Cat Massage - Bonding With Health Benefits

Cats are like humans who experience stress, body pain, anxiety, and other types of physical and mental problems. Humans tend to seek the effective treatment of massage therapy in healing, relaxing and strengthening their body. Today, cats are also entitled to having this type of pleasurable experience as a part of their medical care.

Cat massage therapy is fast becoming popular today due to the effectiveness of this technique both in calming and treating the pet's problems. It helps both pet and owner to bond and relax as they experience the benefits of the alternative therapy. It also aids the owner in getting familiar with its pet's body just by touching it with his or her fingers. Any out of the ordinary within the body can be easily spotted due to the constant touch that breeds familiarity to the cat's body. This also eases the cat during the therapy and heightens its trust with the human touch.

Although deep tissue massage on cats should only be done by professional therapists, cat massage can be conducted by any pet owner. This type of therapeutic massage doesn't require exact execution or proper education of the various massage strokes and techniques. Cat massage practitioners should also take note that the amount of pressure used on cats is significantly lesser than the average pressure used on humans. Our pets usually tend to get scared of too much pressure where they become defensive as they feel threatened by the action.

When performing a therapeutic massage on your cat, make sure that your pet stays calm and cooperative during the whole therapy session. You can do this by letting your pet play before the scheduled time for the massage so that his or her playfulness level decreases. As his or her activity level reduces, his or her struggle during the therapy is lesser. A good way to get your pet to settle down and enjoy a good massage is by getting it accustomed to having massage therapies. 

You can do this by gently touching the body of your pet in order to get familiar with the treatment. In informal massage therapy sessions, the owner can begin the therapy on their preferred areas. Working on the areas enjoyed by our pets is perhaps one of the best places to begin the massage. 

The more sessions you give to your pet, the more benefits it gains from the massage. Make sure that your furred friend stays controllable and cooperative during therapies so that he or she can receive the effects and benefits of the physical and emotional treatment.

As cats learn to behave during therapies, their body receives many benefits which includes reduce stress and blood pressure level, stretching and loosening of stiff muscle areas, improved mood, boost in the immune system, relief from body pain and many more.

Although the therapy may sound interesting and beneficial to your pet cat's health, consulting a veterinarian before you try cat massage on your cat is a good idea to avoid the risks and negative effects of this type of massage.

Risks and Negative Effects of Cat Massage

Massage therapy is a great way to remove stress and to relieve the body of humans from all sorts of body pain. Cats are similar in this way as they also need body stimulation, soothing, and treatment with ailments on their muscle areas. However, like all types of therapies, cat massage is surrounded by its risks and negative effects.

This technique of natural healing and relaxation used on cats use some strokes from a Swedish massage which includes effleurage and friction. Both of these strokes are essential in improving blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. They also help in stimulating the nervous system in order to change the mood into a better one. Avoid performing deep tissue massage on your pet as it is not advisable to do such technique without proper training and knowledge.

Fingers and fingertips are often used to spot abnormalities and irregularities on the body of cats. Whole body assessment is usually practiced right before the therapy to allow the owner to get a full idea on the condition of the pet. Owners should start by running his or her fingers on the body of the cat.

Cat massage therapy also includes risks and negative effects just like any type of massage therapy used on humans. Massaging physical conditions that involve abnormalities such as swelling and bruising of the body are some of the risks of this type of massage. Bruising and swelling on any part of the cat's body should not be massaged and should be avoided to refrain from further damaging the body. Instead of touching and applying pressure on those areas of the body, the application of ice or any cold object is much suitable in treating those problems.

Risks also include massaging pregnant cats as professional service should be used on such cases. Although gentle strokes on the various parts of the pet's body may seem to be of no alarm, uneducated knowledge and inexperience can result to problems in the long run. Consulting the veterinarian is more acceptable than deciding for your own.

Negative effects on cats include fear and aggression from improper use of pressure and massage strokes on certain areas of the body. Keep in mind that not all cats are the same and that they enjoy the same techniques used on the other cats. There are areas on the cat's body which are off limits to human touch or should not be often caressed or massaged during the therapy as they become uncomfortable. Familiarity with the pet often plays an important role during a therapy as it lets the owner do the various massage techniques with fewer struggles, minimized risks, and lowered percentage of negative effects acquired.

Owners should gather tons of great information regarding cat massage therapy in order to avoid higher risks of inflicting injuries instead of benefits to their beloved pet. This information also helps the owner to properly bond with their pet during the therapy with the pet receiving the affection, benefits and good effects of the therapy.

The Well Behaved Cat

Cats make wonderful pets, just ask any cat owner, especially if they are well behaved. A cat with behavior problems is usually an unhappy cat. As someone who has been owned by a half-dozen of these animals over the years, I am savvy about their care and feeding, their need for companionship, and their need to be left alone at times. More than most animals, cats are creatures of habit. Thus they will notice any lack of attention and act in ways guaranteed to get a response from you.

The most important thing you should ask yourself before you decide to get one is whether or not you have the patience, time and disposition for it. Are you a cat person? 

