Category: General Articles

Cat Aggression – Is There Too Much Biting and Scratching

Sometimes your cat is not the sweet little pet that cuddles. She seems at times to get moody and lapse into scratching or even biting. First of all, cats and kittens can be playful and some pouncing is normal. Crouching and staying in a fixed pose is often a sign that your cat is about to pounce. Try to not surprise your cat by doing something unexpected. This can cause a pouncing response. Also look at whether you play too aggressively with your pet and may be sending a mixed signal to her.

Many people notice that when being pet on the belly a cat will try to bite your hands. Also sometimes cats will try to bite their owner’s hand when they’ve been pet for too long a period of time and wish it to discontinue. Each cat has it’s own personality and preferences so it’s hard to make a specific rule to follow. However, you can observer certain signals such as the ears moving back and forth or tail moving in a twitching motion.

We often speak about how someone can come home from work after being yelled at by their boss and then

end up being blunt with their wife or kids. Well, cats too can react this way after having a bad experience with another cat or even human. If a cat has a fight with another cat outside, when it returns home it may still feel aggressive and turn it towards a family member. Keep your eyes open and watch your cat’s posture and demeanor.

Keep in mind that punishment is not advised by experts towards cats. They report that this can increase aggression because if cats are fearful they can react with biting and scratching due to defensiveness. Your vet or an animal specialist can help you with an ongoing problem of aggression. It is always important to be sure your cat is in sound medical condition as health problems can cause erratic behavior as can an improper diet.…

The Basics of Adopting a Kitten – Feeding, Vaccinating and More

Adopting a kitten is exciting, but it comes with several responsibilities. Before you adopt one, you must understand the basics of feeding, medications, grooming, training, exercise and sleep.

Feeding:

There are several types of food you can try with your kitten; it may like some, but not others. It is beneficial to feed him food in a variety of flavors, smells and textures. Depending on its age, the amount it needs to be fed each day varies. For example, a kitten 2-3 months old should eat 4 times a day, but a kitten 6-12 months old typically only needs to eat twice a day. It is also important to provide them with plenty of water. If you suspect there may be something wrong with your cat’s eating habits, a veterinarian will assist you in caring for your kitten. You may also want to consider a.

Vaccinating:

You should vaccinate your kitten against certain diseases fairly early in their life. Most cats need to be vaccinated for rhinotracheitis (feline herpes), calici virus and panleukopenia (feline parvovirus). Depending on some other factors, there may be more vaccinations that your kitten needs and can be determined by a veterinarian. All cats should be prescribed with a heartworm medication-this is especially important for felines that live in heartworm areas. It is also important to provide your cat with a flea prevention treatment monthly; there are a number of treatments that can be purchased at the vet or over the counter that will assist you with that.

Grooming:

One aspect of life that most kittens absolutely do not enjoy is grooming. That is why it’s beneficial to start early and to make grooming fun. Be gentle while still removing hair to decrease hairball formation. Cats also need to have their teeth brushed every day; however, there are special feline toothpastes that should be used instead of human toothpaste. Check your cat’s ears at least once a week to ensure that there are no infections. Not all cats need regular bathing, but if it is something you feel is necessary, be sure to use an appropriate shampoo that is gentle and protects the kitten’s skin.

Training:

Training kittens is not difficult if you have patience and use the right tactics. Make sure you reinforce good behavior with praise and treats. Litter box training is the most common training procedure with cats, but it really isn’t that hard of a process. Try to buy a fine-grained, clumping litter, absent of perfume. Make sure you keep it sanitary by cleaning the box daily and washing it weekly. It may be helpful to provide your cat with a scratching post so it does not scratch your furniture or other important items.

Exercise:

Kittens need exercise, just like we do! This isn’t hard because they are very playful most of the time. Try to play with your feline for frequent, short periods so you don’t rid too much of his energy. Also, toys are helpful especially ones that can be chewed as they are beneficial for teething.

