What to Know About Cat Behavior

Understanding Outdoor Cat Care to Ensure Your Feline Remains Safe

Outdoor cat care needs to be considered if your cat has chosen to living outside, and although you may not totally agree some cats simply prefer it. There are many different cats that live outside, and although some people feel that all cats should be house cats for some this is not an option. Cats are ultimately outdoor animals that love to run, hunt, and dig in the dirt. Some cats wander for miles every evening whilst others feel safe in the confines of your back yard.

Whether you have a farm cat that lives outside all year, or a cat that comes and goes when they feel like it, you will want to provide them shelter.  The winter months are especially difficult for cats that live outside. You will need to ensure that you provide several things to keep them safe and healthy. Encouraging your cat to come inside is the preferred option; however, some cats simply prefer to spend their time outside.  Outdoor cat care is simple to achieve, and will make you feel better about your cat being outside.

You will want to ensure that you provide a shelter for your cat that is warm, dry and clean for them to sleep in.  Smaller spaces are ideal as they will provide shelter from the wind, and your cat can curl up in the comfort of their own body heat.  If your cat is sleeping in a barn or garage, you need to ensure that the area is safe for them to do so, with no hazardous materials that the cat can easily get into. Providing clean fresh water and food is very important during the winter months as your cat will need to build up their energy.

You should check your cat's water supply daily to ensure it has not frozen, or become dirty. Providing the right food will also help to keep your outdoor cat healthy.  During the summer months, your cat may be off exploring, and hunting, however, during the winter there will be less to catch. You will need to ensure that your cat is fat and healthy so they can survive the winter no matter how harsh it is.  You should also ensure that you have your cat regularly checked by the vet, and that they are vaccinated and neutered.

Over population of cats is a huge problem, especially with outdoor cats, and you want to ensure that your cat is not part of the problem. There are many risks and dangers that your cat will encounter living outside, however, they will be far happier. The night times are far more dangerous, and if possible, you should let your cat out during the day, but keep them inside at night. They are less likely to be attacked by other animals during the day.

You may be fortunate enough to have a back yard with very high walls. This will allow your cat the best of both worlds, with their daily exercise and fresh air, but the advantage of not being able to escape. Outdoor cat car is often about common sense, and ensuring that your cat is well loved and looked after no matter where they decide to live.

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Understanding Outdoor Cat Care to Ensure Your Feline Remains Safe

Understanding Outdoor Cat Care to Ensure Your Feline Remains Safe

Outdoor cat care needs to be considered if your cat has chosen to living outside, and although you may not totally agree some cats simply prefer it. There are many different cats that live outside, and although some people feel that all cats should be house cats for some this is not an option. Cats are ultimately outdoor animals that love to run, hunt, and dig in the dirt. Some cats wander for miles every evening whilst others feel safe in the confines of your back yard.

Whether you have a farm cat that lives outside all year, or a cat that comes and goes when they feel like it, you will want to provide them shelter.  The winter months are especially difficult for cats that live outside. You will need to ensure that you provide several things to keep them safe and healthy. Encouraging your cat to come inside is the preferred option; however, some cats simply prefer to spend their time outside.  Outdoor cat care is simple to achieve, and will make you feel better about your cat being outside.

You will want to ensure that you provide a shelter for your cat that is warm, dry and clean for them to sleep in.  Smaller spaces are ideal as they will provide shelter from the wind, and your cat can curl up in the comfort of their own body heat.  If your cat is sleeping in a barn or garage, you need to ensure that the area is safe for them to do so, with no hazardous materials that the cat can easily get into. Providing clean fresh water and food is very important during the winter months as your cat will need to build up their energy.

You should check your cat's water supply daily to ensure it has not frozen, or become dirty. Providing the right food will also help to keep your outdoor cat healthy.  During the summer months, your cat may be off exploring, and hunting, however, during the winter there will be less to catch. You will need to ensure that your cat is fat and healthy so they can survive the winter no matter how harsh it is.  You should also ensure that you have your cat regularly checked by the vet, and that they are vaccinated and neutered.

Over population of cats is a huge problem, especially with outdoor cats, and you want to ensure that your cat is not part of the problem. There are many risks and dangers that your cat will encounter living outside, however, they will be far happier. The night times are far more dangerous, and if possible, you should let your cat out during the day, but keep them inside at night. They are less likely to be attacked by other animals during the day.

You may be fortunate enough to have a back yard with very high walls. This will allow your cat the best of both worlds, with their daily exercise and fresh air, but the advantage of not being able to escape. Outdoor cat car is often about common sense, and ensuring that your cat is well loved and looked after no matter where they decide to live.

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Tips in Choosing the Best in Three Cat Care Products

Tips in Choosing the Best in Three Cat Care Products

Cat care products are the best investments that a pet owner can make toward the maintenance of health in their domestic felines. These products provide for good nutrition, good sleep and other aspects of the good life where cats are concerned obviously.

But since you are neither a cat nor a human with the ability to communicate with cats, you may have a hard time choosing which of these products will be best for your pet. Well, wonder no more as the following tips can help in separating the good from the bad in these products.

Cat Food

Obviously, the most important cat care products that every owner must always have in stock are a wide variety of cat food. We say wide variety because it is always a good idea to alternate wet and dry cat food as well as add a few treats to the daily menu. Never ever feed your pet cat with table scraps if you want to protect its health.

The things to look for in cat food are:

• Age-appropriate food (i.e., kittens, adults and seniors)
• Approved by the Association of American Food Control Officials
• Recommended by the veterinarian
• Manufactured using high-quality ingredients and in balanced quantities

You must ask the veterinarian about the appropriate amounts and frequency of cat food to be provided to your pet. Special conditions like underlying medical disorders, physical condition and breed characteristics will contribute to changes in the normal diet.

Cat Beds

Many first-time owners may see no need for cat care products like cat beds mainly because of the notion that a few old beddings are sufficient for the purpose. But this should not be so since health problems can arise from inappropriate bedding such as the presence of fleas, mites and other parasites.

When looking for a cat bed, we suggest the following desirable features:

• Bedding materials must provide for warmth and comfort since a cat needs all the help it can have to maintain body heat. The beddings must also be washable while also drying quickly, which will discourage the growth of mold and fungus.
• Size of the cat bed must be sufficient for the cat to move in but still provide for the feeling of being in a burrow. A cup-style bed is best.

Of course, it is important to look for durable materials in your preferred design. But always remember that comfort is always the most important quality in a cat bed.

Cat Carriers

Yet another of the cat care products that an owner must never be without is the cat carrier. This is the invaluable equipment in house training and in traveling, hence, their must-have status among pet owners.

When buying the cat e are the most desirable features:

• Made from durable materials and parts
• Easy to clean
• Easy to use and must be compliant with the rules regarding air travel with animals
• Lightweight but stable (tip-proof)
• Secure closure mechanisms
• Attractive

There are other cat care products, of course, including grooming products like combs and brushes, training products like vests and harnesses and nutritional products like supplements. But if you can purchase the abovementioned three products, then you are well on your way to responsible pet ownership.

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Three Changes to Adopt for Elderly Cat Care

Three Changes to Adopt for Elderly Cat Care

Cats like their human counterparts will also experience physiological changes that come with the aging process. As such, elderly cat care considerably differs from caring for kittens and adult cats especially when it comes to daily care. Veterinary visits also become more frequent with the obvious goal of diagnosing diseases and disorders as early as possible so as to increase the favorable chances for a good prognosis.