Do you want a house or outdoor cat? If you live where your cat can be outdoors during the day that is a different consideration than if you live in an apartment and he runs out every time you open the door. Are you getting the cat because your child wants a one? Your child may be wonderful with the cat, but most kids soon tire of taking care of animals. These are the things you should think about before choosing to get one since these are areas where behavioral problems often begin.

Those who have no familiarity with the cat family believe the old saw that felines are solitary critters who do not need affection or friendship. Quite the contrary, most are affectionate, friendly, and, yes, loyal. Though they may not be lap-sitters, even the most seemingly aloof will often sit quietly near or beside their owners.

One of the most troublesome tasks when living with a cat, is keeping them amused. They are naturally inquisitive, and if kept as house pets, can become destructive out of boredom. To counter this, you must get your cat some toys so he can amuse himself and use up some energy playing and stalking. They love squeaky toys, scratch poles, and small fabric houses with several entrances which are inexpensive. If you can afford a cat condo with several rooms on it, your pet would love one.

If you are lucky and live either in the country or in an area where you can safely let your cat out during the day, Mother Nature will easily take care of their need to use up some energy. They can stalk small critters, run up trees, dig up the ground, and have a great time. Of course, all cats should be brought in before dark so predators, such as coyotes and others, cannot get at them.

Last but not least, one of the most common reasons for your cat to misbehave is because he is feeling stressed. They can be stressed by many things: moving to a new home, for example, is a great stressor for cats; very loud noises; strange odors, dogs, or other animals in the neighborhood; illness; and any mistreatment. Cats love and expect routine.

A well behaved cat is a joy to have around, and paying attention to basics in caring for your pet will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and happy. So often, the obvious is often overlooked.

• Don't overfeed OR underfeed your pet. 

• Keep litter box clean. 

• Be sure there is always fresh water. 

• Make certain the sleeping area is snug and protected. 

• Be sure to have a safe, confined spot for your pet if there is thunder or other loud noises. 

• Make sure your pet has as much exercise as possible every day. 

• Bring your cat to a veterinarian regularly, as health issues often show up first as bad behavior.

Every Cat Needs A Toy Box

Does your cat have a toy box? Do they have a preference to little mice or balls or something that moves on its own? Do they root around in that toy box and select a toy of their choice? Try a variety of toys and see what suits their fancy. A cat can never have too many toys!

My cats love their cat toys. Their toy box is filled with balls, toys that jingle, toys that you wind up and even a remote controlled mouse! Their mouse toys are stored in a small cardboard box so that they can help themselves to the item that they want to play with.

When playing with a little mouse and it disappears under the stove or dishwasher, they will sit in front of the appliance and stare at it wearing the most pitiful look on their little faces. They will stretch their arms out trying to retrieve it until they get so tired, they often fall asleep right where they are!

It is important to rotate their play things to keep them challenged and interested in the things that their toy box holds. Whether it is a cardboard box or a plastic container, the play box should always be available to them to select a play item when they feel like playing. Encouraging your cat to play promotes healthy exercise. Cats often amuse themselves quite easily but playing with your cat is important as well. Playing with your cat not only encourages regular play but helps to create a bond of trust, loyalty and love.

Changing out their toys by rotating the selection that they have to play with will help to keep their interest in rooting around in their toy box for the right toy for the moment. Periodically take some toys from the toy box and store them where the kitties can't see or smell them. Every few weeks take those that have been stored and exchange for some that have been in the active play items. Even though they see the same items at different intervals, they think it's a new toy and play with it with the interest that they had in it when it first arrived. While new things have a new scent and will attract their attention right away. Rotating the older toys works much the same way. Store toys that are catnip scented in a zip lock bag to keep the catnip smell fresh and inviting.

If you want your feline friend healthy and happy, don't let them turn into couch potatoes. Cats that don't get enough exercise often are overweight, cute but not healthy. Cat naps are necessary and play time is equally important.

It is great exercise for them and great laugh therapy for you. Watching them play with toys is more entertaining than going to a hit movie. My cats love their cat toys and yours will too. Keep plenty of toys on hand to give them exercise and keep them healthy.

Are Feral Cats Safe to Keep?

There are so many feral cats in this world that need a home. Many people are afraid of them because they are naturally very leery and can become aggressive if threatened or cornered. And who can blame them? Most of them have never had homes (which is the definition of a feral cat, one who has had no human contact) and not been treated very well by the humans they have come in contact with. 

I have had many cats over the years. I currently have 26 cats, most of them feral. I am at the point now where I can pet most of them and they crave my attention and touch. I won't say this has been easy. It takes a huge amount of patience to get a feral cat to trust you and accept you. But it is one of the most rewarding things when they do. So, yes, feral cats are safe to keep. It just takes some time and caution at first.

The first question about the cat being safe is does it have diseases you are afraid of contracting? The good news is that many diseases that cats get are not harmful to you. Some, like rabies, are however, so you do have to be cautious.The obvious best solution to this question is if you can trap the feral cat and take it to the vet for a full checkup. 

This can sometimes be simple if you can get the cat to go into a Havahart type of trap. It's long and narrow and you put food at the very end of it. There is a metal plate that the cat steps on near the food and this closes the door. It's very humane and from there your vet will have his own way of getting the cat out and sedating them to check them out.

