regular human contact, then they are more likely to be wary of humans or even unsociable. This can make them very difficult to tame and train the cat to living in your home. Regular handling is vital in the early years of a cat's life and failure to do this can severely impact upon their future suitability as a pet.

Stimulation - Young kittens are learning constantly about their environment and they are extremely playful. The breeder should be encouraging their development and activity by providing toys, games and a scratching post to keep the kittens entertained. They should also be spending a lot of time with the kittens themselves, firstly to get the kittens accustomed to human contact and secondly so that they are able to accurately monitor any health problems or other reasons for concern. The breeder should be able to demonstrate specific knowledge of the characteristics of each of the kittens as a result of watching them develop.

Show quality - If you are interested in showing or breeding from your kitten then you will obviously be interested in all the particular strengths and weaknesses of that kittens bloodlines. Find out how its ancestors have gone in cat shows in the past, ask specific questions about the breed standard and how that kitten satisfies the specific elements. The breeder should be able to give you an honest appraisal of whether or not the kitten will be suitable for showing or breeding. Obviously, you will need to have a bit of an understanding of the breed standard and the showing and breeding requirements for this to make any sense, so do your research before visiting the cattery and speaking to the breeder.

http://www.catsphynx.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daffodil_Kelly

Home Remedies to Treat Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that affects not only humans but other warm-blooded animals as well like sheep, horses, dogs, cattle, rabbits and even purring cats. This skin infection appears on humans mostly on areas like the nails, feet, scalp and groin. These funguses are termed as dermatophytes and the main reason they stay on humans and animals is that they feed on a hair mineral known as keratin. They also prefer to stay on warm and moist areas.

Although ringworm is not that dangerous to one's health, they still can be embarrassing and annoying. It is a very itchy infection that can affect the lives of humans and animals. The fungi can be easily passed on from person to person, person to animal, animal to animal and animal to person. Thus, if your cat has ringworm, you need not wonder if in the next few days you will see some signs of ringworm growth in your skin, too. But, why wait for your cat to pass the fungi on you if you can actually cure them in the first place. How?

Here are some home remedies that you could use to get rid of ringworm from your cats:

• Vinegar - especially apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will help relieve your cat from the itchiness brought about by the infection and gradually eliminate the fungi itself as well. Cats do not like the smell of the vinegar, though, that is why it would be best if you dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar in 1 cup of water before using it. Using a cotton ball or cotton tip, dip it into the diluted mixture and slowly dab it on the ring area 3 - 5 daily for 1 week. You also have the option to totally lather the mixture on your cat to get rid of the spores too.

• Grapefruit - specifically, grapefruit seed extract. You can purchase this at any health stores or pharmacies and dilute it in water. Dab a cotton ball on this mixture and apply it on the affected area twice daily.

• Garlic - crushed, sliced or made into a paste. Depending on what you prefer, crushed, sliced or past, rub it on the affected area several times a day. You may also mix it with other mustard seeds or aloe vera extract if you want.

• Goldenseal - Goldenseal tincture will definitely cure the ringworm. However, it should be done gently and should be applied on one spot per day. As much as possible, avoid putting on too much since it can be irritating for the cat.

• Raw juice - specifically, carrot juice plus spinach juice. This combination have been tested and proven to provide great effects on the ringworm.

• Neem - Make a paste out of neem leaves and turmeric powder. Neem and turmeric powder are known to have antifungal properties. These two can help get rid of the skin infection.

If you want to know more about this information, please read on. ringworm and ringworm in cats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alynna_Pamela_M_Asetre

The Healthiest Cat Food on the Market

To briefly answer the question as to which is the healthiest cat food, we must look at the quality of foods available, with an educated consideration for individual feline requirements, which can vary quite widely due to health and living conditions. An indoor-only senior cat with diabetes has different nutritional needs than a new kitten, for example.

In general, cats need certain nutrients, such as animal-source protein, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, which all commercial cat foods are required to contain. The difference between brands, then, lies in the quality of those ingredients.