The following changes are the easiest ones that pet owners can adopt for their cats' daily care. Asking the veterinarian for special tips is also an excellent idea if your cat has an underlying medical condition.

Changes in Diet

Unlike dogs, cats maintain similar levels of energy needs all throughout their adulthood although senior cats tend to lose a few percentage of their body fat. As such, the caloric needs may stay the same but the fat requirements can increase. This is a general rule, however, in elderly cat care where diet is concerned with notable exceptions for more than a few senior cats.

You must carefully monitor the weight gain or weight loss of elderly cats for two reasons. First, you can adjust the cat's diet depending on his weight progress. Obesity being a problem in cats, you want to avoid feeding your pet too much.

Second, you can have the cat immediately examined by the veterinarian if the weight gain or weight loss appears significant. Either case can signal an underlying medical condition that may or may not be related to the cat's diet.

Changes in the diet as part of elderly cat care are also necessary because the structure of the teeth and the digestive system changes with age. For example, senior cats are more prone to constipation than their kitten and adult counterparts.

Changes in Grooming

The cat's fur also changes with age. The hair becomes thinner and duller while the skin becomes drier in cats, all of which leads to a host of health problems. Hairballs are more frequent because of the faster rate of shedding in the rapidly thinning hair while the thinner skin becomes more prone to injuries and, as a consequence, slower to heal. You must be very vigilant about grooming your pet cat as well as checking for lumps, bumps and sores while you are doing so.

Changes in skin and hair also demand certain changes suitable for elderly cat care. For one thing, you must add fatty acid supplements to the diet so as to bring back the luster of the coat and to protect the skin from injuries. For another thing, brushing sessions must also be increased mainly to spread the oil from the sebaceous glands into the other parts of the cat's body, which will lessen dry skin.

Changes in Physical Activity

And then there are the changes in physical activity borne of the decreased functioning of the lungs and the heart, not to mention the development of joint diseases like arthritis. Despite the weaker body, you must encourage your pet cat to engage in physical activity even if it means playing with a yarn of ball.

Proper elderly cat care is a responsibility that every pet owner must take to heart. It behooves every pet owner to take care of their loyal companions till their last breath.

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The Best Cat Eye Care PracticesThe Best Cat Eye Care Practices

The Best Cat Eye Care PracticesThe Best Cat Eye Care Practices

Keeping your cat's eyes healthy is not hard.  Cat eye care can be included in your standard grooming practices and does not take that much extra time. It all starts with a simple at home inspection. You can do this in any well-lit room, and you simply need to look your cat in the eyes.  Picking your pet up and holding it while looking at his or her eyes in the sunshine is one way to do it. Take note of how your cat's eyes look.  A cat's eyes should be clear, alert, and sparkling. You should not see any color change in the iris or any cloudiness in the pupil. The area around the eye should not be inflamed.  The pupils should be the same size.  This established, you should gently roll down the eyelid a little to make sure the lid's underside is healthy pink, not lacking blood flow or reddened and swollen.

If you notice a discharge, watery eyes, a non-pink eyelid lining, crusty gunk or dried mucus around the eyes, tear stains on the fur, that her eyes won't open, the third eyelid, or changes in clarity and/or color when making your visible inspection, you need to step up your cat eye care program to deal with the causes of these conditions. Also, watch your cat for signs of squinting, pawing at the eyes, or other odd body language.  Do not delay taking your cat to the vet if you spot any of these conditions.

One way to help maintain your cat's health that is simple is adding a little cat eye care step to their grooming routine. Using a moistened cotton ball you should wipe away any dried mucus or other crusty residue.  Wipe away from the eyes.  Use a fresh ball for each eye.  If you notice there are hairs that might be causing this excess production of tears or mucus, you should trim those away. It is not suggested using any type of eyewash or drop unless the vet has prescribed them.   Any discharge you see should be a sign that you need to have your cat looked at by the vet.

Cat eye care requires knowing a little about the different diseases that impact the eyes. Red and swollen eyes can indicate Conjunctivitis.  A cloudy eye can indicate Keratitis, a cataract or Glaucoma. Worms, parasites, and viruses can cause the third eyelid to be inflamed or visible and seeing that should get you cat a trip to the vet.  Chronic watery eyes or the eyes looking like they are bulging can indicate several different causes, and taking your pet to the vet is the best way to determine what is going on. In all these cases, your vet can provide you with drops, ointments, or other medicines to help treat them. Remember a little prevention goes a long way- get your cat vaccinated and keep up with check-ups to avoid long-term issues with your cat's eyes.

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Taking care of your Pregnant Cat

Taking care of your Pregnant Cat

We will all be faced with being adopted by a stray cat.  Should that stray be female and pregnant, you will need to know a few things about pregnant cat care in order to determine your course of action with that animal. Of course, knowing what to do for a pregnant cat can help you care for your pet should you have a young female who is not spayed that gets out overnight.

The first step in pregnant cat care is a trip to the veterinarian. Your Vet can tell you if the cat can or should be spayed, the stage of the pregnancy, possible diseases and parasites, and treatment options. Knowing things like this can help you determine what you need to do, if anything, to ensure that the kittens and mother are healthy.

Because pregnant cats need to consume food for themselves and the kittens they are carrying, proper food is a vital component of pregnant cat care, and one needs to pay close attention to this.  The recommended food types vary, but in general, a mix of quality dry food, with the addition of kitten food on an increasing level until the last half to third of the pregnancy.  It is a good idea to make sure you pregnant cat has plenty of fresh water, and consider adding calcium supplements to the diet. If your cat eats moist food then adding kitten food to this is still a good idea. The last week of the pregnancy, you should also offer her kitten milk replacement supplements so she has plenty of nutrition in her blood for making milk when she begins to nurse. 

You should not neglect other basics in your pregnant cat care program.  She will need a good litter box that is easy to get into and out of, low enough to be easy to step over the edge.  You should keep this box as clean as possible, scooping it out often and cleaning it well a couple times a week.  Do not neglect play times or take away toys, scratching posts, or lounging spots.  Your cat may tire more easily, but still will enjoy these activities. The most important thing is to restrict your cat to indoors.  Get her used to being inside so that she does not wind up repeating the experience. Plus having her inside means that you will know when and where the kittens are born.

The final thing about pregnant cat care to keep in mind is that you will have a bundle of helpless kittens and a very tired mommy cat at the end of it.  Make sure you have an area for her to give birth that can be closed off and that you have extra bowls for water and food handy. Adding a second litter box is a good idea too. Provide your cat with a large box lined with clean old towels and rags so that she can have a small secure area to give birth.

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Taking care of your Cat Dental Care

Taking care of your Cat Dental Care

Cats have teeth, so cat owners need to pay attention to cat dental care. It is not something that we often consider necessary, but some common sense can ensure that your cat and his or her teeth remain healthy.  Preventing peridontal disease, feline stomatitis, FORL, and malocclusion through a good cat dental care habit is easier than most people realize.

Your cat dental care program should include a simple at-home examination of the teeth and gums.  You might want to have a pen light handy. Before anything else, check your pet's breath. Carefully, with your thumb and index finger, spread your cat's mouth open and look at the back teeth for signs of yellowing or darker material, and take note of the color of the cat's gums. Then repeat this for the front teeth. You should also look at the back of the cat's throat for anything unusual, like a cobblestone texture or redness. Having a small angled dental mirror will make this task easier.   Do not forget to reward your cat for being patient with you, perhaps with a dental chew.  This should be done once a month or so and should be followed by a check by the vet once or twice a year.

