Cats Facts

Cats are very interesting animal and they possess really exquisite characteristics. Regardless whether the wild ones in or the tamed ones in out homes. As a cat owner, do you really know everything you need to know about cats? I hope these information helps.

• Cats can see better than humans. Did you know that cats could see 6 times better than us? Yes, according to studies, it is during night time when cats could really see more than we could.
• You can only find kangaroo in Australia, but cats are everywhere. Anywhere in the world, cats are existent from steaming Africa to icy cool Greenland; you could surely find them in different corners of the world. They may have varied looks or characteristics by counting in the different factors.
• Just like dogs, cats could swim it just so happened that they are not into it that much.
• An eighteen-hour sleep is achievable by cats in hot countries. These areas include desert-like areas and in some angles, the tropics.
• There are different cats and most of them have rare characters.
• One of them inspired ancient Egyptians. This is the Sphynx. Actually, it does not have any hair at all.
• There are cats called Manx which originate from the Isle of Man and that they do not have tails. They just have this so-called stub.
• Who do not know the fastest animal? The Cheetah is of course another member of the cat family.
• There are also fishing cats which really show great skills in catching fish.

These tidbits are just some of those cool yet factual things about cats. When your aim is to explore more about these animals, you could always use the power of the internet in order to familiarize yourself with the world around you.

When you wish to have your own cat, you could also consider those factors that may make or break your choice. There are actually different choices of cats for pets. In general, cats are very good pets for they are very affectionate.

According to research owning cats as pets is most beneficial for ill or old patients. It has been found out that animals like cats could reduce their depression and other negative feelings brought by solitude and sickness.

Naming Your Cat

Being called by your name is very important and this importance really goes deep down to a person’s heart. This is also true for our pets. We give them names and we always see to it that it is dear, remarkable or something unique. What is the name of your pet? If you are still in search for the right name for you pet, we would be glad to share to you some points to remember so that you would be really satisfied with the choice of name for your pet.

As you go through this whole process, you would surely be able to realize the importance of giving the right name for your pets.

The most basic thing to do is choose a name that would definitely be easy for the animal to remember. This is easy-to-remember. Those names that include only a syllable or two would definitely be memorized by the pet easily. When your aim is to get close with your pet, this is one of the first few means.

When you are not in a hurry in choosing a name for your pet, it would really help if you observe it first, you could base the name of your pet to a certain habit or characteristic it has or it shows.

In naming your dogs, make sure that you do not pick something that resembles the sound of some of the dog commands like no, go, sit, roll, get and so on. Jut like for example the name of your dog is Moe, so you would say things like, “Go Moe”. This may be confusing for your pet.

Choose a name for your pet that is less embarrassing and it is fun calling.

You could consider your cat’s breed heritage in naming names. With their breed heritage are some characteristics special for them.

Appropriateness is one of the most important factors to consider in choosing the name. It would definitely a big factor. Though a name may sound beautifully but if it would not sound well for you pet, it would be useless. For example, your pet grows up and the name is Puppy that would sound awkward.

Names are fun to think of. It is so funny that some even fight over it just to see to it that she or he gives the name for a family pet.

These tips are worth your consideration. Enjoy naming your pet but do not make it in such a way that you would regret it later.

Image credit.

Teach Your Cat To Come When Called

Many would think that this is something very hard to do, but to have your cat come when called by name is remarkably easy. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Talk to your cat as much as you can. Encourage her to come to you, and regularly pet her and brush her. Bonding is very important, cat massage, baths and generally being on good terms is important.

2. Pick a special dry snack that she likes. It must be different to her regular dry food and only used for this (don't give it to her at any other time until she's mastered this). Make certain it is nutritious. I suggest a dry, crunchy snack that is also good for the teeth.

3. Pick a special word, such as "snack" or "treat." It must be a word she will associate only with the special snack. This is creating an "anchor" (a trigger).

4. Use your special word during her next snack time. In her presence, place one piece of the food in her empty dish and say the special word.

5. Say the word again (and be sure to say it in the same way as before) after she eats the first piece. Place another piece of the food in her dish and say the special word again.

