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.

Some cats like to chew on everything, which can be dangerous to them as well as damaging to your personal items. The reasons behind inappropriate chewing can be from teething in kittens, curiousity, boredom, and even inadequate nutrition.

Chewing on electrical cords can result in electric shock, even death. Plants such as azaleas,caladium, lilies, dieffenbachia, ivy, mistletoe, poinsettias and philodendron

are toxic to cats. It is best not to have these plants around at all for your cat’s safety as well as your peace of mind.

Here are some measures you can take to keep your cat and your property safe.

The electrical cords can be covered with cord protectors. For cords bunched together, place rows of double-sided tape on the floor around it. Cats are reluctant to walk across sticky tape.

Spray furniture, plants or just about anything you want to keep your cat from chewing on. Bitter apple spray is safe, non-toxic, plus cats dislike the taste. There are many different kinds of organic cat repellent sprays out on the market.

Keep cat-friendly plants such as lemongrass and catnip within your cat’s reach for him to chew on. This should keep him from chewing on other plants as well as other objects.

Have a variety of toys on hand for your cat to play with, especially when you’re not around. Wall or door mounted toys for cats to bat around with, cat towers, cat tunnels are great “play alone” toys. Your cat won’t be bored.

If you catch your cat chewing on something unsuitable. You can yell “no,” rattle a can full of rocks. Cats are sensitive to loud noises. Also you can squirt your cat with water to discourage him. It will take him by surprise, but won’t hurt him.

Your cat’s diet should be nutritionally balanced to avert vitamin deficiencies which may bring on excessive chewing. You can make your cat’s food or give him cat food high in nutrition and free of impurities. You may also check with your veterinarian or a holistic vet to suggest vitamin supplements.

Your cat should have regular dental exams. Sometimes they chew to ease pain from toothache or aching gums.

In this world, there are “dog people” and “cat people” which are also known as people who like and/or own dogs and people who like and/or own cats. It’s wonderful to be one of these type of people where you own a pet you love and cherish, but what happens when that pet hurts you? What do you do about cat biting for instance?

For the most part, cats are very predictable animals who don’t do anything without reason. It may seem that cats bite only when angry, but there’s more than one reason why they may bite. Sometimes, cats will bite to protect themselves. What we humans have to remember is that biting and scratching are the only forms of protection cats have so when they learn to bite at a young age, they are learning protection the same way we humans learn to hold up our hands when being attacked. It is a natural reflex that cats learn. When they bite stuffed toys or another animal, it is always with the intent to kill and protect themselves so when humans get caught in the midst of this, we can expect that it will hurt.

Cat biting can also occur when the cat is overstimulated. Cats make that incredible purring sound when you pet them, but sometimes they may become overstimulated for one reason or another and turn into a biting creature in an instant. Watch for signs that the cat is becoming uncomfortable by looking for ears going back, eyes narrowing, and tail lashing. Soon after this, the bite will occur so stopping the action you’re doing before the cat gets overstimulated could save you from a bite.

There are a few other ways to prevent getting bitten by your cat. When your cat bites you, say “ouch” very loudly and clearly while looking at your cat. Cat biting is something they may do in play, but if you say “ouch” as you remove the part of your body the cat has in his mouth, he will learn that it is not okay to bite you. Also, you can redirect your cat’s attention to something that is okay to bite, like a toy. Throw the toy several feet and make sure it gets your cat’s attention. Your cat will soon be conditioned to bite the toy instead of you.

Cat dandruff is a common symptom of diabetes in cats. According to a study, it is possible that 1 in 200 cats do suffer from diabetes mellitus (DM), which can be treated so that your pet cat can remain healthy.

Poor nutrition is one cause of this problem. Even though it may cost a bit more, quality cat food can have a real positive impact on your pet’s health.

Food supplements that contain fish oil can be given to a cat which is a proven measure to prevent dandruff problem in a cat. They can also get this by eating canned tuna because it is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids that will improve the coat in approximately one week.

Symptoms of skin care problems such as dandruff include increased appetite, excessive thirst, dehydration, depression, and excessive urination, among others. This gets worse when the cat starts to display weak hind legs.