Another major thing you should be doing as part of your cat dental care practices is brushing your cat's teeth at least a couple times a week, although daily is better. To start with, you should use your finger, so that the cat gets used to the process. You will need to have sterile gauze, scissors, cat toothpaste or a vet recommended weak sterile solution. Be aware that cat toothpaste comes in several flavors so you should experiment to find one your cat likes.  You will want to have these things laid out, and be sitting with your cat in your lap- preferably on something that will keep the cat from clawing you if they protest too much. Begin by wrapping a strip of gauze on the index finger of your dominant hand.  Dip the gauze in the solution or apply a dab of toothpaste to the tip of your finger. That done you need to open the cat's mouth. Your gauze wrapped finger is your brush, and you will want to gently rub the cat's teeth and gums in a light circular pattern.  You need not worry about the backs of the teeth, just get the outsides and the gums clean.  If you notice bleeding gums then you should take your cat to the vet.

Two major tips to make cat dental care easier. First, start while the cat is young to get them used to having it done. That way, by the time a baby toothbrush will fit the cat's mouth, he or she will be used to your brushing his or her teeth. Secondly, always reward your cat for being good.  This is an excellent time to offer a dental chew and a lot of love to your pet.

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Taking Care of Feral Cats

Taking Care of Feral Cats



Feral cat care is not the same as domestic cat care, although one is dealing with the same animal.  It is the social structure that differs, and humans who take care of feral cats need to be aware of how to reduce populations and disease risk to both domestic cats and humans in the area.



The first rule of feral cat care is to take precautions to protect oneself from diseases that might transmit from cat to human. Protect against rabies, infections from bites, cat scratch fever, Chlamydiosis, Lyme Disease, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Ringworm, and Toxoplasmosis are easily handled with a little foresight and planning. Simply donning padded or thick gloves, a heavy long sleeved shirt or jacket (possibly re-enforced, even), long pants and leather shoes goes a long way.  If you intend to be trapping feral cats to take for neutering/spaying, then get a pre-exposure rabies vaccination.  That said, the chances of getting one of these infections is extremely low.



You can reduce the chances further by doing a few things where the colony has taken up residence.  This part of feral cat care is good common sense anyhow.  Make sure that old food is not left about and that the colony knows food is there for them at certain times only. Spray for fleas in the environment, thus reducing one way that Lyme Disease can spread. Keep the "litter" areas cleaned up from feces to reduce risk of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Toxoplasmosis.  Become involved in a trap/sterilize/release program to reduce overall population over time. Get those members who are sterilized vaccinated against rabies.



Once you have determined that you do want to be involved in a trap/sterilize/release program, and have gotten community support for it, you can improve the overall health of the colony and further feral cat care with a few extra steps. Begin with testing a few of the animals for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.  Any animal that is positive should be humanely put to sleep to reduce spread of these viral born diseases.  If the first few come up negative, this step can be skipped for the rest of those trapped. Cats trapped for sterilization should be vaccinated for Distemper, treated for fleas, ticks, and ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and other internal parasites. In most cases, use of cheaper cattle deworming medications can be used for this in small doses. Ivermectin will treat both internal parasites and ear mites with one injection.



Young feral cats treated for the first time as part of a feral cat care program may develop upper respiratory issues.  If the animal will eat while being held, these can be treated usually in a couple of days. It is well known that male cats can be re-released back into the population within 24 hours of castration. Female cats benefit from the use of flank incisions coupled with absorb-able sutures and surgical glue to reduce the time they are held from 5-6 days to much less than that.

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Sphynx Cat Care Tips to Make Your Hair Stay in Place

Sphynx Cat Care Tips to Make Your Hair Stay in Place

Sphynx cats are a rare breed known for their lack of coat and, thus, may give the impression of being high-maintenance pets. In reality, proper sphynx cat care is comparatively easy to adopt mainly because there are few differences between caring for a sphynx and caring for other breeds of domestic cats. Whatever differences there may be are often small in nature such that you will not end up looking as bald - from worrying too much - as your pet sphynx.

Grooming - Bathing and Eliminating

A sphynx may lack the coat to brush and the fur to shed but that does not necessarily mean that it will not require maintenance in terms of grooming. To the contrary, regular baths of at least once a week must be provided to the sphynx to prevent the build-up of body oils that would have been absorbed by the cat's hair, if it was present.

Sphynx cat care also means limiting sun exposure and outdoor excursions for two obvious reasons. First, your pet cat has no hair with which to deflect the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, thus, resulting in sunburns and photo damages quicker than in other breeds. Second, your sphynx have very limited means to conserve body heat - again, protective hair - such that freezing to death while outdoors in cold weather is always a possibility.

Add in their inherent curiosity and you have a pet cat that can easily get into dangerous situations when left outside on their own. The upside of their lack of hair is that sphynx cats love to huddle under the covers with their owners, which is certainly a bonus to their affectionate, intelligent and friendly nature.

Yet another component of sphynx cat care is the litter box. Your sphynx cat may not appear too adorable for other cat enthusiasts but their keen sense of hygiene quickly makes converts out of skeptics. The litter box must be kept clean at all times or the sphynx will have nothing to do with it.

Hygiene -Ears, Eyes and Nails

The lack of hair in the sphynx cat also makes for other hygiene issues that the pet owner must be vigilant against lest the problem gets out of hand. The ears, for example, are prone to wax, oil and dirt buildup because hair that could catch these impurities are absent. You have to use a special ear cleaning product to clean the sphynx cat's ears on a weekly basis preferably after the bath.

This is also true for the eyes and nails in sphynx cat care. Weekly nail clippings and regular wiping of the cat's eyes with a damp cloth is necessary.

Diet - Food and Water

And of course, don't forget the special needs of the sphynx where its food and water are concerned. Keep these things in mind:

• Balanced high-protein diet is essential
• Higher caloric intake is a must because of the faster rate of metabolism in the cat
• Increased volume of food is necessary
• Ample supply of water to keep hydrated must be provided for

Together with your veterinarian, proper sphynx cat care is easy on the mind and pockets. Just make sure to love your hairless cat and you should be the best pet owner in the block.

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Senior Cat Care Tips to Remember for Pet Longevity

Senior Cat Care Tips to Remember for Pet Longevity

Cats are said to possess nine lives by virtue of their seemingly indestructible nature in the face of accidents. Inevitably, however, pet owners must consider in-home senior cat care tips since felines, like humans, will undergo the aging process. As a rule of thumb, a cat that is 10 years old can be considered middle-aged to elderly depending on the rate at which aging happens in the particular feline.

Keep in mind that consultations with the veterinarian are recommended to plan the best care for an elderly cat. You can, nonetheless, adopt the following tips to make your cat's life easier during its old age.

Daily Inspections

Cats will adeptly hide any signs of illness in their bodies to avoid other cats from taking advantage of their weakened condition, a primitive instinct from the wilderness carried over into home life. As such, you must be vigilant in looking for unusual changes in your elderly pet so that appropriate treatment can be implemented, when necessary.

You have to make daily inspections part of the daily senior cat care routine. Said inspections can be part of your normal pet-human interaction instead of special sessions. For example, you can check for the health of the teeth, gums and skin while stroking your cat's fur and rubbing your cat's head.

