A cat’s claws are used for different reasons. The claws mean a lot to cats, since they help a cat to balance himself. If you have ever watched a cat jump and hold onto a high object, most likely you see that he used his claws for getting up. When they climb up a tree, cats typically use their claws to hold onto the limb and climb where they are going.

Cat’s claws are also used to stretch, walk, and run. A cat’s claws are the main way it has to protect itself from harm, from people and from other animals. Nearly all cats have very sharp claws, since a cat’s claws and teeth are generally the only weapons they have. The claws are necessary for taking care of bathroom duties also, since cats use claws to dig and hide their excrement with dirt.

Cats scratch with claws also, and this marks their area. Their claws have glands that secrete. When they put their mark on an object, they leave a secretion on the place where they scratched. The cats can detect this, but people can’t. Occasionally, they will scratch so that an older claw will drop off and the new claw under this will grow out.

As disappointing as it is, many pet owners value their possessions, like costly furniture or carpets, more than their cat. The cat owners are scared that the cat will destroy their furnishing or carpeting, and this is why they make a decision to have their cat de-clawed. Having a cat’s claws taken out is an operation, which consists of the end joint in a cat’s foot being cut off where the nail is connected. 

If you have been considering having your cat de-clawed, you should be aware that this could completely alter his personality. After the cat is de-clawed, he will be hurt and confused. It will be difficult, maybe even impossible, for him to jump on the couch, get through the window, or play like he used to. Some cats, following being de-clawed, become mean and use their teeth to bite. In other words, the cat will be very unhappy, which is hard for loving owners to cope with.

People who choose to have cats should be aware that a cat can scratch occasionally. People should not consider owning a cat if they cannot accept that a cat will scratch sometimes. Cats make wonderful pets, however cats have claws and they will use them sometimes. There are many other wonderful pets available if you can’t deal with a cat. If your concern is only your furniture or carpet, there are methods you can use to prevent your cat from scratching your possessions.

Purchasing a scratching post, showing it to your cat, and demonstrating how to use it is one of the first steps you should take to keep him from scratching on other things. You can also buy a rush mat, which will assist your cat with his inclination for scratching. You might have to show your cat how to use the mat or post, but they’ll learn quickly. Your cat will stop scratching on your furniture and carpet once you have demonstrated the way he should use the scratching post or mat.

Many people don’t realize that there are alternatives to getting their cat de-clawed that will still protect their possessions. Having a cat’s claw taken out hurts very much and it is perplexing to the cat, and it might completely alter the way he looks at things. For the sake of your cat, you should consider other available options before pursuing the inhumane treatment of de-clawing your cat.

If you observe your cat backing up against something like a door and raising his tail to pass urine, this is a sign of trouble. This issue is called spraying, and it is quite typical for indoor cats. It can be really annoying, but you can fix it. 

Despite common beliefs, spraying has nothing to do with litter box issues, but is rather about marking territory. Cat pee that is sprayed has pheromones in it, which is a chemical that cats and various animals use to communicate. Pheromones are similar to fingerprints, in that they help with identification of cats and different creatures. 

As a cat sprays, he is only marking his area with his pee. Spraying is merely how a cat marks out the boundaries of his domain for other animals. While it might cause you to become angry, this does not do anything to resolve the problem. Shouting at or scolding your cat often just causes it to spray again. 

When cats are in heat, they find the smell of urine very appealing. When cats are in heat, they spray to attract a partner. Frequently a cat that sprays when it is in heat will deliver kittens within a matter of months. Remember that it is not always because they are in heat that cats spray; some will also spray if they come up against another cat, or during other times of stress. 

While cats use spraying in order to communicate, the odor is quite foul to humans. Luckily the most common place for cats to spray is outside rather than indoors. Those who own cats that are always kept inside may have a real issue with spraying. In the event that you observe spraying in your home, it is necessary to act on this at once. 

The best and most easy method to put a stop to spraying is to have your cat sterilized or spayed, depending on if it a male or a female. Male cats which are neutered no longer spray, stopping as soon as the procedure is performed. 

