We Love All Cats

There has been much discussion about vaccinations in recent years. Some of the discussion is legitimate and there may be some concerns associated with the issue, others may be bordering on conspiracy theory. In either case, most of the discussion is going to surround having children vaccinated but sometimes, the feelings spill over into the vaccination of animals as well. It is important for you to understand the truth as well as the consequences surrounding vaccinating your cat.

It might come as a surprise to you that this problem is not uncommon. In fact, there are many people who have this question and they often bring it to their veterinarian. The basic question is going to be if they should have their cat vaccinated or not. Without a doubt, the answer to this question is going to be a big YES. That being said, there are also some things you should know about the process.

There are two basic vaccines that are typical given to cats, the rabies vaccine and a trivalent caccine. The trivalent vaccine helps to keep the cat free of problems, such as feline herpes, calicivirus and feline leukemia. These problems can be quite serious and if it weren’t for the vaccines, many problems would likely be seen, some of which would be fatal.

Some people question giving the cat a vaccination against rabies, especially if they are going to keep the cat inside all of the time. It might come as a surprise to you that there are many more cases of feline rabies than those that affect dogs in the united states. Vaccinating the cat from this virus does more than protect the feline. It also protects other animals in the home from being infected by them and it even can safeguard you and your family.

The other vaccine can help to prevent a wide range of health problems, all of which are best avoided. Those issues are obviously going to be hard on the cat and if they are infected, they are potentially fatal. That isn’t even to mention the burden of health care costs for the cat if they do happen to get sick. They could be prevented with a vaccine.

If you are looking for an opinion of whether your cat should be vaccinated or not, my answer is a yes. Of course, it is always best if you talk to the vet for more information. I can guarantee you, however, you are going to get the same answer.

When we have a cat in our family, we do our best to give them the care they need. Sometimes, the care is easy to identify, such as giving them the right food and a warm place to live. At other times, it requires more on our part but making the right decision can really make a difference in the health of the animal.

One choice that many cat owners consider is having the animal spayed or neutered. This process is basically removing the reproductive organs. Spaying is the process when it takes place with a female and it removes the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. it stops the heat cycle from occurring in the female. Neutering is the process when it happens to a male. It results in the removal of both testicles. A neutered cat will not be able to reproduce. In addition, the process will likely stop the breeding instinct, but that is not always true.

It may also be possible to remove the ovaries only in a female cat or to give a male cat a vasectomy. Those processes are possible but they are not often performed.

Most people make the decision to spay or neuter because they feel it is the responsible thing to do. Animal shelters are filled to the brim with unwanted animals and many of those animals are the result of pregnancy from strays. Unfortunately, this results in the death of millions of kittens and even adult cats every year.

You might also like knowing that there are some benefits available for your cat when you have them fixed as well. Most cats will have fewer health problems and as a result, they will live a longer life. This would include fewer serious problems, such as cancer and less of a problem with UTIs. Male cats may have fewer problems with their prostate and, of course, testicular cancer is out of the question. In addition, male cats may be less aggressive after they are neutered.

Most cats will be fixed when they are at least 6 months old but this is a decision that each cat owner will have to make on their own. It is best if you speak to the vet about the process and what may be best for your cat.

There will be some recovery time associated with the process, and this is something you would certainly want to consider. The cat should be kept safe inside after the operation to help them heal. It may also be necessary for the cat to wear a Elizabethan collar (cone of shame) to keep away from the incision. Pain management is also going to be an issue that can generally be overcome with medication.

Fixing your cat may be one of the best things you can do for them. Talk to your vet about the specifics to help you make this vital decision.

If there is one thing that all of us want for our cats, it is a long and healthy life. We do our best to provide it for them and sometimes, we might even feel that we are going the extra mile. The problem is, no matter what we do to keep our cat healthy, there are going to be times when they experience health problems. Being able to recognize those problems can go a long way in helping you to get them what they need in the way of a treatment.

First of all, it is a good idea to know if the cat is sick, simply by looking for common symptoms. These often exhibit themselves in behavioral or appearance changes and sometimes, they might be quite subtle. Other symptoms of cat illness can be quite easy to spot, such as vomiting, shaking, sneezing or coughing.