Daily Brushes

Hair balls are often doubly dangerous in older cats mainly because of their decreased capacity to cough up any obstruction. It is, thus, very important to perform daily brushing and combing of the cat's fur to remove loose hairs that can be swallowed.

Plus, daily brushing also results in healthier skin and coat. This is because brushing stimulates sebaceous gland secretions and improves blood circulation to the skin and coat, which makes for shinier, thicker and healthier appearance.

Daily Nutrition

Yet another critical component of proper senior cat care to extend your pet's ninth life is healthy nutrition on a daily basis. Many cats tend to become obese in their senior years although others will progressively lose weight. In either case, you must have the cat checked over by a veterinarian as both conditions can signify serious underlying medical conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, and cancer, among other possibilities.

You must then keep close track of your cat's weight as it ages even when said weight changes are relatively small in nature. The veterinarian can then have an objective basis on which to determine if the weight changes are, indeed, linked to an underlying medical condition.

Anyway, proper senior cat care can be implemented in relation to weight by providing for a nutritionally balanced, complete and age-specific cat food. We suggest asking the veterinarian for the most appropriate cat food for your pet especially products approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

You must also ensure that your cat has sufficient physical activity for weight control as well as for overall health. Even moderate play can increase blood circulation, promote muscle tone and improve joint flexibility in older cats. And while it may seem ridiculous, your cat will benefit from less stress in its environment.

If you gave your kitten tender care, then it also deserves loving senior cat care in later life. It's the least you can do for your pet's years of loyal companionship.

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Persian Cat Care To Make Your Pet Feel Like the Shah

Persian Cat Care To Make Your Pet Feel Like the Shah

Contrary to popular opinions, proper Persian cat care is similar to responsible care for other cat breeds such as the American shorthair, British longhair and the Ragamuffin. Certain concessions must be made to account for the Persian cat's unique physical characteristics of shortened muzzle, round face and long hair as well as its placid nature.

You can also choose to pamper your Persian cat. This is, after all, the cat imported from Persia - the land of the majestic shahs and the country we now know as Iran. We suggest not overdoing the on the pampering ways as there is such a thing as a spoiled brat for a cat, which nobody will want either.

Food and Water

Proper Persian cat care starts with good nutrition to achieve the desired physical qualities in the breed. High-quality cat food is critical in the attainment and maintenance of the show qualities of Persian cats including the extremely long, luxurious and thick coat in colors like golden, blue and tabby; short legs on a round body; and a wide head complemented by wide-set ears, large eyes and shortened muzzle. Plus, a well-fed Persian cat is more likely to be of a stable, placid and quiet temperament with an uncommon closeness to its owner.

Fresh dry food and clean water must always be on hand for your Persian cat. Wet food can be alternated with dry food to add variety to the menu while treats must be limited to avoid the development of diseases. We recommend asking the veterinarian about the brands cat food since Persian cat care should be adjusted based on the age, physical condition and specific breed of the feline (i.e., Himalayan longhair, exotic shorthair and Grand Champion).

Litter Box and Kingly Bed

If there is food and water, then there must be bowel and bladder movements. You must provide for a large litter box for the Persian cat to use for these specific purposes. Although a cheap clumping litter is a good option, we generally don't recommend it. If your Persian cat decides to make a meal of the clumping litter, you are looking at various health problems the least of which is obstruction of the airways.

Of course, you can always elevate Persian cat care to royal levels, if you can afford to do so. Kingly beds with fancy features are available for equally kingly or queenly Persian cats, which will probably make your pet love you even more.

Grooming and Beautifying

Don't forget to groom and beautify your Persian cat either! In fact, your primary reason for getting a Persian cat for a pet may have been its beautiful fur coat followed by its placid nature.

Because of the breed's characteristic long, thick and luxurious hair, grooming can be such a chore but it is a necessary one. Otherwise, your Persian cat can sport matter, knotted and simply dirty fur aside from the high risks for inviting fleas, mites and other parasites into its skin. Regular brushing with a fine wait brush coupled with the occasional bath is a good grooming practice as well as a way to bond.

Indeed, Persian cat care taken to the royal levels is easy if you put your heart into it. Add the regular veterinary visits and your Persian cat can become the beloved prince or princess in your home.

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Ideal Natural Cat Care

1. Ideal Natural Cat Care

Natural cat care ranges from use of homeopathic methods to simply choosing organic and natural products when they are available instead of using medicated ones. This can range from use of olive oil to combat ear mites, to creating homemade food for your cat.  One can chose to use wheat, corn, pine or paper based litter instead of clay litters. There are even crystal litters that will adsorb urine and break down feces to prevent disease and infection. There are vets that use acupuncture and other methods to treat illnesses instead of or alongside more traditional methods.

The basis of natural cat care is preventive grooming. By taking a more active role in the grooming of your cat, through daily brushing of coat and teeth, trimming nails or hair as needed, wiping the eyes and nose to keep mucus and crusting discharges under control, watching for fleas and ticks, and doing regular exams on your pet you can do a lot to prevent needing traditional medicines. Using massage, brushing, and exams can go a long way to allowing you to take steps to fight little problems before they become life threateningly large ones. Not only will this give you a happy, healthy pet, but it will improve the bond that exists between you and your cat.

A foundational approach to natural cat care includes cultivation of a relationship with a vet to ensure that natural remedies are correct for your pet. Use of homemade food might not be the best for all situations, but your vet can advise you if your pet has special needs that require supplements. If homemade food is not right, you can find organic or raw foods made for cats online through special stores.  The vet can perform spaying and neutering as needed to eliminate behavior issues that might lead to the need for medicines in the future, like fighting, breeding, or trying to get outside. Keeping your pet happy and healthy is the vet's job after all.

Combining natural cat care with bio-awareness means that in addition to sticking with natural remedies that you seek to use things that are environmentally sound. This would mean choosing litter for your cat that is biodegradable, avoiding the use of clay based litters. You can choose from corn-based, pine- based, or other type of "flushable" litter, or use a crystal based litter that has no clay. You can chose organic foods to reduce the use of chemicals in food production. These organic foods would be better for your pet because they do not have artificial dyes or coloring agents in them.

You can find shops, webpages, blogs, forums and other online resources to help you decide if natural cat care is right for you and your cat. With an active community online, finding help with answering your questions is easy. Taking a natural approach does not mean ignoring the vet trips, but rather seeking ways to protect your cat from dangers that commercial products might pose. 

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House Cat Care for the New Additions to the Zoo

House Cat Care for the New Additions to the Zoo

The good news for first-time owners of felines is that house cat care is as easy as can be in comparison with caring for other house pets. This is because cats are relatively self-sufficient creatures that are happy for as long as their food and water bowls are full and their litter boxes and beds are clean. Still, you will want to know of certain tips for proper care for the new additions to the zoo, er, household.

It must be emphasized that caring for kittens and cats are different in many ways. But you don't have to worry about memorizing thick texts of veterinary manuals as these differences are subtle instead of being separated by oceans.

Care for Kittens

If you decide to adopt a kitten from the local shelter, your preliminary efforts at house cat care are easier for many reasons. The staff has usually implemented a few essential measures to train the kittens in preparation for adoption into a home. Plus, kittens can easily adapt to other animals already present in the household, which is a boon when your other pets are a mix of dogs and cats.

