A Litter Box of Glass [11-11-17]

A Litter Box of Glass


One major problem you encounter as a cat owner involves your cat’s use (or non-use) of her litter box.

This is probably one of the most frustrating issues that arise in caring for your new cat. You buy a litter box, often an expensive one, fill it with good quality litter, and then find your cat defecating or urinating somewhere else in the house. Even more frustrating is when you discover that your cat “does her business” near the litter box, but not in it.

You have, of course, taken your cat to the vet who has pronounced her “healthy”. So, you’ve ruled out any physical ailment. You’ve changed the litter; you’ve cleaned the box. You’ve made sure no other cat is going in her box.

And yet, she’s still doing it – you still have problems:

- your cat is going somewhere else in the house

- your cat is going next to the litter box

- your cat is going half in and half out

The last possibility can often be solved by getting a larger box: something resembling a tub that your cat can still get into and out of without too much trouble but will confine the scat (not the cat) to the tub.

But the first two difficulties often remain.

THE INVISIBLE CULPRIT

What could be the problem? I’d like to pose a possible answer in one word: PLASTIC.

Most litter boxes, no matter how elaborate or expensive, are made of one plastic or another.

Plastics are polymers…huge molecules made by chemically “stringing together” smaller molecular units. Sometimes the units are all identical, sometimes they vary in composition and recur with some regularity. However all plastics are “organic” compounds.

In case you’ve forgotten your high school chemistry, organic compounds are primarily made up of Carbon and Hydrogen, sometimes with other elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous or Sulfur thrown in.

The plastics used in constructing most cheap cat litter boxes are relatively flexible – they can be easily bent. When you pick yours up to clean it, you’ll find it bending as you carry it out the door. It’s composed of a flexible plastic.

Flexible plastics are made that way by the addition of what’s termed “plasticizers”. Plasticizers are small organic molecules, usually phthalate esters that are added to the polymer to increase its flexibility.

Other litter boxes, particularly the self cleaning ones, are not so flexible. Since they are self cleaning, they are not designed to be picked up, and are generally constructed of several smaller, harder, plastic parts.

Hard plastics are formed in molds (forms into which the plastic is poured, where it hardens and takes shape). The molds are first coated with a “mold release” agent to enable the removal of the plastic part from the mold – otherwise it would stick to it and stay there.

Both materials – the plasticizer and the mold release agent- remain as a residue on (or in) the plastic. And both materials can “outgas”, that is, be released into the air, immediately after your litter box has been manufactured, and, in the cases of flexible plastics, from then on.

THEY ARE THERE…

So, if you’ve tried everything to induce your cat to “go” in her litter box and nothing has worked, could it be that your cat is sensitive to the plasticizers or the mold release agents used in the manufacture of her litter box? Even though you can’t smell anything, maybe your cat can.

Plastic is basically an unnatural material. It wasn’t found in nature before Man arrived and started making disposable food containers and litter boxes, and it wasn’t a factor in the evolution of cats.

Maybe your cat is sensitive to it, and is making you aware of that fact by defecating somewhere else, far from this source of annoyance. Or maybe the plastic is triggering some unnatural behavior in your cat, causing her to defecate half in and half out.

DON’T TELL YOUR GUESTS…

Try changing the material of the litter box. Try a glass litter box.

But, you say, there aren’t any glass litter boxes for sale! Where can I get one?

I went to glass some time ago by converting a shallow baking dish into a litter box. My wife used it for baking scalloped potatoes, and I unwittingly grabbed it for a different use, much to her…uh…displeasure.

Granted, a baking dish is shallow and the litter is easily thrown out by a digging cat, but I place newspaper under it (not a plastic mat), to catch the thrown litter. I’ve owned two cats in succession now, and neither has had a problem “doing their deed” somewhere else.

So try it. Of course it goes without saying that once you convert the baking dish into a litter box, it’s the end of using it to cook scalloped potatoes for your guests when they come over for dinner.

Or, at least, it’s a good idea that, after they’ve eaten, to keep that fact to yourself.

What Are The Two Most Common Problems With Cats?

What Are The Two Most Common Problems With Cats?

• The two most common problems with cats are aggression, and refusing to use the litter box. Both of these problems are usually caused by social conflict among cats. To have the fewest problems, have only one cat at a time. The more cats you introduce into a house, the more likely you are to have difficulties with the cats.

The Household Omnivore [10-8-17]

The Household Omnivore

We all know that cats are efficient hunters. They're carnivores. They eat meat. So why do they stalk our houseplants? There are two possible reasons why cats crave greenery. One is that they eat grass and other plants as a dietary supplement. The other theory is that the roughage helps clean out their system, and aids in expelling hairballs.