If this situation occurs with your cat, discuss it with your veterinarian. It is possible that this is a health issue, and your veterinarian will be able to determine this. Additionally if your cat is spraying because he is going through a stressful situation, you have to find out why he is this way; then you can deal with it and mostly likely he will quit spraying completely. You must always react the moment that spraying begins – just because cat pee has a bad smell and it can leave spots anywhere in your home.

Having a pet can be a wonderful adventure and they make great companions, but just like having a child, animals can get sick too. So what do you do when your pet has a health problem? In particular, how do you take care of cats eyes? Like any creature that loses their sight, when a cat’s eye infection gets bad enough that it can cause blindness, they become listless and afraid. This, in turn, can cause agitation and aggressiveness in the cat so it is important to stay up to date on how to care for the eyes of your cat and to make sure you know what to look for that would be signs they should see a veterinarian.

With animals, keeping them well groomed and clean can usually make it possible to avoid common problems. With cats, if you keep them clean and monitor their eyes, you can keep the eyes of your cat free from disease. Gently clean their eyes from mucus, make sure the hair around their eyes is trimmed enough that it can’t get into their eyes, and clean the tear stained fur around their eyes.

One of the symptoms of an eye infection in a cat is reddish coloring on their eyes. Cat eyes are always clear and moist. If you see anything other than this, it is a good idea to make sure their eyes are not infected. Excessive tearing or mucus forming in or around the eye are other signs that there could be an eye infection in your cat. Another disease that some cats can get is conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye. This disease is highly contagious and must be treated immediately to avoid your cat passing it from one eye to the other or passing it onto other animals. It is treated with an ointment that you put into the eye of few times each day. 

Most infections can be treated with ointments or drops, but some eye problems need to be treated with surgery. Two of these are glaucoma and cataracts. Both of the surgeries for these diseases are done to avoid the cat going blind. With any infection in your cats eyes, you need to make sure action is taken immediately to avoid it getting this extreme and most of all, to avoid your cat losing its sight altogether.

People who have cats are aware of the truth that bad cat breath is terrible. As is the case with bad breath in humans, it is caused by bacteria found in the mouth; the bacteria breaks down protein and in the process, expels into the air sulfur compounds. If you have ever smelled sulfer, you know it’s really awful on it’s own; this is why breath containing sulfer smells really bad too. The bacteria that results in your cat’s bad breath is usually a result of tartar building up around the teeth and gums. Tartar has a yellow color, and it is a mixture of bacteria, food, and minerals.

To get rid of your cat’s bad breath, you’ll have to get rid of the tartar that has built up on its teeth. If the tartar has built up too much, then you will have to have a veterinary professional clean your cat’s teeth. The foul smelling breath will disappear after you have the tartar removed from its teeth.

You might be able to clean your cat’s teeth by yourself at home. There are a couple of different kinds of toothpastes you can buy for use with your pet; they usually come in a variety of flavors. You wil have to use a mechanical toothbrush, since the movement is extremely vital for taking away tartar buildup. Look for a toothpaste that has enzymes, as they will dissolve the tartar buildup, thus taking care of bad breath. You can retard any kind of tartar buildup that results in bad breath if you begin brushing your cat’s teeth early in life.

Another thing to think about is what kind of food you are giving your cat to eat. There are a variety of pet foods on the market that have impurities that could be the cause of your cat’s bad breath along with other health issues. For your cat’s sake, learn about the ingredients that pet food contains. There are commercial pet foods that are free of harmful ingredients. If you shop and give your cat only healthy foods and treats, it can help eliminate his bad breath immensely. You can also purchase treats that are created to get rid of tartar; use these when you want to give your pet a special treat. Always give cats treats that are made to help control tartar buildup. Plus, brushing or rinsing out your cat’s mouth after he has eaten will get rid of bacteria before it has had a chance to form hard buildup on his teeth. Usually this works best if you wait about 30 minutes, so your cat doesn’t associate mealtime with having his teeth brushed. This will cause the cat to be anxious about mealtime, which could lead to other more serious health issues.

