Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Pet cat care may be similar to caring for other pets. But one of the differences is that cats may suffer from a host of different diseases that other pets may not go through. Here is a list of some feline diseases that cats may suffer from at some point.

Feline Distemper

This disease usually affects cats at a young age. Known medically as feline panleukopenia, this type of viral infection lowers down the immune defenses of young kittens by severely affecting the production of white blood cells. This infection can make young kittens pass liquid stool with blood due to the severe hemorrhaging that happens in their small intestine.

Fever may also be expected and will lead the young kitten to become depressed and then refuse to take any food and water. It may seem to the pet owner that the cat has a temperamental personality, hence the name feline distemper. The infection actually has no effect on the cat's personality in any way. Sadly, recovery for such conditions is very rare for a cat.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

This is another viral infection that is also fatal in cats. Once your cat shows signs of this infection, it can cause years and years of trouble. This infection is usually common mostly in young adult cats and can be transmitted to other cats. There are two known types of this infection.

There is the "dry" type where the young adult cat is affected by high fever as well as problems with internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs and the intestines. With this type of infection, the cats never seem improve no matter how well the treatment is given.

There is also the "wet" type of the disease has the young adult cat having a fluid discharge within the abdomen. Occasionally the cat's chest displays a golden and dense liquid that contains flakes within. This infection makes the cat run a high fever and would usually not eat well.

The only protection that cats can have over the disease is vaccination. But vaccines should be given prior to any exposure to the virus or the vaccine will not be very effective.

Feline immune Deficiency Virus

This disease is similar to the Human Immune Deficiency Virus or HIV in humans. This virus in only found in cats and is being spread mainly by a bite from an infected cat. This disease suppresses the cat's immune system and leads the cat to be more prone to all sorts of infection. There is an intranasal vaccine available to protect cats from the FIV infection although some veterinarians are not that convinced that it can protect more effectively as compared to other vaccines.

Feline Leukemia Virus

This virus can severely impair an infected cat's immune system. With the compromised immune system, the cat has limited ability to defend against all sorts of infections. This virus can be spread from contact with infected cats. Many cats can become carriers of the virus for years without displaying any apparent symptoms of the infection.

Cats harboring the virus may at times develop clinical signs of the infection if they undergo surgery, get injured or when they get lost outside their usual environment. These diseases may give pet owners an idea of why cat health care is so important to ensure that their pets live healthier and longer lives.

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Is Catnip Dangerous for Your Cat?

by: Larry Chamberlain

Your cat, your loving and lovable family pet is not usually what you would call a bundle of energy. In fact she spends a good deal of the day taking a siesta. When she moves she does so at her own pace and in her own time.

But should your sedate kitty have a whiff of catnip . . . well, wop bop a lula blim bam boom! The party is on baby. Suddenly your cat is rollicking and rolling around, frisky, excited and running about as if the clock had been turned back and she is a kitten once again.

Then as little as two, but up to fifteen minutes later your cat is back to her slothful, normal self, the catnip effect completely worn off.

What causes the catnip effect, why do cats react in to it in that way?

First, not all cats do react to catnip. It is estimated that one third to half of the domestic cat population is unaffected by the herb. The reaction to catnip is inherited. Kittens that have only one parent that reacts have a one in two chance of reacting themselves, and kittens that have parents that both react have a three in four chance. Kittens under three to four months old do not react to catnip and with older cats the effect is considerably lessened.

Also, if a cat that would normally have a reaction to catnip is in a threatening situation, or is outside of its usual surroundings, it may not respond to the catnip.

Anyway, as to what causes the catnip effect, the experts do know that nepetalactone, an oil found in catnip causes cats that are sensitive to it to go ga-ga. What they don't know is why certain cats react that way.

It's not just the domestic cat that can experience the catnip effect. Big cats too can react to it; lions, leopards, cheetahs and pumas can get catnip high but interestingly not tigers.

When a cat finds catnip it will usually sniff at it, rub up against it, lick it and nibble at it. It is the sniffing at it that gets the reaction, it is thought that cats nibble and rub against the catnip to bruise it and thereby cause more of the nepetalactone oil to be released. Strangely, if a cat actually eats the catnip it will likely act as a sedative as opposed to giving the kitty a high.

So, is catnip dangerous for your kitty? After all, the response that some felines have to catnip is not unlike the response that some humans have to stuff that they shouldn't smoke.

Although it said that catnip is bio-chemically related to cannabis cats will come to no harm by enjoying it and will not become dependent. The catnip effect very seldom lasts longer than 15 minutes maximum until the cat loses interest. After this a cat will not react again for a minimum of one hour.

Not all cats react to the herb in exactly the same way though. The typical response is an uninhibited friskiness and silliness, but a few cats, usually male, become aggressive rather than frisky.

Catnip has long been thought safe for humans. It has been prescribed by herbalists to treat nervousness, stomach complaints, flatulence, and even smallpox! Its leaves have been chewed to relieve toothache and it has been drunk as a tea as a cough remedy.

Catnip is not dangerous for cats rather it is a very effective kitty treat for some cats, those that are susceptible to it, to enjoy.

About The Author Larry Chamberlain lives in London, England, and has had a lifelong fascination with domestic cats. His web site - http://www.best-cat-art.com - provides information about all that is best in cat art. Also pages about cat and kitten care and information on cat breeds and types.

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Dog Insurance Helps To Preserve Your Pets Health and Your Budget

Pet Insurance - Pet Tips from HSN & Prince Lorenzo Borghese

Even though dog insurance has been available in the marketplace for almost two decades, many dog owners have never heard of pet health insurance and are somewhat surprised that such an insurance product even exists. However, since the beloved family pets are usually such an important part of the family, the availability of this form of insurance is welcome news to dog lovers.

Just about anybody can relate to this sentiment of relief, if they were ever in the situation of needing to clean out their savings account or run up their balances on thier credit card so that they can handle any unexpected emergency. Having a pet plan can help to lighten the burden of the expenses related to a surgical procedure, long-term care for serious conditions, such as cancer and other types of diseases or emergency care due to injury or accident. Without insurance, some dog owners are faced with the awful decision of having to put their pet to sleep because the cost of proper health care is just too much for the family budget.

Unfortunately, when it comes down to being able to pay for expensive veterinary pet care versus being able to take care of the needs of the children and the rest of the household, often the heartbreaking decision has to be made to put the animal down. It is just this type of situation that attests to the greater value of carrying dog insurance to protect the health and the well-being of man's best friend.

Just as with other health care expenses, the costs associated with veterinarian care for pets is also rising with each passing year. This fact has made the idea of acquiring pet insurance to cover the animal welfare and health concerns a more attractive option. It has also made pet health insurance a more financially smart move for families. It is much easier to work a small insurance premium for dog health insurance into the household budget than it is to try to come up with hundreds, or even thousands of dollars if an emergency arises.