The following are some of the most common health problems with cats. Familiarize yourself with these problems so you can recognize them if they happen to your cat.

Vomiting – This is a common issue that could be caused by a wide range of maladies. Sometimes, it is a problem with hairballs but it could also be signs of an infection, diabetes or a UTI.

If your cat is vomiting, be sure they have plenty of water. This issue could dehydrate them, leading to other problems. Call a veterinarian if the problem persists.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) – This is also common and it accounts for 3 out of every 100 visits to the vet. It isn’t a single problem but rather, it is a group of issues, any of which could cause serious illness in the cat. It is more common in overweight cats and cats that eat dry food.

If your cat is having a difficulty with urinating or is licking around that area, it could be a sign of this problem. Other signs include dehydration, vomiting and depression.

Fleas – This is a problem that could range from mild to quite severe. It is also one of the easier problems for the owner to diagnose. Aside from seeing the fleas, you can will scratch and lick itself. They may also lose their hair and have skin irritation.

Fleas can often be treated by the vet through dipping and medications. If it has become serious, it could even lead to anemia.

Diarrhea – This is also a common problem that displays itself in loose, watery stools. It may come and go or could last for a long time.

If your cat has diarrhea, make sure they have plenty of water. They should also avoid eating for up to 24 hours. Take your cat to a vet if the problem persists.

These are the most common cat health problems but they are not the only problems you might see. The best choice is to see a veterinarian if you have any concerns over the health of your cat.

Having a cat in your life can be a wonderful experience. They tend to wrap themselves around our heart and become a big part of the family. From time to time, however, a cat may exhibit some type of behavior that is not only unwanted, it is destructive. That is the case with scratching, and if you have a cat that scratches, you probably would like to have the problem gone right away.

First of all, the cat is not scratching to destroy or couch or speakers, they are doing something that cats were designed to do. Scratching is a form of natural behavior and even if they weren’t anywhere near your furniture, they would still do it. It helps to sharpen the claws and has other benefits as well. Of course, for those that are dealing with a cat that scratches, knowing why they do it may be of little consequence. Fortunately, there are things you can do to correct the problem.

The first thing you should try when the cat is scratching is to distract them from their usual target. You can buy a scratching post and put it nearby. Work on teaching the cat where to scratch and make sure that it is in a convenient location. Most cat scratching posts are primary targets in the way they are designed. In fact, you might want to get several of them so your cat is never far away from an acceptable target.

It may also be possible to keep your cat from scratching by discouraging that type of behavior. Put some plastic over the sofa or double sided sticky tape on a piece of paper in the area. If the cat likes to scratch your speakers, turn them away from the room.

You might also find it is possible to discourage scratching by clipping the cat’s nails on a regular basis. This can be somewhat of a struggle, but if your cat gets accustomed to the sensation, it can really help. If that doesn’t work, you can buy plastic caps for their claws so they won’t do any damage when scratching.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your cat can also respond to some negative actions as well. If you catch them in the act, clap your hands loudly or whistle. Some people squirt their cat with a water bottle. These methods may help but it could also cause your cat to be skittish around you if it is done too often.

A scratching cat can be a problem but if you learn how to handle it, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Keep up your efforts and you may just find it disappears into the past.

There are certain things that cat owners expect out of their felines in order for them to be an acceptable and welcome part of the family. One of those factors is going to be the ability to use a litter box. When a cat does so, it really allows us to focus on our affection for the cat and to minimize the unpleasant parts of cat ownership. That doesn’t mean, however, that a cat is automatically going to use their litter box without any prompting. Sometimes, it takes some work.

Training a cat to use a litter box is a fairly straightforward process. It begins with choosing the litterbox and litter, along with an easily accessible, private space. Most people either choose the bathroom, laundry or a closet. The choice depends on your home.

After you place the box in the area, you shouldn’t expect that your cat is automatically going to go use it on their own. Most cats will require some training and really, it is all about timing. Cat’s tend to relieve themselves at certain times, such as when they wake up from a long sleep, after they eat and after they play. Keep a close eye on your cat and their behavior. When any of these times come up, simply pick them up and put them in the litter box. There may be an accident or two along the way but they will eventually get the idea.