Either way, their habit of nibbling on houseplants can be destructive to your decor (and dangerous if the plant is poisonous). Many cat owners grow small containers of grass, sprouted birdseed, or even catnip for their cats to munch on.

The Truth about Catnip

The Truth about Catnip


We have all heard the stories about cats gone wild, strung out on catnip, while my cat could care less about the stuff. Why is it then that some cats take one whiff of catnip and seem to defy gravity and other cats seem unaffected by its magic? Well, its time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to catnip and cats.

Depending on whom you ask some might say that catnip is like kitty cocaine, but the truth is catnip is an herb from the mint family. Catnip's botanical name is Nepeta cataria. Within Catnip there is a compound called monoterpene nepetalactone that has a strong effect on some cats. Monoterpene nepetalactone is present throughout the plant but is especially strong in the plant's leaves. Monoterpene nepetalactone reduces cats' inhibitions and may cause cats to have mild hallucinations. Some people compare cats' reactions to catnip to that of humans on LSD or marijuana and catnip does have some similar chemical characteristics.

Researchers have shown that cat each react differently to catnip. Some seem to go into a catnip high, while others become more aggressive and others become more sexually aroused.

So why does my cat not react to catnip? New studies have proven that one in three cat don't respond to catnip because of an inherited gene that not all cats have. Another factors that helped to determine a cat's reaction to catnip included age. Kittens don't seem to be affected by catnip until they are around 9 to 10 months old.

Although cats respond to catnip like a drug it has been shown that catnip has no addictive properties. There have been no known reports of cats no being able to make it through the day without a catnip fix. Capnip has a low toxicity level and the capnip high only lasts about 10 minutes so as long as it doesn't make your cat more aggressive there is no harm is allowing your kitty to enjoy a little catnip now and then.

Golden Rules For Traveling With A Cat

Golden Rules For Traveling With A Cat

Traveling with a cat can bring unique challenges to your holiday. Dogs are often trained ahead of time, but people rarely think about training a cat. So, where do you start with travel-proofing your fussy feline and making sure you all get along on the road?

Before you leave home, you ideally need to spend a few weeks preparing your cat for holiday. They need to get used to three different things before you travel: wearing a harness, using a leash, and being in a cat carrier.

Practice getting your cat used to these before you take your pet on holiday and it will make for much smoother sailing when it comes time to depart. Your cat needs to be comfortable during your holiday, but the only way to keep control while traveling with a cat is to keep them confined in a small, comfortable and secure area.

While your cat is in the vehicle, they should be in a cat carrier at all times, and it should be buckled into the back seat with an approved harness for added safety. When you go to release the cat from the carrier, you need to be ready for her to come out quickly. Before you open the carrier door, all car doors should be closed, and all of the windows rolled up. With these precautions, if your cat gets spooked and runs, she is still confined to the vehicle.

You should be seated in the back seat beside the carrier, with a leash in your hand and ready. Open the cage door, let your cat out, and secure the leash clip to the cat's harness before opening any car doors and moving inside. Alternatively, keep your cat inside its carrier until you are inside the holiday accommodation and enclosed with all doors and windows closed.

On holidays, it's a good idea to use a harness, which are much more secure than collars for cats. It also stops them choking on a collar if they become spooked or get caught on something in an unfamiliar environment.

Of course, you should also make sure that the hotel or rental booking you have chosen specifically allows cats. Traveling with a cat can be challenging in pet-friendly accommodations, because many hotels that call themselves 'pet friendly' are actually only welcoming of dogs. Double check that the pet-friendly holiday option you have chosen will allow cats before you leave for holiday.

You should also bring food, litter and favored toys that your cat is used to using at home. Cats can be disturbed by new surroundings on holidays more than other pets, but little comforts like a favorite toy or their own brand of litter can make them feel more at home. When you take your pet's food along, you will also prevent upset stomachs during your trip.

Make sure they know where their litter, food, and bedding is as soon as they get to the holiday location, and keep these items in the same place while you are travelling with a cat.

Like many humans and other pets, cats are creatures of habit, so as long as they know they are safe and secure, and have familiar routines and items around them, they can make great holiday companions.

Just know before you go how to be clever when travelling with a cat!

Is Vitamin C Harmful to Pets? [6-3-17]

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Is Vitamin C Harmful to Pets?

Troy Foote

Many people are told that pets do not need extra vitamin C or that it is harmful to pets.

So what is the deal with Vitamin C???

Vitamin C is the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant, which makes it an important weapon in the immune system's arsenal against bacteria and viruses. It also helps protect unsaturated fatty acids, and the fat- soluble vitamins A and E from being oxidized, therefore protecting their potency. Since your pet can't manufacture it, vitamin C must be obtained through diet and supplementation.

