Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Best Way to Introduce Two Cats

Anyone who owns a cat has more possibilities to fell in love with another cat or kitten. They simply love the association of cats. But most of owners get upset or confused about how to introduce new kitten or cat to the old cat which is now part of the family. Some cats are much social. They love to have new companions while some get stressed and aggressive about that. So, either way it is better for you to arrange a proper introduction to make sure you are not heading for trouble.

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When you first bring your new kitten (or cat) home don't try to introduce it to anyone right away. He is new t o the environment. Give him time to get adapted to it, while you plant trust about you in him. Place him in a safe room. Safe room is a small room which outsiders have no access. Ideally, it would contain following items.

• A litter box

• Water bowl (at least five feet away from the litter box)

• A hiding place

• Something to sleep on (a blanket would be nice)

Interchange this blanket with your old cats' blanket every night. So, both of them will get used to each others scent.

When you feed them, put food in each side of a door. They will feel the scent of each other. They may try to play or hiss, and even groan to each other. Either way it is normal

Now it comes to the day the get introduced face to face. Put some baby powder in both of their fur (especially under their chins). With both of them smelling same they will be much comfortable with each other. And you better be prepared for the worst case. Prepare a blanket or a water bucket, so you can break up a fight if there were any fight.

Then you can let your old cat to wander around your new cat. But, until you are pretty sure that they will not fight, keep an eye on them. Some get along quicker while others take months. In rare cases, they newer get along. But they will tolerate each other. But I know, for many homes two cats are better than one. Cats must have cat friends too.

Dilani is an engineering student who is a real fan of cats. She studies cat behavior as a hobby and runs the blog Understanding Your Cat at blogger. You all are invited to visit her site. [http://www.understanding-your-cat.blogspot.com]visit her website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dilani_Mallikarachchi http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Way-to-Introduce-Two-Cats&id=2376559

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

5 Effective Ways to Stop My Cat Spraying

Before you'll discover how to stop your cat spraying, there is a thing you need to know: the difference between a spraying and urinate.

Spray is created when a mature cat mixes a small amount of urine with glandular secretion called pheromones. When a cat sprays, it stand straight up and lift its rear high in the air, usually against a vertical surface, such a wall. If she isn't spraying in this upright position, than you may actually be dealing with a litter box avoidance.




So, why do cats spray?

To Mark their territory

Unaltered cats spray to attract a mate

To communicate something to another cat

To relieve stress

Here's to solve you cat spraying problem?

- The first thing you should do is to take your pet to the vet and check for any health problem.

- Spay/neuter your kitten. More than 90% of the cat spraying problems can be solved with spaying.

Spraying is most common in multi-cat homes and homes with non-neutered males. Sterilization completely stops spraying in 90% of males and 95% of females. A home with more than one non-neutered male is a recipe for disaster. (It doesn't necessarily have to be a cat either. An intact male cat can have territorial conflicts with an intact male dog - and viceversa)

- Block your kitten view of the outdoors.

If she is feeling threatened by an outdoor cat, the natural response will be to defend his territory - your home. Close the blinds or cover the window with drapes, as long as your cats view of the intruder cat is blocked, it should fix the problem.

- If your kitten is spraying on a person clothing, it can be a problem with that particular person (or this person clothing because they are bringing in scents from other cats or dogs). This person needs to spend time bonding with the cat - giving treats, playing, possibly sleeping in the same room until she gets comfortable with them.

- Have regular play session in the room where her usually spraying. This way, you'll change the association with the area from "territory boundaries" to "nest area". Cats doesn't spraying in their nest area. Doing this may stop the spraying problem completely - or at least decrease it.

It's very important to watch and understand what your pet needs. Sometimes it take no more than few days to solve a cat spraying problem, when you know what caused the problem.

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

Once your cat has been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection it is sometimes too late to reverse the infection. Other times the infection can be treated effectively with a round of antibiotics and in other cases the condition has advanced to a point where it will likely become chronic. Of the three possible outcomes only one of them is good and even then the prohibitively high cost involved makes it the least bad. So in this informational article titled "Cat Urinary Tract Infection Prevention" I will focus on a number of ways to minimize the chances of Miss Kitty having to make an emergency visit to the animal hospital.




