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Information About Chlamydia in Cats By Darrin Swain

Both bacteria and viruses can cause conjunctivitis in cats. This condition is known as pink eye, the same thing that can affect dogs, humans, and other animals. Feline chlamydia results from a bacterial infection. Cats are usually infected with other viruses along with this disease like herpes virus and calicivirus.

Chlamydia in cats usually affects those at the younger or older end of the spectrum. Those with damaged immune systems or other illness of some sort have an increased risk too. However, the bacterial infection can cause symptoms in any cat.

There is an assortment of ways that feline chlamydia can be transmitted. The bacteria can be passed via eye discharge, nose secretions, or saliva from infected cats. Mothers are also capable of transmitting the disease to their kittens while giving birth.

You should also know that it's possible chlamydia in cats to be transmitted in indirect ways. The bacteria can live in bedding, food dishes, and other places and can infect your cat if he comes into contact with them. Owners can also harbor the bacteria on their hands and pass it along to their felines.

Seeing the white of your cat's eyes turn red is one of the primary signs of feline chlamydia. The eye may also swell, with the third eyelid closing partially. Discharge that's very watery may also appear from the eyes. All of this will irritate your cat's eye, causing him to paw at it frequently. This illness may only cause symptoms in one eye at first. Eventually though, both eyes will likely experience problems. As mentioned, chlamydia in cats usually occurs at the same time as other respiratory conditions. Cats may have a fever, discharge from the nose, coughing, and sneezing if this occurs.

Feline chlamydia doesn't usually prove difficult to treat as long as it's mild. Antibiotics can get rid of the bacteria. They may be given orally or placed directly in the affected eyes. The condition can get more problematic though if there are other problems at the same time. Your cat may have an upper respiratory illness that requires hospitalization.

Whenever giving your cat antibiotics to treat any condition, it's vital to go through the entire regimen. If you don't, then the bacteria you're trying to get rid of may mutate and grow stronger. If this happens, they may become resistant to the antibiotics.

If you have multiple cats in your household, then you'll especially need to be careful with feline chlamydia. It can easily be transmitted to other cats. Keep infected cats in seclusion. Disinfect bedding, food dishes, and other places that can harbor the bacteria. Also, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you touch the infected cat so that you don't spread it to your other felines.

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Cat from Tagliacozzo {Italy}

Cat from Tagliacozzo

Traveling cat spotted in Tagliacozzo, Italy.
Source: Encore! Life
 
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Animal clinics in June


Cat having operation


As mentioned before, about once a year Gili Eco Trust (GET) and Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) organize a big animal clinic event here at Gili Trawangan. Clinics are for horses and cats, and are free. The locals are even paid if they bring cats to the clinic: 10 000 rupiah per cat, just to encourage them to take part of the good work being done.

There are also cows and chickens and goats, the other "domestic" animals we have here, but the problems seem to be mainly with cats and horses.


Cidomo, the taxi of the island
We don't have any motorbikes or cars on the island. The main way to transport tourists, as well as everything else that arrives to the islands, are horse carts. The horses look well enough, in general, but there are problems too. The main road that goes around the island is now mostly paved so horses need good shoes. Some horses don't get fresh water to drink, they work long days in this hot climate, and sometimes they are made to carry extremely heavy loads. And I am not talking about heavy tourists now, the taxi horses (called "cidomos") seem to have a fairly easy job, although sometimes there are way too many people travelling with one cidomo. But take a look at the working horses, that are taking for example building materials from the harbour, and way too often you can see the horse suffering under the heavy load. The job needs to be done, and nothing else matters, it seems.
 

And the cats! They mainly have an easy life, no-one is making them to work for food, but the breeding is out of control. Even I - the crazy cat lady - realize there are way too many cats for an island this small. And yes, kittens are the cutest thing on earth, but you kind of start feeling sorry for the feline females, who have no life outside being pregnant and raising babies. And the males cannot think about anything except having sex (hmm... not a feline thing, I know...) and they fight over females and are restless, pee everywhere and make a lot of noise.

So, the animal clinic once a year is a great thing! For one week volunteer vets sterilize (or neuter, spay, whatever the right term is for the operation where cats are made unable to breed, in Finland where I come from we just call it sterilizing) cats and put new shoes to horses and take care of whatever other issues there may be.


This year the clinic was for 6 days in the beginning of June. We had two vets: one from JAAN and one volunteer vet, specialized in horses, from Australia. Horse clinics were mainly during the mornings and cats were treated during the afternoon.

I volunteered at the cat clinics, naturally. Cats I know, about horses: I have no experience with horses, and I'm a bit scared of them, they are so huuuuge, even if they are small.

I spent my days helping the vets at the operating room by preparing the cats for the operation. Other volunteers were catching cats and looking after the cats after the operation, when they were waking up.

Cat clinics were for 5 days and some 40-50 cats were sterilized, and maybe ten more cats that were sick and were not possible to operate, got other treatments, for skin infections, diarrea, whatever there was.



A horse with no balls

I also went to see what's going on with the horses. Manicures were given, as well as new shoes. That was fairly easy looking activity. But when one day I went to see some horses being neutered (meaning: off with the balls!), I must have been like the classic deer in a headlights. Never seen that before, and I can tell you, it required quite a different procedures, and tools, compared to taking balls off from cats! However, Al Simson, the australian vet, he was a real life horse whisperer, and his actions with the huge, huge stallions were totally impressive.

So, it was great to have the clinics here again. But I do wish more cats were operated! A year ago, about 90 cats were sterilized, so twice as much as this year. It's not because there are no more cats, but this year the cats were treated only during the afternoons and only for five days. And as we saw, afternoons are not the best time to go catch cats: it's the hottest time of the day, all cats are somewhere in the shades sleeping! Also, we only had 2 vets, of course they were not able to be in two places at the same time. It would be best to have to teams: one for the horses and one for the cats, so both group could work all day, starting in the morning.

But as this is mainly volunteer and charity work, we are doing the best we can with the resources we got.

Good news is, there may be another clinic coming to the island already this year. People from JAAN have told me there are preliminary plans for October. There's a lot to organize before the clinics can happen, but let's hope everything gets sorted out. 

If you'd like to show support to the Gili horses too, please go and like the Gili Carriage Horse Support -page on Facebook. There's lot of information and pictures, that sometimes show you a different side of the paradise.



After the operation



Another pair of horse balls going off!

Dental care

Manicure and new shoes

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Helpful Advice on Caring for Senior Cats By Darrin Swain

Sooner or later, your beloved cat will start to get old and experience physical changes. This typically occurs between the ages of seven and ten. However, some are fortunate enough to stave off major changes until approximately 12 years old. Whenever the time finally comes though, you will need to make a few changes in how you care for your pet. Keep reading for useful advice on caring for senior cats.

Most owners take their cats to the vet for an annual exam. Older cats need to be seen by the vet more often than their younger counterparts since the risk of problems has increased. It's best to schedule a wellness exam every six months.

You will also need to change what you feed your senior cat somewhat. Seniors who become less active but are still fed the same amount of calories will more than likely become overweight. Obesity is particularly a problem for seniors, so a veterinarian-approved diet would definitely be in order.