However, there are many cats that won't fall for this. They aren't stupid and know somehow this is a trap. If this is the case, you are going to have to be prepared to win the cat over until you can get them to go into a carrier or some other "trap". This is where patience, patience, patience comes in. You feed the cat every day at a certain time (or twice a day) and go away. 

Don't try to touch them or have any interaction with them for a few weeks. Then you can try standing off at a distance while they eat and watch them out of the corner of your eye. Then try moving a little closer and squat down near them (but not too close). This process needs to move slowly and might take months. Eventually you hope to get to the point where they will let you stand just a foot or two from them. The main thing is to act naturally around them, not like you're waiting to pounce and grab them! As you can see, it can be a long process, but if you have a love for animals like I do, it is well worth the effort.

Back to the safety issue. During this whole process you do have to be careful. You don't want to be bitten before you've had the chance for a vet to give them a good physical and some tests. If the cat is acting in a normal manor (don't count the hissing and growling) and has no obvious signs of injuries, that's a great start. Just watch for anything unusual like drooling excessively or lethargic behavior. Once you get to the point where they let you pet them, still be careful until you can get them to the vet. 

As a whole, I have had very few of my ferals that were sick and had to be put to sleep. So don't feel that a feral cat is automatically sick or diseased, but use common sense and be careful. When that day comes that they rub up against your leg and want to curl up in your lap, you will feel an enormous sense of accomplishment. You took a helpless, homeless cat that never had a human to care for them, and turned them into a friendly, loving feline.

Cat Hair Air Purifier - 4 Filters That Will Make Your Purifier Effective

Cat hair is a fact of life if your cat lets you live with him or her. The additional hair can range from unsightly to unhealthy. There's nothing like having cat hair rain down when the heat or air conditioning comes on in the middle of dinner for guests.

But the health issue that literally attaches to cat hair is even more of a problem. Cat dander (small dead skin flakes) is a powerful allergen that can trigger asthma and allergies and is almost always attached to hair.

Being able to remove both hair and dander is important. Check the technical specifications of the unit you are considering making sure it has following 4 filters. Only then can your cleaner be effective at solving your problem.

One of the most important features in any cleaner is multiple filtrations. This means that each set of filters is designed to remove particles of different sizes based on the openings in the filter.

The benefit to you is that instead of having one filter catch everything, fill up quickly, and need replacing every 6 months, you have multiple filters that are geared to specifically remove only certain size particles.

This means each filter lasts longer, and the overall benefit is that you are not spending money to replace filters. And you are not losing filtration time due to frequent maintenance. Multiple filtration is both cost effective and efficient.

Large Particle Pre-Filter---This is the first line of defense against the particles you can see such as cat hair. But the benefit is that it can remove particulates that are not necessarily a result of your feline friend. It is designed to remove dust and hair from both you and your pet.

Medium Particle Pre-Filter---This is the second line of defense designed to remove mold and mildew spores, and seasonal pollens that find their way indoors.

HEPA-This term is a common one in the air purification industry and is formed by using the first letters of the following 4 words---high efficiency particle arresting. By definition this type of filter must be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particles that are.3 microns in size or greater. This includes dander, bacteria, and viruses.

Carbon Cloth---Originally designed by the British Military to combat chemical warfare, this type of filter is excellent at removing gases, odors, and airborne chemicals, and because it is a cloth, it gives an added layer of particle elimination.

Checking to make sure your cleaner contains all of these filters will save you time, money, and enjoy. And you'll be surprised at how much more enjoyable life with your cat can be without so much hair in the air.

Buy Modern Cat Furniture for Your Beloved Pets

If you have a cat, you'd know by now that cats can be pretty compulsive when it comes to scratching your furniture or other items in your house and sharpening their claws. Felines have a tendency to scratch their 'favorite' items repeatedly, and just like dogs, they too need their own toys to play with. 

It must be known that cats don't often scratch furniture just to be destructive or difficult; rather, it's their way of communicating and 'marking' their territory. Cats are very territorial, just like dogs, and most pet felines also graze their claws against furniture while they are stretching, playing, greeting their owners, or are angry.

Since we obviously cannot change the behavior of a cat (and we shouldn't seek to do so either), it would be a good thing to buy some modern cat furniture for your beloved pet's well-being. Such furniture can be found in brick and mortar, as well as online stores that offer both contemporary and traditional designs and ideas.

By their very nature, most pet cats prefer 'enclosed' spaces, so if you are looking to include modern cat furniture in your home, a modern cat house or a mini kitty condo makes for a great choice. The materials used are scratch resistant, which is a given for any cat toys or furniture. If your pet feline is young, you can go the extra mile and purchase, design, or hire someone to make a cat tree or playhouse for your pet. Your cat will love perching on its own little hideout and playing with its toys there without you having to worry about your furniture getting damaged.

If you are up for designing a personal space for your cat, you'll need a bit of inspiration and creativity. There are plenty of modern cat furniture sites from which you can get some ideas and tricks for building your own cat furniture.

Cats can be pretty selective, so if you're looking to purchase some furniture for your pet and are finding it hard to decide on a modern, sleek design or a traditional, retro one, just let your cat do all the choosing! If your feline takes to a particular space, it will let you know. Just make sure your pick is functional, with the ability to last for many years to come.

When it comes to the materials for a modern cat house or furniture, you can take your pick from scratch resistant wicker, fabric, and leather accessories that will complement the décor of your home.

Short Guide on Adopting a Bengal Cat From a Rescue Center

An affordable way to get a Bengal cat is through rescue organizations. These are non-profit, private organizations that aim to save, rehabilitate, and re-home abused and neglected Bengals. The people behind these rescues are those with passion and respect for the Bengal breed. They see to it that you are an ideal candidate for adopting a Bengal cat from their rescue center.

A Bengal cat is a rare breed but sadly, it still ends up in rescue centers. You can help them have a new home by adopting them and reintegrating them into the real world, beyond steel cages and fences.

Adopting a Bengal cat from a rescue center takes great responsibility because you have to understand that these cats have already gone through tough times. They deserve good homes that will not only feed or shelter them but also stimulate and care for them. Bengals are very sociable so they need to be with you constantly.

If you are already bent on adopting a Bengal from your nearest rescue center, here are the necessary steps that you have to undertake:

Visit your local rescue center for Bengals

You should check out the Bengal rescue center within your area. This is to look at your prospective Bengals and to really see if they are ready to be re-homed. By doing this, you also get a chance to ask questions about the history of the Bengal, especially with regard to the amount of abuse or neglect.

Complete the application

If you have already decided to adopt a Bengal from that particular rescue center, then you should ask for an application form. Some application forms can be conveniently downloaded from the Bengal cat rescue website of your choice. After completing the application, you could just hand it over or send it through their e-mail address.

Background check

The Bengal cat rescue center will perform a background check on you. They will contact your veterinarian for any animals that you may have with you and ask if they are always well taken care of. Other character references that you have indicated in your application will be contacted too, to see if you are a dependable parent for animals.

Phone interview

Then it is your turn to be called by a representative from Bengal cat rescue to get to know you more and to ask what particular Bengal you would like to have.

Visit schedule

If everything goes well, then your next visit to the Bengal cat rescue center will be scheduled so that you may have the chance to see and interact with the Bengal that you have specified.

Payment of adoption fees

When you have decided that the Bengal cat you have interacted with in the rescue center is the perfect one for you, then all you have to do is sign the necessary adoption papers and pay the adoption fee. If you want an adult Bengal, you may have to pay about 100 USD. For younger Bengals or kittens, it may cost you about 300 USD.

A Little Extra Tenderness For Your Senior Cat

Everyone and everything ages, even our precious cats. They no longer play as much as they use to, they don't jump and roll on their cat trees. I've been told, that a cat can be in this stage between 8-12 years.

Our pets become a member of our family and we don't want to see them become older and slow down. But, I believe that there are somethings that may help slow down that process. Like us, keeping ourselves healthy by eating the right foods and getting our exercise, it will keep our bodies and minds healthier and slow down our aging.

By making healthy meal choices, seeing to your feline's needs for medications and supplements, you will have your cat with you, longer. I have a cat tree for my cat and he loves it. He doesn't even realize how much exercise, he is getting. I recently found out, there are other names that cat trees can be referred to as: 

• Cat towers
• House
• Furniture
• Condos
• Bungalow
• Jungle Gym

Another new toy I purchased for my pet, recently, is a stroller. It has a cover, pockets for treats, toy's and it folds-up nicely. If you knew me, I would be one of the last people you would have thought would invest in a stroller for my pet. Well, I did.

When I started reading up on them, I realized they are also great for older pets, especially the ones that are not able to get around as much as they use to. A great way to get you and your cat out of the house and for a walk. He will still be able to enjoy all the scenery and get some fresh air.

Your feline may interact with a kitten, making him feel young again. I know of several friends that got a new puppy when their dog was getting older and slowing down, it really seemed to make him more active.

In no way, am I trying to say I am an expert in the field of caring for older feline's. I just thought I would share some of the tactics I am using for my older pet, because they seem to be working for him.

I have always been a believer that the best medicine you can give to anyone is lots of love, this includes our precious pets, because they are a big part of our family.

Proper Flea Removal For Cats

Proper flea removal for cats should consider not just the removal of fleas, but also prevent them recurring.

Fleas seem to be a problem in furry animals. They cause itching of the host and the residue of fleas can be left wherever the cat goes, creating problems inside the house. Some veterinarians claim that cats are allergic to fleas, but this is unlikely in a healthy cat.

There are a few veterinary flea removal products, and whilst they are generally effective, they are highly toxic. One cat shook herself after an application, and the drops landed on a painted door. In minutes the paint started peeling off. Other people have noticed a decline in health after these preparation are used. This is unsurprising, as typical ingredients include nerve gas.

So what can you do safely to remove fleas from cats?

First, let's examine some natural ways, ones which are effective and won't cause any harm.

