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The Pros And Cons Of Flushable Cat Litter

Ned D’Agostino

If you have cats, no doubt you know that keeping the litter box clean is one of the biggest chores you face. And the odor can be a constant problem no matter what you do. To this end, marketers have tried to come up with ways that will make this chore easier. One of these ways is using flushable cat litter.

Flushable litter can be convenient for owners because instead of having to dispose of clumping or other types of litter in waste receptacles, you can simply flush it down the toilet and get rid of smell and mess in one instant. And indeed, this can be a great convenience for many cat owners.

These litters are often also lighter in texture. Typically, the cost is roughly the same as other types of litters in cost per use. They may appear more expensive because of their lighter weight (for example, if regular clumping clay costs 20 cents a pound and the flushing type costs three times that, this looks more expensive, but you should remember that it will weigh less per use and thus can go farther). They can be hard to find as well, but availability of Internet shopping makes this a relatively minor problem, since owners can have it shipped to them if it is not available in their area.

However, you should know that this has its drawbacks as well. One of these is that you exchange contributing to landfill waste with used litter, for water waste and extra sewage. Therefore, it may not be any more environmentally sound than simply disposing of used litter in the trash. Its advantage is that because the soiled mess is flushed instantly, there is usually much less lingering box odor. In addition, some types of litter can be composted once dried stools are removed. This may be the way to have the least environmental impact from your cat’s box.

One other consideration with using flushing versus conventional litter is your cat’s “opinion” of the litter itself. Many cats are so used to the regular texture and feel of clay that they will not use the flushing type. In this case, of course, the most important consideration is whether or not your cat will use the box at all. You should keep careful watch to see if you cat does or does not like the flushable litter.

You may be able to get him or her to use it if you began by mixing a small amount of the flushing litter in with your cat’s regular litter (without flushing this at first, of course, but disposing in the trash as usual) and gradually increasing the amount of flushable litter and decreasing the amount of the clay until you’re using 100% flushable. Even with this type of “break-in” period, some cats never get used to the flushing type and will only stay with tried-and-true clumping variety. However, if your cat does like it, it may be a viable alternative for you.

In short, if you have a cat, your litter box use is going to have at least some environmental impact that will be detrimental. However, flushable cat litter can give you a much “cleaner” way to manage waste than other traditional types. Because they can be flushed and do not have to be thrown away in the trash, it generally makes for much less smell and mess than traditional clays do. The choice is yours, and as always, you should make the best one possible for your lifestyle and preferences. Just remember your cat will likely have the final say.

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klipfiti: Humor & Irony

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Cat Training and Kitten Training – Please Don’t Do This

Dave Cocker

Please don’t do what I hear you say. Well I will explain.

The reason I have felt compelled to write this article is that, as a big fan of the feline, I am staggered by the number of people that have problems training their cats, despite following very good training guides. It just seems to be something built into human nature and something everybody overlooks.

I’m not going to waffle on about general cat training and kitten training methods. There are loads of great books, DVDs and, more recently, downloadable eBooks available from the internet on this subject. All I will say is that, whichever method you prefer, make sure you get hold of ‘good quality’ training materials.

But while you are training your cat, please bear this in mind;

“Do not praise or reward your cat for exhibiting behaviour you don’t want to see”.

While this sounds really obvious, people still do it! Perhaps it’s because cats are notoriously devious in their seemingly endless number of ways of manipulating humans and often catch us off guard. But more likely we just haven’t got this idea fixed strongly enough in our mindset.

Let me illustrate with an example.

You finally make it to bed after a hard day at work and you feel your eyes begin to close. Now guess whose eyes are, at that very moment, starting to do the exact opposite. Cats are naturally nocturnal and, without training, will remain so. Now when your wide awake moggy jumps on your bed, attacks your toes & nuzzles your face, there could be any number of things on its mind. What do you do as a cat loving person in this situation?

Well I’ll tell you what most people will do. They’ll get up and give their adorable pet some food or even treats. Or they’ll stroke their cat lovingly for a few minutes until it ‘seems’ like they might actually leave you alone. Anything to get their cat out of their bedroom in the hope it will give them a good night’s sleep.

So now, what does your cat associate with this behaviour you really don’t want? Getting rewards! If your moggy has this state of mind, don’t even think about resorting to more extreme tactics like locking them out of the bedroom, not if you want any paint left on the door that is.

Cats have to associate unpleasant things, things that bring no satisfaction or benefit to them, with inappropriate actions. It’s the practise of being cruel to be kind. But you don’t have to be really cruel to your cat like throwing it off the bed or shouting at it (unlikely to work anyway). Just ignoring it will soon work wonders! If your cat is particularly persistent, keep something nearby the bed that you can use to remind your cat not to do this in future. How about something your cat really hates the smell of? Or something to make a sound they hate? Or my personal favourite, and much more entertaining, a small water pistol. Now I don’t mean jet-washing your moggy out of the door. I’ve yet to meet one cat that likes even a small amount of water being sprayed onto them. Just a quick squirt and they’ll be off and, very soon, won’t keep coming back expecting anything else. And better still, you can apply these techniques to just about any ‘bad’ behaviour your cats exhibit.