When caring for senior cats, always ensure that they always have access to fresh drinking water. Dehydration more easily sets in as cats advance in age. Their organs won't respond very well to chronic dehydration either. The kidneys usually give seniors the most problem, and frequent dehydration certainly won't do these vital organs any good.

Just like with humans, arthritis becomes a problem for older cats. Once arthritis sets in, your cat won't be as physically active as he used to be. Don't be surprised if he stops climbing the stairs or hopping up onto the windowsill. Arthritic cats may even have problems getting into their litter boxes. If you notice yours has an issue with this, you can accommodate him by getting a shorter box or even putting a set of stairs beside it.

Dental care is important for cats of all ages. For older cats, it becomes increasingly important. The risk of developing dental disease only increases with age. This disease can cause enough pain to keep your cat from eating.

Your cat may also lose the energy to keep himself groomed properly. You don't want him to develop a dry or excessively dirty coat. Matting can also become a problem if you have a long-haired breed. You can help your senior cat out by brushing him yourself on a daily basis, or at least a few times each week.

The changes that occur in your senior cat aren't just physical. He may also display mental issues much like elderly humans. He may wander around occasionally or even appear disoriented. Some cats become much more vocal and meow too much for their owner's liking. When caring for senior cats, also keep in mind they may not respond well to changes. Try to keep everything in the household the same as they do best with familiar routines.

There are quite a few diseases that are common in older cats. Hypertension, kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus are among some of the most common. Different types of cancer are also more prevalent for aged cats.

With the increase in risk of these diseases, it's important to monitor your cat closely for changes. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you may want to let a vet give his opinion of it. Examinations conducted twice a year will hopefully catch any diseases early on, which would hopefully make it easier to deal with.

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The major stages in the life of a kitten: how fast your kitten will grow by Niall Kennedy

How to have a child, it can be incredibly rewarding bringing a kitten in your family and watch it grow. It only takes a year to your Kitty cute mature in a cat. It may seem hard to believe, but it will happen quickly. Be prepared is the goal here. So what are the key steps to a young cat?

The first moments

Pups are born blind and are completely dependent on their mother. The first steps involves learning to eat and then growing. Kitten's eyes will open and he will want to explore. At four weeks old, he is playing around shaking with his brothers. At this point, he can begin to learn to use the litter box and should start to become a social animal. In nature, mother of kittens will start to supplement your diet with dead mice and other small enough. But, you may want to give him some soft kitten food or some dry food that is slightly softened with water.

Six weeks

It is now six weeks and he is more than ready to explore the House. If it is indoors, it will move from room to room. A wild kitten will follow his mother when she goes out with the other cats. These cats will still receive his mother mice, but they are not dead. Instead, the kitten has to learn to hunt the animal. Those who are 8 weeks of age will be completely weaned from his mother and are ready to go to a new home.

The next few months

Through a few months, the cats will grow very fast. You need to get them vaccinated at the moment so that they are healthy and strong. They will begin to learn what he has to do to live with their families and learn which behaviors are OK. You can teach your kitten your name as well as some simple commands now. If the cat has long hair, make sure that he used to allowing you to groom him even though the cat's coat needs to be brushed not just yet.

Sometimes, cats suddenly develop a bad attitude. Believe it or not, this is a teenage phase for them. This happens when the cat is a kitten to be a mature cat. Sounds just like children, right? This will happen around 05:55 month and last from may until the cat reaches one year of age. They'll still be playful, but can be swayed to play very aggressively. If your cat is not neutered by six months of age, it will be mature enough to play now. Neutralize the cat will help at this stage of its development go smoother. In six months, the cat looks the way it will look like an adult, even though he can still become greater.

Adulthood

Just like humans, adult cats will continue to go through phases. But, these stages can be easily treated. And, contrary to what the mid life crisis, you can have, the cat is not likely to go out to buy a sports car at this age!

If you take care of your kitten's health as he grows into an adult cat, you will have a rewarding relationship that will bring you great satisfaction and cat.

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Cat from Cairo {Egypt}

Feral cat from Cairo Egypt

Traveling cat spotted in Cairo, Egypt.
Source: Wikimedia
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How to Care For Your Ragdoll Cat By Ava Gilmore

Ragdolls are exceptional animals who demand unique care and consideration. Their characteristic fur, character, and medical needs mean different methods of care. Let?s investigate all of these three things specific to Ragdolls and how to care appropriately for your cat.

Ragdolls have long, soft, rabbit-like fur. As their fur does not mat, the Ragdoll doesn?t need a lot of grooming. However, it?s a good to groom your Ragdoll at least every few days. This alleviates hairballs and aids in bonding.

Many folks think that Ragdolls don?t shed. This is not always true. It actually depends on the specific cat. For example, I have two Ragdolls. One sheds gigantic masses of fur, and the second sheds not one hair. Because it?s hard to know if your cat will shed, it?s a good practice have a vacuum and lint roller ready just in case.

The Ragdoll character can be defined as: respectful, outgoing, perceptive, needy, and passive. Due to these distinctive characteristics, special care should be reserved for Ragdolls.

Due to the their sociable and friendly character, we shouldn?t let these cats outside unless they are supervised. The Ragdoll breed does not grasp self-defense. They probably won?t recognize danger or comprehend the occasion to battle or flea from a risky situation.

The perceptive and needy aspects of the Ragdoll character may present challenges if leaving the cat home a long for a large part of the day. Usually, a couple hours home by alone is the longest time you should leave them alone.

If responsibilities such as work or school have you away from the home for greater than a couple hours, it preferable to adopt another pet to stay home and keep your cat company. Usually, Ragdolls are welcoming of other pets, including dogs.

Generally speaking, there are no health problems associated with the Ragdoll breed. Nevertheless, be aware of the disease called HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a genetic disease found in some Ragdoll lines. Disappointingly, a cure has not been found for HCM and there are no treatment options available. The survival rate is very low. HCM typically claims the life of the Ragdoll when they are still a kitten ? sometimes younger than one year old.

Ragdoll groups have donated tons of money to research and find the HCM gene. In the end it payed off: the Ragdoll HCM gene was isolated.

Now that genetic testing for HCM is available, a good breeder will test the parents for HCM before breeding a cat. If you are breed a Ragdoll, it?s tremendously important to test the cats for the HCM gene. If you want to purchase a Ragdoll, be certain to ask for the medical paperwork indicating that both parents tested negative for the HCM gene.

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Cat from Mugeni {Romania}

Cat from Mugeni Romania

Traveling cat spotted in Mugeni, Romania. 
Source: Road Tripping Europe (the blog of the author of Go East)
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Puppy for sale: look for certain things before you buy! By Kyle Bolton

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Welcome to the Cats Of Gili Blog!


Gili islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - are three small, beautiful islands close to Lombok in Indonesia (about 1,5 hours from Bali with a fastboat). More and more tourists come every year to enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters and relaxed island life.

There are cats everywhere in the islands. Some have homes, some don't, some have a relaxing life as beach bums around the beach restaurants, some prefer the local villages. Cats of Gili Islands have funny tails: short, long, bended, curly... there's no limit to the tail models here! And the cats are born with their weird tails, so no worries: no-one is doing anything to the tails to make them look so strange!

