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How to Care For a Day-Old Kitten
Kittens are usually cared for by heir moms. However, like all things in nature, Darwinianism kicks in and only few of the offspring will survive. I have encountered twice the particular case of a cat who simply will not care for her babies, being equally disinterested in whether they live or die. So for the best part of the next four weeks I acted like a nursing cat mother for three little kittens. Needless to say, when they're a few hours old, they're hardly bigger than a very small mouse each.
There's two things they need to survive: warmth and food. You can solve the first issue with a couple of 2 litres plastic bottles filled with hot water that you put it in their nesting place. A shoe box will suffice for that. Also, try making them comfortable by adding a towel or any cloth you won't need ever again so they have a soft floor. The water will need changing every few hours, depending on how fast it will cool.
Next issue is a bit of a nuisance. You'll have to buy a baby bottle for kittens. There are many available at pet shops, you cannot improvise around it, trust me on that, I've tried. The thing that came nerare to a baby bottle was a 2ml syringe, but you run the risk of pumping too fast and choking them. Plus, they can't draw from it. So go get the baby bottle. Then for the food. You can either buy special powder milk that has all the surplus they need from a lactating mother, just ask the veterinarian for it, or use your own milk from the store. Either way is fine, the powder milk is pricey but better, but they won't die for the lack of it. Next buy eggs, a whole basket of them, you're going to need them. Break an egg and clear the yolk. Only the yolk! Put the yolk in a cup. Add a bit of milk and mix. Then add a spoon of honey and milk up to about 200ml and mix. Honey helps the kittens' digestion a lot, it's not just for the taste of it. When you have about 200ml of mixed product make sure it's warm and fill up the baby bottle. Then pick each of them up and start feeding them. You'll have to be patient, although at first they're probably be starving and will draw like there's no tomorrow. You will have to repeat that every three hours and twice at night.
My advice is to have more food mixed so you only have to warm it, it saves a lot of time not having to mix it all each and every time they need feeding. After four weeks they will probably learn to drink by themselves and you're off the hook, although there's no timeframe guaranteed about that. I had one crazy kitten who refused to let go of the baby bottle for three months!
If you follow these steps it will be hard on your part but your kittens WILL live. Constant feeding and warmth is all there really is to it. And patience.
Oana is a member of Lacartes.com - an online community where people can meet new people and stay connected to friends, families and share photos, updates, reviews and more. Oana regularly writes articles on different topics that interested her. She always had pets around her,from when she was a little girl and her sister has nine cats. Come join us for FREE. This article can only be reproduced in its entirety when the link to lacartes.com is live at all times. Pet Health Tips - Information on Cat Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Hyperesthesia syndrome in cats is a very unique condition. Cats afflicted with it will display unusual behavior at various intervals. It often causes them to lick or chew themselves excessively. Not only can this cause them to lose their hair, but irritation or sores on the skin can also develop. When experiencing an episode, your cat won't appreciate being physically touched.
After hyperesthetic cats have finished licking themselves, they may start running around your home frantically. You'll notice your kitty appears to be depressed or very afraid of something. The pupils will also be dilated due to feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Another usual sign of hyperesthesia syndrome in cats is a rolling or rippling of the skin on a certain part of your cat's back. The muscle in this area of the back is responsible for causing this rippling effect. An episode can be brought about simply by touching the area.
Cats affected by feline hyperesthesia syndrome may also salivate a lot and be unable to control urination. There is no set time limit for an episode. Some cats only display problems for just a few seconds, while others can have an episode that lasts for a few minutes.
Any breed can be affected by cat hyperesthesia syndrome. However, a few unfortunate ones have a higher degree of risk. They include exotic breeds such as Himalayans, Siamese, and Burmese.
Since there are various other conditions that can cause some of the same signs, they will need to be eliminated in order to make a proper diagnosis of hyperesthesia. Your cat may be suffering from a slipped disk or a pinched nerve which can cause similar signs. Issues with the skin may be brought about by allergies to food or an infestation of fleas or mites.
To rule out these potential other causes, a variety of tests will need to be conducted. The vet will likely start with a physical examination, then move on to neurological tests to see if they're the problem. Blood and urine tests will also be helpful. There isn't always a physical cause of feline hyperesthesia syndrome though.
Fortunately, this condition is relatively minor, and won't lead to serious problems for cats affected by it. However, serious problems can develop if the skin lesions or sores become infected. Simple changes to your cat's lifestyle may be enough. Reducing stress can severely limit the number of episodes your cat suffers.
He should be fed at regular times on a daily basis. The same goes for periods of play. If there are conditions in the environment that causes problems in your cat, then they'll ideally need to be removed. Some cats with the condition can't tolerate being around other cats.
