Any cat owner is more than aware of their pet’s propensity for hairballs, and hairball control is a topmost priority for the benefit of the cat as well as their human companions. It’s never pleasant to slip out of bed for a late night snack only to step on a cool, hairball cluster right next to the bed, and anyone who has watched their cat retch up a hairball feels the utmost sympathy for their condition. Dealing with hairballs is both reactionary and proactive, and taking a positive and productive approach to your cat’s overall health is a priority for cat owners world-wide. It’s impossible to prevent a cat from cleaning and grooming themselves. With that in mind, what can cat owners do to control or prevent hairballs as much as possible?

1) One of the simplest and effective tricks to hairball control should be obvious. The more often you groom your cat, the less loose hair they are able to swallow when they clean up behind you and groom themselves. Brushing your cat regularly can remove a lot of the fur that could be ingested by your feline companion, and it makes the possibility of a hairball less likely. Contrary to popular opinion, cats do love to be brushed regularly, and as an added benefit it can be a fun bonding experience between you and your feline. Expect them to nuzzle the brush and purr like crazy, but use caution. You don’t want to use a brush with sharp-ended bristles or you could cause irritation on your cat’s sensitive skin, and you don’t want them to see regular grooming as a painful or stressful process.

2) A lot of hairballs can also be prevented by a change in your cat’s regular diet. A lot of cat foods have adopted a special, indoor formula specifically designed to limit or reduce the likelihood of hairballs. These dietary formulas are high in fiber which encourages a strong, healthy digestive system which allows swallowed hair to pass safely through without accumulating in the stomach. They also serve to strengthen your cat’s healthy coat which minimizes shedding on the surface and leaves less loose hair to be swallowed initially.

If store-bought brands don’t seem to be effective with your cat (especially if you have a long-haired breed that is naturally prone to hairballs in the first place) special, holistic blends are available. A lot of vets are recommending pet owners to adopt a more natural approach and guiding their patients away from cat foods that contain grains like wheat, barley, rice, corn or gluten. These blends are a lot milder on your cat’s digestive system, and they still provide all of the essential nutrients to make sure they have a well-balanced, healthy diet free from fillers that aren’t really effective overall.

3) If your cat is already susceptible to hairballs, there are a lot of products on the market specifically designed for hairball control. Most of these products act as a mild laxative for your cat, and it encourages digested balls of fur to be passed through their systems rather than being vomited back up. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and use only as instructed to reduce the chance of dehydration and diarrhea. You don’t want to act so proactively that you give your cat an additional digestive system issue rather than preventing one completely.

If your cat seems to experience frequent hairballs regardless of your efforts to prevent or limit them, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem like IBD or intestinal lymphoma (which is a cancer) so you are certainly advised to take your pet to the vet for a full checkup. You want to make sure that there is not something more serious in play before trying a mix of alternate solutions, and the last thing that you want to do is to take a gamble with your favorite feline’s overall health.

While hairballs are typically harmless, they’re still unpleasant for both the cat and their owners. It may not be possible to prevent all hairballs initially, but these remedies and ideas can work to improve the overall health of your pet, in addition to providing them all of the essentials needed for a well-balanced diet and a healthy life. Hairballs can be a symptom of something worse, so don’t avoid a trip to the vet if their hairballs appear more frequent than normal.

Pets are a source of joy, comfort and security in a hectic and fast-paced life. We let these furry creatures into our homes, into our lives and into our hearts and we treat them like members of the family – because they are. It’s easy to peruse the stocks of feline food available on any supermarket shelf anywhere in the country and believe that you are giving your cat adequate nutrition in order to encourage and support a long and healthy life – but does this diet really support their dietary needs sufficiently? Are there requirements that are often overlooked? When it comes to the best cat food to feed your beloved pet, experts disagree. One thing is certain. Giving your pet adequate cat food to suit their unique dietary requirements should not be overlooked if you want to maintain a long, happy and prosperous life with your feline companion.

