Cat Health – Dog Health – Pet Clothes |

Cat litter has definitely provided a lot of pet and homeowners with so much convenience. Before cat lovers had to put up with the unbearable stench of cat urine and feces but thanks to cat litter, Pussy’s excrements are easy to eliminate and no longer as bad smelling. There are many different kinds and brands of cat litter in the market and one of the best of them all is pine cat litter.

Cat litter is used as a filling material for cat litter boxes where house cats defecate or urinate. The cat litter is supposed to absorb the moisture and reduce the bad smell coming from urine and feces, making the litter box more bearable at home. Pine cat litter fulfills these roles remarkably well, making it one of the best choices as a litter box filler.

There are different kinds of cat litter available in the market, allowing cat owners to choose from the wide variety according to their tastes and purposes. Some cat lovers choose cat litter for their odor control and absorbing power. Others choose cat litter that cannot easily be scattered all over the house. Some buy cat litter because they are biodegradable and environment friendly. Pine cat litter apparently can fulfill these considerations as it quite absorbent, track-resistant, and easy to dispose of.

Pine cat litter is a very much recommended type of cat litter for all cat lovers everywhere. A lot of people who have tried other kinds of cat litter such as clay, silica, sand, have ended up using pine cat litter because of its many advantages. There were people who first doubted using pine cat litter, but eventually they realized that it probably is the best kind of cat litter available commercially.

What Makes Pine Cat Litter So Good

Pine cat litter is a very good choice among other kinds of cat litter. First of all, it is organic – a gift of Mother Nature. It comes from recycled materials and it is in itself recyclable. Pine cat litter comes from biodegradable pine sawdust, it can easily be flushed down your toilet in small amounts. It can also be mixed into your garden soil to be used as compost fertilizer, saving you the need to buy synthetic or commercial plant food.

Pine cat litter also does not contain silica dust, unlike other types of cat litter like clay. Silica dust can be hazardous to health, and it would not be advisable to have them in products like cat litter. The dust particles can go airborne and be inhaled not only by your cat but other members of the family as well and this can cause a lot of problems in the lungs. When inhaled, silica dust can induce bronchitis or even lung cancer. It is not worth the risk to get these diseases just for a cheaper brand of cat litter. Pine cat litter would probably be a better choice for you and your cat in terms of health concerns.

Some cat owners get worried that their cats would not welcome the switch from their old cat litter to pine cat litter. Pine cat litter may have a very different texture from other kinds of cat litter. It usually comes in pellet form unlike the softer texture of other types, which seems to be more comfortable for cats. However, cats are actually tougher than most people think and they can definitely withstand the rougher texture of pine cat litter. Some cats may even like the tough consistency better than the sandy and smooth grain of other cat litter types.

Pine cat litter can be the best choice for you and your cat. It does most, if not everything that you would expect from an excellent cat litter. It is a good absorbent and deodorizer. It is easy to clean up and can even have other uses after consumption. It is safe for your health and that of your cat’s. Most of all, it is environment friendly, so you do not have to worry about contributing to the deterioration of the planet.

The next time you buy cat litter for your feline friend, consider getting pine cat litter. It is good for you cat, good for you, and good for the planet. What more can you ask for?

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/keeping-your-feline-friend-fresh-with-pine-cat-litter-93119.html

I have two room mates that are completes slobs. We live in a large house and they keep the cats in their room mostly, but when they open the door it smells up the whole house with cat feces. They are always caughing, I can’t imagine breathing cat poop all night is very good for you. What health problems can this cause them and maybe me?

Just smelling cat poo? Nothing harmful except it stinks. If you were to get it on you over and over you could potentially be at risk for toxoplasmosis (cat scratch fever), but it has to be direct physical contact, not smelling it. Technically breathing ammonia from the pee could cause some respiratory issues, but it would be unlikely except in an extreme circumstance where the matter was allowed to build up to a very unsanitary level.

Cats, just like any other animal and their caretakers, can get sick. If you love cats and own them, there are some things you should know about the illnesses that can affect your feline friend.