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome can also be treated with different types of medications. The vet may prescribe your cat anti-anxiety medications to limit problems. Other possible treatments include corticosteroids or anti-seizure medications. If these medications are ever discontinued, problems may recur. That means that your cat will likely need to take them for the rest of his life.
As an owner, it's important that you know about various health problems like constipation in cats that can affect your furry friend. Learning this information will help you recognize signs of disease quickly. Make sure you stop by common-cat-diseases.com right now to learn about many of these diseases in felines .How to Choose the Best Food for Cats?
If you have recently just become an owner of a pet cat, you should be wary of what to give to it especially in giving him the right kind of food. Remember that they also have their own nutritional needs you need to compensate. Cats are carnivores by nature and their nutrition would mostly depend on protein sources. It is a must that they be fed in a balanced diet to avoid overweighing. Here are some tips for you to follow upon choosing your cat food
As you may have noticed cats are often fed with canned food. Too much of it could lead to dehydration. Veterinarians would recommend something else to go along with it. This is a good way to prevent urinary tract infection in the long run.
Take note of the age of your cat. If it is still too young, perhaps less than half a year old then do not ever give him cat food for the adults only. There are a lot of different kitten foods that are suitable for the young ones out there. Once the cat has reached over six months, you can make a combination of adult and kitten food.
There are some foods that don't harm the teeth of your cat. You could choose that to save your pet from different kinds of dental problems.
There are some diets also made especially for cats. Home or indoor cats don't move a lot so tendency is that they would be overweight. Ask the veterinarian for his suggestions. Check the label for m the product as
Hairball is good but don't give it every single day since it can upset the stomach. Fiber is good for constipation.
To make sure that your cat would be in a better condition it is always best that you make some varieties once in a while. When you go shopping for some cat food, choose different kinds like dry food, canned, semi-moist food, etc. Remember, too much of something is bad enough
Don't give cats milk from the cows. The digestion system isn't capable of such dairy product. Don't give leftovers as well! It is definitely a no-no to do that.
Organic food could be in for the cat food but then it doesn't mean that it's the best. You could opt to have one as well but don't let it fool you. However, you should also notice what kind of flavor your cat is enjoying.
Well making sure that it is rich in protein. If possible, avoid grains.
Here is a list of nutrition that you should consider giving to your cat:
Fat - not so muchProtein - basically their main sourceVitaminsTaurineWater - very important to avoid constipationOn the other hand, here is a list of food that you shouldn't give to your petsChocolateYarn threads, rubber bands, string - these are things that could look really appetizing to them. Do take care that they won't swallow it because it may result in some internal problems.
5 Useful Tips to Minimize Your Cat's Scratching Habit
Something that cats love to do the most is scratching! When they go out, they scratch wooden poles, fences, trees and when they are indoors, they love to scratch carpet, sofa, wallpapers, curtains etc. It is because of these habits of cats, many of the pet owners who are already frustrated of seeing scratches all over their furniture and decor items, are considering declawing their kitties.
Removing Those Dangerous Claws!
It is important to know that removals of claws is an extremely procedure for cats; not to mention an unfair one. It is their nature to scratch and for your convenience, you should not really try to change them. These kinds of procedures not only cause physical but also psychological trauma to the cats.
Why Do Cats Scratch A Lot?
In order to find a solution for this problem, you should first try to understand why your kitty likes scratching so much. People believe that by scratching, the cats sharpen and clean their claws. And, that's not entirely true; it is also one of their ways of marking territories or leaving marks on surfaces.
Besides marking her own territory, sharpening and cleaning her claws, for cats scratching is also a great physical exercise. It normally includes climbing, balancing and stretching. These activities are very important for a health survival of cats. That is why it is not a good to declaw your or punish her every time she scratches.
Give Them Scratching Posts
A better option would be to purchase a scratching post and teach her about how to use it. It will take a few days, but gradually your would realize that playing and scratching with the posts is more fun than ruining your decor or home furniture. You should try different kinds of tricks to draw your cat's attention to these posts.
As a owner, you should know that cats enjoy playing so consider buying a post with dangling toys; toys would be even better. If the post doesn't come with such attachments, consider adding a couple of them yourself.
This way, the will quickly understand the perks of fooling around near the scratching post. Make sure that the post you've purchased is big enough and sturdy. Cats do not enjoy scratching things that are not stable as they don't help them in proper scratching.
Try Other Furniture like Scratching Tree or Just a Condo
Besides the normal posts, you can also purchase other furniture items like inclined scratchers, condos, gyms, trees etc. These items can be easily purchased online or at some local pet furniture store. They will give hours of fun and entertainment to your beloved kitty. Such furniture come with a number of features like perches, sisal poles, comfortable beds, toys, and many other attractive features.
Before You Buy!