Caring for kittens can be made easier with the following tips:

• Let the veterinarian check on their health as soon as possible. You want to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, their physical conditions are up to par and their behavior is up to training standards. Or at the very least, you are made aware of potential problems and their best solutions.
• Purchase the necessary supplies for proper house cat care even before bringing the kitten home. Your checklist must include food and water bowls; kitten food, treats and supplements; litter box, bed and carrier; collars, leashes and harnesses; combs; and even toys and scratching posts.
• Be sure to educate the kids and adults about proper handling of the kittens.

You will find that caring for kittens is such a joy after a few days in the house. Their antics are worthy of more than a few loud laughs and good memories.

Care for Cats

If you opt for an adult cat for adoption, you have to tweak a few of the abovementioned tips for caring for kittens. This is especially true for the introductions of the cat to the other pets in the household. Keep in mind that adult cats are territorial animals, too, and may not be welcomed into the household pack as easily as the kittens were by, say, the older dogs.

As such, you must give the new cat and the old cats the sufficient time to get used to one another. Minor fights over territory can erupt but you must try to avoid showing any signs of favoritism lest one feels left out than the other. Take note that proper house cat care also involves looking after the feline's mental welfare as well as its physical needs.

Of course, you must also let the veterinarian take a look at the adult cat's physical condition. Litter boxes must be kept clean, meals of cat food must be regular given at least 2 times a day, and playtime must also be provided for physical fitness.

Indeed, there's a good reason that cats are recommended pets for children, the elderly and busy individuals. Proper house cat care is easy-peasy, after all.

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Want Luscious locks? Better follow Himalayan Cat Care

Want Luscious locks? Better follow Himalayan Cat Care



So ok... luscious locks for your fluffy feline friend, who happens to be a gorgeous Himalayan, otherwise known as a Persian Siamese. It is not the diet that changes for these lovely cats, no indeed. Unlike a Siamese, Himalayan cat care is nine-tenths intensive daily grooming related to the Persian traits that the breed has.



Himalayan cat care revolves around caring for the cat's coat making sure it is well groomed and that the cat is not overheated by it. These gentle tempered animals adapt well to daily brushing and require some facial grooming also. Like a Siamese, these cats can be playful and active, more so than the average Persian cat. Because this is an active longhaired cat, you must get into the habit of brushing daily with a soft brush. This will help reduce knots, tangles, and loose hair. Pay attention to the armpits, behind the ears, the belly, and below the tail as these areas get more tangled then other places. Additionally to brushing, your cat will need to be bathed every other week with a mild shampoo to prevent matting.



The best method for this is placing your pet on a bathmat, brush carefully first with a wide-toothed comb, using fingernail scissors to remove mats and knots as you find them. Once you have the knots out switch to a fine toothed comb or brush to remove as much loose fur as possible. Don't forget to give your beautiful friend a treat after.



Although a lean and muscled cat breed, Himalayan cat care really is very attuned to grooming needs.  The long hair tends to form hairballs, and the cat will undoubtedly benefit from foods and additives to the diet to help reduce these from forming, in addition to plenty of clean water and a well kept litter box. The thick coat may cause issues in the hot summer months, and to prevent overheating one should keep their Himalayan indoors under air conditioning or have the cat treated to a "lion cut" that will reduce the length of the fur on the body for the summer.



These fine animals as you might expect for the breeds they come from, are very outgoing and adventurous. Your Himalayan cat care plan should include plenty of playtime, safely indoors. By keeping the cat inside, you can reduce your grooming tasks, eliminating the need to check for ticks, pull out bits of plant matter, trim tangles (which your cat will still have plenty of), and the like. The best alternative is a three-season porch, green room, sunroom, or simply plenty of cat safe plants inside for them to play in.  One final thing to keep in mind with Himalayan cat care. You flat faced friend will need you to keep their nose and eyes cleaned up for them, which can be part of their daily grooming habits. They may need to have you clean their ears for them a couple times a month.

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Essential Supplies for Proper Daily Cat Care

Essential Supplies for Proper Daily Cat Care

Proper cat care involves many aspects of looking after your pet's welfare from its physical to its social needs. Arguably, responsible pet owners will start with the physical needs for the simple reason that the physiological needs of food, water and shelter takes precedence over the need to belong in both animals and humans.

Thus, before taking your new pet cat, be it a kitten or an adult, you must stock up on its supplies. You will then be able to immediately provide for its physiological needs and then move on into its social needs. Your expenses can add up but keep in mind that this is expected of responsible pet owners.

And speaking of expenses, you can expect to spend approximately $25 for a litter box, $30 for the carrier and $10 for the collar. In addition, your cat requires an average of $170 in food, $50 in toys and treats and $150 for veterinary visits on an annual basis. If you are aiming for proper cat care, you had better be prepared for these expenses.

Food and Water

Of course, the first item on the list is cat food and water. You may ask the veterinarian, the local shelter staff or an experienced cat owner about good brands of cat food, the appropriate amounts for each stage of the cat's life and other tips for healthy feline nutrition. Keep in mind that it is never healthy for cats to be feed table scraps especially fish bones because the feline digestive system is very different from the human stomach.

Also, you should add a feeding bowl for the cat. Felines are highly territorial animals so much so that it is not uncommon to see cats fighting over a single bowl of food. It's always better to have your pet cats eat from their own bowls.

Bed, Litter and Carrier

Yet another important aspect of proper cat care is the provision of a bed for sleeping purposes, a carrier for travelling and a litter for bowel movements. Each one must be functional first before considerations for design are taken into account. After all, what cat will want to sleep in a pretty bed with uncomfortable parts in it?

You must avoid buying cheap cat carriers as these can pose a danger to your pet. For example, the handle can break and, hence, lead to possible injuries for your cat.

This is also true of the litter box. Since you will be the one emptying it of the contents, you might as well go for the best one that your money can afford. Besides, what's the good in buying cheap things when you have to constantly replace them?

Collars, Leashes and Harnesses

And then there are the collars, leashes and harnesses. These are essential for proper cat care since you want to keep your cat safe while you are out on walks as well as to help in its identification. Needless to say, these cat accessories must never be used to punish, imprison or abuse a cat.

If you still have the money, we also suggest buying a few toys for playtime, a scratching post to avoid the cat ruining the furniture and perhaps an outdoor house for its enjoyment. Yes, indeed, proper cat care takes plenty of thought but the rewards are even more plentiful.

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Just a little more love: Diabetic Cat Care

Just a little more love: Diabetic Cat Care

If your beloved pet has been declared diabetic, you are likely seeking out information on diabetic cat care.  The condition is not a death sentence, in spite fears, in either cats or humans.  It can be managed. How it is managed depends on the form of diabetes that the cat has.  Most cats get type I diabetes, meaning they need injections and monitoring of their blood sugar levels. As many as seventy percent of the cases are this type. Type II diabetes, however, can be controlled with diet, exercise and oral drugs.  

Because most cats suffer from type I diabetes, the majority of information out there is on treating this form through proper diabetic cat care. Because type I needs injections, given once or twice a day, a clockwork intervals, it is important that both owner and cat learn to do things on a timetable that works with this. Injections are done with a small needle and usually do not bother the cat at all. A diabetic cat needs to have his or her glucose levels in the blood checked frequently and the dosage of insulin adjusted in order to ensure the right amount of insulin is administered. Also, it is important to have Karo syrup handy in case too much insulin is given because applying this to the cat's gums can help correct the situation quickly.