 



Most cats of the islands are healthy and do well, begging food from tourists or even stealing if you look the other way, taking a nap in the shade when the sun is too hot, climbing trees, playing with other cats and chasing small crabs on the beach. But there are problems too: breeding is out of control, and as much as we all love kittens, there are too many. There is cat flu, worms, skin, ear and eye infections, horse carts going too fast and running over cats etc. It's heartbreaking to see sick and hurt cats.

Unfortunately, there is no vet in the island. Sometimes a vet from Lombok comes to visit, and about once a year Gili Eco Trust and Jakarta Animal Aid organize a week long animal clinics, when dozens of cats are being neutered. That is good work, but with hundreds of cats around, it has been impossible to reach every pair of balls and ovaries around! Something needs to be done!

So, cats are around, and they are many! This blog is dedicated to the cats of Gili Islands. There will be stories and photos of the island cats, reports on vet visits and anything else regarding the purring island life.

Whether you live on the islands, or are just visiting, or just love cats: this is a blog for you! And while you're at it, why don't you go to Facebook and like our page there too!



Stay tuned! More stories will follow soon!










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Pet Health - Information Regarding Cat Enteritis By Darrin Swain

Enteritis in cats is a very serious disease. It's often referred to as distemper, which is a disease that dogs commonly get. However, feline enteritis isn't the same. A common other name for the condition is panleukopenia.

This disease normally strikes kittens younger than six months old. However, older cats also have a relatively increased risk of developing it. Older cats may be strong enough to fight off the affliction, but kittens can easily succumb to it.

Feline enteritis is caused by a virus. Wild animals such as cats and raccoons can harbor the highly contagious virus. Infected animals can pass it to your cat by coming into direct contact with him. If your cat comes into contact with nasal or oral secretions, he can get infected too.

Owners should also know that the virus that causes enteritis in cats can also contaminate items such as bedding, litter boxes, and food dishes. Owners can also pass the virus along to their cats because it's capable of contaminating human hands.

After being infected with feline enteritis, your cat may not show any symptoms for up to ten days. Common signs include high fever and loss of appetite. Cats may also vomit frequently, producing yellow-tinted bile in the process. If you touch your cat in the abdominal region, he may cry out in pain. It is also common for cats to have diarrhea and produce stool that also has a yellow color, although it may appear to have blood in it instead.

As mentioned, enteritis in cats is quite serious. That's why it is important that you get your cat checked out and diagnosed with the condition as soon as possible. The chances of your cat surviving a bout with this virus rise considerably the earlier that treatment is started.

There is no way to battle the virus that causes cat enteritis directly. The vet will simply need to provide supportive measures to help your cat make it through the disease. Antibiotics will likely be given to stave off any bacterial infections. IV fluids and nutrition therapy may also be necessary.

It is very easy to prevent enteritis in cats. Simply have your feline vaccinated. The virus can live virtually anywhere in your home, so your kitten would be at risk if left unvaccinated. Using a standard disinfectant won't be enough to kill the virus either.

If your cat survives an episode of feline enteritis, then you should be aware that he will continue to shed the virus for a few weeks. Other cats in the household can easily be infected. The good news is that cats that survive an infection from the virus will be relatively safe from reinfection since their immune system will be boosted.

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Cats from Molyvos {Lesbos}

Cats at the harbour restaurant The Captain's Table in Molyvos

Traveling cats spotted at the harbour restaurant The Captain's Table in Molyvos, Lesbos.
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Homemade Cat Food By Mike Kim

Benefits Of Homemade Cat Food

Making your own cat food at home is a great alternative to commercially available food. First of all, you know what ingredients will be used and it will be a more natural meal compared to pet food, which is usually loaded with preservatives and other nasty fillers. Here is what you need to know about making your own food for your cat.

As carnivores, cats need:

Protein from meat or fish
Fatty acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Taurine

As meat eating animals, cats don't really need carbohydrates such as rice and grains. But a small amount of them in the diet is fine. Carbohydrates can be used as energy and are also cheaper on than meats. .

Taurine is a very important amino acid so make sure your cat gets it in the form of a vitamin.

Usually meats and vegetables are a staple of homemade cat food. Grains are optional. Organ meats can be used as a once in a while treat.

You can use raw lamb, beef, turkey, or chicken. Never use raw pork or fish as these can have parasites. Use meats that have some fat content to them.

To make the meat mixture, mix 1 pounds of the meat, 1 cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of powdered egg shells. After it has been mixed, store it in the freezer.

Now, you need to be careful with vegetables. Never feed your can onions, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. These vegetables can cause health problems for your pet. Cut the vegetables up into small pieces and store them in the refrigerator.

For the grain mixture, you can use oats, rice, flour, etc. Cook the grains so that they are soft and easy to chew on.

When preparing the meal, the mixture should mostly be made of meat. The rest should be made of the vegetables and grains. Aim for a ratio of 3:1. You will want to thaw the mixture with hot water. Wait till the mixture is warm as cats prefer warm food.

You can also add nutritional supplements to the mixture. An adult cat will only need a few spoonfuls of this mixture per day.

A homemade meal will add years to your cat's life.

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Siberian and Neva Masquerade cats By Scott Waldon

Domesticated cats have been in America for many centuries (which are believed to have originated from Britain and Europe), but Siberian, and Siberian "Seal Tabby Point" (Neva Masquerade), an offspring of cross breeding Siberian, Siamese and Birman cats are still rare in America. The Siberian cat has a long history which dates back to the 17th century, living on the tree tops in the dense Siberian forest. Over the centuries this breed adapted to Siberia?s harsh climates which no other breeds could do. Siberians have a triple fur coat; guard hairs, awn hairs, and down, which enabled them to withstand the harsh climates of Siberia. Siberians, and in particular, Siberian Neva Masquerade cats, are known to be one of the most intelligent cats in the world, although they have very humble beginnings. With a long history of survival in the harsh climates of Siberia, these cats have proven their endurance and worth many times over and now have reached championship status with many feline clubs around the world. In the 1930s, Siberians were discovered in the south central area of Russia, living on the streets of Novosibirsk and nearby small towns. Breeding with Siamese and Birman cats (whether naturally, or with man?s interaction) the Siberians offspring is known as a Seal Tabby Point, due to its color. Soon after, this breed was transported to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and announced as a "New Breed" called Neva Masquerade. This name was derived from the nearby Neva River, and the masquerade parties so prevalent among the wealthy people living near the river. My source, and the owner of Cattery is an expert with Siberians who has owned, handled, and bred this breed of feline for more than 40 years in her native Novosibirsk, Russia and is very familiar with Siberian?s and the later arrival of Siberian Neva Masquerade?s. My source also told me that she first begun seeing the Siberian Seal-tabby-point (Neva Masquerade) long before 1993 and it was first born in her home town of Novosibirsk.

The Neva?s traits are pointed coloring (different coloring on their feet, nose and tops of the ears), with much white fur and blue eyes. The origins of the color point is obviously met with some dispute, but as long as proper records have been kept (1980?s), color points are noted to have been produced, although to this day the jury is still out on its true origins.