A protective vitamin essential to over-all body health, vitamin C is especially important for neutralizing free radicals. It also:

- Helps in the production of collagen, and maintaining healthy skin
- Promotes the healing of wounds, scar tissue, fractures
- Strengthens blood vessels
- Helps the body utilize iron and folic acid
- Supports the thymus gland
- Enhances T-cell production, increasing resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and some allergies

BUT..In a few select diseases, you SHOULDN'T use Vitamin C Most of the time, and for most pets, it is a GREAT supplement.

The one SPECIFIC case you shouldn't use it is for Calcium Oxalate Stones in dogs and cats.

These are an UNUSUAL type of crystal, which form in acidic urine. If your pet is to ever have oxalate stones, then you want to employ other methods of healing.

But I feel that it is important that you are ALL clear about this condition, and EXACTLY what you should do if it happens.

Here are my TOP SOLUTIONS:

DIET

Prevention centers on creating a urinary environment with minimal calcium and minimal oxalate as well as creating a urine pH that is not conducive to calcium oxalate formation.

What to eat..

High Quality but Low Protein diet, as High Protein produces elevated levels of oxalates.

There are specifically formulated veterinary diets..IN this case ONLY I advise using that diet.

What to Avoid..

OXALATES

Vegetables ~ beets, eggplant, leeks, sweet potatoes, okra, pepper
Greens ~ green beans or peppers, beets, celery, collards, eggplant, parsley, spinach, Swiss chard, chives, endive, kale, leeks, okra, rutagbega, summer squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes Legumes ~ beans, soy products including tofu
Grains ~ wheat germ
Nuts ~ all
Seeds ~ sesame and tahini
Fruit ~ berries, currants, concord grapes, figs, rhubarb, lemon, lime, plums, tangerines.

WATER

Water intake is the most important factor in preventing kidney stones. The additional fluid flushes the bladder, and doesn't allow these stones to form.

POTASSIUM CITRATE

By taking potassium citrate orally, citrate levels increase in the urine. Calcium binds to citrate instead of to oxalate which is a desirable event since calcium citrate tends to stay dissolved whereas calcium oxalate tends to precipitate out as mineral deposit. Potassium citrate also helps create an alkaline urine (in which calcium oxalate stones have difficulty forming). Potassium citrate supplements are typically given twice a day.

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No More Fat Cats [9-11-16]

No More Fat Cats

Take a look at your cat. Be honest. Is she/he overweight? Maybe even slip the word obese into that thought?

We wouldn’t be surprised at all if you admitted that your cat looks a wee bit on the chunky side. According to reports, overweight and obese cats outnumber cats of normal weight. The extra fat can cause several health problems, including diabetes. But what to do?

Keep this in mind: any mammal (that includes humans, cats, dogs, etc.) will gain weight if it eats more calories than it burns as fuel for energy.

Humans can control how much and what our pets eat. Yes-WE have control over this, but must be disciplined.

Any cat that is overweight should be seen by a vet and a weight loss plan discussed and put into place asap. It’s important that this process of losing weight is gradual for the cat, though. Do NOT give it a crash diet as it can be dangerous to the cat’s health.

FREE CHOICE FEEDING

This method of feeding your cat is likely the main cause of obesity. Too much food is set out for the day as people tend to dump a bunch into a bowl and walk away. Experiment with feeding the recommended amount listed on the food package (bag, can, whatever). You may need to adjust that amount, too – usually to LESS.

Next, feed your cat two meals a day, preferably morning and night. In other words, whatever the recommended amount is for one day, or what the veterinarian instructs, divide that into two separate meals instead of one feeding. Think of cat food in ounces, not cups.

Here are some thoughts to consider…

CARBOHYDRATES

Dry pet food is loaded with carbohydrates. A cat is a carnivore and doesn’t need all those carbs so in turn can more easily gain weight on dry food.

PROTEIN

Most dry cat foods are low in protein… especially if corn is one of the first major ingredients. Protein is THE key nutrient in a healthy weight carnivore diet.

>>Dry food is more convenient, too. No spoiling or drying up during the day like wet food will do. And when I say, “during the day”, I’m still referring to a specific measured amount of food that she will either gobble up in the morning or nibble on throughout the day.

CAT TREATS

Stop feeding treats to fat cats. If you do give your cat treats, keep it to 2 – 4 a day in between the other meals. That’s it!

EXERCISE

Increase kitty’s calorie burning activities. Add interactive toys to the cat’s environment. Get another cat so the two can play with each other. Buy a cat harness and leash to safely walk her. Spend 15 minutes zipping a feather toy through the air and have her chase it.

WHAT ABOUT DRY FOOD TO HELP CLEAN THE TEETH?

