A distinct Cat furniture

Cat owners who want only the best for their pets will go any length of time in order to provide the best cat furniture. There are many cat furniture owners can choose from. There are unique items that will be best for you and your cat needs.

Firstly, there are cat trees that are in different shapes, colors and sizes. Cat trees are usually better to have if you cat loves zero. So, instead of letting you furniture scratch marks from suffering from your cat, you can select these cat trees. These trees can become as cat condos. When you have more than one cat, cat trees are also manufactured with multiple rooms. You can either indoors or outdoors. Indoor varieties are usually smaller than those which are made for outdoor use.

Some designs also feature a cat hammock is attached somewhere in cat tree. This will be the best method for active cats. They can keep swinging while hanging on the hammock. Also, there are cat trees that have the games installed on them. These games provide additional entertainment for your pets.

These trees are also cat towers, when made as tall structures. Your cats will love and that these towers. In addition, may be chrisimopoiithoyn as exercise equipment.

Some towers can cost more than a hundred dollars. If you only in order to have your cat scratching post, you can only pay station and exploits is no longer the condos, toys and other additions by buying only a cat scratching post. These positions can cost less than half the price of the cheapest towers.

These products can be sold at a single location that are present or may be those that have two or three places already installed.

Also, you might want to have the pet stairs. It is better to provide for cats that are too old or too weak to be able to jump up to reach certain areas of your home. These come in various pet stairs lengths. You may be able to find shops that allows you to customize how big can the stairs. This is a good opportunity to have, as you can be sure that the stairs will allow your cat to achieve comfortable seats.

These elements can be heavy, so that they not slip when your pet is taking them. There are still a number of products in which they can transform steps as drawers. This is a great way to save space, especially when you have a small home. You can save your cat toys and other items related to the drawers.

And if you need additional designs and accessories for your home, there are separate cat furniture for this purpose. Cat Scratchers are made more attractive by making more colorful. Some posts are made to resemble flowers, a small garden, or made with heart drawings. Cat Condos now as context but are designed to look like buildings or spaces for the people.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com, which sells cat beds, cat bed, as well as a host of additional products.

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Things that your Cat may not understand

Cats can sometimes be curious creatures. Do something odd, some are beautiful and some people would find it annoying, but did you ever realize why do some of them? Here are some of the most common quirks and real meaning.

Bringing gifts: many cat owners both adore and encouraged the thought of the cats is with a dead rat in the door. From the outside looking in, it seems that the cats shows his love by giving something back to the relationship. However, what in fact the cat is not-too-subtlety indicating that failure as a provider and that they can do better. By bringing home a dead critter, saying, "you cannot do this, let me show you how failure." kind of a little dynamic changes.

Generally the term Meowing agreed to his cat is the standard "meow" that we give them very often. However, this is the way they usually communicate with one another. Cats will make noise for interaction, sure, but very cat-cat-based interaction and the Freaky body movement only kind seem to read the minds of other countries ("why Yes, I was planning on breaking the vase later today, we do together?"). Why they meow is to contact us. How often the meows change depending on how we meow back? Doing what they can imitate human speech, or at least the annoying shrill consider it.

Learning something: Cats can be trained to do tricks, or to do things that you can find bothersome, but unlike dogs, a great deal of time learning how to do it for fun and I learn constantly new things, cats have quite a number of tricks they will learn (altogether about approximately 50 words) and then only learn by learning to feel if this trick or command will be advantageous for them. Typically, you will learn something such as "shake a hand" quickly enough as you handle each time you do it right, but they just stopped coming in the future is handled, somehow forgetting what you do in the first place. More than anything, learn what serves them best, and often your tricks or requests shall not call into this category.

Cats, despite the fact that cute little fuzzy friends, always looking out for their interests better. Sometimes you simply know how to play with you. Still, this does not mean they don't love you, but they sure can be a combination of little devils sometimes.

For more information or cat tips about cat training, head over to SimplyCatBreeds.org now!

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Cats and allergies: how to coexist

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Unfortunately about one fifth of people suffer from allergies, and many of those people are also allergic to cats. For many years it was thought that humans with cat allergies were reacting to cat hair, but scientific studies have since discovered that the major allergen involved in allergies to cats is actually the dander, or more specifically, a protein called Fel d 1. Fel d 1 is present in saliva, sebaceous (oil) glands, anal glands, and many internal tissues in cats.

The major cat allergen is extremely small, and is actually airborne in undisturbed rooms; it travels on air currents within the home. In other words, this allergen is not airborne only after dusting or vacuuming in a specific area, but rather it is airborne all the time. Previously it was hypothesized that cats spread the allergen over their coats with their meticulous grooming behavior, but that theory has since been disproved. The skin is actually the most significant source of Fel d 1 and there are particular anatomical areas on cats where the skin has larger concentrations of sebaceous glands: these areas are the most potent sources of the Fel d 1 protein. These regions are the face, under the chin, the back, and the back area at the base of the tail. Large concentrations of Fel d 1 are found in cat anal gland secretions as well, which means that cat feces are very allergenic.

So, what can you do if you are allergic to your cat? (Aside from going through a multitude of tissues!)

Ensure that you are actually allergic to cats: there are many potent allergens that cause allergic symptoms, so don't jump to conclusions! See your doctor and your allergist, and have yourself tested to confirm your suspicions.

Clean up after playing with your cat: wash your hands immediately after playing with and petting your cat. Do not touch your eyes, face, or clothes until you have washed with regular soap and water. This effectively removes major cat allergen and will prevent easily avoidable allergic reactions.

If you have been cuddling with your cat, it may be a wise idea to change clothes rather than carry cat allergen into other areas of the home, and risk exposing yourself to high concentrations of allergen. An alternative to changing your clothes, is to have a tight-weave house robe handy that can be thrown on overtop of your clothes and is used for close interactions with your cat. As soon as your close contact quality time has finished, throw the house robe into the washing machine so that it will be ready for its next use.

Consider small renovations and redecorating your home! Carpeted flooring traps cat allergens and the dander becomes embedded in them. Homes that are carpeted have been documented to contain much higher levels of cat allergens. Consider re-flooring with hardwood or vinyl flooring that will be easy to clean and will not trap cat dander. Avoid using area rugs on hard floors, because similarly to carpeting, rugs will trap large amounts of cat allergen. Drape window treatments should be avoided for the same reason as carpets and area rugs. Blinds and window shades that are easy to clean at home are a much better option, but beware of small slatted blinds: these can be very tricky to clean thoroughly, and may not be the best option despite their popularity in many homes!

Furniture can be a major source of cat allergens as well. Unfortunately, the best type of furniture for allergic cat owners is the kind that can be easily wiped down. This may create a rather minimalist, futuristic kind of appearance in the home, but other allergy-friendly options include leather furniture, or furniture with removable upholstery that can be easily washed and has a tight fabric weave that won't trap cat hair and dander in it. If small decorative pillows and blankets are used on couches at home, the same principles should apply to them, and they should be washed frequently.

People with cat allergies should avoid having lots of knick knacks around their homes; they collect dust and dander, and are difficult to clean. Decorations and wall hangings should not be made of fabric. Paint walls with high quality semi-gloss paint that will facilitate effective and easy cleaning.

HEPA air filters are essential for people with cat allergies (HEPA filters = high efficiency particulate air filters). HEPA filters trap particulate matter that is airborne, such as virus particles, allergens, etc. Place a HEPA filter/purifier in the rooms of your house that your cat frequents the most, and use a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Vacuum frequently, at least twice weekly if possible. Have a vacuum with an excellent set of hand tools so that you can easily clean floors, walls, furniture, windows, doorway ledges, and all other nooks and crannies thoroughly. If possible, have someone other than the allergic family member do the household cleaning. Alternatively, if the person with cat allergies must do the cleaning, ensure use of a mask and goggles.

Improve ventilation in your home. Many newer homes are very 'airtight' in order to be more energy efficient. Unfortunately, this means that they are also more efficient at trapping cat allergens, particularly in the winter time, when there is less air circulation altogether. The easiest way to improve air circulation in your home and to try and decrease the amount of cat allergens building up, is to open windows and create a cross-breeze in the home. Even in the winter time, this may be one of the best solutions available to allergic cat owners, despite the monetary and environmental inefficiency this will create in heating the home.

Air vents for heating and air conditioning are potent sources of collected particulate matter, and when the air systems are turned on, they effectively distribute the particulate matter and allergens into the home. Hire a commercial cleaning company to clean your air vents at least twice per year. Purchase disposable air-vent filters that can be placed within all of the air vent filtration grates.

Steam cleaning: in addition to vacuuming and laundering fabrics, for the areas in your home that do have carpeting, upholstered furniture, and drapery, steam cleaning is an excellent method of chemical free cleaning that denatures allergenic proteins, and kills bacteria and mold spores.

It is widely advocated that for owners who are allergic, they keep their cats out of their bedrooms altogether. This is a personal decision, and is certainly less extreme than keeping the cat outside of the house, which is what many allergists and family doctors will recommend. Irrespective of your decision about allowing your cat in the bedroom or not, it is important to cleaning bedding frequently (ie. at least once weekly), and to try and minimize the buildup of allergens in the bed. Also wash decorative pillows if any are used. Purchase bed mattress and pillow covers that are designed to keep out dust mite allergens. Decreasing overall exposure to all allergies will help with managing cat allergies, but these allergy control products will also help decrease exposure to cat allergens. Purchase the smallest possible fabric weave since Fel d 1 is a very small particle. Use bed linens that have a very tight weave and that can tolerate frequent machine washings.

Use a low dust cat litter type, and ideally have someone other than the allergic person cleaning the litter box. If the person with allergies must do the cleaning, use a mask while doing so.

