Soft Cat Food

Cat food affects your pet's life, not just during those few moments when she's eating, but for every hour of every day. Cat-food choices abound with fish, chicken, fresh flavors, hard crunch, chewy centers, and of course, wet mushy delectable bites. Cat-food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats. Cat food is specifically formulated to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cats, One specific nutritional requirement that cats need is the amino acid taurine.

Adult

Adult cats (1 year) can be fed once or twice a day. adult canned cat-food is made with real meat or poultry and is specially formulated without corn, wheat or animal by-products and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Older kittens and adult cats should not be fed milk.

Ingredients

Whether you're selecting wet or dry cat-food, the first place to start is the list of ingredients. When choosing your cat's food, the ingredients and the nutritional levels are more important than whether you choose between wet or dry cat-food. If you don't see something familiar, that you would eat, at the very top of the list of ingredients, then pass up the food.

Kittens

Food for your kitten: Growing kittens need more nutrition for their development than mature or senior cats. Kittens have other special dietary needs, so be sure to get a kitten formula for kittens. Kittens will need supplemental food as early as 2-1/2 weeks after birth and certainly by 4 weeks because mom's milk is not going to be an adequate nutrient food source. Kittens should only be given kitten replacement milk (like KMR), never cow's milk. Kittens and aging cats need more food than the adult cat.

Meat

Cats are obligate carnivores and experts say that meat should be their primary source of protein for proper health. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium. A glance at the food labels shows that many -- but not all -- varieties of these foods are loaded with undesirable ingredients such as meat by-products, grains and glutens. Just as for human food, there are regulations regarding the labeling of cat food that can help consumers assess the amount of meat in the food. I just simply bought a chicken thigh and a breast (some cats may like dark meat more than white or vice versa) and cut them up into small pieces (the size of an eraser head or a bit larger) to see if my cats would eat raw meat.

Organic

Organic Cat-Food does away with all the artificial stuff and only combines the best possible organic meats, veggies, grains and more. Organic cat food is processed and prepared in such a manner that these essential vitamins and minerals are preserved to a more significant degree that is the case with highly processed and more traditional cat food products. Many cat owners are turning away from commercial pet foods and are feeding their cats homemade organic pet food. If you are looking for the best organic cat food on the market today, then you need to buy healthy cat food. The stuff that makes up Organic Cat-Food have all the vitamins and nutrients your cat needs to grow healthy, strong and live a long happy life. I do not spend the additional money for organic but if you are so inclined, you can purchase organic meats.

Soft

The three main types of cat foods are dry, soft-moist and canned products. Soft-moist cat foods generally offer higher palatability as compared to dry diets, are convenient to serve and store easily.

Soft cat food can be great for your cat - for more information about soft cat food visit http://www.betinis.com/soft-cat-food.html

Can Cats and Dogs Safely Chase Lasers and Laser Pointers?

Even the laziest and hardest to please cat or dog will go crazy playing with lasers and can get hours of fun and exercise chasing the laser beam. Lasers are especially useful for exercising indoor cats and dogs. To make sure playing with lasers is safe for your animal friends, there are two very important points to be aware of.

The first point is some lasers are safe for cats and dogs to chase and some are not. To understand which lasers are safe, you need to know that lasers come in different powers and what different power levels are capable off.

The power of lasers is measured in milliwatts or mW for short. A 55mW laser can put holes in plastic, a 75mW laser can cut black tape and burst balloons, a 95mW laser can light matches and a 150mW laser can light cigarettes. Obviously any laser with enough power to burn things can cause serious and permanent eye damage and cannot be chased safely but cats or dogs.

The US Food and Drug Administration states that 5mW the maximum safe power level that will not cause eye injuries in people. 5mW is conservative and the generally accepted safe power level for lasers is 5 to 10mW. There is not a big difference human and Canine/feline eyes in sensitivity to lasers so the safe limit of 10mW can also be used with cats and dogs. So lasers with 10mW or less of power are safe to use cats and dogs. As an added precaution, NEVER point the laser at your cat's/dog's eyes.

The second point of lasers is your cat/dog will be frustrated. It is the hunting instinct in cats and dogs that makes cats and dogs go wild and enjoy playing with lasers so much. The hunting instinct compels cats and dogs to stalk, catch and kill their prey. Chasing a laser beam fulfills their desire to stalk but not catch or kill. If you use the laser by itself, your cat/dog will be well exercised but it will be frustrated by its failure to catch or kill the laser beam. The simple solution to this problem is to finish a session of playing with the laser, let your cat/dog catch and kill a normal toy.

Click here for Green Laser Pointers

First Time Cat Owners - 3 Biggest Mistakes

A few years ago, a recently divorced gentleman adopted a cat at my shelter. He wanted a companion but couldn't risk a pet that might bark, since he lived in an apartment, so he opted to adopt his very first cat. When I visited him a few hours later, at his request, to see if he had things set up correctly, I had to stifle some laughter. He had made some basic mistakes with his cat, but nothing serious that couldn't be fixed immediately.

The first thing I noticed was that everything was over-full. The litter box had sand up to the rim. The water and food bowls also were filled to the rim. At least it was obvious he wanted to be a good provider. But clearly he'd had no education in basic physics!

I'm sure the cat would have made its first mess after using that litter box, and the new owner might have been annoyed. So the first thing I did was to remove more than half the litter, explaining that cats need to bury their waste and do so by pawing the sand. Too much sand, and most of it will end up on the floor. Even a fastidious cat would not be able to avoid that.

Filling food bowls too full might not lead to a mess, but could lead to some weight gain, or vomiting, or spoiled food, since cats don't always eat whatever is in their bowl, as a dog would. The second thing I did, then, was to put half the food back in the bag. Then I emptied some of the water out, too, since that could cause a mess if someone bumped it.

These, then, are the 3 most common mistakes first-time cat owners make and how to fix them:

1. Over-filling bowls and pans. There really only needs to be no more than 2 inches of sand in the litter pan. It's not only easier for the cat, but easier for the human to scoop out the solids, and there is less chance of strewing sand everywhere.

Filling food bowls isn't even necessary. According to many pet nutrition experts, cats only need about one half to one cup of food, twice a day, depending on their size and age. Kittens need to eat more often, of course, since they are growing, and senior cats need less, because they have lower energy needs. Also, many experts advise against leaving food out all day to allow "free feeding." Cats like routine, so take advantage of that and keep a meal schedule. Keep only fresh food in the bowl to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and attracting insects.

Plenty of water is no mistake; however, cats don't drink large amounts of water, so a bowl with one to two cups of water is sufficient for the day. Just be sure to change it often enough to keep it fresh... at least daily. Never expect your cat to drink from a slimy bowl with days-old water.

2. Not providing the cat its own bed. Many new cat owners expect kitty to either sleep on the bed with them, or to simply find a quiet corner somewhere for the night. A new cat is not going to be in love with you on the first day, so forget about sharing your bed for now. There are exceptions, but don't insist on it. If it happens, just appreciate it. Always give kitty some time to make the decision to join you, if that's what you want.

Be sure to let him see where he is allowed to sleep. Set up a box, a basket, or a shelf with a towel or fluffy mat for comfort. Sprinkle a little catnip on it to help create some interest, and place the bed in a low-traffic location in your home. Cats value privacy, quiet and security. Even a "wild and crazy" cat needs to get away from the excitement now and then to relax and feel safe.

3. Not providing identification. Many people believe their indoor cats do not need an ID tag. That's true... most of the time. However, many cats have escaped from the house without a collar, tag or any means of identification. Most of them come back inside in a little while, but once in a while, one becomes lost or injured, or frightened, and does not come back.

There is a saying in the rescue community: "Ninety-five percent of pets with no identification are never returned, but ninety-five percent of those with ID are reunited with their owners." It's a loose "statistic," but the concept is valid. Another sad fact is that more effort is made to return a dog than a cat. To be safe, cats should have some identification, even if they are strictly indoors.

For more information about cat care and to get specific questions answered, visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/faq.html

Tips on Caring For a Cat That is Urinating Frequently

Maybe you just took your cat on a walk and your cat is already waiting at the door to go outside again. For a cat frequent urination could be a symptom of many problems so in order to determine the correct course of action, you need to find out what the cause may be.

When my cat is urinating often, I know not to panic. I take her to the vet and get her checked out within one or two days in case there is a serious underlying condition.

Usually in a cat frequent urination is caused by problems in the urinary tract. Male cats are more susceptible to the formation of stones because their urinary tract is long and narrow. Female cats are susceptible to bacterial infections because their ureters are shorter and bacteria can make it up there more easily.

Generally, feline urinary problems are very easy to diagnose. Your vet will take a urine sample. If he detects the presence of bacteria, he will probably recommend treatment with antibiotics.

Antibiotics can be helpful but they will only suppress the symptoms of the problem. In a cat frequent urination and bladder problems are generally chronic in nature so you need to make some lifestyle changes in order to prevent the recurrence of bladder infections and other problems.

When my cat is urinating often, it can be alleviated by the following: clean water intake, a healthy diet, and homeopathy. Clean water is important in order to aid your cat in detoxifying. A healthy diet is important in order to prevent the formation of stones. Raw and home cooked food is the best.

Homeopathy is a very effective natural treatment for urinary problems in cats. No matter what is causing urinary problems in your cat, you should give homeopathy a try. It contains small amounts of effective, plant-based ingredients that help to maintain a healthy urine flow, bladder, and urinary tract.