Be aware that proper diabetic cat care means making changes in the cat's diet to one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.  The owner needs to watch water consumption for signs of abnormal amounts being consumed as this might indicate that insulin levels need to be adjusted. Having a blood glucose meter for your cat and learning to use it can be very helpful in making adjustments to the insulin doses. Using one of the newer models that uses very little blood will make the process much easier. You can also use urine tests for blood sugar, although these are not as effective or timely as blood testing. 

You should be prepared to cultivate a good working relationship with your vet as part of a diabetic cat care plan. The long term care of your cat and determining the proper dosage of insulin can take months to get right.  Having good communication with your vet can make this process much easier.  Ask your vet for advice on insulin types, and look for what is common in your area.  Cats can use human insulin and many do, but there are special products out there if the cat does not respond well to those products.

One special tool that can be created as part of your diabetic cat care plan is a blood glucose curve.  By plotting on a graph the levels of glucose at 2 to 4 hour intervals over 12 to 16 hours. Having this type of curve can help assist in pegging dosages or resistance where insulin is concerned and is vital to proper regulation of the disease.

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Common Feline Health Issues Your Cat May Have

Common Feline Health Issues Your Cat May Have

Feline health is something that you need to research well, and fully understand before looking at getting a cat. There are some health issues that are unknown, and can cause concerns with new cat owners. A great number of cats will lead a very long and healthy life; however, some do contract different health problems. Not all of them are serious, but it is worth understanding them all to insure your cat is kept at its healthiest.

There are several different health problems that can affect your cat, and although many are found in all cats others are hereditary.  Learning all of the different problems, and the best way to treat them is very important. Taking your cat to the vet for regular checkups will ensure they are kept in the best possible health. Your vet will be able to advice the best diet, and care to ensure your cat is well looked after and healthy.

Worms are a very common problem for cats, and are often a reoccurring problem.  There are several different varieties that can affect your cat.  These include roundworm, tapeworm, and hookworms in some cases heart worm may also be a problem. These can be easily treated when detected, and if left they can kill your cat. If you notice that your cat is struggling to put weight on, and has fleas they are likely to have worms. If in doubt taking them to the vets will determine the type of worms, and course of treatment needed.

Hairballs are the most common feline health issue, and can affect all cats no matter what their breed is. Due to the fact that cats clean themselves regularly throughout the day their hair is often ingested.  This hair may gather into a ball, and cause a blockage in your cat's digestive tract.  You will notice that your cat is trying to dislodge the hairball by coughing, and spluttering.  In most cases the cat will dislodge the problem all over the floor. However, in extreme cases the hairball will pass through to the intestines and become stuck.

If your cat becomes lethargic, and unable to eat and drink after coughing a great deal they will need to be taken to the vet immediately. A stuck hairball can be life threatening to your cat, and will need to be removed by surgery. You can help your cat by grooming them regularly, and removing the loose hair from the coat. There is also specific food that you can feed your cat to help break down the hairballs. There are some serious feline health problems that can be fatal for your cat including FIV or cat AIDS as it is better known. There are no vaccines for this disease, however, it is often other illnesses that will affect your cat.

The largest killer of cats until recently was FLV, which is a form of cat leukemia. There is thankfully a vaccine for this disease; however you should keep your cat away from other cats as it is hugely infectious. With the large number of feline health problems it is essential that you ensure that your cat is kept vaccinated, wormed and in general good health. This will ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your beloved cat.

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Common Cat Skin Care Signs and Treatments

Common Cat Skin Care Signs and Treatments

Cat skin is very tough compared to other animals, and they are natural groomers ensuring that their skin and coat are kept very clean. However, cats are very prone to skin infections, and problems that can result in your cat becoming very unwell. You will need to ensure that you keep an eye on your cat, and take it for regular checkups for the vet to check them over. Most skin problems you will be able to see, and feel when stroking and grooming your cat. However, some may be more difficult to determine.

Your cat will be susceptible to infestations, allergies, and skin infections making it uncomfortable for them. Something as simple as a food or grass allergy can have your cat scratching, licking, and in some cases ripping their own fur out. You will need to observe your cat's behavior to determine if they have some type of skin care problem. If your cat is bad tempered, grooming more than usual, or their personality has changed it might be an idea to investigate further.

Cats suffer from feline acne, and although this may be surprising it is very common. Stress, poor diet, and bad grooming can lead to many pimples appearing on your cats chin. This acne can be treated very easily with medicated shampoos, or creams. If the acne has lead to a bacterial infection your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Many skin care problems will lead to bacterial infections that will need further treatments.  You will need to take your cat to the vet for the exact diagnosis of the skin problem, and the best treatment for it.

Ringworm is a very common skin problem with cats, and is a form of fungus that can spread very quickly. It usually appears in kittens, and very young cats, and will affect their faces, necks, ears, and forelimbs. Once this skin care problem is detected it can be treated easily, however, it may reoccur several times. Another fungus problem that may affect your cat is located in their ears. The cat's ears may become inflamed, red, and very sore.  Your cat may scratch their ears constantly causing the problem to get worse, and they will need treating straight away.

Dermatitis is the most common type of skin problems in cats, and can affect all breeds in many different environments. Often a change in washing detergent on their bedding, or a change of food will cause it.  Fleas and dust are also two very popular causes of this easily detected problem, and you need to discover the cause before you can treat it. Slowly determine what has changed in your cat's environment recently. This should be easy to do, and remove from their lives ensuring that the allergic reaction stops.

Older cats may suffer from skin lumps, and they are not always necessarily cancerous. However, you will need to have them checked, and treated by a vet. Dandruff is also common in older cats, and you may need to assist them with grooming to ensure that their coats are kept clean and healthy. Knowing your cat is essential, and ensuring that you look after them well will keep them healthy and free from problems.

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Cat Illnesses That You Need To Know About

Cat Illnesses That You Need To Know About

Cat illnesses can range from very mild to extremely severe, and you will need to understand a vast majority of them. You may feel that learning about every disease and illness your cat may contract is too much. However, this knowledge could save your cats life when they need you the most, and enable you to take the right action. Learning the common symptoms, and understand your cat is very important. You will be the first to notice when your cat is under the weather, and not behaving as they would normally.

As you begin to bond with your cat you will learn about their mannerisms, and the habits they will have. Although the cat illnesses may vary, the symptoms are often the same no matter type or breed of cat you own. Loss of appetite is one of the most common symptoms you will notice your cat displaying.  If you know your cat well you will be able to tell when they are not interested in eating, or struggling to eat. Cats love food, and even if they do not eat a great deal they will do so at a regular time. 

A one-off occurrence of not eating may be due to them having caught prey outside. However, if they continue to refuse food, you should be concerned. Stress will often cause cats to refuse food, and you have to consider this option before taking them to the vets. Tempting your cat with some type of food that is fantastic will determine if they are stressed, or ill. All cats cannot refuse some type of delicacy when it is offered to them unless they are very ill.

Being bad tempered, and anti social is another sign that they may be ill, especially if your cat is usually very sociable.  Cats will retreat to a hiding place that they feel is safe, warm, and quiet when they are suffering from illness.  You should be concerned if you have not seen your cat for a few days, or they are hiding away from everyone. All cats love to groom themselves, and you can often tell how healthy a cat is by the condition of their coats. If you cat has a dull, lifeless coat, and looks uncared for they may be ill.