I hope this advice helps some of you out there to enjoy a more ‘co-operative’ relationship with your cats.

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Tips & Tricks

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Is Your Cat Over-Attached Or Under-Dependant?

Kathy Davison

Over-Attached

Of course we all love our cat to show affection, but it can be both irritating and worrying when it follows you everywhere, tripping you up, jumping on your lap the minute you sit down and working itself into a frenzy every time you go shopping.

Cats sometimes become too dependent on their owners if they are kept indoors and then depend on their owners for interest and company.

The eventual answer may be a feline companion but before you introduce another cat make sure you have weaned your cat from its over dependence, or it will feel jealous and resentful and you will be no further on.

You must school your cat to do without you, so don,t let it follow you from room to room. Shut it out of the kitchen when you are preparing meals and out of the study when you are working.. it will probably stand outside the door mewing piteously but you will have to steel yourself.

Don t let it settle on your lap for the evening so that you are pinned to one place.. After a few minutes put it on the floor give it a quick stroke then go and do something else.. the cat should not be made to feel like it is being punished only that it has to get used to periods of separation.

Set aside times when you give the cat a short intense period of cuddling and petting, so that these replace the over -dependence .

Under-Dependence

Some cats seem to be born with a great need for human contact and others are more independent and require far less petting.

Given this basic difference in temperament ,what happens to the kitten in the first few weeks of like is essential to the cats later development.

If it is not handled frequently by humans or if it is treated roughly then it may grow up wary and anti-social, avoiding a stroking hand or stiffening up when held.

You will need to be patient in building up the relationship and let the cat come to you in its own good time.

Feed the cat little and often, holding out the dish and encouraging it to follow you. Either squat down beside the cat when it eats stroking it occasionally and talking to it gently or put the food bowl on a table and sit alongside.

Don t put the cat on your lap but put the catnip mouse there so that it has to climb over you to seize it.

If the cat has a favorite chair make a habit of sitting in it and when the cat decides to join you let it settle with no fuss beyond a quiet word and gentle stroke.

If you cat usually spreads itself out in front of the fire or next to the radiator, try lying down there yourself.

Once you are right down to their level most cats overcome their timidity and begin to give an interested sniff, which invites a friendly overture.

Slowly attachment will grow.
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Getting Pet Dandruff Out of Your Carpet

Enrique Cleanotto

If you are a pet lover, you know the joy of having one. Unfortunately, even pets get dandruff and you need to keep it out of your carpet.

Having a pet can be quite an expensive proposition. Aside from having to care for your pet by feeding it, grooming and regular check ups, there are also other expenses that you might not have thought of.

Keeping your home clean when you have a pet can cost more, and it can also be a matter of health. Many people are allergic to pets of one kind or another, with the most allergenic pets being cats and dogs. Unfortunately, for families that own pets, getting rid of them because of an allergy is not always an option. For this reason, keeping the house clean and free of pet dandruff is essential in having a home that’s happy and healthy for the whole family.

When you have a pet, there is one huge reason for keeping carpets clean – pet dandruff. Pet dandruff is actually dead skin cells that are constantly being shed by animals. All animals have to shed their dead skin cells (yes, humans too!) but these skin flakes can be especially bad in certain species. Cats and dogs (even so-called hairless or short haired breeds) produce large amounts of pet dandruff. When this dandruff comes in contact with a person who is allergic to it, that person can have symptoms such as those from hay fever – runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and even swelling. The only animals that have been found to not have dandruff are those that are completely hairless such as snakes and lizards.

Pet dandruff removal can be one way to cut down a person’s exposure to this allergenic substance. Be sure to always use a vacuum with HEPA filtration (this will cut down on the airborne particles of dandruff that ordinary vacuums throw into the air), and vacuum your home frequently. If possible, remove carpeting from areas where you sleep, like the bedroom, so that you will not be exposed to dandruff overnight.

You can also install HEPA air filters in the rooms of your home where your pet frequents – this way, any airborne dandruff will be removed. Finally, bathe your pet at least once a week to keep the dandruff levels on their skin down. Some people will not be able to keep their pets, even with these modifications, but try these steps before “getting rid” of your pet. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have a more comfortable time with your dog or cat!
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Klipfiti: Humor and  Irony

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Rich cat!

How To Eliminate Your Cat Allergies – No More Sneezing, Wheezing or Itching

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Eva Marklund

Allergies to cats are quite common. The allergic reactions can be immediate, or they can begin to show up gradually over time. Often someone has owned a cat for some time, sometimes even years, before the allergic reactions begin to show. Having to give the cat up at that point may be heartbreaking for everyone involved. Including the cat.

Most often the first recommendation from medical doctors is to relinquish the cat. The past 15 years have seen a whole new “breed” of therapy methods based on the bodies energy system. The methods are generally referred to as “Energy Therapy” “Meridian Therapy” or Energy psychology”.