Siberians take five years to fully mature physically, but keep their kitten-like personalities throughout their life. The first Siberian was imported to America in 1991, and the first "Neva Masquerade" was imported in 1996. Although Neva Masquerades (Seal-tabby-point) where imported later to America and became quite popular with cat fanciers, they are still rare in the United States, and many breeders have waiting lists for their kittens. The Siberian was accepted into TICA (The International Cat Association) New Breed program in 1992 and given championship status in 1996.

In the world of cat show competition, all standards that apply to the Siberian Cat, apply to the Color point (Neva Masquerade) variety, according to TICA. In January 2009, the Neva Masquerade was accepted into the Fife registry (F?d?ration Internationale F?line) as a new breed known as "Siberian Color Point". Siberian cats were accepted for registration by CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) in February 2000 and advanced to championship status in February 2006, although some countries still do not accept color point Siberians as a variety of the Siberian cat breed.

Although Siberians do shed and require regular grooming, the coat is not inclined to mat which makes grooming easier and quicker than most longhaired cats. Siberian and Siberian Neva Masquerade?s, are considered hypoallergenic due to the lower levels of a protein in their system (Fel d 1). Most cats have approximately 63,000 microns while Siberians have a mere 200 microns of this protein in their systems, which is a source of allergies with all cat breeds. Although Siberians are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, its best to spend some time around one before considering adoption.

Neva Masquerade?s, as well as all Siberians, adjust easily to their lifestyle surroundings and make a very good house pet. Siberians are very sociable cats and want to be near their owners. They will usually greet you at the door when you come home, not unlike the family dog. Often described as dog-like, the Siberian is loyal and not shy around guests, they are intelligent animals and quick to learn. Their meow is sweet, and when they come to greet you, they make a unique chirping sound. Many Siberians find water fascinating and like to be around it and watch running water, it?s said that some like to bring their toys and drop them in their water bowls. They also will not only monitor your shower or bath, but possibly join you, too. This affectionate breed makes an ideal lap cat and a wonderful companion who will bring their owner years of happiness, as their lifespan can exceed 16 years. Siberians and Neva Masquerade?s are completely trusting of humans, making it quite a responsibility when placing these kittens in new homes, according to the owner of siberianking.org nursery.

A social breed which loves the company of humans, and enjoys other animals, along with all the other fascinating traits the Neva Masquerade has, let it not go without saying, this breed is so intelligent it learns different languages very fast too. Since the Neva?s of, my sources cattery, are transported directly from the south center of Siberia and then raised in a multi-lingual household, they understand both Russian and English languages, according to this nursery?s owner. She also went on to say that this cat really understands different languages, and not just the tone of a person?s voice. The fact is, she said, is that no matter what tone is used with Neva Masquerades (Siberian Seal-tabby-points), they understand the language and respond better than most dogs.

The following are some fascinating facts about all domestic cats as well as Siberians, which you may not have known:

?Domestic cats can run about 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour.

?The cat's tail is an extension of its backbone, and the flexible tail helps a cat keep its balance and land on its feet when it falls.

?A cat can move each ear independently, and improve its hearing by aiming the cup of its ears in the direction a sound is coming from.

Although domestic cats have lived for centuries in Europe and America. The Siberian Neva Masquerade is still very new and unique to most Americans. From its wonderful personality to its incredible disposition, and dog like attitude, this is one breed that is sure to warm the hearts of cat lovers, and maybe make some Dog lovers (who never thought they would care for cats), into cat fanciers as well.

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Cat from Stockton {Australia}

Cat from Stockton Australia
 
Traveling cat spotted in Stockton, Australia.
 
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Why Do Cats Like To Sleep So Much By Emilija Spirkoska

One thing is for sure: cats know how to sleep. And they sleep a lot. However, so far nobody knows why they sleep so much, but you gotta admit that they are the most adorable creatures when asleep.

As they choose the weirdest place to sleep. Either on top of a dog or in a pot. You name a place and they are there :)

Well, it's a known fact that cats evolved from a long line of hunters and predators and that probably has an effect on their sleeping pattern. Their diet may also play an important role. Since they are on protein rich diet that doesn't take them a lot of time of the day, they have plenty of time to sleep.
And sometimes all they do is sleep, since they don't have things to do. Of course this applies for indoor cats. But there is always something you can find for your cat to do and stay awake and entertained.

While newborn cats, well they sleep most of the time, but believe it or not this actually keeps them safe. As they don't attract attention and by that I mean, they don't attract predators.
As for the cats in the wild, well they are constantly on alert in order to survive.

While indoor cats are sleeping, they are still active and ready to go into action. And you can see that as all cats while sleeping have their ears rotating and as soon as they hear a noise or sense that someone is coming they open their eyes to check out the situation and if safe they go back to sleep again.

And as I've already said at the beginning cats sleep basically anywhere. At the table, on a top of a piano, on the edge, anywhere.
As long as it safe and comfortable enough for it to stretch that body. :) For example when it's cold it tries to find a shaded place where it can stretch out. While during the cool winter days a cat will try to find a place warm enough, like warm sunshine or next to a heat source.

Another interesting fact is that cats like to sleep in their owners' beds. And people who use this method actually benefit from it, as it strengthens the human-feline bond and let's not forget all the warmth and the comfort your cat gives you.

And one last thing. Cats dream, too. But, unfortunately for now we can only guess what they dream about.

By Emilija Spirkoska

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Finding the best cat food for your kitty does not have to be high-priced. By Aaron Drenckpohl

Being aware of what is better for your pet's diet is always an intriguing dilemma to answer because there are countless selections to choose from. For starters I am going to inform you what cat food is produced from. And I'm talking about the one that comes processed or bagged and that you can buy just about at any food store.

The dry and wet foods are basically leftovers of meats from local butchers and supermarkets once they have obtained the "high grade" sections from the animals. Such as, beef, poultry, turkey and pork. These remains of meat, unwanted fat plus bones will be taken to companies that make cat food like Purina, Procter and Gamble, Whiskas and many others. They will buy this kind of cheap"meat" and process it through degrading it by temperature, pressurizing it and also by incorporating several substances to it. After they develop this type of paste they'll add the chemicals as well as vitamins and minerals that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requires them to contain in the final product to meet up with specific quality standard.

Then depending on what type of presentation the end product is going to be they either extract or include water to it. When it's destined to be bagged then they will get it dry and in case it's going canned or maybe in pouches they may need to add some moisture content to it.

The prevalent denominator of these food products is definitely the content of proteins, fibers, fats and taurine. The next thing will be incorporating the corresponding vitamins and minerals depending about what the specific health condition is going to be. As an example, if your cat has hairball issue then the food will contain a bit more of crude fiber in it. Another example would be food targeted for healthy bones and teeth, which just like in human beings, calcium is an essential part for keeping them strong as well as healthy.

Just like the couple of targeted health problems I mentioned you could find many more such as bad breath, healthy joints, food allergies, weight loss, etc. A few brands will incorporate Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids which will help protect against disorders like high-cholesterol, renal system condition and also allergies. Although these kinds of acids are not required by the AAFCO I find them to be very helpful for your pet's healthy live style.