Cleaning you cat: studies have demonstrated that soaking your cat in tap water for 3 minutes significantly decreases the amount of cat dander present on your cat. Cats can easily be trained to tolerate gentle bathing, and studies have also shown that you must bathe your cat a minimum of once weekly to derive any actual benefit from it. Generally, it is suggested that twice weekly washings are more beneficial. The same precautions with bathing your cat must be taken as with bathing infants, and similarly, an infant tub or the kitchen sink may be used for this procedure. A gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo may be used, but is not necessary.

Allerpet C: this product has questionable efficacy, but can be tried if bathing your cat has not been a successful endeavor. Some owners find this product to be useful and others do not note any difference in allergy levels.

Medical Interventions:

Note: This information is only meant to provide you with a general overview about how many allergy sufferers manage to live with their allergies. It is not meant to replace information that should be sought out from your family physician or allergist, and it is highly recommended that you do visit your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Symptomatic relief of skin reactions (urticaria), allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion and sneezing) and conjunctivitis (eye redness, pain, and itching) can be sought with antihistamines, decongestants, intranasal glucocorticoids, and nasal cromolyn (by prescription only in Canada). Asthma needs to be controlled via inhalant glucocorticoids, and 'rescue' inhalers that use beta-adrenergic pharmaceuticals to help dilate and relax airways that are inflamed. Immunotherapy can be used to help desensitize the immune system specifically to cat allergens and typically involves weekly injections. Many people find that immunotherapy helps decrease the frequency and severity of their clinical symptoms. Omega 3 fatty acid nutritional supplements can be a natural method of decreasing overall inflammatory processes in the body, and provide many systemic health benefits.

Things to remember:

1) Many people gradually build up a tolerance to the specific cat(s) that they are living with, and although this process can take months, it may be well worth waiting it out before assuming that drastic household and lifestyle changes will need to be made.

2) Your cat does not need to be given up: modern medicine, technology, and simple measures that can be implemented in your house can effectively manage your cat allergies and make them quite tolerable. Many cats that are surrendered to shelters end up getting euthanized rather than re-homed because, sadly, there is such a surplus of unwanted kitties in North America.

3) While there are cat breeds that are considered to be less allergenic than others, you need to consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a pedigreed cat:

Pedigreed cats are more prone to health problems due to their restricted gene pool; out of the various breeds of cats that are considered to be less allergenic than others, Siberian and Maine coon cats are likely the least 'unhealthy' of these breeds. Sphynx and rex cats are extremely unhealthy, generally speaking, and they frequently suffer poor quality of life due to their physical ailments. Additionally, they tend to be very expensive pets to keep because they require so much veterinary care. For anyone considering purchasing a pure bred cat, pet insurance is highly advisable since there is a high probability that larger veterinary bills will be incurred in the future.

There are many cats available in shelters that may be just as 'hypoallergenic' as pedigreed cats, and shelter cats are in desperate need of loving homes.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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Cat Dandruff-what you should know

Not only the people who suffer from dandruff. Also, cats have the same problem. Well, there are many different causes. Fortunately, dandruff as a symptom and underlying cause may be controlled or treated.

Cat Dandruff occurs as dry and scaly skin. Your cats will scratch the area often as it is outside. Sometimes, the region can become red and inflamed appear. Some cats suffering from diabetes should have more frequent oyrisis and thirsty longer. Diabetes can be a cause of dandruff.

Another cause of cat dandruff may be excessive production of oils in the skin. This is called seborrhea. The term is not only the skin look and feel fat but also contains harmful organisms. These bodies are the specific causes of dandruff.

Cats can be bathed regularly, or when the coat is very oily. It is not sufficient to apply usual cat shampoo. So be careful of dandruff, you need to use a wording that is specifically to solve the problem. Consult with your veterinarian about such SOAP or shampoo or other product. Make sure it is safe to use in your cat before you apply it to your cat's coat of arms.

Dirty skin can also be the result of the lack of private funding by the cat. This can occur in cats that are too old and too sick to care for themselves. To prevent dandruff, you can give them regular bath. In addition to this, you can clean the cat yourself combing of the hair and removing any dirt.

Poor nutrition can be a cause. If your cat does not need food, the skin will not be the proper nutrients it needs protection from bacteria or fungi. This may be the cause of dandruff.

For this problem, your most important task is to provide proper nutrition. Cat Food may be enough. But, make sure you feed your cat the right kind of foods for cats. You can consult a veterinarian to know what is best for your cat to feed. You need to consider not only the amount, but also your cat's age, size and physical activity, among others.

It will take Omega 3 fatty acids, along with several vitamins and minerals in the diet of your cat.

Sunburn can also be a cause of dandruff. Zone of the Sun burn can be applied with a topical anti androgens-cream that is provided by your doctor.

When your cat dandruff is believed to be caused by a condition such as diabetes, your veterinarian will try to verify this. The dandruff will disappear if you are working in diabetes treatments for your cat. Moreover, preserving the right of abode will keep temperatures coat of arms of your cat as healthy as possible. During the summer months, you need to make sure you are comfortable sleep in bed and the room is too hot for them. During the months of winter, should be installed humidifiers.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com, which sells cat carrier and cat bed, as well as a host of additional products.

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A brief history of the domestic Cat and understand your cat's behavior

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Understanding normal cat behavior is essential when establishing and cultivating a relationship with your feline that is mutually rewarding. Being in tune with the your cat's behaviors and how they communicate with you enables you in maintaining and continually improving your cat's quality of life.

Cats are just like small dogs, aren't they?

Definitely not! Cats are very social creatures, BUT their social behaviors and communication methods differ greatly from dogs.

Are cats always solitary creatures?

Not always! While it's true that cats are not 'pack' animals like dogs, the domestic cat is not as solitary an animal as was once believed. Domestic cats frequently DO live in social groups. Group living may be by choice (e.g. feral cat colonies) or may be secondary to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. multi-cat households).

The number of cats within feline colonies varies significantly; cats may live in large colonies and develop unique relationships with various colony members, or they may live in small, modest colonies. Cat groups typically form hierarchies, and strange new cats are not always welcome to the group: in fact, unfamiliar cats are frequently chased away, and it can be a long, difficult road for a cat to achieve acceptance into a group.

Thus, while it is true that cats can, and do, live happy solitary lives, they are ALWAYS solitary creatures. Many kitties are content to live alone, but now we also know that cats DO form social living groups too. What is the moral of the story? Cats have very flexible social requirements; cats are not only physically flexible, but companionably as well!

Cats have remained the way nature & evolution intended them to be - purrrfect!

Unlike dogs, today's domestic cat (non-purebred cat) is not far removed from its original ancestors with respect to its physique and behavior, and this is part of the cat's charm and appeal. Until recently cats have been lucky enough to have escaped humankind's desire to create "breeds" through inbreeding and selection for genetic mutations. While there now do exist cats that are bred for deformities, specific types of coats (or lack thereof), certain behavioral traits, and so on, the majority of today's cat population is made up of healthy, normal, and beautiful cats.

African Wild Cat descent

Modern cats are thought to have descended from African Wild Cats which are still found in deserts throughout Africa. Ancient Egyptians had significant influence on the domestication of the African Wild Cat because they revered felines and considered them to be sacred animals. In Europe, Christianity lowered cats' status but cats did succeed eventually in becoming popular domestic pets for the purpose of rodent control. Over time, the African Wild Cat hybridized with the jungle cat and European Wild Cat.

Behavioral development

Cats are often considered to form stronger attachments to their environment than dogs, and to then form secondary social bonds to the humans and animals within their environments (although many of us cat owners would beg to differ!). Many cats do not cope well with changes in their environments. Cats' ability to cope with new stimuli is strongly influenced by their genetic inheritance. There are two broad genetic categories of cats with respect to 1) capability to face novel situations and animate beings, and 2) the tendency to respond to these stimuli with aggressive behavior versus acceptance.

Neophilic cats have a significant tolerance for novel stimuli (both animate and inanimate) and neophobic cats are those that do not. But, despite the fact that both aggression and tolerance for novel situations have a genetic basis, owners can help decrease their cats' genetic predispositions to neophobia and aggression by properly socializing kittens by exposing them to new people, animals, and places during the appropriate developmental periods.

Just like people, cats have particularly sensitive periods when social behaviors and skills are developed. The most important time for cats to be socialized to humans is between the ages of 3 and 9 weeks. During this time frame, kittens are also learning how to play and interact with one another, and are developing important skills such as bite inhibition. Social play peaks at 3 months of age, and cats' personalities mature between 2 and 3 years of age. Cats' personality traits, like humans, are both genetic and a result of early social experiences and environmental factors. Cats that have not been regularly, and pleasantly, handled by humans before the age of 14 weeks, are more prone to being fearful, reserved, and even aggressive in human encounters, regardless of their genetic tendencies.

When a kitten is adopted, it is important to spend time gradually socializing them to men, women, children (under supervision and with gentle handling), other kittens and cats, and new inanimate objects. However, always be sure to provide escapes, or 'outs,' for the kitten, such as perches, cat beds, and secluded areas so that they may retreat to if feeling uncomfortable. This way the kitten does not feel trapped in the encounter, and will be far more relaxed and receptive to all interactions and to simply observing the situations. Provide treats, toys, and other forms of stimulation to make the experiences positive and fun.

Essential Cat Behavior Facts for Cat Owners:

- Physical pain and illness are most commonly recognized by owners as behavioral changes. If you recognize a sudden, or a slowly developing, behavioral change in your cat, it is best that you make an appointment with your veterinarian. - Never physically or verbally punish a cat for performing unwanted behaviors. Ignoring undesirable behavior is the most effective means of stopping it.

- Scratching is a natural cat behavior that involves grooming claws, stretching muscles, and leaving territorial marking pheromones behind. Simply direct this normal cat behavior to surfaces of your choosing so that your home does not incur damage from your cat's scratching habits.