1. Start with the ingredient list. The first five on the list constitute the greatest volume of what's in the product. If you see grains listed first, such as corn, wheat or soy, the food will be harder for the cat to digest, and you will see a lot of vomiting and possibly large amounts of waste in the litter box. If the food is "just going right through them," they are not getting sufficient nourishment, and they will eat more, and more often.

Cats have a short and very efficient digestive tract, making it possible to digest protein dense food efficiently. Adding fillers such as grains slows the process and denies the animal the full benefit of the nutrients in the dry food. It's also worthwhile to note that many cats do not chew dry food, and instead, swallow it whole, further lowering any food value.

2. Canned or dry? Because grains are used to help maintain the shape of the kibbles, less grains are needed for canned food, if any. Many people feel this is better for their cats. In many ways, it is. Less grain, better digestibility. However, some canned foods may be lower in overall protein if they contain too much water. It's natural for a cat to obtain much of its moisture from eating fresh prey, but if the percentage is too high, say, over 80 percent as is found in some canned foods, they may not get what they need.

Another consideration is how the dry food was made. Typically, meat and meat byproducts, along with a certain amount of other "mystery ingredients," are cooked at very high heat. This ruptures fat cells, making it necessary to prevent rancidity by adding chemical preservatives. These should be listed on the package, too, and may include BHA, BHT, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, propylene glycol or sorbic acid. If you can't pronounce it, it's probably not a natural ingredient. Once cooked, the "mash" is forced through small openings at high pressure to form the kibble shapes. Since all that heat and pressure can destroy most of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals are usually added in during the final stages of production to be sure legal requirements are met... not necessarily reaching the cat's full nutritional requirements.

3. Consult with your veterinarian. Cats are not all alike and their needs can be as unique as humans' needs are. Dry food is much more convenient and generally less costly than canned, but they are not created equal. Ask your vet about your cat's specific dietary needs and get some recommendations. Note: If your vet keeps an inventory of a specific brand, try to find out if they are just recommending that food because they have to in order to make a commission, or if your cat really will benefit.

4. Be sure the protein is from animal sources. Plant based proteins lack the amino acids that cats require to be healthy, often resulting in liver, heart and kidney disease that will shorten the cat's life substantially. Remember, cats are carnivores, not "cornivores." If you have the time and are willing, you may wish to shift your cat to a completely raw diet. But that's another topic that requires more space to discuss.

5. One other requirement is to find something palatable to the cat! Depending on the age of the cat, personal taste preferences could be well ingrained, making changes to a new brand difficult. If a kitten is given only one brand and flavor of food during growth, the adult cat it becomes will usually have one preference, for the only food it has ever known. Varying your cat's diet can help them adapt to new foods when necessary. However, if your cat develops any allergies, providing an unfamiliar protein source can help prevent allergic reactions. In those cases, find foods from uncommon sources, such as duck, rabbit, turkey and other meats not usually incorporated in pet food.

In the end, just remember: The cheaper the food, the lower the quality of ingredients found in it, and you can count on your cat having one or more health problems during its shortened life. If you want your cat to enjoy a long and healthy life as your special companion, be sure to provide the best food you can find.

For more information about cats and their feeding requirements, visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/catfood.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._R.J._Peters

Facts About Kitten Vaccinations

Unless your kitten is properly vaccinated, it is at risk of contracting one or many, possibly fatal, infectious diseases, as follows:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR);
• Calicivirus;
• Panleukopenia;
• Chlamydia;
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV);
• Rabies;
• Feline Heartworm Disease

Most common of these diseases, which are highly infectious, can be prevented by routinely administering vaccination. We must vaccinate our kittens for the most important and common of these diseases in order to protect them. It is a fact that vaccines have an effective result in more than 95% of cases. In addition, routinely vaccinating your cat is cheaper than if you pay for treating your sick pet later. Also, vaccination reduces the possibility of virus transmission in the pet population.