Leukemia

Feline leukemia virus falls into the category of retroviruses because of the way infected cells behave. The virus produces an enzyme that inserts copies of the virus’s own genetic material into the infected cells.

It doesn’t matter where you are, your cat can be infected with this disease. The best prevention is to keep your Cat Healthy by maintaining its diet and seeing the vet regularly for any and all shots.

How Do Cats Become Infected?

Feline leukemia spreads from cat to cat. There is no limit to the ways it can be spread. Even just sharing a litter box with an infected cat might be enough to spread the disease. Unborn kittens aren’t safe from this disease since mother cats can pass feline leukemia off to their unborn offspring.

What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?

Any cat is at risk of being infected, although some cats are at a greater risk than most. If a cat is living with other cats that are infected or it is unknown whether they are infected with feline leukemia virus, risks of the cat becoming infected are very high.

If you allow your cats to roam free out of doors then their chances of contracting this disease increases. They run a greater risk of coming in contact with infected cats and being bitten or scratched, allowing the virus to transfer itself. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother’s milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.

Feline Leukemia: How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your feline

Feline Leukemia works very much like HIV in humans. It attacks the immune system of your cat, making it difficult for your cat to fight off even the most minor of illnesses. It can cause other health problems for your cat as well, such as blood disorders and has been linked as being a source of cancer in cats.

At first, your cat may show no signs of the virus at all. But over time, your cat’s health will begin to deteriorate or he may suffer from re-occurring illnesses. Some of the main signs that you may notice are loss of appetite and weight-loss. At first, weight-loss will be minimal, but late in the disease, you may notice your cat wasting away.

Poor coat condition and a persistent fever, along with enlarged lymph nodes, and persistent diarrhea, are also telltale signs. You may also notice your cat has pale, inflamed gums, infections such as urinary, repertory or skin and eye conditions. Mother cats that have become infected will also have reproductive problems such as aborting kittens.

By paying attention to your cats health and following these tips, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.

David P Lee
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-leukemia-keep-your-kitty-safe-122987.html

Cat litter boxes are an important part of the life of any cat that spends time indoors. How do you choose one and does it matter which type of litter you use?

You will find that there are many different kinds of litter boxes to choose from. There are even litter boxes that clean themselves. This can be great but owners should still remember to monitor their cat’s litter habits. If you decide on a litter box that electronically cleans itself how will you know if your kitty has diarrhea? Sometimes cats prefer a really simple type of litter box and the more complicated litter boxes are not used as faithfully as you would like.

When you are ready to buy a litter box think about the size, age and health of your cat. Let’s say you are planning on bringing home a tiny kitten. It would not make sense to buy the largest litter box available. Cat litter boxes that are too big discourage the cat from using them. If your cat is named Jumbo, a small litter box will not be appropriate and once again it may not be used the way you had hoped.

Basic cat litter boxes are rectangular in shape and made of plastic. Often new cat owners will buy a litter box that is too small. One way to judge the size litter box you need is to double the length of an adult cat and the width should be about the same as the cat’s approximate length. Own more than one cat? Choose your litter box based on the size of the largest cat.

Covered cat litter boxes serve two functions. Litter, urine and poop will not be spewed around the litter box and the smell can be kept in check. This may sound good to human owners but unfortunately many cats do not share this opinion. Some cats are very uncomfortable in this type of litter box and while the odor is not being circulated around the room it is instead concentrated inside the box. Many felines take exception to this and will not use a covered litter box.

What about the litter that can be used in cat litter boxes? If you were overwhelmed by all the litter box choices just wait until you embark on the actual cat litter shopping. You will find that every cat litter manufacturer will advertise that odor control is a feature of their litter. Some may say their cat litter is dust-free. Some litter is scoop able and some is scented. What is a cat owner to do?

When choosing cat litter think like a cat. A cat likes a litter that he doesn’t mind standing on. It should be loose enough so he can dig a hole fairly easily and cover it when he is done. Odor-free is preferable because a cat prefers his own scent he may not appreciate a perfumed litter.

Choose your cat litter boxes and cat litter carefully rather than buying the newest things on the market or the first things you see.