Another great thing about homeopathic remedies is that they are safe enough to give to your cat everyday and do not cause side effects. On the other hand, antibiotics, herbal remedies, and other medications can be very harsh and actually aggravate the symptoms of any urinary problem in a cat.

In a cat frequent urination is not a death sentence but prompt treatment is necessary. So remember to do the following: 1. Take your cat to the vet, 2. Seek conventional treatment if absolutely necessary, 3. Change his diet, 4. Give him plenty of water, 5. Give him a homeopathic remedy.

If you follow these simple steps, your cat will be able to recover permanently from his urinary problems. Conventional treatment certainly has its place but in a cat frequent urination and its underlying causes are chronic in nature so you need to make preventive treatment a regular part of his lifestyle.

If you want to make sure you are giving your pets the best health care available, please take time to read more about the many natural alternatives at my site: http://www.natural-pet-treatment.com

What Can Cause Cat Urinating Problems and What You Can Do About It

Is your cat acting strange? Is he urinating outside of his litter box or urinating more or less frequently than usual? A cat urination problem can usually be resolved quickly and if left untreated it can become life-threatening so immediate action is necessary.

Cat urinating problems can be health-related or behavioral in nature. Take your cat to the vet if you haven't already to determine what the cause is. If your cat doesn't have an infection or any other health condition, he may have a behavioral problem.

Behavioral problems such as marking can happen if your cat is in heat or if he is under stress. Alleviate stress in your cat's life by avoiding leaving him at home alone and spend quality time with him each day. If your cat is not neutered or spayed, make sure you get that done as well.

A cat urination problem could even be caused by the simple fact that your cat's litter box is dirty. Some cats even avoid litter boxes that have been used just once. Your cat may also be particular about the type of litter used.

De-clawing a cat makes him more likely to have cat urinating problems since claws are their only defense mechanism. They in turn become more territorial and defensive when their claws are removed.

Common health problems that can cause a cat urination problem include urinary tract infection and bladder stones. These problems can be easily alleviated if you take your cat to the vet.

Urinary tract infections and stones are chronic problems so you need to make sure you use preventive treatment. Stones will have to be dissolved with special treatment by the vet but you can prevent their recurrence by giving your cat a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic remedies aim at curing your cat's urinary problems rather than just treating them. Your cat's bladder will be healthier and his urine will flow freely if you give him a homeopathic remedy twice a day that contains urinary tonics such as uva ursi and cantharis.

Unlike herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies are side effect free. They contain only minute traces of natural ingredients that aid your cat's natural healing abilities.

Homeopathy operates on the "like treats like" principle, which means a small amount of an ingredient that would cause the symptoms of UTI in a healthy cat are used to actually get rid of UTI in an infected cat.

To get rid of a cat urination problem, you first have to determine if the cause is medical or behavioral. After doing so, you can help your cat achieve optimal health by treating the problem and making prevention a part of his daily routine with homeopathy.

If you want to make sure you are giving your pets the best health care available, please take time to read more about the many natural alternatives at my site: http://www.natural-pet-treatment.com

8 Ways to Tell If Your Cat Has a Urinary Tract Infection

Boy, did I learn a valuable lesson. My cat was acting lethargic and strange so I got worried and took her to the veterinarian. Turns out she had a urinary tract infection that had traveled up to her kidneys! My veterinarian told me that if I had waited any longer, my poor cat would have died. That was a wake-up call for me and made me realize that in order to keep my cat safe, I needed to learn what the signs and symptoms of cat urinary infection were so I could spot it quickly. Here are 8 ways to tell if your cat has a urinary infection before it's too late.

1. If your cat is cringing in pain while urinating, this is a definite sign of cat urinary problems. It's important to know how your cat normally behaves in order to detect any unusual behavior.

2. Excessive grooming of the genitals can possibly be a sign of cat urinary infection, especially if your cat is crying while grooming.

3. Is your cat urinating more or less frequently than usual? Take note of any changes in urination patterns.

4. Dehydration can be one of the first signs of cat urinary problems so if you notice your cat drinking more water than usual, your cat could possibly be suffering from a urinary tract infection.

5. Let your cat urinate on a light-colored surface. If you see traces of blood in your cat's urine, it is most likely a sign of cat urinary infection. Take your cat to a veterinarian for immediate diagnosis.

6. If your cat is urinating outside of its litter box, it is a sign of cat urinary problems. This happens because your cat associates the pain of urinating with the litter box and therefore tries to avoid it all costs.

7. If your cat has a fever, and tender abdomen when you pick it up this is also a uti symptom you should be concerned about. Lethargy is a sign of the later stages of uti.

8. If your cat stops urinating altogether, it is a serious red flag and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. If your cat goes even 3 to 4 days without urinating, it can be fatal.

In conclusion, if you want to treat your cat's urinary tract infection before it's too late, it's important to keep abreast of these signs and symptoms. Cat urinary infection can be fatal if not treated in time. The best way to treat these symptoms however is at home with a homeopathic remedy before they spiral out of control. Your first step should be to go to a veterinarian and get a correct diagnosis. Then you can administer a homeopathic remedy and make some important lifestyle changes. By doing so, you can kill two birds with one stone and treat the infection while preventing recurrence.

John Paduchak is a pet enthusiast and webmaster of http://pet-bladder-health.com and http://mariespetshop.com Throughout his life, John grew up on a 140 acre farm in upstate NY and had pet friends of many varieties. Now he currently has 3 cats, freshwater tropical fish, & 4 hermit crabs that he shares with his daughter, Marie. A strong supporter of naturopathy for pets he publishes articles on their care and training.

Cat Bladder Disease - Take a Fast Track to Preventing Cat Urinary Problems Symptoms of Feline UTI

Holistic veterinarians concur that there are natural substances that reverse cat bladder disease. There are some great natural remedies that fight off the most common causes of cat urinary problems symptoms of cat UTI that you can get without a veterinary prescription. Here's how to get your cat on a fast track to prevention and recovery from cat urinary problems.

Many synthetic products that are available through a veterinarian's prescription actually cause problems to crop up in other areas of your cat's internal systems. Antibiotics are notorious for destroying the natural flora in your cat's urinary tract which can actually aggravate feline bladder disease. Today's holistic veterinarians are turning away from prescribing antibiotics in favor of natural remedies.

Holistic vets are using the information that they have about feline bladder disease to match natural compounds that prevent the causes of cat bladder disease. They find that many cat patients suffering from a feline UTI have also recently experienced stressful situations.

Stress can be caused by a number of changes in your cat's environment like moving to a new home, adding family members or new partners, adding new pets and even having a stray cat hanging around the neighborhood. Needless to say, these are things that you can't easily 'take out' of your life once they are in it. As long as they remain they continue to stress your cat until he can become accustomed to these changes.

Your cat's pH level in his urinary track gets out of whack when he endures prolonged periods of stress. An inappropriate pH level opens the door for an increase in harmful bacteria in your cat. The bacteria take over and cause an infection.

Arctostaphylos uva ursi is a well known urinary tonic that helps maintain normal pH levels in the urinary tract. Berberis vulgaris is an herb which contains berberine which is well known for its restorative effect on the bladder and urinary tract. Berberis also helps to support a healthy immune system. Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) is one of the best known herbs for soothing the nervous system.

All these tonics are found in commercially produced remedies. The best part is they are really easy to administer to your cat. No pills or shots. Just a pinch added to his food once or twice a day and he's on his way back to a healthy urinary tract system.

A word or caution. Cat bladder disease is nothing to take lightly. In fact, it might even develop into a feline urinary tract blockage. It is critical to get that ruled out by your veterinarian as it can quickly turn into a fatal condition.

What next? You want to find ingredients that complement your cat's naturally occurring flora in his body. Its easy to help him deal with stressful situations with a pinch of nature in his cat food. You can give this to him over a longer period of time which you can not do with antibiotics. This puts your cat in the perfect position to reduce stress naturally and prevent cat bladder disease.

With all of the current research finding natural substances that reverse cat urinary problems symptoms, it is easy to help your cat ward off feline bladder disease even during stress filled times.

Kate Rieger has been owned by 15+ cats and is a champion of spay and release for her feral cat neighbors. She is partnered with the Kentucky S.N.I.P clinic and together through adoptions, education programs and spay/neuter efforts, they provide affordable solutions to reducing the pet overpopulation crisis in the Kentuckiana region. While she would like to extend the concept of using natural remedies for treating cat urinary problems symptoms to every cat in the neighborhood, she takes it one step at a time. Visit her at http://www.Pet-Natural-Remedies.com to find more about natural cat care products.

The Truth About Cat Food, Urinary Health, and Supplements

If you are wondering if there's a link between cat food urinary health and nutrition, then you're beginning to realize the importance of quality food for your cat. Unfortunately, the typical cat food that you buy at the grocery store is full of fillers, processed grains, food dyes and preservatives. In this article, you'll learn why processed cat food can be detrimental to your cat's health and what to give your pet instead.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Processed Cat Food

What's wrong with the kibble that you usually feed your cat? Check the label and you will see some ingredients that are not healthy for your cat. For instance, processed grains can affect the pH of your cat's urine and actually promote the growth of bacteria. Dyes, preservatives and other chemicals are not good for your cat's sensitive digestive system.