- Petting aggression is normal in many adult cats, and avoiding injury or unpleasant interactions with a petting-aggressive cat is as simple as shortening interaction lengths, and learning to recognize the early warning signs of aggression onset.

- Predatory behavior in cats is normal, even when cats are not hungry. To prevent your cat from hunting birds and animals, an outdoor enclosure, or leash-walking should be used.

- Introductions to new cats need to happen very gradually and with proper guidance. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if you plan to introduce a new cat to your household.

- Contrary to popular belief, cats that urinate and/or defecate outside of the litter box do not do this to "get back at" their owners. There is commonly an underlying medical issue causing discomfort upon elimination, or, there may be an easy solution that involves ameliorating the litter box situation at home, and it was simply that the original situation was suboptimal.

- Cats are trainable with positive reinforcement and methods such as clicker training. Starting at a young age can help accelerate willingness to learn, and can be used to encourage helpful behaviors such as tolerating certain types of handling such as checking ears and teeth.

- Cats can become easily fixated on one type of food, and this may become problematic if dietary changes are required for health reasons later in life. It is important to introduce cats to a variety of shapes, sizes, tastes, and textures of food so that they do not become resistant to changes if they are needed later in life.

- Cats express stress with hiding, withdrawal, dilated pupils, increased respiratory rates, flattened ears, crouched postures, and hissing and growling. However, long term stress may be expressed by more subtle changes such as decreased grooming behavior, less playing, decreased social interaction, and poor appetite.

For more detailed information regarding particular behavioral issues and questions, please refer to our library of specific behavior topics, or call your veterinarian if you are concerned about a sudden serious behavioral change in your cat.

To read more articles written by Veterinarian Dr. Ko please visit www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian. c 2011 K & J Ventures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit her website and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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Caring for your senior Cat

Aging in cats can be a very individual process, just as it is in humans, but generally speaking, most cats are considered to be entering the senior years at 8 years of age, and are categorized as being geriatric once they are 10 years old.

Many aspects of caring for your cat change once they enter their geriatric years, including the expense of their veterinary care: this is something to be aware of in advance so that you can be sure to be able to provide the necessary medical care that they may require. Just like in humans, diseases of all kinds become more prevalent with age. Dental disease is a particularly commonly seen issue in older cats, and maintaining your older cat's dental health is both essential, and rather costly.

To begin with, your veterinarian will likely start recommending that annual, or even semi-annual, health screening tests be performed at your cat's regular physical exam times. These diagnostic tests will include blood pressure measurement, blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes survey x-rays as well.

The purpose of these tests is to assess overall organ function and health, and check for many common problems that are seen as cats age. For example, these blood tests generally include thyroid hormone levels, electrolyte levels, a total blood protein value, blood sugar, kidney values, liver enzyme levels, red blood cell and white blood cell counts, platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, etc. The urinalysis is used to help interpret the kidney blood values, and also to detect bladder or kidney infections, liver dysfunction, and diabetes. Blood pressure measurement is very important in older cats, because elevated blood pressure is seen quite frequently with diseases that are commonly seen in aging cats, and like humans, high blood pressure is considered to be a 'silent killer' (despite the fact that it occurs in cats for different reasons than in humans).

Survey x-rays are also invaluable, particularly in obese cats; as cats get older and older, their physical exams become of greater and greater importance, particularly for the detection of masses and diseased organs. However, because obesity in cats greatly limits what can be detected on physical exam, survey x-rays can help provide a better overview of organ shape and size than can be obtained on physical exam.

If your geriatric cat becomes ill with kidney insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, or other diseases, your veterinarian will treat your cat accordingly, and will advise you on what treatments can be done both in the clinic and at home to manage your cat's disease. More frequent examinations and tests may be recommended if your cat has been diagnosed with a health problem.

Even if your elderly cat has received a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, there are still methods with which you can provide your geriatric cat with greater daily comfort and improved quality of life. Some important techniques you can implement at home are discussed below.

Diet

Your geriatric cat should be fed an appropriate diet, and your veterinarian can give you samples for your cat to try, or make recommendations about suitable commercial diets available

Mature cat diets generally have more restricted protein levels in comparison with adult cat diets, and you will want to be cautious not to over-restrict your cat's protein intake since some geriatric diets will do so

Many geriatric cat diets are restricted in phosphorus and sodium levels in case of the presence of kidney insufficiency, hypertension, and/or heart disease

Geriatric diets often have increased fiber levels to help with slowing intestinal motility and encourage healthy daily bowel movements

Geriatric cats should be fed highly palatable canned food to optimize hydration status, particularly because renal insufficiency, which can result in dehydration and constipation, is so common in cats as they age

Access to the essentials

Geriatric cats often become less easily mobile due to decreased muscle tone and the onset of arthritis

It is important that geriatric cats have easy access to food and water dishes, as well as to their litter boxes

Weight loss and dehydration are common in older cats, so having food and water dishes on all floors of the home is important to encourage optimal intake at all times

Having comfortable access to litter boxes is necessary, which also means having access on all floors - geriatric cats that are forced to contend with staircases and longer distances to reach their litter boxes, may or may not end up doing their business in their boxes

Arthritis

Many geriatric do gradually 'slow down' as the years go by, and frequently we are too fast to assume that this is a regular part of the aging process

Well, it is a 'normal' part of the aging process in the sense that older cats are quite prone to developing arthritis, similarly to humans

However, arthritis is an ailment that all too frequently goes untreated in our feline family members, and it is well worth inquiring about pain management and nutrient supplementation for your cat with your cat's veterinarian - while we are unfortunately rather limited in the types of medications available and safe for long term usage in cats, there are some options that may be tried, and it can be amazing the transformation that can take place in your older kitty once it experiences relief from the chronic pain that arthritis imposes on them

Providing your arthritic cat with steps or boxes with which they can more easily access the bed and the couch, rather than needing to struggle to jump up or down onto them, can greatly decrease daily stress levels and also help avoid self-injury from an unsuccessful jump

Litter boxes themselves not only need to be placed in easily accessible locations, but they also need to be amenable to easy entry and exit for the geriatric cat - jumping in and out of litter boxes becomes more challenging as age progresses, and having roomy litter boxes with shallow entrances becomes more and more important

Monitoring Behavior

While your veterinarian will review your cat's behavior with you at its geriatric wellness exam, it is important for you to monitor your cat at home for any behavioral changes and bring your cat in for an appointment if you note any changes

The reason that behavior in older cats is so important, is because it is very commonly associated with underlying medical problems, despite the fact that the changes may seem 'personality'-related

Changes to watch for include differences in activity levels, alterations in sleeping habits, increased or decreased vocalization, increased or decreased appetite, increased thirst, increased socialization with people within the household, or conversely, withdrawal from the people in the house, increased irritability, aggression, and decreases in grooming behavior

Dental Care

Dental disease can easily lead to kidney and heart disease, systemic infections, and significant pain for your geriatric cat, and maintaining your cat's oral health will be one of the most important aspects of prolonging your cat's quantity and quality of life

Older cats with dental disease will not stop eating, contrary to popular belief, because to stop eating means to starve to death

Many owners expect that their cats will let them know, or will show symptoms, if they have dental discomfort, but this is simply not the case - animal instinct dictates survival above all else, and so cats that experience even severe daily dental pain will continue to eat, because doing so means that they will continue to live

While dental care for your cat is quite expensive, as it is for humans as well, it is one of the most important aspects of taking good care of your older cat, and ensuring that it is not suffering - it is an expense to consider before ever adopting a cat, and one that is well worth the investment once you are caring for your elderly cat

While this summary provides some good pointers on caring for your elderly cat, it is not a comprehensive list of all aspects of geriatric health care, and should you have any questions or concerns about the health of your geriatric kitty, it is best to contact your veterinarian to inquire about your concerns.

To read more articles written by Veterinarian Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian. c 2011 K & J Ventures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit her website and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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Should be given a cat food canned?

Pet owners should be smart when choosing the type of food that will give their pets. For cats, there is no dilemma about whether to feed their pets with canned foods or not.

Many think that canned foods are simply processed and commercial data. So, here's the thought that these foods, although I may be able to provide the right nutrition, it can come with harmful ingredients. However, to present potential risks to the health of your pet?

Ideally, your cat needs a diet containing substances that are close to what we eat in the wild or domesticated cats have been before. This means a mixture of meat from other animals that are rich in protein and have limited quantities of seed. And so, if you provide the best for your cat, you should be able to come up with a diet that resembles the mineral and vitamin information.

Protein is the most important mineral and that should be present in significant quantities. Food item can also contain some amount of fat. Of course, vitamins and other essential minerals must be present as well. Taurine, which is an essential amino acid should exist. The quantity of water contained in food item is also considered. Sufficient quantities of water may significantly improve the Solvation of your pet.

If there is one thing that should be avoided or kept to a minimum level, is the presence of the seeds. In commercial products, filler materials may be present. Generally, these fillers have no nutritional benefits and therefore should be avoided.

Canned foods may or may not contain all the necessary nutrients. But, of course, this will depend on the brand and the manufacturer of the product. So, you just need to find the right canned cat food.

In this way, the first step will be to get recommendations. This can be from your friends that have been taken care of cats and fed them canned food. Can provide the valuable contribution which signals that worked best for them. However, what has worked for pets can work well with yours. Your next option is to seek recommendations from a veterinarian. Pet your doctor will tell you the nutritional requirements of your cat. They will rely on your cat's age, activity, and even development stage. The right type of canned foods will rely on these dietary requirements.

You should also know the membership restrictions and recommendations regarding food canned cat. This will allow to know which items will be safe for your cat and is potentially dangerous.

Then, you may go to a search for the correct food on your own. To ensure that you can buy a product good and safe, is a point to read the label. Food label will tell you everything you need to know about this product.

Jerri Torres enjoys writing for Petflow, which sells solid gold cat food and taste of the wild, as well as a host of additional products.

