Probably the most common house cat health problem is hairballs, especially in long haired cats. Because cats are such clean and fastidious creatures, they wash or groom themselves regularly, often more than once a day. Cats shed a lot of hair and often it is swallowed during grooming. Sometimes the hair will clump into a ball and lodge in the digestive tract instead of passing through the normal way and being excreted. The only way he (or she) can get it out is by coughing it up, not a pleasant sound and frequently they’ll bring up some food or bile as well. Usually cats can remove hairballs without any intervention from us however if your cat continues coughing for more than a couple of hours and doesn’t appear happy or hungry, it might be wise to check with the vet to see if a hairball has caused an obstruction. Regular brushing by you will help remove most loose hair and will also provide a bonding time for you both. There is something really soothing in brushing a relaxed purring cat.

One problem that I can almost guarantee every domestic cat owner will face one day is fleas. This is not to say that you aren’t looking after your cat properly, fleas can come from just about anywhere. they are great at jumping from one animal to another then irritating the new host. If you notice your cat scratching more often than usual, especially if it is in the same area, check for fleas. They are small black oval creatures and they bite. They also move around the animal’s body a great deal so the movement will also cause scratching. Check with your vet regarding treatment and try to get something non-chemical. You don’t really want to put chemicals on your cat’s tender skin or introduce them into your home. There are quite a few herbal remedies out there so also check your local pet shop or health food store.  Cats can cause damage to their skin by continuous scratching at fleas.

Worms in house cats are another problem that seems to occur often. The main culprits are roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. If your cat seems to eat a lot but doesn’t put on weight and always seems hungry, check the faeces for either white flecks or the actual worms. This one does require a trip to the vet to see which type of worm your cat has and the best method of treating it. Left untreated, it could be fatal. Again, try to find a natural remedy if possible.

If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, they could be vulnerable to urinary tract infections. This is another good reason to have your cat spayed or neutered – apart from preventing unwanted kittens, it can help reduce the vet bills. Symptoms of UTI’s include not quite making it to the litter box or outside before urinating or stopping using the litter box completely, and very strong smelling urine. This is another one for the vet to sort out so organise the operation at the same time.

It is a good idea to have your cat checked out by the vet at least once a year. You have your yearly medical check-up and so should your pets. Vaccinations should always be kept up to date to prevent outbreaks of cat flu or feline leukemia. Keeping a close eye on your pet should help prevent any cat health problems before they become troublesome for you and your pet.

PDSA PetCasts - #2 - Cat Health

You know how uncomfortable you feel when you are constipated. At least you can do something about it – visit the chemist, eat prunes, talk to your friends about natural remedies, or whatever method you choose to alleviate the problem. If you are a cat and constipated you can’t exactly ask for help.

Cat owners need to be aware of their pet’s habits and act quickly on any changes you notice. If acted on quickly enough, cat constipation should be something that shouldn’t require a visit to your vet. Cats usually void once or twice a day so if you notice that the litter tray is empty, or that your cat is trying to eliminate but having difficulty, mix some high fibre food in with his normal diet. If you have been feeding your cat on dry food, change to tinned ‘wet’ food for a week or two and make sure there is plenty of water available.

Constipation in cats is more common than you might think. However as with humans, it’s not a topic that is discussed often. Feline constipation is more common in cats over 8 years so you need to be aware and watchful. Constipated cats become lethargic and don’t eat as much as they normally would. Loss of appetite could be the first warning sign.

If you have recently changed cat food brands, check the sodium or salt percentage in their new food. Excess salt causes dehydration, as does too much fat in their food. Any foreign matter in the colon such as a tumour or even a hair ball can obstruct the colon and prevent the passing of faeces.

Make sure you have extra water available and if you notice any blood in the stool, contact your vet immediately. It could just be a small tear created in the passing of the dry stool or it could be an indicator of something more serious.

As cats are very clean and fastidious creatures, a dirty or smelly litter box could also make your cat unhappy at eliminating in it. Conversely, if your cat usually eliminates outside a new or noisy neighbourhood dog could be preventing your cat feeling safe enough to stay out there long enough to do what is needed.