If you own more than one dog, then insurance coverage for all of them makes even more sense. Simply making certain that each seperate dog has received their vaccinations, booster shots as well as health screening that are done on an annual basis can stretch a persons budget to the breaking point. This situation can lead pet owners to decide to skip the routine health care steps that should be taken to prevent illness and diseases.

In most cases, a comprehensive pet insurance policy will also cover wellness and preventative care procedures. Fortunately, most the pet insurance company policies seem to support the approach of taking preventive measures, with regard to animal welfare. It is well-documented that taking preventative measures and supporting wellness care will reduce the potential for serious health issues for the pet later down the road.

Because of this, searching out companies that provide insurance coverage which incorporates preventative care is a wise course of action to take. The fact that a pet insurance company offers such coverage speaks to their commitment and philosophy about prevention of pet disease and the importance of animal welfare in general.

Preventative care coverage is the most expensive type of dog insurance that you can purchase, but may not be in every families' budget. In this case, it is often wise to opt for a policy that will pay for major veterinary pet bills. This is an effective way to lower monthly premiums, but you will need to be prepared to handle the routine veterinarian visits out of your own pocket. Finding a pet insurance company that offers policies that cover wellness care is a positive sign and a good indicator about the kind of company with whom you are dealing.

To find out more head on over to Pet Insurance Quote also click here Compare Pet Insurance also Pet Insurance Bird Lovers

1,000 Safe, Natural, And Effective Veterinary Secrets For Healing Your Pet

by: Ryan Stone

Most people do not know how to treat their pets when their pets need them most. The pet's life might be endangered if the owner does not have the knowledge. For example: If a pet suffers from the aches and pains of old age and arthritis or it swallows household poison like chocolate, do the owners know how to deal with it? Most of the time the answer is "NO" as they are clueless on what to do next. So the next best action that an owner can do is to educate themselves better on how to care of their pets.

If you have the knowledge, you will be able to
-- Instantly decide on a course of action for your ailing pet - so you can ease pain and start treatment immediately.
-- Easily afford natural and effective remedies regardless of your financial situation so your pet doesn't have to go without treatment.
-- Quickly diagnose your sick or injured pet - so you can instantly know if you can administer care yourself or if you should seek medical help immediately.
-- Immediately begin regimens that have been proven to halt and or prevent diseases such as cancer and diabetes - so your pet can live a long and healthy life with you.

If the owner has very little knowledge and they are too dependent on a vet as the owner's only option , the pet will suffer because sometimes pet owners
-- Delay bringing their pet in for treatment because the pet becomes ill after hours
-- Rely exclusively on harsh drug treatments because they (and their vets) are unaware of effective, gentle, natural ways to treat their pet.
-- Discontinue treatment for chronic illnesses because it's complicated or expensive
-- Aren't able to afford an office visit and or follow up treatment.

Most pet owners have no idea how to perform CPR, or even begin to give basic medical care to their pet. But you should know these things, because in some emergencies, you can't always get to the vet in time.

And that is why it is so important for everybody who loves and cares for pets to have the appropriate information. It might even save your pet's life one day.

So the question now is where to get the education and correct information?

You would have to pay hundreds of dollars to assemble enough books to cover all aspects of treatment in this one eBook indicated below: books focusing on dogs, on cats, on behavior problems, chronic illness, and even trauma.

Then, you'd have to find books on herbal remedies - presuming you already know which are safe for dogs and cats and which could cause complications (including death).
Add to your cart books on dental health, acupressure, and homeopathy.

So it is very expensive and time consuming. So what can you do if you really love your pet and want information that can help?

Dr. Andrew Jones, who himself is a vet, has compiled all the information that owners need into one e-book at a very affordable price. He has practiced Veterinary Medicine for over a decade. Over the past 12 years he has treated thousands of pets for a variety of problems, and currently owns the Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson BC, Canada.
So if you really want to learn the correct information because you love and care for your pet, or you want to know more details, please click on the link below in the Resource Box to see it.

About The Author
I am Ryan and I am very interested in pets health. So if you want to have more information or resources, go to http://www.graburl.com/x.php?3sn. Click http://www.graburl.com/x.php?3sn to learn more.





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Protect Your Dog From These Preventable Threats

by: Robert Benson

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in their lifetime, but having a dog is much more than the occasional walk around the block or playing fetch in the yard. There are many other responsibilities that one must consider in order to be a good dog owner. Your dog’s health is a major concern to any good pet owner and in this article we will concentrate on some preventable threats to your pet.

As winter ends and spring starts, so do different types of threats to your dog. Obviously, as the weather starts getting nicer, your pet spends more time outdoors and is more susceptible to the these threats. It is important to be alert for ticks, mosquitoes and micro organisms that spread diseases that are harmful to your dog’s health. Ticks normally live in wooded areas or in tall brush and do not transmit bacteria through the air, but by biting the dog. Some other threats are summarized below:

Lyme disease- is a tick-borne bacterial disease and it can cause lameness, kidney damage and death.

Leptospirosis- this is the #1 cause of acute renal failure, “lepto” is a deadly bacterial disease that is spread by contact with urine from other pets, wildlife and livestock and can be transmitted from dogs to people.

Rabies- is a fatal viral disease transmitted by saliva most often through bite wounds and is a threat to both humans and animals.

Heartworm Disease- is a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable and attacks multiple organs and will cause death if untreated.

As a dog owner, there are many things you can do to minimize the risk to your pet. Brush your dog often and visually inspect your animal especially after an outing in the woods. Additionally, use tick and flea treatments and medications that your veterinarian recommends to kill these harmful pests. Furthermore, your veterinarian can suggest how to protect your pet from lyme disease through vaccination.

There is another important factor in taking care of your dog: twice-a-year wellness exams. You see, dogs age faster than we do and major health changes can occur in a short amount of time. Moreover, your dog is living longer, which increases the chance of potentially serious illnesses during their lifetime.

These wellness exams can help your veterinarian diagnose, treat or prevent problems before they become life threatening. Additionally, these exams allow the veterinarian to discuss nutrition, your dog’s behavior or other concerns you may have.

In return for all this attention, your dog will reciprocate with unconditional love, friendship and affection. Try to educate yourself to protect your dog from these and other harmful threats. If we were to think in terms of finances, what a wonderful return on your investment!

About The Author

Robert Benson operates http://www.ezshoppinghere.com a website devoted to helping shoppers find unique gift ideas in unique places. Choose from a variety of merchants that offer Pet Supplies and a mega mall with over 300 stores for one stop shopping.



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Cat Eye Care-Why It Is Important?

Cats eyes have often been used in horror films. But as a pet owner, you will know that the cats stare is really the complete opposite of what is portrayed in films. That is why cat eye care, is so very important for you to know.