Cats with diabetes of other risk factors such as steroid injections or neutering can also display this problem. Cold weather is another cause of dry skin in cats. If this hunch is correct, a simple oral or topical treatment for dry skin may be enough to do the trick

Allergies are another cause for concern, as they can cause skin problems in cats. It is hard to pinpoint an exact cause, but culprits many include cleaners, pollen, and food — cat owners are advised to use only natural cleaning products in the home.

Cats should be kept indoors, to prevent them from roaming outside. According to scientific studies, sunburn kills the top layer of skin, leading it to dry out and flake off. Frequent sunburn can lead to skin cancer, so if you do decide to let your cat out, do this early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, when the sun is not at its peak.

During the winter, do not let your cat sleep in front of the fireplace, as this will dry out his or her skin very quickly. Invest in a good humidifier to keep your pet warm during the winter.

Cats can also become infested by fleas and ticks. You can routinely check your cat for these pests, pulling them out and using a flea and tick treatment to get rid of the rest. Comb your pet’s hair frequently so this does not continue to happen.

If your cat continues to have skin care problems, the best thing to do is bring it to the vet’s office, as over-the-counter medications may not be potent enough to have real results. Some symptoms can be misleading, indicating other skin disorders such as Cheyletiella, and not dandruff.

Skin care problems like dandruff must be taken care of immediately, before your cat’s condition worsens. Grooming, diet, and proper hygiene are considered as the best methods to keep the cat away from dandruff problems, and it is always better to get the help of a veterinarian so that exact cause can be identified and treated properly if the use of household remedies does not work.

Stress can be a contributing factor to litter box problems. Cats don’t like change and they get stressed out easily by a recent move, redecorating the house, a new family member.

The location of the box. The box needs to be placed in an area where there is a low noise level and less activity. Places like bathrooms and kitchens are not the best places due to the high level of activity. Also the box should be in an area that is easily accessible for the cat. 

 

 

 

 

 

The dental care of a cat is critical, and hence, you should make sure that the cat enjoys a clean bill of health, out of other things. It is important to care for your cat’s teeth, because dental problems can lead to other health problems for your cat. For example, if your cat suffers from periodontal issues, it may be painful for him to eat; therefore he may not eat enough food or ingest enough of the right nutrients. That is just one example showing the importance of good dental care for your cat.

Many cats will suffer from preventable dental problems if they are not properly cared for. That’s why it is so important for the cat owner to ensure that his or her cat’s teeth are properly cared for. It may not be pleasant, but in the long run you and your cat will be better off.

A pet cat will remain healthy in the long run but one of the general problems it experiences is the development of plaque on its teeth. Like humans, cats have tartar buildup on their teeth, which is known as plaque. This is caused by the many types of food consumed by cats, some of which accumulate on the teeth and lead to tartar buildup. If plaque continues to accumulate, gum problems may result, possibly leading to loss of your cat’s teeth.

However, not all cats have the same experience with dental plaque. Cats are prone to develop tarter on its teeth in certain cases while the other cats do well with little dental care. Some cats need to have their teeth cleaned regularly to remove plaque build-up. A whitish yellow deposit known as plaque slowly develops on the tooth of a cat.

Most often in cats, plaque tends to form in the outer portion of the top teeth. If plaque is not removed, gum problems can occur in cats. Problems related to gum’s in cats can be seen with reddish gum lines which is an indication of the plaque being already created with some amount of irritation.

It is suggested that over building of plaque is prevented in the cats teeth by using annual teeth cleaning methods. Usually veterinarians administer general anesthesia to clean a cat’s teeth. A tooth cleaning of a cat is a service offered by Veterinarians which is considered as expensive. The best alternative may be to clean your cat’s teeth at home.

Of course, cleaning your pet’s teeth at home requires an adjustment from you as an owner. The typical cat does not enjoy having his or her teeth cleaned! To accomplish this, you may have to wrap your cat in a bath towel to restrain him, and you may need a helper too.

For brushing your cat’s teeth, a children’s sized tooth brush is perfect. There is some edible toothpaste for pets on the market, which can make this task much easier. Tooth brushing can be done on a weekly basis when a cat can get used to this process.