Some facts that you have to know in order to be informed about this subject and to better estimate the cost of kitten vaccinations:

• Newborn kittens receive protection from the first mother's milk (colostrums) if mother was vaccinated; ask the person who sell you the kitten if the cat was vaccinated;

• Kittens' immune systems are immature so they are not capable of developing long-lasting immunity until at least 16 weeks from birth. Booster series for kittens must be given every 3-4 weeks, due to the developing nature of their immune system and due to the interference from mothers' milk antibodies;
• cats should be vaccinated annually for most vaccines, after the initial booster series is administered to kittens, but some vaccines can be administered every 3 years; ask the vet about this;

• If a kitten has never received a vaccine before, and it is over 16 weeks old, it will need one additional dose in 3 to 4 weeks before starting on the annual or three-years schedule;

• Neither a kitten nor a cat should be vaccinated unless it is in an excellent state of health. If you have any doubts about the state of your cat's health you'd better ask the veterinarian examine your pet and be assured of a good health status;

• Ask the vet is the vaccine contains what is called an "adjuvant". Those with adjuvants are easier and cheaper to make. But there is some evidence that the inflammation appearing due to the adjuvant in the skin as it works, can (in rare cases) produce a type of malignant cancer;

• When comparing the prices of one clinic's vaccines with others on the web you need to be sure that you are comparing like with like. When comparing, you need to know which diseases are being protected against and included in the vaccine course and if it contains and is dependent of an adjuvant;

• In some countries (e.g. the U.K.),which are currently free of Rabies, this vaccine is unnecessary.

Take a responsible approach in vaccinating your kitten because in this way you will protect it form further problems in life.

Silviu,
http://priceofkittenvaccinations.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Silviu_Hriscu

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

In an effort to be the best pet owners we can, we sometimes try to keep our pets from doing things we think may be harmful to them, or that don't make sense to us. One example of this is when we see our cat eating grass, which is often followed by them vomiting it up a short time later. Before cats were domesticated, they grazed on grass in the wild. This is actually a normal behavior by your cat, and something they do with a specific purpose in mind, so we should allow it to happen.

Why does a cat eat grass? There are a couple of reasons felines do this. Many people think eating the grass will make their cat sick or upset their stomach. Although it may appear this is the case, the opposite is actually true. Because a feline is incapable of separating fur and hair from meat or bones, they must consume whatever they are going to eat in its whole form. After eating, their digestive system will process what it can, but the hair and fur, which will not pass through its intestines, needs to be removed. Eating grass causes your cat's stomach to convulse and expel whatever contents can not be digested thoroughly and pass safely through the intestines without causing a dangerous, even deadly obstruction.

Anyone with a cat is familiar with the countless hairballs that their cat vomits up on a regular basis. It is normal for felines to spit up a hairball, and in fact, if this stops, and your cat begins to refuse eating or seems to be in pain, it is possible that a hairball may have passed into the intestinal tract and is causing an obstruction. If you think this has occurred, make sure you see your veterinarian immediately to avoid serious consequences.

Although it is okay for your cat to nibble on grass, you need to make sure they do not nibble on other plants, as this does not serve the same purpose as grass, and some plants are toxic to animals. A feline's digestive system does not produce enzymes, which are necessary to break down plants into a form that will pass through their intestines. Even if you processed vegetables or plants into a mush so that they would move through the cat's intestines smoothly, their digestive system would process absolutely no part of it. The plant or vegetable mixture would be expelled from your cat's body without anything being extracted from it. This is not harmful to your cat as a process; however, if digestible food was also consumed and mixed with this content, your cat would suffer from indigestion and a stomachache, resulting in more serious consequences.

Since eating grass is a natural behavior for cats, they will attempt to eat your houseplants, if any are available. This is dangerous, as some houseplants are toxic, and will make your cat ill, and may even be lethal. Because eating grass is actually beneficial to cats (to help keep their intestines clear of unwanted fur and hair), it is a good idea to make sure you provide a regular supply of potted grass for them to nibble on; particularly indoor cats who do not have access to a regular supply, like outdoor cats. This will not only serve the purpose of helping him regurgitate what his stomach cannot handle, but will also help deter him from your houseplants, even the non-toxic ones.