How do cats say I love you? well this is through their eyes, of course. This is why you should never be frightened by there gaze. So how does this work? First of all, the cat stares at you for a long time. And after that, it blinks its eyes slowly. Some people call this the cats kiss. But you should also know that this is your cats way of showing you that it loves you.

But how do you return the favor? This is easy, all you need to do is follow your cats lead. Stare at it for a long time and then slowly blink your eyes. See? Cats eyes have also be used for romantic films as well.

Do not believe the horror films you see. Cats do not and never have had a third eye. Their eye sight is really far better than a humans. Instead of a third eye, what cats have is a third eyelid. This is called a nictitating membrane.

This inner eyelid protects the eyes of the cat from harm and also from dryness. You will always notice that when a cat is sick, this membrane will be some what closed. This should always alarm enough for you to call your vet or get your cat to them fast as possible.

But this third eyelid will also show once a cat is happy. So you will know what kind of mood your cat is in just by looking at the membrane.

You should always observe the pupil of your feline friend. A change in size of one of the pupils can often be an indication of an inflammation. It can also be a sign of a kind of a neurologic, disorder, this is called Horner's Syndrome. Or worse, it can also indicate tumors or injuries in the central nervous system.

Never believe what others say that cats are color blind. They do see some colors. They may not see them as clear as human do, but its not true that they cannot see any colors at all.

Cats can also see clearly over long distances. There vision is very different from peoples. There vision will blurry if they are looking at objects that are very close to them.

Yes it is true, cats do have the nocturnal vision. But they can not see in complete darkness. Do you see the muscles on their iris that surround the pupils of their eyes? They are constructed in a way that it narrows into a vertical split when they are exposed in the bright lights. And it opens fully when they are in a quite dim light.

This feature of the cat may be traced back to their roots. They can use this feature to hunt for food during the night, that is if they were left out in the jungle or left with no one to care for them.

So you must forget about the horror movies that you have seen. Now it is time to put some effort into your cats eye care. Never let a minor ailments worsen. Always call your vet immediately when you think there is something not right or amiss. You do not want your cat to lose their sight or even worse lose their lives. Just remember it is always better to be safe than blind.

For further Free information on Cat Care try visiting Caring For Your Cat....

Cat Care Symptoms That You Need To Know

When we have pain in our bodies, we can easily tell somebody that there is something wrong and that person will be able to bring you to the hospital. Pets cannot do that but watching them can tell you a lot of things. which is why owners should employ cat care and be aware of the symptoms.

Here are a few diseases you should watch out for and their symptoms.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease by cat owners. It is a acknowledged fact, that it is the leading cause of death amongst cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and what is even worse, is that the symptoms are very much like other diseases so it is really difficult to diagnose.

There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the version in humans, it is a life long infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

Cats can as well be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is transferred through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it cannot survive that long in the environment so it is only contagious when the infected cat stays with some other cat for a long period of time. 

Worms are another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores.. Since this disease is self limiting, you will not have do anything to make it clear up. It will in eventually clear up on its own, but it may take a few months to do so.

If you have a obese cat, then the chances are it will already have feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease are pretty simple to see and are excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Veterinarians are of yet unsure what is the cause of this, but recent research studies that have been done, have showed that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and certain medications.

The symptoms of most of the above diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than five days in one leg, a reduction in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly while at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests, at your local veterinaries.

Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples and ask for input from you, about any observation you have made. When the tests results come back, only then will the proper treatment be administered to your cat as each case is different, so what worked for another cat may not have the self same positive effect with yours.

Your cat should still be healthy if you gave it constant attention. This can be done by giving it superior quality food, giving it fresh water, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making for certain it remains indoors and taking it regularly to the veterinarian.

If you miss any of these simple steps, then something wrong is bound to happen to your cat and you will soon notice a change in the behaviour of your cat and if you do nothing about it, it is just going to make matters far worse. So you need to keep proper cat care and watch out for any symptoms.

For further Free information on Long Term Cat Care try visiting Caring For Your Cat Help.

Cats And Ring Worm

Cats And Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that can be problematical in cat care. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm.  It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases.  Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease.  If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you are caring for cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm.  Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside.  They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease.  Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws.  Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed.  There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin.  This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet.  If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets.  What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is.  If he prescribes tablets as part of your cat care routine, you should give them with meals.  Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically.  You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals.  The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious.  If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves.  Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution.  Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

Great Balls of Hair!

Every pet friend certainly you probably are cognizant of a common issue that afflicts kitties:  cat hairballs.  But what have you learned of a hairball's symptoms, root causes, and reliefs?

What Causes Hairballs?

A hairball is created by the course top of a feline's tongue extracting free hair in the course of grooming themselves.  This hair is then ingested and drawn into the digestive tract.  In the ordinary situation, this hair wouldn't get digested, but would get pooped out when the feline uses the litter box or goes outside.  After all, kitties are killers, and are capable to be able to deal with ingesting fur, like from any poor mouse it catches.   When it congeals into a plug, the cat will likely not enjoy the unwelcome experience of vomiting it back up.  In unfortunate situations however, this might not work and it may become stuck inside your feline, likely causing serious health problems.

Health Problems Brought On By Hairballs

Hairballs of cats are enough of a pain on their own, but can in addition cause many related issues, rapidly becoming dangerous if not removed or resolved in a prompt manner.  Additionally the open and irritating vomiting, of course, the unexpelled hair can cause digestion problems and constipation.  Your cat well could stop eating and act lethargic as the hairball increases in size, while your pet are still unable to get rid of it.  Their intestines can bloat and this can clearly create several unpleasant problems that you'd rather not have to deal with.  This danger could even wind up requiring surgical intervention to remove the hairball, which is a dreadfully big financial impact and jeopardy to your cat, particularly considering the ease of preventing the problem in the first place.  Left alone, it could result in a mortal affliction.

Removing Hairballs

Felines instinctively attempt to self treat by throwing up.  They can do this by swallowing grass, which typically induces felines to puke due to the grass fibers irritating their stomaches.  Other ways to treat cat hairballs involve petroleum or mineral oil based products intended to coat the intestinal tract in order to ease the natural passage of the hairball.  Products such as Laxatone hairball remedy or Petromalt have been designed to prevent hairballs.  They are a semi-solid paste that you administer to your cats before meals.  This moves the impediment through the system and acts in a manner very helpful to lessen non-hairball related constipation also.  They tend to be available in a assortment of flavors like tuna or catnip flavoring.  One serving each day for 2-3 days, and your concern is fixed.

Preventing Hairball Recurrence

Prevention of hairballs is done by several varying ways, some of them complementary.  One is a half dose of Laxatone or Petromalt 2 or 3 times per week.  Petromalt hairball remedy tends to be highly recommended by veterinarians and pet owners alike. There exist also certain "hairball prevention" diet foods available.  A huge part of hairball prevention is certainly correct grooming.  Be sure to brush the short-haired cats but comb the long-haired kitties on a continual basis.  They love it and it's a super way to spend time making sure your pet stays happy and healthy.