Sometimes when trying to perform cat dental care, you may notice that your cat’s breath smells terrible. The cause could be one of two things. One cause of the foul breath may be teething. At the age of about six months, cats begin to lose their baby teeth, which are replaced by permanent ones.

Owing to the teeth changing process, the cat’s breath may produce an odor. Once the teeth come in, your cat’s breath should smell better.

When you are in pain, you are able to tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will get you to the hospital. Pets can’t do that, but if you watch them carefully, you can figure out a lot of things. That is why pet owners should practice cat care and be generally aware of the symptoms. 

Following are a few of the diseases and the symptoms you should watch out for.  

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease, and for good reason. It is the leading cause of death among cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection. The worst part is that the symptoms are very similar to other ailments, so it is really hard to diagnose. 

There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is the feline version of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the human version, this is an infection that cannot be cured; and while it progresses slowly, it will kill the cat. 

Cats can also get Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that is the cause of some fatal cancerous diseases and some non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated easily using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. The disease is transmitted through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two diseases, this one doesn’t survive very long in the environment, so it is only contagious when the infected cat is with another cat over a long period of time. 

Worms are another threat to the health of cats; this condition is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through the spores. Basically it is a self-limiting disease, which means you can’t do anything to make it go away. The cat will eventually get better, but it may just take a few months.  

If your cat is over its ideal weight, it very likely already has feline diabetes. As with humans, the main symptoms of this disease include excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Vets are not exactly sure what causes this, but a few research studies have shown a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance, and certain medications. 
 
The symptoms for most of the aforementioned diseases are very much alike. Some of the most common ones are: diarrhea, vomiting, lameness (for more than 5 days or more) in one leg, loss of vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging, and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to figure out what’s wrong, your cat will need some tests. 

Your vet will take samples of his blood, urine and feces. It will also be helpful to tell the vet anything you have observed. It is only after the tests are taken and read that proper treatment can be administered to the cat, as each case varies. What works for one cat, may not work well with another. 

With regular care and attention from you, your cat can still be healthy. For example, your cat needs high quality food, fresh water daily, regular exercise, and proper grooming. It also helps if you make sure it stays indoors and take it the vet for regular check-ups. 

If you have skipped any of these basic steps, something is bound to go wrong. Soon you will see a change in the behavior of your cat, and ignoring it will just make things worse. So practice proper cat care and watch your pet for symptoms.

Good cat health means identifying diabetes and providing treatment so that your cat can live a normal life. A serious malady affecting many humans, diabetes unfortunately also strikes some pet cats. It is also vital for pet owners to be aware of how feline diabetes influences cats and how they can assist in making life better for their cats by gaining knowledge about how to care for them in an improved manner. 

Your pet cats may be affect by two types of feline diabetes. Type 1 is influenced by not enough creation of insulin, while Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a cat’s system not being able to process insulin properly. Similar to people, diabetes can affect cats at any time, but more often strikes older cats. 

Some drugs or diseases might impair the natural processing of insulin in the cat’s body, which is a secondary type of feline diabetes. 

Cats may also exhibit symptoms that will inform both veterinarians and owners that they are becoming diabetic. Symptoms associated with feline diabetes can be similar to those experienced by humans as their diabetes progresses. A cat with diabetes may consume large amounts of liquids as well as urinate frequently. Since diabetes inhibits the body’s ability to generate glucose, a diabetic cat often loses weight. 

If your cat displays vomiting, lack of appetite and systemic weakness, it may have feline diabetes. Additionally, diabetic cats may suffer from breathing problems along with bad skin and coat quality. 

If a pet cat exhibits any of the symptoms described above, the pet owner should waste no time in having the cat checked for sugar levels in both the blood and the urine. Cats feeling stress might experience a momentary hike in their blood sugar levels which is why both tests could be needed. Combining the results of the two tests will produce a more accurate assessment of whether or not your cat truly has diabetes.

Similar to human diabetes, there is also no cure for feline diabetes. While there is no cure, there are several effective treatments. Controlling a cat’s diet and weight can be effective tools to manage their condition. Diabetic cats, especially those overweight, can greatly benefit from a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. 

Besides controlling the cat’s weight, this kind of diet is excellent for keeping the pet’s blood sugar at a healthy level. Oral medications may also be obtained to assist your diabetic pet in keeping its blood sugar at a healthy level. 