The major distinction between these therapies and traditional aids or therapies, is that instead of attempting to clear the allergen out of the air using all sorts of filters, specialized vacuums, heap filters, limiting the exposure to the cat, medication etc, is that the energy therapies work on your own energy system so that it can be in harmony with the allergen.

Pretty much in the same way that Chinese medicine views illness as a disruption of the flow of vital life force in your system. Energy Therapies view an allergy as a substance your energy system is not in harmony with and is trying to repel.

It is the repelling of the allergen that causes the allergic reactions. So, here is how you can view it. You feel OK, and then you are in contact with a cat, or breathe air containing the allergen. This causes your energy system to become disrupted. The flow of energy is now disrupted, causing a horde of symptoms, as in all your allergy symptoms. Sounds almost too simple, yes? A disruption in the flow of energy, and it can cause such severe allergic reactions? Yes it can.

The energy therapies, using either acupuncture needles, or simply your fingers, will, by using special acupuncture points balance the system, and the flow of energy, in regards to the offending substance.

To do that, you first need to cause a disruption by simply thinking about cats, and then while connecting certain acupuncture points known for their affect on the brain, your system becomes in harmony with what used to be seen as an allergen. Once your system is in harmony with the car dander, or other allergen, there are no more reactions. Once the intervention is completed, the effects are most often permanent, requiring no re treatment. The person who used to have cat allergies can now interact with cats feeling perfectly OK.

Having to relinquish your cat because you have developed allergies is a painful decision no one should have to make. Today, with modern cutting edge resources available, that decision may be one you will never have to make.
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Brain Teasers

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Diet Tips for a Healthy Cat

Nick Bulka

Most of us know that feeding our cat is not really a chore at all. Dump the food in a big bowl or dish, and the cat will eat when it’s ready. Unlike a dog, cats tend to not overeat and therefore are more easily manageable than most other house pets. However, we need to be careful when assuming that the food that we are feeding our cat, and the manner by which we feed our cat, are the best choices for our cat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy diet for your kitty.

Feed your cat based on their activity. Is your cat an active cat or does it to lay around the house all day waiting for its next meal? If your cat is overweight and not very active at all, leaving a bowl full of food is probably not the best idea. It is at this point that you should begin to manage how much you feed your cat, what you feed your cat, and how often. By taking charge of your cat’s feeding habits, you will be able to increase the life and longevity of your cat by making this simple and easy choice. A simple “Here kitty kitty kitty” will make your overweight and hungry feline run for the bowl to eat your rationed healthy amount of cat food.

Watch the weather! Simply put, the environment in which your animal lives directly affects and influences their energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet’s energy needs and drinking habits. Make sure that on hot days water is readily available and that you feed your cat more canned food then dry. The water content within the canned food will help the cat retain water if it is not able to get to the water dish on a regular basis. If the weather is cold, make sure that you are feeding your cat very nutritional cat food that is not full of filler so that your cat will have more of the necessary nutrients to digest to ensure that it stays healthy.

Cat feeding times. Although discussed previously, there is much more to say about having a specific feeding time for your cat. Not only does this allow you to feed your cat nutritional canned food, you will also know that it will not be left in the open. Preservatives are nice, but let’s not take any chances with the food left out.

Also, by having specific feeding times, this allows you to monitor your cat’s diet by providing the food at regular times. It is a kind of portion-control feeding, however, most cats will simply eat until they have what they need.

Bottom line: keep a bowl full of a regular dry cat food and monitor the intake of canned food to ensure that your cat does not get overweight and is as healthy as it can be.

Buy the best. Though this sounds economically wrong, the truth of the matter is this: cheap cat food usually is cheap because of the added fillers that are put into the food.

As a general rule, cats need a daily regimen of protein found in meat, fish, or poultry. They also need an essential amino acid called Taurine and various other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

If you have looked at a label for cat food, you will notice that wheat, rice, and even corn is used as filler for both canned and dry cat foods. Make sure that the cat food that you choose has the proper amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals and not as much filler. The price of the cat food usually justifies its quality. And, as an added benefit, cats usually only eat as much as their bodies need. Therefore, your cat will probably eat less of the expensive of cat food because it contains more of the nutrients that it needs and not as much filler.

Avoid food addictions. Cats are said to be finicky animals. Whether this is true or not, cats have been known to develop a certain affinity toward particular brands and types of food. This could become a problem, especially if your cat develops a food allergy to certain ingredients and preservatives that may be contained within that cat food.

In order to avoid this, it is recommended that early in a cat’s life that it gets used to having different varieties of cat food and different flavors. This way, the cat is less likely to develop an affinity for a particular brand which may inevitably lead to the cat developing a food allergy because of the lack of variety in its daily diet.

Overall, by avoiding cat food products that have chemical preservatives like BHA, cornmeal, and other carbohydrate fillers, you should be able to maintain your cat’s health at an optimal level.
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Dealing with Unpleasant Cat Odors

Kathrynn Kelley

If you love your cat as well as your home, you will need to deal with the unpleasant task of dealing with cat pee. Few things can make your home as unpleasant as the stink of cat urine. If you want to reside in a relatively stink-free and stain-free home, cat house training is a necessity. Your home will smell and look better. Your cat and guests will also want to thank you for making your home a pleasant one.