*Age - Take age into consideration. As cats grow older they are faced with number of challenges which make a urinary tract infection more likely. A good idea here is to take your favorite feline in for a checkup at least two times a year. Look at it like this, a cat that is 13 years old is actually 63 human years old. Your goal is to keep granny going as long as possible.

*Immune system health - Cats with strong immune systems rarely fall prey to urinary tract infections. Just as with people immune system health can be maintained and improved through diet, exercise, and supplementation. Your veterinarian will be happy to help you formulate an effective plan for immune system health.

*H2O - Keeping the urinary tract flowing helps to flush dangerous bacteria out of the system. Keep an eye on your litter boxes to make sure that your cat is voiding frequently.

*Keep those litter boxes clean - Dirty litter boxes are one of a small number of likely causes. The reason for this is that litter boxes are a breading ground for bacteria which gains access to the urinary system through the urethra.

*Bladder health - Bladder problems can not only increase the chances of infection but can be a precursor to bacterial kidney infection, which if not treated promptly can quickly become a life threatening condition. Ask your veterinarian to explain this further, you may be surprised.

In summary, much of what we have covered are common sense ideas such as making sure your cat has plenty of clean water to drink, is provided an age specific nutritional diet, and has a clean litter box to do his/her business. These simple steps will go a long way to ensure that you and your cat have many more years of health and happiness together.

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Additionally, many cat owners in their quest for cat urinary tract prevention are choosing to implement natural supplements such as homeopathy. [http://purchaseremedies.com/petuti.html]Homeopathic remedies for cat UTI prevention are very safe and have been shown to be effective in maintaining healthy urine flow, supporting immune system health, as well as promoting urinary system health.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about homeopathic natural health visit [http://purchaseremedies.com]Purchase Remedies.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_D_Hawkins http://EzineArticles.com/?Cat-Urinary-Tract-Infection-Prevention&id=2346451

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Everything You Need to Know About Feline Acne

Humans are not the only ones affected by acne. Believe it or not, even cats are also inflicted by this dreadful skin disorder. The presence of comedones and clogging of hair follicles which is usually evident at the chin, tail, lips, eyelids and scrotum of the cat is called Feline acne. Swelling and bacterial growth within the affected area often cause discomfort and itching. Generally, the formation of comedones can lead to the development of pus-filled abscess which can burst anytime thus forming crusts. Moreover, it is commonly accompanied by bacterial infection which even worsens the condition.

Up to this day, the real cause of kitty acne is still unknown although numerous factors have been directly associated with its development. Some of the known contributing factors to kitty acne include hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, lack of good grooming habits, food allergies, stress and eating in plastic bowls. It is said that plastic food bowls greatly influence the formation of acne in cats as bacteria easily lodge into its crevices. This explains why acne-like blisters usually present itself at the chin of the cat. It is because the cat's chin always has a direct contact with the plastic food bowl allowing easy transmission of bacteria.

Common symptoms of acne in cats can just pass unnoticed. Presence of dirt-like black spots under the chin and some parts of the lips are often noted. If infection is already present, development of swollen red pustules and bleeding may be evident. It can affect all types of cat breeds regardless of sex and age. In severe cases, swelling of the cat's chin is also noticed due to the presence of papules, pustules and eruption of pus-filled blisters.

Diagnosis of acne in cats is usually done through skin scrapings. Getting skin samples from cats will aid to point out the cause of the problem. A skin biopsy on the other hand is used to rule out similar skin conditions affecting cats which include yeast infections, allergies, ringworms and dermodicosis. A procedure called culture and sensitivity may also be performed if the veterinarian suspects the presence of bacterial infection.

Antibacterial surgical scrub like chlorhexidine is commonly used to treat feline acne. The veterinarian initially advises to use it two or three times daily. Early diagnosis will greatly help to cure it since severe forms of acne in cats do not effectively respond to treatments. Topical antibiotics are not usually prescribed because cats have a tendency to lick it off which defeats its purpose. Steroid may be given to reduce inflammation. Topical retinoids are the treatment of choice for controlling milder cases. Response to the treatment varies depending on the severity of the cat's acne problem.

As they say prevention is always better than cure. That been said, using ceramic or metal feeding containers over plastic food bowls can help to lessen or eradicate the problem. Good hygiene must also be properly administered especially after feedings. Regular cleaning of food containers will absolutely reduce bacterial formation.

BIO
Edwin Sproat Jr is ardently devoted to obtaining optimal health. For more great free acne tips visit http://proactivacnesolutionreviews.com/about/
Copyright ©
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_Sproat_Jr http://EzineArticles.com/?Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Feline-Acne&id=2335054

Monday, May 11, 2009

Adopting Your First Kitten by Elyse Grau

If you are considering adopting a new kitten, I hope you will consider the local shelters and rescue groups as your first source. Your local shelters are probably bursting at the seams with cats and kittens, especially at certain times of the year.

If you really want a specific breed of cat and can't find one at the shelters, try a breed rescue group.

By adopting a "shelter" or "rescue" animal, you are giving an animal a second chance, and maybe it's last chance. Overcrowding and lack of resources results in many of these cats and kittens being euthanized.

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You can also help to keep the pet population in check by adopting a "pre-owned" animal.

Before you go to the shelter or call a rescue group, you should have some ideas of what you are looking for in a cat or kitten. Are you willing to groom a longhaired cat as often as required? Are you sure no one in your household is allergic to cats?

Is this your first dog or cat? If so, you may want to talk to other pet owners to be sure you have a realistic idea of what you are getting yourself into. Remember that this is a long-term commitment, as much as 20 years for a cat! Look hard at your budget before deciding on a new pet. Don't forget food, vet expense, possible boarding or pet sitting, groomers, kitty litter, etc.

If you are adding to a household of pets, consider the ones you already have. Will they accept another animal? Most dogs and cats can learn to live with each other eventually, but some will have a harder time adjusting than others. Some cats do not tolerate other cats well. Planning ahead for the introductions and potential problems will ease the way considerably.



If you are renting, are pets allowed? Are you planning to move in the near future? Be sure to look at your lifestyle and environment. Once you have reviewed your situation and are certain that this is the right time for a new pet, then the question becomes "What breed of cat is right for us?"

My favorite breed of cat is the "domestic shorthair", a catch-all term for mixed breed cats. Really, unless you are looking to show or breed the animal, there is really no reason to choose a purebred cat.

Mixed breed cats tend to be healthier. Since most genetic anomalies and predispositions to disease are carried on recessive genes, mixed breeds will be less likely to inherit these traits. Often times you get the best of both worlds - or at least the best of both breeds. The animals will usually exhibit the most predominant traits of their breeds so knowing something about the different breeds will tell you something about the animal you are considering. Most breeds of cats differ only in physical characteristics, personalities are not determined by breed. Siamese, for example, are known for their vocalizations.

If you have your heart set on a specific breed, and you have done your research and know that the breed is right for you and your lifestyle, then you might want to consider looking for a rescue group for that breed. The internet is a good resource for finding a rescue group in your area.

When visiting a shelter, remember that cats are usually much more timid than dogs, and are often frightened by large, noisy spaces. Their behavior at the shelter is a response to their environment. They may seem frightened, shy or depressed. Talk to the shelter personnel, find out as much as you can about the cat's normal behavior.

Once in your home, with your love and care, their true natures will emerge. Hopefully they will turn out to be the perfect cat or kitten for you. And don't forget to have them spayed or neutered!



Elyse is the founder of The Original Dog Biscuit Company. She has extended knowledge of pet nutrition and feeding, as well as practical experience in the raising of cats, dogs and other animals. She is a herbalist, specializing in animals. Read more of her articles at:
http://www.pethealthresource.com
Article Source: http://www.za77.org

Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Common Cat Health Teeth Problems

Teeth are very important to cats. If they lose their teeth, they have no way of eating. A cat's natural instinct is to chew their food. Checking your cat's teeth regularly and keeping them clean should prevent breakage and lost of teeth. Proper check ups at the vet clinic where they look at the teeth will help if you cannot check the teeth yourself.