Remember that feline constipation is widespread and your cat is no doubt uncomfortable and quite possibly in pain. He will be looking to you to help him so you need to be aware of just what is going on with your pet.

An excellent place to look for more information on cat problems is Cat Secrets Revealed.

Do you remember how you felt the last time someone came and massaged your neck and shoulders? If you’re anything like me, you started purring. A gentle massage is a wonderful experience so why not give one to your cat. If possible, it is best to start massaging your cat when it is still a kitten.

Cat massage is not as strange as it sounds. And it is not hard to learn or do. You will need a surface (table, couch or even your lap) that is a comfortable height for you to work on and some soft towels or similar for your cat to lie on. There are a few different methods of massaging a cat. Start stroking, moving down the cat’s body and as one hand leaves the body or tail the other hand starts at the head again. You can vary the pressure but you should always start gently. Experiment to see what your cat likes or will allow. Gently running the fingers down the vertebrae will also help relax your pet. You can work on specific areas such as shoulders, thighs, neck etc by gently kneading the area. Again, let your cat be your guide.

Cat massage should be a bonding experience for you both. It is also a great opportunity for you to check your pet to make sure there are no lumps or anything else unusual on their skin.

Another method of massaging your cat is to hold it gently with one hand while using the other to knead or manipulate the areas as mentioned above. Always be careful of any places that are tender or inflamed. Cats are quick to let you know when something hurts.

The manipulation of muscles has long been shown to be healing in both animals and humans. There are now many practitioners who specialize in pet massage or pet chiropractic services. A specialist is able to give your cat a much more thorough massage than you can at home. Depending on your specialist, he or she might be willing to teach you some extra techniques you can use at home.

The therapeutic value of cat massage cannot be overlooked. It has been proven to help with a reduction of pain, increased flexibility, calmness and increased circulation which all add up to a happier and healthier cat. And happy, healthy cats live longer and cause less trouble in the home.

Would you throw your pet away because you have failed to communicate and teach this dependent creature the rules? Do you think that would be cruel and abusive action and that no pet owner could do such a thing?

I hate to burst your bubble, but we are living in a disposable world and throw-away pets are filling up shelters and rescue havens by the millions each year. People no longer feel responsible for anything, including pets and other people. This attitude has reached epidemic proportions!

We want to believe the majority of pets are sheltered, fed, protected, and have good living conditions. However, irresponsible owners decide the pet is no longer wanted, a nuisance, or perhaps cramped the owner’s lifestyle. “Throw-Away” pets are becoming all too common in the United States.

The “used-to-be” pet finds itself left behind or abandoned on the street, or caged in a shelter among many other unwanted souls in a shelter. The once loved pet is now lost, afraid, and confused, and is facing a harsh and cruel world.

The pet is expected to know that food that does not come from a box or can. This animal has to immediately learn “street-smarts” and fight to its own survival in an unknown environment. The “throw-away” pet is without a voice and has no choice or control over human actions.

The “use-to-be” pet has a small chance of being welcomed into another home. But, most likely, the animal’s fate will include hunger or starvation, disease, abuse, animal attacks, highway traffic, and loneliness. For reasons it cannot understand, there are no kind or gentle voices anymore.
This is what some so-called “humans” offer the pet they wanted. The owner was the pet’s entire world, but for whatever reason, they decided the animal was a nuisance, burden, or maybe an inconvenience. So, they turn the animal out as if it had no more importance than an unwanted possession or a bag of garbage.

How can you avoid becoming a throw-away parent? If you are thinking about getting a pet, consider your lifestyle, and then learn about the needs and characteristics of the type of pet you are considering. Go beyond that cute, fuzzy-whisker-face, or that furry-tail-wagging yapper! Learn as much as you can about your possible choice before you make the final decision. Go to the library or the Internet, read books, watch videos, and talk to other pet owners. Determine if you will be able to commit to the needs of owing a pet. Pets require a safe, healthy environment, a nutritious diet, routine medical care, training and companionship woven with love, praise and affection.

If you have a pet and you are frustrated because the dog isn’t doing what you expect, or the cat isn’t communicating with you, or the bird just sits there and doesn’t sing — chances are, the problem is you, not your pet. Take the time and make an effort to learn about your pet. If you expect your pet to be a responsive companion, you must properly communicate and then show your buddy the ropes — teach and help him/her to communicate with you.