6. Walk away. If she is giving you "I am really starving" cries, say your word again and give her one more piece. Then walk out of the room.

7. Repeat the procedure after about 4 minutes. Cats learn very quickly when they are motivated and have a strong bond with you.

8. Follow this procedure for the next several days.

9. Once your cat is coming every time you say the special word, start only giving the food treat every so often and instead give lots of attention (whatever she likes such as a pet) for a few minutes. Then let her go and repeat the process a few minutes later.

10. If you've done the above right, and you've done the bonding exercises in the training manual, your cat should now be associating affection from you with the special word. Now you can use the word and she should come AND each time she sees or hears you nearby she will be more affectionate because she's reminded of all the affection you've given her in the past.

Don't forget, it is to be a small snack, not a small bowl of dry food. Otherwise, your kitty might gain unwanted weight. Be patient and follow the above exactly otherwise you will confuse your cat. Use the special word daily, not only when you want to find the cat for a trip to the vet or when it is bath time. On those occasions, give her the snack and try to allow a few minutes before following through on your hidden motive.

Another little secret is that if you can whistle, most cats will respond. Usually, a very loud high-pitched whistle (as if to say, "Here, boy"), repeated over and over until the cat comes to you is very effective. Eventually, your cat will come after only 1 or 2 whistles. However, again this is based on a strong bond being in place.

It's important to note that the bond is most important because then your cat will WANT to come to you whenever you give it the chance. This is why some people find that if I want her to come to them, or sit on their lap, all they have to is pat their leg with their hand, and tell her to come, and she hops up on their lap or come to them.

A way to do this is to show her the brush. (Assuming your cat loves to be brushed) because when you show it to her, she'll run over to you.

If your cats are outside and you can't find them, if you shake their "dry food" jar and they may well come running right away. To make this more powerful, every time you feed your cat make the same "shake" noise in front of them or when they can hear, just before you feed them.

How does the above work?

Well basically what you are doing is conditioning your cat to associate two things. (The special word with the treat for example). When this happens a few times, your cat learns that when the trigger happens, the other thing should happen. (For example, "when I hear the special word and I come, I get a treat").

This means from then on you can say the special word and the cat will come running because it thinks it will get a treat. Once your cat ALWAYS does the desired behavior, (in this case comes when you say the special word), you can change the special word for their name, if you know how.

The article above is by Mary Mathews. Mary Mathews is an expert on cat health, training and bonding. She is the author of the best selling course Ultimate Cat Secrets, get the details of the course here.

Having Problem With Your Cat?

Like humans, cats have feelings to and it's up to us, their owners, to understand how and what they are feeling. When they are not treated properly, they can go from fun and happy cat to a dull cat and I am very sure no one wants that.

But, how well do you understand your cat? For no reason your cat could just:

• Ignore the litter box and instead peeing and pooping anywhere except the litter box


• Start biting you and your guests unexpectedly


• Start scratching your couch, bed, and other furniture


• Keep you awake at night


• or just plain misbehaving?

Not sure what to do, check out Cat Behavior Secrets Revealed.

Black Cat Health Myths

As with everything, there are a number of myths surrounding cats and their health. If you want to be sure to provide the best health care to your cat, it is important learn the difference between true health facts and the myth. When in doubt, you should call your vet.

First and foremost, some people believe that spaying a female cat is not always the best choice. This is false, unless your cat has specific medical conditions, as diagnosed by your vet, that make the surgery risky. In majority of cases, cats suffer and are more at risk when having a litter of kittens. It is not true that a cat needs to have a litter before spaying, and it is not true that neutering your male cat will cause depression. In a female cat, fixing can prevent cancer, ovarian cysts, and a number of other health problems. In a male cat, it will prevent unnecessary roaming and fight, which can also help to keep your cat healthy. Beyond that, there are hundreds of cats without good homes. If you really want kittens, go to your local shelter, because they often get litters that need good homes or foster parents.