Before paying for a scratcher, make sure its size is right for placing it at some spacious location inside your house and the color and model of the scratching post goes with the feel of your houses' interior. Remember that cats are very tidy animals and hate being around dirty things, leave alone playing with them. So make sure the post or other furniture are regularly cleaned and well maintained.
Petar Petrov owns an online retail shop of furniture for different needs of cats. Through his blogs, Petar also shares tips and insights about how to take care of the cats and kitties and their different needs, and educates the owners how to purchase Cat Scratching Posts, and condos etc. For more details visit: http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_scratching_posts.htmlHow to Welcome a New Cat into Your Home
Are you about to introduce a new cat into your family home? If you are it is a good idea to make sure you are prepared. This article will help ensure you are, and the introduction is a happy one for both you and your cat.
While many people consider getting a kitten, other people give a home to a cat. This could be a stray cat or an abandoned cat that is looking for a new home. If you find yourself with an opportunity to adopt a cat you would do well to ensure you are prepared to welcome them into your home.
The first thing to remember is that the cat may have had bad experiences with other owners prior to coming to you. Don't expect too much from the cat to begin with, but let it know it has a home and that it doesn't need to feel scared.
Oftentimes it is best to bring the cat into your home in a carrier and just to open the door and let it come out in its own time. It can also be a good idea to restrict its movements to just one or two rooms initially. He will soon want to come out and explore, but giving him the run of the house might be too much to cope with to begin with.
Make sure you are prepared in other ways as well. For example you should buy some cat bowls for water and food, and invest in good quality food such as Purina cat food too. Purina en cat food is well balanced and will ensure your new addition is on a good diet from the beginning of his life with you.
Some cats will be very brave and affectionate right from the word go. He might creep out of his cat carrier, explore the room he is in and then hop on your lap and go to sleep until you get up to feed him some Purina cat food. This is a good sign and it means he is settling into his new surroundings. Don't worry if it doesn't happen straightaway though; it could take a while for him to settle down and trust you. This is especially the case if he has come from a bad home and distrusts humans.
The good news is he will likely respond to your good treatment of him over time. Cats are very independent but they will be happy in homes where they feel safe and loved. With Purina en cat foodat mealtimes, toys to play with and a garden to explore, your cat will be happy to settle into your home for a long time to come.
All cats have their own unique characters, and while some are quiet and relaxed, others are nosy and incredibly affectionate. Your cat will have his own little character that will start to become known over time. Get to know him as he gets to know you, and your relationship will develop in ways you may not have expected. Perhaps he will come and tell you when he is hungry, or when he wants attention. Perhaps he will always want to sleep on your lap. It's true in the end that cats own us, rather than the other way around!
Only Trick in the Book's 4 Star Review of "Dogs Aren't Men"
Synopsis:Rebecca Miller is a gifted veterinarian with an extraordinary understanding of animal behavior. She is leading a fulfilling life as the owner and operator of the Animal Friends Veterinary Clinic. Ever since her 30th birthday, her mother has made it her mission to help Rebecca find a man, get married, and give her grandchildren. But Rebecca doesn’t see the need for a man in her life. She has her dog, Captain, and that’s all the companionship she needs. However, her world changes the day she literally runs into Derrick Peterson, a gorgeously handsome ER doctor.
Derrick’s experiences with women have taught him that they are vain, silly, and untrustworthy. He keeps his relationships with them brief and superficial. However, he finds himself being irresistibly drawn to Rebecca. She’s smart, witty, compassionate, and very different from the women he usually encounters. Will Rebecca be the one to break down the wall he’s spent a lifetime building around his heart?
My Review:
"Dogs Aren't Men" is a very clean romance that is fast paced and easily read. While Rebecca and Co. seem to have the worst luck (and a lot of clever coincidence), the story is romantic and feels pretty true to life. Ms. Tiner does a nice job of balancing the fact with fiction. You can tell she is writing of something she is passionate about but she doesn't over do it. Career knowledge aside, the love story comes first and foremost.
There is a well-written connection between Derrick and Rebecca as well as plenty of plot. What made this book so enjoyable for me was that it has a realistic execution of how a relationship begins between two strong-willed characters. "Dogs Aren't Men" had me turning page after page to see what would happen next, and how Rebecca and Derrick would bring themselves together.
While this book didn't change my life, it is certainly deserving of four stars. I wish the ending would have given us a little bit more. Because Ms. Tiner kept the tension building, on multiple levels, we don't get to see Rebecca and Derrick happily together for very long. I certainly was sad to see their story end as it was really sweet once there.
Ms. Tiner presents a great contemporary romance, and if she keeps at it, I'd love to continue following her books. I hope others don't judge this book based on it's not so intriguing cover and try it on for themselves.
Rating: * * * * *
Hotness Level: Cool - Mild - Warm - Hot - Humid - Smokin
Triggers: Romance, Professionals, Clean
(I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
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