Common Pet Meds That Keep Your Cat Healthy

The great debate among pet lovers has long been, "Which makes the better pet: a dog or a cat?" There is, of course, no way to settle this matter definitively. Some folks prefer dogs and others like cats. Heck, some even love both! But if we look at the numbers, we see that the cat can claim a small statistical victory, since she is the most popular domesticated animal on earth!

According to a recent estimate, there are more than half a billion cats on earth. Nearly one-fifth of them, about 94 million, reside in the United States. By comparison, the dog has fallen well behind in recent years. There are only about 78 million owed canines in America. Why are cats growing more popular with each passing year?

As any feline owner knows, cats can pretty much take care of themselves. They are highly independent pets that do not need to be walked or groomed or cuddled on a daily basis. Dogs are great, but they require a major commitment of time and energy. Unlike cats, they cannot survive on their own. They are completely domesticated animals and they rely on their owners for almost everything.

Dogs are also more expensive to take care of. The average dog owner spends more on food and on visits to the vet than the average cat owner. That is not to say that felines don't get sick. They do! This goes double for cats that are allowed outdoors. There are several serious diseases and conditions that outdoor cats may contract. Let us take a moment to review a few of the most common ones.

Fleas

Most cat owners have had to deal with flea infestations at one time or another. Many consider it a minor issue, since it is not eminently life threatening. But did you know that the most common flea in North America can carry tapeworm larvae? If your cat consumes one of these fleas during regular grooming, she may become infested with these hungry tapeworms. Because they are blood suckers, fleas can also cause anemia, especially in kittens and adolescent cats. It is also possible for a feline to develop an aggressive allergy to flea bites, which will inevitably result in incessant scratching and even serious skin diseases.

Treatment

Flea and tick solutions are easily the most popular prescription medications on the market, since the problem is so widespread. There are dozens of effective products that can be used at home. There are flea collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, and pills. One of our favorites is a product called Revolution for cats. This safe and simple topical medication not only protects your pet from fleas and ticks, it also keeps her safe from heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and ear mites. And it only has to be applied once a month! Revolutions and other effective flea and tick medications can be purchased from your veterinarian or from an online pharmacy.

Hairballs

Cats are incredibly clean animals, since they handle most of their grooming on their own. But every now and again, they are unable to digest the hair and food debris they swallow and they must cough it up. These hairballs not only cause pain and discomfort for your cat, they also make a mess. Though they are far from life threatening, no pet owner wants to be constantly picking up after their cats.

Treatment

Regular grooming is the most effective way to remove excess hair. However, if your cat will not sit still, there are products that can prevent hairballs with special oils that promote digestion. Some are prescription only, and others are sold over the counter.

Diabetes

Just like humans, cats suffer from diabetes. Older cats, particularly those with weight problems, are prime candidates for Type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of feline diabetes include loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration and trouble breathing. A pet that displays more than one of these issues should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Treatment

The good news is that diabetes can be treated; the bad news is that it is expensive. Your vet will have to perform a battery of tests to determine if your cat has the chronic disease. If she tests positive, oral medications and insulin injections will be prescribed.

All of the prescriptions we have discussed today can be purchase from your veterinarian or at a discount from an online pet pharmacy.

Article By : Phillip C Collins

Cat Health Problems - Some Common Ones

If you have only recently added a cat to your family, it may come as news to you that some cat health problems are quite common. Regardless of breed, even if you own a moggie, you can expect health issues from time to time. In thoroughbred cats, some ailments can be inherited while all the common cat health problems can be prevented.
Hairballs: Hairballs are extremely common, particularly in long haired cats because when they groom themselves, they swallow loose hair and this compacts into a hard ball in their digestive system. If it is very large, the cat won't be able to pass the hairball and the only alternative is to cough it up. There are a few things you, as the owner, can do to help with this. Firstly, you can give your cat kitty malt regularly; most cats love it so it shouldn't be a problem to give just about an inch on your finger for the cat to lick off. Alternatively, there are treats which can be given which are designed to prevent hairballs and you can groom your cat too. However, if your cat seems to have constipation and coughs rather a lot then see your vet who will probably dose him with liquid paraffin. Usually, this will do the trick but if not, your cat may need an operation to remove the blockage.
Worms: Worms are particularly common in cats which spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly if they hunt and catch rats, mice, voles and birds. There are various types of worms but in general, they will appear as white flecks in your cat's faeces and your cat may become rather thin. See your vet straight away if you suspect that your cat has worms and he will be able to treat them. However, prevention is better than cure and you can give your cat worm medication every three months so the worms won't get the chance to develop.
Urinary tract infection: This frequently occurs in male cats which haven't been spayed although females can contract a urinary tract infection. Symptoms include the cat not being able to pass urine or very strong smelling urine. Again, veterinary treatment is essential; a course of antibiotics is usually enough or one long lasting injection.
To prevent avoidable cat health problems, visit your vet at least once a year to have him give your cat a check up and the necessary vaccinations, worming tablets and so on.