Dustin Cannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/choosing-a-cat-litter-box-is-more-important-than-you-might-think-86506.html

I’m flying from California to Connecticut. My cat will be carry on luggage. I know the airline doesn’t require the proof for carry on animals, but I’m not sure about each state. Does California require my cat to have his health and shot records? Does Connecticut?

You could call both airlines and find out. In my own opinion, I would be prepared with up to date shots, along with all records.

With all the food products brought into the United States and people getting sick, I think their should be an enforceable law coming and going. This is not to mention toys and other such products.

What does it take to have a couple pieces of paper ready at check out time.

Myths about proper diets for our cats seem always to be with us. Some of these myths may have a grain of truth, but this truth is often greatly exaggerated or misapplied. Other myths are nurtured by misinformation and mistrust.

A current myth that could be threatening to our cats’ health involves raw meat diets for dogs and cats. The proponents of this belief question the wholesomeness and nutritional value of commercial cat foods. But, in fact, there is no scientific substantiation for raw meat diets.

The truth is that good quality cat foods are backed by years of feline and canine nutrition studies. They are the result of scientific studies by researchers in veterinary colleges and animal nutritionists at reputable cat food manufacturers. Ralston Purina Company, for example, began its cat nutrition studies over 70 years ago. This work continues as researchers launch new studies to learn even more about the relationship of diet to our cats’ health.

In our own diets, meat is combined with vegetables, fruits, breads and other foods to give us the balanced nutrition we need. If we were to eat one particular food consistently, chances are we would become malnourished or develop health problems. No single food or food group can provide all the nutrients we need in proper proportions. Manufacturers of good quality cat foods have incorporated all the nutrients a dog or cat needs during a particular life stage into nutritionally complete and balanced diets.

Although meat is a source of protein, it has very low levels of calcium, a mineral our cats require for proper bone and tooth development. Calcium also plays an important role in blood clotting, muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses.

It’s important to remember that nutrients do not work alone, and calcium is no exception. Mineral nutrients are interrelated. Calcium and phosphorus have a scientifically established relationship in the formation of bones and teeth, provided a proper balance is maintained. This balance is usually not present in meat. If large quantities of raw meat are fed over time, skeletal problems may develop.

We tend to think of liver as being a “healthy” meat. Served with other foods, it is a beneficial part of many human diets. Liver has a high level of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored by the body. When liver is fed to cats in large quantities over a period of time, vitamin A toxicity can result. This can lead to improper bone development, lameness and bone decalcification.

Raw meat carries the threat of bacteria and parasites. Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause a variety of disease in humans and animals. The risk of salmonellosis is always present when cats are fed raw meat diets. Certain species of tapeworm can be found in raw meat and passed on to a cat who ingests the meat. High quality commercial cat foods are carefully processed to protect against salmonella or internal parasite infection.

It’s true that cats and dogs consume a certain amount of muscle meat when they eat wild animals for survival. However, they also consume the bones, intestinal contents and internal organs which come closer to providing a complete and balanced diet.

Attempting to supplement a raw meat diet with vitamins and minerals is risky for your cat’s health. Certain vitamins and minerals react with one another. Unless they are present in the proper amounts a cat may suffer malnutrition.

When a myth involving cat nutrition is suddenly exploited, we should ask ourselves: “What scientific research supports this statement?” “Have veterinary colleges done research to validate it?” “Do respected researchers in the fields of canine and feline nutrition support it?” “They said” or “I heard that” do not provide the substantiation we need when confronted with myths involving the nutrition and well-being of our special companions.

Tristan Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-truth-about-feeding-your-cat-raw-meat-93843.html

After a period of caring, my family is no longer the regular cat diarrhea, loss of appetite good or absorption, and finally entered a long period of meat. Following is a cat to take care of my home that experience and to share with Members.