Dry cat food is often the go-to substance. It’s easy, it’s quick and it’s tidy. But is it sufficiently nutritious to provide a happy and healthy life? Cats dietary needs have been examined for years, and a lot of veterinarians are turning away from the standard dry-food varieties for several reasons. Dry cat food often is not well-balanced, and it lacks in several nutrients that are required for a healthy and long life. Cats are predators at heart – they are hunters, and they require a very specific diet if their lives are going to be prolonged and enjoyable. Many dry cat foods lack in several key elements for a balanced and healthy diet. While there are proteins associated with dry cat food, the majority of the protein is derived from plants – not from animals. This deprives a cat of their natural, normal diet and can lead to health problems if the diet is not adequately corrected.

The cat’s dietary system is designed to be carnivorous. They simply are unable to digest plant-based proteins as well as they are able to digest animal proteins. Not all protein is identical, and if you unknowingly deny your cat the nutrition that their bodies require (as designed by nature and natural instincts), you may ultimately dictate that their nutritional needs remain unmet, and they’re far more likely to succumb to many natural diseases that may otherwise be kept at bay.

Additionally, the prolonged use of dry cat food has been irrecoverably linked with several common health problems like diabetes, hairballs, unnecessary obesity (a particular concern with indoor cats), kidney disease and more. Transitioning a cat away from dry cat food to canned or homemade cat food can act as a preventative measure to ward off a lot of these common – and often fatal – diseases before they ever appear. Because dry cat food is lacking in sufficient water levels, urinary diseases are far more prevalent in felines that subside on a solely dry diet. A cat’s instinct to drink is much lower than their instinct to eat. In nature, cats derive most of their water from their diet – and a diet of dry food alone does not provide adequate water levels to sustain a cat’s well-balanced nutrition.

Many cat owners are transitioning away from store-bought cat food brands altogether and focusing on a purely homemade diet for their loyal feline companions. While making cat food at home can be a time-consuming and intricate process, it also ensures (when practiced correctly) that your cat is receiving the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that they need to sustain a long and healthy life, while avoiding much of the filler associated with store-bought brands. Packaged cat food contains unknown ingredients, while a homemade diet ensures that you know exactly what your cat is consuming – and you can strive to provide a well-balanced, thoughtful diet.

Natural cat foods can be purchased from holistic sites and are loaded with the nutrients that are required for a long, healthy and balanced life. These products provide exceptional levels of protein as well as vitamins not often found in dry, canned or processed brands.

It’s only natural that you would want your pet to live a happy and long life so that they can remain with you as long as possible. Taking appropriate steps to ensure that their dietary and nutritional needs are met is the first step towards overall health. It can provide you with peace of mind, which simultaneously ensuring that your cat is receiving exactly what they need to achieve optimal health. Adequate diet plays a vital role in overall health. When combined with regular checkups, lots of love and affection, your feline can enjoy a life full of fun and health.

All cat owners dread bath time, just like parents with toddlers do. Bathing a cat can be a traumatic and life-endangering prospect for you and your beloved pet. While Fluffy may seem sweet and demure 99% of the time, all bets go out the window when you hold them in your arms and approach a tub, a sink or other body of water. The unfortunate reality for pets and owners alike is that your cat will occasionally need to be bathed in order to maximize health and reduce the likelihood for potential problems. While it may not be an idea that you enjoy, it’s one that will eventually need to be done.

In order to minimize harm to you and your animal, the following tips and suggestions are helpful to make bath time a success – if not a pleasure for all parties involved.

1. Trim nails prior to bathing
Cat claws can be deadly weapons. If you’ve ever held your loving pet in your arms and then dumped out a glass of water or turned on a faucet, you’re probably aware of the dangers. It behooves you to trim your cats nails (all of them, not just the front ones) prior to addressing the issue of a bath. Not only can you avoid having your arms ripped to pieces, you can calm your cat as well. Don’t go straight from the claw-trimming to the bathtub, either. Let your cat relax before showering water over them. Some cats respond to nail-clipping calmly, and others see it as an act of war.

2. Plan your bath time accordingly
Bath time should not immediately follow playtime. If your cat is calm, they’re likely to respond to the prospect of bathing better than if they’re hyped up on catnip or have just played run and dash with their siblings.

3. Start with a calm brushing
Chances are you don’t want a huge mess of hair all over your sink or tub. Before approaching the bath, make sure to remove any loose fur. Brushing a cat also calms them and makes them feel safe and loved – and they’re much more likely to approach the situation calmly.

4. Give them a leg to stand on
Wet surfaces can easily become slippery, and if your cat doesn’t have something steady to stand on, they can become even more freaked out by the process. Put a slip-proof mat or cloth in the bathtub or the sink to allow them the ability to feel secure in a situation that they definitely don’t like.

5. Avoid sensitive areas
You probably wouldn’t want someone to just dump a cup of water over your head, carelessly ignoring the fact that water and soap in the eyes is unpleasant. When initially moistening your pet, take care to avoid getting water directly in their eyes, ears or nose. They will appreciate your sensitivity and will become less likely to try to bite or claw their way free – especially since you’ve already trimmed their nails (right?).

6. Use the correct products
When bathing a cat, don’t make the assumption that your shampoo will work just as well as shampoo especially designed for cats. Human shampoo can dry out your cat’s skin and make it more sensitive, and you wouldn’t want to use a product that could potentially harm them. Make sure to follow the directions for the shampoo that you’re using as well – most cat shampoos require dilution prior to use. Using a solution that is too highly concentrated could have potentially harmful effects.

7. Thoroughly clean the face
Instead of dousing your cats’ face with lukewarm (never hot) water, use a washcloth to gently clean the area. If your cat’s face is particularly dirty, you may have to use shampoo that is even more diluted, but generally regular water works just fine.

8. Rinse thoroughly
You’ll want to make sure that you get all of the shampoo off of your pet before you can call your bath a success. A good rule of thumb is to rinse twice as long as you have shampooed. If shampoo is left on the skin or fur to dry, it attracts dirt and dust and makes the entire point of the bath a failure. Dried shampoo can also hurt and dry your cat’s skin and make it uncomfortable for them – and you definitely don’t want them to ingest it unintentionally as they try to lick the remnants of the bath (and the memory of it) away for good.

9. Dry down
Don’t allow your cat to run away as soon as the water part is over. If they’re left sopping wet in an area that is cold or drafty, it’s easy for them to get sick. Wrap them in a clean towel and remove as much of the excess water as possible. This is also a good time for you to hold them close and reassure them that the hard part is over.

10. Reward for a job well done
If you’ve successfully completed the process, you may be ready for a strong drink – but your cat deserves a reward too. While they may never associate a bath with fun, make sure that they’re aware of how appreciative you are to still be (mostly) intact. Speak calmly to them, reassure them – and as soon as they trust you enough to be within arms’ reach of you again, give them a lot of reassuring petting as well. Leave a treat for them in their bowl or near you and let them know that they did a good job.

Most cat owners can attest to the fact that cats are finicky. They will only eat certain kinds of food out of a certain type of bowl. What many people don’t realize is that this rule applies to water as well. In general, cats do not drink enough water and this can lead to various health problems, but these problems can be avoided simply by observing the likes and dislikes of a feline with regards to water preferences.

To entice a cat to drink more water takes a little trial and error, but once the magical combination is found, a cat owner should have no problem with their cat remaining hydrated. Below are seven tips to encourage your furry friend to drink up!

1. Water Type
Many people think water is water, but this is not entirely true. There are various types of water from tap water to distilled to mineral. Each cat will have their own preference. Try putting out several bowls of different types of water and see which one they prefer, but make sure all the bowls are identical, as this can be a factor as well in whether or not a cat will drink.

2. Bowls
The type of bowl makes a huge difference. Stainless steel or ceramic will have the highest rate of success. Plastic is a porous material and tends to soak up odor. While a human may not be able to smell it, a cat will and may not want to drink it thinking the water is tainted. One must remember that cats are generally very picky about cleanliness.

3. Cleanliness
Water bowls should be cleaned with hot soapy water on a daily basis. Nobody likes to drink out of a dirty glass. It’s logical to believe a cat does not enjoy it either.

4. Placement
Cats also have a preference of where they want their water placed. Try placing several bowls throughout the house and see which ones show signs of having been used.

5. Multiple Cats
Having multiple cats in the home means having multiple food bowls, but it also means having multiple water bowls as well. Smelling another cat around their water bowl can deter the desire to drink water. Nobody likes drinking after another human being and cats do not like drinking after another cat either.

6. Food Additive
Until a cat owner is able to find the best way to encourage their cat to drink water, it may be necessary to use it as a food additive to ensure the cat stays hydrated. Water can be added to either dry or wet food. A bowl of water may also be “flavored” by adding chicken broth or some tuna juice. Normally a cat that will not drink water will go after a bowl of watered down broth.

7. Running Water
If all else fails, chances are the feline is one that prefers running water. It must be an instinct from the wild to prefer running water as opposed to stagnant, but many cat owners report their cats will only drink running water. To check the cats’ preference, simply turn on a faucet part way (high water pressure will most likely scare the poor thing) and place the cat next to the sink. There is a good chance the cat will investigate it cautiously at first and then start to drink. If the cat enjoys this, it will be obvious when they begin jumping up to the faucet and trying to drink without the water running. If they do indeed seem to like getting their water this way, a pet drinking fountain may be purchased to facilitate this.

The Importance of Hydration
Feline dehydration can be caused by many different factors from lack of available drinking water to illness. It’s extremely important to ensure a cat doesn’t become dehydrated, especially for those felines afflicted by diabetes or renal failure, as those two illnesses in particular cause increased urination which in turn causes increased risk for dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are constipation, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, increased heart rate, poor skin elasticity, and poor capillary refill time. There are two tests an owner can perform to check for skin elasticity and capillary refill.

To check skin elasticity, grasp some skin at the base of the neck and then release. If the skin does not spring back immediately, the feline is in a state of dehydration.

To check capillary refill time, press a finger against the cats gum. Once the finger is removed, a white spot will be present. Time how long it takes for the white spot to turn pink again. It should only take one to two seconds. If it takes longer than that, the cat is dehydrated.

Enough cannot be said about ensuring a feline remains hydrated. A cat stuck inside a home or apartment 24/7 without water to drink that they enjoy, can easily lead to a state of dehydration. It’s extremely important to monitor a cat’s rate of water consumption and, if low, take measures to improve that rate. Dehydration can greatly shorten a feline’s life, but it’s normally a very preventable problem that only takes a little observation and trial and error to correct.

In most cases, people who love their animals also love their houseplants. Houseplants breathe life into a home just like owning a cat does. It seems both pets and houseplants go hand-in-hand, but in reality they can be a deadly combination if the owner is not aware of which plants are toxic to their furry friends.

Any cat owner who also dabbles in gardening or owns houseplants should familiarize themselves with the list below. It’s a surprising list to say the least. Many very common and useful plants are on this list. Even the Aloe Vera plant, known for its medicinal value as a topical treatment for cuts and burns, is poisonous to cats. Even more surprising is that tomato and pea plants are toxic to cats as well. It’s a scary feeling to read this list and count the number of common plants lying around the house just waiting to poison the beloved feline of the home.

House Plants Toxic to Cats:

1. Aloe Vera - Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, diarrhea, anorexia, depression, and a change in the color of urine.

2. Asparagus Fern - Symptoms: Allergic dermatitis, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Baby’s Breath - Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Begonia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

5. Bird of Paradise Flower - Symptoms: Mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

6. Caladium (also known as Elephant Ears or Taro) – Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

7. Cardboard Palm - Symptoms: Liver failure, excessive thirst, bruising, melena, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, vomiting, pathy, liver damage, liver failure and death.

8. Carnation - Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

9. Ceriman - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, vomiting, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

10. Charming Dieffenbachia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, vomiting, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

11. Chinese Jade - Symptoms: Nausea and retching.

12. Chrysanthemum - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, and dermatitis.

13. Coleus - Symptoms: Vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, depression, and anorexia.

14. Corn Plant - Symptoms: Vomiting blood, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, and dilated pupils.

15. Cyclamen - Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, seizure, and death.

16. Daffodil (also known as narcissus) – Symptoms: Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia.

17. Dahlia - Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

18. Dieffenbachia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

19. Everlasting Pea (also known as Sweet Pea) – Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

20. Fig (also known as Indian Rubber Plant) – Symptoms: Dermatitis, oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting.

21. Flamingo Flower - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

22. Florida Beauty - Symptoms: Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, increased heart-rate, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, in-coordination, weakness, and drooling.

23. Hyacinth, both Garden Hyacinth and Water Hyacinth are toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and allergic reactions.

24. Gladiola - Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea.

25. Hellebore - Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.

26. Hosta - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.

27. Ivy is yet another botanical genre that should be avoided by pet owners. Many different species of ivy are toxic to both dogs and cats. The variations to especially watch for are the Branching Ivy, English ivy, Devil’s Ivy (also known as Golden Pothos), andSweetheart Ivy - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

28. Jade Plant (also known as Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant) – Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, ataxia, and slow heart rate.

29. Kiss-me-quick - Symptoms: Tremors, seizures (for several days), diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, lethargy, in-coordination, and coughing.

30. Lacy Tree Philodendron - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

31. Lily Family – Nearly all lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats. The variations to especially watch for are Amaryllis, Arum Lily, Asian Lily, Stargazer Lily, Barbados Lily, Clivia Lily, Desert Azalea, Easter Lily, Giant Dracaena (also known as the Palm Lily), Lily-Of-The-Valley, Orange Day Lily, Tiger Lily, Trumpet Lily, and Wood Lily. With so many different species of lilies that are toxic to cats and dogs alike, it’s best for pet owners to simply avoid lilies altogether. Symptoms: Diarrhea, depression, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors, excessive drooling, irritation to oral cavity, difficulty swallowing, cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, kidney failure, and death.

32. Mistletoe - Symptoms: Gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, odd behavior that would point to signs of hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea.

33. Nephthytis - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

34. Orange - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and sometimes photo-sensitivity.

35. Pencil Cactus - Symptoms: Irritation of the oral cavity and vomiting.

36. Poinsettia - Symptoms: Irritation of the oral cavity and vomiting.

37. Primrose - Symptoms: Mild vomiting.

38. Spring Parsley - Symptoms: Photo-sensitivity, ulcerative dermatitis, exudative dermatitis, and ocular toxicity.

39. Tomato Plant - Symptoms: Excessive drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, depression, confusion, bradycardia (slow heart rate), dilated pupils, weakness, and change in behavior.

40. Tulip - Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.

41. Yucca - Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea.

It should be noted that many of these plants are popular flowers used in arrangements. Even though a cat owner has taken great care to ensure their home and yard is free from these toxic plants, any flower arrangements brought into the home should also be kept out of reach of your cat.

It should never be assumed that a cat will instinctively leave a toxic plant alone. Thousands of cats are taken to the veterinarian each year on an emergency basis due to ingestion of a toxic houseplant. By becoming familiar with this list, a cat owner can rest assured their home is a safe environment for their beloved feline.

Cats are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures and are so enjoyable to watch. There are many reasons to love cats, but cat urine is not one of them. Felines have probably the most pungent smelling urine and feces of any other domesticated animal. Feces can easily be picked up and disposed of properly, but what about cat urine? Urine will soak into a carpet and many people find it nearly impossible to completely get rid of it, but it is possible. There are a few simple rules one must go by to get rid of cat urine on carpet for good, but first it’s a good idea to understand the physics behind the problem.

When an animal urinates on carpet, it doesn’t just soak into the carpet, but also into the padding. If left untreated it will even soak into wood or particle board floors. A product that simply sits on the stain or is rubbed into the carpet fibers will not do anything about the urine in the padding. Those kinds of cleaners will eliminate the stain on the carpet itself, but the stain always comes back the next day once the urine in the padding has time to soak back up into the newly cleaned carpet fibers. Even when a cat owner thinks they have won the battle, it’s usually not the case.

The next problem is the residual odor. Just because the human residents cannot smell it, doesn’t mean the cat cannot. If a cat smells the residual odor of urine, it will likely think that spot is an appropriate place to go and use it again. Only a truly effective cat urine remover product will remove the odor to such a degree the cat doesn’t even know the stain was ever there.