By changing your cat's diet to a healthier, more balanced diet and including a few important supplements, you can boost your cat's immunity and help free your pet from common urinary problems.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Natural Food

Just as some mothers make homemade baby food for their babies, you can make healthy food for your cat at home. For optimal health, cook meat, chicken or fish with finely chopped vegetables. Sometimes I cook the meat in a bit of broth to make it even more flavorful. Cook enough to last a number of days or even the entire week and store in a plastic container. Since your cat will be getting lots of nutrients from these healthy meals, he will probably need to eat less than he normally does.

If you do feel you have the time to make your cat healthy food, then find a packaged food that is organic and does not contain additives, preservatives, food dyes or fillers. Be prepared to pay more money for such high quality food.

It goes without saying that you need to make sure your cat always has healthy, clean water, but many pet owners do not know that the chemicals in tap water are not good for cats. Always give your pet filtered water.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Supplements

Giving your cat a few daily supplements will help boost immunity and support and maintain bladder health. These supplements are not expensive and they will save you from going to the vet. Vitamin C is important because it is a natural antioxidant which fights cancer and reduces inflammation. Cranberry juice (or a cranberry supplement) prevents growth of bacteria in the bladder lining.

Another important step is to give your cat a homeopathic remedy, designed specifically for bladder health. The best natural remedies are gentle, but work as effectively as antibiotics and can be used both to treat and prevent common urinary problems. The supplements are easy to administer since they come in granular form: you simply sprinkle some on top of your cat's healthy food or drop a few granules into his mouth. By giving your cat a few supplements and healthy cat food urinary health will be a given.

Since all homeopathic remedies are not manufactured to the same standards, take some time, do a little research and look for a supplement that has proven ingredients such as uva ursi, berberis and cantharis.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health at http://www.pet-ut-health.com

The Best Way to Prevent and Treat Cat Urinary Problems Symptoms

Cat urinary problems symptoms can be very painful for your furry friend and require multiple trips to the vet. In this article, you'll learn about the ingredients in cat food that could be contributing to your cat's health issues and burning a hole in your wallet. You'll also learn what to feed your cat instead.

Unfortunately, most cat food is processed. This means it is full of artificial colorings, fillers, preservatives and cheap grains. Since the type of food your cat eats determines the pH of the urine (and this determines your cat's bladder health), your cat's diet is a big factor in his ability to build immunity and overcome disease.

What most cat owners fall to realize is that cat urinary problems symptoms can be eradicated by making simple dietary changes and by giving certain supplements. Doing this is easy and inexpensive and will minimize office visits to the vet.

Minimizing Cat Urinary Problems Symptoms through Diet

If you make your own cat food at home, you can ensure that you're giving your cat the very best. Food is our medicine. This is true for humans as well as cats. What we put into our bodies on a regular basis is what determines our future state of health.

So make your cat a protein-based diet with some meat or fish, broth and shredded bits of vegetables. You can make this easily in a food processor or blender. Adding acidic fruits to your cat's diet will help maintain a proper pH in the urine. Cranberry juice (prevents the growth of bacteria in the bladder lining) and a vitamin C supplements (works as a natural anti-inflammatory) go a long way to support bladder health.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean filtered water. Do not give your cat tap water because it is full of chemicals. Also make sure to keep your cat's litter box clean to give your pet a pleasant place to urinate.

In addition, I recommend that you give your cat a homeopathic remedy, specifically designed to support cat bladder health. These all-natural preparations can be used for both treatment and prevention of cat urinary problems symptoms. They are as effective as antibiotics, but are gentle and have no side effects. Since they come in granular form, they are easy to administer: just sprinkle some into your cat's food or drop a few granules on his tongue.

Your best course of action? Create a daily routine for prevention of cat urinary problems symptoms. Make your cat's food once per week and store it in a plastic container. Your cat will probably eat less because he will be getting quality nutrients from each meal. Make sure to give your cat a daily supplement of vitamin C and a homeopathic remedy designed to build immunity and restore and maintain bladder health.

Since all homeopathic remedies are not created equal, make sure to find one that contains proven ingredients like uva ursi, berberis and cantharis.

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health at http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

A Cat Inspired Christmas Tree With Christmas Cat Ornaments

The Yuletide season requires loads of planning, conceptualizing and decorating, making it a good time of year for families to bond and spend quality time with each other. Every member of the family will get a chance to contribute to decorating the home, and everyone will have a say in the theme that will inspire the Christmas decorations. So if you happen to be a cat lover, then your favorite pet may also make a cool contribution to your Christmas experience. Imagine your Christmas theme this year with a touch of the felines. Your cat will definitely have that quizzical look on her elegant face as she sees the entire kitty inspired features of your Christmas decorations.

Starting with the Christmas tree, the best possible way to give it a cattish feel is by trimming it with Christmas cat ornaments to give the whole tree a cat inspired theme. You can easily find Christmas cat ornaments for sale in the department stores or better still, how about making your own Christmas cat ornaments to add a more personal touch to your tree? And what better way of making your own Christmas cat ornaments than doing it with your kids! All you need are some handy materials, cutting tools, painting sets and sheer creativity.

One problem you may find is when your cat gets really curious about all those enticing cat Christmas baubles and cat Christmas bells hanging on the tree. I for one actually do not find this to be a problem, and I enjoy seeing my feline friend exquisitely playing with the Christmas tree decorations - as long as she does not try to eat the Christmas lights of course. But if you have a problem with this sort of cat behavior, I have the right Christmas cat ornament for you.

This Christmas, cat decorations that you can make with your children will not only liven up your Christmas tree, but also warn you when your cat starts playing with them. This is how it's done: first of all, you will need some empty plastic Easter eggs, wire in a variety of different colors, some small bells, paints, wire cutters, sheets of felt, glue, glitter, and a small drill or a push pin. Then you need to cut the plastic Easter eggs into halves, and put some designs onto them using the paint, shapes cut from felt, glue and glitter. Just remember to make sure that your design is appropriately cattish. You can draw cats, kittens or anything that has something to do with cats on your halved plastic Easter eggs. When you have done this, put your masterpieces on one side to dry, and start cutting the wire into lengths of three to four inches. You can then twist-tie the colorful wires onto your bells. After doing this, your painted egg halves will probably be dry, so you can now put a hole in the top of each one using the small drill, or by heating a push pin in a flame and then pressing the heated point through the top of the egg.

You can then put the wires with the bells on them through the holes. Loop the end of the wire around your finger and twist tie it to the base. You then have your cat Christmas bells ready for hanging. After putting them up, you can all appreciate the team effort, and when you hear the bells ringing, the culprit is on the loose.

The article written by Zarqoo Zaimoo. Please visit Christmas Cat Ornaments for more information.

You Can Train a Dog But Can You Train a Cat?

Now there has been an age old debate about which is smarter cats or dogs. Proponents of cat intelligence being superior use anything and everything at hand to prove their point. According to them a cat is elusive and independent because they are so intelligent. Intelligent enough that they just use you and when they do play with you and show you affection it is always with an ulterior motive. You simply need to remember Morris the cat or be a Garfield fan to see this.

Dogs, on the other hand can be trained to rollover, play dead, sit, fetch, stay, play Frisbee, play with the ball, and do all kinds of other amazing things. Just look at Lassie, Rin Tin Tin or the Doberman Gang. Another strong argument for the dog is the pet shows and home video shows on TV. There are bunches of other amazing dogs that do tricks in the movies and on TV. I don't recall any trick cats.

Then you've got trained police dogs, seeing-eye dogs, and personal assistant dogs for people with disabilities... service animals, but I've never seen a service cat. Knowing all of this, I had always been on the side of the dog being the more intelligent pet; they can be trained! But now... I'm split at best, because....

You can train a cat. You can train a cat to do all kinds of amazing tricks and not only that; you can train a cat to obey your commands. I did not believe it but now I know it to be true. Daniel Stevens and his good folks have a training course designed especially for cats. Your friends and family will be amazed. Heck, you will be amazed; I was. I've always thought of cats as un-trainable. But it's simply not true... you can train a cat.

The only disadvantage to this that I can see is that it gives the proponents of cats having a greater intelligence than dogs way more ammunition. And the debate rages on because both are trainable.

I'm Rusty. I love pets; dogs and cats are great. But as much as you love them you want them to be well behaved. As intelligent as pets are, they seem more intelligent if they listen to you. If you want to know more about how to get the most out of your kitty cat friend this is a great resource!

7 Signs of Cat Urinary Infection

It's unbelievable how many cats suffer unnecessarily from cat urinary infection. When spotted quickly, this infection can be treated easily and effectively at home. If you wait too long, the infection can travel up the kidneys and become fatal. That's why it's important to be able to spot infections early. Here are 7 signs of feline urinary infection that you should keep an eye out for.

1. Is your cat urinating more or less frequently than usual? This is often the first sign of urinary problems. You have to keep tabs on your cat's behavior because these problems often creep up unexpectedly.

Most cats have a high tolerance for pain so you may not notice any other behavior that is indicative of urinary problems. If you notice any changes in urination patterns, you should suspect an infection.

2. A urinary infection will sometimes cause your cat to act lethargic. If he is lacking energy, there could be many underlying problems but a urinary infection could be it.

Check for other signs of urinary problems as well. To strengthen your cat's immune system to fight urinary infection or any other illness, give your cat a homeopathic formula.

