Catnip And Your Cat

What is catnip? Is it good for your cat? How often can you give catnip to your cat? How do cats react to catnip? These questions will all be answered in this article. Catnip is a plant that can be grown in your garden and it is a member of the mint family. Catnip can also grow as a weed in North America where it often grows wild. The leaves of the catnip plant contain nepetalactone which is an oil. When the leaves are shredded or crumbled the oil is released. Cats are pleased when they smell this oil as the scent stimulates something in their brain. Most cats love catnip and will chew or lick anything containing it. Many will rub their heads in the leaves and then proceed to roll in it. They sometimes become quite energized and may do things that they usually do not do. After awhile the effects of the catnip will wear off and a cat often becomes rather sleepy or lethargic. Fresh catnip or objects that contain fresh catnip will bring about the most interesting results. There are many products that contain catnip. You can find toys that are filled with catnip and there are also pure and artificial sprays. The pure spray is more costly but you do not need to use much of it at one time. There are also catnip bubbles and organic catnip. You may need to try more than one product before you find the one that appeals most to your cat. You will not need much catnip to get your cat interested. It is a good idea to ration the catnip and not give it to your cat on a daily basis. It won’t be nearly as much fun for your cat if she has the catnip treat too often and her reactions may not be as much fun for either of you. Want to add a little excitement to your cat’s routine? Try introducing a some catnip from time to time! About the Author: Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions Read more articles by: Dustin H Cannon Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Why You Should Think About Adopting A Rescue Cat From An Animal Shelter

There are so many animals that are in desperate need of a loving home so if you have decided to get a cat, why not choose one from your local cat rescue home or animal shelter? By adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a pet shop, you help those animals that are most in need to find a home and help fund the rescue work so that other cats can be saved. Many of these felines have had difficult lives so far - they may have been abandoned, abused or neglected by their owners. So, responsible rescue centres will take special care to match owner and pet and find them a good home. They will give you as much information as possible about their charges' personalities and histories to help you choose wisely. At the animal shelter,use your power of observation. Take some time to just watch the cats and kittens without trying to interact with them. Observe how active they are and what type of attitude they have. A cat that stays huddled in a corner or appears lethargic may be sick, which could mean expensive vets bills in the future. Or the poor cat may nave been abused and so is terrified of everyone and everything. If you have the time and patience, please don't automatically dismiss an abused feline. They can repay your care many times over. Give the cat a thorough examination, starting with the eyes. Bright and clear eyes with no discharge or weepiness are a good sign. The nose should be clean and slightly moist.Again,there should be no discharge. Ears should also be clean. Those that are extremely dirty are potentially contaminated with ear mites which can be very difficult to eliminate and can easily spread to other cats at home. Finally, the cat’s fur should be clean, shiny, and free of fleas. Fleas can be particularly bothersome to both the cat and to the owner. Eliminating fleas once they infest the home can be very difficult. Listen to the cat. A cat that coughs, sneezes, or sounds congested can be quite ill and should be avoided. Also, listen for sounds of contentment. A cat who is purring is probably happy and healthy.A meow can indicate either trouble or contentment - a long, pleading meow could show that the cat is ill. On the other hand, a playful meow could mean the she is already developing a bond with its potential new owner! Watch how the cat plays. Some pet owners are looking for playful cats that will scamper about the house and chase and play with toys. Others would prefer a more docile cat who will spend hours cuddled up in the owner’s lap. See how they play with each other first to get a feeling for their disposition. This is particularly important for pet owners who already have a pet cat at home. Then play with the kitties yourself. Take out a string, ball of wool or car keys and dangle them in front of each cat. The one that seems most alert and active is likely the better choice. Of course, you could always take home more than one if the decision is just too hard to make It is so rewarding to adopt a cat from a cat rescue shelter and know that you have saved its life and given it a comfortable home but do be aware of potential problems. Any cat or kitten that comes from a shelter will be stressed to some level. This stress has put them at a higher risk of attracting a respiratory infection. They may also be more prone to bite or scratch you before you have bonded. Most cat rescue shelters offer a spayed or neutered cat, with full shots and de-worming but You must also get your cat tested immediately for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). finally,listen to the advice of the shelter workers and don't rush into any decisions. About the Author: For chats about cats and for more information on cats, cat care and cat care products, visit Tricia's website All About Cat Care at http://www.all-about-cat-care.com Read more articles by: Tricia Craggs Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Dealing With A Cat Allergy