If the cat develops bad breath or has a strong order coming from the mouth, they may have an infection of the gum or teeth. In some cases, accumulation of food particles between the teeth will cause an infection and the same if food gets under the gum. Cats normally do not like to open their mouth for cleaning or anything else, if you suspect a problem, a veterinarian will clean the teeth and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary.

The teeth need to be free from tartar and plaque, while the gums need to appear a pinkish color to be healthy. A red gum or pale pink could indicate a problem that may need treatment. Cat health teeth problems occur in cats because it is so hard to check their mouth. If you use you thumbs to lift up the lips, you see the outside of the teeth, if you need to see inside, sooth the cat and then try to open the mouth with your index finger and thumb.




Cat Health Teeth Brushing [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Common_Cat_Health_Problems/Health_Persian_Cat_Problem.php]Brushing cat's teeth might pose a problem if not started when they are young. Special toothbrushes will work to brush the cats teeth, but also a rag with baking soda will work just fine to clean the teeth. Flavored toothbrushes and toothpaste will help with getting the cat to open up their mouth and corporate. Although teeth cleaning is important, a cat that is older and set in their ways, may post a problem when trying to brush the teeth.

Cat health Teeth Rinsing
Rinsing the cats mouth out with an antiseptic mouthwash might prove to be more difficult then brushing the teeth. The best way to rinse a cat's mouth is with a rag saturated with the mouthwash and squeezed into the mouth by lifting the lips. Make sure to use a mouthwash that has been approved for cats as they may swallow the liquid. This might help clear up a slight infection before it gets worst.

Cat Health Teeth Chew Treats
Many chew treats help fight against tartar and plaque built up in a cat's mouth. These specially formulated chew treats taste good and cats feel they are receiving a special treat instead of fighting with them to brush or rinse their teeth. Chews come in different favors and sizes along with soft or hard for better cleaning. The abrasive surface of the cat chews works to scrub the teeth as the cats chew them. This treatment needs to be done regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build up.

You can also find more info on [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Common_Cat_Health_Problems/Stricture_Colon.php]Cat Stricture Colon and [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Common_Cat_Health_Problems/Symptoms_Of_Kidney.php]Cat Symptoms Of Kidney. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Common-Cat-Health-Teeth-Problems&id=619929

Spaying And Neutering Pets - Myths And Facts

With millions of unwanted animals losing their lives in shelters around the country each year, clearing up some common misconceptions about spaying and neutering that pet owners have is a very crucial part of humane education. Below are some of the common objections people raise when they are urged by animal rescue workers to alter their pets, and the facts provided to overcome these objections.

Myth: Spaying or neutering will make my pet fat and lazy. The truth is: Pets become overweight for the same reasons people do: overeating and not getting enough exercise. Don't overfeed your pet, and be sure that he/she gets plenty of play time and has lots of interesting toys to play with.

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Myth: My cat/dog should have one litter first. The truth is: There is no medical evidence to support the theory that having a litter before spaying is good for a cat or dog. On the contrary, females spayed before their first heat cycle have a greatly reduced occurrence of breast cancer. If the reason you want your pet to have puppies or kittens is so that your children can witness "the miracle of birth" then contact your local no-kill rescue organization and foster a pregnant cat or dog. Many no-kill organizations take in pregnant animals, and are always desperately seeking foster homes for them. Usually the rescue organization will cover any veterinary expenses involved with the foster animal and her litter, and many will even provide food and litter for the animals in their foster system.

Myth: I can find good homes for the puppies and kittens. While you may believe that you will be able to get friends, relatives, and acquaintances to adopt the first litter, how many of the offspring will really have a good home for life? What about subsequent litters? Will the person taking the offspring take responsibility to get the animal vet care when needed, and alter the puppy or kitten...or will the animal produce litters of its own, thus adding to the growing tragedy of pet overpopulation? Kittens and puppies given away for free often end up in research labs or used in dog fighting rings as bait, so don't EVER advertise free puppies or kittens.