Encountering Senior Cat Health Problems

 What do we do when we are not feeling well? Well when we are sick we go to the doctor who detects what's wrong with us and if required will give us some medicine to make us feel better. When we get home we take the prescribed medication and perhaps go to sleep. For our elderly cats when encountering a senior cat health problem, the steps are the same only that the elderly cat must depend on its human friend to understand they aren't feeling well, pack them into the cat carrier and whisk them off to their own doctor to find out what is making them fill ill and then get medicine so they can feel better. 

Observing Senior Cat Health Problems 

Even though a cat can be solitary and independent creature, it's important to be familiar with and be aware of your cat's behavior. A couple of issues that can signal distress in your cat include constant scratching, for example, which could stem from an active flea problem or your cat could have allergies. Something else to look for is drooling, shying away from anything that gets too near to the face and the inability to eat dry food. This can signal that the cat has a bad tooth that could need to be extracted. Check their paws for splinters that can become infected or broken nails. 

Recognizing A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Observing your cat repeatedly going to the litter box with no results can signal a cat urinary health issue. This health problem can be found in both male and female cats and can be caused by sediment building up in the tract making it impossible for the cat to pass any urine. This can quickly become a dangerous illness for your cat and should you observe this behavior, call your veterinarian immediately and apprise them of the situation. In most cases an immediate visit to the doctor is required so the veterinarian can place a catheter in the cat to empty the bladder. If this is not done, the urine can back up into the kidneys.  

Treating A Severe Senior Cat Health Problems 

Deciding on a course of treatment for your pet once a cat urinary health issue has arisen will be determined by your veterinarian and can include a change in what type of food your cat will be able to eat along with medication to help keep the problem from reoccurring.  Keeping up to date on all information relating to senior cat health problems that your feline may be experiencing along with cat related health problems in general will help you in recognizing the signs of distress when your cat is not feeling well. Understanding their behavior enables us to better care for their overall health and well being.

 

Giving Your Feline Healthy Cat Food

So you can not resist the graceful charms of the feline species around and want to befriend one of them? Well the most important thing you need to know before proceeding with your pet adventure is: how to provide for all its necessities in a proper manner and the most important consideration relates to supplying the right foods, so that proper nutrition takes place through various stages of its growth.

 

You want a healthy, good humored pet to give you company, right? For that you have to take care of what you give it to eat. Remember, your cat’s well being is the ultimate function of what it eats. Just like a human being’s life span is influenced by what he consumes, the same way, your cat will live a longer and healthy life when fed wholesome, natural foods without the contamination of chemicals.

 

What makes the best diet for your pet cat?

The natural foods make for the best diet for both the dogs and the cats. But what does natural food imply? Natural foods refer to those varieties that your pet would like to have if it was staying in the wild.

 

So far as cats are concerned, they display an essentially carnivorous food habit. Their system calls for high protein intake. Survival of cats on purely vegetarian diet is nearly impossible. By counting the number of your cat’s grinding teeth, and the number of tearing and shearing teeth, you will be able to get a possible ratio of the protein, carbohydrate and fat content that the ideal diet for your cat should consist of.

 

Here is an overview of a healthy diet for your cat.

 

Protein content

An ideal cat diet should consist of 60 % protein. It is better to avoid highly processed, artificial cat food. The protein should come from either organic ground beef or organic chicken--- raw or cooked. You can give eggs once a week if your cat likes it. Let your pussy make a feast on cooked fishes more than once a week. To add variety, give her piece of turkey or rabbit from time to time.

 

It will be prudent to steam or boil the meat before you offer it to your cat. Don’t discard the water after boiling the meat, boil some vegetable in it and your cat will just love this meat flavored vegetable broth.

 

Fruit and vegetable intake

Vegetables should cover approximately 20% of your cat’s diet. Cats generally like the taste of variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower or corn. It becomes easier for you to add variety to your cat’s diet if your cat happens to love the taste of such fruits as melon, mango or apple.

 

The grain content

About 20% of your cat’s diet should comprise whole grains like brown rice---steamed or boiled. Other grains like millet, barley, oatmeal, and amaranth are also good for your cat’s health. You can also offer your cat the boiled grains in a pureed form.

 

Last of all; make sure to give your cat adequate vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also important to supply enough amino acid taurine; deficiency of this substance results in blindness. Also add 250 mg vitamin C to your cat’s daily diet to add to overall cat health.

 

Sources For Domestic Cat Health Advice

If you are a cat owner, staying in touch of health issues associated with cats is a vital step in providing your pet with superior care. Ensuring your cat has fresh water, good food, and loving surroundings to play in are a key role in the happiness and well being of your cat. But for you to understand and recognize the signs of probable health troubles that could be plaguing your cat you many need to ask for domestic cat health advice. This  is a necessary part of having a cat in your home. 

Reasons For Domestic Cat Health Advice 

There are various reasons you many need to seek domestic cat health advice  these include basic questions concerning at what age should a cat be spayed or neutered, what type or brand of food will promote the best health in your cat, are vaccinations necessary for cats kept indoors, does a cat need to have their teeth cleaned, how do you administer medications to your cat, what do you need to do if your cat is exhibiting unusual or odd behavior, is it necessary to call or take your cat to the veterinarian if your cat is only periodically displaying unusual behavior or bad habits and are there specific or special needs necessary regarding senior cat health. 

Seeking Domestic Cat Health Advice 

The primary person to contact when seeking domestic cat health advice is your veterinarian. Having seen the cat over a period of time, they know him or her and have an ongoing history of vaccinations, check ups, illness or any problems or issues the cat has experienced during their lifetime. If your cat has not been to a veterinarian in a long time or maybe he's never been at all, then no current medical history has been established and this needs to be rectified for the future well being of your cat. If your cat has not been to the veterinarian in a while or ever and is showing signs of behavior that could signal he's not feeling well, ask friends or family for the name of the veterinarian they take their pets to and then make an appointment for your cat to get a check-up, vaccinations, flea preventative and anything else he might be needing. 

Additional Sources for Domestic Cat Health Advice 

To keep yourself informed and up to date on information concerning domestic cat health advice, there are books related to pet health at the library, stores specifically catering to pet care and the local humane society. All are sources for information but none should supercede or take the place of the proper domestic cat health advice you will receive only from your veterinarian.

 

Information On Cat Health: Common Diseases To Be Aware Of

When it comes to cat health there is a lot of information available out there, even down to the health information of different cat breeds. Possibly the most important cat health information regardless of the breed is the common cat diseases your pet may be at risk of getting. There are a few very common diseases all cats can get and we will explore a couple of them here.