Article By:  Liz Canham

How To Treat Cat Diabetes At Home With These Top 5 Holistic Options

Cat diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed, and currently it affects more than 1 in 400 cats. Diabetes is very treatable, and does not need to shorten your cat's life span. This article will go over the signs of diabetes in cats, along with the various suspected causes. I will review the most common solutions, focusing on the lesser know natural solutions that you can use to treat your cat for diabetes at home.

Most pet owner's first suspect that their cat has diabetes as their cat is drinking and urinating much more than normal. This may be accompanied by increased appetite, but also weight loss. Occasional there is noticeable leg weakness, or dropping down on the rear legs. Some people notice a sweet smell to the breath. If not noticed early, your cat may become very ill with a condition called Ketoacidosis. This requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow the body to utilize blood glucose (sugar). This results in high blood sugar levels causing increased drinking and urination. Some cats are genetically at risk of developing diabetes. Cats that are obese typically are on a high carbohydrate dry cat food, are at higher risk.

If you suspect your pet is diabetic, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Most cats begin with insulin, but with some diet alterations may come off insulin therapy. Ask your veterinarian about Glargine (brand name Lantus) Insulin - it is longer acting and better at regulating difficult to better at regulating difficult to regulate diabetic cats. The insulin injections can be given at home, and at the same time each day. Your veterinarian will show you how to give injections - they are not painful and usually not even noticed. The proper type of insulin, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be determined by your veterinarian.

If your cat is to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), you'll need to be able to recognize it, and respond quickly. This usually happens within an hour of giving the insulin injection. Your cat will be weak, trembling, dazed and may begin to shake or seizure. If you suspect this, immediately give a sugar boost. Have corn or maple syrup on hand and give 1-2 tablespoons. Rub it on the gums if he cannot swallow, then take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Recent studies have shown that cats benefit greatly from higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets. These resemble diets that they would eat in the wild. Changing to a less than 5% carbohydrate, high protein canned food is the single most important change to make. Eliminate the dry kibble, and only feed canned. Some commercial diets in this category include: Wellness Chicken or Turkey; Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Chunky Turkey; Nature's Variety Organic, and raw, frozen diets. This gives your cat the greatest chance to come off of Insulin Therapy. I am finding that we can control diabetes in about 50% of diabetic cats by only feeding a higher protein canned food. One big additional point is that a change to a high protein canned food often means you'll need to lower insulin doses to avoid hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar). Discuss this with your veterinarian.

Chromium is a supplement that makes the cells more receptive to taking up blood glucose (sugar). It may help to lower the dose of insulin. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.

Diabetes affects the other cells in the body, damaging tissue and organ cells. Antioxidants limit this damage. Vitamin E (100 IU per 10 lbs twice daily) and Vitamin C (100 mg per 10 lbs twice daily) are two common antioxidants I would suggest.

One increasingly effective supplement helpful in treating cat diabetes is fish oil. It is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, and fish oil may increase insulin sensitivity. A feline dose is one regular strength capsule per 10 lbs of body weight given once daily. This equates to 1000mg of fish oil daily.

Cinnamon is a tasty spice has been shown to help regulate blood sugar- it is also a potent antioxidant. The active ingredient is called MHCP which mimics insulin to improve blood sugar regulation. The dose is ¼ of a teaspoon per 10 lbs daily.

You should now be able to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, and know what to do if your cat is showing these symptoms. You'll now have an understanding of what causes diabetes in cats, and be able to take some proactive steps in preventing it in your cat. Most importantly you can now use a few of the holistic solutions to decrease and potential stop your cat from needing daily injections of insulin.

Article By  Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

Is a Cat or Kitten the Right Pet for Your Child?

Kittens are adorable, soft, and sweet or so they seem. Most children will wish for one of their own pretty kitties but many kids also have the false assumption that kittens and cats will lay quiet when pulled, pushed, and dressed up for tea like the good picture books portray. Is a cat or kitten the right pet for your child? Let's take a look at what makes cats so special.
Kittens and cats can be frisky and unpredictable. That doesn't make them a poor choice for a child's pet but it is a characteristic that may be overlooked when choosing a pet. Kittens and cats also have sharp teeth and nails that can slice like a razor if not trimmed or removed. That adorable, soft, and sweet kitten or cat can get easily spooked while on your lap and take a flying leap using your thighs as a spring-board. The result can be scratches right through your clothing. Kittens also think everything is a play thing. So when a child makes quick movements to pet the kitten or cat, they may be in for a surprise attack from soft paws hiding those sharp claws.
Kittens and cats are also instinctively hunters. Animals that hunt have sharp teeth to help catch prey...alias mice. If you don't believe this, watch a kitten or cat with catnip filled felt shaped mouse toys and watch the antics of hunt and kill. This also doesn't make a kitten or cat a bad choice but knowing the characteristics of these animals help you to make an educated choice for your child.
Kittens and cats are some of the least expensive animals to have as pets. Their food comes in dry form or canned, they need fresh water, and they need a clean kitty pan with cat litter. They are independent and require little maintenance. If they have the above items, you can leave them overnight or a day or two and they will survive fine. Most cats don't have anxiety when the owners leave like dogs or puppies. This a great point in their favor.
Think about the age of your child and how well he or she understands instructions about being gentle with the cat or kitten and being safe. Consider how much the vet bills might be for neutering or spaying, shots, and worming. Cats can live indoors without the need for a yard and they survive nicely in small living quarters. Keeping in mind that cats and kittens can be sneaky, frisky, timid, bold, and very independent they can make a wonderful pet for your child. Along with those other characteristics kittens and cats can also be sweet, loving, cuddly, and devoted. Just watch out for those unpredictable hair balls, (or did I forget to mention that.)