Myth: My pet is a purebred, so I don't want to alter him/her. The sad truth is, at least one fourth of the animals that enter our shelters each year are also purebred pets. They are often purchased from a puppy mill or high priced breeder and then become abandoned or given up when they become inconvenient. If you are looking for a purebred pet, most shelters actually have lists where potential owners can sign up and be notified when the breed they are looking for comes in. There are also many breed-specific rescue groups that exist to help unwanted purebreds. If you must have a purebred, save a life and adopt one from a shelter or breed-specific rescue organization.

Myth: I cannot afford to get my pet fixed. The truth is: How can you afford NOT to? Spaying or neutering is a one-time cost, which greatly benefits the animal, you, and your community. Many organizations offer low cost spay/neuter help. In fact, if you live in Florida you can visit www.spayneuterpets.com This site is a directory of Florida low cost programs, organized by county. Even if you are not a Florida resident, there are national links provided on this site so that residents in other states can find assistance as well. Because your pet will be less likely to develop certain cancers later in life, and altered males are much less likely to fight (and become injured), in the long run you will most likely save on vet bills. Also, the financial costs incurred by county agencies to euthanize unwanted animals run high...and their expenses to euthanize these animals are passed on to us, the taxpayers.

Joanna Sunderman is the publisher of SpayNeuterPets.com

To learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering pets, humane help for feral cats, and how to find low cost spay and neuter help in Florida as well as in other areas, please visit
www.spayneuterpets.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanna_Sunderman http://EzineArticles.com/?Spaying-And-Neutering-Pets---Myths-And-Facts&id=888565

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Cat Behavior & Care : Cat Behavior: Litter Box Habits

Antibiotics For Cats - Is it a Good Choice?

When faced with serious UTIs, veterinarians often prescribe clavamox for cats, a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanate. The amoxicillin attacks the bacteria, and the clavulanate suppresses the formation of enzymes used by resistant strains of bacteria when holding out against the amoxicillin.

The reason for this one-two punch is that as humans learn to fight bacteria using antibiotics, bacteria learn to fight back, each new strain using new techniques to survive the medical assault of the drugs. Humans and bacteria are in an ongoing arms race, and our careless use of drugs has only increased the speed of the race.

Where antibiotics should be preserved as a last choice, they have become a first choice to vets pressured to provide quick fixes in circumstances which would be better addressed through slower, more natural treatments, first.

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Clavamox cats may experience side effects such as nausea, loose stools, and dizziness. The clavamox will not only attack the bacteria in the cat's urinary tract, but may kill off many of the same strains living in the digestive tract. This is not a great side effect, or some sort of added benefit.

The primary bacteria of UTIs is e.coli, accidentally transferred to your cat's urinary tract during grooming. Growing in the wrong environment the e.coli can cause serious problems, but in the digestive tract they are natural and help maintain normal digestive functions. Using clavamox for cat's UTI infections fails to protect the bacteria growing where they belong in the effort to eliminate them where they do not belong.

If your cat has a serious UTI it may be necessary to prescribe clavamox. A bad UTI is dangerous enough to your cat's health and survival that there may be no better way to handle the problem. However it is wise to supplement with natural homeopathic formulas taken from alternative medical traditions...and once the outbreak is under control it is vital to adapt your care of the cat to ensure that further outbreaks don't occur. Repeated rounds of clavamox for cats places stress on the cat and increases the odds of a resistant strain of bacteria developing.

The most important tools you have in changing your pet's life are food, water, and supplements. Using these you can adjust pH, strengthen the immune system, heal minor irritations of the urinary tract, flush out bacteria, kill germs before they can start colonies, and ensure comfort and well being.