1. Adding a little fresh garlic to your cat's food is a healthy way to prevent any pests.(Please note, garlic is perfectly safe to feed to cats, despite some claims to the contrary.)
2. Adding a little apple cider vinegar to their water, about one teaspoon to half a litre/one pint of water.
3. Adding a little brewers yeast (must be brewers) either to the food or combed into the fur.
4. Using the herbs pennyroyal (but use caution as this can cause miscarriage), tansy or fleabane on the bedding and in areas where they are causing a problem.
5. The aromatherapy oils cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, terebinth, lavender and mint are all helpful when diluted and combed into the coat.

However, if you can establish why your cat has fleas in the first place and rectify that, this will save you and your cat much anxiety as well as hard cash.

Cats in the wild may have the odd flea, but they will never have the infestations so common in untreated domestic cats. This points to the cause.

Diet plays a large role in determining the pH (acid/alkalinity) of the skin. When this is wrong, fleas take up residence. When this is right, they find the environment unwelcoming. By feeding your cat according to the diet she evolved on (more or less, according to ease and availability for you, the feeder), you can ensure her skin pH remains healthy and so keep fleas away.

Think outside the square when searching for proper flea removal for your cat. Don't just think of treatment. Think of cause too. In the long run it makes your life a whole lot easier.

What Is a Real Cost of Owning a Bengal Cat?

One very important aspect to consider in buying a Bengal cat is its actual cost. Well, if you want to have a Bengal in your home, you should very well know that it is a rare breed. With rarity comes the high price, so you should expect that a Bengal cat could cost from 500 USD to about 5,000 USD, depending on what Bengal quality you prefer.

As you know, there are three main types of Bengals-pet quality, breeder quality, and show quality. Pet quality Bengals cost 500-1,000 USD while a breeder or show quality Bengal could cost from 1,500-5,000 USD (show Bengals may be more expensive depending on the breeder).

Aside from the actual purchase of the Bengal, you should also take note of the basic expenses in keeping or maintaining it. Here are some considerations so that you may have an idea of how much a Bengal could cost:

Micro-chipping

Micro-chipping is very important for the identification of your Bengal. It really makes a difference especially if you lose your cat by chance. Embedding a microchip into your cat can cost you 50 USD.

Sterilization (spaying/neutering)

On the other hand, sterilization of your Bengal cat can cost you basically 100 USD if you want it done n your healthy kitten. Sterilizing your Bengal can cost up to 200 USD if your cat has complications.

Food

The price of the breeder cat food changes from time to time, depending on the price of raw materials. You should keep yourself updated with the price variations in your local grocery store.

Medical care

Vet care and vaccines should be considered as well. Work with your veterinarian for the payment methods that you can avail of (health insurance). This may also include possible emergency care, hospitalization, supplements, and other medications. This is a very important factor in determining how much a Bengal can cost. Vaccinations cost 50-70 USD, while flea and de-worming medications cost 20 USD.

Insurance

Insuring your Bengal cat could really help you from the total medical cost to getting you reunited with your Bengal (if ever you lost it). Including this in your Bengal budget is a must. Bengal cat insurance can cost 30 USD monthly.

Grooming and training equipment

You should have these to make sure that your Bengal keeps clean and learns proper behavior, especially in the toilet. Having a clean and well-trained Bengal can cost a lot but it will definitely be worth it. Grooming and training your Bengal cat can cost 20 USD.

The amount of money needed in acquiring a Bengal cat also depends on where you are going to get your Bengal. If you decide to get your cat from a reputable breeder, you should be preparing a bigger amount. However, if you are going to get your Bengal cat from a rescue center, it will only cost you much less because you will be adopting the cat. Nevertheless, you should still consider the expenses in keeping your Bengal cat.

Cat Health Problems and Remedies

For all of us cat lovers out there, we all worry about our cats. We should and trying to find good information is sometimes an issue. I know of some common cat health problems and would like to share with you some of them and some remedies for them. This is for cat lovers that would like to find out about hairballs, fleas, constipation, diarrhea and worms.

Hairballs in cats is a normal thing if they get them once and awhile. If your cat has quite a bit of hairballs then maybe it could be from them shedding too much. Do you find them having lots of hairballs in the spring, the shedding season? If so there is an easy remedy for this from just combing them. Now if you find that combing doesn't help then ask yourself do you have other cats or does your cat hang around other cats? If so your cat could be grooming the other cats and getting hairballs from them. Then of course there is other problems such as diets, or digestion problems.

Now to fleas, you don't need to worry if your cat has a few but I would still recommend treating your cat. If you do not treat your cat it could let your cat become infested with them. If your cat does get infested with fleas, it is best to treat them as quickly as possible. In not treating a flea infestation you could let your cat become dehydrated from the fleas feeding off your cat. Treating your cat is simple with flea treatments, and to help prevent fleas you can get a flea collar.

Constipation is not nice to go through and sometime can be painful, as so with our cats. Even simple hairballs can let our cats be constipated, so remember to comb them regularly. If you are helping your cat from having less or no hairballs then perhaps you changed their diet? There are simple remedies for constipation that you can get. If you see bloody stool however then please take you cat to a vet immediately.