A pet is not something to be enjoyed only when you feel like it, and then put it away or ignore it when you don’t. All pets are living beings with likes, dislikes and needs (just as you). Dogs for example, don’t train themselves! Have you ever said, “I tell my dog to come here, but he won’t listen,” or “I tell my dog to stop digging, but he digs anyway!” Well, that’s your fault, not the dog’s! Every pet needs qualified training; it’s part of the communication process. And proper training is the best problem solver.

Perhaps your best friend is a feline and you originally made that choice because you heard people say, “Cats don’t need much care, they are independent and they use litter boxes!” But most cats like company and are sociable; they like to help you with your activities, like reading the paper, working in the kitchen, or crafting projects. A cat loves to get in the middle of things — to be part of the activity, and unknowing owners can become frustrated if they don’t know how to acknowledge these actions and satisfy the pet’s need for attention.

Dogs may chew a sofa to shreds and cats can scratch or claw. Owner’s have been known to hit or yell at their dog because a material object was defaced or ruined by chewing. Abusive techniques only teach the dog to become fearful. Some cat owners have their pets declawed to save the furniture - only to lose the cat if he/she goes outside because his natural means of defense no longer exists. Hitting or beating a dog, and declawing a cat are cruel and unacceptable.

Your pet is without a voice and looks to you for their well-being - you brought them into your home - they did not ask to be with you! Don’t be a throw-away pet parent — learn the responsibilities of pet ownership and commit to them. If you can’t or refuse, then don’t get a pet! http://www.SniffandScratch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Crawford http://EzineArticles.com/?Without-a-Voice&id=1232671

Spend as much time as you can playing with your cat. Not only will it make him feel loved, it will be fun for you both and another bonding experience. It will give you both some exercise and help work off any extra energy he may have. Try to make it a regular occurrence and aim for the same time each day to give your cat a routine.

Cats like to eat green things. Because your lawn and garden are probably treated with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, you need to make sure your cat doesn’t eat any of them as they will be poisonous and if they don’t kill your cat, they could certainly make him very sick. As more and more pet owners are becoming converts to keeping their cats indoors and therefore healthier, they have found it beneficial to bring some of the outdoors in and have some cat grass growing in pots around the house. Growing cat grass indoors is a great way to give your pet something green to eat and should also save your more expensive indoor plants. An excellent mixture can include wheat grass, rye, oats, and barley seeds, all of which are quick growing. Check your local pet store to see if they carry pots or packets of cat grass.

Why not leave a window (with a secure screen) open. This will allow your indoor cat to have fresh air and a constantly changing view. If you place a bird bath nearby, your cat will stay entertained and happy for hours as he watches the birds come and go.

If your cat is leash trained, you can leave him outside on the patio with enough leash length to enable him to walk around on the grass, dig in some dirt or move into the shade. The leash will keep him from roaming too far and minimizes the risk of him getting lost or hurt. Being outside in the fresh air will also be beneficial and will help build up his immunity to various germs.

Your cat is like a member of your family. Following these suggestions will help ensure your indoor cat stays happy, healthy and lives a long and loving life. Those lucky enough to own a cat will agree that a happy cat makes for a happy home.

For those of you who wish to learn more about cats and how to keep them happy and content, Cat Secrets Revealed is an excellent resource.

The first thing I would do is take the cat to the vet to see if there is a urinary tract infection or any other medical problem. If your cat has a clean bill of health, then check for anything different that may be upsetting or stressing your pet. Have you recently had visitors who stayed for a few days, is there a new baby/pet in the house? Have you recently painted, refurnished or moved the furniture around?

These seemingly small things can upset your house cat’s routine and cause it to ‘retaliate’ with behavioral changes and anything that appears to be make your life difficult. Cats are highly intelligent animals and will let you know they are unhappy, and weeing inappropriately is one way.

It is very important to find out the cause of the stress so you can start retraining your cat to using the litter box or weeing outside again. Yes, it is very frustrating at the time but with some patience and understanding this can be overcome.

No-one enjoys seeing puddles of cat urine or worse around the house or on the furniture. Your cat is probably upset as well as they are fastidious animals. The sooner the situation is resolved the better for everyone.