For several reasons, which I will explain, cat pee can be very strong. Their urine can be quite concentrated due to the fact that they do not drink a lot of water proportionately to some of the other animals. Because of this stones and ‘sand’ can form in their urinary system causing problems and even dangerous blockages. Because cats can be so finicky about their water they may refuse to drink enough.

Providing free water changed very often and in vessels they like helps dilute the urine and produces cat pee that does not smell quite as strong. Some vets advocate using a little salt in food to encourage cats to drink more water, but always check before doing this. In nature, cats need very strong, smelly urine as part of their natural behaviors to mark out a territory and establish who is the “top cat.”

Cats that are restricted to indoor life may also mark their territory by “spraying”. When spraying, the animal releases cat pee and other glandular secretions that contain malodorous chemicals onto surfaces. Reducing stress and behavioral training can correct this behavior. However, many non-breeders choose to neuter their pets to circumvent the problem. Spraying is not limited to the male gender. Even some female cats will spray.

Assuming the cat isn’t physically or emotionally ill, training is simple. Most kittens are using their box by the time they are a few weeks old. They copy their mother and require little attention from their human owners. However, cats transitioning from outside rovers to inside pets may need a little training to recognize the purpose of the litter box. Adding some attracting herbs or pouring some urine from an accident into the box should help teach the cat. Once the cat is regularly using the box, the training is complete.

Even the best litter can’t contain the smell of cat pee indefinitely. Litter should be scooped immediately and changed periodically. Litter boxes that automatically clean themselves can help. There are also odor absorbing additives in some litter that can reduce the smell of urine. When a cat urinates outside of a litter box many pet owners think this is an accident but it may actually be the cat’s refusal to use a box they deem to be too dirty.

An upset or ill cat may also deposit urine outside of their litter box. Cats can be spiteful and punish their owners for things like moving their items or bringing in another pet to the home. Giving the cat some extra affection may help the situation.

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Klipfiti: Graffitis

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Pet Parade: Pets and home improvements

We had some work done on our old house this fall; nothing major just some caulking, plastering and weatherizing for the winter.

We hired a professional handyman to do the work. I have never done plaster and I’d rather pay and have it done right the first time.

We put the dogs in a downstairs powder room and let the professional fixer-upper have at it. After a couple of hours the bored critters staged a jail break and were instantly upstairs playing with the stranger who was covered in plaster dust.

Damage was minimal — just tracking around broken plaster on the carpet. A good vacuuming with a HEPA filter-equipped sweeper took care of the mess, but it could have been worse.

Home improvement projects can pose a major danger for pets from dogs to birds.

Paints may no longer contain lead but there are other heavy metals, and supplies like nails, bolts, screws, tacks and electrical cords on power tools could harm your pet.

Look for a warning on product labels. If a product can be “Harmful to Children” it most likely also is hazardous to pets.

After helping corral the dogs, the handyman told me some illustrative stories about accidents pets had caused on his jobs. There was a friendly yellow lab that knocked over a full can of white paint on a newly resurfaced driveway, and the cat that bounded though fresh cement, which can be corrosive to skin and can cause intestinal problems.

A lethargic year-old basset hound in Denver was X-rayed and an emergency vet found 32 roofing nails, a rabies tag and siding from the house in her stomach.

“We noticed one evening that she started throwing up, Carla Borck told KMGH-TV. “She wouldn’t lie down, and that’s pretty out of character for her.”

Besides paint, other dangerous home improvement products include solvents, paint thinners, mineral spirits and glue and adhesives, which create potentially deadly fumes and can hurt an animal if ingested.

Betterhardwoods.com, a Web site on flooring, says potential home sellers should remove their pets from the premises when showing a home. That’s also a good idea when doing major renovations.

Last year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center had more than 140,000 cases. The 24/7 center, which opened in 1978, has 30 veterinarians on call at 888-426-4435 and charges a $60 consultation fee.

The ASCPA warns about using rodenticides and insecticides as mice and spiders try to get inside as it gets colder outside. Also keep pets from munching on any mushrooms that may pop up in the yard during damp fall weather.

The pet experts at Purina recommend pet owners try a “pet’s eye view” and get down on their knees to look around and see what a puppy or kitten can get into.

Kitchen garbage should be kept in a pet-proof container until disposed of, so should common household cleaning products like bleach and aerosols as well as home improvement materials.

The Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., tested more than 3,300 flooring and wall covering products for lead, bromine, chlorine, cadmium, arsenic, tin, pththalates and mercury and found many contained toxic chemicals restricted or banned in children’s toys and products, HealthyStuff.org said.

The materials included wood, bamboo, cork, carpet padding, sheet flooring, plastic and ceramic tile, and 11 brands of wallpaper.

The study said children and pets are more vulnerable to dangerous chemicals because they spend more time on the floor than adults.

ThisOldHouse.com advised keeping toilet seats down, especially if you use automatic bowl cleaners.

Kittens and puppies have been known to jump into an open dryer.