Now diarrhea is not a pleasant thing to think about, but if it last longer than 24 hours, you can help ease it. Diarrhea is a safety mechanism, if your cat ingest something it doesn't like, then it passes through the stomach with little water/liquid absorption which in turn becomes diarrhea. That is why I suggest to give it 24 hours as that is usually the time it takes to let it pass as long as it doesn't intake any more of what it doesn't like.

Worms in cats, there is four types I have found out to be fairly common for cats, roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm and heartworms. What I found out to be somewhat disturbing is that some of these worms, us the owners can get. So treating them is what we would like to get done right away. Not only us but our other pets like dogs can also get them. There are some great dewormers out there to help you get them treated. But it is sometimes best to take your cat to the vet as you may need them to be surgically removed.

These are some of the common cat health problems I found and as a cat lover would like to share with other cat lovers. The nice thing about this website is that they also would like for us to help each other and give them our own personal cat health problems we have come across, and if we know them, the remedies. I hope that all the cat lovers out there will help and give them other good topics on this to allow us all to have a good informative meeting place.

Do Cats See In Color Or Black And White?

For years the general consensus was that cats saw the world in black and white, and did not have the ability to perceive color. Recent research has shown evidence that suggests that cats may have a great deal of color vision after all. It's now believed that cats can see different shades of the colors blue and green, but that other colors are not all perceived as we see them. 

Cats only have two types of cones (photoreceptor cells) in the retina of the eye that are responsible for color vision. There are three types of cones, and cats are missing the cones that correspond to the color red. Humans have all three, allowing us to perceive more color and intensity of color. It's believed that cats have a limited ability to distinguish the difference between reds and greens at all - which is actually a form of color blindness also found in humans.

To answer the question simply - no, cats do not see only in black and white, but they do appear to suffer from a form of color-blindness.

While humans definitely have cats beat in terms of looking at a sunset, their vision in other areas is vastly superior to ours. While they have less cones in their eyes, they have more rods - making their eyes more suitable for perceiving motion than color, and more suitable for seeing at night. Cats are hunters by nature, and their visual skill set provides excellent tools for that. Cats can detect the most minute motions far away, and hone in on them in a way we couldn't even hope to do.

Cats also have fantastic night vision, due to their eyes ability to control brightness to their advantage, needing very little light to see. A cat needs only one sixth of the amount of light a human needs to see. This is achieved as cats have what is called a tapetum lucidum within their eye. 

The tapetum lucidum (which means "bright tapestry" in Latin) lies just behind, or sometimes within the retina and reflects light that passes through the retina back into the eye, giving that cat a vastly increased ability to see in very dim light. It's this tapetum reflecting light back that sometimes causes a cat's eyes to appear to glow in the dark.

The cat's night vision is also improved by their very large pupils. Cats have slit pupils, instead of the round pupils humans have. This elliptical design serves to protect the cat's eye from too much light, as cats are not 100% nocturnal like most other creatures with very large pupils. The slit shape allows the pupils to dilate and contract more drastically and quickly than a round pupil can, to adjust to different extremes in amounts of light in the environment.

How to Groom a Kitten

While naturally mother cats take care of their kittens and teach them grooming, keeping your kitten extremely clean is important for its health and well-being. Before they grow and learn how to independently groom themselves properly, you can wash your kitten from the age of 12 weeks. It is especially important to groom kittens daily, because often their coat is of a cottony texture that tangles very easily. 

The kitten will quickly become accustomed to being combed and brushed. So, when you introduce a bath, it will not be difficult. Remember that most cats hate water with an exception of Turkish Van and Bengal breeds.

Like babies, kitties need lots of love and patience especially when being introduced to new things. When introducing it to a bathe, hold it against your body and move it slowly to ensure that it earns your trust, as some kittens get startled at the sound of running water. You need to talk to the kitten constantly as you dip her into the bathing tub.

Cleaning Items 

• A soft cloth 

• Warm water 

• A soft towel 

• Rubber mat to prevent kitten from slipping 

• Pet shampoo/baby shampoo 

• Lots of warmth and affection. 

Washing procedure 

• Half fill the sink or bath tub with warm water and insert the rubber mat. 

• Wrap a towel around yourself to avoid soaking wet. 

• Hold the front feet of the kitten with one hand and gently lower the body into the water with the other hand. Let the front feet stand on the edges of the tub to make the kitten feel more secure and more in control. 

• Shampoo the soft towel and start cleaning from the back, following the direction of the fur. 

• Move on to the tail, hind legs, front legs, neck and then the tummy. 

• Remember to constantly talk to the kitten as you wash it to keep it calm. If it is scared, hold it in your towel for reassurance and comfort. 

• Once rinsed, remove it from the water and hold it in a soft towel to blot out excess water. 

• While doing this, hold and talk to the kitten to calm it down and to earn a lot of trust as possible.

Tips 

• Make sure that the water that you use is close to the kitten's body temperature. 

• Confine the kitten to a certain place to dry off. 

• Kittens only require full baths if they are especially dirty or have fleas. Always use a pet shampoo for this. 

• Spot-cleaning works well for them. Daily cleaning of their behinds will help keep your kitten happier, healthier and keep odors away. 