Avoiding clavamox for cats in most instances, reserving it for rare, severe outbreaks of infection, allows you and your cat to experience a natural health without the need to turn to antibiotics over and over, in a chronic cycle of infection and medication -- with all the ills either can cause. Whatever approach you choose, but sure to do it in consultation with your veterinarian since urination problems can be very dangerous for cats.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the [http://www.cat-health-guide.org/feline-urinary-infection.html]Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems. See this site for more information on natural supplements that can be considered in addition to [http://www.pet-ut-treatment.com]clavamox for cats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Grill http://EzineArticles.com/?Antibiotics-For-Cats---Is-it-a-Good-Choice?&id=2294260

Feline UTI - Cat Urinary Tract Food

Cats urinary tract infections are similar to humans in that they are painful, unpleasant, and can even be potentially lethal if untreated. The feline's discomfort in urinating -- or even the inability to urinate, despite the need to -- will be familiar to anyone who has suffered a UTI. But just because cats and humans, both being mammals, can share similar diseases, the course they take and the preventions and cures for them are not always identical.

It is incorrect to assume that what is beneficial for humans is equally beneficial for cats. The requirements cats have for optimal nutrition have been determined by evolutionary processes and cannot be ignored in favor of convenience or cost savings to their owners.

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Research has shown that diet can have an adverse effect on the pH of urine, which in turn leads to poor feline urinary health and creates a susceptibility to issues with the kidneys and bladder. Medical disorders such as feline urinary tract infection are on the increase in our pets, which can be a frustrating condition for cat owners to manage, not least because it can frequently reoccur. This disturbing development is now being attributed to the inferior quality of many commercial cat foods.

Cats are what's known as obligate carnivores, which means that their genetic makeup requires that they eat the tissue of other animals in order to thrive. They may eat other foods, such as vegetables, grains, or fruit, but meat is necessary as the primary source of their nutrients. They evolved to the point that they are able to derive most of their fluid needs from the moisture content of their prey, which can be as much as 75% water. A cat's natural diet is very low in carbohydrates, as the main source of these are stored in the liver and other organs of their prey, which comprise a very insignificant percentage of the overall weight. But when you read the label of many of the commercial dry cat foods available at your local store, you'll find that carbohydrates often make up to 45% of their total nutritional value.

The feline liver is not very efficient when it comes to metabolizing carbs; it is much better at processing fats and proteins. An excessive consumption of carbohydrates often leads to obesity and other clinical disorders. Unfortunately, dry cat food manufacturers frequently turn to cheap sources of calories, such as corn, rice and wheat, to provide a semblance of structure -- and cereals such as these are a chief source of carbohydrates, completely unsuitable to the constitution of your cat.

Of course, it's always possible to mitigate the lack of moisture in these dry cat foods by mixing them with fluids like water or chicken broth, but they can still interfere with the proper levels of pH in urine, which is one of the primary instigators of feline urinary infection. Obviously, all brands of commercial cat foods claim that their product meets the necessary nutritional needs of a cat; however, they fail to realize that even a slight deficiency will have a detrimental effect on the cat's fundamental health, especially if the food is being ingested regularly. As if this weren't enough, the preservatives used to improve shelf life interferes in the cat's metabolic processes and is damaging to their ability to properly eliminate waste. The free flow of urine is vital in order to avoid feline urinary infection and the formation of bladder stones.

Whether wet, moist or dry, the makers of commercial cat foods are motivated to compromise on quality so that they can increase convenience, lower costs, and drive up profits. Your cat's nutritional needs can be easily met if you provide them with food that is as close to its original state as possible -- food that has a significantly larger percentage of fat and animal protein when compared to cereals and grains. You can cook this food yourself, if you're so inclined, or there are several high quality foods available that are formulated specifically to address the prevention of cats urinary infection issues. The essential thing to keep in mind is that you must provide enough fluid content in your cat's diet to optimize your cat's urinary tract health.