Another myth about cats is that they cannot be happy or healthy if he or she does not have access to the outdoors. This is not true. If an older cat is suddenly confine, he or she may be very unhappy, but a cat that has grown up indoors can be very happy and healthy. Make sure that you provide lots of stimulating toys and some climbing towers for exercise, but don’t worry that your cat is somehow growing up unnaturally. Of course, you can use gates and leashes to take your cat outside in special cases. It is important to remember that your cat is naturally a carnivore, so if he or she does not go outside where killing mice and other small animals can be done, you’ll need to provide protein to meet dietary needs.

One of the scariest myths is that cat’s shouldn’t be vaccinated. A few years ago, there was a scare amount VAS in cats, or Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. However, vaccinations are crucial in your cat’s life, and your cat’s vet should be able to tell you which ones are absolutely necessary. In general, when you have questions about health facts with your cat and his or her health, you should talk to your vet.

Tags: Cats, Pets, vet, myths

Seizures And Your Black Cat

There are many reasons why cat experience seizures, which are convulsing fits. As with any medical condition, you should see your vet is any health problems arise in any of your pets. When you have a cat for a pet, it is important that you are responsible for keeping him or her as healthy and happy as possible. He's happy and you will be happy.

Seizures are not always the same in every cat. They can occur at any time, and often have symptoms like loss of consciousness, contractions of the muscles, involuntary bodily functions, non-responsiveness, hallucinations, running in circles, and viciousness. You cat may or may not recognize you if he of she is going to have a seizure or after the seizure occurs. There are three main phases of seizures. In the pre-ictal phase, the cat may “know” a seizure is going to happen. He or she may appear nervous, hide, or find you and cling to you. Your cat may also be very nervous and tremble. This may last for up to a few hours, but in some cases, only lasts a few seconds. The ictal phase is the actual seizure. In this phase, the cat usually falls to its side and seems paralyzed. The body shakes uncontrollably and the head sometimes draws backwards. Your cat may lose control of bodily functions. Usually this phase will not last more than five minutes, and immediately afterward, he or she enters the post-ictal phase. You cat may experience temporary blindness, confusion, nervousness, and disorientation during this period.

If your cat has a seizure, do not panic. Unlike humans, cats cannot swallow their tongues, so keep your hands away from his or her mouth at all times. There is nothing you can do to stop the seizure, so simply prevent the cat from falling or otherwise hurting him or herself during the seizure and afterwards.

Immediately call your vet. In most cases, seizures are caused by epilepsy, which is treatable and usually not damaging to your cat, but other medical conditions may also occur. Your vet can help your cat by doing a physical examination, studying his or her blood and urine, and doing an electrocardiogram to rule out more serious liver, heart, kidney, and blood disease. Your vet can prescribe medications to help prevent future seizures and talk to you about ways to minimize the harm done to your cat during seizures. Even if he or she has seizures, you cat may be able to live along and healthy life with the proper care.

Tags: Cats, Pets, seizures

Ringworm And Your Black Cat

When is a Worm not a Worm?

Ringworm is a typical skin disease that affects many cats. This medical condition is actually not caused by worms at all, but rather by a fungus. The sores on the skin due to ringworm fungi are circular, which led to the belief that a curling worm under the skin caused this disease. However, there are no worms involved. If you believe that you cat may have ringworm, make sure that you have him or her see a vet to clear the problem.

Ringworm is also called dermatophytosis. There are four species of fungi that cause ringworm in a cat, and because some of these organisms are so well adapted to a cat’s body, about 20% of cats have ringworm and show no outward signs of the disease. Ringworm commonly infected the dead skin, nails, and hair on an organism, using the keratin in the tissue as food.

Both genetics and environment influence the development of ringworm in cats. For example, research has shown that certain cat species develop the disease more readily. Ringworm spreads quickly between cats, so those illegally or even legally breeding cats may find this a problem. Ringworm caused the hair to break off at the skin and may be itchy.

If your cat has ringworm, there are a lot of ways to treat it. First, medications can be given to clear up the fungi found in the body. These may or may not have side effects, so make sure your vet tells you they are safe for your cat. Anti-fungal shampoo baths may also work. These baths should be given every day regularly and are great for cats that don’t mind the water. Lime sulfur dips, done weekly, can also be affective. If you have other pets, they may need to be treated as well to prevent the ringworm from spreading. Vaccines are available to help build an immunization to ringworm. If you cat has extremely long hair, clipping it may be necessary.