• Remember not to give your kitten too many baths. The water will dry out his skin and his fur! Once every two weeks is perfect practice! 

• If kitten shampoo is a little out of your price range, Johnson's head-to-toe baby wash works great and leaves her smelling nice longer. It is also very gentle on her skin and is tear-free! 

• You can wash the kitty's face with a damp cloth. 

• Front paws and bib area, may be rubbed gently with cornstarch to absorb the stain, and then brushed off. 

• A paste of cornstarch and peroxide can be used to clean urine stains under the tail and stubborn stains. 

• If you get scratches in the process, quickly use a disinfectant to clean the area thoroughly and bandage them. Check the scratches frequently for any signs of infections. 

Warnings 

• Bathing kittens pose serious health risks to kittens since they are not able to raise their temperature very fast after the fur has been soaked wet. 

• Never get soap into the kitty's face, if it does quickly wash it. Consult a vet if the irritation persists.

Bathing a kitten can be fun and enjoyable when well planned. It controls pet dander and also lessens the risk of hair balls, which can form in the kitty's stomach and intestines if it swallows hair when licking itself.

Common Surgical Procedures for Cats

Cats have been worshiped as gods by the Egyptians, since these were once believed to be the beloved animals of the Egyptian goddess, Bastet. Nowadays, this simple fact does not exclude them from the different surgical procedures available in a veterinarians clinic. As expected, neutering, spaying, and declawing are the top 3 most common surgical procedures for cats. 

Based on annual statistics, the population growth of cats is 1.9% every year, while the dog population grows by only 1.2% every year! Do the math, and it shows that cats reproduce more than dogs - one cat can give birth to as many as 14 cats in a single pregnancy!

Neutering is a surgical procedure limited to male cats. Aside from preventing a male cat from seeking a mate and adding another litter to the cat population, neutering stops the male from urinating all over the house in an attempt to mark its territory. Neutering also lessens aggressive behaviors which allows its owners to fondle and cuddle it as much as they want.

However, neutering also comes with several drawbacks. Neutered cats are more prone to becoming obese, developing hair loss/alopecia, and developing osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is linked to bone cancer, and this develops as a cancerous neoplasm. Other health complications associated with neutering include prostate cancer and the formation of stones in the urinary bladder.

Spaying, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure for female cats. Compared to male cats, females are able to experience heat many times during spring and become desperate enough to escape the house just to find a mate. Owners know when their cat is in heat when it vocalizes a lot, stands with its behind raised, and urinating out of its kitty litter. One of the advantages of spaying a cat is that it removes the risk of it developing breast cancer or mammary tumors.

Like neutering, spaying increases the chances of forming urinary tract infection, obesity, and even hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a condition where a tumor forms and is continuously filled with blood. Once the tumor ruptures, it can cause the molly to bleed to death. Hypothyroidism and urinary incontinence are also other possible side effects a cat can develop after being spayed.

Finally, declawing is a surgical procedure usually conducted on cats that exhibit destructive behavior by clawing at furniture, curtains, and other things around the house. A declawing procedure is usually done as a last resort, after attempts to train the cat to use a scratching post or even trimming its nails have failed.

Neutering, spaying, and declawing are all advised to be conducted when the cat is about 5 to 6 months old. Some veterinarians even offer to do neutering and declawing or spaying and declawing at the same time, so that they only need to use one round of anesthesia. It also helps to have these two procedures done at the same time so that the cat's owner won't have to put their pet through two rounds of post-surgical stress.

Bengal - Personality To Be Proud Of

The Bengal cat is one special breed that has long fascinated cat lovers and pet enthusiasts alike. Through years of careful selection, this wonderful Breed came about. Not only does the Bengal exhibit the untamed look of the Asian Leopard Cat but it also possesses the unique personality that sets it apart from all other breeds.

Most of the time, you will find yourself wondering how could the Bengal cat breeding program manage to produce such an outstanding personality. It certainly does goes to show that the genetic gamble has resulted in a winning breed. The Bengal cat personality is comprised of intangible qualities that any cat owner will definitely be proud of.

It is always a very fulfilling moment every time you or your friends interact with your Bengal on another level because of its personality traits. It is apparent that it is a breed of cat but when you get to know the Bengal on a much deeper level, you'll realize that its personality is far different from the others.

What exactly are the parts of the Bengal personality that really make it such an unforgettable breed to interact with? Read on and you'll discover just how special the Bengal cat is.

Very smart

Part of the Bengal personality is its extraordinary ability to critically think. The Bengal can figure out things and actually try to get it done on its own. The Bengal cat is a breed whose personality enables it to easily absorb information. With this, you can teach your Bengal different tricks to show everyone how smart your cat is. This aspect of the Bengal cat personality has earned the breed distinguishing labels like "dog-like cat" or "dog-cat".

Focused on you

As the immediate source of care and security, you are the cat's parent. This being a given, you and your Bengal cat get to bond a lot deeper. This cat is so attached to you that a major part of its personality is to be with you at all times. "Talking" is inherent to the Bengal cat personality. Somehow, you understand each other even if you don't really speak each other's language. The Bengal expresses itself vocally, which is another very intriguing aspect of its personality. It is the intimate connection that the two of you have that enables this verbal communication.