Crates are great for protecting curious puppies from hazards and aging pets should be kept on the level ground. You can always provide a ramp for an old dog that’s used to hopping in your easy chair but no longer is so spry.

In our house, baby gates are a godsend. We use three of them at times to limit roaming dogs.

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Steps to Choosing a Dependable Pet Sitter

Denise Doll

Choosing the right pet sitter to care for your animals while you’re away can be a very difficult decision. Reining Cats and Dogs, a Raleigh pet sitter is pleased to provide pet owners with a series of topics to research potential pet sitters to help in the pet sitter interview process. We encourage you to take some time early in the selection process to determine the pet sitter best suited for your situation.

I recommend, whether you choose Reining Cats and Dogs Pet Sitting or not, that you choose a professional pet sitting company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and pet first aid certified so that you and your pets do not have to worry during the time you are away from each other.

• A dependable pet sitter will have set office hours for you to contact them.

• If you leave a message for a pet sitter, all calls should be returned within 24 hrs.

• A good pet sitter will have established fees for their services. Beware of pet sitters who do not publish their fees.

• Make sure your potential new pet sitter is bonded and insured.

• Because emergencies do happen, make sure your potential new pet sitter is certified in pet first aid.

• Quality pet sitters require to meet with you and your pets in advance to get to know one another and go over the service you require.

• Look for a pet sitter that has experience caring for animals. There are a lot of people out there who absolutely love animals. This does not mean they make a great pet sitter.

• Professional pet sitters use service contracts that spell out the services to be performed and the fees for doing so.

• Look for a pet sitter that has a policy in place for emergency medical care.

When you engage the services of a professional Raleigh pet sitter, use this list of topics to help evaluate the pet sitter. This ensures that you can leave your beloved pets with the peace of mind knowing that they will be well cared for.

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No Pets As Gifts

Elyse Grau

Can’t think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving friend or family member? How about a new cat or dog? How about, no way! Pets should be chosen by the recipient, when they are ready to adopt one. Dogs and cats are not objects that can be gift-wrapped, and handed over to someone.

Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong idea about that animal’s worth. While other gifts may be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after the holiday, things are misplaced. It’s fine to buy a dog or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do not tell the child it is a “gift”.

The person you want to give an animal to has to be ready to make a commitment to the care of that animal. The potential new owner should be able to choose the animal that they are going to commit themselves to. An animal is a living, feeling creature, and cannot be abandoned when one gets bored of it. All too often the attraction fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal.

Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not come up with a creative way to help the person with the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For example, you can give any of the necessary and useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner will need.

Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as they may not be refundable. Offer to take your friend to one of these places if transportation is an issue.

Other ideas could include gift certificates to training classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books or videos. If the pet is to be for the family, wrap up a stuffed version, with a card that promises an outing to your local shelter on a date after the holidays.

Unless you are planning a very quiet one, holidays are not the best time to bring a new pet into the home. There is usually a lot of activity in the home, and stress levels may be high. It is difficult to give the pet the attention it needs. There may be more noise and people in the house than usual, which can be stressful and confusing for the animal.

Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal could easily escape. There also may be additional hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and an abundance of food on counters and tables. After the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days with at least one person home all day is the best time to get your new pet. If your new pet is a puppy, it will need to be housebroken. That will be much easier if you can be giving the dog your total attention. You also have a better chance of bonding with your new friend if there aren’t a lot of other distractions for both of you.

Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come will be just as welcome.

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Oh No – Pet to the Vet

Dover Read

Yikes – do you know how much it costs to take your pet to the vet. Lets just say that you should encourage your kids to be come veterinarians because you will be well looked after in your old age.

But for pet owners that don’t have children who are veterinarians, taking your pet to the vet is a concern not only because your pet is unwell, but how much is it going to cost – YIKES.

Pets can be so unpredictable and often without warning pets are involved in an emergency that necessitates a visit to the vet. For those who have the foresight to obtain pet health insurance, then a visit to the vet is less stressful and the less stress that you have to endure in these situations the better. Pet Insurance brings peace of mind.

As an example – a cat that fractures their leg or a dog that swallows a foreign object can cost a pet owner more than $2000.00 in Vets fees and if you pet has the misfortune of needing cancer treatment, this can amount to more than $3500.00 in vets fees.

Often pets are regarded as a member of the family, but are not treated like a full member of the family because their health insurance is ignored.

Pet health insurance usually covers the following items: prescribed medication, X-rays, surgeries, hospitalization, ultrasounds, MRI/CAT scans, homeopathic treatments including acupuncture and chiropractic, chemotherapy, and referrals. Good pet health insurance policies also cover endoscopy for cases of foreign body ingestion requiring surgery, and let’s face it, dogs are especially prone to eating things that they shouldn’t.

Increasingly more companies are not just paying out for emergencies but are also providing coverage for routine expenses such as vaccinations and routine surgery such as neutering and spaying.

Veterinarians often hear people say ‘I thought about getting pet insurance, but I didn’t and now it is too late. I wish that I had gotten it before my pet got sick’. Pet Health Insurance companies do not allow pet owners to claim for pre-existing problems, so you must insure before your pet has problems.