Remember, ringworm can infect humans as well as cats, especially children. If your cat has ringworm, or if you suspect this is the case, see your vet immediately. He or she can recommend what course of action you should taken in order to help your cat overcome the ringworm as well as to help the fungi from spreading to other animals and people in your house.

Tags: Cats, Pets, fungi, Ringworm

When Your Black Cat Has A Flu

There are a number of medical conditions that affect your cat, and so having a vet that you can call for illnesses and injuries is best if you choose to keep a pet. Just like humans, cat can also get the flu (and diabetes as discussed previously). Flu in cats is due to an upper respiratory infection and can affect cats of any age, but is especially found in young or old cats. If you suspect that your cat has the flu, call your vet to get further instructions for nursing your cat back to health.

The flu in a cat will look similar to the flu in a human. Depending on what agent is causing the flu, there are a wide range of symptoms and severities. Major signs that your cat has the flu includes inflammation around the eyes and nose, discharge from the nose, a raised temperature, weakness and loss of appetite, sneezing, and coughing. It is important to get treatment for your cat immediately so that your cat is not left with chronic diseases.

Your doctor cannot cure the flu, as is also true for humans, but the symptoms of the flu can be treated. It is important for your cat to get plenty of nutrients during his or her illness to regain its strength. Encouraging your cat to eat and drink is helpful, and if your cat is not adverse to water, gentle baths may be relaxing. Talk to your vet about specific treats you can use, like sardines, which will get your cat to eat more even if he or she is ill. If your cat’s condition worsens, or is very severe, it is extremely important for you to take your cat to the vet. A hospital stay may be necessary to allow re-hydration and feeding.

There are certain things you can do to prevent cats from getting the flu. Vaccination for the flu will drastically reduce the severity of the flu if caught. If you have multiple cats in your house, you should also consider isolation if a certain cat has the flu, since this disease spreads quickly. Clean the bowls often and disinfect your hands and clothing after handling the cat. You can also talk to your vet in order to find out other things you can do to help your cat feel better more quickly and to prevent your cat from getting the flu in the first place. Remember, vet care is always the best choice to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Tags: Cats, vet, Pets

Cat And Diabetes

Cats and humans may not look much alike, but remember, both are mammals. Therefore, there are a number of diseases, disorders, and other medical conditions found in humans that are also found in cats. One such disease is diabetes. If you believe that your cat may have diabetes, it is important to talk to your cat’s vet as soon as possible so that your cat can get the right medical treatment needed.

There are two types of diabetes in cats, just like in humans. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the insufficient production of insulin in the cat’s body. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is when a cat develops intolerance for handling the insulin. In both cases, diabetes can develop in cats of any age, but it is more common for cats that are old, male, or obese. There is what is known as secondary diabetes as well, in which a drug or disease causes diabetes, sometimes forever and sometimes for a certain period of time.

When caring for your cat, there are symptoms you can see that point to your cat having diabetes. These symptoms include excess thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, loss of weight, breathing abnormalities, and unhealthy skin and coat. Your vet can then test your cat’s blood sugar levels and urine sugar levels. Both tests are needed, as temporary blood sugar levels may be high in cats that are stressed or nervous.

If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, lifestyle changes are necessary to make sure that your cat’s health is restored as much as possible. Diet is very important. Remember, your cat should only get enough food during a meal as is necessary. Cats typically need food the size of one large mouse. More will cause weight problems. Not only is the amount of food important, but you should also be concerned with your cat’s types of foods. Your vet can recommend specific cat food brands that are high in fiber and protein in order to control the diabetes.

Insulin, oral medications, and supplements may also be necessary. Again, your vet can tell you what is needed, as well as show you how to administer treatment to your cat daily. It is important for you to monitor your cat’s health to make sure that the diabetes is in control and that he or she is staying happy, healthy, and comfortable. Diabetes is not the end of the world, in either humans or cats.