To conclude, the best cat food could be just about any brand name at the nearest market. It does not necessarily must be the highly-priced famous brands in order to be looked at good. Basically look at the proteins and fibers contents particularly and your cat should be fine. This is applicable with regard to already healthful adult cats. Should you have indoor cats simply get them the indoor cats formula because it is made up of grains and greens which will help them with their digestive system minimizing hairballs. In case your cat has some sort of distinct health problem simply grab the food intended for this. In general all brands contain the same recipe they simply have various brands and displays.Thus for my part there's not a best cat food brand particularly, it's much more about the content.

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Lure Your Cat to Drink More Water through Pet Drinking Fountain By Joshua Valentine

Majority of pet owners can prove to the fact that cats are particular. They will only eat specific kinds of food out of a certain type of bowl. What many individuals don't know is that this rule applies to water as well. Generally, cats do not drink enough water and this can lead to different health problems, but these problems can be prevented simply by observing the likes and dislikes of a cat with regards to water preferences. To lure a cat to drink more water takes some trial and error, but as soon as the perfect combination is found, a pet owner should have no problem with their cat remaining hydrated. A cat is one that prefers moving water. It must be an instinct from the wild to desire moving water as opposed to stagnant, but lots of cat owners report their cats will only drink running water.

To check the cats' preference, just turn on a faucet part way (high water pressure will most likely scare the poor thing) and situate the cat next to the sink. There is a good chance the cat will examine it cautiously at first and then start to drink. If the cat likes this, it will be obvious when they begin jumping up to the faucet and trying to drink without the water running. If they do indeed seem to like getting their water this way, a pet drinking fountain may be bought to facilitate this.

Cat dehydration can be caused by lots of different factors from lack of available drinking water to illness. It's very important to make sure a cat doesn't become dehydrated, particularly for those cats afflicted by diabetes or renal failure, as those two illnesses in particular cause increased urination which in turn causes increased chance for dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are constipation, exhaustion, dry mouth, sunken eyes, increased heart rate, poor skin elasticity, and poor capillary refill time. Pet drinking fountains for cats aren't just convenient for yourself as the dog owner, however they is certainly a real difference maker to keep your cat healthy. On the whole, cats love water, which is what the family pet fountain provides for their life. Some may just wallow in it and check out it for a little bit, or some may stick their paw on the water and spend playtime with it. But then they will probable realize this really is their water source, and they'll start drinking from your fountain.

If you've been among those pet owners that run around the house turning faucets on in order that they drip with your cat can drink their particular, you will need to stop doing that. Allowing your cat drink from sinks is an efficient way of getting him to give up drinking from his bowl. That is surely how to have this mess, it will truly harm your pet?s health if he doesn't drink; this means you need to stop getting this done. How things go about for anyone who is eventful with work or leave completely for a holiday? What happens if the one that is watching your pets isn't going to bypass and switch on water faucets? Your cats aren?t going to be getting enough water and also can frequently mean urinary tract, live, and kidney problems. That can be solved along with a pet drinking fountain. Eliminate walking around the house turning faucets on and off.

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Buy Your Cat Supplies Online By Joe Snyder

Best Items and Cat Supplies Online

It is always a celebration whenever a new kitten or cat is brought to a fresh home. Knowing this, it is then important to be prepared with all the necessary supplies that you think the pet might require before it arrives, instead of shopping after the animal has entered your house. Here are the most basic and necessary tools that you might want to look for the next time you drop by the pet store, or when you look at some cat supplies online.

Tools for Litter
These boxes are essential for holding all your kitten's litters, from droppings to the cat's war trophies and toys from outside the house. These tools must be washed and replenished with sand regularly, and your cleaning utensils should include a disinfectant and a litter scoop.

Cat Tree/Scratching Post
It is natural for cats to scratch, and so it is not right for you to have your pet de-clawed to stop them from playing with your furniture. It is best that you buy your feline a scratching post to help it both exercise its muscles and polish its claws. You will find a variety of these essentials in nearby pet shops and retailers of cat supplies online.

Food and water bowls
Some of these are made from plastic and metal, while others are built to automatically replenish the animal's food supply according to the schedule that you've set. There are even pottery bowls, which are sturdy and can be heated inside the microwave. You can also find drinking fountains that are constructed to accommodate the weight and size of the cats.

Cat Food
You have to provide your cat with adequate amounts of fresh food and water every day at a given time. You should try to purchase those that are branded, since they are the safest among your other choices, which may include leftovers or even dog chow. You should also consider the age of your kitten when picking a good diet for your animal, as young animals tend to have more sensitive stomachs.

Carriers
This is used when taking your cat outside, especially to the vet or to a long vacation away from home. Remember to consider the case's durability and construction whenever picking one for your cat. Both factors will ensure that your pet stays safe inside the carrier.

Toys
Your bundle of fluff will need a range of toys to keep it happy and healthy. You can start supplying your pet with these by visiting a nearby supply store to look for toy mice, cat nip, and the like.

Beds
Cat beds may seem to be one of the luxuries among the many tools you see when checking out cat supplies online, but these mattresses are actually very important since cats, especially kittens, love to snuggle. Cheap cat beds, such as an old blanket or a throw pillow, will do. What's important is that the bed will be cozy enough for your pet.

Worming/Flea Control Products
There are many products to get rid of fleas and ticks inside markets, but it is best to listen to your veterinarian because these products can be dangerous, especially when your cat becomes too exposed to the chemicals, or if it accidentally licks some of the substance.

Grooming Products
These products are totally optional if your cat has short fur, but it also pays to spend time with your kitten. Remember, these felines like it when they are pampered.

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Cat from Santiago {Chile}

La pérgola de las flores Santiago

Traveling cat spotted in La Pérgola de las flores, a famous 24-hour flower market in Santiago, Chile.
Source: Jaunted
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Cat Is Walking in Circles and Acting Disoriented

Cat Is Walking in Circles and Acting Disoriented

When a cat is walking in circles and acting disoriented, it can have several different causes. The reasons can range from physical trauma and tumors to a variety of health disorders. Most of the time, this type of behavior can be life threatening and calls for immediate action.

Meningioma -- Brain Tumor

    Meningioma refers to a growth on the outside tissue lining the brain that grows from the outside in and puts pressure on the brain. This type of tumor is not cancerous, but it can severely affect a cat's nervous system and body functions related to it. Growing skull pressure can lead to inflamed brain tissue and swelling, which leaves permanent damage to the nerves. Lethargy and change in behavior are the most common symptoms in cats. The cat may walk in circles, drag her toes, act as if she was drunk and even turn blind. The medication prednisone relieves brain swelling. Phenobarbital and potassium bromide help with seizures. If diagnosed early, the tumor can be removed fairly easily. If left alone, the condition is fatal.

Infectious Peritonitis -- Infection of the Brain

    The feline coronavirus is responsible for a condition called feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP. While it is present in most cats, the virus can transform into a fatal strain, which results in this illness. It is spread through feces and oral ingestion. In the beginning, the symptoms are rather inconclusive. They include lethargic behavior, indifference to food, inflammation of eyes, nervous problems, wavering walk and shivering. There is a so-called "wet" occurrence of FIP with an accumulation of yellowish liquid in the lower stomach and lungs. The dry kind is less apparent. The infection usually gets continuously worse and results in death. There is no cure as of the time of publication.