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Reasons For Neutering Your Cats

Grace Palce

Cats are known for their great fighting skills. Some can even win a fight against snakes. And cats survive in almost all climates and geographical conditions.

Historians cannot pinpoint nor described the details of how and when the first cat was domesticated. What is known, however, is that domesticated cats have existed for more than five thousand years now. According to biologists, the modern domestic cat is either a direct descendant or a subspecies of the African Wildcat. And this is why the domestic cat belongs to the genus Felis. Some artifacts indicated that the domestic cats first appeared in ancient Egypt. Today, these cats have occupied all continents, Asia, Europe, and America, except for Antarctica. And they have evolved into over fifty different breeds.

Being one of the most popular pets in the world, cats are certainly not listed as endangered species. Female cats are also known to produce an average of three kittens about twice a year. Thus, the spaying and neutering of cats cannot hurt their world population.

A spayed and neutered cat will be to the advantage of the owner’s house. Cats that are not altered, especially the female ones, may just spray their urine in areas that they consider their territory. All owners of cats are too familiar with the obnoxious smell of the urine. And no matter how much cleaning one does, the smell can never be entirely removed, especially from carpets, beddings, upholstery, and furniture made of wood. The urine of neutered cats are less smelly and these cats may not even consider marking many territories in the house.

When not neutered, a female cat in heat will howl terrible noises at inappropriate hours, like midnight or dawn. The noises will be eagerly answered by male cats that howl outside your door. You will certainly lose your sleep. And your neighbors may not be too happy about all the racket. These cats in heat will be restless and will forget whatever toilet training you may have taught it. And such condition can last up to three weeks and occur three or more times a year.

Some cats who are not neutered may choose to roam far away from your house. This will cause you endless worry. And you certainly have reason to do so. Your cat will be facing cat fights and fast-moving cars. When in danger, dogs tend to run away. But cats stay frozen in its place. This is why many cats are run over by vehicles.

Neutered cats, on the other hand, will always stay in your house. They will be more content and less restless. They will also have longer life spans.

Grace Palce is writing articles for pet meds 101, a comprehensive cat medicine site.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Kitten

Good Dental Care for Cats

Tina Seay

Plaque and tartar build-up are common problems for cats just as they are for people. An easy way to manage these problems is to give your cat crunchy tartar-control cat snacks and dry food. These help scrape off the surface tartar. However, they won’t thoroughly clean all the areas of the cat’s mouth.

Good oral maintenance includes brushing your cat’s teeth a few times a week. This can be done by getting a finger toothbrush, a special cat toothbrush, or by using a small soft cloth over your finger while gently rubbing the cat’s teeth and gums. Special cat toothpaste is also made to help scrub away the plaque and tartar and cats like the flavor. Cats won’t be receptive to using human toothpaste because of the flavor and ingesting it could harm them.

If you lift your cat’s lips to inspect the gums and teeth, you may notice yellow or brown deposits on the teeth and around the gum line. This accumulation of plaque and tartar could be bad enough to warrant a professional cleaning from your vet. Older cats should get a thorough exam by the vet and will probably need a cleaning. During this cleaning, the vet or the vet assistant will anesthetize the cat and use a variety of tools to chip away the though plaque build-up.

Like humans, poor oral hygiene leads to many other major health conditions. It can result in not only tooth loss, pain, and gum infections but harmful bacteria can transfer to the kidneys and heart. It can result in kidney disease. Therefore, bad breath could also be a sign of possible impending kidney disease in your cat.

The earlier you can begin brushing your cat’s teeth, the easier it will be to maintain good dental health. Getting older cats used to the habit of brushing or even having their mouth inspected may take some time and lots of praise but it can turn out, in the long run, to be a pleasant experience for them. It is a good idea to make sure your vet checks your cat’s mouth (especially older cats) at each vet check up. He will look not only for chipped, cracked, loose or missing teeth but will inspect the gums to see if gingivitis has occurred or if there is recession. The vet will also inspect for tumors in the mouth. Spend the money for a dental cleaning if it is needed because it is one issue that will not subside with time but will, most assuredly, cause more infections, pain and other health problems for your cat.

Who would have ever known that taking care of your cat’s teeth could ward off future health problems? If your cat has severe bad breath that doesn ‘t go away it may be an indicator of other health problems, so take them to your vet for a check up. Taking proper cat dental steps will ensure the best quality of life for your cat.

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Tips & Tricks

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Cancer in Pets – Don’t Just Take it Laying Down!

Deanna Raeke

Cancer, the Big “C” is one of the worst words a pet owner can hear. It almost sounds like a death sentence, but it doesn’t have to be. Caught early enough and aggressively treated, survival rates are improving everyday.

Cancer in Our Pets

Cancer is not uncommon in dogs and cats and the incidence increases with age. It accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.

Here are some common warning signs of cancer;

* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
* Sores that do not heal
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
* Offensive odor
* Difficulty eating or swallowing
* Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
* Persistent lameness or stiffness
* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

This is definitely one area where modern medicine has made huge strides but you don’t need to rely only on modern medicine. There are many things you, as a pet owner, can do to improve your pet’s chances and keep them strong and help them fight.