Tags: Cats, Pets, supplements, Diabetes, medical

If You Have A Cat, When Is The Right Time To Call A Vet?

The most important thing you can do when caring for a cat is make sure that he or she is healthy. When you have a cat, this is very important. Because it can't talk to you. You must be alert to notice any differences in your cat. Knowing when to call your vet is very important, but it can be hard to know if there’s really something wrong or not.

Knowing your cat’s normal behavior is important. First of all, what are his eating and elimination habits? Some cats eat their meals in one sitting, while others eat bites all day. If your cat has had a chance in appetite, this could indicate a problem. Your cat should also be using the litter box regularly, and diarrhea, constipation, and straining to urinate are all causes for concern. Ever cat is different, so make sure to notice how your cat normally eats and eliminates in order to notice when something is wrong.

Your cat’s daily activities should also be somewhat regular. If your cat is always playing and then suddenly seems less active, you may have cause for concern. However, slowly becoming less active is a natural part of aging, and some cats are naturally just not as energetic as others. Make sure you note sudden chances and call your vet if you are concerned. Watch for problems with gait as well, as this could indicate arthritis or injury, among other things. Along with activity, watch grooming habits. Cats are very neat and tidy creatures by nature, so your cat should be grooming him or herself regularly. Over-grooming may also be dangerous to your cat’s health.

It is also important to know when there is an emergency situation. In general, if there is any doubt in your mind, call your vet or even take your cat straight to the vet’s office. For example, if your cat gets hit by a car, but is not bleeding, you should still have him or her examined, as internal problems could be of concern. You should also consider it an emergency if your cat suddenly has an extreme change in health. For example, if your cat suddenly begins vomiting frequently, he or she may have been poisoned, which can be fatal.

The important thing is to never take matters into your own hands if you are unsure. A vet can make sure that your cat is healthy and happy. As a guardian for your pet, it is your responsibility to provide this care whenever necessary, and its always best to be safe.

Tags: Cats, Vet, Pets, constipation

Over-Grooming Disorder

Recognizing and Treating Over-grooming

Is there such thing as over-grooming disorder? Yes.

Over-grooming is a stress related condition. Over-grooming can be compared to obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans. Damn these cats, why do they have what we have? ha.. ha.. :) Anyway, this is one of the medical condition that may look harmful, but actually over-grooming can really take a tool to your black cat's health. It is dangerous and if there's any symptoms, you need to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Why It Happens:
The main factor for over-grooming is when there's a big change in yout cat's life. New pets. A new kitten maybe? Or maybe now that you are married, there's a new baby. Moving to a new home? The key point here is change, especially your affection to your cat.

How To Spot The Symptoms:
Over-grooming takes place with the cat excessively licks or pulls out fur. Common areas are at the inner thighs and forelegs.

If you see bald spots, especially in these areas, the first thing you need to do is call your vet and set an appointment. Bald patches in the fur can be caused by thyroid problems, fleas, mites, ringworm, or bacteria. Rule these out first, as these can be easily diagnose by your vet.

If your cat is suffering from over-grooming, there is a few things that you can do. Firstly, try to identify the changes. What triggered it? Are you too busy with work that you forget to spend more time with him? Or is the new place you move in to nosier than the previous.

Secondly, try to distract him from grooming for a while. Spend more time to play with him. Get him a new toy and take him wherever you go.

You vet can also recommend certain medications to help. Like humans there are anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications for cats.


Tags: Grooming, stress

Horrible Hairballs

I post about hairballs before, but one funny question I received earlier this month is, "How cat gets hairballs problem"

Black cats don't like water. Trust me on this. If you are new to cats, bathing is the last thing you would want to teach your cat. Although they don't like water, they like being clean at all times. Funny isn't it?

They stay clean by licking their fur. Cats get hairballs mainly because they spend so much time cleaning themselves. Since cats also sheds, some of the hair may get swallowed during the cleaning process and end up in their stomachs.

Usually, the hair passes naturally through the cat’s system, but sometimes the hair becomes entangled and entwined in the stomach.