Hypoglycemia and Feline Diabetes

    Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low-blood sugar levels. It often arises with cats that have feline diabetes. Low-blood sugar can occur if the cat has been injected with too much insulin or if the cat received the incorrect amount. Your cat also could have consumed too little food or thrown it up. Excessive exercise also may have caused the blood sugar level to drop. Hypoglycemia can show itself in its mild form with an unexpected high appetite, shaking, weakness or apathy. You should be more concerned if the cat gets disoriented, acts intoxicated, walks in circles, shows vision problems or runs into objects. She may move her head around, meow a lot more than usual, behave uneasily or get aggressive. In the worst case, the cat may twitch, go into a seizure and become unconscious.

Otitis Interna -- Inner Ear Infection

    When a cat starts walking in circles, she could have an infection of the inner ear. It can affect your feline friend's balance and make her tilt her head to the side, stumble around as if she was drunk or topple over. Otitis can occur with signs of loss of hearing, pain, rapid side-to-side movements of the eyes and discharge from the ear. Some of the many reasons for this ailment can be microorganisms, bugs, trauma to the head and growths. An inner ear infection usually develops from a middle ear infection.

Drug Side Effects or Contraindications

    Some antibiotic drugs can be the cause of your cat walking in circles or acting disoriented. Gentamicin and metronidazole, which are antibiotic medications, can cause harm to the inner ear and affect balance. Antibacterial ear-cleaning products containing substances, such as iodine and chlorhexidine, have a similar effect and could result in deafness if ear drum damage is already present.

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Remedies for your cat Dylan Turner

This article will tell you about some common health problems for cats. He goes to the remedies for them and how these can happen. There are many cat lovers out there, and we need to come together on these issues, so that all our cats can be a healthy cat. I know that most of us do not want to risk and will take you only our cats to the vet. But why have a vet Bill that it is not necessary? The common health problems that I have seen are: Hairballs, fleas, worms, diarrhea constipation & so far.

I know we all love our cats and why not? They are a great comfort to have around, just stroking purr n. and of course the great hunters are, not so good when they want to give back and give us something that called me but it still shows that they care a lot! Now we being cat lovers we are, we can usually tell when there is something wrong with our cats. But this is not always the case, sometimes will try and hide the fact that they are in pain. I know it sounds strange, but they do it because of the instinct, are predators.

Then you may be saying no my cat is not under any one of the common health problems: Hairballs, not much to fear if your cat has once and a while, but if they have more than them, they may need some remedies as to style. Fleas, which are very common and sometimes unnoticed, easy way to discover that use a flea comb. Now worms, sometimes hard to find, the more common in cats are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Now there are products out there to help remedy these, or even to help fight against them in the first place.

I know that the next two problems are not a very nice thing to say, but being a cat lover, you will do something to you four legged feline friend. Diarrhea is not good when you need to clean it once you cat could not make it to the litter box. Then again, there are products that you can begin to help solve this problem. And constipation, totally the opposite of diarrhea, but it could be a sign of worms or something simple as your diet.

To learn more about these common health problems for cats and the remedies for them, see below. Like I said we all cat lovers should get together and watch out for these problems. Keep checking the site, I was told that they are added to a few more problems and remedies there soon!

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Natural Herbs to Calm Aggression in a Cat

Natural Herbs to Calm Aggression in a Cat

Aggression in cats can be caused by stress, anxiety, jealousy and other external factors. The first step to solving aggression should always be a look at external factors that can be changed or adjusted. Following these changes, natural herbs may offer calming solutions. Like any medication, herbal treatments have side effects. Always consult your vet before giving your cat any type of medical therapy.

Skullcap

    American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is an herb that soothes the nervous system by introducing anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic agents into the system. This reduces stress and excitability, two of the main causes of aggression in animals. Skullcap has a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and other herbal therapies as a relaxant. It should not be confused with Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) which is a different herb used to treat other ailments, such as allergies and headaches.

Chamomile

    Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is an herb well known for its calming properties, widely used in teas for human consumption. It may also be effective for irritable or excitable cats. It is a common ingredient in many manufactured natural pet remedies, including shampoos and cleansers, since even its scent may produce a calming effect.

Belladonna

    Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.)--sometimes called "deadly nightshade"--is a potent herb, as its common nickname would imply. The herb contains active ingredients that have antispasmodic properties, thereby reducing heart rate and promoting relaxation.

Manufactured Herbal Remedies

    Some holistic pet health companies manufacture products to correct behavior problems in cats and dogs. Feliway is a synthetic product that replicates a feline pheromone. Using the Feliway spray, you can mark an environment as safe, reducing stress in a new or changed environment. PetAlive Aggression formula is an oral medicine containing Skullcap, Chamomile, Belladonna and other natural ingredients. It promotes calm and reduces aggression.

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Internal & External Parasites

Internal & External Parasites

Parasites are organisms that depend on the energy of a host to survive. Some parasites feed off of the substance of the host itself, draining blood and nutrients away for its own purposes. Other parasites absorb some of the food that the host itself eats. Parasites can spread disease and cause many health problems among pets and humans.

External Parasites

    External parasites are almost always blood feeders, drawing on the host's blood to survive. External parasites almost always feed for relatively short times, taking what they need and then moving on. Some stay with a single host for long periods of time, and some smaller external parasites attempt to live on a host permanently.

Lice, Ticks and Others

    Lice are one of the more annoying external parasites, because they do not move on, nesting instead in the hair of the host and laying eggs there. Ticks are also annoying, since they tend to stay with a host as long as possible and can spread very dangerous diseases, such as Lyme Disease. Other external parasites, such as fleas, try to stay with a host but can also migrate when necessary. Others, such as flies and gnats, move on quickly but can still spread disease.

Internal Parasites

    Internal parasites generally stay with their host longer than external parasites. The life cycle of the internal parasite requires that they spend at least some time in a host's body, before moving on or dying. Some internal parasites stay within a host for most of their lives. Many prefer a certain tissue to live in, such as the digestive system or the vascular system.

Heartworms, Tapeworm And Other Internal Parasites

    Heartworms are one of the many types of internal parasites that use external parasites to move between hosts, traveling via mosquitoes. They mature and live in the heart, where they can plug up arteries at adult size. Tapeworms are more common and can grow up to 1 to 2 feet long in the small intestine. They are passed by fleas. Hookworms and roundworms also travel in similar methods and can replicate quickly throughout the body.

Prevention/Solution

    Usually, the best way to prevent internal parasites is to prevent external parasites. Sprays can help ward away some pests, and for pets certain topical treatments will kill ticks and fleas over a long time. Good hygiene is the best method for avoiding contamination by either type of parasites. Keeping skin and hair clean is very important, and cleaning up any waste material will prevent many types of parasites from spreading.

Treatments

    External parasites can be difficult to treat because of their transient nature. Shearing and topical ointments are the most common treatments. Internal parasites are treated using chemical compounds, usually in pill form, that kill off the parasites without harming the host. The body then takes care of the dead organism on its own.