The foul smell in some cat’s mouths may be from a cause other than tartar or just having bad breath. In these situations, this could be a liver or kidney ailment. If you notice your pet has bad breath and you are sure tartar isn’t the cause, you should get your cat in to visit the vet immediately. Even if it could be nothing more than tartar buildup. It’s better to err on the side of caution. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem, tell you what caused it and tell you what you need to do to fix it.

 

 

　

Anyone who owns a pet knows that one of the scariest things in the world is when your pet gets sick and you don’t know how to treat the problem. For cat owners, one major illness is cat ear mites. When your cat comes down with this disease, which is when insects called mites get inside the cat’s ear and hatch eggs in it, there are many ways to treat it depending how deep in the ear the ear mites have gotten.

Herbal remedies work well on the outside of the ear, but if the ear mites have gotten in a bit further, medications can work to rid the ear mites from the cat’s ears. If the mites have gotten to the middle and inner ear, the veterinarian needs to be seen immediately to prevent further damage.

One of first signs that your cat has cat ear mites is when you see a black or brown discharge from the cat’s ear. At this point, it is a good idea to swab the cat’s ear with a cotton swab. If you pull out the cotton swab and it is covered with ear mites, see the vet immediately. Within 21 days, the ear mite eggs can hatch so treatment needs to be done every single day for all 21 days to make sure your cat is rid of the problem completely. The treatment needs to be done in each ear even if the mites are only present in one ear. Ear mites travel across the head of the cat and can get into the uninfected ear very easily so treat both ears to rid your cat completely of the mites. If you own any other pets or if your cat is in contact with any other animals, they need to be treated as well as the ear mites can spread very easily from one animal to another. If you take the precautions listed and treat your animal for all 21 days, you can easily get rid of this annoying pest. 

For someone who wants to protect their cat from ever getting ear mites, there is one home remedy that has proven effective. It is a mixture of mullein flowers and olive oil. Cook the mixture for six hours on low heat in a crock pot then strain the flowers and put the liquid into a jar in your refrigerator for one month. When you want or need to use the mixture, just warm to room temperature and put a dropper’s worth into your cat’s ear to prevent ear mites from taking up residence. When you do things like this to take care of your cat’s ear, ear mites shouldn’t be a problem.

Arlene developed a suspicious looking spot on the tip of her left ear. Like most blue-eyed, fair complected individuals, she was naturally more prone to sunburns, but the spot was largely ignored. She later died from complications due to skin cancer. A tragic and cautionary tale. But unlike other similar stories, Arlene was a cat. A lovely white cat with a pink nose. Her owner did not realize that Arlene could be prone to cat skin cancer and only after a fateful vet trip did she realize that her death could have been avoided.

It is important to note that not all cats are prone to cat skin cancer. Just as light skinned people are more at risk than dark, so it is the same with felines. A cat’s fur normally affords them natural protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, white fur on ears and pink noses do not provide any immunity since the tissue in those areas are thinner and burn easily.

There are three things a concerned owner of a feline prone to cat skin cancer can do to avoid this illness. The first is to keep the cat indoors. Obviously, if the cat is never exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, then the problem is avoided altogether. However, this is sometimes not possible if the kitty is only an outdoor pet or is already accustomed to having the run of the neighborhood. The second method a concerned owner can do to prevent cat skin cancer is to apply a complete spectrum sunscreen to the ears and nose. Veterinarians recommend using lotions designed for babies and toddlers, since they contain less irritating ingredients that could be toxic to the cat. The last prevention method of cat skin cancer is to have the cat’s ears and nose tattooed a darker pigment so those areas are no longer vulnerable to UV rays and skin cancer.

Last, if a cat owner notices an irregular shaped dark spot on their cat’s ears or nose, it is a good idea to have it checked by a veterinarian right away. If it turns out to be cancerous, the vet can perform surgery to remove the tumor or provide radiation therapy. Remember the best treatment is prevention!