This is the problem. When a hairball that is too large to pass through the system, the cat vomits the hairball. Taa Daa! :) Horrible hairballs problem.

Tags: hairballs, Pets

Smooth Sailing Surgeries for your Cat

If your cat needs surgery, for whatever reason, there are multiple steps you can take to help your cat with this process. There are three main classifications of surgeries.

First, elective surgeries are those that you choose to have done, but that do not have to be done. Spaying and neutering fall into this category.

The second kind of surgery is called non-elective, and these are surgeries which have to be done for your cat’s survival, but which you schedule.

Lastly, there are emergency surgeries, that are done quickly and as your pet needs them, such as if your cat is hit by a car. If your cat is having elective or not elective surgery, there are ways to prepare for this, and if your cat is recovering from any type of surgery, you can do certain things in your home to make this easier.

First and foremost, when your cat is going to have surgery, it is usually best for this to happen when your cat has an empty stomach, unless your vet indicates otherwise. The most common response to the anesthetics used is vomiting, so your cat will have fewer problems if his or her stomach has no food in it. If you deny your pet food for about 12 hours before the surgery, most of the food in the stomach will be gone. In most cases, your cat having access to water is fine. If you have other pets in the house, you may need to confine your cat to one room so that he or she doesn’t eat from other dishes.

When your kitty goes into surgery, remember that any number of things may go wrong. You’ll be responsible for the vet bill, even if it is higher than the estimate. After the surgery, it may take a day or even longer for your cat to be awake and functioning. You may also be looking at a few days—sometimes more—in the vet hospital for recovery. You should visit during the hours allowed, and volunteer to help feed or care for your cat. This will let your cat know that you have not abandoned him or her.

When you bring your cat home, follow all instructions completely. Your cat may need multiple medications daily or a special diet. Your cat may also not be allowed outside for a certain amount of time. For cats with any kind of incision, assume this to be at least a week or two, which may be difficult if your cat is used to going outside often. If your cat’s fur had to be clipped or shaved, keep in mind that he or she is probably colder than normal, so it may be a good idea to provide extra blankets warmed in the dryer or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Remember, your other cats will need attention too. By making sure that your house is safe and loving, you can keep all of your cats happy after surgery.

Tags: operation, surgery

Moving and Cat Concerns

Moving can be a difficult situation with which to deal for all member of your family, including your cat. If you are moving in the near future there are a number of things that you should consider in order to make sure that your cat’s health is not compromised. Don’t forget to think about your furry friends when moving!

First, when you are packing for the move, it might be a good idea to confine your cat to a single room or to have a friend of family member watch your cat for the day. Movers are often caring very heavy items, like sofas and refrigerators. Your curious kitty could also climb into the moving van or boxes and get packed away! If your cat is fully an indoor cat, the open doors while you are loading your belongings are also a worry.

About a month before you move, have your cat wear his or her collar full-time, even if you do not normally put the collar on your cat. All of his or her information should be updated and the tags should reflect your new address. When cats are confused, they often run, and a lost cat in a new neighborhood may not be able to find his or her way home very easily. If your cat needs certain medication, this can be very dangerous. By having his or her wear a collar at all times, at least until he or she gets used to the new location, you can make sure that your cat is returned home if lost.

During the move itself, don’t forget to make special accommodations for your cat. A cat carrier that is well ventilated is a necessity, and if the trip will be more than a few hours long, you’ll also need to carry food, water, and litter box. Cats that are not used to riding in cars may get sick, so talk to your vet about ways to prevent this. You can also cover the carrier with blankets to provide a bit of extra security for a stressed-out kitty when you’re in heavy, loud traffic or construction areas.

Remember, that you’ll need to find a new vet in your new neighborhood. This should be a top priority for you if you’re moving, and you should talk to your current vet about having your cat’s medical records transferred to a new location. If your cat is acting strangely at all, do not hesitate to call your vet to more tips about moving with your cat.

Tags: moving, vet

Hot Kitty! Cat Safety in Warm Weather

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat’s health so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby. Your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.