Sleep:

Sleep is the final factor your need to think about before buying a kitten. They are most likely going to sleep a lot because they are growing. For example, and 8-week old kitten may need 20 hours of sleep where as a 12-month old kitten may need 12-14 hours. Make sure to provide your kitten with a comfortable sleeping area that may include a bed, towels or anything else to keep them comfortable.

Again, adopting a kitten is fun but it comes with several responsibilities that must be considered. If you have questions, talk to a veterinarian and they will steer you the right way!…

Adopt a Kitten and Save a Life

If you are thinking of adding a pet as a member of your family and you want that pet to be a kitten. You should consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter. Many animal shelters all over the country are overburdened with a constant influx of new stray cats and kittens that are being caught each and every day.

Life in an animal shelter is not a lot of fun. These kittens are cared for enough to keep them alive. They spend their days alone in a small cage with minimal exercise. The worst part about cats being left in animal shelters with no one to adopt them is that there just isn’t enough room for all of them. When a cat has been at the shelter for a prolonged period of time without being adopted they are put down. This is something that can’t be helped as there just isn’t enough room or supplies to house such a large number of animals.

Many times kittens are adopted from families who have cats that have become impregnated. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with taking a kitten from a neighbor or friends litter. On the other hand, these kittens usually have no trouble finding a home and even if the pet owner is unable to find a home for all of the kittens, they will care for them themselves. Kittens that are caught by animal control and live in a shelter are not as fortunate.

One of the best things you can do if you are looking to make a cat or kitten part of your family is to adopt them and essentially save their life. Many shelters will provide neutering or spaying and the cats vaccinations free of charge once you have chosen to adopt them. So make the right decision and save the live of a deserving cat or kitten.…

Treating a Kitten Urinary Tract Infection Quickly and Naturally

Kitten urinary tract infection can be a very troubling problem for the obvious reason that kittens are so small and their still developing systems are so fragile. Anything which disrupts the regular function of their system, then, can become a real threat if not properly addressed. This is particularly true of urinary conditions.

Because urinary tract infections can easily develop into life threatening blockages, it is important to get any kitten UT problem properly diagnosed as quickly as possible. If your kitten is exhibiting any of the common symptoms of UTI such as frequent urges to urinate, difficulty or pain while urinating or blood in the urine, you should get it to the vet immediately.

Once your vet has determined the presence of a kitten urinary tract infection, he can suggest the steps to take for treatment. Traditionally, that has involved the use of antibiotics to control the infection, however some pet owners shy away from this treatment as antibiotics can have serious side effects. Fortunately, there are other treatment options available including 100% natural remedies.

Formulated by trained homeopaths, natural remedies take treatment to the next level by not only treating symptoms but also promoting good overall urinary tract health in order to prevent recurrence. And because they are all natural, these products carry no side effects, making them the safe alternative for treating a kitten UT problem.

Using a combination of herbs such as Berberis vulgaris, Staphysagris and Cantharis, natural remedies work to strengthen the immune system and encourage proper urine flow. This not only eases the symptoms of kitten urinary tract infection but also addresses their underlying cause to help improve urinary tract health.

There are other steps you can take as a concerned pet owner to help prevent the occurrence of a kitten UT problem. Primary among them is providing your pet with a healthy, chemical free diet. Additives and other chemicals in commercial pet foods can weaken the immune system, leaving your pet open to bacterial infection.

Water is also vitally important to preventing kitten urinary tract infection as it helps to flush toxins out of the body. Make sure that your cat has continual access to a clean water supply and if necessary, add extra water or chicken broth to their food to help increase their fluid intake. Also make sure that they have access to a clean litter box at all times to encourage proper urination habits.

As a kitten, your pet is at its most vulnerable and this is when it needs you to step up and make sure it gets all the protection and care it needs. Don’t let urinary tract infection become an issue for your kitten, use nature’s gentle touch to help ease symptoms and get him on the right path to good health.…

How to Wean Bottle Fed Kittens

If you have a baby kitten, who you have been bottle-feeding, you may need to wean it. Weaning is the process of introducing the kitten to solid food. If your kitten has been fed by it’s mother, then the mother cat will likely take care of the weaning process for you. However, if your cat was a rescue and has been bottle-fed, then you will need to learn the proper way to wean a bottle fed kitten.