It is vital that you are aware of the potential risks your cat may face so you can be prepared should you notice any symptoms developing. There are two common cat diseases which you should familiarize yourself with first and foremost.

The risk of cancer

Similar to the occurance in humans, cancer is fairly common in cats. Unfortunately it also has much of the same effects on their organs and bodies. And much the same as it does in humans, the cancer will either develop slowly or very rapidly. Medical treatments are fortunately available for some of these cancers and there are more being researched all the time. Diagnosing cancer early is crucial to the success of any treatment.

The risk of rabies

Understanding the very real risks of rabies in cats is vital information you should ensure you are aware of. Rabies is a fatal condition caused by a virus that attacks the brain.

If you have ever seen a rabid dog you will know what rabies can do to an animal. It does not appear as frequently in cats but should still be taken seriously. Rabies vaccinations are the best way to prevent this disease. They are safe and effective and should be administered by a vet when the cat is still a kitten.

When looking out for symptoms of rabies it can be quite difficult as they can be similar to symptoms of other diseases. Things to look out for are a change in the cat's temperament, drooling and any drastic changes to appetite. If you are concerned there is a problem, then the best thing to do is to get advice from a vet. The risk of the animal biting either you or a family member is not worth it.

Information about your cat's health is every bit as important as knowing about your own health. Whether you have a dog or cat or pet goldfish, you will need to take the responsibility of finding out all the health risks they may face in their lifetime. To ensure your cat enjoys a healthy and long life learn all you can from experts like veterinarians and trainers.

Guideline For Choosing Dog Treats

by: Robert Thatcher

What makes you love your dog? Is it because of the way he loves you in return and the eagerness that you feel when he attempts to please? This love can be more emphasized through dog training as it creates the firm bond between you and your pal.

One well recognized method of dog training is through the use of dog treats. But dog treats are not for positive reinforcement dog training alone. Most dog owners have used them as snack alternatives. This does not proceed pleasurable experiences but may also aid in maintaining your pal's health.

As with other pet stuffs, there are considerations that an owner should first evaluate before allowing his pet to have dog treats. Health concerns about calorie content is on the priority list.

One of the growing concerns in dog health nowadays is obesity. Almost half of American dogs are overweight. As in the case of humans, obesity may lead to a variety of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Overindulgence is thought to be one of the contributing reasons for obesity. This may be due to the human factor. Most owners tend to give dog treats on an unregulated basis. For most, it doesn't matter how many calories a single biscuit may contain. To resolve this issue, an owner needs to cut back on the daily calorie intake of his pet until he loses some weight. Controlling the quantity of dog treats throughout the day may be of great help. You may also choose to lessen his food gradually until he reaches normal weight. In line with this, it is ideal to stick with dog treats with low calories. The subject of obesity may further be resolved through consulting the vet and implementing a regular exercise regimen.

It is also an bad practice to give your dog commercially produced human foods, some of which may contain elements that are not suited for your dog's health. Commercial foods are also often rich with fats and calories and low in nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, this practice is really not healthy for your dog's manners. This only encourages begging. Give him his dog treats in his own place instead but always with the thought of how healthy the dog treats you give are.

Tips on Dog Treats Selection

It is always best to buy naturally produced dog treats. These save you from unnecessary additives that may post threats to your dog's health. Fat and sugar-rich dog treats are a complete no-no. look for dog treats that have high concentrations of fibers and protein.

Dog treats that are primarily made from fish are good sources of unadulterated health components. These are great foods for humans as well as dogs. They are low in calories and fats.

Avoid giving dog treats before any major meals. If you are training him using positive reinforcement, cut back portions of his meals to balance his diet with dog treats.

There are dog treats that are specially made to optimize your dog's health. Working on the same principle as that of the vitamin supplements, these are aids to maintain your dog's health and may even relieve symptoms of certain diseases.

Don't allow dog treats to compose more than ten percent of your pet's diet.

In choosing the ideal treat, it is helpful to rely on your best judgment. It is you who knows your pet well enough but in cases of doubt, you should consult a veterinarian.

About The Author

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides dog treat resources on http://www.about-dog-treats.info.



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How to Find the Right Dog School for your Dog

by: Katie Brandt

Has a new puppy recently become a member of your family? Puppies are born with instincts, but not with the knowledge of how to behave. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your new puppy appropriate behaviors and also some fun tricks. You can try to do this yourself or you can enlist the help of a dog school.

There are many different types of dog schools available. What dog school would be the best for your dog? Things to consider when searching for a dog school include: the age of your dog, the breed, the personality, and what it is that you want your dog to learn.

Let’s focus first on what you want your dog to learn. Do wish to have your dog learn basic obedience commands such as “sit” and “stay”? Do you want to learn practice drills you can do with your dog at home such as keeping them from begging for food at the dinner table? Then local dog schools will best meet your needs.

Local dog schools can be found at community colleges, city recreation centers, through pet stores, and even through private dog schools. You can opt to take a group class with up to twenty other dogs. These types of dog schools are often less expensive and meet in a local park. They meet once or twice week for a few weeks. You can have fun teaching your dog new commands as well as let them socialize with fellow dogs.

Local dog schools can offer more advanced dog training classes as well. Perhaps your dog has mastered the basic commands and you want to teach them how to hold a piece of food on their nose for a specified amount of time and then flip it into their mouth. You can find dog schools that have fun, exciting advanced classes where you and your dog can bond.

You may consider having your dog compete in dog shows. Maybe you purchased your dog from an established breeder that has determined your dog has champion DNA in their pedigree. If so then you should look into more in depth dog schools that are focused specifically and dog handling/showing. You can find these through breeders and the American Kennel Club. You can search for dog training materials and resources on the American Kennel Club website at: http://www.akc.org/.

On a different note, maybe you want your dog to become a service dog or guide dog for the blind. Dogs that perform these jobs have to go to specific guide dog training schools. These special dog schools are necessary because there are very detailed requirements and commands that a guide dog must learn. These types of dog schools will also provide the support, knowledge, and training necessary to make your dog a successful guide dog.

There are many guide and service dog schools around the world to train your dog. You can find these schools through your breeder, groomer, and veterinarian. You can also find information about these dog schools through the Internet. A comprehensive listing is available by Wolf Packs - List of Service Dog Schools and Information. You can find this on their website at: http://wolfpacks.com/serviced.htm.

Once you have determined what you want your dog to learn then you can narrow down your search of dog schools by taking into account your dog’s age, personality, and breed. Do you have a young puppy that is large like a Great Dane? Or do you have tiny new Bichon Frise that weighs in at only 4 pounds? Find out the type of dogs that are allowed into the dog training class.

Will the dog training class be filled with many large dogs that might scare your little Bichon Frise? Or are there dog classes available that are separated by age and weight? It is a good idea to be aware of this information before you sign your dog up for classes. You want to provide them the best experience possible and not have them cower when it is time to head to dog class each week.