Sometimes, you will run into a cat that is particularly resistant to using a litter box. This could occur for a number of different reasons. Typically, it is good to look into the situation and see if you can figure out anything unusual that would keep them from using it. You may also find that one of the following situations are true as well.

Is the cat fixed – When a cat is sexually mature, they may start to mark their territory. This is natural behavior, although it is somewhat distressing for the owner. Typically, neutering or spaying the cat will help.

Were they a Stray – When a cat is born outside to a stray, the mother typically sets aside an area they will use as their bathroom. You may need to get a specialized type of litter, such as a very find, sandy type litter. You might even find that it is necessary to start with dirt or sand until they get used to it.

Is the box dirty? – Some cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their box. It may be necessary to clean the box every time they use it if that is the case.

There may also be some cats who are not truly litter trained, they are just used to going in a particular spot. They will continue to use that area, even if you move the litter box.

In any of these cases, it is possible to overcome the problem if you take the time and energy to do so. Don’t give up, relief is not very far away.

There are many things that need to be done when you own a cat. Most people are going to consider the basics, such as feeding the cat and providing a litter box. There is also the need to look out after their health and to keep them warm and comfortable in the home. One other aspect that you should consider in the care of a cat is the need to brush them regularly. When you do so, it can really benefit the cat and your family as well.

Brushing your cat regularly has many benefits. It helps to take care of their coat so that problems are kept to a minimum. This would include removing any dirt or other items that may have gotten tangled in their hair and helping to prevent new tangles from forming. Another important reason why you should brush your cat is because it helps to distribute the natural oils from their skin and keeps the coat healthy. A benefit for you and your family is that they will shed less in the house and that benefit alone makes it worth all of the effort.

When you are grooming the cat with a regular brushing, it also gives you the opportunity to check the cat for any problems. This type of a hands on experience will help you to identify any wounds, bumps or missing hair easily. That isn’t even to mention that many cats love to be brushed, so it is a pleasant experience for both of you.

Long hair cats can be brushed frequently and a daily brushing will go a long way in helping them to be healthy and avoid shedding. Short haired cats may only need brushed once per week but if they enjoy it, you can do it more often to remove loose hair.

If you plan on brushing your cat on a regular basis, make sure you have the proper tools to do so. There are many different types of brushes and combs so take some time to research what others have found beneficial for similar cats. Try to just get the quality, basic tools you need to brush your cat. The gimmick tools may look good on the shelves but they rarely work as well when you use them at home.

Finally, develop a method that will work for both you and the cat. Brushing them should be a calming experience so take them to an area that is relatively free of distractions. Brush them from the head to the tail and follow the direction their fur is growing. With a little practice, you will find that a grooming session goes by very quickly and it is time you will love spending with your feline.

Cats have an amazing ability to groom themselves and many of them do a fantastic job of it. From time to time, however, we may find that they need a helping hand and it might be best to give them a bath. Doing so helps to keep their coat healthy and when they are especially dirty, it makes them a more welcome part of the family.

Although we may find that our cat needs a bath every once in a while, many cats will disagree with your decision. They may struggle from the moment they know what is going to happen and if you aren’t careful, you might find yourself chasing a dripping wet cat through the house. If you just know a few tips and get the method down, however, things are over quickly and with the fewest problems possible. In addition, you might just find that the cat is getting comfortable with the idea of getting a bath as well.

The first thing to do is to make sure you have everything you need for the bathing process. The last thing you want to do is walk away from a wet cat to get some shampoo or a towel. Put everything together in advance and you will keep problems to a minimum. Keep all of the items within arm’s reach of where you will be giving the bath.

If your cat is particularly resistant to the process, try to handle them as gently and kindly as possible. They are lashing out and struggling because they are stressed over the situation. Don’t make matters worse by adding to their stress. A calm voice and gentle touch may go a long way in helping them to be comfortable.

Start with a few inches of lukewarm water in the tub. Don’t make it too hot or too cold. A rubber mat can help them to have the proper footing but if you don’t have one available, an old towel on the bottom of the tub will work just fine.

