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Arthritis in Cats – Holistic Treatment Options

December 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

01321554442_toothbrush-cat.jpgStudies have shown that 30% of cats over 8 years of age, and a stunning 90% of cats over 12 years of age, have arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease). These figures should give the veterinary community, which doesn’t give nearly as much thought to arthritis in cats as it does to dogs, something to think about. What is generally perceived as “slowing down” or “a little stiff” may be a sign of significant joint deterioration, and probably causes some degree of discomfort in most older cats.
Arthritic cats often gradually stop jumping up as high as they once did, and may be reluctant to use the stairs. (Arthritis can cause litterbox problems if there is not a box on every level of the home.) Providing “steps” (a box or stool, for instance) up to a bed, chair, or other favorite high spots may be greatly appreciated by an older cat.
Cats cannot adequately metabolize many of the arthritis and pain medications commonly given to dogs, such as carprofen (Rimadyl).
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Learning on the options for residential treatment is the best place to begin. You know the depth of your child’s difficulty, and your viewpoint can help counselors conclude whether or not their treatment center can meet up the needs of your child. Arthritis Pain Relief For Canines

Over recent years, we’ve been learning more and more about the benefits of treating human aliments with natural remedies. The same holds true for our companion pets as well. Older dogs and cats suffer from painful arthritis as their joints begin to deteriorate over time. Instead of turning directly to prescription drugs which can be costly and come with nasty side effects, many people are looking for alternative options for arthritis pain relief for canine dogs. Lymphoma in Dogs – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Dog lymphoma is a disease that occurs when the lymph tissue is damaged by cancer cells. As this lymph tissue can be found in any organ or part of your pet’s body the disease can grow and affect almost every organ of the dog. Lymphoma can be found more commonly in middle-aged dogs Arthritis and Your Pet – Symptoms, Treatment Options, Exercise and Diet

Is your pet slowing down or showing signs of aging? It could be arthritis. Read on for helpful options for treatment, diet and exercise. Moreover, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxyn (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are all highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Meloxicam (Metacam) is a newer NSAID that is commonly used for post-operative pain but only for a short time. Some experts claim it can be given long-term at a very low dose, but others are wary of the significant potential for kidney damage in cats. Aspirin can be used, but the dose and schedule are extremely limited; never give your cat aspirin without your vet’s advice.
The good news is that there are simple, inexpensive nutritional supplements that are very effective and, most important, very safe. Supplements for arthritis include: glucosamine sulfate (250 mg per day), and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) (200-400 mg per day). Both of these supplements have excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glucosamine supplies the basic building blocks of cartilage and helps maintain the fluid that cushions and nourishes the joints, and MSM provides elemental sulfur for the body to make certain amino acids and other compounds. But they are not quick fixes-it may take 3-5 weeks for improvement to be noticeable (MSM may take less or more time), and they must be given daily without fail to prevent return of pain. They may not work in all cats. But many guardians notice significant improvement in their cat’s activity and flexibility. Glucosamine is often packaged together with chondroitin, another cartilage compound. However, the evidence is less clear that chondroitin is effective, and it is much more expensive. Plain glucosamine (sulfate only, not hydrochloride) is adequate in most cases.
Another cartilage building block, hyaluronic acid, is also available in oral form. This is the basic ingredient of Adequan, a drug commonly injected directly into affected joints. However, these injections need to repeat regularly and there is always a risk of infection. Hyaluronic acid now comes in oral capsules, but the most effective form appears to be a saline-based liquid called “Hyalun.” A cat would need at most a few drops per day, although if you also have dogs (or if you have joint problems yourself!) it is a good way to go.
Some herbs, such as Boswellia (frankincense), appear to be effective anti-inflammatory, but few herbs have been thoroughly studied for safety in cats. Boswellia is traditionally used in combination with other herbs in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Since some herbs can be extremely toxic to cats, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of western or Chinese herbs (see below).
The antioxidant algae blend, BioSuperfood (read more about this in the Little Big Cat Free Article Library) may also minimize the inflammation and pain of arthritic joints.
Omega-3 fatty acids also have excellent anti-inflammatory properties; we recommend Nordic Naturals pet products for their purity and safety.
From a holistic viewpoint, no physical condition is simply physical. In energetic terms, disease, including arthritis, starts on the energetic plane and progresses through the mental and emotional spheres before manifesting itself in the physical body. One way to address this is through the use of flower essences, which can heal the imbalances on the mental and emotional planes. Another way to look at this is that mental “stiffness” ultimately contributes to stiffening of the physical joints. Our sister company, Spirit Essences, has developed an essence remedy called Creak-Away that’s designed to keep the animal mentally and emotionally “flexible” and minimize the energetic stresses that contribute to the development of arthritis.
Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, homeopathy, specific nutritional strategies and other holistic treatments may also be helpful for arthritic cats. For a practitioner in your area, visit or call the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at (410) 569-0795.

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Peoples Habits Leads To Cats Diet Leads to Cats Health

December 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

2h2.jpgOh what to do about those presents kitty brings in from outside just for you. Some folks have quit allowing their cats to go outside as a method of avoiding this issue. This avoidance may be less stress for the owner but could be harmful to the cat. Consider the diet of an indoor cat versus an outdoor cat and that would be the difference in eating live prey verses commercial foods.
I remember my past veterinarian Dr. Teague who would say that the difference in today’s cats’ verses 40 years ago is the absence of live prey. He went on to say that a lot of the cats’ immunological health is dependent on live prey whether insects, small mammals or reptiles. It did not impact me as much back then as it does now because I was accustomed to feeding out of a can or bag then.
Oh how I loved the convenience of plopping chow out of a can or bag but nutritionally I am starving the cat from needed meat proteins substituted with grain proteins, starches, vegetables, and sugary fruits that do not fit a proper diet for a cat. Cats are “obligate carnivores”, which means all of their feeding requirements are met with capture and consumption of live prey. Less than that can lead to many diseases that are not typical in a carnivore.
Chronic Renal Failure or CRF, I can’t count the number of cats I had or knew that ended with this terminal disease. CRF is the result of poor diet and dental hygiene which is so typical of today’s’ indoor cat. Not saying that an outdoor cat would not also suffer this way if it was unable to catch prey on a regular basis and likewise an indoor cat given a proper diet of whole raw food and supplements is less likely to contract CRF. It is all about the type of diet your cat is getting.
Maybe when kitty brings in the present there is more meaning to it than what you think. Consider it is the cats’ way of telling you that this is the real food and not that stuff you keep putting into my bowl! Then again perhaps not, because depending on how long you have been feeding your cat “commercial cat food”, and also the age of the cat would determine whether it is a “junk food addict” or not.
I am fighting an uphill battle with my two tabbies. One is 13 and the other is 3 years old and both are certifiable junk food kitties. Converting them to a whole raw diet will take considerable time and effort plus patience on my part. The long term payoff is reversing my 13 year old cat that has early signs of kidney disease from the last blood work. The 3 year old is giving the most fuss and fight and no longer will the crunchy bowl be out 24/7′s.
Back to my opening statement about those presents that kitty brings inside. Consider another possibility that your house, bedroom, or wherever kitty brings in the prey, it considers to be its’ den. That is always a possibility. I currently have such discussions with Journey, (our Torte), who insists that all live catch meals must be consumed in our bedroom. The credibility of this being her den is also where 90+ percent of the time she sleeps.

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Understanding Cat Health Problems

Cats are one of the most adorable pets that we can get along with. The key to enjoying an energetic feline is to know the common cat health problems that may cause him danger. They can become a good companion and have an excellent ability to hunt unwanted house pests or dangerous creatures such as rats, scorpions and snakes. Since they are known to be hygiene conscious, cats always lick their bodies to get rid of dirt and other unwanted elements. This habit may be vain yet harmless. Common Cat Health Problems

Pet owners should be familiar with common cat health problems so that they won’t escalate into something worse. Prevention and early treatment is key to preserving the health and life of your cat. Anorexia in Cats

Anorexia in cats is a symptom and not an actual disease. While it is often caused by an underlying illness it can also be the result your cat is recovering from an illness. However, there are several cases in which your cat may just be a very picky eater. Polyphagia in Cats

Polyphagia in cats can be either psychological or it is the result of a very serious underlying disease in your pet. It can be just as dangerous as polydipsia, which is excessive drinking on the part of your cat. However, it does not always lead to an excessive weight gain, as with some underlying conditions, it may actually cause a weight loss.
You can bet I am working hard on changing were she thinks she should eat her catches.
Even though she has free run of the house and cat door to the outside she will spend most of the day outside and still sleep most of the night with us. Odd considering most cats are nocturnal but has always been the case with our other cats, and I bet some of this is directly related to the feeding schedule we keep. A wildcat will only hunt if it is hungry and does not require 2 meals plus snacks a day. Our cats’ behavior is likely related to being over fed with the wrong type of food.
What is the right type of food and what is the feeding schedule? The cat should eat whole prey, (either live caught or frozen purchased), not the ground up food recipes you can get on the internet. There are a number of producers of whole live food so Google that or you can go to my website. Let the cat determine the amount of food. Often they may take most of the day to eat larger whole prey and will stop eating when they are full. Point I am making is give your cat the food in the morning and if it wants more then give it more, otherwise the one time may be sufficient.
A cat eating a lot of good raw meat will tend to be more active than a cat eating a lot of heat processed protein with added carbohydrates and sugars, and that is why your cat gets fat. The cat does not have the energy to exert for lots of exercise when it is on a commercial cat food diet.
That kind of diet is hard on the cat to digest and utilize for an energy source so over the long haul the kidneys and liver start to degenerate and disease sets in. It’s not an overnight process before the bodies organs start to fail and neither is it an overnight process to repair. Proper diet and supplements over time can in some cases restore useful function to these organs if it is started near the beginning stages.
Problem with the blood tests is the kidneys are already close to 70% gone before the test indicates any problem. A cat can survive on just 30% renal function but one needs to stop and hopefully reverse this process with the proper diet and supplements. Most veterinarians disagree with my action steps and to their credit they may be correct since significant damage to the kidneys has already occurred when blood tests indicate possible CRF.
Your cat could be suffering from many other things like dehydration, weight loss, high blood pressure, and thyroid function. Because of the possibility of multiple conditions you may have to “stabilize” your cat first with the recommended therapy that the vet recommends then improve on diet. The number one site for information about CRF from the medical aspect is Feline CRF Information Center.
Most vets recommend Hill Diet also known as KD diet. This is a can or kibble diet low in protein and phosphorus in an effort to have a reduction of protein the kidneys need to process. Sounds great except most of the protein in the product is loaded with JUNK proteins which do just the opposite that you’re trying to achieve. What is really needed is a diet that is totally sourced from good protein with as much phosphorus removed. This would be a huge niche for someone to formulate
Recapping, most cats over the age of 8 years who have been fed only a dry food commercial diet will develop CRF. The same is true for cats over the age of 12 that had a diet consisting of canned commercial food. Some cats get it earlier than others and some expire from other conditions. CRF is a progressive terminal disease that has a strong relationship to diet and gum disease.
Feeding your cat early on a whole raw diet and allowing it to hunt is the most natural prevention of early onset of CRF. The blood work and urine evaluation are the best ways to detect CRF early before more serious conditions begin but the disease has already significantly progressed in the kidneys. My website provides specific blogs concerning a whole raw food diet for cats and has many links to other sites for additional information.

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Toilet Training A Cat – Goodbye Litter Box!

December 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

2q1.jpgBelieve it or not, training a cat is not an impossible task. In fact, your kitty will gladly do something they are consistently rewarded for. All of that attitude and independence is nothing compared to the bond they form with you and their desire to please you.

The key to any successful training program with your cat is patience, and lots of it. Any changes to their normal pattern must be done in small increments, making for a smooth transition from one type of behavior to another. Keep in mind that behavior changes often start with us, not our pets. We need to be prepared to change ourselves, and to do what is necessary to support our kitty.

Of course it would be fun to have your kitty fetch or roll over or even dance around on their hind legs. You could work with your cat and accomplish all of these neat tricks you are sure to be a hit at parties.

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Cat Litter Boxes

Next to food, cat litter boxes are about the most important thing to your indoor cat. Cats are fastidious creatures which like to have somewhere clean and fresh to do their toilet. They need plenty of room to move without treading on something they did previously. Toilet Training a Cat

What cat wouldn’t want to avoid having to step into their smelly litter box? It is even more frustrating for a male cat that has not been neutered. The urine has a stronger smell for the male cats who are breeding, because they are marking their territory. Cats Toilet Training

Finding the ability to train your cat to use the house toilet has been an ongoing concept for decades. Over the last several years, such training has become popular. Most people would like to have the smell of that stinky cat litter removed forever from their home. Toss The Litter Box – Toilet Train Your Feline

Often times, the mere smell of someone’s home will reveal whether or not they own a cat. There may not be much worse than the putrid smell of a dirty litter box emanating within a home. Many people would jump at just a chance to eliminate the stench of cat waste altogether. But teaching kitty to do some practical task, like using a regular toilet instead of a litter box, may be a far better use of your time. Think about it, no litter, no mess, no clean up, and no smell!

People have been training their cats where to relieve themselves for years. In fact, any of us who have acquired a new kitten have done this by training them to use the litter box. It is natural for cats to have a place to bury their waste, so the litter box idea seems like the natural thing to do. But training them to use a toilet accomplishes the same fundamental goal making sure the waste does not attract the attention of other animals via sight or smell. And it just makes life so much easier in your home.

There is no doubt that potty training” your feline friend is possible.
But how? Well, you have one of a few options. You can just give it a go if you already have experience training animals. It follows the basic training pattern of behavior modification with reward. Or, you can get a book, either in print or electronically, that walks you through the steps. Or, you can elect to purchase a training system that not only gives you step-by-step instructions, but provides the support materials.

The cost of each option goes up, but so does the ease of use. It will really depend on your temperament, creativity, and patience level. The training systems are by far the easiest, but can set you back $25 to $60. That is much more than the other options but then again, you will realize the cost savings in litter in a short period of time.

The key points to think about before embarking on a course of training your cat to use the toilet are:

• Are you ready to change your own behavior (leave toilet lid up, wait while kitty does her business, etc.)?

• Is your cat likely to handle the change well?

• Do you have the patience for a process that may take several weeks?

• Can you afford a book or training system?

Once you answer these questions, you just need to decide which route seems most likely to work well for you and your kitty. Training a cat to use a toilet can, in the end, be a great benefit your household.

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Cat Nap

December 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_0c7.jpgCat naps are wonderful but have you ever wondered where the term came from? When we see someone asleep in a chair, we frequently make the comment that he or she is having a catnap. Some doctors have suggested that one or two cat naps taken during the day as being beneficial, especially for the elderly or those with young children or babies. They help us wake up refreshed and focused.
The term cat nap comes from the short sleeps our cats take during the day. We often see cats curled up asleep somewhere comfortable. How often have you said how wonderful it would be to be a cat and sleep the day away.
While it might seem to us that cats spend most of their time asleep, the reality is they only sleep deeply for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. They have developed this ability to sleep for a short period, and then wake up refreshed and alert.
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Best Cat Bowls From Cat Supplies Shop

When you bring a cat as a pet in your home, you need to have his water, food and other accessories for your cat from cat supplies store including water bowl, cat bed. You also need to buy traveling pet carrier whenever you have to go for traveling. So while buying these above things, you should keep many things in mind. Clipping Your Cat’s Claws

Most cats abhor having their feet touched. If you acquired your cat as a kitten, you may be able to train her to tolerate having her feet handled. If not, there are other tactics that may work with the least danger of being scratched or bitten. Why Does My Cat?

At first glance it might seem like all your cat does is sleep. While it might be true that cats sleep around 75% of their day away, it is what they do with the other 25% that sometimes baffles their owners. Suffice to say if you were only awake a handful of hours during the day or night; you would probably do some crazy stuff too. When cats are awake they tend to have some energy to burn and sometimes the burning of this energy leaves the people in their lives confused or amused. Here are a few common behaviors that seem odd to some owners: Benefits of Cat Ownership

There are many benefits of owning a cat. There are benefits for children, adults, senior citizens and those with disabilities. For children, cats can teach valuable lessons about responsibility. They also help young children develop empathy as they learn to anticipate a cat’s needs. Even when your cat is deeply asleep, its senses can still pick up on danger and they can be alert in a moment, ready for fight or flight.
Cats that are in a safe and secure environment where they don’t feel threatened will sleep in a more relaxed way. They will tend to take more time wakening and can even be disoriented when they do wake, just like a lot of humans (including me). It is wonderful to watch a cat as it wakes up. There is something sensuous about the way it stretches each limb and arches its back. I would love to be able to stretch like that when I wake up. Older cats seem to take longer to wake up. I can relate to this, as bed seems harder to get out of most mornings.
When cats are in a deep sleep, you can often see their ears, tail and paws twitching. I love watching Cassie when she is asleep on my lap, her paws twitch and it gives me a wonderful feeling that she trusts me enough to be so vulnerable with me.
She will sometimes open her eyes just a little to make sure I am still paying attention to her.
Cats are certainly relaxed and relaxing pets. A comfy chair, the back of a couch or somewhere in the sun suits them just fine for a sleep. Some cats like to find somewhere high, such as the top of a cupboard or sometimes a tree branch to sleep on, as they feel safe there. They actually sleep or rest for around two thirds of their life. However, when they are awake, they are usually ready for fun and games.
In today’s society, that catnap has been replaced with the power nap. Even busy, high-powered executives will take a power nap between meetings. The elderly (and not so old) are now accused of having a ‘nanna nap’. Same thing, different words. I personally prefer to have a cat nap.

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Cat Discipline

December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_2c6.jpgOwning a cat, or any pet is a big responsibility. Also, it requires a lot of your patience. They can be destructive as well as vicious towards your home furniture and fixtures.
There a few items that you need to give more care for as they are the most common targets by your cats. In order to do this, there are a few remedies that you can try.
Flora Alert
While there are plants that can be toxic for your cats, your cats themselves can be a risk for your plants at home. To protect your flora, you can purchase plastic meshes from craft stores. This mesh will be fitted for your plant. This way, your cat cannot disrupt the soil that your plant is put in.
Also, you can protect your plant’s leaves, stems, or flowers by spraying them with, for example, Bitter Apple. You can check on your local pet store for such sprays. Make sure that you use only those that are disgusting for your cats but are not essentially dangerous for their health.
Cord Care
Another hobby that cats have is playing with electrical cords at home.

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Should You Discipline a Cat?

Is your cat misbehaving? Scratching furniture? Leaving deposits in corners? It’s all very frustrating, especially when they don’t respond to our efforts to stop them. Train a Cat to Listen

Cats cannot be discipline as you would a dog Training Cats and Correcting Bad Cat Behavior

Training cats and correcting bad cat behavior is something that is very essential for any cat owner. Cats are very loving and compassionate creatures that are not always as loving and compassionate as we would like. They can get into mischief quite often and the question is how we can get them to be well behaved. Cats are like children; we have to instill good behaviors and good tendencies in them. How can we succeed at training such a beautiful creature when we cannot communicate with them as we can with a child? Things to Avoid While Training Your Cat

Cat training or disciplining is often regarded as a difficult task. Felines posses a smaller brain ability than canines, but yet they flaunt a unique insight. Bitter Apple is also a good solution for this problem. But, for a more lasting remedy, you can try and enclose your electrical cords within cardboards. And if possible, align cords that are at heights that your cat cannot reach. Also, this will be safer if you have small kids at home.
Curtain Trouble
Playing with curtains is fun for cats. They sway, move, and they even take revenge. Well, this can be what your cat thinks as curtains can move in a way that is threatening for your cats. Another reason why they love curtains is because they can climb on it.
Your solution would be to use curtains that are a bit short.
Use those that are only enough to cover the windows. Or, you can just make sure that they are secured tightly and that they do not touch the floor which makes it easy for cats to reach.
If the curtain still is an attraction for your cat, you can use vertical blinds instead.
The Garbage Situation
Cats are interested in not only cat food, but in human food as well. This way they can also rummage through your garbage cans and bins both inside and out of the house. This makes your cat too dirty to pet. Not to mention that your home is also turned into a garbage dump.
Just make sure that you have waste bins that that can be covered tightly. If your cat won’t be able to open it, there won’t be much of a problem.
Table and Counter Attack
Even your bigger furniture is not safe with cats around. They can scratch the posts and that won’t be a very good sight to see.
You can use Bitter Apple, only if this won’t damage the material that your counters and table are made from. The only thing left for you to do is to train them not to do such a thing. Every time they scratch, you can pick them up and keep them from doing it.

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Can You Use Compost As Cat Litter?

December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

0q7.jpgYou may recall that I recently had an article posted about whether or not it’s a good idea to compost your cat litter. This time, I’m flipping it around to “can you use your compost as cat litter?”

My excitement stemmed from an email I received a few days ago from Anne in Austin, Texas. She writes:

“I’ve found lots of discussions about using cat litter as compost, but haven’t found any discussions about this: Is it safe to use compost AS cat litter? I’ve been using good quality garden compost from my local nursery as cat litter for several months. Cheaper than litter, no switchover problems, no smell — in fact, I usually just catch that “sweet” compost smell. It doesn’t seem to track as badly as other litters. I start out with about an inch in the box and then add more over the week. Then I dump the used stuff in a low-traffic area of the yard (not in the veggie garden).

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Cleaning for Litter Cats

Almost everyone, adults and children alike use a natural fondness for cats. They may be loving, quiet, and quite playful pets which will offer you with years of entertainment. Although most of us have a fondness for cats, that fondness can rapidly diminish with regards to the litter container. Even the most hardened cat lover may perhaps get tired of litter box duty, especially when it comes down to scooping ‘you know what’ from the litter package. Finding the Best Cat Litter Type

Cat litter can be a tricky thing to find because cats can be so picky about what they want to use. If you want to find the best cat litter you will want to read this article. What Type of Cat Litter Should I Use?

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately and have walked down the pet aisle you’ll see that there are many different types of litter that you can choose from and use for your cat. So which one works the best and which one is the safest one? Love Your Cat with Cat Litter Furniture

Anyone who has a pet cat also has at least one litter field. Nonetheless, the standard litter compartment, even one particular with a cover, leaves a lot to be desired from the way of fashion. If somebody loves his or her cat, he or she has to tolerate its litter compartment; there is just no other selection. Every person can benefit from the advent of cat litter pieces of furniture. Never heard of it? Preserve reading – you might be pleasantly surprised. Use a rake to spread it out; might throw some cut grass on top to help accelerate breakdown.”