What Can We Do?

One of the first and most important things, from my point of view, is to make sure your pet’s diet is as good as it can be. Specific diets have been formulated to help combat cancer but you can make your own at home very easily if you just keep some things in mind.

Cancer cells metabolize food differently then we are used to. Extensive research has shown that cancer tends to grow quickly with plenty of glucose to ‘feed’ on. This glucose is the product of broken down carbohydrates, simple sugars. To cut the available glucose for cancer to grow on you need to cut down the carbs in your pet’s diet.

What cancer does not metabolize well is fats and the best fats to add is omega-3 fatty acids. These, aside from the fact that they may retard cancer growth, also have many benefits. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, they improve cardiovascular health and can boost immunity. As an added benefit, they also great for skin and coat. Flaxseed oil and cold water fish oil are the best sources.

Cancer will also feed on protein but protein, at least a moderate amount of high-quality protein, is a necessity in your pet’s diet. What the cancer is is actually ‘feeding’ on the the amino acids provided by the protein. Amino acids are the “building blocks” for tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, etc. This is why many cancer patients have low muscle mass. To combat against this, supplement your pet’s diet with some good amino acids, even on top of the omega-3.

Arginine appears to enhance immune function and may inhibit the growth of some tumors and for cats be sure to add Taurine which is a necessity in their diet. Another amino acid to add is glutamine, especially if your pet is on chemo. This is will help to keep the gastrointestinal tract in balance which can be beneficial since vomiting and diarrhea are two side effects often seen in chemotherapy treatments. It may also help to inhibit tumor growth. And last, but not least, add glycine. This will counter the effects of the chemo drug, cisplatin, on the kidneys.

Antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. They are known for their ability to fight ‘free radicals.’ Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective but you need to watch the dosage. Too much of any supplement can be a danger. Accepted dosages are Vitamin C dose: dogs 100mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily; cats, 250mg twice daily. Vitamin E dose: dogs and cats 100IU per 10lbs body weight twice daily. Selenium dose: dogs and cats, 25ug per 10lbs twice daily, but be sure to double check with your vet as an added precaution.

‘Cytotoxic’ is an agent or process that is toxic to or kills cells and chemotherapy is one form of cytotoxicity. A natural cytoxic is Vitamin A because it is a retinol. Studies have have documented the capacity for natural and synthetic retinoids to reduce carcinogenesis significantly. Vitamin A is also commonly known as the anti-infective vitamin, because it is required for normal functioning of the immune system.

Now let’s take a look at boosting the immune system. A strong immune system will help your pet fight off other illnesses that cancer treatment make it more vulnerable to as well as helping your pet to fight the cancer itself. Green tea is a well known immune system booster and it may as well inhibit cancer cell growth. You can easily add a standardized extract to you pet’s diet. Ginseng is another well known immune system booster and may actually decrease tumors. Garlic also has immune building properties as well as antioxidant properties. Be careful with garlic thought, high doses may cause anemia.

I am not offering you any miracles but anything you can do to help your pet fight is a positive. Along with the diet and supplements, another very important thing you can do is keep a positive attitude. As pet owners, we know our pets are a lot smarter then they are often given credit for. They can pick up on our moods and feelings and attitudes. Keeping a positive outlook can do more for you and your pet than you probably realize.

And for your pet’s sake, think about going natural!

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Check Pets Vaccination Records

Speaking of the new year arriving, it’s a good time to think about your pets vaccinations. It’s like changing the battery in the smoke detector so it’s ready for the year ahead. The same thing goes for your cat. You have to make sure they have all their shots so they can be ready to face the year ahead. If you do it now it’s easy to remember the same time year after year.

Pets Med Records Con’t

At your pets annual Vet visit, discuss which vaccinations your cat really needs. Make sure your vet notes the vaccination sites on your pets health record, as well as information of the vaccine, such as the name of the manufacturer, and the serial number. This will all come in handy in the future

Cat flu is caused by two viruses called feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. It is less fatal but is highly infectious to other cats and can cause permanent damage to the cat’s sinuses.

chlamydia vaccine – this causes another form of cat flu. It is not given routinely, but may be necessary in highrisk areas such as during a flu outbreak at a breeders or in a rescue home.

A rabies vaccination – now available for cats travelling abroad. The vaccine is followed by a blood test 30 days later.

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Fluffy is Pregnant

A female kitten reaches sexual maturity (goes into “heat”) between the ages of 6 and 10 months. How do you recognize her “heat period”? This is what you can expect: rolling around on the floor, almost in a frenzy; rubbing her backside against you or any other fellow creature; yowling loudly at the door or window; arching her tail and standing with stiff back legs whenever she is touched. Most veterinarians recommend spaying before the cat goes into her first heat, at around 5 months, for the cat’s future health and wellbeing. The heat period will typically last between 4 and 7 days – and will get longer and more frequent if she isn’t bred. She will have several (by the second or third time, you will be thinking “MANY”) heat periods over the course of a year.