Do not worry about the teeth needing dry, crunchy food to help remove tartar. Cats fed soft, meat-based food have fewer teeth and gum problems than cats eating all dry diets! (according to studies) So if you want to feed only wet food (good quality), go for it!

THE WEIGHT LOSS PLAN

First, if this is truly a serious weight condition, take your cat to a veterinarian. The vet may do blood work (looking for health problems), an exam and record the weight.

If changing the actual food, then gradually over a period of three to four weeks add more of the new weight-loss food/diet with the old, decreasing amount of the old diet and adding more of the new one. Feed foods high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Feed the proper portion size twice a day. Skip treats if possible during the weight loss program.

Don’t forget about increasing her activity level, as mentioned earlier, to burn more calories.

Weigh the cat at least once a month. Or every week if you can to track it. If your scale doesn’t register when you sit her on it, then weigh yourself – write it down. Grab your cat and step on the scale holding her and check the weight. Subtract one from the other and you have her weight. If her weight isn’t budging at all after a month, decrease the total amount you’re feeding her – by a tiny bit. You’d be shocked how a little makes a huge difference in affecting a cat’s weight.

If you do have a fat cat, it can take several MONTHS until she reaches an ideal weight. Once this happens, maintain it. That means if she hits the weight that is about perfect but keeps losing, then you need to increase the food amount just a smidgen.

With her weight loss, she should be more active and happy. Her appearance and fur will look healthier. Hopefully you’ve helped her avoid diabetes, arthritis and other health issues related to being overweight. You’ve likely added years to the length of her life, too! Isn’t that wonderful?

Bathing Your Cat

Bathing Your Cat

• Best way to bath a cat is find an old window screen, place it in the tub or sink, the cat will dig its claws into the screen and stay there the entire time of bathing

 

Cat drinking fountain [3-5-16]

Cat drinking fountain

• Another "new" thing at our house: a cat drinking fountain! This handy little thing has been worth its weight in gold - the water is always fresh (it recycles through a charcoal filter), the bowl doesn't get hard water deposits, the cats enjoy drinking from it - and the sound of water rushing is very pleasant for all of us!

Reasons For Neutering Your Cats [20-4-16]

Reasons For Neutering Your Cats

Cats are known for their great fighting skills. Some can even win a fight against snakes. And cats survive in almost all climates and geographical conditions.

Historians cannot pinpoint nor described the details of how and when the first cat was domesticated. What is known, however, is that domesticated cats have existed for more than five thousand years now. According to biologists, the modern domestic cat is either a direct descendant or a subspecies of the African Wildcat. And this is why the domestic cat belongs to the genus Felis. Some artifacts indicated that the domestic cats first appeared in ancient Egypt. Today, these cats have occupied all continents, Asia, Europe, and America, except for Antarctica. And they have evolved into over fifty different breeds.

Being one of the most popular pets in the world, cats are certainly not listed as endangered species. Female cats are also known to produce an average of three kittens about twice a year. Thus, the spaying and neutering of cats cannot hurt their world population.

A spayed and neutered cat will be to the advantage of the owner's house. Cats that are not altered, especially the female ones, may just spray their urine in areas that they consider their territory. All owners of cats are too familiar with the obnoxious smell of the urine. And no matter how much cleaning one does, the smell can never be entirely removed, especially from carpets, beddings, upholstery, and furniture made of wood. The urine of neutered cats are less smelly and these cats may not even consider marking many territories in the house.

When not neutered, a female cat in heat will howl terrible noises at inappropriate hours, like midnight or dawn. The noises will be eagerly answered by male cats that howl outside your door. You will certainly lose your sleep. And your neighbors may not be too happy about all the racket. These cats in heat will be restless and will forget whatever toilet training you may have taught it. And such condition can last up to three weeks and occur three or more times a year.

Some cats who are not neutered may choose to roam far away from your house. This will cause you endless worry. And you certainly have reason to do so. Your cat will be facing cat fights and fast-moving cars. When in danger, dogs tend to run away. But cats stay frozen in its place. This is why many cats are run over by vehicles.

Neutered cats, on the other hand, will always stay in your house. They will be more content and less restless. They will also have longer life spans.

Grace Palce is writing articles for pet meds 101, a comprehensive cat medicine site.
 

Keeping Your Pet Safe From Toxins Is A Challenge

Keeping Your Pet Safe From Toxins Is A Challenge

Claude West

Keeping your pets safe from chemical toxins around the house is a challenge because some toxins are in the furnishings. Information is available about what active chemicals are in that bottle of cleaner you bought from the store. What about the household items such as carpet and furniture that is chemical treated during manufacturing? Several recent reports show that serious toxins exist in both.