Anne: Awesome question. Well, it seems that you’ve made quite an interesting discovery! Anyone else out there want to try this? I would love to hear your experiences with it. She continues:

“So far, I’m liking this. But my vet wonders about possible health concerns for the cat; she wonders if the “fresh” compost from the nursery contains bacteria/pathogens that might be harmful to the cats. I’m thinking No, but only because: Hey, if I use this stuff on my veggie garden, how harmful can it be to my cats? Is it reasonable to assume that the compost I buy at a nursery is (mostly) harmless?”

As for the doctor’s concerns, I would be shocked if the compost contained anything harmful. I responded to Anne to ask her if the compost was “aged” for several months and/or certified by the U.S.
Composting Council, which would certify that the compost was at thermal kill temperatures (above 140F) for several days straight…the answer: it was. Excellent.

So let’s recap…it appears that using compost as cat litter has had the following perks:

-significantly cheaper

-good at absorbing urine

-doesn’t smell

-doesn’t require scooping

-has next to no tracking

-is easier to clean up

-you avoid the landfill (YES!)

Some suggestions… if you’re worried about pathogens, make sure you’re getting U.S. Composting Council certified compost. I would be surprised if nurseries sold any sub-par compost, but somewhere like Home Depot or Lowe’s might. Also, keep the compost from drying out…its naturally moist properties are what help this process along. Last thing: keep the “compoost” (Anne coined this term!) separate from your normal compost pile. So there you have it, no sweat…get to it.

Too good to be true? I’m sure there’s cats that won’t like it, but some might…maybe stray/outdoor cats? So give it a shot and let me know what happens. I’m not responsible if your cat craps on your couch instead.

Now I’m starting to wonder if I should take in a stray cat just for this experiment…it’s tempting!

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Raw Cat Food – Just What Nature Intended

December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

0f11.jpgA feline digestive system is made for raw foods. They have a higher level of acidity in their stomach that makes them less prone to bacterial infections than humans are. This is why many people are switching to raw cat food, in place of pre-packed commercial dry and wet food found in the supermarket. There are lots of great holistic cat food manufacturers that make high quality raw cat food, while other people want to make their own.

A good rule of thumb to go by is that a cat’s diet has to consist of at least 75% meat. It’s been proven through laboratory research that feeding your cat a poor food source will affect them right down to their genetics. Not eating the foods that nature intended renders animals and humans in a state of poor health. Sterility, heart problems, organ failure, and cancer are all problems that can be associated with a poor diet.

Since a cat is a predatory carnivore, they need a diet of fresh meat for their body to run at peak capacity.

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Just a little bit ago, I answered some very popular FAQ’s about the Raw Food Weight Loss Diet. Now I want to take an even closer look at one of the biggest concerns most people have with the Raw Food Diet – What to eat. Natural Dog Food – Be Kind to the Environment With the Raw Diet

Your dog’s diet is something that you wonder about because you are not quite sure what should be in the diet. You know it is different than your own diet, but that is about it. The main thing to remember is… Premium Natural Holistic Cat and Dog Food

Did you know the life span of your best friend dog or best friend cat is 25 to 30 years. So why are our dogs and cats only living to 13 to 14 years? Natural Cat Food – Pointers on Proper Feeding of Cats

A natural type of cat food is one that tries to imitate in the closest possible manner the wild diet of the animal. If one is knowledgeable enough on the animal, one will learn that wild cats obtain their food by hunting wild prey such as mice. It’s easy to assume that a cat is healthy if you provide it with food, water and give it lots of attention: Unfortunately they need raw meat, since that’s what their body is genetically made to accept. Raw cat food that’s available on the market gives a cat all of the ingredients they would eat if they live in the wild: quail, turkey, duck, rabbit, eggs, honey, fish and a variety of vegetables.

If you’re going to make your own raw cat food; make sure to get your meat fresh from the butcher. You will be feeding them raw food and you don’t want a slice of beef that’s been collecting bacteria on the shelf of your local supermarket for hours, or days. Make sure to follow the 75% rule as well if you make your own blend and add a pre-biotic supplement for digestive health.