Another consideration when choosing between dog schools is the amount of one-on-one attention. Is your dog very active and can’t sit still during group training sessions? Many dog schools offer private classes. Sometimes the dog trainer will even come to your home to give you and your pooch lessons.

Picking among dog schools is also reliant upon the price and schedule flexibility of the classes. Run a price and schedule comparison on dog schools in your area. This will help you to discover a dog school that fits your schedule, your dog’s personality, and meets your budget.

Choosing between dog schools is an important decision that will set your dog on the path to obedience success. Take your time and choose wisely so that both you and your canine buddy have a memorable, enjoyable dog training experience.

About The Author

Katie Brandt, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, and dog care.



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Exercise For Your Pets Is Vital To A Healthy Relationship Between Humans and Pets

Hello: Here's today's featured article:

By: acerjonson
Just like humans, if pets do not eat and exercise properly they will be tired, lazy, feel depressed, sexually incapable, and will feel a lack of energy. Pets are great at cheering us up, making us feel betterand being there for us when no one else is. They are there through the good times and the bad, and they will always have unconditional love for their owners regardless of how they are treated. Pets are only so deserving of being loved in the same manner that they love us; without the proper exercise our pets will not be able to function normally and their feelings will bring us down for we care and loveour pets dearly.

Taking your dog for a walk is extremely important. It will keep your dog tuned into its surroundings, feel the social companionship of other dogs in the neighborhood and enjoy the outdoors. Using a number of different pet toys and having your dog fetch them will create a great bond between you and your pet, and will keep your pet healthy as they run to get the toy and bring it back to you.

Food and nutrition is another important aspect of a pet's health. In order to have a healthy libido, mate, be energetic and enthusiastic and happy to greet their owners; pets must eat nutritional vitamin rich pet foods. Another great way to train your animals in the matters of right/wrong is by awarding them with a nutritionally rich treat, tasty pet food, or taking them out for a brisk walk. So remember, if you would want to get the most out of your pet and strengthen what is already a solid relationship, you will want to take our advice in regards to your pet.These tips were brought to you by http://www.stylishpetcarriers.com

Article Source: http://health-articles.org
Stylish Pet Carriers Stylish Pet Carriers Contact Tal Lifschitz and Faraz dayvandi at www.stylishpetcarriers.com or e-mail us at tal_lifs@hotmail.com for any info, or questions regarding pet products, expertise, and specilization.



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Dental Insurance For Pets

Welcome - here's today's featured article:

By: S. Geetha
Pets too require dental insurance, just like the humans do. Statistics show that the dental illness and the money spent on dental treatments for pets are on par with humans. As a pet owner, the pet’s dental health is of prime concern as the pets can develop diseases of the liver, kidney, heart and other organs if their teeth are not taken care. Attention is required when the pet develops bad breath or swollen gums or red gums, or when seen with yellowish brown tartar crust, bleeding gums etc.

The raising costs involved in treating such dental diseases of the pet calls for pet dental insurance. The pet dental insurance normally takes care of the routine check ups and cleaning procedures.Normally pet dental insurance is required for dogs and cats as they have teeth. The costs towards dental cleaning may not be high and do not require any support for footing the bills. But if, a cavity is developed or any dental surgery is required, a cushioning by way of pet dental insurance will be of real help to take care of the enormous costs associated with the pet dental treatment. Important aspects to be taken care before selecting a pet dental insurance:

The pet dental insurance policy should be in conjunction with the pet’s age, breed, where they live etc. The selection of a good veterinarian is also important to treat the pet. Pet dental insurance may be common to a dog and a cat, but for an exotic pet it may not be the case. Hence, the pet dental insurance policy that suits the exotic pet should be taken, as normal pet dental insurance is not meant for other exotic pets. The payout limits of the pet dental policy should be screened properly and the terms and conditions too need to be read with an eye on the details.

Pet dental insurance policy with a yearly limit is good as they pay out every year whereas a “per condition limit” policy may cease for ongoing illnesses when a certain limit is reached as mentioned in the policy. The pet dental insurance should cover the costs of routine dental care as it self saves a lot of money. The emergency care too needs to be covered, as pets are more prone to accidents. Precaution is better than cure.Reasons for opting pet dental insurance for the pets by their owners:The pet dental insurance is very important as many of the pet owners treat them as part of their family.

A discomfort to their pets can be very stressful to the pet owners and also the costs towards treating them. Pet dental insurance gives a peace of mind, as they are covered against even unexpected dental bills. During emergencies, best treatment can be got with great comfort. Both financial and emotional peace of mind is provided to the pet owner by the pet dental insurance policies. The pets can be free from bad breadth which will lead to other diseases if it is not taken care of can be prevented through regular checkups offered by the pet dental insurance plans.

Article Source: http://health-articles.org
S. Geetha regularly writes informative articles on dentistry, tooth whitening procedures and dental insurance to web guides www.dentalcareonline.info and www.healthfriendly.info


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Dog Care: 6 Easy Steps for a Terrific (and safe) Romp in the Woods

by: O'Neal Hendrix

Leaves are falling and paws are crunching in the parks....

What a beautiful time of the year to get out with your canine companion and enjoy the crisp, cool air, frolic in the falling leaves and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if you’ll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surprises and emergencies by following these simple steps.

I don’t know about you, but I will drive hours to find a place where the dogs can run free in nature. We all love it and often spend the whole day in the mountains together. I’ve developed a list of easy dog care to-do’s to ensure we have a great time and arrive and leave together safely.

I recommend the following items for your outdoor adventures:

1. Orange vests for you and your dog

This may sound like overkill, but I recently had an experience with my dogs that scared me. I was out in the woods with my dogs when I heard shots fired not far from me. I couldn’t see my dogs and terror ran through me. Immediately I realized we were not prepared for the hunters. Bright colored vests would have helped the hunters know we were not deer, and please don’t shoot us. Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings. Don’t be the next casualty -- don your orange vests!

2. Current dog tags on collars

Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to read "I must be lost. Please call Mom. (xxx) xxx-xxxx". This gives all the pertinent information, yet doesn’t provide information for an easy abduction. I don’t want someone to know my babies’ names, which might lead the dogs to believe the stranger is a friend.

3. Foot and body check during and after the outing

I check my dogs’ paws and body frequently to remove the debris from the fall season -- gum balls, seeds, burrs, rocks, thorns, pine needles, and leaves can add up to irritation or lameness.

4. Fresh water and a bowl

If I can help it, I don’t let my dogs drink standing water. I carry fresh water instead. I have had to deal with stomach problems in the past from bacteria in standing water. Carrying your own water is a small thing, but doing it can prevent lots of pain and suffering, a vet bill, and a 10-day supply of antibiotics.