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Different breeds-types of cats

Surely you must know that there are different types of cats. And the number of races can be overwhelming. However, if there is a way to categorize domesticated cats, this is based on the length and nature of their coat. Another famous categories used in the physical features and size.

Longhaired cats. They are found mostly in areas with cold climates. The long hair allows them to keep warm despite the very low temperatures surroundings. The most famous examples of cats belonging to this category are Persian cats, and cats Birman cats in Siberia. Of course, there are still many more cats have long hair and belonging in this category.

Rexed cat. They have curly hair. The bristles remain as such due to mutation in genes that happen naturally. These cats and their curly hair can be transferred from one offspring to another, but the attribute may be visible or not they hold a dominant or recessive genes.

Examples of cats have coats are Cornish rex rexed, Devon rex cat, as well as the swift.

Hairless cats. Also there are hairless. This feature separates them from other cats have coats. These cats appear bald and such a possibility is believed to also be the result of natural mutation of the species. If there is a famous hairless cat, is the Sphinx. Other hairless cats include Bambino, a Dwelf and Minskin.

Short tail. Cats are also classified according to their physical characteristics. There are short tailed comprising the American Bobtail, Manx and Cymric, a few more. This is very noticeable, because their tails are almost like building cubes and is no longer a major expansion at the ends.

Short legs. If there are small-tailed cats, there is also a group consisting of those who have small feet. The Munchkin cat is a famous short legs. The Bambino, the Lambkin also Genetta and near feet.

These animals are sometimes known as dwarf cats because of the small amount as a result of the near legs.

Cats with unusual ears. They have ears that either or folded. Their ears are sometimes asymmetric. Examples of cats who have unusual ears is the American curl and Scotland Ford.

Hypoallergenic cats. People who develop easily allergic reactions are advised to avoid pets. However, there can be no cats are acceptable for these people to have. There are also so-called hypoallergenic cats like cat Bambino, Donskoy and Peterbald, La Perm, although they can still make the person develops allergic reactions, the seriousness with which these reactions occur is smaller.

Hybrid cats. These days, due to experimentation and progress of science, hybrid cats have added to the list of the races. These cats are considered results of Cross-breeding of a species into another.

Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com, which sells cat bed and cat carrier, and a host of additional products.

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Cat Proprietary apartment can help the behavior of cats

Cats can be very independent and have minds of their own. Some cats tend to have bad behavior such as:

Scratching your furniture for
Pulling on your draperies
Jump to the tops of the counter
In the glass-peeing rug
Running and jumping on furniture

There is a companion product that may help your behavior only cats, called cat condos. The cat condos, also referred to as furniture, trees, and climbers, gyms and homes. Come in various sizes and styles that are affordable. The size of small to medium and large your kitten, for larger cats or multiple cats. Selecting a size, will depend on how many have you cats and the area to accommodate the private partition.

Now, you probably are wondering how a cat Proprietary apartment can help your cat's behavior? The following are some reasons why.

Your feline will be able to run, jump and pounce on the tree instead of your furniture.
This can lead to zero-sisal posts instead of your furniture.
The condos are great exercise and also will never tire of it.
If you have a chubby cat, the exercise will help to trim it.
The trees come quite large for more than one cat, so I can have playmates.
You can attach toys to the climbing cat. Your feline will play with toys, instead of your internal paddles.
They have soft carpeting, so that when your tired take a nap feline.

Cat Condos are sufficiently attractive to fit right in with your decor. If you live in an apartment or a Proprietary partition, cat trees are perfect for hosting your pet when you're at work or just by the day. Cat or cats, I would have so much fun playing for the new game will not understand even away.

Do you want to select a proprietary partition that covers your needs cats. Some cats will adapt quickly to new play area, and others may take a longer time to use it. You may want to place some handles on platforms to entice your cat can climb, or attach the game. Remember to praise your cat when playing on a proprietary partition. From the time it takes the idea, you will not be able to keep from him.

A natural instinct cats is to run, jump, scratch and pounce. If he does not have its own location to do these things, I am going to do in your home and your furniture.

So, save the furniture and interiors of any kind, check into the cat condos. It may be the best investment you've made your cat ever to help improve the behavior of the control.

http://www.petsareagift.com/

Free shipping-discount http://www.petsareagift.com/
Offers a wide variety of "cat condos, cat trees, cat + furniture + climbers,-feedingstuffs

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Allergic to cats? Here is why and what you can do

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You may wonder, why does playing with my cat make my nose run and my eyes itch? Why does cuddling with my cat throw me into sneezing fits? What is it about my cat that causes this reaction in me?

The simple answer is that your cat is constantly shedding skin flakes (dander) into the air which you breathe in and to which your body overreacts. If you have cat allergies these little 'bio-bits' contain protein fragments that trigger your body's immune system, which mistakes them for dangerous pathogens. Allergenic proteins are also present in cats' urine and saliva so activities such as cleaning the litter box and receiving kisses from your kitty may cause flare-ups in your allergy symptoms.

Basically, allergies are the result of misguided, overzealous immune responses to normally harmless substances. And you are not alone; roughly 20% of people suffer from allergies, and a significant portion of them experience cat allergies.

Allergic reactions can range from skin rashes, hives, rhinitis (runny and stuffy nose, post-nasal drip), red and itchy eyes, asthma, including severe asthma attacks, and even anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock and asthma attacks are the most serious of allergic reactions because they can be fatal if not treated immediately.

There is a strong genetic component to allergies, and people are more prone to experiencing them if their parents have allergies as well. However, exposure and other environmental influences also play a role, and people can develop allergies at any time in their life, with or without a family history of allergies.

Specifically, here are the main causes of cat-related allergies (note: there are several more feline allergens that have been identified, but the following five described below are the most important allergens discovered to date):

Common name: Dander Allergen

Scientific name: Fel d 1, secretoglobin, uteroglobin

Role: major cat allergen (the most significant cat allergen, elicits allergic responses in 90% of people with cat allergies)

Found in: saliva, sebaceous(oil) glands, anal glands, lacrimal (tear-producing) glands, internal tissues, skin (skin is the most significant source) - production of Fel d 1 is at least partly controlled by testosterone, with male cats producing more than females, and neutered male cats producing less Fel d 1 than intact males

How it's transported: Fel d 1 is extremely small and light enough to float in the air

The Myth: cat hair causes allergies

The Truth: dander can be trapped in hair, making it seem like hair is the culprit, but it is actually secreted by skin cells

Common name: Major Urinary Allergen ('Mup')

Scientific name: Fel d 4, lipocalin

Found in: urine, saliva

Role: major cat allergen (causes allergic response in approximately 60% of cat allergy sufferers)

How it's transported: Fel d 4 in feline saliva is deposited onto cats' dander particles when they groom themselves; Fel d 4 in feline urine may exacerbate allergies in those who are on kitty bathroom duty

The Myth: I thought that if protein is present in my cat's urine it meant that they could be having kidney problems

The Truth: This can be true in various instances, but not when it comes to Mups! Mups are supposed to be present in cat urine, and they act as pheromones that trigger social cues both within the feline species and among other species (eg. feline Mups elicit fear responses in mice and rats!)

Common name: Cat Albumin

Scientific name: Fel d 2, serum albumin

Found in: saliva, dander, serum (blood)

Role: minor cat allergen

How it's transported: similar mechanisms of contact with humans as Fel d 1 and Fel d 4

The Myth: Fel d 2 is a more prominent cat dander protein than Fel d 1, so it is probably an even worse allergen than Fel d 1, the "Dander Allergen"

The Truth: Fel d 2 is considered a minor cat allergen and only elicits an allergic response in 15% - 35% of people with cat allergies

Common name: Cat Cystatin

Scientific name: Fel d 3, cystatin - cysteine protease inhibitor

Found in: dander

Role: minor cat allergen (elicits allergic reactions in approximately 10% of individuals with cat allergies)

How it's transported: similar mechanisms of contact with humans as Fel d 1, Fel d 4, Fel d 3

Common name: Cat IgA

Scientific name: Fel d 5, feline immunoglobulin A

Found in: dander, serum

Role: minor cat allergen (elicits allergic reactions in approximately 40% of individuals with cat allergies)

How it's transported: similar mechanisms of contact with humans as Fel d 1, Fel d 4, Fel d 2, Fel d 3

HOW TO MANAGE CAT ALLERGIES

If you suffer from cat allergies there are many lifestyle modifications you can make that will enable you to enjoy a close, loving relationship with your cat(s) without suffering allergy symptoms or constantly needing to use allergy medications. The simplistic tasks range from precautions you should take while interacting with your cat, to cleaning your cat, and how to improve your home cleaning and ventilation methods so that the overall allergen load in your home is minimized.

The more costly and challenging (but worthwhile!) modifications include changing your home flooring, your bedding and furniture type, window treatments, and other remodeling efforts. While these are more expensive and time-consuming changes to accomplish, they are particularly beneficial to allergy sufferers because they not only reduce the cat allergen load in your home, but also that of other potent allergens (such as dust mites), thus reducing the presence of all allergens at home - this is key in managing the overall manifestation of your allergic symptoms.

Here's what you can do:

With Your Cat -

- After each contact with your cat, avoid touching your clothes, face and eyes until you can wash your hands.

- Change your clothes post-cuddle or purchase a tight-weave housecoat to wear when cuddling your cat.

In Your Home -

- Avoid 'knick-knacks' which can collect dust and allergens.

- Open windows to ventilate rooms.

- Avoid using drapes (they are hard to clean), instead use blinds or shutters.

- Use easy to clean semi-gloss paint on walls.

- Minimalist furniture that is easy to clean is best (leather or removable tight-weave upholstery is a close second).

- Flooring should be hardwood or vinyl (avoid the use of area rugs).

- Buy bedding and covers designed to keep out allergens & choose linens with the smallest fabric weave possible.