Susan Livingstone built The Cat Bladder Blog at http://caturinary.com because she loves cats, which is just as well since she is basically a slave to their whims. After years of spending money on them, she is now reversing that trend by offering products, information, advice and help to cat owners everywhere -- specifically those who need resources for dealing with cat urinary tract infections. You can visit her site at http://caturinary.com to find many more articles on feline urinary tract health, natural, herbal, organic and homeopathic remedies for the prevention of cat UTI, the best cat urinary tract food, and links to other information on cat medicine and common feline disease prevention.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Livingstone http://EzineArticles.com/?Feline-UTI---Cat-Urinary-Tract-Food&id=2280832

Guide to Stop Cat Spraying

Cats are usually consistent with using the litter box if it is kept clean. However; cats will start urinating elsewhere and this can eventually lead to a cat spraying problem. To prevent a cat spraying problem you should follow these guidelines.

Cats are very private when it comes to using the little box. Some cats would prefer a covered litter box to feel as though no one is watching over their shoulder.

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If your cat litter box is too soiled then your cat may start opting to use other places like your closet or on a bathroom floor rug. Keep the litter box clean by removing waste daily. You should also know that what you use to clean the clean the box can also have an influence on your cat's usage of it. Some cats find chemicals and even some smells offensive. For example some cats do not like the smell of vinegar or lemon.

The type of litter used in the box can also deter cats from using the litter box. Does your littler clump properly or does it turn into a pastey-like substance, now stuck onto your cat's paws.

A huge factor as to why a cat will refuse to use a littler box and display cat spraying behavior is if your home has more than one cat. Because cats are so territorial and want to show other cats "hey this is mine", you could have real problems trying to convince your cats to share the same litter box. Due to dominance order, some cats will just outright refuse to share.

Domestic neutered males that are healthy do not usually spray. If male cat spraying suddenly starts then you will want to take him in to the vet for a health check. He may have blocked anal glands that may need to be emptied. He may also be smelling other outside cats lingering around the property and therefore starts spraying in his environment as a natural response.

Cat spray should be cleaned up immediately with a strong and effective cat urine removal product.
Even though the product may remove most of the stain and scent, you will need to take action to stop your cat from spraying for good.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_Aviles http://EzineArticles.com/?Guide-to-Stop-Cat-Spraying&id=2296636

Training Kittens

For people that own kittens, they should already know about their fluffiness and the adorable look that they can give them. However, they should not forget that these kittens also need to go through training. Training a small kitten can be a bit hard, but it is only as hard as you make it. When it comes time to training the kitten, you should teach them everything from using the litter box to not scratching the couch. Pay close attention to this article on training kittens, because if you have a kitten, you need to train them.




When you bring your kitten home, the first thing you must do is show him where he or she needs to do their business. To find the best place for the kitten to potty is to find the place that she can remember and get to as easily as possible. You should also make sure you use some good litter and a great litter box. On a side note, always keep that area clean.

Kittens automatically know what to do when it comes to using the litter box. That's a natural instinct that they learn when they are young. Using the right type of litter for the kitten can be important for the kittens' health when he or she gets older.

To train your kitten properly, it's important to avoid the rough scolding punishments in order to make sure that they are not going to be scared for life. Everyone has heard of spanking. Well, spanking is not the right thing to do to your kitten, which means you need to make sure you find another form of punishment.

Performing the wrong type of discipline can get you and your kitten's relationship off to a bad start. That's something you don't want to do if you plan to teach the kitten the right way to do things.

Training your kitten when they are still little can make training them a lot easier than waiting until they are a full grown cat. This is because they are not set in their ways when they are still a kitten. They are merely in the new stage so this makes them easy to train. The training will be more open, because when you are young all you want to do is learn.

The right tone of voice directed towards the kitten can get him or her to listen, like a whisper to tell them that they are doing something wrong. Yelling at them results in getting them skirmish and that is not the right way to go when you are training your kitten.

To build a training relationship with your cat, it is very important that they like you and look at you as a friend. The simple task of training them will not be hard to do as long as you follow the basic guidelines of training kittens. Training a kitten can be easy if you teach them the tone of your voice when you are telling them whether they did or did not do a good job. Pay attention to your pet at all times as kittens are known for getting into trouble. Also you should remember to not only train your kitten, but pay attention to the health of your kitten.

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Easy Cat Training Basics

Before you train your cat, you will need to know about a cat. If you want to train your cat to sit, beg, and roll over, you should probably switch for a dog. In most cases, a cat is designed much differently than a dog in psychology and behavior. This is why some people either love cats or dislike cats; it is usually one or the other.