3. If his urine has a foul smell, then urinary problems may be the cause. Give him plenty of fresh, filtered water to drink to help flush out the harmful bacteria.

4. Is your pet having trouble urinating? Straining to urinate is a symptom of urinary problems. Also, if he tries to urinate frequently but only drops of urine come out, he may be suffering from a urinary infection.

5. If you notice your cat grooming his genitals more than usual this can be a sign of urinary problems, especially if accompanied by crying. This means he is in pain from an infection and you need to get him treated immediately. A homeopathic remedy can help to alleviate the painful symptoms.

6. Does he have a fever? Is his lower abdomen tender? This too, is a sign of a urinary infection so you need to get him treated immediately. No matter what treatment route you take, a homeopathic remedy is a safe and natural way to assist in the healing process.

7. Is your cat urinating in inappropriate places? If kitty has turned your house into a giant litter box, you can almost definitely suspect that urinary problems are the cause. Generally, painful urination from a urinary infection will make him want to urinate outside of his litter box because he starts to associate the pain of urination with the litter box.

A diet of only raw, unprocessed foods, and a homeopathic approach can go a long way to returning your pet to normalcy.

So there you have it. Cat urinary infection is highly treatable with home remedies if you spot it in time. Don't wait till he is in severe pain to react. Keep a close watch on your cat so you can quickly notice unusual behavior and do something about it. Urinary problems can be treated easily at home and by doing so you can save yourself and your pet a lot of trouble.

Jeremy R Fleming is a health advocate and has done many years of research on natural remedies as a safe and effective alternative for pet health. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health on his website at http://www.pet-immune-health.com

Pet Bladder Infections - 3 Proven Steps to Treat Your Cat Or Dog Bladder Infection

Ever wondered if there is a way to treat pet bladder infections at home? More and more veterinarians and pet owners are opting for natural treatments for pet bladder problems in order to correct the imbalances that allow bacteria to thrive.

Unlike prescription antibiotics, these home remedies are available to you over-the-counter and are completely safe. Here are 3 ways to treat bladder infections in your pet quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home.

1. Pet bladder infection medication, like an antibiotic, should be treated as a last resort because it is very strong and has unwanted side effects. In fact, antibiotics can aggravate the condition by causing a pH imbalance in your pet's urinary tract. Instead, give your pet a small amount of a homeopathic remedy containing Berberis vulgaris and Arctostaphylos uva ursi.

Arctostaphylos uva ursi helps the bladder get back to its normal pH level. Berberis vulgaris is an anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammation caused by infection. Make sure to give your pet commercially prepared ingredients to guarantee the quality of the contents.

2. Diet has a lot to do with causing or aggravating pet bladder infections. Commercial pet food contains a lot of harmful chemical ingredients like preservatives, coloring, and flavoring that can weaken your pet's immune system. Give your pet raw, unprocessed, and uncooked meat. Studies show that cats and dogs miss out on a lot of nutrition in commercial pet foods. These are also packed with unnecessary grains that only fatten your pet.

3. Dehydration can cause bladder problems in your pet and it can be a symptom of bladder problems as well. Whether you are using a prescription pet bladder infection medication or a natural homeopathic remedy, be sure your pet gets lots of water to drink. Water flushes out the harmful bacteria causing the bladder infection. If you are feeding a canned pet food, add a little water to the product. Refresh your pet's water bowls daily.

How To Use A Homeopathic Remedy To Treat Pet Bladder Infections

A homeopathic remedy is easy to administer because it comes in a granular form that you can sprinkle on your pet's tongue or in his food. This remedy addresses the underlying problem causing pet bladder infections. It can be used both as a preventive method and treatment. It is 100% safe, affordable, and side effect free so you can give it to your pet every day.

Home treatments are gentle and effective where prescription drug treatments have harsh side effects. Do your pet a favor and try a homeopathic solution at home before a preventable problem turns into an emergency.

Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky S.N.I.P clinic and together they provide affordable natural alternatives for treating pets in the Kentuckiana region. While she would like to extend simple, natural care to every pet in the neighborhood she takes it one pet at a time. Visit Kate's site today to find more options for treating pet ailments and pet bladder infections. Start protecting your best 4-legged friend and naturalize your pet health care today.

How to Choose Best Cat Food

My cat, Goma is a white cat with one yellow and blue eye. As you may know (that I did not know when I adapted her) white cat tends to have generic weakness. As expected, when Goma was small, she had numerous problems such as constant eye secretion, blocked nose etc. That was the time I started looking into what is the best cat food I could provide for her.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to Best food for Cats, also thanks to Internet, you can mail order pretty much any type of food for cats. But before you pick, you may want to know basic information and so can make informed decision. Three main types are: Raw, Homemade and Organic.

Raw cat meal is literally Raw meat you get from butcher shop. You want to make sure the quality of the meat you are getting. Preferably organic, if not ones without use of hormones and pesticides. The parts you want to get are muscle meat not organs and livers. Chicken neck is a great for snacking as well as teeth cleaning. It is said to be fairly close to what Cats used to eat.

Homemade Choice is something you can prepare with the meat mentioned above. The difference is you add some heat so it is cooked therefore you want to add some vitamins and additional supplement for it. It can be cooked in a butch and freeze it. The advantage of homemade cat food is that you know exactly what the ingredient is and can be economical than buying commercially prepared cat food.

Organic option is pre-packed cat food with organic ingredients. With all sort of pet food recalls, if you are buying can or dry food, you want to make sure that ingredients are safe and natural.

These are main three types of Best Cat Food styles available. It can be confusing but I guess if you can remember the fundamentals: Cats are Carnivores. No matter which style of food you provide, Cats needs intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, Taurine, Selenium, Vitamins A, C, K, D and E, Calcium, Gamma Linolenic Acid, L-Glutamine, DL-Methionine, B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12).

The rest depends on your time (and your devotion) and budget.

Ay Harford has been a serious about best cat food since adapting her first cat. Along the way, she found numerous way to feed healthy diet for cats and would love to share her experience. Check her site at http://OrganicCatFoodBlog.com and please share your experience as well.

8 Secrets For Giving a Cat a Bath

There are some real good reasons why we don't often have to bathe cats. First of all, they typically do a good job of grooming themselves. Secondly, they hate it. If you find yourself needing to bathe your cat, follow these steps to get the job done.

Step 1: Put on a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt. Your cat will attempt to scratch you during his bath and you should attempt to protect yourself. (You can't really blame him can you?)

Step 2: Proper grooming begins with trimming your cat's nails and brushing out the tangles in his hair.

Step 3: If you are bathing your cat in a tub or sink, fill it with lukewarm water at a height of no more than 6 inches. Gather the supplies that you will need, including towels, a cup for rinsing, shampoo and treats.

Step 4: Pick up your cat and stroke him soothingly while carrying him towards the bath. Give him lots of praise. Prepare him for the water ahead by cupping some water in your hand and stroking your wet hand over his fur. Don't be surprised if this upsets him.

Step 5: Set your cat in the water while pouring small handfuls of water over his body from his neck down. Do not pour water over his head. Transition from handfuls of water to the cup filled with water until your cat is sufficiently wet.

Step 6: Lather the shampoo into your cat's fur, making sure to get under his belly and arms, but still avoiding his head and face. Gentle massaging might be the way to win your cat over during his bath.

Step 7: It's very important that you rinse your cat of all the shampoo, no matter how unhappy it makes him. Using the cup again, pour warm water over him until the water runs clear and you know there are no suds left behind to irritate his skin.

Step 8: Leave the mess behind to clean up later. Right now your cat deserves to be swaddled into a towel and hand fed treats and praise until he is calm (and dry!) It's important to note that when you release him from the towel, you'll want to watch that he doesn't roll around in his litter box. After he's calmed down, you might want to try to wash his face using a washcloth.

This article was provided by discount-pet-mall and written by Shelly S. Visit her site for unique shopping to find dog beds and dog gates.

Popular Purebred Cat Breeds

British Short Hair

British short hair cats are one of the oldest English breeds of cats and their ancestry can be traced back to Rome. This breed was first known for its hunting ability due to its physical strength. However, this breed is equally recognized for its calm demeanor and loyalty. The British short hair has a short plush coat that is very soft and easy to groom. These cats are larger in size and they prefer to stay on the ground. They make great family pets and are very loyal companions. The original colour of these cats was a grayish blue now you can find these lovable animals in a variety of colours.

Birman

Birman cats are believed to have originated in Burma and they were considered sacred animals and belonged to the high priests. It is believed that this breed was established in the Western world around 1925. These cats are lovable companions and have very distinctive markings.

Birman cats are usually large long and stocky. They have long silky hair but it is not as thick as the Persian cat and does not matt easily. Their coat is usually light in colour with a golden cast. The points on the face, legs and tail are darker and are similar to the Siamese. They have big broad blue eyes and a strong looking face. The one distinctive thing about the Birman cat that makes them stand out from the others is their very distinctive white feet. These cats have great personalities which make them good family pets and companions.

Burmese

Burmese cats get their distinctive colors from selective breeding to Siamese cats. They come in a variety of different colours including stable, champagne, blue and platinum. Their coats are very short and have a silk-like texture which means they need little grooming. Burmese cats are compact and have rounder heads and large expressive eyes.