When Cleaning -

- Use HEPA filters in your vents, air purifiers, heaters and vacuums.

- Vacuum 2x per week.

- Wash bedding 1x per week.

- Clean air vents 2x per year.

- Clean decorative pillows 1x per week.

- Steam cleaning is a good way to kill allergens in upholstery, carpeting and fabrics.

Keeping Your Cat Clean -

Yes, cat's bath themselves, but they're not worried about dander (and the kitty self-grooming process spreads salivary allergens over their coat surface and onto dander particles!). To help reduce the amount of dander being released from your cat's skin (the main source of cat allergen) you can soak your cat in warm tap water for 3 minutes. These mini-baths are best if done twice per week, but some owners have found that even once per week can provide some help with allergies. If you wish, you can use a gentle, hypo-allergenic shampoo, but this isn't necessary for the purposes of decreasing dander. Please remember, whenever you bath your cat, use the same precautions as you would with an infant (make sure the water is warm but not hot, do not leave your cat unattended in the bath, and if the running water scares your kitty then be sure to fill the basin prior to bathing your cat).

A great tip for both you and your cat is to use a low-dust type of cat litter. Low-dust litter helps reduce the amount of dander present in the air, and causes less irritation to the sensitive airways of owners with allergies and the airways of cats that suffer from allergies too. Keep in mind that if the allergic person in your home is cleaning the litter box, they should use a mask to avoid the inhalation of dander particles and litter dust.

- Medical Information for Humans -

Before you blame your cat for your allergies, be certain that they are indeed the guilty party; your family physician or allergist can help diagnose your allergies properly. This is crucial since there are a wide variety of environmental allergens that can mimic cat allergy symptoms.

Also, it's important to note that many people with cat allergies just need a few months to build up a tolerance to their individual cat. So, if you start sneezing around your cat, do not take any drastic actions such as surrendering your kitty or renovating your entire home until you've given it some time. Patience can often pay off when it comes to cat allergies!

Additionally, there are many over-the-counter remedies, prescription drugs, and other treatment approaches that can provide significant relief for allergy sufferers, particularly during the period when your immune system is acclimatizing to your new cat(s). If you are suffering, it's a great idea to check in with your family physician, allergist, and local pharmacist. They can discuss many treatment options with you, which may include:

antihistamines, decogestants, nasal glucocorticoids, nasal cromolyns

rescue inhalers and inhalant glucocortoids for asthmatic reactions

omega 3 fatty acids and select other nutritional supplements that can help decrease inflammation throughout the body

immunotherapy specifically for cat allergens which can help decrease the frequency and severity of allergic symptoms

A NOTE ABOUT HYPOALLERGENIC CATS

Some cat breeds have been genetically manipulated via inbreeding to make them less allergenic to humans than others. However, I strongly recommend that you not purchase a purebred, hypoallergenic cat. Hypoallergenic cats suffer greater frequency of genetic disorders and diseases, and that means a sick cat with a lower quality of life, as well as more veterinary bills for you! So, before you search out a cat that may let fly less allergenic dander, consider the solutions I've listed above, and think about the welfare of the cat you wish to own and care for. Read Selected Inherited Diseases of the Cat by Dr. Susan Little, Diplomate ABVP (feline), for more information on genetic disorders in purebred cats.

ALLERGY RESOURCES

Shopping for allergy products? Recommended websites:

Allergy Buy's Club (affiliated with Allergy Consumer Review - below)

Air Cleaners.com

Sleep Clean (sells organic allergy bedding)

The Allergy Guy

Allergy Consumer Review (great reviews on products)

Miele.ca (vacuums)

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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New Cat Harness Kittykit

Cat Harness and lead Fish Bone Blue

If your cat walks on the wild side keep him under control with a stylish Cat harness and lead set from Dapper.  Made by Aussie pet experts Red Dingo, the harness sets are fun and functional. Red Dingo products are renowned for being innovative and of superb quality, and these harness sets are no exception.  The harnesses are fully adjustable and fasten with distinctive Fish Clips giving that extra touch of style.  Blue harness sets are made from tough yet comfortable nylon and are available in a range of solid colours as well as patterns.

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3 Indisputable reasons you need a Cat tree for your Cat

Phone conversation, one side:

Yes Sir, I understand, of course. No, sorry, I honestly don't know how much it costs to maintain a retractable ladder. I'll take care of this time, I promise. Please tell the children really appreciate the help of firehouse. It seems that Bill dropped a few pounds since he was last here! In this nimble is really ... Yes, Sir ...Apology. Yes. Certainly. Thanks for your call. Give my wife.

Probably isn't good for you and your cat-be on a first name with the head of the local fire and the crew. To train professionals to re-train and risked their lives to serving and protecting others. Looking at the situation on the other hand, is probably more than a little sad to take everything training and hard work your cat rescue, your tree-again-a new city record 10 times in two months. Looking back on it, you might not be so hot idea to name the cat "Tarzan".

If only Tarzan would strap an ear-splitting bawl like his counterpart "movie", you will hear this: "I need a CAT TREE, Einstein!"

Cat trees. Cat Condos. Cat towers. Cat gyms. Cat furniture. Call it what you will, part living room, part game, part xystra, a claw cat tree might be a really fun and therapeutic equipment for sound on your cat's daily life. Right off the bat scratching posts for cats are safer and healthier by getting a mythical tree maple in front of every few weeks.

If you have not seen a cat tree is a tree with poles, climbing frames, with holes for clambering and undertaking, pedestals for sleeping (or start of itself across the room). Cat furniture can be simple or complex, but is designed as a place for your cat to be occupied.

Here are 3 indisputable reasons to get a cat tree for your cat.

Scratching.

You already know cats love to carve your couch-or at least knows this. Because almost every cat climbing tree covered with some form of carpet material, is a place for Tarzan to go when it is absolutely positively to give to that primal urge to grab something with claws and shred it. Save your furniture-and perhaps some slacks-gabardine is perhaps the best reason for a cat tree.

Climbing.

Three words: red wine incident. It seemed like a good idea to prominently feature a vintage bottle of red wine magnum French Claude sent. However, the curiosity of Tarzan is what it is, CRASH! Cracking the marble counter top and exploding across the room, sending rivulets red wine into beige carpet. Cat towers provides a safe outlet for a cat of the natural need to climb. Designed with a broad-based and sturdy structure, will help to keep Tarzan focused-and maple.

Entertainment.

It is not easy to be a cat. People who constantly abject above, providing food, shelter and a loving environment gets really boring. A cat tree is just the thing for you bored feline offers hours and hours of entertainment for Tarzan to play hide-and-go seek with the teddy bear won the law a year ago.

Finally, it is a way to give you the good Graces of the local fire department. Additionally, when you finally have the courage to her grandmother's recipe for fried chicken, they will be more willing to overturn your location-in the case.

Frank "detect and repair" (Cat lover is the heart and enjoys writing about things related to cats).
You will find more information about Cat trees and other cat related topics at http://www.bandofcats.com/. Tipping, check all Cat pictures and fun Cat stuff.

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Choosing the right Cat collar

Cat collars. It should be a fairly easy choice, but once you start researching options can get quite confusing. Security, event dispatcher, stretch-what do all of this? Let's start with the basics: dog vs cat collars. Many people think that small dog collars can be used for the kitty. Some retailers advertise even small dog collars for cats, as appropriate. This is not true and could be unsafe for your friend. Dogs collars leashes are used, which means that they are designed to keep the neck OSOUS DEN PIRE I. If a cat wearing a collar dog gets caught on a fence not releasing the collar and they can strangle if they are not in a hurry.

Rule number one: you will not be a collar dog cat.

All cat collars are designed to get your cat's neck if they are caught. The event dispatcher collars have a specially designed buckle to releases if caught. Examples are Harley Davidson Breakaway Cat collars or UpCountry. Other collars are buckle closures feature a flexible table or elasticity rubber band rammenos the collar. If a cat gets caught by the collar and slides off the head cat. Examples are the Puddy Tat skin safety collars or friend Cat Rhinestone Velvet. Finally, some collars made entirely of material elasticity, then again, they will slide off the cat's head if they are caught. They can have a variety of closures such as velcro (BeastieBands) buckles (buddy Cat full Amplitude) or plastic buckles (buddy Cat reflective stripe).

Rule number two: each collar that is designed for a cat is safe. You will need to find a design that is pleasing to you and comfortable for your cat.

Thus, the good news is your pet is now equipped with a secure collar. The bad news is that these security features means that he will lose his collar most often. It is impossible to avoid, but personalized ID tags will help your cat to your back, he should be lost and will increase the chances of a friendly neighbor Found the collar and return.

Rule number 3: includes a custom label as red Dingo labels. Finally, can you say to yourself: I have an indoor cat that has a very small chip. Why do I need a collar and tag at all? It is true, indoor cats have better chance getting lost if they escape, since you're not familiar with the exterior of your body. Microchips are great but work only if the lost pet is brought to the shelter or vet.

Article number 4: even indoor cats and cats with microchips have collars and tags.

Choosing the perfect cat collar if you remember:
1: not a collar dog cat.
2: any collar that is designed to be safe for a cat a cat.
3: includes a custom label
4: even the cats with microchips have collars and tags.

Visit http://www.coolcatgear.com/for a great selection of collars, tags, and much, much more.

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Characteristics of dogs or cats

Traditionally, pet owners often classify themselves as either "dog people" or "cat people".

Dogs and cats are the two most common types of domestic PET, and is very different in terms of what you have in your life and the type of care they need. Dog people and cat can get very defensive stance and would constantly argue that their pets are the best and the best companion animal. The truth is that there is no sense to discuss even if dogs is higher than the pet food for cats (or vice versa). We can only discuss the General characteristics of each animal and then think about which is more compatible with a particular person.