Spray the cat down with lukewarm water to wet their coat. You can also use a small pail for this process as well. Try to avoid getting any water in their eyes, ears or nose. It will make things much better for you and them if you don’t.

Shampoo the cat gently and then rinse them with clean water from the spray or a pail. It is best that you give them an extra rinse or two once you feel that all of the shampoo is gone for good measure.

Finally, wrap the cat in a big, warm towel and dry them gently. Speak softly to them and try to make it a pleasant experience. At this point, you now have a clean cat and if you did things right, it might just be easier next time.

There is something that all loving cat owners have in common; that is the desire to provide everything that their cat needs. Most of us are already familiar with how to feed and perhaps even groom a cat but sometimes, it helps to take a look at the basics. What if I were to tell you that many cat owners do not pick up and hold their cat properly? Would that surprise you? What might even surprise you more is that you might be guilty of the same offenses.

Handling a cat can be done in a number of ways but if you aren’t doing it properly, they might get nervous around you and you won’t enjoy that close bond you desire. It will also tend to make your cat uncomfortable, and none of us want that to happen. By following these 5 tips on handling your cat, you will find that things go a lot better as a result.

If your cat is already nervous around you then you really need to take your time and allow them to warm up to your touch. If they are calm around someone else, have them hold the cat while you give it treats and speak softly to the cat. Touch the cat without lifting them. These gentle methods will help your cat to gain some comfort around you.

Often, we tend to handle the cat like we think they want to be handled. Unfortunately, our cat may have different ideas. Take some time to study the cat and notice how they respond to the different ways you pick them up and hold them. Once you begin to learn their preferences, you can take things to the next level.

The world can be a frightening place when you are a cat in someone’s arms. Cats are naturally capable of being in high areas but they also like being in control. If you are carrying the cat and get close to a drop off of some sort or if the area seems like it could harm the cat, be sure to make the appropriate changes. This can go a long way in helping your cat to be comfortable.

Along with looking for the cat’s comfort zone, try looking for any annoying triggers they might experience as well. Some cats don’t like to be petted, for example and others might not like being cradled. If you find a trigger in your cat, avoid it.

Finally, it may be necessary to realize that some cats don’t like to be picked up and held. Perhaps it makes them feel out of control but for whatever reason, they don’t like it. If that is the case with your feline, then avoid making them uncomfortable in that way. Try petting them when they are on your lap or just spend some time near them until their comfort level increases.

Cats are amazing animals and I don’t know anyone with a cat in the family who would disagree. Some cats seem to have a mind of their own and others will be on your lap the moment you hit the sofa. In either case, they provide us with plenty of love and affection throughout their life and we do well just to return the favor in the best way possible. We could never give them all they give us but we can give them a nice place to live.

Of course, most of us think about our home as being the home of the cat as well. They seem to take it over in many ways and they are even home enjoying it when we are elsewhere. That being said, there are also some things we can do to help improve upon the home and make it an even more comfortable and loving place to live.

The first thing we can do is to provide out cat a place that is their own. Most cats will appreciate a place to go hang out and feel as if they aren’t going to be bothered. Some will only require a small bed in the corner of the room but others will find their own spot. If they do, you might consider making it even better for them in some way or another. As long as you don’t make it uncomfortable for them, they will likely appreciate the effort.

Another important part of home for a cat is dinnertime. Some cats tend to be rather picky when it comes to their food and others will gobble down anything you put in front of them. Try to find a type of food that is well balanced and contains enough protein and fat. Some carbs are fine, but they shouldn’t make up the bulk of the diet. In addition, some yummy treats are going to go a long way in helping your cat to be healthy and very happy.

Cats also enjoy being entertained and this may take place in a number of different ways. Some cats will play for hours if you give them the opportunity to do so. When you first got a kitten, you probably played with them for hours and were amazed with how their curiosity kept them entertained. That is something that doesn’t go away and even an older cat will enjoy some play time.

Finally, make sure that you can is as healthy as they can be. This is more than just feeding them the right foods, there are going to be times when you need to take them to the veterinarian as well. Make sure you do this when needed and even on an annual basis for a wellness visit. It will be one other thing you can do to provide the ultimate home for your feline.