Although all cats are different and some may display all of the most common symptoms, and others will display none. You will need to be aware of what they are, and the most common illnesses so that you can easily identify problems. Cats can suffer from upset stomachs, vomiting, and colds just like humans can. Most cat illnesses can be cured with rest and fluids; however, some will need treatment from your vet.

Many of the common problems can be solved with antibiotics, and creams, which you can get from the vet. Ear infections, skin problems, fur balls and urinary infections are the most common illnesses and problems a cat will contract. However, there are some very serious illnesses such as cat AIDS and Leukemia that you should be aware of.  Taking your cat for regular checkups at the vets is therefore very important.

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Cat Health Care for Three Common Feline Illnesses

Cat Health Care for Three Common Feline Illnesses

As with other pets, proper cat health care is important toward good quality and longevity of life among domestic felines. It must be noted that cats can suffer from many health problems from parasites, fleas and worms to infectious diseases, chronic illnesses and even cancer.

You must learn to recognize the symptoms of certain common illnesses in domestic cats so as to be able to seek veterinary care at the earliest possible time. In many cases, nonetheless, you can perform simple in-home treatment options as well as adopt preventive measures. Here then are the three most common illnesses, their symptoms and possible treatments that every pet owner must know in the pursuit of proper cat health care.

Allergies

Cats suffering from allergies exhibit symptoms that include sneezing, wheezing and coughing coupled with itchy skin, eyes and ears. In most cases where the allergen was ingested, the cat suffers from diarrhea and vomiting.

The best treatment for allergies in cats is to remove the offending allergen from the environment. Of course, there are medications that can be applied on the skin, ingested through the mouth or injected into the scalp to control the symptoms of allergy but these will still be of little effect when the allergens are not removed.

• Implement a flea control program recommended by the veterinarian
• Use an unscented litter since your cat may be allergic to the ingredients in the scented one
• Change the bedding and vacuum the cat's bed at least 2 times a week in addition to the usual removal of dust around the house
• Identify and then remove the offending food that may be causing the allergy

Fleas

Probably the most common and yet the easiest to resolve in cat health care issues is the presence of fleas. You will know that your cat has fleas through the common signs of persistent scratching anywhere on the body in addition to hair loss, pale lips and gums. To confirm an initial diagnosis of fleas, run a fine-toothed comb over the cat's fur particularly around the tail and the neck. Fleas are present when small brown shapes are seen on the fur while black spots and tiny white grains are on the comb.

Again, preventive measures are the best treatment against fleas. Vacuum the rugs, beddings and other places where the cat likes to stay while also applying anti-flea products. You may have to hire professionals to do the job.

Skin Problems

Yet another area of proper cat health care that every pet owner must be aware of is the wide variety of skin problems in domestic felines. Keep in mind that the condition of the cat's skin is a good indicator of overall health.

Skin problems in cats can be caused by many factors but the symptoms are similar. You will observe constant scratching, scabs, skin redness, and rashes, among other signs. We always suggest getting the cat to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment since the skin disease can be due to things like ringworms, ear mites, allergies and even tumors.

In the end, proper cat health care means being observant about your pet's physical characteristics as well as behavioral traits for signs of anything unusual. Then you can let the vet provide the right treatment and tips to help your pet along the path to wellness.

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Cat Care Tips Every Pet Owner Must Know

Cat Care Tips Every Pet Owner Must Know

Every new pet owner must learn as many cat care tips as possible for obvious reasons. These tips will make life easier for the human as the primary caretaker of the cat and for the cat as one of man's companion in the house. In essence, man and feline will benefit from taking care of each other.

Don't despair if you feel that there seems to be too many things to remember about caring for your cat. Actually, cats are one of the easiest animals to take care of than, say, dogs. Just remember these easy-to-follow tips and you should be a well-loved pet owner among your community of felines.

Handling

Let's start with these cat care tips on handling since it is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet ownership. We have this notion that cats are physically resilient creatures that can land on their feet even when thrown from the top of a skyscraper and, hence, can be handled any which way possible.

Well, not so. When picking up your cat, place one hand under the hindquarters and another hand behind the front legs before lifting gently. Picking a cat up by the scruff of its neck or by its front legs is not advisable.

Feeding

Next in importance of the cat care tips is feeding your pet. Just like humans, cats thrive best on a healthy diet although the kinds of food provided for these species are different in most cases. Thus, you must not feed your cat table scraps since there are human foods that cause severe side effects in felines including chocolate.

Instead, we recommend feeding your pet high-quality cat food in either its dry or wet forms depending on the nutritional needs. A saucer of milk may cause diarrhea so try to limit its feeding to cats. Packaged treats are also good but since these items are rich in sugar and fat, don't go overboard.

Depending on the cat's age, you can feed it one to four meals a day. For example, a 6-week-old kitten can be feed 4 small meals a day while an adult cat can thrive on one large meal daily.

Moving the Bowels

And since we are on the topic of food, you must also remember certain cat care tips related to moving the waste products from the feeding sessions. All indoor cats must have their own litter box that must then be placed in a quiet but still accessible location like a utility room.

Cats are hygienic creatures. As such, pooping on a messy, smelly and unclean litter box is a big no-no for felines, which can lead to pooping on other areas of the house. To avoid these accidents, always make sure to scoop out the solid wastes at least once a day, to clean the box with a mild detergent and to refill the box at least once in a week.

Of course, you must regularly comb the cat's fur; check for parasites on the ears, eyes and skin; and provide for playtime and physical activity. You will soon realize that the cat care tips encountered during your pet ownership are easy to follow even when you have a busy schedule.

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Caring for your Siamese Cat

Caring for your Siamese Cat

Siamese cat care need not be a huge mystery.  These lovely animals are very easy to care for and do a lot of self-care.  For example, grooming and bathing on a Siamese can be left largely to the cat itself, with the addition of occasional brushing, on account of their smooth, short, and fine coat. The brushing will reduce shedding related issues, like hairballs (yuck).  For the most part, doing any sort of bathing is not needed unless the cat has gotten into something they cannot remove from their coat on their own due to safety or health concerns.



Cats, including Siamese cat cared for by you, must have fresh food and water.  Just because a Siamese is a special breed, however, does not mean they need overly special concerns for their diet.  Fresh water is always necessary.  A trusted brand of dry food usually is enough to make sure they have their nutritional needs met.  One can offer moist food or special formulas as needed by the cat based on factors like age and health.  It is a good idea that if you are unable to care for your cat for an extended period that you have either an auto-feeder system or a pet watcher checking on your cat to make sure they always have fresh water and food.



No plan for Siamese cat care is complete without doing a safety inspection of the residence that the cat lives in.  Naturally curious, perhaps more so then most cats, a Siamese will find things to get into.  Mine even liked to knock heavy breadboxes off the top of the refrigerator. You should keep in mind how active and alert these animals are, how able they are with their paws.  You may need to use heavy magnetite closures on cabinets to keep the cat out of them.  You might need a baby gate, or learn to close doors to the places you don't want the cat going as part of your Siamese cat care plan.  Walk your environment as though you have a young child entering the home and take similar safety precautions. Do not overlook personal supervision as the animal explores the first few times for their safety.