Characteristics of dogs

It is undeniable that dogs hold a special place in human history. This is believed to be the first of the pets and dogs and humans helped to evolve into the modern world. This has fostered a very strong bond which is still very evident.

Cave paintings from the dawn of human culture prove that dogs one part of the community even at this stage. From these early days, the man realized that dogs could help, Rails, Rails camp flocks and in helping to hunt. At the same time, the dogs have learned that if they stayed near the people you'll reach the benefits of protection and food. This mutually beneficial relationship was the beginning of the strong bond between people and dogs.

From the early days, extending the practical uses that we feel for the dogs. They help us now in many different ways, including transport (pulling the sled), Mountain Rescue, narcotics control and border protection and assist with vision or hearing impaired people. Despite these practical reasons, the most common reason that people have their own a dog just for companionship.

Usually, dogs love the company of people and I always want to be around people. This can be a great comfort to people who feel isolated or alone in the world. Dogs are also very playful and energetic. Love must be taken in the social and can be trained to play games such as fetch. This can be great exercise and a good way to get people outdoors. Individuals may develop very strong bonds with their dogs because dogs are so dependent and loyal to their owners. This gives us a sense of assurance that it is sometimes difficult to find in today's world.

Characteristics of cats

Cat owners generally describe their pets as more independent, dignified, intelligent and resourceful than a dog. Cats do not appear to be as dependent on humans for love and attention. The relationship with the cat is more about the terms-if you don't feel like or take in a particular time, then I am not going to happen!

Cats was particularly revered in ancient Egyptian society where laughed and even buried in elaborate tombs. The Sphynx in Egypt is an example of love and the respect that society had for cats.

The main way that cats benefit human society relates to their hunting skills. Cats are predators and used for controlling rat, mice and birds populations to benefit human life. Cats are highly intelligent and is known to have to learn how to use the human devices such as doors and toilets.

The main benefits of keeping a cat as a pet is that it is generally easier to look after a dog. Doesn't really need much space, it is very clean and is much less devastating than a dog. Do not require performance and provide a quiet and calm Companion. Have a strong personality and command the respect of all around them.

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Create your own Cat Tree with materials on hand

Thinking about how to create a cat tower without breaking the Bank? Read on to discover things we humans do to make us a great kitty climbing tower without spending a fortune-even if we deserve the fate!

Why a cat climbing tower?

Why you should be able to create a cat climbing tower in the first place? From the perspective of your cat, there are already many cat climbing games in your home, pants legs, curtains, the library, the closet shelves, etc. If you do not have a specific point of our own, we're going to claim that one of your own. Us to share your life is not what you meant?

Seriously, if you have a cat, you need a cat climbing tower. Kitty will very probably has its own place where they can climb a nap and undisturbed by taking one of your own.

Why build your own tower cat?

Building cat Tower about your looks too difficult? If you have some basic skills and some projects you can create one. Remember, it must be solid and fun, at least not a work of art-the first of these. There are two reasons to build your instead of buying one, one of the biggest reasons why most people is the cost. Cat trees that you can see the pet food stores are quite expensive. With some projects, you know how, imagination and help from your cat, you can create your own.

The other reason to create your own cat tree climbing is a fun project! Yup. A tower is a easy work kitty beginner who does not need tact, small enough to complete without getting frustrated and the final draft will have backing despite any flaws. You may be interested in how it looks, but believe me kitty you will appreciate your efforts, and with some good projects to give you step-by-step through the process of the finished product will be a success we enjoy having around. Who knows, you might want to create another more elaborate tree or start another project!

Materials for your cat climbing tower.

The material is the costliest part of your cat tower building. Take a look around and see what you have on hand. Do you have any remaining carpet scraps from finishing the basement? Pieces of plywood that are too big for littering, but too small to do much with it?

Designing your kitty is going to be climbing very dependent from this side you or what you're willing to spend for materials. Carpet scraps attached plywood with a staple gun and glue chip perfect platforms and Cheap if you already have on hand. Play around with the design to see what you'll need to buy and what you can embed from what you already have. A plastic bucket with the bottom cut, lined and covered the carpet makes a great hideaway. A plywood box with holes for your cut in it for the creation of a large home, fun, more interesting than just a simple station and platform. Have 2 small posts instead of one large? You may use them to a smaller tree, or not go upwards.

You are limited only by your imagination. Basic skills and a project will go a long way to help avoid mistakes that cost to build the Tower cat kitty's dream and within your budget, using materials you already have in hand.

It is Kitty sorts and grumpy? This is just a little "poofier", due to the lack of exercise? This needs its own Kitty gym? Of course, do so and you can create the best cat ever climbing tower with these plans step by step. get your copy at http://www.catenclosuresforoutdoors.net/and receive backing on a fitness program for health and happiness today.

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Pink Kitten Cat Collars

Beautifully soft pink kitten collars, these are very cute little kitten collars with a tiny bell, fish breakaway clasp and logo on a collar with a lovely soft sheen, perfect for a pretty kitten!

These are very safe collars for a kitten as they have a specially designed breakaway clasp that releases easily so less strength is required to open the clasp.

The tough, yet comfortable pink Kitten collars are made from fine yarn nylon for a soft feel and are stitched to a very high standard. All the products are strength and safety tested to the highest quality standard in manufacturing terms, embracing design without ever compromising functionality.

The Fishclip buckle is engineered in acetal plastic and really adds that designer detail. It includes a safety release clip, designed to release under a 0.5kg/1lb load and also features a safety bell. 

The collar is made from high density fray proof premium nylon webbing for durability and reduced wear and tear.

8mm x 6-26cm (6"-10")

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Top ten Behavioral Cat Myths and misunderstandings

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MYTH #1 - My cat urinates outside of the litter box because they are mad at me. It happens most frequently when I go away, so I know for sure that it's done out of spite.

FALSE! While it is true that cats can develop behavioral problems involving inappropriate elimination, the most common causes of urination outside of the litter box are medical ones. Frequently subclinical medical problems flare-up during times of stress, and indeed they may become clinically evident for the very first time during a period of stress. Stress adversely affects the immune system and exacerbates underlying disease(s). Stress also heightens pain perception, and in so doing, can exacerbate out-of-the-box behavior caused by underlying medical issues which cause pain.

Cats who experience any sort of discomfort while eliminating, whether it occurs during urination or defecation, quickly learn to associate that discomfort with the litter box itself (a fairly logical conclusion!). For instance, cats who have bladder stones, urinary crystals, urinary infections, bladder inflammation, constipation, or diarrhea, will often start urinating and/or defecating outside of the box. By bringing your cat to your veterinarian and discussing the problem with them, you can discover what the most likely cause for your cat's behavior is. Some medical tests will likely need to be run in order to confirm or exclude certain medical issues as the underlying cause of the problem.

When medical diseases are not responsible for the problem at hand, the next most common culprit is that there is a sub-par litter box situation in the home. Click the link to read advice on giving your cat the best feline bathroom options possible - your kitty will thank you! And again, this is a subject that your veterinarian can help you with; sometimes the answer is as simple as adding one more litter box to your home!

MYTH #2 - My older cat caterwauls at night and makes a huge fuss because they're not getting attention once I've gone to bed.

FALSE! There are a couple of very common medical problems that cause caterwauling in older cats, particularly at night. It is not unusual to hear clients with geriatric cats complain of being woken up at 4 AM from their cat's incessant meowing.

This behavior is frequently noted in cats that suffer from hyperthyroidism, elevated blood pressure, blindness or decreased night vision, and also cats that are experiencing dementia as they age. All of these problems require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian, so if your cat is keeping you up at night with their caterwauling, you are likely not the only one suffering in this situation it is time for a trip to your veterinarian!

MYTH #3 - My cat vomits food and/or has diarrhea when they're stressed, particularly if there are visitors in my home. I don't take my cat to the vet when this happens since it seems to be just a stress behavior.

FALSE! Unless under extreme, acutely stressful situations that incite a response called a vasovagal reaction, cats do not normally vomit or have diarrhea solely due to stress.

Again, stress can exacerbate underlying diseases, particularly disorders that are immune related such as inflammatory bowel disease, a common condition seen in domestic kitties. If your cat is vomiting, regurgitating, or experiencing diarrhea or constipation periodically, particularly when stressed, it is quite likely that there is a medical issue present, one that has been subclinical for a period of time.

MYTH #4 - Cats aren't trainable!

FALSE! Contrary to popular belief, cats are quite trainable, and similarly to dogs, they benefit greatly from the mental stimulation provided by learning to do tricks. Use positive reinforcement when cats naturally display the desired behaviors, and for food motivated kitties include reward with treats and include them as part of their daily caloric intake.

Clicker training is an excellent method of training to achieve reliable results. Karen Pryor's clicker training website is a good place to start (although please do not clicker train your cat to use the toilet: it's not a good idea to deny your cat the ability to express their natural behaviours). Think how impressed your friends will be when they visit and see that your cat knows how to sit and shake paw!

MYTH #5 - My older kitty has started getting aggressive when I brush their hind end so I'm pretty sure my cat is getting cranky and mean from aging.

FALSE! Many cats become aggressive when a particular body part is patted or brushed if they are experiencing discomfort from it. The lower back and hips are common areas in which this phenomenon is seen because as cats age and many develop lumbosacral and hip arthritis a cranky reaction to grooming an older cat's derriere may signify that it is time for an orthopedic assessment at the veterinary clinic!

MYTH #6 - My cat has licked their abdomen bald because they have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

FALSE! While it is true that excessive grooming behavior can be a compulsive disorder in certain kitties, the abdomen is a less common body area than some others for behavioral over-grooming, and it is much more frequently a sign of abdominal discomfort or pain. This abdominal pattern of baldness can also be the result of an underlying dermatological issue.