Another thing that owners of diabetic cats should do is to regularly check the glucose and insulin levels of their pets. The pet owners who end up injecting their cats with insulin to treat diabetes, taking care to stay away from overdosing, should always be monitoring their cat’s glucose levels. If a cat is given too much insulin, it can be fatal. Feline diabetes can also be managed through the use of some dietary supplements which may prove helpful for the condition.

Care is essential for cats who have diabetes to make sure that your cat can go about a regular existence. Treating a diabetic cat will insure its longevity and allow the pet to provide its owners with joy for a long time. 

By the pure concern and diligent care provided to diabetic cats, pet owners can really show the love they feel toward their precious pet companions.

It happens before you know it that cute adorable kitten you brought home is now in his senior years. You see the signs of him aging and you would like to have him around for a longer time. What can you do to maintain your cat’s health as he ages? This article will inform you on how to care for an elderly cat.

First thing – you need to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and appearance. Is your cat eating/drinking more or less than usual? Has he lost or gained weight? Is he grooming himself properly? Exibiting any unusual behavior? Any change in his sleeping patterns?

Just to be on the safe side, you should take him in for a checkup to see if he may have any health issues that need to be monitored closely. Older cats can get arthritis, diabetes, hyperthroidism along with a host of other feline diseases. These are the things you need to consider when caring for an older cat.

It’s important you have good rapport with your veterinarian. Never let your vet prescribe any medications until you’ve had your cat tested. Up to date tests can reveal potential problems and could even save your cat’s life.

Every year your cat should be have a complete physical exam, including a urinalsis, fecal exam, and blood work done to ensure you stay on top of his health.

Dental care in cats is very important. See to it your cat’s teeth are checked on a regular basis. If left unattended, plaque can build up on the teeth and cause gum problems. Gum problems can cause infections which can damage their organs. Also this can create other health issues and shorten a cats lifespan.

Your cat’s dietary needs will change as he ages. Supplement his diet with feline vitamins. Low blood potassium is more common in older cats which can result in the deterioration in body organs and systems. Research has found that low potassium can contribute to kidney damage. Giving your cat potassium will help maintain healthy kidney function and your cat will act, eat, and feel better too. You can get potassium through your veterinarian in three forms: 1) a tablet 2) powder 3) a tasty gel.

Feed him food that is high quality, fit for human consumption. Most commercial foods on the market have impurities that are harmful to cats at any age. Another thing, these foods are loaded with carbohydrates which can cause weight gain, along with a host of other illnesses in cats. Avoid cat food that has meat- by- products, bone meal, wheat, corn, soy, BHA, BHT, propylene glyc, phosphoric acid, azo, azo dyes, and sodium nitrate on the label.

Check with your veterinarian or even a veterinarian who is open to or practices alternative medicine to see if there is any special diet to help meet your cat’s nutritional needs.

It is better to keep your cat indoors for health and safety reasons. It’s dangerous for cats of all ages to roam freely outside, but even more dangerous for an elderly cat. They’re reflexes are slower, sense of smell isn’t as sharp, and they can’t always hear as well which makes them more vulnerable to moving cars, predators, poisons, and they can catch diseases from other animals.

Make sure your cat has comfortable bedding, even a heating pad. Keep the house temperature at a comfortable range for both you and your cat.

Respect your cat’s need for privacy – give him a place where he can enjoy nap time alone away from the kids and other pets.

As your cat ages it may be harder for him to get in and out of the litterbox due to arthritis. Kidney and digestive disorders can cause more frequent visits to the litterbox. Here is what you can do to make your kitty more comfortable: trim your cat’s hair around his bottom for cleaniness purposes, switch to litterboxes with lower walls and make sure the boxes are close enough for him to get to. Even a change in diet can make a difference.

If your cat suffers from arthritis you can work with your vet on a treatment plan. Be open to alternatives like acupressure, massage, homeopathic and herbal treatments.

Your cat may have trouble grooming himself so it is essential to frequently brush him  to keep the hair from matting.

Each day spend quality time petting and playing with your cat to let him know you still love and value him. This is a great way to bond with him and help make his remaining years more golden.

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