Are you thinking of adopting a cat? Yes, they do make great pets, but you need to understand what caring for a cat involves, before taking on the responsibility of cat ownership. 

Do you have the financial means to support a cat?

The cost of cat ownership can really add up with food, treats, toys, scratching posts, cat furniture, litter, litterboxes, flea treatment, veterinary visits, pet medications, pet insurance, cat sitters, other miscellaneous expenses.

Are you home often enough to give a cat the attention and care it needs? 

Although cats can be left alone for hours at a time, they still crave love and affection from their owners. It is important that you spend at least 15 minutes a day playing with the cat. Cats need fresh food and plenty of drinking water provided for them daily. Their litterbox needs to be scooped everyday and washed at least once a week. Plus, cats need to be combed everyday, especially longhaired cats. 

Are you willing to put up with any damage that might occur? 

Even though you can train a cat to use a litterbox and scratching post, chew on toys, still you can’t expect your home to be totally free from damage with a cat around. There’s a chance the cat may scratch your furniture, urinate or defecate, vomit on the carpet and furniture. The cat could unexpectly start chewing on things around the house that aren’t appropriate. 

Is your home suitable to accomodate a cat with?

If you have a dog or young children, you need to be certain the cat will be able to adapt to them. Also you need to catproof your home, like keeping the cat away from toxic plants and chemicals. Keeping electrical wires covered up or spraying bitter apple on the wires to prevent the cat from chewing on them.

Will you be able to care for your cat if he becomes ill? 

Cats can and do get sick like people. There’s the possibility you may have to miss a few days from work, stay up all night with your cat, give him medication, clean his eyes, ears nose, abcesses.

Are you willing to make the commitment? 

Cat adoption is not to be entered into lightly. It is something that needs to be well thought out.Cats can live well into their late teens, even twenties. A cat is not like a possession you can decide to get rid of like a household item that no longer suits you. Cat’s can suffer feelings of rejection when abandoned by their owners. You need to expect to be in it for the long haul.

If you can provide a safe, loving home envirement and enough time and commitment, then cat adoption may be an enjoyable experience for you , providing you with unconditional love and companionship for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding cat behavior is the key to having a well behaved cat as well as bonding with him.

Most people really believe cats are anti-social and selfish, only showing affection to their owners when they want food.

The truth is most cats really do crave human affection. Usually they are there to greet their owners when they first arrive home, brushing up against them and meowing happily. Eager to sit in their owners lap and be stroked.

Even cats who aren’t lap cats will miss you if you go away for even a few days. For example, my cat Oscar will let me pet him, but does not like to be held. Whenever I go away for more than a day, he’ll let me know he missed me by curling up next to me in bed the first few days I’m back. Once he knows I’m here to stay, he’ll go back to sleeping at the foot of the bed or his mat. Every cat has his own unique way of showing his appreciation for you.

In fact cats are really sensitive creatures and are devastated if they are abandoned by their owners.

Cats have no problem letting you know when they are content, angry, or frightened.

If a cat is content, usually his ears are standing straight up on his head with his tail up in the air while purring.

You can tell a cat is angry when his ears are folded back while giving you a fixed stare, accompanied by a thumping tail. Usually he will growl or hiss or both. He is warning you to back off.

When his ears are flattened against his head with his pupils being dialated that means the cat is really scrared.

Have you ever noticed how a cat rubs his face against people and furniture? They have scent glands around their mouth to mark their territory.

Another way cats mark their territory is by scratching. Cats need to scratch in order to clean their nails and to stretch. Scratching is natural to cats. You can’t stop a cat from scratching, but you can train a cat to use only the scratching post or pad as well as train them not to shred the furniture and drapes.

Cats leave their pheromones by spraying to mark their territory, to relieve stress, communicate with another cat. This can be really annoying when they do it indoors. One of the most effective ways to stop cat spraying is by having your cat neutered or spayed. Also figuring out what could be making your cat stressed and relieving his stress is another way to nip the problem in the bud.