When the bald area is between your cat's hind legs in the pelvic area, it very commonly signifies bladder and urinary pain such as seen with idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, urinary crystals, and urinary tract infections. Occasionally pelvic over-grooming is also associated with hyperthyroidism in affected cats. When the bald area is more generalized to the abdomen or is higher up than, and does not include, the pelvis it generally signifies gastric or intestinal discomfort such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasitism, eosinophilic enteritis, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A kitty who over-grooms their underside should always be examined by a veterinarian so that medical problems can be ruled out prior to concluding that the issue is behavioral.

MYTH #7 - My older cat is defecating outside of the litter box, even though I added another one upstairs. They're likely doing this because of stubbornness, laziness, or senility.

FALSE! There are a variety of common medical problems that can result in inappropriate defecation, particularly in older cats. While it is always appropriate to have a litter box on each floor, especially for old and arthritic cats, there are still many other medical and circumstantial reasons for why cats will do this, so you cannot conclude that they are just being naughty and/or senile cats!

Any type of discomfort experienced while in the litter box will result in an aversion to using it, so urinary issues, diarrhea, and constipation can all cause this behavior. Additionally, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, high blood pressure, and many other diseases can cause inappropriate elimination. While it is possible for senility to play a role here as well, other medical problems must be ruled out first. This means discussing the issue with your veterinarian and having your elderly cat fully examined and tested for common health conditions.

MYTH #8 - Placing a bell on the collar of my outdoor cat will prevent them from being able to hunt and kill prey.

FALSE! Cats can easily learn to stalk without jingling their collar bells, so this does not necessarily prevent them from successful hunting ventures. The only foolproof solution is to keep your cat indoors or to use a safe outdoor solution such as leash walking your kitty or setting up a cat enclosure in which your cat can enjoy the outdoors.

MYTH #9 - I have more than one cat in my household. My cats have always shared food and water dishes without any problems, so it must be fine.

FALSE! While you may not witness any signs of competition between your cats, it's always best for each cat in every household to have at least one water and one food dish of their own. This prevents guarding of the dishes by dominant cats, and that in general your cats will be less likely to overeat or to eat too quickly in an effort to out-compete each other and finish their meal before another cat comes over and eats it.

Cats should not be fed side by side, but rather on opposite sides of the room, to avoid this type of stress. Even though you may not be aware that one or more of your cats' experiences anxiety about the situation, does not mean that they are not distressed at meal times.

MYTH #10 - My cat lets me know when they're hungry, so I don't have a regular feeding schedule for my cat, and this is okay.

FALSE! While many cats will alert their owners to their hunger, and can even serve as militant alarm clocks in some cases(!), cats are creatures of habit, and they much prefer having reliable feeding times.

Having a haphazard feeding schedule can be a significant source of stress for a cat that negatively impacts their quality of life, irrespective of whether or not they are actually able to communicate their stress to you.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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Scoop on Cat Litter

There are so many types of litter pet shops nowadays available which can be completely overwhelming trying to choose between them! Are you confused about what cat litter should I use? Read then ...

Cat litter has infinitely many possibilities, and here is a list of the main aspects of litter shopping: distributed and critiqued for your convenience!

Clumping versus non-Clumping:

By Clumping Cat Litter

Uniting format is best for most owners of lifestyles, because it allows the daily removal of urine from the litter box. Clumping types also allows you to monitor the volume and frequency with which your kitty and urinates as owner of a cat, it is important to note since particular urine habits may be indicative of health issues. Non-clumping litter instrument makes it much more difficult to keep the problems raised.

Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Non-clumping litter means that either there is no excessive waste when the contents of the entire frame is emptied every day or, Alternatively, this means that the smell of ammonia and faeces strengthens all week under litter until it empties into the week-end.

The only non-clumping formula, which prevents the accumulation of odor is a silicon dioxide crystal litter is more that a little further down!

Scented with Unscented:

Scented litter

Scented litter generally means more chemicals, and whilst it can mean a more pleasant smell for you as the owner, it is almost certain to be inconvenient for your cat and also chemicals will be ingested and self-grooming (licking and swallowing the dust particles bedding to be settled on the coat of arms while using the litter box).

The exception to the rule are those scented cat litter cat litters the usual natural smells-for example, pines litters and litters incorporating Cedar flakes.

Unscented litter

Eliminating chemically scented litters from the types you choose between, and this limits further your choice. When the litter boxes are kept, there is no need for scented litter.

Dust free cat litter

Dust-free cat litter is important for both cats and owners-especially for those who suffer from allergies and/or asthma or other respiratory problems. Unfortunately, there seems to be that entity as a litter free cat 100% dust the moment-especially when searching for a litter that has all other desirable qualities as well. That said, there are two types of litter they deserve kudos as a (relatively) dust-free and non-tracking: pine litters (many brands available) and yesterday's news from Purina, which uses recycled newspaper. However, the catch is that these are not clumping cat litters. Cat Attract cat litter, Cat Litters of precious, is one of the most dust-free clumping litters that I am able to find my own search.

By clay bedding substrate for alternates:

From clay litter

Cat Litter-granulated, absorbent clay-was invented in the 1940s by a man named Ed Lowe, and then it was not until the 1980s that pooling clay cat litters were developed. By clumping cat litters usually contain bentonite clay (and/or silicon dioxide), which are both thought to be an inert substances that have no detrimental effect on cats; However, there is some dispute about whether this is entirely true. By clumping clay litters tend to have relatively good odour control and it is easy to scoop. Flushable is, but is reasonably ' natural, ' depending on which other ingredients they contain.

Alternate substrate Litters

There are now a wide range of cat litters with alternate substrates such as paper, pine, wheat, corn, silica, and so forth. Corn is a natural litters, flushable and biodegradable. Are slightly less efficient odor control, compared with clay litters, but make decent urine clumps. Pine is a non-clumping litters are good odor control, do not watch easily and naturally, flushable and biodegradable. Wheat is also a natural Litters, flushable and biodegradable. Depending on the brand wheat litters can be slightly "mushier ' urine clumps compared with more than clumping clay litters.

Scratchy Cat litter to monitor grades:

Most cats prefer very fine grain cat litter for more coarse makes cat litter, and rightly so. .. Coarse cat litter is uncomfortable to intensify about barefoot, when it is incorporated into one is metallotechniki;, walking across the surface of what is much less! Most cats prefer fine granules from clay litter over coarse clay litter, paper pellets, pine pellets and silica. Silica crystals cat litter is particularly high, rough and angular, which creates a very unpleasant substrate for cats to use, especially those with arthritis, obesity, if they have not become declaws declaw, neuromas, and pododermatitis problems.

Unfortunately, in grain size from the bedding, most often associated with how easily the litter must be monitored around the House! The key here is to choose the fine granules litter, but it ensures that you are well equipped in order to avoid excessive litter monitoring with mats bedding will help in part more than any other preventive measure, you can do!

Ultimately, your kitty is that you should choose the substrate litter, because it is better to prevent urine and/or defecation problems even before they have a chance to happen.

The information provided in this article is only for educational reference. This is not to be a substitute for the advice and care of a veterinarian, or a medical diagnosis or treatment. All questions about the health of your cat should be discussed with your veterinarian.

To read more from Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/

Dr. Ko is a supporter of the importance of preventive medicine education and cat owners about the benefits of their cats. It was this ideal was the motivation for creating the Web site of Dr. Ko.

catdoctorko.com is a new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help provide effective and preventive health care for the cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, licensed veterinarian has created video expertise, health articles, ask Dr. Ko advice (to which it responds cat health) information about toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products selected specifically for benefits for optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All matters which Dr. Ko writes about are provided by the members of the website. To suggest a topic article on Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/and set up a membership-it's quick and free!

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How to choose the perfect scratching Post for your beloved Kitty

Today, discount cat supplies is easier to find with so many online stores of pets is the Internet. This is a good thing, since most people love them so much that they are willing to buy something for them regardless of the value, at least to a degree cats. A good example of the equipment, said by many to be much easier to have, in addition to the popular cat collars, cat scratching post. Finding one is not a problem, the process of selecting the perfect post is tiresome. Fortunately, there are easy ways that you can literally go and exited the store in record time.

The first step is to select an ideal cat scratching post is to examine your pet's body. The post should be tall enough to accommodate the animal, especially when this stretching. If the scratching post falls below the claws of the cat when it is extended for the full length and height, then the feline will look for another place to cleanse the nails. Instead of buying vertical positions, you will need to invest more in horizontal well. These can be larger and more comfortable for your cat to scratch.

Another thing to consider is the material used for the location. If possible, you might want to take your pet with you on the store, so you know what it likes. If not, then you will need to purchase publications that are made of different materials to choose from at home. Scratching posts may be made of wood, rope, and cardboard. If you don't know what it wants your pet, you should think about buying two or more kinds of devices that allow the animal to choose from. You can also take a cue from your cat's previous actions

You can also check from the construction of the CAT scratching post. Apart from its size, weight and circumference. It should be light to be transferred from one room to the next, but also heavy enough that it does not fall easily. There are positions that are embedded in a way that the base is thin at the top, giving it a pyramid shape styles.

Remember that seats are susceptible to wear, and so it is necessary to purchase new immediately after the festive season losses. Don't worry, the positions are inexpensive and easy on your budget.

Get the latest cat collars and the very best cat scratching post available for your cat to the Petstore.com

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What should the box litter and care

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Q: What kind of litter should I use?

A: There are so many types of litter available in pet stores today that it can be overwhelming when trying to decide what to pick off of the shelf!

Clumping litter is almost always the best choice (save for certain medical situations such as a paw laceration) because it allows for daily removal of urine from the box. Non-clumping litter means that either there is excessive waste of litter when the entire contents are emptied every day, or alternatively, it means that the smell of ammonia and urine strengthens throughout the week until it is finally emptied. The only non-clumping litter that prevents ammonia odor buildup is silica crystal litter, but silica litter is not recommended since the the crystals are hard and sharp, creating an unpleasant surface for to walk on.