Make sure you haven’t changed the litter mixture in her litter box as perhaps she doesn’t like the smell or the feel of it. Changes need to be made slowly. If you are introducing a new mixture do so by mixing it in a bit at a time to allow her to get used to it.

Is there a new dog in the neighborhood that could be upsetting your pet? Another cat on the prowl? Is she too frightened to go outside because of this? If this is the case, try introducing her to a litter box now, or take her outside yourself and stay with her until she’s finished. Just like any of us, our domestic cats like to feel safe, especially when they are in a vulnerable position such as when eliminating.

Once you know the reason for this behavior, you need to spend some time just being with your pet and making her feel ‘needed’, especially if there is something like a new baby or other pet in the home. Take that extra time to play with her or just sit with her in your lap stroking her. If she is feeling left out because of the new addition, she will be frightened and upset. And we all know how much fuss and attention a new baby or kitten/puppy creates.

Cat urine problems are not fun for you, your family or your pet. Just remember that the earlier you can fix this problem the better. The last thing you want is your cat to develop a bad habit of urinating around the house. Bad habits take a lot longer to eradicate than a simple problem in cats as well as in humans.

For ideas on how to eliminate the problem of cat urine odor, why not try 18 Ways to Stop Cat Urine Odor.

“Mommy! The cat just bit me! And all I was doing was petting her. I wasn’t hurting her, honestly. Mommy, she scratched me.” Cat aggression is not an uncommon problem, and can be displayed by both adults and kittens. This is why all caring pet owners should know how to handle any aggression their cat might display, especially if there are children in the home. This problem needs to be resolved quickly before the behavior becomes ingrained and someone gets hurt.

An alpha cat (the ‘number one’ cat in the group) demands to be given extra or special attention. These alpha cats like to use aggression to gain rewards for themselves instead of any other cats in the house or territory. They can turn hostile over food, space, toys, and definitely any attention another cat (or even person) in the family might be getting.

Even a trained house cat can become aggressive as a way to stop something they believe to be unpleasant. An alpha cat could ‘ask’ to be petted by rubbing your legs, sitting on your armchair or lap and then suddenly start to scratch or bite you because it wants you to stop what you were doing. This aggression or tendency is often called ‘petting-induced behavior’ and is widespread in cats that might not have received much petting or physical affection or who may have been mistreated by a previous owner. This is a method of showing who is in control of any situation.

It is imperative that any aggressive behavior that your domestic cat shows is dealt with immediately and in a firm way. If a cat bites or scratches you when it is sitting on your lap being stroked or petted, you should show your displeasure by immediately putting it on the ground and telling it ‘no’ in a disapproving voice and not allowing it back on your lap for a couple of hours. When you do allow it back up again, make sure that your cat realizes that you are in charge of what happens. You must be the one to start and finish any petting that occurs. If your cat starts biting, hissing or scratching again, take her and shut her in a room (with food and water) for an hour or so. Repeating this a few times will let her know that you are the alpha person, not her. This method will also work if an alpha cat tries to push other cats out of the feeding area or tries to eat all the food. Make sure the other cats (and your family) are able to eat in peace before allowing the alpha cat back in for her food.

Kittens can also show a high level of attack type behavior, although in kittens it is considered normal and is usually called ‘play-aggression’. It is a genetic disposition within kittens to play rough. Play-aggression usually occurs when your kitten becomes a juvenile and starts to practice natural survival instincts. Luckily, this is just a stage that most kittens, given some love and attention, will grow out of as they mature.

In the case of a playfully aggressive kitten, you will have to learn patience. By playing with and watching your kitten, you will soon learn to read and understand your cat’s ‘body language’ and you can then prevent the undesirable behavior before it becomes entrenched. Make a game of it and initiate some gentle play aggression yourself – it can be a wonderful bonding situation as well as a lot of fun.

The kitten in this video is being teased and is frightened. It is cornered and has nowhere to escape to. Notice how the ears are flat back indicating anger at what is happening. This cat is learning how to be aggressive and could well turn on her owners later.