This is a process that needs to be done gradually, over time, and with a lot of patience! Your kitten will not be able to simple eat and digest food on their first attempt. You should not begin weaning a kitten until they are at least four weeks old. At this point, their bodies have developed enough so that they can tolerate solid foods. If you try to do it before four months, then your kitten can get sick and may not ever wish to eat solid foods.

One really good way to tell if your kitten is ready to be weaned is to make sure that their eyes are open and they can navigate through your home by themselves if needed. If their eyes are open, then this means that they are far enough along in their development to start eating solid foods.

You will want to begin by shopping for or finding a small bowl- small enough so that the kitten can eat from it, and you will want to by kitten food. It does not matter if the food is wet or dry. On the first day, mix a very little bit of the kitten food with milk replacement. This should be very watery. If your food was dry, then you need to mash it up, making it almost like a pudding consistency. Bring the kitten near it and let her smell it. She will likely begin to lap at it. Let her eat until she is full. During the first couple weeks of weaning, you will need to supplement these little meals with the bottled milk you have already been feeding the kitten. Kittens need lots of food, don’t let her go hungry!

Keep with the process of mixing food in with replacement milk. Each day add a tiny bit more food, and a little less milk. You will want to do this over a period of about four weeks. After that time, your kitten should be fully weaned!…

While owning a dog is a fun and amazing endeavor, it brings with it a great deal of responsibility. Thankfully, this article was written by other owners to ensure you can learn from their own follies in the past. The advice here will make you the best down owner you can be, so read on.

If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.

Not everyone is good at training dogs, so quit trying if you see things are not going as well as planned. Instead of beating yourself up about it, get in touch with a trainer in your area. Since they have more experience with dogs, it may be much easier for them to train yours.

Never give your dog milk! It’s not necessary for his body and he doesn’t have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow’s milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.

If your dog does something that you do not like, try to avoid just saying no. To your dog, no doesn’t really explain what you want your pup to do. Instead of saying no if your dog is jumping, try to get your dog to sit or lay down. By doing this, you provide your dog with an instruction of what to do.

Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. Dogs may resist wearing cones, but they are there for good reason. Vets are professionals who have experience dealing with your situation.

Respect your pet. When out on a walk, do not force your dog to interact with other people or animals if he does not want to. There is a reason why your dog may not want to get too close, and it is important that you listen to him. If you try and make him interact, your dog may begin to act out over time.

Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog’s bedding frequently.

Getting a dog on a whim is rarely a good idea. You need to make sure you can afford to feed a dog and cover medical expenses before getting a pet. Research different breeds to figure out which dog would be best for your family, your lifestyle and the size of your home.

When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less costly. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for years to come.

A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.

If you have tried everything to get your dog to stop digging your garden to no avail, head to your kitchen. Mix up a batch of cayenne pepper (five tablespoons), hot sauce (also five tablespoons) and a quart of water in a spray bottle and spray it where he digs. It should discourage him quickly.

All of the expert advice contained above should have you ready to really take good care of your dog. That said, focus on love and everything else will fall into place. As long as you continue to adore your four-legged friend, and mistakes you make will be forgotten quickly and won’t be so harmful.…

A lot of people get a cat because kittens are so adorable. Then, when they get the cat home, they’re not sure what to do. They are not always as expressive as dogs are, so cats can sometimes be puzzling. Here are a couple ways you can keep your cat happy.

Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.

Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.

Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.

Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.

Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.

Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.

Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. This will keep them from attacking your toes.

If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.

Pet

Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.

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.

After reading this article, you are probably going to be better at taking care of your cat. Try each tip out, to see what your cat responds best to. You can always find out more, so make sure you keep learning about cats so that yours always feels taken care of.…