Clumping litter also allows you to monitor the volume and frequency of your cat's urination, and as a cat owner this very important to note since particular urine habit changes can be indicative of serious health issues. Non-clumping litter disguises cats' urine habits and makes it far more difficult to notice problems when they arise.

Two types of non-clumping litter that do deserve kudos for being (relatively) dust-free and non-tracking are pine litter (multiple brands available) and Yesterday's News made by Purina, made with recycled newspapers. These non-clumping litters play an important role for kitties that have healing wounds on their extremities since they are generally too large for pieces of litter to get stuck in and contaminate open wounds.

Eliminate scented litters from the types you are choosing amongst, and this further narrows your selection. Scented litter means more chemicals, and while it might mean a more pleasant odor for us as owners, it is almost sure to be unpleasant to our cats, and they end up ingesting the chemicals when grooming themselves later, licking the litter dust particles that settled onto their coats while in the litter box. Additionally, scented litters are not necessary; when litter boxes are properly maintained, there should not be any significant odors present that require masking.

Q: How often do I need to empty the litter box?

A: Clumping litter is the most hygienic and practical litter type that exists. Maintenance is minimal if you are diligent about daily scooping. The litter substrate remains nice and fresh, and the litter can simply be topped up once weekly to maintain an appropriate volume inside the box. Litter should be kept at least several inches deep to allow cats a satisfactory substrate in which they can dig and bury their movements. Maintaining a good depth in the box at all times also means that the bottom and sides of the container will remain relatively clean since they will have little to no contact with urine and feces. Once per month the entire litter box can be emptied and cleaned with an unscented, gentle soap and warm water. Once the box is completely dry it can be refilled with fresh litter.

Boxes filled with non-clumping litter need to be emptied daily in order to avoid the unpleasant buildup of ammonia odor and feces.

Q: How many litter boxes do I need?

A: The "Golden Rule" is that the number of litter boxes needed is 'n + 1.' The 'n' stands for the number of cats who live in the home, so the number of litter boxes needed is the number of cats you have plus one extra.

Cats are not always willing to share their amenities, even if they have lived in the same home with multiple kitties their entire lives! Just because two cats use the same litter box does not necessarily mean that they are 'comfortable' doing so; it is simply the best option that they have available to them and so they make do with what they have.

Additionally, some cats who are forced to share their bathrooms experience real distress, not just mild discomfort from the suboptimal situation. It's not uncommon for dominant cats within multi-cat households to guard litter boxes and ambush kitties who are lower in the social hierarchy as they exit their litter boxes. Cats who experience frightening, stressful, or painful situations correlated with litter box use are prone to start eliminating outside of their litter boxes as they attempt to avoid the same adverse situations from reoccurring. Having an extra box present means that there will always be at least one bathroom freely available that will not be guarded.

It's also important to remember that by requiring our cats to repeatedly use the same space for elimination (let alone requiring them to share that space with other cats!), we are already requesting a significant sacrifice from our felines. They would not naturally eliminate in the same place so repeatedly if they were outdoor or feral cats.

Along similar lines, the reason for having more than one litter box for single cats allows them to enjoy having their options; many cats prefer to have one box for urinating, and another one entirely for passing bowel movements. They don't want to use the same space for both which is why 'n + 1' holds true even for single cat households.

Q: What kind of litter box should I get? Covered? Uncovered? Deep sided? Small, large, extra-large?

A: The best litter box is the roomiest one that you can find and fit within your household!

Most commercial options that are available, even the extra-large sized models, are still too small! The average litter box allows one cat to fit inside it and turn around within its confines, similar to human porta potties. And if you stop to think about it, comparing litter boxes to porta potties is a rather accurate analogy, and should provide the right kind of motivation needed to improve on our cats' "elimination situations!"

Imagine being a cat who has to run into the same washroom where another cat just went -- there are old urine clumps and bowel movements present that create an odiferous environment and our noses are nowhere near as sensitive as our cats' noses are! It's no wonder that (non-medical) inappropriate elimination is such a common problem - how many people prefer to find their own clean location in the woods somewhere rather than using porta potties? Sometimes cats end up resorting to the same behavior when they use laundry piles as surrogate litter boxes!

Litter boxes should allow your cat to be comfortable while they are doing their cat business: generous in size, shallow side-wall depth, and easy to enter and exit.

While covered boxes do prevent some scatter, most cats prefer non-covered versions because they instinctively wish to be able to look around and ensure their safety before adapting a vulnerable position as they must in order to complete their task(s) at hand. Covered litter boxes are more cramped and obstruct cats' views: cats in covered boxes are unable to see their surroundings and check for people or other pets walking by, and they also impair their ability to hear others coming as well. Covered litter boxes are particularly uncomfortable for older, arthritic cats, overweight cats, and large cats. They tend to have very deep sides, so the entrance is more difficult to step in and out of. Some covered litter boxes also come with door flaps, and these should absolutely not be used. Cats should not have to work in order to access their bathrooms, and they definitely don't like being smacked by the door flap in the rump as they push their way through the entryway. Door flaps can cause cats to quickly develop aversions to using the corresponding litter boxes.

Rimmed litter boxes are uncovered litter boxes that have separate plastic rims which snap onto their tops, securing pet litter liners in place, and helping to minimize litter scatter. Rimmed litter boxes are far from ideal because while they may help prevent a small percentage of litter scatter, they also decrease the amount of room available to cats in which they can maneuver, and they also detract from litter box accessibility since cats must step over much wider rims when entering the boxes compared with regular models.

The less comfortable a cat is with their litter box situation, and the more difficulty they encounter when using their bathroom, the more time they actually spend inside of them. Cats with cramped litter boxes spend extra time digging to make satisfactory holes for their elimination and, similarly, they try just as hard to find ways to cover their movements properly. So, ironically, many litter box systems developed to try and decrease litter scatter actually increase the overall amounts of scatter created! Comfortable litter boxes result in much less litter box activity altogether... which translates into less scatter!

The product that I have found that works best and keeps both cats and owners happiest is actually the 'under-the-bed-storage-bin' which can function as an extra-long, shallow, regular width (relative to commercial options), roomy "litter box." Under the bed storage bins are made by Sterilite and Rubbermaid and can be found at most Walmarts, Zellers, Canadian Tires, and many other stores, for approximately the same prices as regular litter boxes.

Q: Where should my litter box(es) be placed?

A: Below is a list of criteria detailing where you should avoid placing litter boxes. Do NOT locate litter boxes by:

Noisy machines like laundry washers, dryers, garborators and dish-washers

Food and water bowls (cats do not want to eat and drink where they urinate and defecate, just like humans!)

High-traffic areas like doorways and landings (cats prefer a bit of peace and quiet when using the loo, and if they are ever scared or startled by passers-by, they can develop aversions to the litter box and its location)

Cramped corners (although we may want to hide the unsightly litter box, cats prefer to have good visibility when doing their business)

Children's play areas (keeping kitty waste and children's toys away from each other keeps everyone happy!)

The kitchen area (even the best litter box set up will have some slight smells in the immediate post-use phase, and you don't want to be wondering why your cuisine always tastes better than it smells)

If you have multiple levels in your home, do not isolate the litter box(es) to the basement - there should be an easily accessible box on each level of the home, especially if there is a geriatric cat, or if there are more than one cat in the household (if litter boxes are located together, then one cat can guard access to them, or ambush another cat using them)

When the unsightliness of litter is an issue that is preventing one from being located on a particular level, although covered options are not considered ideal, there are litter box-containing constructs that still allow for large, shallow litter boxes to be placed inside and also function as esthetically pleasing furniture pieces.

Q: How do I prevent litter from tracking everywhere?

A: There is no magical method here unfortunately, but the following are some very useful tips:

PetMate The Litter Catcher Mat (46"x32") - this mat covers a large surface area, is extremely efficient at trapping litter, is soft and flexible on cats' paws and is easily shaken out for cleaning - avoid hard plastic, ridged litter mats that are unpleasant on cats' paws to walk over.

Keep a hand broom and dust pan or a small handheld vacuum nearby for escapee particles!

Keep the litter level a couple inches below edge of the litter box

Purchase low-tracking litter substrate

Q: What about litter liners?

A: Cats do not like litter liners, so it is best not to use them. Simply keep the depth of litter adequate and scoop frequently enough that the bottom and sides of the litter box stay clean.

Q: My litter is advertised as 'biodegradable' - can I compost the cat litter?

A: Yes, you can compost your cat litter. However, it's not recommended that you use the compost of carnivores to fertilize vegetable gardens, because of the variety of pathogenic microbes that their excrement can contain. Cat litter should be composted separately from your kitchen compost. PC Green cat litter is a popular eco-friendly, clumping, absorbent product that works well for composting owners.

Q: My cat litter is advertised as 'flushable' - should I flush it?

A: It's best if your litter can be composted rather than using 6 to 18 litres of water to send the litter somewhere else for composting. However, if you cannot compost the litter, then simply throwing it away is the next best option, since it will biodegrade in landfills as well.

Q: I've heard that cats can be toilet trained, and that using a litter box isn't even necessary. Is toilet training my cat a good idea?

A: While it sounds like a very appealing idea to not have to take care of the litter box, toilet training cats is not a good idea. Healthy, happy cats are those that are permitted expression of as many of their natural behaviors on a daily basis as possible. Eliminating a cat's ability to dig comfortably in a substrate in which they can urinate or defecate would substantially reduce their quality of life. Requiring a cat to balance on a slippery toilet rim multiple times per day would be a significant stressor to them, and this task would become more and more difficult and uncomfortable with age and the onset of arthritis and muscle wasting.

While training cats to do other tricks is a good idea and can enhance their quality of life by providing mental stimulation, when it comes to kitties' bathroom habits, it's best to provide them with a great litter box setup, and reserve the toilet for human use only!

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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