For cat owners who may be concerned with their cat eating grass, keep in mind that along with the benefit of clearing the stomach, grass does hold a considerable amount of moisture, some beneficial trace minerals and small amounts of vitamins A and D. Chlorophyll is also found in grass, which has been shown to be a natural remedy for pain, ulcers and anemia. Although cats eat grass mainly to empty their stomach of indigestible matter, there is a second reason they may do so, and that is simply because they enjoy the taste of grass, which to a cat may seem very palatable.

Charles Nebenzahl is President and CEO of Pet Assure, the largest Veterinary Discount Plan in the United States. Pet Assure is accepted by nearly ten percent of the nation's independent small animal veterinarians and is a popular pet insurance alternative. To learn more, visit www.PetAssure.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Nebenzahl

What to Do With Feral Cat Families on Your Doorstep

Last month our backyard was invaded by a dozen feral cats. Included in the mix were two mothers, their nine kittens and one adult male. Speculation on what attracted them points to neighbors who were generous with scraps of food, probably not realizing that kittens were on the way. It is hard to tell the gender of cats if you can't get close. So, when what appeared to be one or two adults suddenly became a dozen, we had decisions to make, stemming from questions like, "what the heck are we going to do with all these cats running around?" Admittedly, some of the non-cat-lover neighbors used a bit more colorful language about all the cats we had running lose!

We were lucky enough to find out that an animal advocate friend had a neutering "deal" with an advocate veterinarian, who would do the operations for a "small contribution" from anyone adopting the kittens. There are ways to find these good Samaritans, which we will go into in our next article.

Once we knew we had a neuter/spay place to go, we were able to use humane live traps to capture all twelve cats. Not only did the vet do a good job for a reasonable fee, (some new owners contributed only $25), but the kittens were handled every day and socialized while they were there. And, about half the kittens were adopted right from the animal hospital! The one male adult was a year or maybe a year and a half old and looked to be the picture of health. But, it turned out he was diagnosed with feline leukemia, and so, we decided the humane thing to do was euthanized him rather than allow the painful death that was surely in his future.

So, the final tally was eleven feral cats live trapped and neutered. All of the kittens are socialized and placed in adoptive homes. Their moms, now also spayed, remain outdoor (untouchable) neighborhood cats that help keep the rodent population under control. And, none to the eleven pose any threat to the cat overpopulation problem, any longer.

A footnote here, and this really is a true coincidence: about six months before we went through this feral cat experience, my business partners and I decided to form an internet marketing company. And, after careful research, what did we decide to market online? Humane live traps, that's what! None of the aftermath was planned; its almost as if heaven dropped this cat "problem" on us to prove what we had decided to market would be useful to a lot of folks out there with similar problems. Boy! Is it useful! According to PETA, (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, http://www.PETA.com), last year there were 2.4 million unwanted kittens born in the U S. That, of course, means there were not enough homes to go around and most of them, by necessity, were put down. Bluntly put, which is more humane: to have them born to be killed, or arrange that they were never born at all?

Robert M Oates, the author, is an animal advocate and has an interest in the online humane live traps company http://www.ProLiveTraps.com. Check out the website for reasonably priced humane live traps, animal handling equipment, cages and accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_M_Oates

Your Cat and Dog in the Summertime Heat

If you live in the middle of the US (or even other parts of the country as well), you have most likely been "sweltering" in the extended heat that's gripped the country for at least the last couple of months.

And for each minute that you are "hot and bothered" by the high temperatures and the inability to get cool, so too are your four-legged furriends!

While four-legged "furriends" can include cattle and horses and sheep, and bunnies and squirrels, et al, for this bit of information I'm referring specifically to cats and dogs.