Never yell or use physical punishment to try to correct your cat”s spraying problem. It will make the cat afraid of you and it won’t solve the problem.

Yes cats do have qiurky behaviors which drive you crazy sometimes, but they have their own personalities that make them so lovable.

Tapeworms are not pleasant. If your cat has had an increase in appetite, diarrhea, has been licking his bottom more often than usual, has dried segments that look like rice around his hind legs, there’s a chance your cat may have tapeworms.

Your cat can get tapeworms as well as a host of other worms from eating rats, mice, rabbits and from swallowing a flea infected with tapeworm larve.

Even though there are different types of tapeworms to infect cats. Diplidium is known to be more common. The feline tapeworm has 6 rows of teeth to grab hold of the small intestine of a cat. Cat tapeworms can grow as much as 6 inches or more.

Cat tapeworms are not as harmful as hookworms and heartworms, but still if left untreated, your cat will become seriously malnourished which can do serious damage to his health in the long term. That is why the worms should be treated soon as possible.

Check with your vet to get a proper diagnosis and bring a stool sample . Please note, tapeworms don’t always pass through the stool so several samples may be in order. Better yet, bring the dried segments for the vet to see.

You can treat the worms with over the counter remedies. One natural remedy known to treat tapeworms is wormwood extract. You only need to add a pinch of the herb in your cat’s food a couple times a day for 3-5 weeks. As suggested, follow the procedure every 2 to three months especially with outdoor cats.

Another way to prevent tapeworms is by eliminating fleas. It is best to vacume the furniture, pet bedding, carpets, floors and corners throughout your house on a regular basis. In addition, keep the kitchen clean. Clean up food spills immediately, don’t leave food, dirty dishes laying around. Also, be quick to fix any leaky pipes. Humid conditions are a breeding ground for fleas. Drying out the home surroundings and pruning the outside are other preventive measures you can take for preventing fleas. 

If pesticides are neccessary, then use the natural, less harmful ones. Herbs such as bay leaves, coriander, dill, lemon peel, or clove can be placed in the cupboards or in stored grain to keep fleas away, which is known to work effectively.

The best way to prevent tapeworms is by eliminating fleas and using herbal treatments. Plus, always observe your cat and if you suspect he may have worms of any sort, please don’t hesistate to bring him to the vet to get a correct diagnosis.

Cats can be a joy to have as a pet. Unfortunately , they can be a terror when they use your furniture as a scratching post. They don’t do it out of hostility. Scratching is normal for cats and they need to do it. Scratching cleans out their nail sheaths, outer layer of dead cells from the claw and it helps keeps the nails healthy. Plus they scratch for communication or for marking territory.

So what can you do to keep your cat from destroying your furniture? First of all you must understand it’s only natural for cats to scratch and they are going to do it anyway.

Fortunately, you can train them to not scratch your furniture and prefer using a scratching post.First of all when choosing a scratching post you need to consider the type of material your cat will like. Some cats like hard surfaces, while other cats prefer soft materials. You can experiment with different materials using scratching pads to get an idea of what appeals more to your cat. Keep in mind, the post needs to be sturdy enough to support your cat’s weight and long enough for him to stretch.

To make using the post more pleasant for your cat to use, try putting catnip and his favorite toys around it.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, otherwise he will destroy your furniture with his claws due to boredom and frustration. Spend at least fifteen minutes a day playing with him.

Here are some things you can do to keep your cat from scratching the furniture.

Keep the furniture covered with something the cat hates to touch; double sided tape, some plastic or aluminium foil. Cats usually don’t like the feeling of foil and the noise it makes, plus they dislike things that cling to their fur.

Another thing you can do is use sprays like bitter apple or actual orange peels around the furniture. Cats hate the way those smell and will repel it everytime.

The worst thing you can do is use physical punishment to try stop your cat from scratching the furniture. It will only make him afraid of you and want to avoid you. Plus, it won’t solve the scratching problem.

It is unreasonable to expect cats to stop scratching, they need to scratch. At least you can condition them to not to scratch inappropiate areas and train them to use a scratching post or pad.

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