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How to Get My Cat to Stop Crying

How to Get My Cat to Stop Crying

Does your cat cry more than he sleeps? Many times cats will meow or cry excessively for a variety of reasons. As an owner, you may even encourage this type of behavior. Many cats find that crying gets their owners to have a specific reaction. They may also cry as a sign of discomfort or pain, or even cry from sexual tension if they have not been neutered or spayed. If you want your cat to stop meowing, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Instructions

Understand Your Crying Cat

    1

    Know that a change in environment may cause your cat stress. Your cat may have an unreasonable amount of meowing as a type of reaction to this change. It is important to understand that your cat may need time to adjust to any new environment. To help this process, make sure some of his toys and other familiar items are available to help ease the transition.

    2

    Review the circumstances around the cat just before the excessive meowing. If your cat is trying to get something from you, she may have learned that meowing excessively gets a reaction from you, such as feeding her or cleaning her litter box. Many times this is a reward to the cat and, therefore, you must no longer reward her for the excessive crying.

    3

    Check to see if your cat is lonely. A lonely cat is looking for affection and attention, and usually find it by crying a lot. You can curb the crying by spending more time with your cat or even getting another cat that will keep the lonely kitty company when you are not around.

    4

    Make sure that you check the litter box to assure it is clean. Most cats are very clean in nature and do not like to do their business in an excessively dirty litter box. She may cry until you clean the box to her satisfaction.

    5

    Keep your cat in another area of your home if he is waking you up with his early morning meowing. By doing this, you are helping your cat to readjust to your time schedule. Try to feed him each day at a designated time, since most cats like routine. Make the feeding time on your terms and not the cat's.

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A Hairball Home Remedy

A Hairball Home Remedy

Cats, known for their finicky bathing habits, may swallow loose hair as they lick themselves clean. Usually, the hair passes easily through the cat's digestive system but occasionally it clumps, forming an hairball. When this occurs, the cat may try to vomit up the hairball. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats," this is not a serious condition, but if your cat suffers from chronic hairballs, a home remedy may offer some relief.

Lubrication

    Lubrication is commonly used to help a cat pass an hairball. Commercial products are available in pet supply stores, but you can try a bit of petroleum jelly. Dab a 1/4 tsp. on the roof of your cat's mouth, just behind its teeth. The cat will lick it off and swallow. Alternately, place the petroleum jelly on the front of its paw if you can't open its mouth. Most cats will lick the paw just to remove the offending substance.

    Butter may be an effective substitute for petroleum jelly and most cats enjoy the taste. Offer the cat up to 1 tsp. of butter daily for a week. Butter also acts as a mild laxative, encouraging the cat to pass the hairball.

Prevention

    Alter your cat's diet and address its grooming needs to reduce future problems. Increase the cat's daily intake of dietary fiber. Check the nutrition label on its food and switch to a brand with more fiber.

    Brush the cat frequently, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons. A small, slicker brush found in pet supply stores will gently remove the loose hair before the cat can swallow it. Follow up with a quick wipe-down using a damp rag to remove hairs the slicker may have missed.

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Diseases You Can Catch From Your Cat

Diseases You Can Catch From Your Cat

Cats make excellent pets. But before you make these cuddly guys a part of the family, it is very important that you take your cat to the vet. This is important to make sure he is healthy and he has all his shots. An unhealthy cat can cause diseases in people. This does not mean that the one vet visit will eliminate all diseases, but it is a very crucial step. Here are several diseases that you can get from your cat.

Rabies

    Rabies is caused by the rabies virus. Your cat can give this to you if he is not vaccinated against it, which is why it is critical that you take all your pets to get their shots. Symptoms of rabies in your cat include heavy slobbering or staggered walking. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to show signs of being infected. Symptoms in people include headache, fever, agitation, confusion or sleepiness. Rabies can be deadly. If an animal bites you and it does not have a rabies shot, it is important that you see a doctor immediately.

Dipylidium Caninum

    The common name for this is tapeworm. Your pet may have gotten this by cleaning itself and swallowing an infected flea. People get it the same way. People become infected with this when they mistakenly eat a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae. These are easy to detect in your pet because they can sometimes be seen crawling near their anus or in fresh stool. The best way to prevent this is to control fleas. Symptoms in people are almost the same: your stool will contain proglottids, or your anus will have them stuck to it. Proglottids look like grains of rice. If you think you are infected, call your doctor.

Cat Scratch Disease

    This is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae. Forty percent of cats carry this bacteria at some point in their lives. They usually don't show any signs of illness, so it's nearly impossible to tell which cat has it or does not have it. Most people get this by being bit or scratched by a cat. When people are infected by this, their lymph nodes may get swollen. They may experience headache, fatigue, fever and a loss of appetite. To lower your chances of getting this disease, avoid rough play with cats. Also, if you are bit or scratched, wash the area immediately. If you do develop an infection where you were bit, contact your doctor.

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How to Control Dandruff on a Cat

How to Control Dandruff on a Cat

Feline dandruff poses a particular problem for pet owners as it can cause human allergies related to the protein shed in the cat's dead skin cells. Usually the result of an allergic skin problem, seasonal changes or a dry environment, dandruff shows more visibly in black-coated cats, but can still be seen in all breeds and colors. When the cat is fat or obese, dandruff develops in the body areas the cat is unable to groom. For allergy sufferers, controlling your cat's dandruff can prevent misery for both you and your pet.

Instructions

    1

    Brush your cat daily. Brushing eliminates loose hair and dead skin cells, and stimulates the skin to grow new cells. It also distributes the cat's natural skin oils throughout the hair and body.

    2

    Bathe your cat using a mild, moisturizing baby shampoo. Bathing reduces the amount of dandruff and puts water back into the skin. If bathing is not an option, use a damp cloth or moisturizing baby wipe to cleanse your cat's skin.

    3

    Rub a moisturizer specially formulated for felines into your pet's skin to prevent drying and flaking. Your cat may need this extra attention during cold and dry weather because the excessive itching associated with dry skin can cause your pet to develop scratch sores.

    4

    Place a humidifier in the room where your cat feels most comfortable. During cold weather, the heat in your house can dry out the inside air and dehydrate your pet's skin.

    5

    Change your cat's food to include fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids in amounts recommended by your veterinarian. These supplements promote healthy skin by encouraging the secretion of skin oils. Feed your cat wet food instead of dry to provide your pet with an extra supply of water.

    6

    Ensure that your pet always has access to a fresh water supply to prevent dehydration.

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Feline Heart Disease Symptoms

Feline Heart Disease Symptoms

When cats get heart problems, it is because they were born with a heart disease. Unlike people or dogs, cats do not get coronary heart disease. Some cats can go for years without showing any symptoms of heart disease and some show symptoms within days of being born. The early symptoms are hard to see. But even in later stages, cats can still be successfully treated.

Loss of Appetite

    Any sudden change of appetite in a cat should signal that they need to go to the vet. If a cat rejects even favorite treats for more than a couple of days, this can be a sign of heart disease.

Weight Loss

    Along with the loss of appetite, the cat will also lose weight. Since cats only average 12 pounds, even the loss of one pound is significant.

Labored Breathing

    The cat should not be panting breathing heavily when they haven't done any exercise. This is a sign that the disease is progressing.