Learning more about your cat and understanding why it does various things, and stepping in to prevent a problem such as cat aggression before it becomes a real problem doesn’t just benefit you, the owner, it also allows your cat to live a happier and less stressful life. And by taking steps to work on a problem immediately it manifests will make life easier for both of you.

For those of you who wish to learn more about cat aggression and how to avoid being bitten or scratched, Cat Secrets Revealed is an excellent resource.

Stroke your cat gently while checking the skin for any roughness or lumps. If you feel anything, gently push the fur apart, so that you can see and examine the skin. This should become part of your routine and done regularly. This will help the bonding with your cat and help you learn about your cat’s body so you should be able to notice anything unusual fairly quickly. You will soon become skilled at knowing what is ordinary or normal and what isn’t.

There are diseases and conditions which can cause a cat to lose hair. Some of these may be considered normal while others can indicate the presence of a serious disease.

Facial alopeci; is normal hair loss between the eyes and ears. This decreased density of hair starts when cats are about 14 to 20 months old and is more visible in short-haired, dark colored cats. It is similar to us humans becoming bald as they age. There is no need to worry about this unless signs of skin disease are present such as redness or scaling.

Flea allergy dermatitis or flea bite hypersensitivity is a severe reaction to the saliva of fleas. You may notice your cat scratching much more than normal and find fleas when you examine the fur. You will probably also see redness of the skin, occasional infection or ‘hot spots’ as well as some hair loss. If infection is present, take your cat to the vet as antibiotics will be necessary to take care of the infection and perhaps some antihistamines to control the itching. Your vet will be able to tell you about the best way to control the fleas and prevent further outbreaks. If no infection is present, a simple flea collar from the supermarket will probably do the job. Be prepared for some initial increased scratching as the fleas try to escape the ingredients in the flea collar. Make sure all your cat’s bedding is washed in hot water and the surrounding area is washed with a disinfectant or vacuumed if a carpet.

Some cats may contract Atopy which is an allergic reaction to pollutants in the environment such as pollen, mould or house dust mites. If you notice that your cat has inflamed ears, is licking his/her feet a lot or has the symptoms of fleas without fleas being present, it is advisable to make a trip to the vet. He can offer the best advice on treatment for this condition.

Scabies or Mange is caused by a mite which can live on your cat. The technical name for this mite is Notoedres cati. The female of this nasty parasite lays her eggs under the skin. It takes between 3-8 days for the eggs to hatch into larvae and then mature into nymphs and then adults over a 2-3 week period. Notoedres is more prevalent in outdoor cats who come in contact with an infected cat. It can be found on cats any breed or age. If you notice your cat has started scratching and losing hair, take her to the vet immediately as he will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. Don’t try to treat this yourself as you may end up doing more damage than good.

Cheyletiellosis is a skin disorder and usually caused by mites. It is very contagious from cat to cat and can also spread to humans. The symptoms are severe itching and scaling or flaking of the skin. You might wonder if your cat has dandruff and if you see this, a trip to the vet is advisable.

Many cat skin problems are caused by a food allergy to certain foods, chemicals used for cleaning in the home, any pesticides being used (such as fly spray), bites from fleas or mites, and can usually be easily managed and treated at home. However, early detection is still important. A few minutes spent checking your cat each day could very well put a stop to days of distress for you both as well as extra expense.

It is important to make time on a regular basis to examine your cat’s skin closely for anything that may be wrong.

For further advice on many skin or other problems your cat might have, I suggest Veterinary Secrets Revealed as an excellent resource.

Cat biting is one of the most widespread cat behavior problems, along with scratching the furniture and urinating in the wrong place. A cat biting at you can be seen as an irritation by many cat owners, but for others, especially small children, it can be a frightening experience, particularly if you have a particularly persistent cat.

One of things you can do to put an end to this biting before it becomes a problem is to start watching your cat’s behavior more closely. More than one person has said that their cats are behaving in a friendly and normal way and then they just all of a sudden bite them. The reality is that your cat is most likely giving you subtle clues that you are not picking up on. For example, does your cat directly approach your foot or circle around and come in from the side or back, is your cat’s head up or down, (be careful if the head is down), does your cat’s behavior change and he becomes more energetic all of a sudden before pouncing in to bite you?