These cats are quite lively and like to play even when they are adults. Burmese cats are very intelligent and they each seem to have their own distinct personality. Some people say they have dog-like tendencies because they like to shadow their owner and have a desire to give and receive affection. They love to be around people and are great companions.

Persian Long Hair

Persians were named for the country they originated in and their heritage is said to be traced back to 1600 B.C. but no one knows their exact beginnings. They have long flowing coats and very distinctive faces which make them a very popular breed. Persians are sweet and gentle and fit well in any family. They have short heavy legs to support their broad short bodies and like to have their feet firmly planted on the ground. They are not into climbing and jumping. They can be playful but like to lounge around in their favourite chair or a window.

Persians should be kept indoors due to their long flowing coats. They are high maintenance as far as grooming is concerned. They need to be combed daily to eliminate tangles and hairballs. When most people think of the Persian cat they think of the colour white but actually Persians come in and array of colors including solid colors,, tabby and bicolor.

These cats can easily live to be 20 years old with proper care and annual visits to the veterinarian. They are beautiful cats to look at and their gentle nature also makes them ideal for any type of family. These are just a few of the more popular breeds that work well with families. There are many more types of purebred cats that are just as friendly and popular as those mentioned above including the Manx and the Siamese cat. Purebred cats can be expensive and you need to make sure that they had the proper nutrition and are kept healthy. This can be done by keeping them indoors and taking them annually to your veterinarian. To make sure your purebred cat stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you should consider buying cat insurance in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get pet insurance for your feline companion.

So please visit us to see how we can help protect your pet - you can buy online easily too at Pet Insurance by Animal Friendsor simply call our friendly staff if you prefer on 0844 55 70 300; the policies won't cost you more and you won't be disappointed!

Toilet Train Kitty? Why? Why Not?

No matter how much we love our cats, cleaning up their litter box can get tiresome. At times like these, you think how wonderful it is if you can toilet train cats. If only our little tigers could go to the toilet to poop and pee, it would save us so much trouble... and money too!

How To Toilet Train Your Cat

Actually, there is a way to toilet train your cat. Note that only adult cats should be trained to use the toilet. Kittens are at too much risk of falling in and drowning.

The first step of toilet training cats is to get them to use their litter box in the toilet. Once they are comfortable using their litter box right beside the toilet bowl, you can slowly raise it (the litter box) until it is level with the toilet.

At this point, you will need a bowl which will fit into the toilet. Obviously, you need to keep the lid up and the seat down. This bowl replaces the litter box. Once your cat can balance himself on the toilet seat, you can remove the bowl. From now on, your cat is toilet trained and you will not have to deal with cleaning his litter box ever again.

But If It's So Great, Why Don't More People Toilet Train Cats?

Having a toilet trained cat sounds great, doesn't it? But then, why don't we hear more about it? Why aren't there cat trainers popping up left and right to offer this service?

There are several problems. First, you need to share the toilet with kitty. And the toilet door needs to be left open all the time. In a small apartment, these are big issues. Oh yes, you also need to always remember to leave the lid up and the seat down. You, and everyone else who uses the toilet. And don't forget that you still need to flush the toilet yourself.

Apart from this, some cats just won't go into the toilet. And some cats never get the hang of balancing themselves on the toilet seat. In addition, once kitty gets old and arthritic, the gymnastics of jumping up and balancing himself on the toilet seat becomes difficult. Once this happens, he'll probably start doing his business in various corners of the house again. At this point of time, it might be difficult to re-train him to use a litter box again.

Some cat lovers also worry - what if kitty slips and falls in? Isn't it dangerous? This is one of the main reasons I still prefer the litter box for my cats.

However, for many cat owners, the biggest problem is time. Toilet training a cat can take a lot of time and patience, even more than litter training a cat. Some lucky cat owners say their cats learn to use the toilet in just three months. Others reported that they needed a year or more to toilet train their cats.

As you can see, there are reasons why not many people toilet train cats. I prefer to stick to a manual litter box, but other cat owners have switched to automatic cat litter boxes.

Does kitty make a mess at home? Visit http://cattraining.kelvinmart.com/ to learn more about cat behavior problems and litter training cats.

Grooming Your Cats

Cats are by personality very playful and mischievous and if they are left unattended, they are inclined to scratch the household furniture. In order to occupy the cats, you can purchase a scratching post for them to claw and enjoy themselves. With a scratching post, sometimes you might need to train the cats to concentrate on them instead of scratching your furniture.

In addition to that, you might need to fetch the cats around, so buying a cat carrier can come in handy. That can thwart the cats from scratching your car or your body while you transport them around. Cats are adorable and a great companion as well as cheap to maintain as they will play with most of what is around the house. They tend to chew and bite whatever they can lay their hands on so it is better to ensure that you keep those dangerous and valuable things away from them.

To make the toys safe, you can acquire ball that is small and bounce for them to play with. A wooden thread pool can be a great toy for cats as well in addition to balled up paper. You can get boxes and gift bags packed with tissue to amuse them too.

Items to steer clear off so as not causing any harm are:
o Balls of string, yarn, or spools with thread on them
o Whatever thing with wire in it
o Whatever thing aluminum or cellophane
o All Plastic bags
o Any Rubber bands
o Avoid things that are sharp or pointy
o Avoid things that can break and hurt your cat
o Avoid things that they can chew off and get stuck in their throat

Get identification tag for your cats so that in the event that they are lost, they can be brought back. Grooming a cat is necessary so you will need to purchase those indispensable tools such as a flea comb and a brush. That will help to ward off hairball as that will cause fur to settle down on your furniture.

Cats are great companion and they can bring a lot of joy to your life. They are beautiful as well as jazz up your house but you must groom it well and take care of their fundamental needs by providing the essential toys for them to fill up their time. A well groom cat will bring unexpected joy and reassurance in bad times and fill part of your emotional needs.

Jason is a lover of pets and cats are fun, mysterious and playful making them great companion. You can check out the website at [http://www.groomingyourcats.com/]

Cat Fleas - The Most Common Type of Flea to Infest Your Pets

Cat fleas are the most common type of flea to infest homes. While their primary target is felines, the cat flea will also target dogs, as well as people. As such, these fleas should be killed upon discovery, as they can cause disease, as well as great discomfort to your animals.

Cat fleas are small insects that are known to be excellent jumpers. They breed in the fur of cats and dogs, feeding and nesting on the host. This can cause discomfort, as well as promote the development of allergies in the host or in humans. These allergies can transform an irritating bite into a severe problem. While their primary target is cats, they will accept whatever meals that they can get, which makes them a dangerous pest to have in your home.

There are several ways to cope with cat fleas. The most common treatments include putting your pet on Advantage or Front Line, in combination with flea baths to remove the fleas that have already taken hold on your pet. As these fleas can leave a black, chunky residue on fur or in hair, it is vital that they are removed for sanitary and aesthetic reasons.

If you are suffering from a several infestation of cat fleas, there are several things that you can do. First, you can treat your pets, dehumidify your home and place repellents against fleas in your home. These are all protective measures that should help ease the number of fleas that enter your home. Once you have blocked more fleas from entry, you can take more drastic measures at removing the fleas that are already there.

One of the quickest, but more toxic methods of removing fleas is through sprays and flea foggers. These products take time to set up, but are extremely effective at killing flea populations. Flea food traps, which poison the fleas and prevent them from breeding, are also popular, as they can be hidden away. These traps are very similar to bug traps. The downside to these traps is that it takes a great deal of time for the infestation to go away, unlike flea foggers.

If you are being bitten by cat fleas, you may want to consult your doctor. As fleas are disease carriers, you should be wary of any symptoms that occur after flea bites. If you suspect you have been diseased by fleas, treatment by your doctor can help reduce the discomfort and long term effects of the flea bite.

Scott Harker is the publisher of Pestbattle.com which has a section of articles about fleas and how to protect your pets from them. These articles can be found at Battling Fleas. Additionally, the author has published an e-book that is a must if you want to be successful in ridding your home and life of fleas. The e-book is available at How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas.

How to Stop Cat Scratching Problems

For many, understanding the reasons behind why cats need to scratch has remained an elusive mystery. From the wild cats of the jungle to the domesticated feline companion, scratching has been a means for survival. This predisposed instinct has unfortunately led to the untimely demise of our sofas, window screens, curtains and walls. In order to decide what the best methods for alleviating this problem are, you must first understand why it is done.

In the wilds of the mighty jungle, it was necessary for cats to be mighty hunters in order to survive. Cats instinctively used their claws as a means for support for climbing trees, giving them the opportunity to pounce on their unsuspecting prey. Razor sharp claws were required for hunting as well as fending off other predators. Today, the domesticated cat does not have to depend on their skills as a hunter as their food bowls are always full. However, the instincts to keep their nails hunter ready are still there.

Not only is the act of scratching a way to sharpen claws, it is also a way to trim them as well. In addition, cat scratching is significant in that it is used for the purposes of marking territory. When cats scratch a surface or object, they are also releasing a chemical that is marking their scent, letting other area cats, whether in the same household or general location know that this is their territory. Scratching is also a great way for cats to work out any muscle tension they may have or as a means to release excess energy.

The most common and frequently used method for deterring cats from scratching and damaging our possessions is to have them de-clawed. However, this method does require your cat to undergo anesthesia which comes with some minor risks. Before you make the decision to de-claw, there are other alternatives available for consideration.