Many stain protectors in carpet and furniture contain petroleum-based products that do not decompose and your pet walks on it or sleeps on it and the chemicals end up on the pet’s fur and then licked off when the pet cleans itself. Perfluorochemicals called PFC’s are in stain inhibitors and the lining of pet food bags and cans. One article reports that your pet’s exposure to PFC’s is three times more than human exposure because of their grooming habits.

Flame retardant chemicals in bedding materials and insulation contain polybrominated diphenyl ether’s, called PBDE’s, and your cat will have a concentration twenty times more PBDE’s in its fatty tissues compared to humans. This is also due to their habits of clawing, kneading and grooming. Studies show that dogs are two to three times more PBDE’s than humans in their fatty tissue.

Here are some action steps to take to limit the pet’s exposure to toxins:

• Buy furniture without the stain protection chemical additives.

• Repair damaged upholstery or bedding with new covers. Foam is likely treated with flame-retardants.

• Use HEPA filters with your vacuum cleaner because PFC’s and PBDE’s attach to dust particles and spread throughout the house.

• Be selective on household cleaning chemicals since most commercial cleaners are petroleum-based products. Consider using natural cleaners such as steam cleaning, ammonia, vinegar, and baking soda.

• Pet foods containing chemical preservatives, (Ethoxyquin, BHT and BHA), artificial colorings, and filler ingredients, (corn, rice, and soy), that are not part of the pet’s natural diet.

• Insecticides, flea collars, herbicides and lawn and plant fertilizers contain petroleum-based chemicals and are toxic to your pet. There are many natural alternatives available.

• If you give your pet a bath use natural based cleaners formulated for animals and not humans.

• Treated water for human consumption (potable) has trace amounts of chlorine and fluorine that are also toxic to small animals. Consider using a chemical filter in your water supply for you and your pets’ health.

You cannot put your cat or dog in a protective bubble but being knowledgeable on this subject will benefit both humans and animals in the house. Using herbal detox tonics designed for your pet several times a year will help reduce toxic buildup. On a daily basis use herbal supplements, fatty acids, and vitamins designed to support the immune system and help keep your pet healthy.

Oh No – Pet to the Vet

Oh No – Pet to the Vet

Yikes – do you know how much it costs to take your pet to the vet. Lets just say that you should encourage your kids to be come veterinarians because you will be well looked after in your old age.

But for pet owners that don’t have children who are veterinarians, taking your pet to the vet is a concern not only because your pet is unwell, but how much is it going to cost – YIKES.

Pets can be so unpredictable and often without warning pets are involved in an emergency that necessitates a visit to the vet. For those who have the foresight to obtain pet health insurance, then a visit to the vet is less stressful and the less stress that you have to endure in these situations the better. Pet Insurance brings peace of mind.

As an example – a cat that fractures their leg or a dog that swallows a foreign object can cost a pet owner more than $2000.00 in Vets fees and if you pet has the misfortune of needing cancer treatment, this can amount to more than $3500.00 in vets fees.

Often pets are regarded as a member of the family, but are not treated like a full member of the family because their health insurance is ignored.

Pet health insurance usually covers the following items: prescribed medication, X-rays, surgeries, hospitalization, ultrasounds, MRI/CAT scans, homeopathic treatments including acupuncture and chiropractic, chemotherapy, and referrals. Good pet health insurance policies also cover endoscopy for cases of foreign body ingestion requiring surgery, and let’s face it, dogs are especially prone to eating things that they shouldn’t.

Increasingly more companies are not just paying out for emergencies but are also providing coverage for routine expenses such as vaccinations and routine surgery such as neutering and spaying.

Veterinarians often hear people say ‘I thought about getting pet insurance, but I didn’t and now it is too late. I wish that I had gotten it before my pet got sick’. Pet Health Insurance companies do not allow pet owners to claim for pre-existing problems, so you must insure before your pet has problems.
 

Water

Water

The chlorine in fresh tap water irritates sensitive parts of the cat’s nose. Let tap water sit for 24 hours before giving it to a cat.

Top Reasons Why You Should Buy a Pet Water Fountain for Your Pet

Top Reasons Why You Should Buy a Pet Water Fountain for Your Pet

Laura E Schneider

One of the main benefits that a pet water fountain provides is ensuring that your pet drinks the healthiest drinking water they can get. Every pet owner wants the best for their beloved pets so they give them the best by buying them branded dog or cat foods, accessories and even bringing them to groomers. But what most of them don’t realize is that their pet also needs a lot of clean water for them to stay hydrated. And this is exactly what pet water fountains are for.

A cat’s body is made up of around 70% of water and they are very susceptible to kidney and urinary tract diseases. Domestic cats in particular need to consume extra water if they are fed a dry cat food diet. Most pet owners are more conscious of the pet’s food rather than the water they drink. So keep your pet healthy by ensuring that they stay hydrated all day. Pet water fountains take the worry out of this for you.