When you take your pet out during the summer, never ever leave your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet.

When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide, or if they find these cooler places, they might not want to return home :). Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc to your cat’s health, as it can burn his sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him with an air-conditioned room if possible.

As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water.

Tags: heat, hot

Household Poisons To Your Cat

Sometimes we overlooked. Certain things we keep in our home can be very dangerous to our pets. Regardless whether it's a white rabbit or a black cat :)

If you seek to provide the best living environment possible for your furry feline friend, it is important to know about the different household items that could poison your cat. Remember, your cat cannot resist tasty-smelling or unusual substances, nor can he or she tell you what was ingested to make him or her feel badly. Therefore, know which items you own could hurt your pet and keep these items securely in cabinets and other places your cat cannot access. If possible, keep these items out of your home altogether.

Mothballs can also make your cat sick. Ingesting this substance can cause live damage and seizures. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, blue or brown colored gums, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If you cat has eaten mothballs or items like toilet bowl cleaner or bathroom deodorizer, call your vet immediately.

Many homes have bleach products. You’ll find bleach and Clorox mainly in the laundry room or in other cleaning supplies; however, you can also find bleach products in swimming pool supplies. Generally, household bleaches are fairly mild. Although they will make your cat feel ill, most animals are smart enough to not drink enough to kill. Signs that your cat may have drunk a bleach product include excess drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your cat seems to be in pain, smell his or her fur if possible to detect the scent of the bleach. In general, call you vet and have your cat drink large quantities of milk or water if you possibly can. Monitor your cat for bloody vomit and difficulty breathing, and wash the paws and mouth area thoroughly.

Citrus oils, which are found in shampoo, insect repellent, fragrances, and insecticide are very harmful to cats as well. Although these items can harm all pets, cats are more sensitive than dogs and if you treat a cat with dog products, the result could kill your pet. Signs that your cat has ingested citrus oils include that common citrus smell, drolling, falling, trembling, and weakness. Eventually, liver damage occurs, and many cats experience liver failure, resulting in death. If your cat is treated, the prognosis is good, but left untreated, this poison could be deadly.

Therefore, it is simply important to call your vet if you see anything wrong with your cat at all. Cats are creatures of habit, so if your feline seems to be acting strangely, it is best to schedule an appointment. Do what’s best for your pet and try to keep harmful products in places where they can’t be reached.

About the Author:
Written by Maya from Health Haven. Visit us for more healthy information. Maya drinks coconut water, which is cooling and refreshing to stay healthy.

Tags: Cats, Pets

Cat Retirement

In general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30.

Like humans, cats are no different when they get older. A 60 years old man may be as normal as when he was at 30, but another may act like a young adult while another may be dying.

However, there are things you can do to allow your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. Get your cat neutered. Statistics show that neutered cats live longer. They are calmer, stay closer to home and less exposed to dangerous situations and disease. Good diet is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age.

As you cat gets older, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. These include reduced sensory perception, slow reaction, decreased tolerance to extreme temperatures, easily infected, arthritis and joint stiffness, liver and kidney problems, digestion problems, weaker bones, cancer, muscle weakness, memory loss, high blood pressure, and irritability. I told you already, right? They are no different to humans :)

Along with a good diet, promote healthy amounts to exercise in your cat. Youger cat will ask you to play with him, if he doesn't do this anymore then you may have to start it. Take your cat outside and play with him everyday. Get new toys. Old cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. So don't worry. However, if you are overly concerned, talk to your vet.

Do take your cats for regular checkups and groom him regurlarly. Give him the massage that he loves so much.

Take good care of him and I am sure that you pet will be a part of your life for a very long time.


Tags: Cats, Pets

Cold and The Black Cat

You cat definitely (except if it is a Siamese) has more hair than you do. Although your cat may have a furry coat, cold weather can be highly dangerous and if you leave your pet outside, in the cold for too long, he may show signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia can sometimes lead to death.

Don't do these:

• During the winter, if you are the person who lets your black cat to adventure outdoor, it is advisable to only let your cat out for a short period. Especially for smaller cats, cats with less hair, or cats returning to health after an illness.