Scratching posts are an excellent choice for giving your cat his own personal area to scratch. They are available at pet stores and online. They can come as part of a fancy cat condo or as single models in many colors and styles. A scratching post can also be cost effective as it is a simple project you can create yourself. All that is required is a two foot tall section of a four by four combined with a two foot by two foot section of durable plywood and a small piece of carpeting.

Another inexpensive item available for cat scratching is scratching mats. Regardless of which you choose it is important that you place it as close to your cat's favorite scratching area at first. After your cat has become accustomed to using the post instead of your furniture or walls, gradually move it away from those areas.

Another option for discouraging your cat from scratching where you don't him too is by using a pet repellant spray. All that is required is a quick spray on the area you wish your cat to stay away from. This product, most commonly referred to as Bitter Apple spray, is an unpleasant tasting liquid that gets on their paws after scratching and they do not like the taste.

Although this method is effective, it is wise to test a small area of carpet or upholstery to ensure the repellant does not alter the material in any way. Some additional helpful hints include wrapping the areas in aluminum foil or placing tape on the area, sticky side up. Cats definitely do not like anything sticking to their paws.

As a final result, many people have tried using nail caps. Just as a manicurist would place faux nails on your fingers, these caps are placed on a previously filed down nail using a pet friendly adhesive. Of course, just as faux nails do, these caps also tend to fall off.

If you have tried every alternative and your cat still can not break this habit, surgery may be the only answer. Weighing the positives and negatives to each of the methods, along with consulting a veterinarian will help you make the right decision for both you and your cat.

Moses Wright is a cat lover and likes to help new cat owners learn more about their cat breed. You can find more resources on cat illnesses symptoms and treatments and cat behavior at his site.

Cat Furniture - The Indispensable Element in a Cat Lover's Home

Cat furniture? The very term may be puzzling for some people. Why on earth would you need a sofa, a chair or a table for a cat?

However, among cat lovers, it has a become common enough phrase. In fact, the concept of cat furniture has gained in popularity, with more people shopping for a cat tree, a cat bed and even cat condos. Not to mention scratching posts, now considered a mandatory item in the cat owner's household.

Why More Cat Furniture?

A major shift in responsible cat care has taken place over the past two decades: more cats  than ever spend their entire life living indoors only. These felines never leave the comfort of their homes, unless traveling to the veterinary clinic in a secure cat carrier. And "comfort of their homes" is more than just a figure of speech in this case.

Raising cats indoors-only has brought on changes relating to cat nutrition, vet care, entertainment and more. By the same token, owners of cats invest more than ever in various items of cat furniture, to create purrfect environments for what they consider to be their "furbabies".

So, why cat furniture for the indoors-only cat household? Let's review the two main advantages of cat furniture.

Cat furniture Can Add space

When we look at a room and try to estimate its size, we tend to look at its width and length, thus measuring its floor space.

Things look different from a feline perspective: you can actually make a room larger, if you take into account the room's height and make good use of vertical space.

The taller units of cat furniture can do just that, adding more surfaces on various levels, in effect creating space where none existed before.

Cat Furniture Can Trigger Exercise

Living indoors is safe and comfortable. It also means a lack of the intense stimuli of outdoors life; and the absence of the intense physical activity associated with having to hunt for food.

Moreover, with owners being away from home for long hours, many cats simply get bored. The result? a cat that sleeps more, gets less exercise and is prone to becoming overweight.

This is where a sturdy, complex set of cat furniture, perhaps decorated with some hanging cat toys, can help. Jumping up, running across beams, climbing, or simply stretching, can all help to keep a cat more active and thus healthier.

Even More Benefits

It doesn't end with exercise and added space. Cat furniture can help in creating a unique environment for your cat, where she may feel safer. Being out of reach of small children, or simply having a nest up on her cat tree, can all add to a cat's sense of security.

Cat furniture can even be an aesthetic addition to your household. A practical and decorative statement which says loud and clear: cats are part of our family.

This article is copyrighted to the writer. You may re-publish it on your website as long as the resource box at the bottom remains intact and with active links. Any other use of this article, in full or in part, is forbidden.

Shop online for cat furniture at Meowhoo.com's Cat Furniture section, or get the latest recommendations on the Cat Shopping Blog - Furniture Category.

10 Tips on Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections

Let's face it. Feline urinary tract infections are very common and they can become fatal if not treated in time. That's why it's important to make preventive treatment a regular part of your cat's routine. Preventing feline urinary tract infections is a lot easier than you think.

Here are 10 tips you can follow to ensure that your cat's urinary infections become a thing of the past along with those expensive visits to the vet.

1.Make sure your cat gets plenty of water to drink. Dehydration is one of the primary causes of feline urinary problems. You can't force your cat to drink water so try soaking his food in water or broth. Also make sure that his water bowl is always full.

2. Just giving your cat water is not enough for preventing feline urinary tract infections. You need to make sure the water is clean. Give your cat fresh, filtered water. Tap water is full of contaminants that can be harmful to your cat's health due to bacteria.

3. If you want to prevent cat urinary tract problems, you need to change your cat's diet completely. Make sure to give him only raw, unprocessed, and home cooked food.

Commercial cat food contains lots of artificial ingredients that can weaken your cat's immune system. Moreover, commercial cat food contains too many carbohydrates, which can alter the pH level of your cat's urine and make it easier for bacteria to flourish.

4. Make sure your cat lives a stress-free lifestyle.? You can do this by spending quality time with your cat and playing with him regularly. Also, if you have to leave him alone, leave him some toys to play with.

5. Give your cat Vitamin C every day. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory and prevents bacteria from adhering to your cat's bladder lining. Your cat will probably need 250mg to 500mg but you can adjust the dose depending on your cat's size.

6. Cranberry juice is very effective for both treating and preventing feline urinary tract infections. It acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria from adhering to the lining of your cat's bladder and urinary tract. Make sure you give your cat 100% cranberry juice and not the kind that contains artificial additives and sugar.

7. Another way you can prevent cat urinary tract problems, is to keep your cat's genital area clean so bacteria doesn't have the chance to flourish. You can do this by washing it with soap and water every day.

8. Make sure your cat's litter box is clean and easily accessible. Preventing feline urinary tract infections is difficult if your cat is constantly holding his urine in for too long.

9. Take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Many pet owners fail to realize that there is an underlying cause to their cats' recurrent urinary problems. Serious diseases like diabetes or birth defects can be the cause of your cat's recurrent urinary infections. Rule out these major problems first before your try to prevent your cat's infections at home.

10. If you want to know how to prevent cat urinary tract problems, give your cat a homeopathic remedy every day. Homeopathy is the hands down best treatment and prevention method for urinary infections.

Homeopathy restores balance at a cellular level and helps to maintain a healthy bladder, healthy urinary tract, healthy urine flow, and strong immune system. Best of all, homeopathic remedies are affordable, 100% safe, and side effect free.

In conclusion, follow these steps for preventive treatment and make them a part of your cat's regular routine. Taking your cat to the vet over and over for recurrent infections is as inconvenient as it is expensive.

Furthermore, urinary problems are very uncomfortable and painful for your cat so you would do well preventing feline urinary tract infections in the first place. By making these simple changes to your cat's lifestyle you will also help him achieve an overall state of good health.

Jeremy R. Fleming is a health enthusiast and has done many years of research on natural remedies as a safe and effective alternative for your pet. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet's urinary tract health at http://www.pet-immune-health.com/

The Perfect Gift - A New Kitten

Bringing home a new cat is an exciting experience. You'll have someone to play with and take care of, essentially a new addition to your home. Before you rush out to an animal shelter, there are a few pointers that can help you choose the perfect cat. Keep these things in mind, and you will be on your way home with a little kitty in no time!

The first thing you should consider is the rest of your family. If other people or animals live in your home, then they may have an effect on which cat you bring home. For instance, if you have a child in the house, then you may choose an adult cat over a kitten, since kittens can be very fragile. The Human Society of the United States recommends adopting a cat at least four months of age if there is a child in the home. On the other hand, you may be looking for a feline to get along with a small dog in the home. You can choose an adult cat or a kitten, since both can adapt to the new friend; but adult cats are often set in their ways, and it may take longer for the two to get along.

Another thing to think about when deciding between an adult cat versus a kitten is time. Kittens require more playtime, training, and attention. They are not as time-consuming as puppies, but they are more time-consuming than adult cats. An adult feline will be fairly independent and is probably already litter box trained. Don't worry, an adult cat can still enjoy your company and adapt to her new life.

The next thing to consider is short hair or long hair. Don't be fooled; both can shed just as much as the other and both require grooming! But, a long-haired cat will need to be brushed more often to prevent mats and tangles. You may not have a preference, but it is something to consider.

Now, once you get to the shelter take time to look around before you get your heart set on one specific cat; you never know what may be around the corner. Remember that cats have a wide range of personalities. Some cats will cry for you and jump around the cage, while others may not even open their eyes when you walk by. No one personality is better than the other; whether you want a high-strung or laid-back cat is completely up to you!

Health is extremely important when choosing an animal. Check out the cat's eyes, ears, and nose. Watery eyes or eyes with discharge can be a sign of a health problem; choose a cat with clear eyes. The same is true with the nose. Make sure the nose is clean and not covered in mucus. It's common for cats to get ear mites, so check the ears for any black, flaky discharge. Keep in mind that ear mites are fairly easy to get rid of, so that health aspect should not necessarily deter you from choosing a specific cat. Also, pay attention to the cat's weight. It should look healthy, but not be too heavy or too skinny. You should be able to feel the cat's ribs (not see them) by barely pressing on the rib cage.