Anyone who suffers from allergies can undoubtedly tell you of the irritation and discomfort associated with its consequences. In order to minimize symptoms, allergy sufferers do well to identify their personal allergy triggers so that they can successfully avoid them. For cat lovers especially, a cat allergy can mean a host of problems when it comes to choosing – or keeping – a pet. A cat allergy generally stems from a person’s particular sensitivity to cat dander – the skin cells that shed through the cat’s fur. This sensitivity to cat dander can range from minimal – resulting in coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching – to severe – resulting in everything from swelling to shortness of breath. Clearly, those who have a cat allergy do best to not bring any cats into their home or to enter the homes of those who have cats in residence. But there are some who do not even discover that they have a cat allergy until they’ve brought their new pet into the home. First and foremost, a severe cat allergy may require you to find an alternative living arrangement for your cat. Work with your doctor to ascertain the severity of your cat allergy. In the likely case of a minimal to moderate cat allergy, however, there are ways to combat the cat allergy so that you and your furry friend can live together harmoniously. When it comes to your home, be sure that you are providing adequate ventilation with the use of an effective quality air filter. Be sure to vacuum frequently to rid your house of as much dander as possible. Have your animal groomed at the veterinarian or another location outside the home so as not to expose yourself to cat hair shed during the grooming process. If you are aware of your cat allergy before you purchase a cat, look into the shorter-haired cats. These cats require minimal grooming and shed far less than their long-haired counterparts. In fact, you may find that you are less allergic to the shorter-haired breeds. As a final and ongoing solution you may want to work with your doctor in terms of allergy shots or medications. This can save you a significant amount of aggravation and discomfort going forward – keeping you comfortable in your own home as well as the homes of other cat owners. Ultimately, determining if your cat allergy is something that should hinder you from cat ownership is up to you and your doctor to decide. Most importantly, you should not put your health at risk. But if you are able to manage both your allergy care and the care for your pet, then you and your cat can happily co-exist. About the Author: For easy to understand, in depth information about cat allergies visit our ezGuide 2 Cats. Read more articles by: Michelle Bery Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Health Problems And Simple Things You Should Know

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented. Worms No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated. Hairball Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems. In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well. Urinary tract infection Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future. Feline leukemia In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious. To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come. About the Author: Cat Care Secrets is an excellent place to find cat links, articles and resource. For more information on Cats visit: www.catcaresecrets.com Read more articles by: Ed Philips Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Eye Care - Do You Properly Care For Your Cat?

As a loving cat owner, you want your feline friend to be as healthy as possible, and a big part of that means taking care of her eyes. You should frequently inspect your cat’s eyes, and if you notice any changes or problems, seek prompt medical care, before your cat’s health is impacted. There are many things that you can do for your cat on a regular basis that can help keep her eyes healthy, but are you willing to invest the time to do them? One of the easiest things that you can do for your cat is to keep her eyes clean and free of mucous, which could build up and turn into a raging eye infection. Use a damp cloth and gently wipe her eyes at least once a day or whenever you notice mucous. This small step goes a long way in caring for your cat’s eyes. You should also protect your cat’s eyes anytime that you need to use chemical treatments on her skin, such as flea dips. Talk to your veterinarian before treatment, and ask him for suggestions on how to protect your cat’s eyes from the chemicals. He will likely give you a neutralizing ointment, which you will apply to your cat’s eyes before using the chemicals, and will neutralize any chemicals that may inadvertently come into contact with her eyes. If your cat has long hair, you should keep in trimmed so that it stays out of her eyes. Anything that comes into contact with the eyes can cause irritation, and even lead to infection, so this is an important step in your cat’s eye care. When you look at your cat’s eyes, they should be moist and clear, as well as free of mucous. Anything to the contrary could indicate a problem that may need veterinary treatment. Although your cat won’t enjoy it, you should clean her eyes at least once a week, even if you wash then with a cloth and water everyday, they still need to be cleaned. You can ask your veterinarian for tips on doing this, and he may suggest a commercial product that you can use, or you can make your own. To make your own cat eye cleaning solution, mix about 1 capful of baby shampoo with about 20 capfuls of water. Dip a cotton ball or Q-tip into the solution, and use it to clean your cat’s eyes, starting with the eyeball and working outward. Once you have finished, use another cotton ball with just water and rinse the eyes in the same manner. If your cat develops an eye infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotic medication, which you apply directly to her eye in the form of eye drops. Again, your cat will not like this treatment, but it is for her own good, and something that you must do if you want her to be healthy. Eye ointments are much easier to use, however if you apply too much at once, you could worsen the problem, so you have to be careful. Few people realize how important it is to take care of their cat’s eyes, and often don’t even think about it until a problem develops. By properly performing cat eye care, and seeking veterinary care for any problems promptly, you are ensuring that your cat stays healthy and happy, so that she can be with you for a long time to come! About the Author: Jean Morgan is a writer of articles concerning pet health and the owner of Natures Healthy Pet Visit Natures Healthy Pet for more information about Cat Eye Care Read more articles by: Jean Morgan Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Flea Control - Don't Let Fleas Bug Your Cat!