• If the weather is cold, even if you are indoors, dry you cat immediately if he gets wet and never let your cat go outside if he is wet.

Hypothermia is a medical condition when the body temperature drops too low for the organs to function the right way. Frostbite often occurs in the extremities. This is because, in order to keep the important organs as warm as possible, the body will begin to shut down unnecessary body parts. Your cat may have hypothermia if he is shivering, breahting and moving slowly.

In this situation, it is important to warm up your pet:

• Bring your cat into your warmest room and wrap him in warm blankets. You can do that by putting the towel in the dryer for a few seconds or use warm water bottles wrapped in a washcloth.


• You could also use hairdryers. Use a low setting and be careful not to get too close to your cat.


• Once your cat starts to warm up, a warm bath could be very helpful, but if you are planning to take him out to the vet, and the whether is still cold, this may not be a good idea.
  

Tags: cold, weather

Taking Your Black Cat to the Dentist

A good dental health can keep your cat happy and disease-free. Whenever you take your black cat to the vet, don't forget to check and discuss about you cat's dental health. This is an article about your cat's dental health.

Kittens, like baby humans, have fewer teeth than adult cats. Each kitten has 26 temporary teeth, which begin to appear at about three weeks of age. An adult cat will have 30 permanent teeth—16 on the top and 14 on the bottom. A cat usually begins getting his or her permanent teeth when he or she is three of four months old. Some of these teeth have two roots while others have three.

The most common dental diseases found in cats are resorption lesions and gum disease (gingivitis). Resorption lesions are also known as cervical line lesions or neck lesions and often result in tooth loss. These lesions are difficult to detect, as they often grow below the gum line. Gum disease is found in over 70% of cats by the age of three. You can tell if your cat has gum disease by looking for yellow and brown tarter build up along the gum line and over the tooth, red inflamed gums, and chronic bad breath.

Oral disease is often an indication of other more serious health problems. For example, it is common for a cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) to have oral health problems. Dental conditions are also commonly found with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline calicivirus. Therefore, if your pet is have dental problems, you need to see a vet right away about these conditions to make sure they are symptoms of a much more serious disease.

Cats can also accidentally break teeth. This can be a result of a fall, a fight with another cat or other animal, or biting into something too hard to chew. Usually, the upper canine tooth will be fractured. This is the tooth in your cat’s mouth that looks like a large fang. If this is fractured, your cat may or may not be in pain. The first symptom of this kind of a fracture is continuous sneezing.

Overall, oral health is important in all mammals. Cats are susceptible to a number of dental disease and problems, just like humans. By taking your cat to the vet often and asking about oral health, you can make sure that you are providing the best health care foods and tools for your feline friend.

About the Author:
Written by Maya from Health Haven. Learn about the benefits of green tea and other healthy information at our site.

Tags: dentist, health

The Advantages of Neutering your Male Cat

Most male cats that are not used for breeding purposed are castrated, neutered, so that they can no longer breed. This is crucial, since there are hundreds of kittens every year that go without homes. There are many advantages to neutering your toms, and the process is quite safe.

Male cats that have not yet been neutered are called tomcats. To tell you the truth, it can be hard to live with a tomcat, no matter how well disciplined he may be. When your cat is not castrated, he will want to get outside as frequently as possible to mate with female cats in heat. This can be dangerous if you live in an area that's busy and with lots of traffic. Worst if your cat is not used to being outdoors. Tomcats also wander a lot and it is possible for your cat to go too far and can't find his way home. Neutering it the best choice for you and your cat.

Tomcats are usually more aggressive than neutered cats. Because they want authority in a particular area, they may engage with other male cats in fights to drive them away. A fight not only cause injuries, but cats will fight to the death if they feel threatened. Fighting also spread diseases like the FeLV virus, which can be fatal. Neutering your cat will not stop the aggressiveness totally, but it will prevent your cat from actively seeking fights.

Vasectomies are not done with male cats. Rather, the simple neutering procedure will remove the male reproductive organs. Help make the world free of homeless cats.

Tags: Cats, Neutering