With that said, if Fluffy “somehow” gets outside and finds a mate (you’ve probably got about 5 minutes to catch her before she does), she will be pregnant for about 9 weeks (between 62 and 65 days). A female can and will mate several times (with every willing male) during her heat period; kittens in the litter, therefore, can have different fathers.

You don’t need to do anything special for a pregnant cat, other than keep her safe, comfortable, and out of stressful situations, until the last week or so – then she will need more food and will start looking for a place to build a “nest.” You can provide her with an out-of-the-way spot in a closet or back room – but be aware that, especially if this is her first pregnancy, you may wake up to discover her giving birth in your bed.

If the cat appears to be in any distress during the birthing process, call a vet for assistance immediately. If there are no problems, the whole thing will usually be over within an hour or so. And get Fluffy fixed as soon as the kittens are weaned, please.
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Ear Problems in Pets and the Solutions
Deanna Raeke

Ear infections and problems are one of the top reported problems faced by many pet owners. Does your dog or cat shake their head and scratch their ears or rub their ears against the ground or furniture? Do you ever notice a foul smelling, discharge in their ears, black, yellowish or brown in color? Are their ears red and tender? These are all signs of an ear infection or problem in your pets.

A dog or car’s ear canal is L-shaped which causes dirt, moisture, parasites; mites, and wax to be trapped in the canal which can lead to ear infections. Dog which have long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear problems due to the lack of air circulation available to the canal. With long haired, floppy eared dogs, you can keep the hair trimmed on the inside of the ear to increase air circulation.

The conventional treatment for most infections is antibiotic and anti-fungal medications. The problem with these treatments is that they treat only the symptoms, not the underlying cause. To successfully conquer the problem, both must be treated. Medications will mask the problem and may actually make it worse in the long-run by creating a chemical imbalance in the ear resulting in long-term problems.

Approximately 80% of ear infections are actually caused by allergies, with the ear infections and problems actually being one of the symptoms. You need to treat the allergy; the underlying cause as well as the ear infection for a long-term cure.

Treatment

One of the first things you need to do is to clean your pet’s ears. Use white vinegar (acetic acid) diluted by half with water and squirt this into the affected ear with a small squirt bottle or syringe. Rub the base of the ear to move it into the canal and clean the outer ear with cotton balls or a soft cloth. The vinegar will remove debris from the ears as well as kill the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. Do this for 5-7 days then continue weekly to avoid recurring problems.

You can also treat the infection herbally. Garlic, sage and thyme all have natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Pau d’arco has natural antibiotic properties. Soak the herb of choice in calendula oil overnight, remove it and using a dropper, apply the oil to the infected ear, 2-3 drops a day for several days. You should see a cessation in the infection. This should also eliminate ear mites.

For the itching and inflammation you can apply aloe or calendula essential oils topically to the ear twice a day. Vitamin C can also be added to your pet’s diet and works in two ways; it suppresses the product released from cells in the body that causes itching (histamine) and it will help the adrenal glands, which produces a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation, to function more efficiently. Watch the dosage, vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Starting with a low dosage of 100mg per 10lb of body weight should be a safe dosage. If there are problem, decrease the dosage.

The next and very important step in treatment is working on the underlying cause, most likely allergies. Some of the main food allergies are grains, such as corn and wheat in many commercial pet foods as well as some of the protein sources and in some more sensitive dogs and cats, the additives and preservatives can cause problems as well.

The best thing you can do for your pet is do change their diet over to a natural, homemade diet free of the toxins of commercial pet foods. You may have to try different foods to figure out what your pet will respond to best, but in the long run it is worth it for your pet’s health and comfort. There are some natural and organic alternatives out there but you need to take the time to know what is really in the food you are feeding your pets.

There are also some supplements you can add to the diet to help with allergies. Quercetin has been effective for people with allergies and may be effective in dogs, it helps prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem. The dose is 25mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily, and omega-3 fatty acid, a must for any allergy that triggers recurring ear infections. My preference for omega-3 is organic flaxseed oil or cold salmon oil. Aside from the allergy benefits, omega-3s offer many benefits to pets including improving the skin and coat and for joint and heart problems to name just a few.

Vet Time

As much as I am a strong advocate for natural health and treating your pet at home when the options are advisable, there are times when you must turn to a professional for treatment.

Most of the time, especially when caught and treated early, ear problems are confined to the outer ear and can be successfully treated at home. When the infection is in the inner-ear or cannot be alleviated by the above treatment, you need to see a vet. Symptoms to be watchful for include; head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. The vet may need to drain fluids and treat with antibiotics if the infection has progressed to this point. Sometimes even more aggressive measures need to be taken. In any case where surgery is advised, I always suggest getting a second opinion. Not every vet knows everything.

Something else to be watchful for is that aggressive scratching and head shaking can cause a hematoma in the ear. Hematomas can cause permanent damage if severe enough and left untreated. A vet must evaluate and advise proper treatment.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to take the time to spend time with them and notice any problems before they turn into major problems. Many pet health issues can be treated at home with the right knowledge and if caught early enough.

And for your pet’s sake, go natural!