Fatigue

    Because the heart is not working properly, the cat is not getting the oxygen it needs for energy, As a result, the cat will seem tired all of the time and disinterested in life.

Misconceptions

    A chronic cough does not mean that a cat has heart disease, although they should still see a vet. A chronic cough in dogs, however, can mean heart disease.

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Five Tips for Selecting the Best Cat Tree

One of the excellent ways to satisfy your cat's curiosity and keep in shape is to make her use a tree. Since there are many such trees offered in the marketplace, you should spend enough time in knowing few things before purchasing one for your beloved pet. Many pets need enough amount of stimulation so as to prevent them from getting bored, and trees are definitely one among best furniture that will keep your active through the day. But before making decision which is best for your feline friend you should consider some things.

Safety Matters a Lot!

It should be the very first thing that you need to consider, when shopping for a tree. Not only should you provide safety for your cat, but also for you or anyone who comes close to that tree. owner should know what their cats can do, and if there are risky areas in your home, the pets are going to explore it for sure.

The manufacturer is responsible for making a well-constructed tree, but the owners are equally responsible for making good judgment in terms of selection. Ensure that the design of the does not compromise on safety. Some of them could be made of cheap materials and could collapse under the weight of your pet. You may also want to buy a tree, which will not trip over when your takes a flying leap, lands on side or top of the tree. The lighter and smaller trees are not the best option if you have big or heavy cats at home. Check the stability of the before making the purchase. Some of the manufacturers use toxic chemicals, glues, and dyes in the making process, and it is strictly not recommended to go for such ones.

Accessibility

Ensure that the kitty you intend to buy is accessible to your or kitty. Cats should be able to climb the in all kinds of situations. You pets many be overweight, old, have health problems, or declawed. If you've bigger cats, take trees that can accommodate properly. The cats should be able to get down or up the very easily.

Durability

Some of the trees at local stores are made with cheap materials, so stability should always be checked. Many use cardboard as the main support, which is not that safe, especially when the is climbing the tree.

Don't Overlook the Visual Appeal

The not only should appeal to your pet, but it should also be great addition to your home decors. If you've spent $2000 on a new sofa or furniture, you wouldn't of course want to see ugly placed in the middle of living room. So, make it a point to pick something that complements your furniture, design, and style of the room.

Price

It is not about buying some cheap or expensive kitty tree, but purchasing something that offers great value for money. Have some budget in your mind and buy a that will satisfy both you and your cat.

Keeping all these things in mind, now you can choose a secure, well-balanced, and stable tree, and keep your pets happy.

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Why Do Cats Get Bladder Infections in the Spring?

Why Do Cats Get Bladder Infections in the Spring?

Cats experience a variety of infections of the urinary tract and bladder, the causes and symptoms of which vary. In order to treat a feline bladder infection, recognition of the symptoms is of paramount importance. In addition to physical symptoms, some cats are more likely to develop bladder infections in the spring.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

    There are some telltale signs that a cat has a urinary tract problem, including crying when urinating, an otherwise litter-trained cat urinating outside the litter box, blood in the urine, being more thirsty than usual and visibly straining during urination.

    Diagnosis of feline urinary tract infections is carried out by a veterinarian. Do not delay in having your cat checked by a vet if you suspect a bladder infection, as untreated infections can lead to complications and compromise the cat's kidney function.

Treatment

    Treatment is typically with a course of antibiotics, administered to the cat over a period of days. Other treatments may be prescribed by a veterinarian.

    To help prevent future infections, keep your cat well hydrated and fed on a good quality diet, and ensure that the litter box is kept scrupulously clean.

Dehydration

    Dehydration is one of the causes of feline bladder infections, and may explain why cats can be more prone to such infections in the springtime. As temperatures rise in the spring, and cats spend more time being active outside, the cat's water consumption may not increase sufficiently to avoid dehydration.

Stress

    Stress is another cause for cats developing urinary tract infections. Spring is a common time of year for renters and homeowners to make residential moves, and moving is a stressful time for most cats. This could be another reason why cats' bladder infections seem more prevalent in springtime, as stress levels increase with new homes and unfamiliar litter-box locations.

Mud Season

    Particularly for cats who have had urinary infections--and are therefore more prone to future infections of this type--cleanliness is very important in preventing infections from developing. Springtime is a muddy time of year in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere and, therefore, the cat's environment may be increasingly muddy or dirty, heightening the risk of a bladder infection.

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How 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!

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How to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained

How to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained

Indoor cats do not have the same opportunities for fun as outdoor cats. They can not climb trees, run for miles, chase birds and stalk squirrels. Just because they don't have access to this stimulation, does not mean they don't crave it. An indoor cat can be treated to similar opportunities if the right adjustments are made to his environment.

Instructions

    1

    Grow cat grass for your cats to eat. Cats need cat grass to help their digestive systems. Keep some in the house growing in a small planter. Do not leave the grass outside where it can be exposed to stray cats and fleas.

    2

    Hide cat treats around your house. Cats enjoy hunting and have a tremendous sense of smell. Hiding dry cat treats around the house allows them to hunt and problem solve. Only hide them in safe places, and not near any household chemicals.

    3

    Buy toys for your cats and play with them. Some cats enjoy mice on strings or remote control operated mice to chase. Others like balls and feathers. Buy a variety of toys and see which toys your cats respond to. Play with them at least twice a day for 10 minutes.

    4

    Buy a kitty condo. Kitty condos are free-standing constructions that are about 6-feet tall. They are covered in carpet and can provide the same exercise and stimulation as a tree. They offer places to hide, places to sleep, and some have balls to play with attached.

    5

    Give the cats shelves to climb and walk on. These shelves will provide great exercise for your cats. Affix the shelves to the wall using the manufacturer's instructions. Shelves should be about 6-inches deep and 12-inches wide. Stagger the shelves so they can get from one to another. Do not put anything breakable or that could hurt the cats on the shelves. If possible, leave the shelves free of objects.

    6

    Provide sunny places to sleep. Install shelves underneath at least 2 windows in your home. The shelves should be large enough for your cats to comfortably sleep on.

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Do You Really Need An Outside Events Caterer?

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Cat Food for Renal Failure Treatment

Cat Food for Renal Failure Treatment

Renal failure in a cat is the loss of function of the animal's kidneys and the ability to remove toxins from the blood stream. Because the amount of toxins and other materials in the blood stream is effected by the diet, careful feeding can help keep a cat with renal failure functioning.

Cat Foods

    Feed your cat a high-quality low-protein, low-phosphorous cat food. The lower the protein level, the less stress will be put on the cat's kidney.

Other Foods

    Human baby food can be substituted for cat food in extreme cases. Juice from canned cat food can be added to the baby food to increase palatability for your cat.

Force Feeding

    If your cat has lost considerable weight and has no appetite, consider mixing high-quality low-protein food and water in a syringe and forcing the mixture into his mouth. Be careful to give only as much as he can swallow, so he won't choke.

General Diet

    Feeding her a high-quality cat food diet featuring low protein and low phosphorous levels is the best way to promote the general health of your cat as well as good kidney function. Canned cat food includes moisture needed for digestive and kidney function.

Foods to Avoid

    Onions and spicy human foods can aggravate kidney problems in cats.

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