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Cat Allergy

December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_11321554055_lillitower.jpgHave you ever been around a cat and started sneezing, eyes started itching or have had nasal congestion. These are some of the symptoms you may experience if you are allergic to a cat. Like most allergies, the condition is usually not life threatening but will cause some degree of discomfort.
Cat allergy in humans is a reaction to one of five allergens. The most common is glycoprotein (Fel d 1) produced by the sebaceous glands and found in the skin and saliva. The sebaceous glands produce oily matter to lubricate the skin and hair of animals. The protein is not known to provide any function but can cause a reaction in humans. It is a sticky substance and will cling to clothing and human hair. The symptoms humans can experience are red, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, feet swell, chronic sore throat and/or scratchy throat, coughing, wheezing, or itchy skin.
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Dogs and Allergies – The Facts

If your dog is scratching himself all of the time, the culprit may be allergies. Just like humans have allergies that cause them to feel itchy, so do dogs. Dog allergies are a most likely cause if your dog is itching all year long and does not have fleas. There are other causes as to what causes an allergic reaction in your dog: Just What, Exactly, is Dog Allergen?

You know what dog allergies are, but what the heck is a dog allergen, and should you be concerned? We’ll have a look at what dog allergen is and discuss whether it is a cause for concern. Benefits of Cat Ownership

There are many benefits of owning a cat. There are benefits for children, adults, senior citizens and those with disabilities. For children, cats can teach valuable lessons about responsibility. They also help young children develop empathy as they learn to anticipate a cat’s needs. Natural Remedies For Cat Allergies That You Can Use

Most people are quite aware that humans can be allergic to cats, but never consider the fact that cats can actually suffer from allergies as well. A cat’s allergies can be brought about by a variety of causes, including elements in the environment as well as the food they eat. In trying to determine the best natural remedies for cat allergies it is often important to understand the cause of the allergy. The symptoms can be minimized by limited exposure, frequent hand washing, frequent vacuuming of rugs, drapes and upholstery and limiting the animal to certain parts of a house. Use or air filters and bathing and brushing a cat will also reduce the amount of allergens. Although these actions may not be 100% successful, they can make the condition tolerable.
Allergies are cumulative. If a human already suffers from allergies, this condition will only add to his or her misery. Some humans will become immune to the allergy over time. Humans with asthma or eczema need to be very careful if they experience a reaction.
Hay fever medication and over the counter antihistamines have negative effects on the allergy. Allergy shots can provide relief. Some companies have claimed to have produced a hypoallergenic breed to reduce the allergy but the results have been mixed.
Breeds such as the Russian Blue and Siberian have been claimed to be naturally hypoallergenic. The LaPerm, Sphynx, Devon Rex and Cornish Rex which have less layers of hair have been known to produce a milder reaction in humans. It has also been found that females shed lower amounts of allergen then males. Neutered males shed lower amounts of allergen than a tom. Short hair is a better alternative than long hair.
Most owners who are susceptible to an allergy will live with the discomfort and enjoy the pet. The owners will use sprays on the fur and incorporate the actions mentioned above. They will try different over the counter remedies to alleviate the symptoms. Like any allergy, there is no cure but there are many ways to minimize the discomfort before you have to give your pet away.

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Cat Health Care – Essential Tips

December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

11321554442_l-3c4841980fa94a779e54a59f89445e9f.jpgYour feline friends need your proper care for them to stay healthy and fit. To ensure that they get nothing but the best care they deserve, here are some health care tips for bringing the vibrant life out of your pet cat or kitten.
1. Aging – When your cats turn the age of 8-10 years, it is highly recommended that you bring them to the vet for routinely checkups at least twice a year. Doing so will help prevent health complications that are being brought about by aging. Older animals are usually affected by stress-related illnesses so as their guardian it is your duty to provide them with a stress-free environment. To do this, you’ll have to eliminate sudden noises, off smells, and other disruptive routines.
2. Adoption – Before considering an adoption of a new kitten, it is recommended that you first look at his future living space before anything else.
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American Health Care – Are We An Example?

An amazing American legislative victory over this March 2010 weekend has earned a circle on every person’s calendar. Although it’s not officially law yet, an enormous step towards universal health care has been achieved. Pet Health Care Insurance For Your Dog

Pet insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense to some dog owners, but reports show that Americans will spend $334 on vet bills this year. To someone like me that is a lot of money and I only have one dog. If my insurance policy runs $24 a month then I am already saving money and in the case of a costly emergency I am covered. There are three reasons to consider purchasing a pet health care insurance plan: Family, peace of mind and quality of life. Let’s examine each of these concepts. Cat Health Problems and Solutions

Trying to find the proper solutions to cat health problems is not as difficult as it may seem. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to make sure that your cat does not suffer from some of the more common health problems. Common Cat Health Problems