If you ask for assistance, most shelters will allow you to spend some one-on-one time with the feline. Take time to play with a couple of prospects, but play with each individually. Realize that the cat may be a little frightened or nervous, so it may not act completely comfortable around you at first. However, it should not be aggressive toward you. If it hisses, bites, or scratches, then you probably need to look for another cat. If you try to play with or pet the cat, then it should be somewhat responsive. As you play, check out the cat's personality. They are all different, and you may have more fun with one over another.

Choosing a cat at a shelter isn't too tough, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Before you go, decide if you are looking for an adult cat or a kitten. Once you get there, pay attention to the cats' health and personalities. It's up to you which cat you choose, but keep in mind that each is different. You may want one-on-one time with numerous cats before you decide on your new companion.

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Zora is My Best Friend

My Cat, Zora, has become my best friend in the entire world. We share conversations with each other, and sometimes I am even sure she is commenting on my choice of clothing via meow. She looks at me as if to say "Please do not do that. I don't think you are making the right decision." when I am contemplating something that does not meet her approval. She has the best snuggles of anyone I have ever met. Her fur, once unattractive, now has a glossy, beautiful sheen that makes me proud to call her mine. She approves and disapproves of my friends and my lovers. She is my leading authority on whether or not to invite them over again, and she lays on all of my books while I am reading them. She has taken the place of my former best friend who is now married and working through fertility doctors for my replacement. Isn't it funny how that happens?

I never wanted a pet when I was 21. Who has enough time and responsibility for a pet? How would I ever take care of a pet? I work too much. I am on the road too much. I am too young. I don't think I can have pets at this apartment. Why would I want a cat, they just shed hair and stink up the place? The house isn't clean enough, and my roommates are too loud. I might just wait a few years to get a pet, when I have enough time and money to spend with one. Then I think, who wants to raise a pet in this world?

Then you grow up, get organized, and pick up your new best friend at the Humane Society when she is 3 and you are 24. You don't fall in love right away, and you only picked her because something oddly curious appealed to you when she was sitting there staring up at you without saying a word. It is months before you realize that she is almost human even though she sleeps in the same bed as you. One day you wake up and some how you (or she) has made this world where only you two exist, and everyone else comes second. You start to take pictures of her lying in the sun and making funny moves.

Maybe one day she or I will let me get married, and I can go to the fertility clinic, too. Now she and I are too selfish. She hates to see me go to work. I don't think she would allow children. She doesn't even like other cats. She is finally making friends with some of my male friends. She likes the really nice, comfortable ones who have been around a long time and wear sweaters and she even snuggles them when I am not looking. Not that I am jealous or anything. She still doesn't like children, but who has enough time and responsibility for that? I am busy. I work too much.

Amanda Fouts

Cat Behavior

We love our cats but when they go and pee on the carpet that can tend to make our blood pressure to go up a bit. Cats are independent, smart and some may think you don't train cats like you can with dogs. Any animal can be trained.

Problems of cat behavior is one of the most common reasons why cat owners give away their cats to shelters. A couple of reasons is aggression in cats and litter box problems. Many cat owners reach a point where they think they have tried everything and think it is time to give them up.

Stress can lead to additional cat behavior problems, such as depression or litter box avoidance. Take your cat to the vet and make sure his health is ok. If it is then take a look at the cat's environment, it could be making a stressful situation for him.

Some aggressive cat traits and characteristics include: hissing at other cats or humans, scratching or swatting, pouncing upon other pets or humans. This might show that your cat may have some trust issues. With patience, space and lots of love, you can help your cat out.

You cat may not know if you let him up on the table while writing a letter to a friend then when it is time to eat you want him down. He will think it is alright to do it anytime and will be confused about the rules and not know what to do. Don't let him up there at all!

On other cat related topics go to: Learn how to train your cat

Cats - Not Using a Litter Box

Cats not using litter boxes either have a behavioral or medical condition. When it is a medical case it could include a common disease like feline lower urinary tract infection. Signs of this are urinating frequently in small amounts or it can be very painful while urinating to them.

Stress is usually the primary issue for cats not using their box. This would be a behavioral case. This stress could be caused by many different things such as a change in routine or even having a visitor at your house.

Make sure to clean out the litter box on a regular basis. That way it has a nice smell to your cat, he is very clean and doesn't like an unclean toilet, would you. This could help your problem. If not, take him to the vet to be checked to make sure everything is alright. Your cat could have problems, which he might associate the litter box with the pain he is having and not want to use the box.

Another thing is where to place it; it can have an effect on your cat. Cats are very shy toilters! They like privacy while using their box and make sure it is in a quiet area and not around the busy part of your house. You should have one box per cat, plus one.

If you think your cat has health issues of why he is not using the litter box, it is best to take him to the vet to get him checked out and go from there.

On more cat related topics you can go to:

Help your cat avoid urinary tract infections

Commercial Cat Food - Are You Poisoning Your Beloved Cat?

Commercial cat food is killing your cat. This is not a joke but a hard core reality. In today's modern environment and busy lifestyle, a commercial food is considered as the most popular product to feed cats by many cat owners across the globe. But the fact of the matter is that they are feeding fatal chemicals to their cats.

Such a meals contains various harmful ingredients such as intestines, udders, heads, hooves and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. This type of food is not considered convenient for cat consumption. It leads to number of implications and diseases among cats such as allergic skin disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney stones, ear infection and diabetes to name a few. Many chemicals are also added in order to improve the stability, taste or appearance of the food. Additives provide no nutritional value. The cheaper the brand, then generally the full of garbage it is.

The pet food industry is multi million dollar industry and full of hype and false claims. They often deceive the customers by advocating their products as premium, quality and natural. The consumers are made to believe they are feeding their pet's healthy food but the truth is far from reality. The one and only object of the most of cat feed industry is to make profits and for this purpose they produce cheap and harmful products in order to extend their products shelf life. It is very unfortunate to know that some of the biggest names in pet food industry may be doing cats injustice or in some cases may actually be harming them.

If you really love your cat then you must give market products a miss. Instead, you should feed her with a raw meat diet with a little taurine sprinkled on top. Also, while purchasing for your cat keep in mind that the cats are not humans and their dietary requirements are different from that of humans.

The consumers must select a right quality bearing AAFCO guarantee label. Always consult an expert veterinarian. Homemade meals is considered to be a good alternative as it is relatively easier to prepare and also allows you to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Use cooked ground meats such as chicken, turkey or beef for the protein. Enhance the longevity of cat by providing the best cat food. By doing this you will greatly reducing a chance of premature cat death.

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How to Spot Diseases in Your Cat

Whenever a cat becomes ill from any disease which is more than trivial, whether it is a fever, an inflammation of one of the organs, or an injury which is somewhat serious, it shows that it is ill more decidedly than any other animal. It appears sicker with troubles of the same severity than do other animals. With the commencing illness the cat loses its appetite, and seeks a dark corner, where it wants to remain out of sight.

The nose becomes hot, there is a total loss of appetite, the coat becomes dry and harsh, and the animal lies quiet, sleeping most of the time, unless there is any degree of pain, when it gives evidence of it by constant crying.

At the first symptoms of digestive troubles, and even in fevers and other troubles, if the cat can reach a grass-plot it immediately eats a quantity of grass, which it swallows and retains until the stomach is irritated, producing vomiting, and acting as a laxative to the intestines.

A cat may take cold in the head just as a "baby" might do, with inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose, the pharynx or larynx. The symptoms are a discharge from the nostrils, more or less difficulty of breathing, due to the obstruction of the nostrils, which are filled with matter, and choking of the throat, due either to the inflammatory condition of it or to the discharge accumulating in the throat. In the former case pressure on the throat will produce a spasmodic cough, and show that there is a tenderness of this organ.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes leading from the lungs to the exterior. In this the cough is more violent; there is a discharge from the nose and throat, but the amount of phlegm is increased after an attack of coughing. By auscultation, or examining the chest-sounds by the ear, a mucus respiratory sound characterized by fine crackles can be heard as the air passes through the matter which partially fills the bronchi.

Simple colds and bronchitis do not require much treatment. The cat should be placed in a quiet, darkened corner, and be protected from drafts. It should not have food forced upon it, although it should have a small saucer of water, in which can be placed a little bicarbonate of soda and a small saucer of fresh milk, which it can take if it wants. It is better to place only a small quantity of milk at a time, as the owner can then judge how much the cat is taking, and there is no chance of the milk souring.

If there seems much fever, a drop or two of aconite can be placed in two tablespoonfuls of water in the saucer, and renewed when the water is finished. Of course as with giving any medication always consult your vet.

Each and every cat has unique nutritional needs which can be affected by life stage (kitten, adult or senior), differences in personality (high-strung or laid-back), living conditions. Premium Health Food and Supplements can provide your cat with excellent nutrition, every single day.

Most cats spend a good portion of their waking hours grooming themselves and often loose hair is swallowed, which can lead to an accumulation in the stomach commonly known as hairballs. A stronger coat will result in less hair being swallowed during normal grooming, giving your cat supplements will help.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

Providing healthy alternatives for people and pets with natural health products and natural health solutions without harmful side effects. Alice Gines, http://www.peopletopets.com

Diseases of the Cats' Digestive System

Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach is produced by overfeeding and too frequent feeding, or feeding with irritating food, or by the ingestion of foreign bodies or poison in the stomach. It may also be secondary to constitutional diseases.