When a cat starts scratching, it is cause for concern, constant scratching can mean fleas. Fleas are more than a mere discomfort for you pet, they are a serious issue that needs to be dealt with before they cause health issues for your cat as well as issues for you and your family. Because fleas can cause a condition in cats known as “pruritus” or an allergic reaction, keeping them at bay is an important step to keeping your pet healthy. For most cats, fleas are a nuisance; for cats that suffer from flea allergies, they can be life threatening. Knowing a little about fleas will help you to control them and to protect your pet better. If your cat happens to be one of the more unfortunate felines who develops a flea allergy, quick elimination of these parasites is essential. A flea allergy can cause the cat to loose fur and weight and if the fleas are left unchecked they can eventually kill the cat. Additional medical treatment may also be required even after the fleas are gone. Flea control is important to cat disease prevention even if your cat is not allergic to them. Fleas can cause health issues for cats too including anemia from the loss of blood, tapeworms (fleas eat the eggs and transmit them to other animals) and skin infections from the bites caused by fleas. Any one of these flea related health issues can have dire consequences for your pet. So then, cat flea control is very important. The question now is how to go about it. There are multiple methods open to a cat owner. Powders and dips can be effective, but their inconvenience often means that they are not used properly or often enough to adequately control fleas. When choosing to use the dips, powders and sprays it is often a good idea to combine them with the use of a flea collar. Be aware however, that flea collars can also cause an allergic reaction for your cat, especially if they already have an allergic reaction to the fleas. Perhaps the best defense against fleas is a spot flea treatment. This type of preventative is placed on the cats neck and protects against fleas, ticks and tapeworms. When it comes to the environment, there are also several options for flea control. Flea bombs can kill fleas in carpets and bedding, though careful washing and vacuuming will help greatly in this endeavor also. For outside use, yard sprays can be quite effective. Whatever you use for flea control, be sure to be consistent and follow the directions. Flea control products only work if they are applied often enough. Misapplication can lead to fleas slipping through the cracks, and neither you nor kitty wants that. About the Author: David Lee, Get more info like at health, cat flea control , pet steps and cat furniture Read more articles by: David P Lee Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

5 Great Tips On Training Your Cat To Behave

There is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable pets who purr on one corner of the house. At times, they can be a menace to housekeeping too. Scratches in furniture, broken ornaments, and ruined stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do. There are reasons why cats misbehave. And by knowing these reasons, cat owners can be capable of controlling their pets' actions. Here are some things about cats which cause misbehaviors together with tips on how to make them behave. - Cats misbehave when they are bored. Cats that don’t have much to do have no choice but to do obnoxious things. They may be looking for attention, or they just needed something to do to spend their energy. Whatever the case may be, these can be solved by allotting time for your cat to play with you. However, do not do this immediately after your cat misbehaved. Your cat will associate its misbehavior with you giving it more attention. - Cats are naturally nocturnal animals. Cats are more active during nighttime. They can do more exciting activities by that time. With this in mind, make your cat busy in the morning. By doing this, the cat will be too exhausted to do things when it is time for his owners to sleep. - Cats misbehave when they are sexually-driven. Expect misbehavior when cats feel that it is time to mate. Expect a lot of misbehavior for cats who are confined inside their homes when it happens! Surgical procedures can be done to prevent misbehaviors caused by sexual urges. Female cats can undergo spaying; male cats can undergo neutering. - Cats misinterpret owners' reaction to its misbehavior. Owners usually get mad when their pets misbehave. But they are vague in telling their pets that they are mad. When owners reprimand their pets for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them. Owners must be clear with their reactions. If their pets misbehave, owners would make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game. Remember that cats seek reward. They avoid punishment. Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when it happens. By associating punishment for misbehaving cats learn what should not be done. - Cats enjoy playing with certain things in the house. There are things that cats love. It may be a curtain, or a pillow. The good thing is they hate certain smells too. Spray unpleasant smells on those things to keep cats away. By knowing why pets misbehave owners have more chances to correct these bad habits! About the Author: Cat Care Secrets is an excellent place to find cat links, articles and resource. For more information on Cats visit: www.catcaresecrets.com Read more articles by: Ann Kristin Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Choosing Cat Toys That Are Fun And Safe