Pet owners should be familiar with common cat health problems so that they won’t escalate into something worse. Prevention and early treatment is key to preserving the health and life of your cat.Check the space for anything that might put your kitten’s life in jeopardy. Examples of this might be loose electrical wiring, chemicals under the cabinets, and others things alike.
3. General Care – To check for lumps or bumps, place both hands over its head and move slowly down the chin, and then behind the front legs right under the shoulders, move over down the back, to the hips and finally go down the hind legs. Whatever the hair may be, long or short, wavy or straight, either way it should be glossy. Hair must not be dull nor greasy. If his or her fur separates into sections of spikes, then that might be a sign of a dietary deficiency which requires you to a trip to your vet.
4. Ears – Ears might be a nest for moisture and bacteria. To ensure that nothing else ever exists in there, clean the ears with baby oil moistened cotton ball by wiping the cotton in a circular motion.
Do not get inside the ears but clean only on the front and outer part.
5. Convalescing – The best method of convalescing is by tempting with a meal of white fish. A cat with a poor appetite often cannot refuse this. However, you should never ever feed him or her any kind of raw fish though. Poach the fish first or steam it then remove all bones before serving.

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How to Choose the Best Cat Food

December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

11321554291_images.jpgChoosing the best cat food for your kitty is one of the most important cat owner decisions you can make. Here are some key points to help you decide which cuisine is the right one. Making sure your cat gets adequate nutrition is the primary concern, so feeding foods that meet AAFCO guidelines is generally recommended.
1. Pick a food type.
Are you going to feed dry food and allow free choice for your kitties? Or, are you going to feed canned, wet food at specific feeding times. Some people do a mix of the two.
2. Choose “healthy.”
Generally, pricier foods will have better quality ingredients. So, the best cat food is probably more expensive than your house brand at the grocery store or super store.
More expensive isn’t a guarantee of quality by itself, though, on a case-by-case basis.

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Choosing the Best Diaper

Very strictly speaking, either you cannot choose the best diaper, or whatever diaper you choose, you can make the case that you have chosen the best. Speaking very scientifically, technically, and philosophically, neither cloth diapers nor disposables have a distinctive advantage. No matter how devoted to science and empirical data you may feel, your choice of “the best diaper” will turn on your personal preference. How to Choose the Best Home Improvement Stores?

Home improvement stores are the most convenient place to pick up supplies for a home improvement project. Besides the convenience factor, we are actually looking forward for cheap and quality parts. Sometimes, it is really frustrating when we found out that there is another shop selling cheaper items with better quality just a block away from the place we bought our stuffs. Therefore, today we are going to discuss about things to be considered when choosing the best home improvement stores. Finding the Best Cat Litter Type

Cat litter can be a tricky thing to find because cats can be so picky about what they want to use. If you want to find the best cat litter you will want to read this article. What Are the Best Herbal Remedies For Cats?

A cat can be a great addition to any household as all cat owners are aware. When you are considering treating your cat with an all natural treatment, it is important to consider that herbal remedies for cats can differ somewhat from herbal remedies for dogs. Check ingredients and try to choose a healthy food. Healthier cat foods are made with wholesome ingredients, and tend to avoid the use of artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT, or ethoxyquin.
3. Choose “organic.”
Unlike some other terms, when a cat food is labeled USDA certified organic it has a specific meaning, and requires that certain inspections be carried out. Try to choose organic if you can, since that should give you a high quality food.
4. Choose “natural.”
If you can’t find an organic food that your cat likes, you can go with some of the cat food offerings on the market that avoid artificial ingredients, and include real meat from free range cows and chickens.
These are often marketed as “natural” products. Although the term “natural” doesn’t have the meaning attached to it that “organic” does, these pet food companies will sometimes state that the ingredients come from human-grade sources.
Keep in mind that once incorporated into pet food, the product is not technically human-grade, it’s just that the source of the meat, for example, might be cows that are slaughtered for human consumption as well.
5. Choose specifics and learn to read labels.
When selecting a cat food, specifics on the label are better than something more general. So, the term “meat” is not desirable, but “beef” is. Learn the terms used on the labels. For example, how much chicken must be in a “Cat Food with Real Chicken” product? You might be surprised to learn, not much.
6. Choose a manufacturer.
When possible, it may be better to choose a product line from a company that makes its own food. Natura Pet Products, for example, shows you a tour of their dry food manufacturing plant right on their website. This should allow them to keep tight quality control.
7. Listen to your cat.
Pick a food type and a feeding schedule, and then choose the healthiest food you can find. Learn to read labels, and look for a product that lists specific ingredients rather than more general ones. If possible, choose a company that makes and packs its own food, or has control over the manufacturing.
Then, listen to your cat and follow veterinarian recommended food switching procedures. If your kitty doesn’t seem to like the food you select, choose the one next on your list and try again. After switching foods, watch your cat’s weight, eating habits, and behavior. If everything appears normal, you’ve found a winner!

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