The best answer so far is enzymatic and bacterial cleaners. Enzymatic cleaners have components that actually eat the urine, thus removing the stain. Of this category of cat urine removers, here is a list of the most highly praised:

1. Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
This product uses bacteria that consume the urine. It does a great job of this and receives many positive reviews from consumers. There is another product on the market by the same company called, Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer with which consumers are not quite as happy, stating the urine smells better than the product. A 32 ounce squirt bottle of Nature’s Miracle sells for about $7.

2. MisterMax Anti Icky Poo
This is another urine remover that garners high praise from consumers. Not only does it use live bacteria to destroy stains, but it’s also nontoxic to humans and pets in addition to being environmentally friendly. This product can be found in a gallon size jug for about $32.

3. Simple Solution Extreme
This is a spray on product, which is not typically the best choice to get down into the carpet padding, but still receives high marks from reviewers. It touts itself as being the only pro-bacteria formula. Cat owners can pick up a 32 ounce spray bottle of this for about $9.

4. Equalizer Stain and Odor Remover
Consumer reviews of this product are stellar; stating it not only eliminates the stain, but neutralizes the odor completely ensuring the cat will not use the same spot again. This product sells for approximately $10 for a 20 oz aerosol can.

5. Fizzion
Another highly praised urine remover is Fizzion. One of the nice things about this product is that they sell tablets the consumer can mix with water to refill the spray bottle once it’s empty. This eliminates waste in the landfills and saves the consumer time and money. A 32 ounce spray bottle of Fizzion, complete with a two-pack refill, sells for about $7.

After one or two applications of any of these products, it’s a good idea to then follow-up with a steam cleaner. Only use the steam cleaner after the product has been given good time to work its magic. If the carpet is steamed right away, the heat will kill the bacteria. The steam cleaner will get down into the padding and lift any residual urine that may be left over. Once the carpet has then been allowed to cool off and dry somewhat, follow-up once again with another shot of the urine remover. This will ensure the stain and odor are gone forever.

By following these instructions and recommendations nearly any urine stain can be completely removed, even those stains that have been around awhile. In fact, that spot on the carpet will probably be the cleanest of the entire house. Not even the cat will know they ever went there.

I have seen far too many people think their pudgy little cat is cute. However, did you know that cat obesity is just as dangerous in our furry little friends as it is in humans? Therefore you’ll want to do something to cut down on your cat’s weight as quickly as possible. This can be a little difficult if you have an indoor cat as generally they don’t get the exercise they need. However, if you follow the tips in this guide you should be able to make even the laziest cat in the world drop the excess pounds.

First and foremost, you’ll want to determine if your cat is overweight. Some cats appear to be a little chunky, but that is how they should be due to their breed. To quickly check, you should feel around your cat’s ribs, they should be easy to identify. If you cannot feel the ribs then your cat is overweight. There are also a number of online ‘calculators’ which will also help you determine whether your pet is suffering from cat obesity.

One of the biggest tips I can offer is to change the food your cat is eating. You should look to purchase better quality food, such as a grain-free food that doesn’t contain corn. Cheaper foods contain more fat and fillers than they need to, and they also don’t have the proper nutrients. Therefore, cheaper foods could do your pet a lot of harm, so steer clear of those. Don’t worry, purchasing better quality cat food isn’t that much more expensive and you will probably need to feed your cat a lot less. In fact, purchasing a higher quality pet food will save you money in the long run, as it will result in fewer trips to the vet, because you’ll have a healthier cat.

Another helpful suggestion is to invest in a pet food bowl with a portion control dome in the center or what is often referred to as a slow feed bowl. I have been very successful using these types of bowls in the past to slim down my fat cats. These food bowls help to control pets that gobble up their food too fast, which can result in overeating.

The next step is to cut down on the treats that you are offering your pet. Many people give their furry friends cat treats on a daily basis, and this contributes to cat obesity more than anything. Save the treats for special occasions, and even then, you can purchase ‘low fat’ treats from your local pet store, so use those instead!

You will also need to exercise your cat more often. If you have an indoor cat, then grab a leash from a pet store and take them for a walk at least thirty minutes a day. This is also great exercise for you as well! Also, interactive toys are a great way to keep your cat active and can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. My cat’s love the Da Bird feather toy, which they absolutely can’t resist; even my laziest kitty will get off the couch for this toy. It is by far the best cat toy I can recommend for interacting with your furry friends.