 But my house catalways empty, put the number will be going to eat. I have thought that cat bad digestion, then eat more points, so the cat eating cat food on Tim, but the facts have proven that this method for the stomach to digest bad cat is not applicable. Because the cat bad digestion is the result of nutrition can not be absorbed, even if do not eat more than can be absorbed, it increased the burden on their stomach. Therefore, we must treat this cat feeding regularly quantitative, general I was fed four times, as early as the first time in the evening, snacks before sleepinga little bit of cat food. This will allow cats in the stomach before meals active to promote eating cat at the time of digestion and absorption.

Another hot weather, and leftover foods easily broken, so pay close attention to. Second, is the cat’s diet. Sensitive stomach cat body very thin, not long meat, many people think it is good not to eat a day, canned food, ah, ah meat, fish ah’s. In fact, this does not mean there is not much advantage. Cat’s stomach and human is the same as that in itself not absorb water also eat some great things, will add to the burden of gastrointestinal absorption, eating more canned easier diarrhea. Therefore, generally at noon and evening to add canned cat food, cat food only to the rest of the time. As for the choice of cat food, the Royal ultra-small kitten is the best option, particles small, digestible, good nutrition.
 
The so-called fragile kitten stomach means they are not suffering from any illness, physical health, mental appetite are normal, but high-risk diarrhea, vomiting cat. Other performance, food and the same age group is not much difference between cats, but the development of slow, dry color, weight, which is usually described as “no longer eat the number of types of meat.” When it comes to serious anemia, low blood Qiao board situation. Cat as a result of a bad stomach, so to absorb the poor, nutrition can not be timely absorption, it will cause more than phenomenon. If we found the kitten home regular diarrhea, and not because of what eating unclean food, it was very likely that your cat is sensitive stomach cat. To take care of sensitive stomach cat cat diet starting to pay close attention to the above, controlling food intake is most important. I have been very envious of others at home cat food basin has always put cat food, kitten to go hungry, could eat the left there.

If you have some good advice,you can post it after the passage,thanks. Another passage–”Deal with a pet’s Sensitive Stomach,”

fencze
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-take-care-of-sensitive-stomach-cat-726212.html

DON’T DO IT!!! The chemicals in dog flea formulas will cause slow death for cats.

One of the more common domesticated house pets is the cat. If you are contemplating having one for a pet, there are certain aspects that you need to be aware of before you bring one into your household, specifically basic care issues and proper nutrition. Feline companionship brings with it a variety of responsibilities but your biggest obligation to that pet is the attention and care that you give it.

One of the elements regarding the basic care of cats is the initial preparations needed before bringing the animal home. The basic items needed immediately are a litter box and litter, separate food and water bowls, a brush designed for the type of fur the cat has (i.e. long-hair or short-hair), and a carrier to bring it home in and as well as for trips to the vet. And of most importance, cat toys since they enhance the bonding process. Eventually, you may want to consider a bed or basket for them to nap and sleep in.

Once you have determined what type of cat they will be, as in strictly indoors or indoor/outdoor, then there are additional care issues to be covered. If the cat is going to be outdoors part of the time, one of the first things you should get them is a collar. It will obviously hold the cat’s identification tag and veterinary status. Make sure that the collar has an elastic section so that if they get caught on something and start panicking that they can escape from the collar without severely choking themselves.

The tag attached to the collar should provide vital information specifically, your name, address, and phone number. Modern technology has created an identification microchip that vet’s can inject into the skin of a cat’s neck. Speaking of veterinarians, that is the other most important aspect of the cat’s health and well-being. If you want them to be around for a lot of years, every penny you spend on veterinary visits will have benefits and your pet will live a happier and healthier life that way.

Finally, unless you are looking at the cat as an investment, as in breeding them for money, once they have reached the appropriate age, get them neutered or spayed. The ideal age for this is once they are six months old. Where males are concerned, it’s an out-patient type surgery, pending any complications — bring them in first thing in the morning, and pick them up towards the end of the day. Females will vary, but usually the spaying is a 24 hour turnaround.

The first rule of thumb with feline nutrition is that cats are not vegetarians — they require meat in their diets so that they have a sparkle in their eyes and a glossy coat. They require certain dietary needs and animal derived nutrients are one of the main ingredients necessary to their good health. The cat food that you feed them should come from a reputable manufacturer and be given to your cat at room temperature. One important note here is that you should establish a routine as to the place and time of day that you feed your cat.

