Month: August 2022

Caring For Your Persian Cat’s Fur in Winter

Being a pet owner comes with a great deal of responsibility, and that takes on all new levels of car when the pet that you choose is one that requires a lot of attention. When it comes to felines, there may be no other breed that will require more of your time and pampering than the Persian cat. They are beautiful animals, but their fur needs constant attention if it is to maintain its everyday luxurious appearance.

Most cats hate being bathed, but given that caring for your Persian is a daily chore, it might be a good idea to try to get your Persian kitten used to being bathed every two to six weeks, which is generally all they will need as they get older. The care of the fur really gets important to increase the number of times you brush, come winter time when your Persian will start to shed profusely. This may mean several sessions of brushing per day, to help them effectively get rid of that excess fur, and to prevent the possibility of matting.

The best way to groom Persian kittens and cats is to use a wide, metal comb, as that is the most effective at keeping the fur separated, and free from loose, shedding hair. It’s especially important to make sure that you thoroughly comb behind the ears, as well as in the armpits, as this is where most cases of matting tends to begin. As you comb, you should closely inspect the coat for dirt, as the thickness of the fur can hide any signs of dirt that may have accumulated.

When it does become necessary to give your Persian cat a bath, you should do so in a room that is warm and dry. Fill the tub with a couple of inches of warm water, and then slowly lower your cat into the tub, petting him as you do so. It’s a good idea to keep them calm and relaxed during the process, which is why it’s important to start getting them used to bathing when they are kittens, usually starting when they are around 3 months old. Once they are comfortable, you should then use a small cup to pour the water over their fur, making sure to keep it away from the eyes and ears. Next up is the shampoo, being sure to use one that is appropriate for Persians, rinse him off, and then repeat, making sue to get the belly and paws cleaned when you do so.

Many people buy Persian cats in order to take them onto the show circuit, but even if you only want one as a loving home companion, you have to realize that this is a cat that requires a lot of grooming and maintenance in order to keep it beautiful appearance.…

Facts About Kitten Vaccinations

Unless your kitten is properly vaccinated, it is at risk of contracting one or many, possibly fatal, infectious diseases, as follows:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR);

• Calicivirus;

• Panleukopenia;

• Chlamydia;

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV);

• Rabies;

• Feline Heartworm Disease

Most common of these diseases, which are highly infectious, can be prevented by routinely administering vaccination. We must vaccinate our kittens for the most important and common of these diseases in order to protect them. It is a fact that vaccines have an effective result in more than 95% of cases. In addition, routinely vaccinating your cat is cheaper than if you pay for treating your sick pet later. Also, vaccination reduces the possibility of virus transmission in the pet population.

Some facts that you have to know in order to be informed about this subject and to better estimate the cost of kitten vaccinations:

• Newborn kittens receive protection from the first mother’s milk (colostrums) if mother was vaccinated; ask the person who sell you the kitten if the cat was vaccinated;

• Kittens’ immune systems are immature so they are not capable of developing long-lasting immunity until at least 16 weeks from birth. Booster series for kittens must be given every 3-4 weeks, due to the developing nature of their immune system and due to the interference from mothers’ milk antibodies;

• cats should be vaccinated annually for most vaccines, after the initial booster series is administered to kittens, but some vaccines can be administered every 3 years; ask the vet about this;

• If a kitten has never received a vaccine before, and it is over 16 weeks old, it will need one additional dose in 3 to 4 weeks before starting on the annual or three-years schedule;

• Neither a kitten nor a cat should be vaccinated unless it is in an excellent state of health. If you have any doubts about the state of your cat’s health you’d better ask the veterinarian examine your pet and be assured of a good health status;

• Ask the vet is the vaccine contains what is called an “adjuvant”. Those with adjuvants are easier and cheaper to make. But there is some evidence that the inflammation appearing due to the adjuvant in the skin as it works, can (in rare cases) produce a type of malignant cancer;

• When comparing the prices of one clinic’s vaccines with others on the web you need to be sure that you are comparing like with like. When comparing, you need to know which diseases are being protected against and included in the vaccine course and if it contains and is dependent of an adjuvant;

• In some countries (e.g. the U.K.),which are currently free of Rabies, this vaccine is unnecessary.

Take a responsible approach in vaccinating your kitten because in this way you will protect it form further problems in life.…

Cats are fundamental different from humans. Aside from them being covered in fur and walking on all fours, they have different diet requirements. There are certain foods that a cat must eat, and some that a cat can’t eat. The following article can give you some dietary tips to aid you in feeding your cat.

Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.

Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.

Give your cats easier access to a window in order to keep your curtains from getting scratched. Putting vertical blinds up will allow the easiest access for your cat, but if you need to keep your curtains, use a lightweight rod that will fall if your cat attempts to climb the curtains. It will keep both your curtains and your cat safe.

Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.

Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.

Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.

Pet

Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.

When you bring home a new cat for the first time, the experience can be overwhelming for both of you. Instead of granting access to your entire home, introduce your pet to its new environment one room at a time. For example, you might place your cat’s carrier in your study or den. As long as the carrier door is open, you should be in the room with the animal.

Pet Adoption

If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.

Whatever your cat eats depends on what you feed it. Giving your cat bad food will put its health in jeopardy and possibly end its life. If you give it food suited for it, the cat will thrive. Keep this article handy and follow it closely when it’s feeding time.…

Treating Kidney Disease in Cats

As a cat ages, it is more susceptible to kidney disease. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is more common in cats over 15 years old. Since the disease is life threatening, early detection can stabilize the condition and provide for a good quality of life.

If the animal is experiencing weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty in urinating or a dull coat, the disease could be a cause of the problem. Other diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes causing similar symptoms can mask this condition. A veterinarian can determine if it is present. If left untreated, the kidneys will completely shut down leading to death.

Once CRF is diagnosed, there is no cure but life can be extended with proper treatment. It is diagnosed by a blood panel measuring levels of critical components. A low phosphorus diet can help prevent or retard it. The diet should also consist of low protein content, low sodium content and high potassium content. The diet should not restrict essential nutrients to maintain the animal’s health.

The low phosphorus content decreases kidney calcification called nephrocalcinosis. It is the deposit of calcium salts in the kidneys. When functioning nephrons drop below 25%, kidney failure occurs. Toxins build up in the blood and the kidneys are not able to filter the blood to eliminate the toxins. The kidneys besides eliminating waste in the blood, regulate the body’s acidity, electrolyte levels, water balance, hormone production and vitamin D.

CRF can be treated by adding additional fluids to food or under the skin (SQ fluids), diet, medications (Epogen shots or oral medication) and appetite stimulants. Appetite stimulants are important because a poor appetite is a result of the disease. Adding tuna juice or liquid from canned food can help the feeding process. In some cases, force feeding with a syringe may be the only alternative. For these options to work, dehydration must not be present. This is also beneficial to an older healthy cat because it could prevent the disease. Hemodialysis and kidney transplants are rare and expensive.

The condition can cause an emotional experience for an owner. The pet will have it’s good days and bad days. An owner must try to relax and not stress out. The pet will sense the owner’s stress and this can have an effect on it’s health. Like any serious condition, the life expectancy is unknown. Caring for and enjoying the cat is the best way to cope with the problem.

There are many foods on the market that are tailored to be used for CRF. Royal Canin and Wellness Core are two brands that offer a low phosphor food. Consult a veterinarian to determine what is best treatment.…

At What Age is a Dog Considered a Senior Dog?

Many dogs would be considered senior, reaching the last 25% of their expected lifespan, although there is no set age to determine when your dog is officially a senior. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Genetics, diet, and overall care can also play a part in how your dog ages. Additionally, one of the main factors in determining your dog’s senior status would be his behavior.

Importance of Senior Dog Supplements: How to Manage Health Concerns

As with people, older dogs may have different needs and considerations than their younger counterparts. Supplements can help support your dog’s health as it ages. These supplements include:

• Mobility and joint health
• Gastrointestinal health
• Radical damage is free
• Questions about skin and coat
• Organ health
• Cognitive health

1. Mobility and joint health

Supplements such as chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, and glucosamine can help to support the structure and function of joints for dogs as they age. This helps maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissues and relieves occasional stiffness and pain from daily activities.

2. Gastrointestinal health

Dogs with aging can have sensitive stomachs. As a result, they may experience gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Probiotics can be used daily or during stressful situations (such as separation anxiety) to maintain healthy gut bacteria. This will help support good digestion and good bowel health.

3. Radical damage

Antioxidant supplements can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals and their buildup. Free radicals are unintended reactive molecules that can directly harm the body’s cells and tissues. They are caused by environmental stressors like poor diet, aging, and other factors. They can be neutralized by antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc.

4. Skin and coat

Omega-3 fatty acids supplements can help with skin health, dry skin, and skin allergies in aging dogs.

5. Organ health

Aging dogs may need assistance in maintaining organ health. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids and/or vitamins D and E can support their brain, liver, eye, kidney, and heart function.

Additional care recommendation for older dogs

Senior dog care doesn’t have to be difficult, so many veterinarians recommend you consider giving your dog a daily supplement such as a Balanced Breed all-in-one vitamin. Giving your dog supplements can improve their quality of life. Balanced Breed is an all-natural vitamin that helps senior dogs with immunity, joints, skin, heart health, and more. With great reviews by many pet parents, Balanced Breed’s all-in-one vitamin is an affordable, healthy choice that will leave your dog feeling his best, even throughout his senior years.

…