5. Towels

I love towels, lots and lots of towels. To me, dropping dirty towels in the washer is much easier and less smelly than detailing a car or working to get that horrible wet, dirty dog smell out of fabric and carpet in my truck.

6. Whistle -- long range

Lastly, I whistle-trained my dogs. If we do separate, a blow on the whistle has them running to me. Chances are, they don’t like not being able to see me and will be happy to have me back in their sights. I highly recommend the ACME whistle that sounds from 2-5 miles. Get it on a lanyard and carry it with you.

These 6 simple steps can make your outdoor trip so much more enjoyable, for you and your dogs. And paying attention to the basics in dog care shows your dog just how much you love her.

Happy hiking!

About The Author O’Neal Hendrix is a premier professional dog trainer in Atlanta, GA. For many years, she has "worked miracles" with dogs and their owners. Check out her dog blog, http://www.dog-supplies-dog-accessories.com, for her advice on everything dog!

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Pet insurance, true piece of mind

by: Drew Harris

Pet insurance has allowed me to make emergency medical decisions for my pets with little thought about the costs involved.

Veterinary costs are constantly rising like everything else.

Yet last year, when my cat Bonzo suddenly became dehydrated and diagnosed with early onset kidney failure, he was treated immediately. The last thing on my mind was the thousands of dollars in vet charges about to be incurred.

Today Bonzo continues to be happy and healthy because of pet insurance.

Pet emergencies can cost thousands of dollars.

Several years ago my sister’s dog ran out into traffic, fracturing several bones. It was a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. The kids were crying, the dog was crying, bystanders were crying.

Making sure the dog wasn’t suffering was everyone’s type priority. Like me, my sister had pet insurance and so the issue of the thousands of dollars likely needed for treatment wasn’t even discussed.

He was rushed to the vet hospital, where he was treated for several days. When he came home, the smile on my nephew’s face as he ran up and welcomed his best friend home was truly priceless.

What is pet insurance?

Pet Insurance is a policy that covers your household pets such as cats and dogs as long as they're healthy. Whether your dog or cat is mixed breed or pedigree most insurers will cover the animal for the whole of its life.

That means if an emergency medical situation arises, I can make the best choices for the comfort and health of my friend, rather than what best suits my pocketbook of the day.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance usually covers more than just the vet bills. It can also cover emergency kenneling costs, theft and travel. Vaccinations and routine treatments such as worming and flea treatments are also excluded.

Millions of pet owners treat their animals like family.

I have four cats, who are members of my family. I have had pets my entire life. I cannot imagine the distress of being in a situation where my pet’s problem is curable but the cost is too high and I put my animal to sleep.

Or, I opt for less than ideal treatment again because of cost constraints.

I would never do that to my own children so why would I do that to my pets?

Pet insurance can give you the piece of mind that you are covered against unexpected bills.

Pet insurance can take away the financial worries when a pet is seriously ill.

Knowing this, when I first discovered pet insurance in the late 1980’s (while renewing my life insurance) I jumped all over it. At that time, $25 per month to cover three cats seemed like peanuts. Today, I pay $60 for 4 cats.

When should I get pet insurance?

I have insured all of my cats within the first six months of life.

It is often difficult to get insurance for older pets. Usually pre-existing illnesses will not be covered. That’s why it is important to think about insurance as soon as possible.

It is now possible to pay a monthly premium to insure your pet against veterinary fees.

Are there different levels of pet insurance?

Just like the different coverages on your life insurance policy, pet insurance plans are the same.

There are usually different levels of coverages available where different values or events are covered. Usually the higher the monthly payment, the greater the value of coverages.

Different aspects of coverages you need to review include: Vet's Fees, Coverage for Life, Accidental Damage, Death from Illness, Death from Accident, Advertising & Reward, Theft or Straying, Third Party Liability & Legal Expenses, Boarding Kennel Fees, Holiday Cancellation Costs and Overseas Travel.

About The Author Drew Harris Bestpetresources.com is run by Drew Harris and is a one-stop-shop web portal for those shopping for pet insurance and pet meds. Multiple pages of resources, referrals and tools. Expert advice articles. http://www.bestpetresources.com

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Five Secrets For The Very Best Cat Food

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Fred Ege

There is a significant difference between dog and cat food even though their may appear to look the same. Cats need a much higher amount of protein and fat than dogs do. Also, cats have different needs than dogs, so don't feed your cat dog food, or your dog cat food. Remember, Cats are primarily carnivores and need plenty of meat in their diet. Here is what to look for when you are deciding what to feed your furry friends.

Avoid Cat Food Fillers

Cats need to eat food that is rich in protein, so make sure the amount of fillers is kept to a minimum. Carbohydrate rich food is not good for your cat, so don't buy cat food that is full of them. Instead, read the labels and buy a cat food that is not filled with fillers and other by products. Even when a cat food is high in protein, it doesn't mean that the protein comes from a meat source. Avoid those blends which contain a lot of wheat or rice, and look for a meat source as the first ingredient.

Cats Need Protein

Your cat food should always be rich in protein. The protein should come from a meat source such as poultry or fish, and should be the first ingredient. Many cat food brands advertise chicken, beef, and tuna flavored cat food because they know that cats need protein and cat owners are looking for quality cat food. However, you need to make sure the cat food you buy has a sufficient amount of protein regardless of what flavor it is. Also, some will list chicken as the first ingredient, however, when it is listed as "chicken" this means raw meat. Approximately 70% of it is water, so when it is cooked with the other ingredients, chicken will probably really be the 5th to 7th ingredient.

Look for Taurine content

Check the cat food you buy for an amino acid called taurine. This amino acid is very important in your cat's overall health, and your cat will eat as much food as it has to in order to supplement this particular amino acid. So, if you are buying cheap cat food that does not have the proper nutrients your cat will eat a lot in order to get the nutrients it needs. If you buy a nutrient rich cat food then your cat will eat less and save you more money while still getting proper nutrition, and probably not gaining a lot of weight either. Look for taurine on the ingredient label.

Canned or Dry Cat Food?

Cats should be fed a mixture of both dry and canned food. The dry cat food should be given for free feeding. Canned cat food should be use as a supplement at meal time because it has extra water in the food. Look for canned cat food that has a high amount of protein from a meat source. You can mix and match with dry and canned cat food as long as they have a high nutrient density. Cats should always have access to water, and you should consider having an extra bowl of water always available.

FUS/ Crystals

Cats are subject to FUS, crystals that can cause urinary tract disease and pain. Feline formulas should be carefully designed to reduce or eliminate this problem through low magnesium and low ash, correct pH levels and high digestibility. Look at the percentage of magnesium and ash on the label of what you are feeding your cat. You can also play a major role in controlling this problem by always having fresh water available. Cats drink and store water differently from dogs. They store body water in highly concentrated urine. High concentrations can lead to crystal formation.