Another aspect of feeding is that there should always be fresh dry food and water for them to take advantage of throughout the day. If you include canned food in their diets, it is recommended that they receive two or three small feedings per day, not one big one. And remember that until they are out of the kitten stage, that they are constantly eating and drinking.

Another health issue is your cat’s weight. Avoid letting them overeat. Just like with us, a cat can develop obesity and overweight issues. Arthritis, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan are issues that can result from a cat being overweight. So take care on this matter. Based on the breed, adult cats should way between 9 and 12 pounds, and the males tend to be heavier than the females. If you feel that your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet for a check-up and some questions is a good idea. Oftentimes, the weight issue is related to a hormonal problem, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Michael D. Rosenthal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/feline-health-basic-care-and-nutrition-683632.html

Cat owners everywhere are choosing to pamper their loving feline companions with all-natural herbal products instead of conventional veterinary medicine. The holistic philosophy teaches that a natural diet and lifestyle are best for sustaining a healthy, long life. Herbal holistic medicine was popularized for use in people, but it didn’t take long for cat lovers to begin taking care of their feline friends in the same manner. Herbal products are being successfully employed to treat and prevent health issues targeting cats. Holistic treatment utilizes natural products from our environment instead of synthetic medications. It also treats the animal as whole, as opposed to focusing on one specific area at a time.

Herbal products to take care of your cat typically come in liquid or powder forms. You can mix the product with food, feed it to your pet with a dropper, or mix it in their water dish. Herbal products exist for every ailment and chronic condition your cat might face. There are also herbal products which serve as vitamins to promote general health for your cat. Holistic veterinary practitioners have discovered herbal remedies for your cat for everything from dental hygiene to intestinal health.

For example, if your cat suffers from anxiety when going to the vet or traveling in the car or any other potentially stressful events, there are herbal products which will soothe and relax it. If your cat suffers from allergies, there are herbal products designed to ward of the symptoms. There are herbs for your cat to help it maintain healthy teeth and clean gums. For upset stomachs and digestion problems, give your cat an herbal product made just for such issues. Herbal products will aid their digestion, relieve gastro-intestinal inflammation, and improve their bowel movements. Tonics are available which will stop chronic vomiting. To make sure your cat has healthy eyes, you can find herbal products to help their vision. Herbal remedies exist to help your cat deal with the itching, swelling, and pain from the bites and stings. Herbal products for the skin and fur maintain coat health and decrease shedding. If your cat has joint pain and inflammation or circulatory problems, there’s relief in the form of an herbal product made just for such issues. Even the seemingly unavoidable hairballs can be eliminated with laxatives and all-natural organic herbs.

Aging cats can be rejuvenated with herbal remedies. An herbal remedy which targets the thyroid gland can help when your cat has become chronically sluggish. These remedies will make your cat more alert and lively. Such herbal products also improve their coats and will address weight issues. Since overweight cats have more health problems, keep your cat slim with an herbal product designed to help them lose weight. Cats commonly experience urinary difficulties, and there are herbal products which will relieve them of such troubles. Another issue commonly afflicting older cats are joint problems. Have no fear, there’s an herbal product for your cat which will have her springing onto countertops in no time.

So you may be wondering what exactly is in all these new-fangled herbal remedies. Well, being all-natural you have nothing to fear. These medicines contain well-known ingredients such as dandelion, milk thistle, garlic, echinacea, and gingko. People have been taking these so-called new remedies for centuries, and now you can give them to your cat. In addition to herbs, these holistic products may also employ mineral products such as silicon dioxide, which is a natural dewormer and gets rid of other parasites as well. Another interesting substance employed by holistic veterinarians is lignite. Lignite is a by-product of the coal industry which is not only safe for you cat, but it serves as a detoxifier that helps your cat eliminate harmful chemicals.

Contact a holistic veterinarian for further information to find out more about improving and maintaining your cat’s health with holistic herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-you-should-consider-herbal-products-for-your-cat-65450.html