So when the humidity gets unruly and temperatures soar, here are a few tips to keep your cat or dog cool and cozy-and most safe:

• Just like you need a cool place to go when it gets too hot, your cat or dog does, too.
• A cat and dog also need plenty of water, preferably clean and fresh. They'll even thank you if the water is nice and cool!
• Maybe you can hook up the hose or lawn sprinkler so you dog can run through it to help cool off
• If your cat or dog is one that stays outside in all kinds of weather, it will still be nice if you can set up a place where your "furriend" can have shelter of some sort, or so he can freely go inside-a shed or a barn, a garage or something similar.
• Or simply, maybe near a tree.

Dogs are often first in line when they see you getting ready to get into your car. However, if your dog is used to riding along when you go to the store, to the gas station or wherever, it's really better to leave just leave him home when it's so hot.

If, however, he simply must claim his spot on the seat beside you, when you park the car to go into the store leave the car running, with the air conditioner on. And crack the windows a bit so there is some circulation; although that would let in the hot air.

Now, unless your dog has the run of a fenced-in yard, at some point said dog will need to be walked.

In that instance, if at all possible, it would be best to walk your dog in the early morning hours and after the sun goes down. And carry plenty of water with you so he can easily have a drink.

There have been some instances here in town where a dog owner or two have ridden their bicycles with their dogs running alongside the bicycles. But if it's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement, it may just be too hot for doggy feet.

It's times like these, you just can't help but wonder if the dog may be having difficulty keeping up with the bike. Unfortunately, he's not exactly in a position to tell his owner that he's too hot and thirsty and doesn't want to run any more.

Even if a dog has run alongside the owner like that quite often, when temperatures and humidity get into the 90s (or even less in some instances), it's time to give doggy a rest and let him stay home in the cool.

And your cat?

While she most likely won't be running alongside a bike or through the sprinklers, she will welcome shade, a cool drink and a quiet inside place to stretch out.

You can read more cat care insight at Kittens 'n Things.

Karen McGreevey, Virtual Assistant and Expert Author to Coaches, Speakers and Authors by day and a "surrogate mom" to 'The Boys'" by night and in-between, shares their antics and a collection of tips and thoughts at Kittens 'n Things. Their weekly ezine, "Mews Nooz" is an extension of those "conversations".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_McGreevey

Blind Cat Restores Vision

In May of 2009, my 14 year old cat "Erica" was diagnosed with kidney failure, also known as CRF, or chronic renal failure. It's common among older cats, but virtually undetectable until about 70 percent of the kidneys have already failed to function. While CRF is terminal, your cat can go on living a comfortable life for months, or even years, as long as it maintains a strict renal diet, proper medication, and daily injections of subcutaneous fluids.

However, one potential side effect of CRF is the onset of blindness caused by a sudden spike in blood pressure. In Erica's case, it happened six months after her diagnosis. Though I was devastated, I remembered reading an article by Dr. Gary Norsworthy in Vet Forum Magazine from June of 1996. He said the vision can return once the blood pressure is lowered providing the cat goes on blood pressure medicine within 24 hours of the onset. The retinas can potentially reattach once the pressure comes down.

I immediately called my vet and she prescribed the medication over the phone, though she admitted never hearing about the potential of such a miracle occurring. I also called eye specialists and advised them of the situation, but by and large, the feedback was about the same. I scoured the Internet and found some articles and forums that verified the possibility, but could not find success stories on an individual level. Regardless, I knew I had to stay positive and have faith anyway. I also prayed for the first time in my life.

Erica adapted surprisingly well to the blindness. I carried her in and out of bed every night and she slept tight by my head. And then, three weeks to the day after she lost her vision, she woke up and could see again 100 percent! Every day was already a gift as far as I was concerned, but this was single handedly the greatest moment of my life. And if you think I'm grateful and appreciative, imagine how Erica felt! She started acting like a kitten again and became more affectionate than ever before. So if you have a CRF cat or know anyone that does, please spread the word about this amazing and miraculous little known secret!!

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Tyler Feneck is a comedian, author, filmmaker, and all around nice guy. His cat Erica inspired him to write his first book, "The Cat & The Comedian," now available on Amazon. http://sexycomedian.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Feneck