In our work with cat owners, we find there are several ways to enhance water intake to reduce problems:
- Always keep fresh water readily available, 24 hours a day.
- Place food and water dishes several feet apart and feed and water in a quiet area.
- Place a second water dish close to your cat's favorite spot.
- Feed canned cat food (to provide additional moisture content) for one of the meals.
- Leave dry kibble available at all times.

Cats will nibble/feed between 10-20 times throughout the day and night. Eating over an extended time also allows for continuous water intake to balance the food intake.

Summary

Here's what to look for:
- High protein and high fat content.
- Meat as the first ingredient.
- Avoid those blends which contain a lot of wheat or rice fillers.
- High Taurine content.
- Low Magnesium and low ash content.

Fox Valley Pet Foods provides All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, the very best for your best friend. To learn more about our All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, go to: http://www.foxvalleypetfoods.com

About The Author
Fred Ege provides All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, the very best for your best friend. To learn more about our All Natural and Holistic Dog and Cat Food, go to: http://www.foxvalleypetfoods.com


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Keep Your Dogs Teeth Healthy

by: Marilyn Pokorney

Dogs get plaque and tartar on their teeth just like humans
do. Cleaning your dogs teeth between professional cleanings
is very simple.

Keeping your dogs teeth and gums clean will eliminate "doggy
breath" as well as keep your dog healthy. Most veterinarians suggest twice a week brushings. When brushing teeth, use baking soda or a special toothpaste formulated for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and
can be swallowed. They also taste good.

Use a toothbrush designed for pets or small children. Or
just use gauze or a washcloth if the pet doesn't like the
brush.

Tooth brushing is best but if the dog won't let you brush
it's teeth then giving it something to chew that rubs on the
sides of the teeth is useful.

Although dogs do not usually get cavities in their teeth,
tooth problems result from soft foods that can leave debris
in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, known as
gingivitis. Infections form which soften and cause the gums
to recede. Bad breath is a symptom.

Tartar buildup can be removed from teeth by rubbing with a
solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide. Advanced
buildup requires scraping with dental instruments. Some
veterinarians use ultrasonics now as well, so the treatment
is more pleasant.

For between dental visits, provide soft chew toys made of
rubber or nylon and something made of fiber like a chew rope
which helps to wipe the teeth clean.

For more information on how to keep your dogs teeth and
mouth healthy visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/petcare/dogteeth.htm

Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).

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About The Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.

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Important Nutritional Information On Cat Food

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Jay Moncliff

Cat Food Fact #1 Cats must get their Protein

Protein is crucial for your cat’s health, and generally comes from fish, meat or poultry. Advertisers will often say their brand is beef, turkey or mackerel flavoured, but it may not actually contain those products, meaning it may not be rich in protein. Always ensure the food you buy but your cat has a sufficient amount of protein in it, irrespective of the flavour.

Cat Food Fact #2 Cat Food with Taurine

Taurine is an important amino acid for your cat, and you should also check that the food you buy contains this supplement. Cats control their own levels and indicate these with their appetite. If you cat is eating a lot, the food you are buying may not have enough nutrients for a balanced diet. You can watch your cats weight by buying a nutrient rich food as your cat will eat less and you might even save money.

Cat Food Fact #3 Canned or Dry Cat Food?

Cats require a varied diet, including a mixture of canned and dry food. Contrary to opinions that it doesn’t matter, buying only one type of food because of convenience or price is a mistake, and can harm your cat’s health. When the cat is alone or unattended for a period, carbohydrate rich dry food should be left out for your cat with a supply of fresh water. Tinned food is higher in protein due to the meat content, and contains higher water levels. Both are essential for a balanced diet, and a combination of both dry and canned food will keep essential variety in the diet and prevent the cat from seeking food elsewhere.

Cat Food Fact #4 Avoid fillers in cat food

Protein is essential for your cat as part of a balanced diet. Ensure the food you buy is rich in protein, and not overly full of carbohydrates, common fillers used by manufacturers to build out volume. Always read the label, and check for overly high levels of carbohydrate and other by-products in the cat food.

About The Author
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.catfoodcenter.info a website specialized on Cat Food, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Cat Food. For more info on Cat Food visit: http://www.catfoodcenter.info.


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Dog Grooming and Skin Care

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Russ Richer

Who likes a stinky dog? Not many. And when your dog is less than spring fresh, your attitude towards him may change. Although this may be as little a thing as turning your face away when he jumps on you; however, your dog can read into this behavior and translate it into a sign of rejection. Like it or not, all dogs have to be groomed. And despite what you might think, even shorthaired dogs need a good brushing now and again.

But groomers can be quite expensive and may cause your dog undo stress. So you don your raincoat and lure your dog into the tub. Your next hurdle: what shampoo do you use? Some dog owners use people shampoo under the assumption that if it’s fine for them, it will be o.k. for Spot. This is not the case. In fact, many commercial shampoos meant for dogs are actually too harsh for their skin and may cause irritation and/or dryness. Buying all natural shampoo may be the ticket but again, it is expensive. So what is one to do? Make your own and give your dog a salon grooming in the comfort of your own house at a fraction of the cost.

Herbal Shampoo

You can make an excellent doggie shampoo from things that you probably already have around the house. A mixture of Aloe Vera gel and water work well. It is very mild on dog’s skin and leaves their coat quite shiny. Slightly dilute a handful of Aloe Vera gel with water and work the mixture into your dog’s coat (it is best to apply this to a dry coat). Rinse with warm water. If you prefer to have a foaming shampoo, add a touch of baby shampoo to the mixture and use accordingly.

Cost: under $5

All-natural Rinse

If you use a store-bought shampoo, follow it with this all-natural rinse. It will restore the ph balance of your dog’s skin and will help remove any excess shampoo. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one pint of warm water and work into your dog’s coat. Follow with warm water if desired.

Cost: under $5

Perfume

Let’s face it; washing a dog does take time. If you don’t have the time, the energy or any protective rain garments handy, you can always use a bit of scent in a pinch. A spray will rest on top of the dog’s coat and will not harm the skin. This means that you can go to the local drugstore and pick up a moisturizing body spray that is to your liking and use it for your dog’s toilette. Make sure you spray away from the dog’s face and in a spot that she can’t lick.
If you want to use an application that is sure not to irritate your pal’s skin, go to the health food store and pick up one of the following essential oils: rose, lavender, geranium, sandalwood or sweet almond. A tiny bit rubbed into the skin along the spine will last longer than a body spray (it will become more fragrant with body heat, so make sure you like the scent!) and will not cause any irritation at all.

Cost: under $10

About The Author
Russ Richer is a Dog Lover who has done extensive research into Dog Care. Visit www.DogDayPets.com for free reports, articles, and newsletter. View his signature product offering at www.dogdaypets.com/megapak.html.


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