The symptoms of gastritis are vomiting, first of the contents of the stomach, then of a thick, frothy mucus, and later, perhaps, of blood. The animal shows pain upon pressure on the stomach just at the lower border of the last ribs, which is more or less severe according to the intensity of the inflammation.

If the cat is outside and is able to get at fresh grass, it will itself eat a sufficient quantity to act as a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting, which affords temporary relief. In the house-cat this can be replaced by a cup of tea which is an old remedy used for upset stomachs in people. Brew up a strong cup of tea and allow it to cool and give your cat 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Vomiting is a common problem for cats If your cat is profusely (i.e. every few hours) vomiting then they are probably becoming dehydrated and in need of veterinary care. If your cat is still drinking water and occasionally vomiting then you could try the home remedy.

Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation is much less frequent in the cat than in other animals. On the contrary, there is a tendency in the cat, especially in one kept in the house, to have a certain amount of looseness of the bowels, which would be looked on in other animals as suspicious. When this looseness becomes excessive, and the discharges become watery, or mixed with mucus, or even bloody, it takes the name of diarrhea.

When the diarrhea becomes chronic, or is excessively severe, it takes the name of dysentery. In this case there is usually great straining, with very little discharge at each evacuation, and sometimes protrusion of the mucous membrane. Diarrhea is frequently produced in the cat by feeding it out of soiled pans in which the milk or other food has been allowed to ferment. It is produced by irregular feeding or over-feeding the animal at one time and allowing it to starve at another. The use of fatty meat, of putrid meat, and too much liver or sour milk are also causes.

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different things, from them eating out of a garbage can, to have parasites, to infectious agents (such as parvovirus). Most cases of diarrhea respond well to home treatment. Herbal treatment you could use Slippery Elm which is helpful for chronic diarrhea. Chamomile is useful for mild indigestion and peppermint helps with intestinal gas and cramping. Canned pumpkin is good for both.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

Providing healthy alternatives for people and pets with natural health products and natural health solutions without harmful side effects. http://www.peopletopets.com/health-food-for-cats.html

How to Tell If Your Cat Has Bronchi-Pneumonia

The pneumonia in the cat, like that in the dog, is a bronchi-pneumonia, or a pneumonia due to filling up of isolated little lobes in the lung of the animal, and differs from the ordinary pneumonia of man and the horse, in which latter the inflammation invades a whole lobe of the lung. In bronchi-pneumonia there is more fever than in simple bronchitis.

The constitutional symptoms and debility of the animal are more marked, with usually a total loss of appetite. In addition to the a mucus respiratory sound characterized by fine crackles which are heard in bronchitis, you have a hissing, whistling, or sounds of more or less sharpness, like those of a whistle, which are due to the hepatization (a state of the lungs when gorged with effused matter, so that they are no longer pervious to the air) or filled-up lobes pressing upon and compressing the air-tubes which lead to lobes of sound lung-tissue.

Bronchi-pneumonia in the cat may also be caused by the presence of parasites lodged in the lung tissue and an irritation producing an effusion and filling the air spaces. This form of bronchi-pneumonia at the outset resembles in its symptoms an ordinary bronchi-pneumonia either by the detection of the parasite in the discharge which the animal coughs up, or by the fact that the bronchi-pneumonia does not run its regular course, but gets better in a few days, or gets decidedly worse. with more lung-tissue filling up : and that it assumes a chronic form, with the local symptoms of a hissing, whistling sounds, unchanged in size and location, accompanied by the absence of the severe constitutional symptoms.

In the beginning of bronchi-pneumonia the same treatment can be used as for colds and bronchitis. The cat should be placed in a quiet, darkened corner, and be protected from drafts. It should not have food forced upon it, although it should have a small saucer of water, in which can be placed a little bicarbonate of soda and a small saucer of fresh milk, which it can take if it wants. It is better to place only a small quantity of milk at a time, as the owner can then judge how much the cat is taking, and there is no chance of the milk souring.

Giving your cat healthy safe cat food and supplements that is rich in the additional nutrients your cat may need to meet his or her unique requirements will help with a depress immune system. Humidity is wonderful for easing congestion and will help to improve their breathing.

You can use a humidifier or put your cat in the bath room with the shower running hot water. If the problem seem to be getting worse the best thing would be to consult your Veterinarian.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

Providing healthy alternatives for people and pets with natural health products and natural health solutions without harmful side effects http://www.peopletopets.com/health-food-for-cats.html

Feline Health - Taking Your New Kitten to the Vet

The addition of a new kitten into your family is always a joy whether it's a pre-planned or spontaneous event. But with this addition comes much responsibility and usually one of the first orders of business is taking that kitten to the vet. Typically, the first question that needs answering is "At what age should I take my new kitten to the vet?" In addition to dishes, food, litter boxes, and toys, make sure that you need to know when to take the kitten to the vet for its first checkup.

There really isn't a hard and fast rule established for the age at which the first visit to the vet should occur, although it is often recommended that you make an appointment within 24 to 72 hours of bringing the kitten home. Sometimes, taking the kitten to the vet when you are initially heading home with the kitten is a preference. A lot of the planning will relate to the circumstances behind bringing that kitten home.

For instance, in the case of kitten rescues or an urgent adoption, it may not be possible to take the kitten to the vet immediately. However, you should make every effort to get the cat to the vet in timely fashion. Should this be the case, you should take steps to quarantine the kitten from the other cats in the house (if there are others). Typically, the bathroom is the ideal candidate for kitten quarantine headquarters. Make sure that the kitten has food and water, as well as their own litter box as well.

The purpose of the quarantine is obvious - it reduces the chances of spreading disease or parasites to the other cats in the house. All too often, kittens are made available for adoption too early in their little lives. If it is possible, and you know that the kitten is still with the mother in the nursing stage, wait to adopt until they are about 9 to 10 weeks of age. This allows for three important aspects to occur:

· optimal health benefits (from the nursing stage)

· socialization process (giving the kitten time to adjust to its surroundings)

· weaning time (psychological effects on both mother cat and kitten)

So, for the purposes of health, socialization, and weaning, a kitten that is 9 to 10 weeks old benefits the most. If you notice that your kitten is sneezing or apparently having other health issues, remember that their first vaccination may have to wait until he or she is healthy. Additionally, it is suggested that you take a fecal sample to the vet with you as well.

The general rule of thumb with new kittens is that they should receive their first vaccinations between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks. If the mother cat has a healthy track record and has been receiving the proper veterinary care, then the kitten has a better chance of following suit. Again, circumstances will mandate how this is handled. In certain situations, kittens won't have the luxury of the time factor if they are placed in the adoptive home. However, if the kitten is 6 weeks old or younger, take the kitten to the vet at your earliest convenience.

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Feline Health - Caring For Your New Kitten - What's First?

When it comes to household pets, there are very few that bring as much excitement and joy than bringing home a new kitten. Just remember that you will be responsible for this pet's care and health for an average of 10-15 years. Suffice it to say, felines make for very special and unique pets and their uniqueness is the key to knowing how to care for them properly. Their needs are the key to working with your veterinarian so that your new kitten will have the best care possible and be a member of your family for years to come.

Initially, when you first bring the new kitten into your home, there are issues that need to be addressed immediately. Obviously, if you have decided to have a cat for a pet, you have accepted the responsibilities of providing the following:

· food

· grooming

· proper veterinary care

· shelter

And let's not forget lots of TLC and affection. In return for all the love, money, and time that we spend on them and with them, we are rewarded with a content companion that is affectionate and healthy.

The Adjustment Period

First and foremost, you'll need to put in some due diligence as you prepare your home for the new family member. Addressing the kitten's needs is paramount because they will first require your patience as they adjust to their new surroundings. By the same token, you will need to adjust to them now being a family member. Additionally, if you have children and other pets in your home, there will most likely be some adjustment issues in those arenas as well.

It is necessary that you ease the kitten through this adjustment period, especially when there are young children around, as well as other pets. In addition to supervising your children when they are playing with the new kitten, you should teach them how to handle the kitten with the utmost care and respect.

The Kitten's Basic Needs

There are certain basic resources that the new kitten will need specifically, food and water. Initially, it is a good idea to provide them with their own private food and water bowls. Once they have integrated well with the other pets, a single feeding and watering station should be the norm. However, until that time arises, keeping them separated from other animals in the house (especially dogs) is the best idea.

If you haven't chosen a veterinarian, then do it now. Besides the medical issues, your veterinarian will be able to recommend a proper diet for the kitten as well. Where the kitten's food and water are concerned, it is imperative that they have water at all times and that you clean their food and water bowls regularly and thoroughly.

The next order of business is their litter box. Make sure that it is situated in a quiet yet easily accessible location and that it is not too tall for them to get in and out of. Seeing as how there are a multitude of choices in the marketplace, you may find this somewhat challenging. Just remember that cats normally prefer very fine-grained litter when selecting one for your kitten. Also, the clumping kinds will make your job of cleaning out the litter box on a daily basis a lot easier. Additionally, the box should be completely, disinfected, emptied, and refilled with fresh litter on a regular basis.

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