Terri Forehand is a pediatric critical care nurse and freelance writer. She has a passion for kids of all ages, especially kids who are fighting against tough illnesses and diseases.

Article by: Terri Forehand

Stop Excessive Meowing – Reasons That Cats Meow

If you are looking for a pet that will be silent or, at least, not make much noise you should look past getting a cat. While they are considered to be less noisy than a dog, they can create a lot of noise on their own and will meow more than some dogs will bark.

Cats meow to communicate. They do it to communicate with you, your family, or other animals. Some breeds of cat tend to enjoy communicating more than other breeds. Siamese, Manx, and American Wirehair are just some of the cat breeds that meow more than the average feline.

If you spend enough time around your kitty you might notice different sounds of meows. Different meows mean different things. Some reasons for a meow include hunger, thirst, interest in something, disinterest in something, discomfort, contentment, and other things. What constitutes excessive meowing? That is up to you to decide after taking into consideration the breed, health, and stress of your animal.

A cat that is being transitioned to a new home might meow a lot at first. One that is being moved indoors from an outdoor life or from indoors to outdoors will probably make more noise than normal. This should fade as your pet adjusts to the new living arrangement. During breeding season he or she is probably searching for a mate. Consider getting your feline spayed or neutered if he or she isn't already. Make sure that your kitten is getting enough food to eat and has access to fresh water to drink. If there are people showing up or leaving regularly, the meow could be a greeting or a "goodbye." Older cats, sometimes, meow more because of health issues. Some of these issues are normal problems of aging and some require professional assistance. If you suspect this to be the case contact a qualified veterinarian.

Don't rule out that your pet cat might just be trying to get attention from someone. If this is the case continue to ignore your pets requests. If you give attention of any kind in return for meowing you are, only, going to get more meowing. This is assuming that your cat gets attention from someone at some times. If no one is paying any attention to him or her I urge you to consider finding another home for your feline. One thing to remember is to never use punishment to try and alter a pets behavior. Punishment and negative rewards will only get you more negative behavior.

Article by: Derrick Anderson

Keeping Your Outdoor Cat Near Your Home

Owning an outdoor cat can bring you worry about its safety, as well as the fact that it could meander off your property, and maybe never return home. With a naturally curious nature, cats are extremely independent and clever. In order to keep its curiosity at home, you need to create an inviting outdoor space for your pet - a place that it will know is home.

Fashion a Cat Garden

A cat garden, like a dog garden, is a space where your cat can be itself. A yard is not necessary to fashion a garden for your outdoor cat, you can use other spaces. Areas such as patios and porches can also be turned into a homely space for your cat to play and be entertained. The only thing you need to ensure that you supply is a litter box.

Cats love a special place that is designed especially for them, for any time of the year. It will not destroy your patio or porch, as long as you create a place a cat can enjoy.

Designing the Outdoors to Keep a Cat Close to Home
Keep your cat close to home by designing the outdoors to be suitable to your cat.

Provide trees and plants that create shade for your cat to have a cool place to nap, away from the heat of the sun. Purchase cat toys and scratching posts in a spot designated for your cat to play. These items should only be taken out during sunny or clear days, as moisture can cause them to become moldy.

Opt for a small water fountain surrounded by some plants to create a nice ambiance for your cat, and also provide a place where your cat can have a refreshing drink. The fountain will need to be cleaned weekly to prevent it from building up mold and algae, as preventative cleaners can't be used in the water as it is poisonous.

To prevent your cat from using the garden area as a bathroom, show your cat where the designated litter box is. The litter box can be set aside from the garden area, and designed with some decorative stones to mark off its area. You can also create a natural litter box by digging a small hole on the side of the garden area, and filling it with a mixture of cat litter and potting soil. Surround this area with some larger rocks to keep the mixture intact. Show your cat this area and allow it to become familiar with its new bathroom.

Grass that Cats Love

In the garden area that you created, plant some cat grass, called Dactylis Glomerata. An easy way to grow this type of grass is in a new litter tray. Place the grass seeds in the litter tray, and cover it with chicken wire. This will prevent your cat from using it as a litter box. In time, the grass will grow through the wire, and your cat will have a nice mini yard. This is great way to add a touch of outdoors to your patio area if you don't have a yard.

Article by-  Derrick R Anderson