Finally, ease your pet into the diet plan gradually, especially if you are changing their food. This is because sudden changes in food can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestion, and can even make them sick.

Follow these simple tips and you should start seeing your kitty drop those excess pounds. When you are putting your cat through a ‘weight loss’ regime, you will want to constantly check them to ensure that they are actually losing weight. So keep feeling around those ribs, and weigh your pet from time to time. Remember though, your goal is to get your cat down to a ‘healthy’ weight, don’t take it too far, plenty of people end up with a cat that is far too skinny, and that is not what you want.

Cats With Gingivitis – Causes and Natural Cures
by Madeleine Innocent

Cats with gingivitis; it’s a growing problem. It’s also a common problem. It is generally a painful condition for your cat to have. Eating becomes a problem – your cat is hungry, but as chewing is painful, she may run away from the food.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. They become reddened, sore to touch and it can lead to loosening of the teeth. Gingivitis is very similar to stomatitis, which is technically an inflammation of the mouth.

Any inflammatory condition is deemed to be an infection, according to the medical and veterinary model.

This means that the first line of veterinary treatment is antibiotics. However, this does not address the cause of the inflammation, but simply the effect. This means that the condition is highly likely to return or simply not respond to treatment.

In addition, antibiotics are toxic to the system and lower the immune system, setting up further problems for the future.

The second line of treatment usually involves cortisone, which is a steroid. When steroids were first introduced, they were meant only for life and death situations, as the consequences are so dire. These dangers remain, despite the now common use of steroids for every condition that doesn’t respond to milder treatment.

Steroids damage organs, reducing the life of the user. They can cause serious conditions such as autoimmune diseases and cushing’s syndrome.

Again, the cause of the problem is not being addressed, so the condition may not respond or may return.

The ultimate veterinary treatment for cats with gingivitis is to have their teeth removed. Sometimes, all the teeth are removed. Not only is this draconian solution incredibly invasive and maiming to the cat, it usually is very expensive for you.

Even though this drastic treatment appears to sort out the problem, it still remains, as the cause has not been addressed.

The main (by a long way) cause of gingivitis in anyone is the diet. Despite the claims made by commercial cat food manufacturers, that they have the solution, the fact that this is a common and growing problem shows this to be untrue.

When you feed your cat a quality, natural diet, even if the cat is mature in years, the problem can disappear without any veterinary treatment at all. And if you start a kitten off on this diet, that can be a problem relegated to the past.

There are times when you do need to help your cat over this problem, such as if she has had extensive veterinary treatment. In these cases, homeopathic treatment offers you an excellent prognosis. But be warned that it is likely to return if you don’t feed her a quality, natural diet.

It is easy to cure cats with gingivitis when you know the cause and some effective treatment which does not simply deal with the effects of the problem.

To find out more, click on the link below.

Three Natural and Economical Feline Treatments

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

So, my vet treated our kitten with antibiotics and a dry dental diet food supplement (expensive again). But this article enlightened me on the whole gingivitis in cats topic and I am more aware now and can keep checking my cats teeth to keep an eye open for the signs and symptoms.

Like people, your cat will need a bit of extra help as they get older. This could be a change in their eating habits, however more often it’s because older cats are more prone to illness. It is important for the health of the animal that you learn proper cat care for your senior cat. This is the only way you can ensure they will live a long and happy life, in fact, with good veterinary care a cat can live up to 20 years.

There are a number of ailments that could set in as your cat begins to age. It’s important that if you notice any of these signs, that you get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to preserve your cat’s health. Some of the more prevalent clues that could indicate something is not right with your cat’s health could include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite or perhaps they don’t seem as playful as they were in the past. Either of these could indicate that something is seriously wrong with your cat; thankfully most can be treated easily as soon as a vet has been informed. Just remember to keep an eye out for your cat acting a bit ‘unusual’.

Of course, caring for a senior cat isn’t just looking out for illnesses that may have presented themselves. There are a number of things that you should be doing on a regular basis in order to guarantee the cat’s health:

The most important is that you switch them to a ‘senior cat’ diet. As a cat becomes older the nutrients that they require will change, actually requiring fewer calories. Your vet may be able to suggest the best diet for your cat; however most supermarkets and pet stores should also be able to offer the same information. If you leave them on the same diet they were on when they were ‘younger’ it could result in obesity, which has the same side effects as if it presented itself in humans.