Do you ever wonder why you sometimes catch your pet drinking from a dripping tap? It is because studies show that animals prefer to drink from running sources than stagnant drinking water. We all know how dogs love to drink and play with running water. And so do cats, which are very playful by nature, noticing and chasing every small object that moves. The pet water fountain’s running water will surely grab their attention, thus enticing them to use it.

Busy pet owners will find the water fountain advantageous. No need to replace the water every day because of its filter. There are several models which you can choose from, and some models have a big water reservoir that you can fill up with enough water to last throughout the day. So you don’t have to worry if you have to leave your pet for a short vacation because the pet water fountain will ensure that your pets will have clean water while you’re away.

Your pets will have only the healthiest water that is the closest resemblance to what they can get from nature. Using a small submersible pump, the water circulates from the water tank. Then it passes through a charcoal filter to get rid of any impurities and dirt. The result is clean and fresh water for your dogs and cats. Your veterinary bills can surely be reduced by increasing their water intake.

Maintaining this device is also simple and hassle-free.

Usually, when you buy a brand new unit, it comes with a set of filters and sometimes you even get a spare one. You just have to change the filters regularly to make sure it gives you optimal performance. Some models even have a pre-filter system that can catch hair and other debris, thus extending the life of the machine. Compare this to everyday cleaning of your usual water bowls and you’ll see the big difference.

Another benefit that you can get from it is that it keeps the air in your house cleaner. It adds humidity to a room, thus enhancing the quality of air. Imagine how this simple device can be so valuable to you and your pet.

Just like people, our pet also needs clean and safe drinking water. But unlike us, they don’t have the ability to get that on their own. So they heavily depend on their pet owners to give them what they need. And sometimes, because we are too busy grooming them and making them look good on the outside, we sometimes overlook the things that are most important to their health. A responsible pet owner knows how to deal with that by ensuring that their health will be the top priority.
 

Keeping Your Feline Friend Fresh with Pine Cat Litter [27-3-16]

Keeping Your Feline Friend Fresh with Pine Cat Litter

Cat litter has definitely provided a lot of pet and homeowners with so much convenience. Before cat lovers had to put up with the unbearable stench of cat urine and feces but thanks to cat litter, Pussy's excrements are easy to eliminate and no longer as bad smelling. There are many different kinds and brands of cat litter in the market and one of the best of them all is pine cat litter.

Cat litter is used as a filling material for cat litter boxes where house cats defecate or urinate. The cat litter is supposed to absorb the moisture and reduce the bad smell coming from urine and feces, making the litter box more bearable at home. Pine cat litter fulfills these roles remarkably well, making it one of the best choices as a litter box filler.

There are different kinds of cat litter available in the market, allowing cat owners to choose from the wide variety according to their tastes and purposes. Some cat lovers choose cat litter for their odor control and absorbing power. Others choose cat litter that cannot easily be scattered all over the house. Some buy cat litter because they are biodegradable and environment friendly. Pine cat litter apparently can fulfill these considerations as it quite absorbent, track-resistant, and easy to dispose of.

Pine cat litter is a very much recommended type of cat litter for all cat lovers everywhere. A lot of people who have tried other kinds of cat litter such as clay, silica, sand, have ended up using pine cat litter because of its many advantages. There were people who first doubted using pine cat litter, but eventually they realized that it probably is the best kind of cat litter available commercially.

What Makes Pine Cat Litter So Good

Pine cat litter is a very good choice among other kinds of cat litter. First of all, it is organic - a gift of Mother Nature. It comes from recycled materials and it is in itself recyclable. Pine cat litter comes from biodegradable pine sawdust, it can easily be flushed down your toilet in small amounts. It can also be mixed into your garden soil to be used as compost fertilizer, saving you the need to buy synthetic or commercial plant food.

Pine cat litter also does not contain silica dust, unlike other types of cat litter like clay. Silica dust can be hazardous to health, and it would not be advisable to have them in products like cat litter. The dust particles can go airborne and be inhaled not only by your cat but other members of the family as well and this can cause a lot of problems in the lungs. When inhaled, silica dust can induce bronchitis or even lung cancer. It is not worth the risk to get these diseases just for a cheaper brand of cat litter. Pine cat litter would probably be a better choice for you and your cat in terms of health concerns.

Some cat owners get worried that their cats would not welcome the switch from their old cat litter to pine cat litter. Pine cat litter may have a very different texture from other kinds of cat litter. It usually comes in pellet form unlike the softer texture of other types, which seems to be more comfortable for cats. However, cats are actually tougher than most people think and they can definitely withstand the rougher texture of pine cat litter. Some cats may even like the tough consistency better than the sandy and smooth grain of other cat litter types.

