Wednesday 30 January 2013

Cat Treats


If you own a cat or any pet for that matter, you will already be on the receiving end of lots of love and affection. So why not nourish them with the best available cat treats food and toys. In fact, this should be one of your top-most priorities to provide your cat with the highest quality cat treats so that she can grow up in the healthiest way possible. It's a fact that cats are quite sensitive and emotional creatures that require the utmost care and proper nurturing.


Though many cat owners spend a fortune on grooming needs for their cats, when it comes to cat treats and supplies, they often forget to include these things in their cat's daily routine. They should remember that the internal health of their cats is just as important if they want their cats to remain playful, active and behave well. Let's have a look at some of the best cat treats and supplies that you can use to treat your cat.
Kitty treats: Outside of giving your cat the best food possible, it's OK to provide her with healthy and delicious kitty treats. However, just as we as humans have to watch our food intake, so we must do the same for our pets. Obesity in animals is a big problem with owners over doing it and spoiling their pets. Just use a bit of common sense. You can buy love - without nasty derivatives, chemicals and other mystery ingredients.
It is very easy to get healthy cat treats that come in a variety of flavours and are enriched with a range of enzymes, which can effectively prevent any plaque formation. These healthier treats can be found in flavours such as poultry or fish so that your feline friend surely loves her treat.
Scratching post: When you keep your cat in your homely atmosphere, there are certain things that cats usually miss, but which are extremely essential for their natural grooming and growth. Scratching is second nature to cats and normally, in the outside environment, cats use some sort of scratching surface to sharpen their claws and remove dead cells. This then exposes their new claws. Don't tell them off, get them the best scratching post you can afford and encourage them to use and play on and around their post with soft cat toys. Let them know this is their stand and a place where they can scratch away to their hearts content!
Cat drinking fountain: Like us all, cats need water throughout the day so that all their bodily functions work perfectly and good health is maintained. Cats who are on dry food don't get as much water from their food as those who eat tinned food, and should always have easy access to clean, drinking water to supplement their intake. Rather than just a normal drinking bowl which can get stale and become low in volume, why not get a drinking fountain in your home. This ensures that your pet can freely access water any time she wants.
Litter box: Being smart creatures, cats usually don't need much litter box training, just a little encouragement to begin with. To train your cat, start with a small, uncovered box in a quiet place near to where his bed is. I prefer to use the unscented kind of litter, but I'm sure in the end it will be more of your cat's choice than yours.
Cat litter works by absorbing cat's urine and covering faeces to reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The litter layer should be at least two inches deep in the box. This makes it easier to clean up and gives the cat enough litter to scratch in and bury waste. Plastic litter box liners make the removal easier as well, and can be used with any type of litter. When your cat sniffs at the box, pick him up and put him inside, praising and petting him. When he uses the box, give him a small treat. Keep the box clean and avoid any negative associations with it. For example, don't give kitty medicine or scold him when he's near the box.
Getting the right cat supplies and cat treats for your feline friend is a perfect way to make your cat feel wanted and loved, just as all animals should be.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7407992

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Caring For Cats - Cat Flaps


Every cat owner knows what divergent creatures cats are - they want to be outside then they want to be inside; at 4.00 am they jump on your head and pester you in their own unique way demanding to go out - half an hour later, they're caterwauling outside the window demanding to be let back in. So you stumble bleary-eyed from the haven of your duvet to let your little darling back into the house. Then, unbelievably, a tweeting bird in a tree half a mile away causes such consternation for your feline friend that it's easier just to turn out from under your newly-warmed duvet to deposit the contrary creature back outside onto the patio. At the first sign of moisture in the air, your cat will want to be inside and at the first hint of sunshine it's the outdoor life they crave.
It's little wonder then that the majority of cat owners choose to fit a cat flap - it's a simple solution and allows our feline friends to come and go as they feel they have a right to, without hard-working, oft-scorned domestic servants (yes, that's you) having to jump every time these contrary creatures exercise their feline prerogative and change their minds about where they want to be - again.
Yes, a cat flap is, on the face of it, the perfect solution; but then you come to the crunch question "Which cat flap do I choose that's suitable for my home and cat?"
The Staywell/ Petsafe Manual 4-Way Locking Classic Cat Flap is an excellent product, designed specifically for our feline friends. It has a good degree of security and is effective for keeping out strays and other animals - except of course the ones our little darlings choose to bring home and present to us as presents... It has a clear, tough flap which is fully waterproof. It is easy to install in most doors or if you prefer can even be installed on an outside wall or window. It is suitable for use with cats up to 7kg in weight, has four locking options:
In only/out only
Open/locked
with a manual four-way locking system and is reasonably priced.
When it comes to providing independence for our feline buddies, a cat flap is second-to-none. As it provides instant access to outdoors it inevitably will increase the exercise levels of your cat, thus promoting good health, lowering the risk of obesity and associated illness such as diabetes. The cat flap also gives instant access back to the safety of your cat's "fortress" which is, after all, what he considers your home to be. This instant access provides peace of mind, comfort and security for your cat should he or she feel the need to escape from potential attack or simply to come in out of the rain. If you are at work during the day, a cat flaps removes the inconvenience of your little prince or princess being stuck outside or contrariwise, stuck indoors until you return home.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Cat Sickness


Cats are one of the most popular pets in the United States. People love them for their interesting personality and beautiful fur. However, many people don't know how to properly care for their pets or even know if they are sick. Like humans, cats also get sick.
Of course, cats cannot directly communicate with us to let us know they need aid and attention. You need to be an observant pet owner in order to recognize the key signs of cat illness. You also need to know the basics of treating various cat diseases and ailments. If you are interested in learning more about caring for your cats, be sure to check out this article.
As a pet owner, you have to pay special attention to your furry friends. Minor changes in diet and behaviour can indicate sickness or unhappiness. This could be indicative of a small problem or a serious medical issue with your cat.
If you sense that your cat or pet is acting strangely, be sure to research their symptoms thoroughly. If you are unsure it is always a safe choice to visit a veterinarian near you.
One of the most obvious behavioural patterns that should catch your attention immediately is when your cat refuses to use the litter box. They might litter outside the house or in the house, but never touch a litter box. This can signify that your cat has kidney failure or a urinary tract infection. Both of these medical conditions are very serious and you should consulate your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has either of these problems.
Increased thirst and diet or decreased thirst and diet can also be an indicator on a troubling problem. If you notice your cat drinking a lot, they could possibly have pyometra or hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, loss of appetite could be caused by anaemia, injury, dehydration or stomach problems. Loss of appetite can also result if your cat has certain oral problems such as gingivitis or stomatitis. However if you own a kitty, you might expect to see an increase in their diet as they grow larger, so don't worry too much.
A cat's fur coat is also a great indicator for your cat's happiness level. Cats love to lick and clean their fur as well as groom their bodies. If your cat has dirty or unattended fur, it could be a clue that your cat is stressed or doesn't feel well. They could have malnutrition or be affected by parasites. They could also could have a skin disorder such as fleas. Both malnutrition and parasites can cause extreme harm to cats, especially if they are left untreated for a long period of time.
If you want to reduce your cat's chance of sickness, be sure to give them plenty of attention and as well as the right quantity of food and water. Also, never hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect your cat is sick. I hope this article was helpful to you about cat sicknesses.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7399442