If this behavior is fairly new, ask yourself if there is a reason for it. A new baby in the house, visitors staying, new furnishings or anything else you can think of that might have upset your cat’s routine. The biting could well be attention seeking so giving her a little more attention might be all that is needed.

If it is not attention seeking, you do need to start watching her so you can pick up clues about what she is planning. Once you can to do this and understand that an attack is imminent, you need to change her attention by doing something different such as a spraying her (gently) with a water bottle, rattling a tin with some rocks in it or clapping your hands to make some noise. Or if you prefer, you can just remove yourself. By studying your cat you can start to anticipate when she might bite, and if you stop her often enough, you will change that toe and foot biting habit.

If your cat is no longer being rewarded for her behavior, she will soon stop it. Just like kids!

You can learn more about ways to prevent your cat attacking your toes and feet in Kingdom of Pets: Complete Cat Training

]]> http://catproblemsresolved.com/toe-biting-cats/feed/ http://catproblemsresolved.com/feral-cats-could-you-find-homes-for-420000-kittens/ http://catproblemsresolved.com/feral-cats-could-you-find-homes-for-420000-kittens/#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 04:31:58 +0000 Kathy http://catproblemsresolved.com/?p=42 This is the number of kittens a pair of breeding cats, having two litters per year, could have in seven years. And imagine this number of feral cats living in your neighborhood, fighting over food and fighting each other. Cats have increased in popularity as pets because of their value as companions and this, coupled with their ease of care, make them ideal pets in today’s busy society. Cats do not need to be walked for exercise or taken to ‘training’ classes, they do not make a lot of noise or take up much room. There is no real need for a cat to be taken outdoors once it has been trained to use the litter box. And in busy cities, there are too many cars and dangers for the average house cat to deal with safely. • It is estimated that there are over 60 million households in the USA that have cats and over 90 million cats. This number does not include wild or feral cats. An estimate of cats born each day could be over 85,000. These numbers are from 2002 so are conservative for today’s figures. This has the potential to be a huge feral cat problem. • Los Angeles taxpayers alone spend nearly $10 million per year to house, feed, kill and dispose of tens of thousands of perfectly healthy but unwanted pets every year. More than 2,000,000 feral cats are homeless on L. A. streets. (Source ‘The Coalition for Pets and Public Safety - http://www.spay4la.org/pages/facts.html) • The cost to ordinary Americans who fail to spay or neuter their cats, allowing them to breed uncontrolled, is growing astronomically each and every year. • Remember, one un-neutered male cat can impregnate many female cats. It is distressing for me to know that healthy, lovable kittens and cats are legally euthanized each day. It distresses me even more to know that people, every day, are disposing of kittens and cats by drowning them or throwing them out of moving cars or just leaving them in the bush somewhere. Not only do these cats become wild and often diseased, they prey on small animals and birds for food, destroying some native habitats. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to let your female cat have a litter of kittens before having her spayed. A kitten can get pregnant at approximately 4 months. One suggestion is to have all kittens neutered at 8 to 12 weeks so pet shops will only be able to sell neutered kittens and this will help reduce the problem of growing numbers of feral cats. Only licensed breeders would be able to have un-neutered cats. The surgery, performed under anaesthesia, is not painful, does not have a long recovery, and prevents certain deadly diseases. Animals that are spayed or neutered are healthier, live longer, want to stray less and get into less fights. It is a fallacy that male kittens ‘don’t need neutering’ as they ‘don’t have kittens’. As in the human world, one male cat can make many female cats pregnant. You don’t want to be adding to the feral cat population where you live and once neutered, there won’t be tears from young family members when their ‘beloved kitten’ has to go to a new home. I have noticed a number of ‘Trap, Neuter, Return Programs’ on the web. These programs do exactly what their name suggests which has been proven to greatly reduce the feral cat problem in their particular area. However, these programs cost money and it is usually the taxpayer who foots the bill. Your cat is like a member of your family and you want the best for it. You need to become a responsible cat owner and have your cat neutered or spayed, otherwise you will be adding to the ever growing and increasingly expensive problem of feral cats.

If you want to find out more information on having your cat neutered or spayed, Veterinary Secrets Revealed is an excellent resource and well worth purchasing.