Your cat should always have a proper clean litter box.  This is as vital to Siamese cat care as it is to any other type of cat. Unless your cat has issues with a clumping litter, these are often the easiest to keep clean. A clay litter is best for a younger cat, to avoid issues if they accidentally ingest some.  There are other types of litter too, made from other materials.  The best thing is to try a few and find out which type your cat likes best. Litter boxes should be scooped out morning and night, and cleaned completely weekly. Get a larger box or several of them if you have more than one cat or more than one floor on your house that the cat has access to.

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Caring for a Kitten

A Bundle of Joy: Caring for a Kitten

Kitten care can be daunting, but rewarding. Safety tips to keep in mind are do not pick up a kitten by the scruff of the neck, do not give them cow's milk, give kittens six weeks with their mother before adopting them, and keep your kittens indoors until they have been vaccinated. Kittens develop quickly, doubling their body weight in the first week. At eight days, they open their eyes, and by twenty-one days, the baby blue color will start to change at which time the kitten will likely begin trying to walk around. At fourteen days, the ears will move to an upright position.  By the end of the first month, the kittens will have milk teeth and be playing with each other.

Vital to kitten care is the process of weaning. By starting a kitten on the route to solid food from about three weeks on, you can ensure that by the time the kitten is six to eight weeks old it is ready to be vaccinated and depending on area spayed or neutered. Kittens are ready to be adopted at eight weeks. Weaning you kittens should start with liquid kitten formula in a bowl at about three weeks old.  Once they are taking this, add canned baby food to the milk to thicken it.  By the time the kitten has reached five weeks, you should be mixing in finely chopped canned food or softened kitten chow. As the weaning progresses, slowly increase the ratio of solid food. They should be able to consume solid kitten food by eight weeks old.

Kittens up to ten months old should be given kitten food.  It is an important part of kitten care to ensure that a kitten gets enough nutrition while it is growing rapidly.  If your kitten seems to be overweight then mixing adult food in with the kitten food sooner than ten months is an option for weight control. It is recommended that moist food be reserved as a treat item and that dry food be offered all the time. If you notice that your kitten continues to be chubby, you might need to reduce or eliminate canned food totally.

Kittens love to play.  A vital element in kitten care is providing them with lots of things to keep them busy. While a kitten is young, it will tend to stay with its littermates. They will play with one another. Some of this play will appear to be fighting, but as a cat is a predator, this type of play is normal. Another thing you should do is provide lightweight toys that the kittens can bat about and chase. Avoid anything that can be swallowed, like string or thread.  Stick to light small balls, crumpled paper, cardboard tubes and the like. Do not encourage the kittens to attack your hands. It is vital that a kitten not view your hands as a toy when it comes time to groom them or give them medications.

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Bengal Cat Care to Ensure Your Cat Is Happy

Bengal Cat Care to Ensure Your Cat Is Happy

Bengal cat care is very similar to other cat care; however, this unusual breed of cat does require certain requirements.  Although this breed of cat is a domestic cat, they are a hybrid breed that has become very popular to own.  They are very loving, energetic cats that want to play, and have all of your attention whenever they are awake.  The Bengal cat is very intelligent, and has an unusual love for water making it unlike a typical domestic cat.

The Bengal cat has been developed by breeding an Asian Leopard cat with a domestic breed, and has been bred since the 1960s. They are a medium size cat that is well muscled, and very hardy with a wild appearance. Their coat is short, and dense with a very silky feel and appearance with very unusual markings. The Bengal is well known for its unusual coat, and will often have unique patterns, and spots. They are a fun breed to own, however, they are very predatory, and will hunt and kill many other animals.

Bengal cats are incredibly funny to have around the house, and will entertain the whole family with their behavior. They love to run around, and will play for hours if you can spare the time.  Although they are very loving, they can also be very anti-social when the mood takes them. They do feel that the whole world should evolve around them, and will be put out if it doesn't.   The Bengal cat does not require any care that is different to a domestic cat. They will eat the same foods as other cats, and due to their short coats, you will not need to groom them as they take care of any loose hair themselves.

However, they do need plenty of exercise, and will need the opportunity to get outside and let off steam. If the Bengal cat feels trapped and bored they will begin to destroy their surroundings, and cause havoc around the home.  Having another cat to play with is an ideal companion; however, a domestic cat may tire of their energetic ways, and simply want to rest. The Bengal cat is very sneaky and will hide their toys to ensure no one else can have them.

Like domestic cats, they are prone to illnesses, and health problems that can make them very ill. Poisoning is very common with this breed of cat as they are very nosey, and like to investigate everything. Unfortunately, they do tend to eat the wrong things, and sometimes this can make them ill. Watching your Bengal cat is very important, and trying to keep them to the boundaries of your garden is important. This will help to keep them safe and away from risks and dangers in the outside world.

If you approach getting a Bengal cat with an open mind, they can bring years of fun, and entertainment. However, do not expect them to be easy, or calm as they simply will disappoint. If you are well aware of the Bengal cat care that will be needed these amazing creatures make ideal family pets that will be adored by everyone.

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411 on Holistic Cat Care

411 on Holistic Cat Care

Caring for your cats involve different modalities than caring for your other pets like dogs, koi and lovebirds. Although conventional veterinary care is also effective in improving an animal's quality of life, an increasing number of pet owners are looking into alternative styles of which the most popular is holistic cat care.

Definition

Basically, holistic methods used in pet care refer to the natural, alternative and non-invasive modalities of maintenance of health in domestic animals. These modalities are used both in the prevention and treatment of diseases in pet cats.

There are two main differences between holistic methods and conventional means for cat care. First, the former seeks to treat the root cause while the former only suppresses the symptoms of diseases and disorders. Second, holistic methods only apply natural remedies while conventional means rely heavily on medications and surgery.

Benefits

From the abovementioned definition of holistic cat care, we can conclude more than a few benefits to this treatment modality. These include:

• Personalized approach to maintenance of health for both the cat and the owner. The pet owner gets good advice on the best ways to maintain the cat's health according to its age, physical condition and other special needs.
• Wider range of natural treatment options that can be explored and then combined for best results - all without the use of harsh medications and invasive procedures. In conventional medicine, all of the medications work in just one way - against the body's natural system, which explains words like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antiviral.

The best benefit of holistic cat care, furthermore, is that the root causes of the diseases, disorders and illnesses of the pet feline are addressed. As a result, the symptoms are less likely to return. In contrast, conventional veterinary treatments only address the symptoms, which leave the root cause lurking in the body to strike once again when the opportunity comes.

For example, if your cat has severe allergies, conventional veterinary methods involve the injection of steroids or the administration of antihistamines without necessarily eliminating the cause of the allergies in the first place. With holistic methods, other therapies will be implemented to address both the cause and the symptoms, thus, lessening the likelihood of a recurrence.

Types

And speaking of therapies, holistic cat care uses a wide range of therapies toward the maintenance of health in domestic felines. Holistic practitioners will combine two or more of the following specific therapies depending on the case:

• Chinese traditional medicine
• Homeopathic treatments
• Herbal remedies
• Reiki healing
• Massage and touch therapy
• Veterinary acupuncture

Of course, a healthy diet is part and parcel of holistic care for cats. You must include the age-specific cat food in the daily diet as well as a good protein source rich in taurine, amino acids and essential fatty acids. After all, even the best professional care will be useless when your cat does not enjoy healthy nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

The efficacy of holistic cat care boils down to your willingness to adopt the principles of this modality. If you are ready, then so is the holistic practitioner.

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