Pine cat litter can be the best choice for you and your cat. It does most, if not everything that you would expect from an excellent cat litter. It is a good absorbent and deodorizer. It is easy to clean up and can even have other uses after consumption. It is safe for your health and that of your cat's. Most of all, it is environment friendly, so you do not have to worry about contributing to the deterioration of the planet.

The next time you buy cat litter for your feline friend, consider getting pine cat litter. It is good for you cat, good for you, and good for the planet. What more can you ask for?

Ear Problems in Pets and the Solutions [24-3-16]

Ear Problems in Pets and the Solutions


Ear infections and problems are one of the top reported problems faced by many pet owners. Does your dog or cat shake their head and scratch their ears or rub their ears against the ground or furniture? Do you ever notice a foul smelling, discharge in their ears, black, yellowish or brown in color? Are their ears red and tender? These are all signs of an ear infection or problem in your pets.

A dog or car's ear canal is L-shaped which causes dirt, moisture, parasites; mites, and wax to be trapped in the canal which can lead to ear infections. Dog which have long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear problems due to the lack of air circulation available to the canal. With long haired, floppy eared dogs, you can keep the hair trimmed on the inside of the ear to increase air circulation.

The conventional treatment for most infections is antibiotic and anti-fungal medications. The problem with these treatments is that they treat only the symptoms, not the underlying cause. To successfully conquer the problem, both must be treated. Medications will mask the problem and may actually make it worse in the long-run by creating a chemical imbalance in the ear resulting in long-term problems.

Approximately 80% of ear infections are actually caused by allergies, with the ear infections and problems actually being one of the symptoms. You need to treat the allergy; the underlying cause as well as the ear infection for a long-term cure.


Treatment

One of the first things you need to do is to clean your pet's ears. Use white vinegar (acetic acid) diluted by half with water and squirt this into the affected ear with a small squirt bottle or syringe. Rub the base of the ear to move it into the canal and clean the outer ear with cotton balls or a soft cloth. The vinegar will remove debris from the ears as well as kill the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. Do this for 5-7 days then continue weekly to avoid recurring problems.

You can also treat the infection herbally. Garlic, sage and thyme all have natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Pau d'arco has natural antibiotic properties. Soak the herb of choice in calendula oil overnight, remove it and using a dropper, apply the oil to the infected ear, 2-3 drops a day for several days. You should see a cessation in the infection. This should also eliminate ear mites.

For the itching and inflammation you can apply aloe or calendula essential oils topically to the ear twice a day. Vitamin C can also be added to your pet's diet and works in two ways; it suppresses the product released from cells in the body that causes itching (histamine) and it will help the adrenal glands, which produces a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation, to function more efficiently. Watch the dosage, vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Starting with a low dosage of 100mg per 10lb of body weight should be a safe dosage. If there are problem, decrease the dosage.

The next and very important step in treatment is working on the underlying cause, most likely allergies. Some of the main food allergies are grains, such as corn and wheat in many commercial pet foods as well as some of the protein sources and in some more sensitive dogs and cats, the additives and preservatives can cause problems as well.

The best thing you can do for your pet is do change their diet over to a natural, homemade diet free of the toxins of commercial pet foods. You may have to try different foods to figure out what your pet will respond to best, but in the long run it is worth it for your pet's health and comfort. There are some natural and organic alternatives out there but you need to take the time to know what is really in the food you are feeding your pets.

There are also some supplements you can add to the diet to help with allergies. Quercetin has been effective for people with allergies and may be effective in dogs, it helps prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem. The dose is 25mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily, and omega-3 fatty acid, a must for any allergy that triggers recurring ear infections. My preference for omega-3 is organic flaxseed oil or cold salmon oil. Aside from the allergy benefits, omega-3s offer many benefits to pets including improving the skin and coat and for joint and heart problems to name just a few.


Vet Time

As much as I am a strong advocate for natural health and treating your pet at home when the options are advisable, there are times when you must turn to a professional for treatment.

Most of the time, especially when caught and treated early, ear problems are confined to the outer ear and can be successfully treated at home. When the infection is in the inner-ear or cannot be alleviated by the above treatment, you need to see a vet. Symptoms to be watchful for include; head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. The vet may need to drain fluids and treat with antibiotics if the infection has progressed to this point. Sometimes even more aggressive measures need to be taken. In any case where surgery is advised, I always suggest getting a second opinion. Not every vet knows everything.

Something else to be watchful for is that aggressive scratching and head shaking can cause a hematoma in the ear. Hematomas can cause permanent damage if severe enough and left untreated. A vet must evaluate and advise proper treatment.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to take the time to spend time with them and notice any problems before they turn into major problems. Many pet health issues can be treated at home with the right knowledge and if caught early enough.