Active

The Bengal also has a very active and playful side to its personality. It is one of the valuable traits that it has inherited from the Asian Leopard Cat. This breed is so fond of playing and getting into things around the house that its interactive personality often gets the breed into trouble. You just have to give this cat enough stimulation and attention to bring out and develop this side of its personality. The Bengal is at its best when it always interacts with you, your family, or with other pets in the house.

Curiosity Could Kill Your Cat

Curiosity gets more cats into trouble than almost anything else. Cats are very curious by nature and when you bring them into your house, look out!

I got a Ragdoll kitten (Andy) for Christmas one year and decided we should go and get his brother from the breeder the following week. We thought Andy would be so surprised and happy to be reunited with his brother - ha! He seemed to have absolutely no recollection that he ever had a brother and did not want to share his new home with another kitten at all. He stalked his brother (Amos ) all over the house hissing and growling until poor Amos took refuge in the basement of our house. 

Andy was still not happy until Amos found a small hole in the wall and climbed in and disappeared! He managed to get himself stuck in the wall where he couldn't turn around to get himself back out and we had to tear half the wall down to rescue him. Moral of the story is that you need to kitten proof your house to save yourself a lot of headaches.

Placing glass decorations on high shelves turned out to be another poor decision. I swear they would push them off on purpose. Some of the following tips should prevent a lot of needless disasters and trips to the emergency vet's office.

• Tie up hanging drapery and electrical cords.
• Remove plastic bags, twist ties, rubber bands, medications, cigarette butts and ant or roach traps from where they can get into them.
• Check that if windows are open they have firmly attached screens.
• Do not leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep toilet lids closed.
• Do not leave the stove unattended. Burners can remain hot after you turn them off especially if you have a glass top stove. I kept a tea kettle filled with water on hand just for that purpose.
• Christmas trees should have a category all to themselves. You should secure it to the closest wall unless you want to pick it up off the floor after it is fully decorated! Do not use tinsel on a tree if you have a cat or dog in the house. They love to eat it right off the tree for some strange reason. Do not hang glass decorations on the lower branches for obvious reasons.

Many house plants are toxic to cats. Some of the ones you should keep away from your cat are:

Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Oleander, Elephant Ear, Wisteria, Boxwood, Hydrangea, Lilies, Azalea

Rhododendron and Fox Glove.

This is just to name a few. The ASPCA lists over 400 plants that are toxic to cats. I finally gave up and got rid of all of mine. Some cat owners claim that if you give your cats a small container of growing grass in your home they will leave your plants alone. I never tried that so I don't know if it works but it might be worth a try.

One other thing I would do to keep my curious cats safe if to have them micro chipped. A small silicone chip containing the owners' information is painlessly inserted under the cat's skin. If your cat should ever accidentally get outside (trust me, it happens) any local vet or animal shelter would be able to scan the chip and return your cat to you. 

My cats were total inside cats and had not been outside in their lives until the day somebody didn't close the door tightly. One stayed in the house and the other one went exploring. Fortunately we got him back before he got into trouble he couldn't handle. You just never know what can happen and it really helps to try and have all the bases covered before it does.

Picking the Best Cat Food

It's a bit of a maze out there - how do you set about picking the best cat food? Supermarkets have shelves piled high with attractive packets proclaiming health and longevity. Veterinarians have floor to ceiling pet food, claiming the same, but saying supermarket food is bad. Get on the internet and explore the forums and you get a different story again. Many recalls are made almost daily.

How can you possibly know what the best cat food is, with all this conflicting information? Feeding your cat right is essential for their health and well being. The wrong diet can wreak havoc on their health, costing you a lot in veterinary fees.

In the last few decades, the health of cats has declined rapidly. It's not uncommon for cats to get a serious illness when only a few years old. Stomatitis, once unknown in cats, is now common. Diabetes is rapidly becoming common. Serious degenerative diseases, such as cancers and leukaemia, were exceptionally rare not that long ago, but now too common for comfort.

Something is seriously amiss. Somehow, humans have made some wrong choices in the not too distant past. Here are some tips that may help you make the right decision for your cat.

1. Nature never gets things wrong. It's man's interpretation of nature that is often wrong. Cats evolved over a very long time on a particular diet. Their whole physiology has adapted to this perfectly. Go back to a quality, natural diet which is based on their evolution.
2. Domestic cats often have their food left out all day. Being hunters, this is contrary to their evolution. Not every hunt is successful, by any means. So cats are more adapted to going without food, rather than grazing, a predominantly herbivore trait. Stomach problems are common in cats who graze.
3. Dried food is said to be good for their teeth. However, gum disease is common in cats on dried food, so this advice falls short of the reality.
4. Dried food can easily make a cat dehydrated. Coming from semi arid environments, cats rely on their food for their moisture. Often they won't drink enough water to make up the shortfall.
5. There are no real laws than govern the quality of commercial pet food anywhere in the world. The production of most of it is nothing short of shocking.

Picking the best cat food to ensure your cat has vibrant health and longevity means considering a quality, natural, species specific diet. You may need to consider making it yourself.