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.

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.

Cat Shedding 101 – Controlling the Fallout
by Kim W. Traff

Living with four spoiled housecats has taught me a thing or two about dealing with the ever-present issue of cat hair. The problem became all too apparent – in one of those humiliating ways – when a guest stood up from our dinner table one evening with what appeared to be a “fluffy cottontail” on his behind! Since then I have armed myself with the knowledge and devices to rid my home of cat hair. Well at least a substantial amount of cat hair; enough to ensure that no one has to worry about looking as if they have grown another appendage while visiting my home.

Shedding is a process that removes dead hair from a cat’s body, allowing room for new hair growth. A healthy coat is essential to the well-being of your cat. The coat provides protection from the elements, including UV rays, as well as protection from physical trauma. In addition, the process of shedding helps regulate a cat’s body temperature. Cats that frequent the outdoors typically shed more during the spring and summer, and less during the fall and winter months. Surprisingly, this is not due to the fluctuations in temperature but rather the amount of exposure to natural light, known as photoperiod. Indoor cats typically shed about the same during the year because they are primarily exposed to artificial light, which makes their bodies lose track of the seasonal changes.

Keep in mind that while shedding is a healthy and normal process, sudden excessive shedding could be a reason for concern. There are a number of medical conditions that can cause excessive hair loss including allergies, parasites, hormonal abnormalities, and bacterial infections, just to name a few. If you notice that your cat has suddenly started shedding excessively, or if you notice any bald spots or scabs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tips for minimizing shedding:

Routine brushing- Set aside a few minutes each day to brush your cat’s coat. Brushing your cat will not eliminate shedding; however the hair that accumulates in the brush will not be floating around your home. In addition, brushing will detangle any matting, and remove pet dander, resulting in a silky coat. Long haired cats should be brushed daily, but short haired cats can be brushed every few days or once a week. Make sure to choose a brush that is designed for your cats’ fur.

Most cats like being brushed, however if your kitty is not one of them, there are anti-shedding wipes available that will help remove some hair; though typically not as effective as brushing. Do not force brushing on an unwilling cat, since stress also causes shedding.

Diet – Excess shedding can be the result of a poor diet. Make sure to feed your cat a high quality, well-balanced cat food, preferably a brand which is high in protein and contains no by-products or grain fillers.

Eliminate stress- Have you noticed that your cat seems to shed more during a visit with the vet? Cats will shed more during stressful situations, including vet trips, confrontations with other cats or animals, changes in environment, etc. Eliminating or reducing stressful situations will have a positive effect on shedding, as well as your cat’s overall health.

Tips for quick pet hair clean-up:

Furniture and floor covers- In areas where your cat frequents, place sheets, towels, or any simple cloth item that can be easily gathered and washed. It will eliminate the need to clean hair off the furniture before guests arrive.

Vacuum and dust floors frequently- Hair that is left lying around will eventually find its way to other areas of your home. Make sure to frequently vacuum carpeted areas of your home. If you have tile or hardwood floors, sweeping with a broom is not as effective as using an electrostatic product, such as Swiffer, or a microfiber pad. These items typically attract the cat hair rather than move it around.

Tacky tape and lint rollers- Keep these inexpensive items on hand throughout your home and your vehicle. They are great for quick pick-up jobs in small places and on clothing.

Damp towel- Believe it or not, the most effective way that I found to pick up cat hair from my cloth furniture is to use a damp terry cloth hand towel. Using some pressure, wipe the entire surface in a circular motion. The dampened texture of the towel catches the hair and rolls it into ball, which is easily pulled from the towel for disposal. I found this method by accident when I was trying to clean a soiled spot from a dining room chair. The cat hair on the chair was fine and practically unnoticeable, so I was shocked to see how much was on the towel when I finished. This is my method of choice for all my fabric furniture, because it not only removes hair, but refreshes the fabric as well. It works best with a rough, inexpensive terry cloth towel – soft, closely napped towels are not as effective.

Remember, shedding is a normal and healthy process that all cats experience – yes even the “hairless breeds” shed. While you can’t stop the shedding completely, by implementing these simple and inexpensive tips, you can maintain and manage most of your furbaby’s hairy situations.