And for your pet's sake, go natural!
 

Keep toilet lids down [19-3-16]

Keep toilet lids down.

• Keep toilet lids down. Cats may play in the water and the lid could close and trap them. Also residual toilet bowl cleanser left in the bowl is harmful if swallowed.

Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?

Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?

Niall Kennedy

A leash can help you keep control of your cat when you don't want her to stray too far away, but still get some exercise.

Even if you never plan to take your cat for regular walks like you would a dog, you still need to insure that your cat can tolerate the collar and leash. You will need to take her to the vet and getting her used to it now can help considerably. There are specific collars, harnesses and leashes designed for the cat that you can use.

Cat Leashes

Leashes are designed in several ways from a standard form to a retractable one. No matter which you choose, make sure that it is lightweight enough to allow the cat the ability to move under its weight. Retractable will allow the cat to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe areas. You'll want to keep the cats close when walking to and from their homes.

Getting used to the leash takes training. Cats don't do well with negative correction so by tugging on the leash you will not get them to stay at your side. Instead of negative feedback, cats do better with praise and positive reinforcement. Ignore her when she does something wrong. You can teach the cat to tolerate the leash but more than likely she will not be consistently healing or obeying commands.

Collars

Cat collars are not commonly made for leashes. Because the cat's head is shaped so, it can easily slide any collar off. Collars are used for other reasons such as accessories. For example, a jeweled collar offers a cute look for the cat. Others use cat collars to hold identification tags in case the animal gets lost. Also, you can use the collar to warn birds that he's in the area and approaching by using bells or a low tech alarm system.

The Harness

The harness is another option that the owner has. These stay on your cat securely so that the cat leash can be used. A simple nylon harness for your cat is a good choice or you can go with the deluxe models that look like padded vests. The only thing that is important is that they are completely adjustable.

If possible start training the cat when she is a kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Put the harness on her and allow her to walk around in it unrestrained. Then, add the leash a few times later. Don't apply any pressure to the leash though. Once she's used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach her that you can be on the other end of it. Use a little pressure on the leash and call your cat to you. When she does what you want him to, praise her and reward him. Eventually, she'll be okay with it.

The leash allows you to take your cat outside for a walk to just to explore the yard. You don't have to worry, then, that she'll escape or get into trouble.
 

Dirty Chins [9-3-16]

Dirty Chins

You may notice that your cat has a dirty chin - little black spots that look like acne. Simply put, it IS acne. And it can be quite painful, so you should take steps to get it cured as soon as possible. Though you might want to check with your vet, who can provide you with some medicine, you might want to try this first: Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide (pour some on a clean white washcloth, and sponge off the chin). You'll probably need to do this twice a day for a week or so.

Deep plastic food dishes may be harmful to your cat. Take a look at the food dishes: how often do you clean them? Are they plastic? Are they very deep? Cat food dishes should be cleaned on a daily basis, particularly if you are feeding canned food. Plastic dishes may aggravate the acne, and deep food bowls definitely will. (Ours eat out of glass custard dishes.)
 

Overweight Pets - Dogs, Cats and Every Other Animal is at Risk of Early Death and Disease! [6-3-16]

Overweight Pets - Dogs, Cats and Every Other Animal is at Risk of Early Death and Disease!

It can be said that a pet’s health is directly related to the pet’s weight. Every animal, from dogs, cats, rabbits or even your hamster should have their weight checked. Just like humans, when an animal is overweight, the chance of disease and illness striking is highly increased. Overweight pets are much more likely to contract diseases and illnesses and remain sick longer. They are more likely to have the symptoms of old age in their youth. Worst of all, they are much more likely to have a shorter life span. We don’t want your pet to die when he could’ve served as your trusty companion years longer!

One of the first things that you should do for your pet is to actually have them examined for their physical fitness. Now, I know this sounds pretty obvious, but when was the last time you actually did it…

Even if you know that your pet is overweight and needs to lose the weight, an exam should be one of the first things that you do for them. Meet with a veterinarian that you trust and know is committed to helping your pet. It may sound a little strange, but interview them! Get to know them so that you can trust them with your pet's care.

Although this is not a specific tool to help your pet to lose weight, it is a crucial first step. Most people do not realize that a just few pounds overweight can be detrimental to a pet’s health. A doctor can help to point out specifically what needs to be done for your pet. Your doctor should also be able to monitor your pet's progression from their current level, to a healthier stage. They should be your ally in fighting your pet's overweight problem!

The good news is that pets are going to be healthy if you help them to be! It all comes down to you! A pet cannot feed himself while in captivity. While many pets do not need to have constant attention, they do need you to monitor their health and what they eat and how they exercise. Easy!