Groom your cat regularly! Like humans your cat will be less ‘flexible’ as it becomes older. Grooming regularly will help combat diseases such as arthritis which often present themselves in older cats. Don’t forget to cut their claws often as well, since they will be less active in their older age they won’t wear down as quickly and thus can become ‘stuck’ on various things.

You will need to take your cat to the vet on a regular basis. They will carry out a complete check of your cat’s health to ensure that no ailments are starting to present themselves. They will also carry out a dental check to see if there is any pain in the mouth. On top of all this they will also be able to describe some measures that you can put in place to help protect the health of the animal.

Just following a few of these simple tips will guarantee a long and rewarding relationship for you and your beloved pet.

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Pet!
by Isaac MaCalister

Your cat is an important part of your family, so it’s definitely natural to include him in family festivities and celebrations. As in any get-together, food and drink are the center of attention and the focal points, but try to avoid indulging your cat in table foods. It may seem harmless to share food with your cat, but many common foods can be dangerous for your cat.

Fatty foods:

Rich or fatty foods can cause digestive stress for your cat. For example, turkey, ham or other meats rich in fat will result in diarrhea. Large amounts of fat digested may lead to a life-threatening inflammatory disease called feline pancreatitis. The calling signs of pancreatitis can include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and a loss of appetite. If you must feed your feline meats, satiate his hunger by giving him turkey-flavored cat food.

Bones:

Any bones from meat, fish and poultry can be a potential danger to your kitty and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat decides to pull a bone from your waste basket, or from the table or counter his digestive tract could be severely damaged. A bone can cause laceration or obstruction within your kitty’s digestive system.

Onion and garlic:

You may also be tempted to give your kitten baby food. This may contain onion powder, which is highly toxic for your cat. Any type of onion or garlic, raw, cooked or in powder form can damage your kitten’s red blood cells and cause life-threatening anemia. Another hiding spot for onion and garlic can be stews, soups and sauces.

Undercooked meat:

In rare cases, raw or undercooked meat may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Also, keep your cat away from moldy or spoiled foods, which can contain toxins, that cause tremors, shaking, seizures, diarrhea and vomiting.

Some nuts:

Most nuts, including macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect your cat’s digestive and nervous systems. Nuts have also been known to cause muscular weakness and tremors in dogs as well. Many researchers believe that macadamia nuts can have the same effect on your cat.

Chocolate, raisins and grapes:

Unlike dogs, most cats are not drawn to sweets. Even so, take note: a chocolate snack can cause increased heart rate, tremors and hyperactivity in your cat. The severity of the reaction depends on the type of chocolate and how much is eaten. Dark baking chocolate will cause a more severe reaction than milk chocolate. Also, raisins and grapes have been proven to induce kidney failure in dogs. There have been reports of similar effects on cats, so it is wise to avoid letting your cat ingest these fruits.

Cow’s milk:

We all picture pouring our beloved kitten a fresh, cold saucer of milk. Unlikely as it may seem, milk is a no-no for your cat. Shortly after they’re weaned, kittens lose the ability to digest milk. More than a few of licks could translate into a very messy episode of diarrhea. If your kitten has a taste for milk, specially formulated lactose-free milk products are available for cats which should satisfy his craving.

The most important thing you can do for your cat is to ensure that he receives the nutrition and care that he needs. If you remember the things to avoid giving your cat, as well the things he needs to thrive, your cat will have a long, happy and healthy life as member of your family.

Check out Hartz for more helpful articles and information and tons of pet products for all kinds of animals.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The last portion of this article is certainly a lesson that I learned the hard way. My beautiful tuxedo cat, named Liberty was my first kitty and I loved to spoil him by giving him a bowl of warm milk every evening. To my dismay, I noticed he was having constant diarrhea and I couldn’t figure out what was causing the problem. I did a little research into the issue and found that you should never give a cat cow’s milk as their bodies can’t seem to digest it properly and they should only be given specially formulated milk made for cats.