About the Author:

Kim W. Traff owns and operates Kitten Smitten, a cat enthusiast web site which provides cat and kitten health and wellness information, videos and photo galleries for the avid cat lover. Kim is also mom to four spoiled house-cats, and spends a great deal of time researching and writing articles about cats. If you are looking for more cat related articles and entertainment, visit http://www.kitten-smitten.com. You can also find Kitten Smitten on Facebook and Twitter.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

I found the most informative and helpful suggestion in this article was using a damp cloth to clean off chairs and upholstery. This method works like a charm and reveals hair I didn’t even know was there, you couldn’t even see it, until you lifted it off with the damp cloth. I hope you found this article as helpful as I did and maybe one day it will spare you an embarrassing moment!

Five Top Tips For Ragdoll Cat Care
by Daniel Dutton

In this article, I present five great tips for caring for your Ragdoll Cat. I hope you enjoy reading it and learn something new at the same time.

1. Always make time for your Ragdoll
Ragdoll Cats are notoriously sociable creatures and require a lot more attention than other breeds. It is important to make [sure] you spend time with your Ragdoll preferably every day. Without your interaction, they could quickly develop behavioural problems. You can give your cat the attention it needs by simply playing with them or grooming them.

2. Groom your Ragdoll at least once a week
Although Ragdoll Cat’s require less grooming than other long-haired cats, it is important to groom them at least once a week. Not only will your cat have a beautifully groomed coat but it will also prevent the chances of them getting hairballs.

3. Don’t let your Ragdoll outdoors alone
These cats should either be kept indoors or be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Their gentle demeanour means that they will not defend themselves if attacked and they are at risk of contracting parasites.

4. Prevent scratching by covering the affected area with tin foil
Many cat breeders and owners have problems with their cats clawing furniture and other objects around the home. An easy way to stop this is by wrapping tin foil around the object. Cats do not like the texture of the foil and cease scratching it.

5. Make sure your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a cat is watching it play (and even joining in!). Playing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your Ragdoll. Not only does it provide fantastic exercise but allows cat and owner to bond, so it is important that your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with. Toys can either be bought from a pet store or found around the house. Something as mundane as a cardboard box or a large bottle top can provide hours of entertainment.

Daniel Dutton is the founder of Ragdoll Cat Info [http://www.ragdoll-cat.info], an informational website dedicated to owners and breeders of Ragdoll Cats.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Tip number five is spot on because I purchase toys for my cats all the time and it never ceases to amaze me that they end up playing with a wadded-up piece of paper or even a paperclip for hours and ignore the whole toy box full of purchased cat toys.

Learn the Secrets to Caring for Your Ragdoll Cat!

Learn the Secrets to Caring for Your Ragdoll Cat!

Like most pets, cats have certain grooming and health requirements to keep them looking and feeling their best. The grooming process for most cats is often an unpleasant experience, especially when it comes to getting baths or having their nails trimmed, but these things must be done. The following tips will help cat owners learn how to groom their cats with as little resistance as possible.

When grooming your cat there are certain things that should be routine, such as periodic baths which can sometimes be one of the hardest aspects of the grooming process? However, cats can be made comfortable before taking a bath and it’s important to be sure that your cat is relaxed. Brushing the cat beforehand will help keep them as relaxed as possible, as well as remove any excess hair. Also, make sure that the bath water is lukewarm and not too hot or too cold and be sure to use shampoo that will benefit your cat’s coat. If your cat is allergic to any kind of soaps or shampoos, take this into consideration when shopping for pet shampoo.

Another important step in the grooming process is to brush your cat on a regular basis. This will help eliminate any dirt, tangles, or excess fur that may be ingested when your cat is grooming himself. It will also help to keep the fur clean and healthier by eliminating dirt, distributing natural oils throughout the fur, protecting from tangles and ensuring the skin stays clean and free from irritants. Cats that have longer hair need to be brushed more often than cats with shorter hair, since longer fur is more likely to tangle. Cats usually enjoy being brushed because it makes them feel relaxed and more comfortable, so it is not only good for their fur but also for their overall well-being and happiness.

For cats that have not been de-clawed, it is also important to be sure their nails are clipped regularly; this can often be difficult since cats don’t always cooperate. However, this process can be made easier by giving your cat a little foot rub before attempting to clip the nails. This will help them feel more relaxed and will make the process easier on both of you.

By making grooming a more pleasant experience for you and your cat, you will be able to keep your feline friend healthy and happy for many years to come.