When it comes to training cats, we just want them to do the basics. These types of things would be to use the litter box rather than on the floor in the closet. Another of these items would be to not shred everything they come in contact with; this would include, but not be limited to couches and mattresses.

How Do Cats Learn?

Cats, obviously, are not humans. They do not think like us, nor do they learn like us. If a cat cannot pick up a book, watch a video or be told what to do, how do they learn? In fact, cats learn by experience. For example, if a cat jumps up on a hot stove, which I hope would not happen, would in turn burn their paws and not do it again. They have leaned that the area they came in contact too was hot and caused pain.

If a cat does something obnoxious or wrong, and they get rewarded, they will continue to do it. In this case, they have learned that by doing something, they get a certain reaction. In most cases we do not even realize we are rewarding our cat. This is why the cycle of "bad" behavior still continues and does not go away.

In all, you can say cats are conditioned to behave the way they do. They all have their unique personalities, as do all animals; however, their behavior is molded by the way we respond to them.

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Why Discipline Does Not Work

Yes, you read that right; disciplining your cat does not work. If this is what you have been doing, you will see that this statement is correct. Most people are under the notion that you need to catch the cat in the act so you can immediately reprimand that cat for doing wrong. This, in fact, is not correct.

When you choose to discipline your cat, you are only showing them two things. One, when you reach for them, it is a bad thing; and two, whatever you are showing them, whether it be the litter box or object, is bad. These are both concepts that will not make the situation better, but sometimes can make it worse. Moreover, when you catch your cat "in the act", you will see that he or she only misbehaves when you are not around. On the other hand, if you discipline your cat after the offense, they will not associate the incident with the punishment. Remember, cats do not speak English!

Get Your Cat Out of Bad Habits

In general, a kitten is going to be easier to train; this is just a cat training basics fact. This comes from the idea that a grown cat is already set in their ways. They have been conditioned to do things a certain way for a longer period of time. Naturally, cats do not deviate from their usual way of doing things. They are creatures of habit. So, a kitten has not been conditioned and is very impressionable.

If you have a grown cat, do not get discouraged. They can be trained as well; it just might take a little extra effort. This leads to the first cat training basics point: remain calm and patient with your cat during training. Training a cat takes time, patience and dedication. Just remember, it is worth it in the long run. If trained properly, you will see the results last for a lifetime; not just for a day.


3 Steps to Any Training's Success

There are three main steps to create a successful training attempt that is a win- win situation for both you and your cat.

1. No matter what your cat decides to do, even if it gets on your last nerve, do not punish them. Remember, reprimanding your cat will never get you the results you are seeking. All it will get is a "delinquent" cat and one that is afraid of you.

When broken down, this might very well be the problem as well. Take the time to play with the cat and make sure they are not doing these bad behaviors for attention. You will know this is the case if you up the play time and offer them more toys and things to keep them busy. Just about half of the time, this will solve the problem.

2. Do your best to make sure your cat is set up for success. You want your cat to succeed at the training; therefore, you need to make sure you give them all the tools and encouragement to succeed.

Shedding more light on this concept; make sure you control the environment. If you are looking to litter train your cat, have them on a regular feeding schedule. By doing this, you will know about when they will need to relieve themselves. About ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled time, take them to the litter box. Put it in a room where it is just you, them and the box. They will use the box, and when they do, praise them.

3. Make sure the experience is not a rewarding one. Everyone and every animal, including cats, as something they do not like. You need to find out what your cat does not like. For many cats, tape, netting, aluminum, and sometimes scents can deter them. Cats generally do not like sticky or noisy things. They also do not like getting their claws stuck onto items.

In general, the cat training basics listed above are a solid plan for success. They can be applied to any training you decide to go through with your cat. Always keep in mind to stick with the three steps!

David Beart is the owner of [http://www.petyak.com]PetYak. Our site covers pet related issues from [http://www.petyak.com/cats/training-a-cat/]training a cat to dog trivia and health issues.
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