Cats love playing with toys. Choosing cat toys (http://www.petsupplies4ypc.com/cattoys.html) can be interesting because there are so many to choose from. You may have to buy several cat toys to find a few that your cat really enjoys. You want to make sure any cat toys you buy are safe for your kitty. Sometimes this depends on the size and age of your cat. Your cat’s activity level is another consideration. Many times the things that a cat most enjoys playing with are the most dangerous. Take tinsel or string for instance. Unfortunately most cats loves these items but they can swallow them and this may lead to serious problems with digestion. Cats are also interested in playing with rubber bands, paper clips and ribbon. These are unsafe cat toys and you should keep them away from your cat. Even when you purchase cat toys you may need to remove parts that can become dangerous. If feathers, strings, eyes or other small parts are not firmly attached they may be unsafe for your kitty. When purchasing soft toys, look for the ones that are machine washable. When you buy cat toys that can be washed it will be easier to keep the toys clean. If small children have access to the cat toys (http://www.petsupplies4ypc.com/cattoys.html) you will want to make sure the toys are not filled with things that can be dangerous to them. There are cat toys that are filled with crushed nutshells and tiny beads. Most cats do not like cat toys that are rigid. Cats often love toys that can be chased or hunted. Look for at least one cat toy that has an object on the end of a stick. When you play with your feline you can drag the object along the ground and then hide it so your cat gets to feel like a hunter. Find cat toys that are safe and fun for your cat. And don’t forget to take a little time to play with your cat and his new toys. It’s a great way to bond and have a good time together. About the Author: Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions Read more articles by: Dustin Cannon Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

How To Choose A Cat Litter Box

One of the most important items you can buy for your cat is a cat litter box. If you have a cat/s you will want to make a wise choice when it comes to cat litter boxes. There are some things to think about before you go cat litter box shopping. There are many different features you will want to consider. Think about the material that the cat litter boxes are made from. You will find that you will have more than one choice. There are different styles of litter boxes. For instance, would you rather have a hooded litter box or one without a hood? What about vents? There are litter boxes that have vents and others that do not. There are also some litter boxes that are designed with odor control pads. What size litter box are you looking for? This will depend on the size of your cat. If you have a cat that may grow quite big you will want a litter box that will accommodate her size. Cats are not usually fond of using a litter box that is too small. This can lead to urine and feces that do not quite make it into the litter box. There are cat litter boxes that are opaque and others that are see-through. You will also have several color choices. One of the most important considerations for many cat owners and litter boxes is the durability factor. It can be rather irritating to have to keep buying cat litter boxes because they crack and break or don’t hold up to multiple cat use. Some people love the automated cat litter boxes. There are some advantages to these litter boxes but if you go this route you will need to remember to check on your cat’s litter box habits from time to time. Another factor when choosing a cat litter box (http://www.petsupplies4ypc.com/catlittr.html) is how easy it will be to clean. There are litter boxes that are made from materials that make cleaning the litter box a breeze. Choose wisely and you will find the best cat litter box for your situation. About the Author: Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies and choosing a cat litter box Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions Read more articles by: Dustin Cannon Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Catnip And Your Cat

What is catnip? Is it good for your cat? How often can you give catnip to your cat? How do cats react to catnip? These questions will all be answered in this article. Catnip is a plant that can be grown in your garden and it is a member of the mint family. Catnip can also grow as a weed in North America where it often grows wild. The leaves of the catnip plant contain nepetalactone which is an oil. When the leaves are shredded or crumbled the oil is released. Cats are pleased when they smell this oil as the scent stimulates something in their brain. Most cats love catnip and will chew or lick anything containing it. Many will rub their heads in the leaves and then proceed to roll in it. They sometimes become quite energized and may do things that they usually do not do. After awhile the effects of the catnip will wear off and a cat often becomes rather sleepy or lethargic. Fresh catnip or objects that contain fresh catnip will bring about the most interesting results. There are many products that contain catnip. You can find toys that are filled with catnip and there are also pure and artificial sprays. The pure spray is more costly but you do not need to use much of it at one time. There are also catnip bubbles and organic catnip. You may need to try more than one product before you find the one that appeals most to your cat. You will not need much catnip to get your cat interested. It is a good idea to ration the catnip and not give it to your cat on a daily basis. It won’t be nearly as much fun for your cat if she has the catnip treat too often and her reactions may not be as much fun for either of you. Want to add a little excitement to your cat’s routine? Try introducing a some catnip from time to time! About the Author: Dustin Cannon is owner of Just Articles VIP and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about pet supplies Dustin recommends you visit: Pet Supplies For Your Precious Companions Read more articles by: Dustin H Cannon Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg