The Cat Report

Are ceramic bowls best for cats?

2011-05-26T16:02:00.003-04:00

Cats...There are many products availabe to buy for them. One very important purchase is the correct feeding bowl. Who would have ever thought there would be an issue with the type of feeding bowl for them to use.
Well there are health issues regarding the proper object used to feed them. Plastic bowls are cheaper, non breakable and colorful. All great attributes one can say. However, they can cause allergic reactions in your pet. Such as, rashes, itchiness, scratching,swollen lip, and general lethargy.

They can harbor harmful bacteria from old food particles not removed properly. Additionally, the material used to produce them can cause serious illnesses when continually licked by the cat's tongue.

The surface can get easily scratched. These scratches can hold harmful bacteria and germs that may breed in those tiny crevices, which again can make your cat sick. Plastic bowls requires more maintenance and should be changed frequently when the surface becomes scratched.

What should be used instead? Stainless steel, porcelain or ceramic bowls. My personal preference is ceramic bowls. They are affordable, easy to clean and safe for your pet to lick as it eats. After all we don't want to cause our cats any harm or create unnecessary vet bills for ourselves.

The wrong cat bowls can be harmful. Protect your cat from getting sick.

Importance of a Cat Bed

2011-05-20T11:35:00.003-04:00

Most of us consider our cats as more than just pets but as part of the family which is why a cat bed is a must have for our cats. The cat bed is very important in more ways than one.

The cat bed is as important for our cats as the scratch post, the litter box and the pet door.Our cat must have his/her own cat bed not just for familial reasons but because of the following:

Hygiene – we all love our cats and we often tolerate them sleeping on the couch or on the bed but for purposes of hygiene they need their own place to rest and sleep. Cat fur can trigger allergies in some people and can be bothersome to vacuum.

Comfort – our cats deserve also to be comfortable. Some cat beds are specially built and textured so they become comfortable places for the cat to sleep in.

Pregnant kitties – pregnant cats require secure and comfortable places to have their kittens. If you don’t have a cat bed, your cat will have dibs on your own bed or your open closet.

Cat beds have really increased in popularity within the last few years.

Puruse affordable and unique cat beds and cat products.

Alternative Cat Dental Care

2011-05-17T14:06:00.003-04:00

Cat Dental Care is so important. Any animal without opposable thumbs will use their jaws to grab, pick up or hold food. Therefore, cats make use of their teeth and jaws full time. They eat almost anything smaller than themselves like birds, mice and even insects. They also eat fish bones and other animal bones when possible so their teeth can wear out much like ours. Outside the house, we don’t know what they eat.

Normally, cat owners may brush their pets’ teeth daily and have scheduled visits to the vet. But many owners don’t have the time or the luxury to do so. When neglected, cats can suffer from tartar and plaque which results in oral problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a serious condition which is often painful and can affect their feeding habits and disposition. Alternatively, their owners can feed them some crunchy meals which can lessen the accumulation of plaque. They may also use dental spray and plaque reducing additives to their drinking water.

Click this link for more non stressful means of cat dental care.

Do You Know if Your Cat Is In Pain?

2011-02-16T10:55:00.001-05:00

No pet owner wants to think that his or her cat can possibly be in pain, but it does happen. There are many reasons why our beloved cats experience pain. Common reasons for pain in cats include pain from injury, surgery, and also illness or infection. Proper pain management has been proven through studies to help reduce stress and help speed the healing process. Pain management not only makes your cat more comfortable it can help her to live longer.

Your cat may experience different types of pain. There is acute pain, which comes from an injury, from surgery or from an infection.

Acute pain can make your cat really uncomfortable, may limit her ability to move around and can make her not want to be touched. Acute pain is usually temporary and should go away when the condition that is causing the pain is treated.

Chronic pain is the second type of pain that a cat can experience. Chronic pain is long lasting pain that is usually slow to develop but can be related to old age, or disease and certain conditions such as arthritis. Chronic pain can also happen as a result of illnesses such as bone disease or cancers. This type of pain is the most difficult for cat owners to come to terms with because they will watch their beloved cat have to deal with chronic pain for the rest of the cat's life.

Signs that your cat may be hurting:

Look for changes in the cat's behavior that may signal to you that something is not the same such as the cat becomes unusually quiet, or becomes listless, restless, or is unresponsive to you. A cat will not necessarily show signs of pain but we can look for clues that may be there to help us determine pain is present.

Your cat may constantly meow, bite or nip, act funny or out of character such as becoming aggressive or unusually submissive.

Your cat may flatten its ears, or constantly lick a particular body part.

Your cat may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or eating.

A cat in pain, may seek more affection from you than it usually does.

Your vet is the best source of pain information and will know how to determine if your cat is indeed in pain and how to manage the pain. Your vet will need to know some information from you such as your cat's recent behavior, activity level, whether or not the cat allows you to handle her. You will also be asked about how the cat is able to move and whether or not your cat has been jumping up on perches or areas of the home as it normally has in the past. These are all clues that the vet will use to help make a diagnosis.

After the vet examines the cat, x-rays may be needed to help make the diagnosis. Your vet may also need to draw blood, or perform other lab tests. If your cat is in pain, the cause will help to steer the vet to a pain management plan that may include physical therapy, drugs, or in serious cases surgery may be necessary.

Check out more info on sick cat and cat behavior.

Cat Training: Squirt Bottle Good vs Bad

2010-10-11T19:10:00.005-04:00

Most people believe that training a cat is important. Yes it is, but using a squirt bottle with water?

It is a known fact that most cats don't like water. There are always exceptions!!

The Good

Some people swear by using the squirt bottle or small water gun in training.

They state that the cat begins to understand the correlation between the unwanted behavior and the water squirting.

Eventually all the owner has to do is hold the squirting object and the cat stops the behavior before the squirting begins.

As with everything else in life, one must carefully try this method and see if it helps in training your cat. Or does it create distrust and resentment in your feline pet.

The Bad

Others have experienced a hostile resentful and angry cat when using this method. It may hiss, arch its back and even growl at you. If this happens stop using this method in your training.

If your cat is deterred without negative consequences or begins to fear you then by all means continue using it, though sparingly.

I would not suggest using it 10 times a day. Any living creature can not tolerate that, this constitutes abuse.

If you choose to use the squirt bottle or water gun as a teaching tool, you can not then use these items as toys for your cat.

So there you have it. I have given you the good vs bad factors to using the squirt bottle method of cat training.

Only you can decide what is best for you and your relationship with your cat.

Check out the website for unique cat lovers gifts for cat lovers, that don't involve squirt bottles.

What are the Pros & Cons of a Self Cleaning Litter Box?

2010-08-29T08:28:00.003-04:00

The joys of owning a cat can often be overshadowed by the maintenance
they require.

Though minimal in comparison to dogs, litter box maintenance can be a
hassle. This is especially true for families with small children or other day to day
responsibilities that keep them busy.

One of the pleasures of owning a cat is the ability to leave it for an extended
period of time without worrying that it will be able to care for itself. They
are very self sufficient, and given enough food and water can often be on their
own for a very long time.

This great quality of ownership is even more apparent when you add a
self-cleaning litter box into the picture.

It is percieved that self-cleaning litter boxes do most of the dirty work for you,
literally. No more constantly having to remember if you’ve cleaned the box
or not... or if your child has remembered to do it as one of their daily chores.
It is simply done for you. This is a joy not only for the cat owner, but for the pet
as well. They have a more sanitary environment. They are able to keep
themselves cleaner, and are happier and more at ease. It seems as if everybody wins.

The downside of self cleaning litter boxes is that sometimes they may create
more work and mess for someone to clean. Additionally, in some models the
mechanisms jams, and it may leave waste in areas of the tray.

The cost of the carbon filters, waste trays and liners are ongoing expenses in
addition to the litter. Therefore one must take these aspects into consideration
when deciding which type of litter box to select.

However, with some research and persistence the decision should not be
entirely related to cost.

Most importantly the decision should be based upon the simple and better
quality of life for both the owners and the felines they love.

See more options regarding cat litter boxes and cat litter.

Cat Lovers are People who...

2010-08-04T11:57:00.002-04:00

Cat lovers come in many different shapes and sizes. There will be times, unexpectedly,you find out someone you know is a cat lover. Maybe he or she didn’t seem like the kind ofperson to have cats. Or you had an image in your head of what a stereotypical catlover looks like.

One thing all cat lovers have in common is that they are also animal lovers.They seem have a soft spot in their heart for furry friends, and shows deep compassion for other animals and other living things.

They also feel a connection with their pets, expressing the beliefthat they can sense what it is feeling.

Some owners form a kind of companionship with their pets, especially if they are single or unmarried. It’s common for individuals to get a kitten, raise it, become very attached to it’s companionship, almost as if it is their partner.

However, this isn’t exclusive to cat owners, many people form this strong bond with their pets.
People who tend to favor cats over dogs often cite the ease of care for their feline friends. They don’t have to take them out every few hours for a bathroom break. They can leave on a trip for a few days and it will be just finewhen they return. This is providing they leave enough food and water for the duration of their trip.

Cats are less needy than dogs. They are independent, and sometimes aloof. Cat lovers find these traits endearing, appreciating their cat’s dismissiveattitude. They also cite cats cleanliness as an added benefit. Most catstake care of their own fur, and aside from the heavy shedders, owners havelittle responsibility in that department.

Cat lovers, it seems, truly appreciate the companionship, ease, and humor they receive from owning a cat.

So it seems when buying a gift, that cat lovers are people whom should be given special consideration.

Check out the website for unique cat lovers gifts.

The Best Christmas Gifts for Cat Lovers

2009-10-01T11:55:00.002-04:00

When shopping for that special cat lover in your life, you can’t go wrong buying your friend, family member, co-worker, or significant other an item that reminds them of their four-footed furry friend! The following are some great themed gift items you might consider when shopping for the purrfect gift:

Practical Presents
Who does not like to receive their favorite food or a tasty treat to celebrate any special occasion? Felines, like their owners, also appreciate something yummy for snacks between meals or better yet, a case of their favorite flavor of food. Other practical gifts are those that provide hours of play and entertainment for it and its owner. One such fun item is a scratching post. You can find scratching posts in many different colors, styles and sizes. Not only will the cat thank you, but so will the owner’s couch! More practical items include, jewelry, watches, handbags, sweaters, books, videos or DVDs, mailboxes, wind chimes, door knockers, door mats or beautiful handmade items like a fluffy pillow and blanket to share for naps!

Cultural Cats
Throughout centuries, felines have been worshipped and revered in just as many cultures. Perhaps the most noted in history is the relationship between them and Egyptians. They were honored as graceful and poised, were often mummified as their human owners! As in ancient Egypt, what better way to show love and admiration than owning a pair of earrings, necklace, or scarf featuring the cat-head goddess Bast? For those who are a little more difficult to shop for, a personalized themed pin makes a very thoughtful gift!

If that someone special enjoys Asian art pieces, a scroll decorated with Japanese brushwork kittens makes an alluring gift. If you’re looking for a gift to make a bolder statement, consider a gift bearing jaguars and ocelots, which are prevalent in Mayan and Aztec art pieces.

Fluffy Feline Friends
You may find yourself shopping for a cat lover with limited living space, or who is allergic. Don’t worry because you can still find an appropriate themed gift! One very popular gift idea is a soft and cuddly stuffed replica of the real pet. You can select one from many different colors, shapes and sizes depending on the breed.

Cat-Inspired Houseware
For those that don’t actually own one but adores them, then themed houseware items are the perfect gift! Gift items for the bathroom include cat printed towels, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, tissue box covers, night lights, and bath mats. For other rooms in the home, you can shop from a wide selection of popular three dimensional wall art pieces, clocks, patterned prints or add a personal touch by framing a favorite photo.

Knowing the gift recipient’s personality and preferences will help when selecting the purrfect gift. Just keep in mind when you’re shopping that there are plenty of great cat themed gift options!

Methods for alternative cat health care and feeding can be viewed at www.allthingscat.com

Airline Traveling with Cats

2009-08-15T18:20:00.008-04:00

Previously I have had such a hard time traveling with my cats. Once I attempted to
place them on an airplane flight with me, but was told that they were too large to
go under my seat, even if I wanted to pay first class, which is roomier.

Also I spoke with an airplane pilot and asked him if it was okay for my cats to fly in the belly of the plane where most animals are designated to fly. He emphatically stated "No, don't do that if your pet is important to you. There really is not climate control in that area and the noise is unbearable to most animals."

With that first hand information, I sadly left my cat at home and paid someone to pet sit in my home as I traveled.

Recently I became aware of an airline designated for Pets Only. Their website address is: www.Flypets.com.

Here is an article about them: Hope this helps whenever any of you are in need of
traveling accomodations designed just for your feline or canine friend. Check out today's pricing for it may have changed.

Pets Only Allowed On New Airline

Now your pets can fly the pet friendly skies of Pet Airways. That’s right, a new airline just for pets.

Pet Airways is the first and only exclusive pet airline. No humans except the crew are allowed on the plane with them. Your pets fly in the comfort of the cabin, not the cargo. The way it works is you arrive with your pet and wait in the pet lounge until its time to board. If you cannot wait with your pet, it can be boarded up to 72 hrs before their flight. Before boarding, airline personnel make sure that your dog has had plenty of potty breaks. They are then boarded in their carriers and safely secured.

A pet attendant monitors the dogs every 15 minutes of the flight. As soon as they land, pets are then taken for another potty break before being taken to the pet lounge where they are picked up at. If you cannot pick up your pet at the time, it can be boarded overnight. Your pet is monitored throughout the entire process.

Currently there is a limited amount of cities that the pets can fly between; however, Pet Airways is hoping to expand that based on demand.

Tips on how to prepare your pet for travel are available on their website.

Right now, you can get an introductory rate of $149.00 each way.

I think it’s pretty awesome that the industry is realizing that people want their pets treated in a humane way, and sticking them in the cargo isn’t necessarily the way I would want my pet to travel. In fact, at certain times of the year, pets would not even be able to travel in the cargo area. Some pets hate being in the car, but if you wanted to take your pet on a trip with you, this would be a great alternative, to just meet them at your destination.

Pet Airways also has a club you can join for $29.99 a year and receive multiple discounts on pet items, pet friendly hotels, pet meds and pet insurance.

Hopefully this will also help with transporting pets that get adopted out of a shelter in different areas since at times transporting them can be a deterrent for an adoption.

Currently this is limited travel times and space, so if you are considering trying them, you might want to make your reservation pretty far in advance.

Cat Litter Box not Working? Pet going on bed and elsewhere?

2008-10-16T13:02:00.003-04:00

Cat Litter Box not Working? Pet going on bed and elsewhere?

If you know that your cat is not ill…

Maybe it’s the litter box, why should it be, you say. Hmm, let’s see.
Are you aware that most boxes are the wrong size?

Your pet propels what’s in the box to the outside. It urinates over it, around it, on the walls adjacent to it. There's no way it can be the litter box, something must be wrong with the cat, right?

Is it attempting to communicate in the only way it knows how, that whoa…something is wrong here, I need help, fix it please.

Lets use the process of elimination to help determine what your feline friend wants you to know about its personal toilet.

a. Is it cleaned often enough or too dirty ? Who wants to smell and walk on stuff that should be removed? Would you?

b. Is the placement away from noisy appliances,air ducts, furnace or anything that may frighten it?

P.S. a dark closet is a no no as proper placement.

c. Could the kind of litter be the problem? Is it one thatyour kitten doesn’t like?

d. Could the size of the box be inadequate? Are thesides really high enough to keep stuff in? Is thereroom for it to easily walk around inside and properly cover things up?

In summation, most of your litter box problems may be related to the size and type of the box and not a problem with your kitty. Therefore one should evaluate your present box and make the necessary changes.

See what simple item can put an end to this dilemma,click on article title above.

Is Your Cat Food Actually Table Scraps? Is This Healthy?

2008-07-07T10:08:00.003-04:00

There are many foods that should never be given to your cat. They can be extremely dangerous to its health and /or make it extremely sick.

A few of these foods are listed below and are not considered to be proper cat health care:

Dog Food… If you have a dog and a cat, and the cat eats the dog’s food this is surely a no-no. This type of food is formulated for the body of a canine. It does not have ample protein or taurine that is essential for proper nutrition in cats. If a cat eats dog food consistently it will get sick.

Table Scraps… This is healthy for us, but not good for our cats. The same facts apply to this category. What we eat is not properly formulated for the cat’s nutritional health, especially the lack of taurine. No taurine and ample protein indicates physical disaster for our beloved feline.

Chocolate, in any form… This is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. The pet can become very sick and die. Be really careful not to leave it around in an open container, or bowl where they may ingest it.

Bones and string (even though not a food)… Bones can crack and the little pieces can get lodged in their gums, throat or intestines causing irreparable damage. Cat food should never contain bones of any kind.

I know there are lots of photos showing cats with balls of string and some pet stores sell them for cats, but it should never be given to a cat as a toy. It too, can get lodged in the throat, as well as, causing blockages in the stomach, intestines and anus.

The best food that should be given to a cat is a homemade cooked variety.

Dry foods may be easy for us to administer because it is quick to pour. However, it is very high in carbohydrates that contribute to feline obesity and diabetes.

Canned food with a high content of protein, low content of ash is preferable if one can’t provide the homemade cooked cat food.

There are recipes that take 15 minutes or less to prepare and can be done in a large quantity during the weekend or whenever you have a few spare moments.This will surely go a long way in assisting your cat to stay healthier without eating preservatives and fillers.

So in conclusion, table scraps, bones, chocolate and dog food are not healthy cat food alternatives for your beloved feline.

Check out a quick and easy 15 minutes or less homemade cat food recipe.

Methods for alternative cat health, care and feeding can be viewed at www.allthingscat.com/homemade_cat_food.html

Ya Gotta Tell About Your Pets!

2008-05-26T20:28:00.005-04:00

Summer vacation time is coming and a lot of pet owners will be boarding their pets. This article is a perfect reminder on how to keep you and your pet happy during this process. Sheri

by Susan Thixton

I read an article recently about a family whose dog escaped from a Dog Day Care Facility. The family was a new customer to this Day Care and when they returned to pick up their dogno dog. The article didn't share if the dog was later found, but what it did share was that after the escape, the owners told the day care the dog was a fence climber.

I used to own a boarding kennel and dog training facility. Over the Christmas holiday one year, a new family brought me their two Cocker Spaniels to board for two weeks. The wife dropped the dogs off and instructed me to clean the dog'sears daily. Knowing that not all dogs enjoy an ear cleaning and since I was not familiar with my new guests, I questioned her how well the dogs would accept the cleaning. She assured me they would be fine. On the first attempt to clean the ears I received the worst bite of my professional career. I thought the dog crushed my finger - had it notbeen so painful, it was almost comical. One of those moments where the dog had my hand locked between his jaws and I had to use the other hand to pry open his mouth! He made a very strong point that he didn't want to have his ears cleaned.

Fast forward two weeks to when the owners were to pick upthe dogs this time it was the husband who picked them up(wife dropped them off). As soon as he came in the door I informed him that the dogs never got their ears cleaned and that the male bit me badly on my first attempt. His reply"oh yeah, I'm sorry, they bite us all the time when we do that too!"

The point to my sharing these stories whenever you take your pet to a Groomer or Vet or Kennel - please tell the pet care provider things that you know about your pet's behavior and personality. If the Day Care had known the dog was a fence climber, they could have taken precautions to make sure he did not escape. If I had known the cockers were biters, I could have put a quick muzzle on them and been able to keep their ears in good health and my hand in good health. I could share a million more stories just like the two above -my only guess as to why they happen so often is that some pet owners might be a little ashamed of their pet's behaviors sometimes. My advice to you is to get over the embarrassment and tell pet care professionals what they need to know to keep your pet safe.

On the other hand - there are many pet care providers out there that just don't care enough. I've seen many of them -and I cringe when I think about the heartbreak they could cause because of their reckless or careless behavior. I wish I could tell you exactly how to avoid those type of petprofessionals - but I can't. I can however give you some suggestions from the perspective of someone who took care of pets for a living.

1. The pet business should be clean, clean, clean! To me, if a business owner doesn't care enough about the cleanliness of the facility, what else don't they care about? The kennel or grooming shop or daycare doesn't have to be 'state of the art' - but it does need to be clean.

2. Meet the staff. Not just the person at the desk - try to meet, look in the eye, and talk with as many of the employees as you can. That's a little difficult -especially from the business owners perspective - but those are the folks that will be caring for your baby, try your best.

3. Get references - and call those references. There is nothing better to calm the nerves of a nervous pet owner than to talk with other pet owners who have experienced the care provided by this pet business.

4. Depending on your state - some pet care businesses are guided by local Animal Control licensing. If that is the case in your state, call the licensing agency and ask about any reports of abuse or misconduct with this business. At the very least, check with the BBB.

Visit www.allthingscat.com for more interesting details about cats, and their alternative health care.

How the Largest Beef Recall In History Effects Pet Owners

2008-03-14T15:19:00.006-04:00

by Susan Thixton

The U.S. is experiencing the largest beef recall in history. Major television networks and social websites on the Internet have provided a hidden camera video provided by the Humane Society showing downer cattle - animals that are sick or diseased and unable to stand - being prodded with forklifts and beaten in attempts to move them to the slaughter area. If you can stomach it, the link to the video is below. The video is very difficult to view and alarming to know that any meat processor would disregard the safety of U.S. citizens and process diseased animals into human food. Pet owners should be aware that even though it is illegal toprocess downer cattle into human food, it is legal and common to process these downer animals into pet food.

The FDA and the USDA classify downer cattle as SRMs -Specified Risk Materials. Meat products known to be a specified risk of spreading mad cow disease. According to federal law, it is illegal to process SRM animals for use in human food AND to be processed into ruminant (cattle, sheep,pig) feed in order to protect U.S. citizens from mad cow disease. Unfortunately, it is legal and common practice to process SRM animals into pet food. Sick or diseased animals that are known risks to humans - are processed into pet food. Mad cow disease has already crossed species into cats in Europe and mink worldwide. Are U.S. pets next?

When the FDA was considering a change in the pet food regulations, members of the cattle industry, rendering industry, pet food industry, and various other organizations lobbied the FDA either for stricter/safer regulations to protect pets - or lobbied against it.

A letter dated August 13, 2004 from the Humane Society ofthe United States wrote in favor of a ban of all SRM material in all foods - human, ruminant, or pet foods."As the country's largest animal protection organization we are deeply concerned about the potential impact of transmissiblespongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) on animal health.The removal from animal feed of downers, dead stock (animals that have died on the farm), cattle showing signs of a CNS disorder, and cattle who appear rabies-suspect but test negative would add another important layer of protection since these animals have a greater incidence of BSE than the general population.There is strong evidence that cats are susceptible to BSE and we therefore urge the FDA to prohibit immediately the use in pet food of any SRMs, downers, deadstock, or cattle showing signs of a CNS disorder or testing negative for rabies.There have been confirmed cases of Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy in approximately 100 cats in Europe. Since the FDA is charged with ensuring the safety of the food cats consume, we feel it would be reckless not to prohibit the inclusion of the high risk materials enumerated above in pet food."

Opposing the proposed ban was Garth Merrick (Merrick PetFood). Quoting his letter to the FDA dated July 28, 2004"ANPR's proposed rule to prohibit SRM's from all animal food including pet food and prohibiting materials from non ambulatory cattle and dead stock from all animal feed creates the below listed consequences of disposal of pounds that previously could be manufactured into animal feed. SRM's in cattle under 30 months of age have been estimated to be 20 pounds per head. In Texas there are four packing houses processing approximately 100,000 head per week times 20 pounds equals 2,000,000 times 52 weeks equals 104,000,000 of product that no one has discussed what to do with. If you cannot render it for feed to be fed to chickens, swine or pet food, then you have destroyed a system that currently works. We are the original recyclers. These numbers are only for Texas; when you consider the other lower 47 states, the consequences are inconceivable as to what the health hazards could be if these products are not processed the way they are currently being done."

No decision has been made by the FDA to ban SRM materialsfrom use in pet food or pet treats.

Do you think SRM cattle - diseased or dying animals should be processed into dog food or cat food? The HumaneSociety's hidden camera video of downer cattle - available for the not so weak to view at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmAJlwLnQI shows the health conditions of these SRM animals.

Even if you are a non pet owner reading this article, I'm doubtful you would think sick and dying animals are safe to feed pets.Personally if a livestock animal has been declared a Specified Risk Material - I don't care who has the expense of disposing of the material - just don't usepet food as the 'disposal method'.Pet food becomes theprofitable disposal method.SRMs are sold to pet foodmanufacturers providing revenue for a product that is otherwise un-sellable.Those pet food manufacturers that purchase SRM materials obtain 'meat' at hugely discountedprices. By no means could SRMs be profitable to the pet or the pet owner.

By products, meat and bone meal, meat meal, animal digest,and animal fat are all ingredients that could be processed SRM animals.Please read your pet food and pet treat labels!

Before you put your pet at risk, learn the Truth About PetFood. Register for the Truth About Pet Food free newsletterand stay updated on the latest pet food news. (http://www.petsumerreport.com/)

Second Hand Smoke Is A Health Threat to Pets

2008-02-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

ScienceDaily (Sep. 3, 2007) — It has been in the news for years about how secondhand smoke is a health threat to nonsmokers. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that secondhand smoke is attributed with killing thousands of adult nonsmokers annually.

If smoking is that harmful to human beings, it would make sense that secondhand smoke would have an adverse effect on pets that live in the homes of smokers, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian.

“There have been a number of scientific papers recently that have reported the significant health threat secondhand smoke poses to pets,” MacAllister said. “Secondhand smoke has been associated with oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, as well as lung cancer in birds.”

She said a study conducted recently at Tuft College of Veterinary Medicine found a strong correlation between secondhand smoke and certain forms of cancer in cats. The number of cats with mouth cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma, was higher for those animals living in smoking environments versus those felines living in a smoke-free home. In addition, cats that lived with smokers for five or more years had an even higher incidence of this type of oral cancer.

“One reason cats are so susceptible to secondhand smoke is because of their grooming habits. Cats constantly lick themselves while grooming, therefore they lick up the cancer-causing carcinogens that accumulate on their fur,” MacAllister said. “This grooming behavior exposes the mucous membrane of their mouth to the cancer-causing carcinogens.”

Malignant lymphoma is another type of cancer that cats that live with smokers have a higher risk of getting. This cancer occurs in the lymph nodes and cats are twice as likely to have this type of cancer compared to cats living in a non-smoking home. This form of cancer is fatal to three out of four cats within 12 months of developing the cancer.
MacAllister also pointed out that secondhand smoke is greatly associated with the increased occurrence of cancer in the nose and sinus area among dogs. Research also indicates a slight association with lung cancer.

“A recent study conducted at Colorado State University shows that there is a higher incidence of nasal tumors in dogs living in a home with secondhand smoke compared to dogs living in a smoke free environment,” she said. “The increased incidence was specifically found among the long nosed breed of dogs. Shorter or medium nosed dogs showed higher rates for lung cancer.”

MacAllister said the longer nosed breeds of dogs have a great surface area in their noses that is exposed to the carcinogens. This also provides more area in which the carcinogens can accumulate. The carcinogens tend to build up on the mucous membranes of long nosed dogs so not as much reaches the lungs.

Unfortunately, dogs affected with nasal cancer normally do not survive more than one year.
“The reason short and medium nose dogs have a higher occurrence of lung cancer is because their shorter nasal passages aren’t as effective at accumulating the inhaled secondhand smoke carcinogens,” she said. “This results in more carcinogens reaching the lungs.”

Pet birds also are victims of secondhand smoke. A bird’s respiratory system is hypersensitive to any type of pollutant in the air.
MacAllister said the most serious consequences of secondhand smoke exposure in birds are pneumonia or lung cancer. Other health risks include eye, skin, heart and fertility problems.

Secondhand smoke is not the only danger faced by pets that live in smoke filled environments. Poisoning is another risk they face.

“Curious pets can eat cigarettes and other tobacco products if the products aren’t stored properly,” MacAllister said. “When ingested, this can cause nicotine poisoning, which can be fatal.”
It is important, both for the health of pets and others living in the household, that the smoker has a designated area in which to smoke that is physically separated from the home. In addition, always keep cigarettes, cigarette butts and other tobacco products put away.

“A better choice that could enhance your chances of enjoying a healthier lifestyle with your family and pets would be to stop smoking altogether,” MacAllister said.
Adapted from materials provided by Oklahoma State University.

Stumped for a Cat Lover Gift?

2007-12-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be wondering what to get for the cat lover in your life. Whether they are a good friend, a co-worker, or your significant other, you can never go wrong by getting a feline fancier something that reminds them of their favorite animal! Here are some terrific ideas of cat themed gifts to assist you in selecting the best present for a cat-loving, loved one.

Practical gifts
Some terrific cat themed gifts will actually be for the cat, rather than for your friend, but depending on the gift, your friend will probably love it! Scratching posts, small cat toys and pretty little collars are wonderful ways to let your friend know that you understand the importance of the cat in their life.Scratching posts have come a long way. They come in are many sizes, designs and colors. The recipient of this gift will probably thank you for saving the ”life” of their sofa, couches and or chairs. More cat themed, cat lover gift ideas are books, videos, dvds, mailboxes, chimes, door knockers, handmade cat pillows, just to name a few. Practical gifts like these are perfect for a wide variety of different occasions.

The Cultural Cat
Felines have held honored places in many different cultures all around the world. There's a good chance that you'll be able to find cat themed gifts for the most discerning art collector by looking in this category. If your friend enjoys Asian art, what about a scroll decorated with Japanese brushwork kittens on it? If your friend favors a bolder look, take a look at the jaguars and ocelots that are so prevalent in Mayan and Aztec art and sculpture. Of course, when discussing cat themed gifts with relation to culture,give thought to what cats meant to the Egyptians. You'll find plenty of reproduction earrings and necklaces featuring the cat-headed goddess Bast and many many statues of cats in all sorts of shapes and poses.

Soft and Cuddly
For the cat lover who might be living in an apartment or with an allergic roommate, a cat themed gift can definitely serve a dual purpose. Select a lovely stuffed cat from the wide selection. Having something soft and cuddly, can be a great help, especially if there was a recent move from a home that had a cat(s). Look online to find stuffed toy cats of every color and breed and make sure that your cat loving friend will have something to hold dear.

Bathroom cats
Additional cat lover gifts are cat printed towels, soap dishes and shaped soaps that are available to brighten up any bath area. Also consider cat themed wall hangings in the form of three dimensional wall art, prints or photos. It can be nice to be greeted in the morning with a sweet cat shaped toothbrush holder, so take a look around for some lovely cat-inspired housewares!

When you are shopping for a special cat fan in your life, there are plenty of options. Just remember to keep that someone's personality, and preferences in mind to ensure the selection of the purrfect gift.

Want to see a wide variety of creative and unique cat lover gifts? http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_themed_gifts.html

Are you Sick & Tired of the Unhealthy Mess, Embarrassing Odor caused by your Cat Litter Box?

2007-10-17T20:33:00.000-04:00

Cat Urinating, Over, Around Litter Box? Cat Litter Box Problem?

I’ve tried all kinds of litter boxes, the corner litter box, the top opening litter box, giant litter box, covered, hooded…none of them worked.

I've spent a small fortune on litter boxes attempting to solve the problem.

Dealing with litter box odor can be a problem.Covered litter boxes are supposed to filter and reduce odor, but they tend to hold more odor. Most cats also find the odor unappealing and will not enter the box, they are also repelled by the perfumes and deodorizing pellets found in some litters. Additionally, if you use a bleach, strong disinfectant or ammonia the lasting odor could also deter your cat from using the box, hence going outside, around the litter box, or on the carpet.

Dirty litter boxes may be the cause of many litter box behavior problems. Adding baking soda to the litter may cause health issues for some cats because of its high sodium content, and when cats cover up by scratching they have a tendency to breathe the baking soda which is not healthy, so be aware.

Keep litter boxes away from air ducts, furnaces and noisy appliances may that start automatically while your cat is using it, which may cause the cat to be startled enough to make it go elsewhere.

Most litter boxes are designed for our convenience and not the cats. They are too small, shallow and narrow. An ideal box should be deep, tall and large enough for the cat to circle around within, with ease.

Cleaning your litter box should be a relatively easy job. Use a mild cleaning solution like ivory soap or liquid castile soap, never cleaners like Lysol, bleach, ammonia and really rinse it well!!! Remember cats have a keen sense of smelland if they smell a lingering perfume odor, they won’t use the box.

Ideally, you should keep an eye on your litter box to determine when it is necessary to clean. For some cats, once a week is fine. For others it may betoo long. Try and remove any waste on a daily basis, surely every 2 days.This will ensure that there will be no problems with your cat going elsewherein the home, and avoiding the cause of odor.

Check out how I used a simple everyday item to STOP the Odor, Mess and Health Risks that can be caused by any cat’s litter box. Visit www.allthingscat.com/cat_litter_box_problem.html

Feeding Your Cat Only Dry Food? Is This a Problem?

2007-09-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

Too many people feed their cats only dry food because it is convenient and they know their cats generally like to eat it.

While this might be easy, convenient and a relatively economical way to feed the cat it is certainly not good for it's health.

Most dry foods are nutritionally deficient no matter what the manufacturers might say, and contrary to the list of nutrients that they list on the back of these packs the best diet that you can give your cat is one that most closely resembles the type of food that they would eat in the wild.

The food that the cat eats in the wild is considerably higher in protein than any of the dry foods on the market.

Another problem with dry food is the lack of moisture in the food and it becomes necessary for the cat to have sufficient fresh water at all times.

While there are formulations for young and old cats, fur ball formulas, and many of the different combinations that are supposed to be healthly for your pet, a diet high in fresh meat, and poultry, will do a lot more for your cat's health than any of these processed foods.

There are some high quality canned cat foods on the market that have both high protein and sufficient moisture to keep your cat healthy.

Once again you need to consider the ingredients that are put into these canned cat foods as some of them are still quite high in carbohydrates and ash which can cause your cat to become diabetic due to the imbalance, and trigger FLUTD.

There are also a lot of by products used in pet foods and most of these are not very high in nutritional value.

Many cat foods also contain wheat products, garlic and onion, corn and other ingredients that are not only wrong for your cat, but they can cause it to become quite sick.

Good nutrition for your pet is as important as offering it a safe environment to ensure that you will have the pleasure of enjoying it for many years.

Cat Behavior Issues

2007-09-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

Cat behavior issues can be a bit unsettling for their owners. There are always important reasons why your cat changes its behavior.

There are also solutions, and it may take some effort but, the longer thesebehavioral issues are left unchecked, the harder they are to adjust.

It will take consistent attempts and the use of the correct behavior modification methods to arrive at your desired result. The behavioral problems could be urinating indoors and rough activity toward you and others.

Clawing on furniture is not a behavior problem; the cat needs to shed the outer layer of growing claws. This can be addressed by obtaining a scratching post.

Being aware of the correct manner of what must be done should rule out most of the frustration involved in attempting to train or retrain your cat. It will also ensure that you achieve the proper response.

This way, you, your household and your cat will be much happier.

Aggressive behavior and indiscriminate urinating can be a sign that your cat is feeling insecure about its environment and possibly the onslaught of an illness.Give thought to whether there are other cats or threats to your pet and attempt to remove them. Then ascertain if this has relieved the situation.

Frequently the removal of any threats against your cat results in your pet feeling at ease with its environment. Additionally it removes the cat's need to mark its territory or act aggressively, unless it is ill. Occasionally, it may be jealous if there are other pets in the home and it feels it is not receiving adequate attention.

Another factor may be a change in its environment. Stress levels in humans are effected when changes in location occurs, the same can effect cats. So changes in their surroundings can have an effect in their behavior and a bit more play time should be spent with them.

For more indepth information on Cat Behavior, visit www.allthingscat.com/cat_behavior.html

Pet Health Insurance Eradicates Anguish and Fear

2007-07-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

Pet health insurance offers affordable check ups which are a positive correlation to better wellness.

Thinking that your pet will stay fit its full life is be commendable, but may not happen. Conditions that affect us, as did the pet food recalls, may happen in spite of our best attempts to provide for our pets.

Should your pet become ill due to an accident or as it ages, the insurance is in place to aid with the vet charges.

The expense of premiums may possibly be more modest than yearly and routine wellness visits.

One of my pets had an urgent surgery that totaled $3000. Trust me this sum of money was not in the financial plans! However, in this situation, the price of the policy was smaller than the value of his life and the correct medical procedure.

My anguish and fear were eradicated, and I didn't have to think about euthanasia or a large veterinarian invoice. My only concern was for my pet.

Pet Health Insurance attends the following concerns:

Accidents
Cancer
Surgery
Pre-existing medical conditions
Wellness examinations
Medications
MRI
X-rays
Emergencies

To provide pet health insurance is one positive, important decision a pet owner should make.

Make a knowledgeable selection on pet health insurance, for your cat or dog.Review all factors available concerning the health of your beloved pet.

Visit http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_health_insurance..html for alternative views on cat health care. Which includes pet health insurance,health problems, correct feeding, harmful cat litter and cat lover gifts.

Do you really understand your cat?

2007-06-10T14:17:00.000-04:00

There are many facets to cat care. Such as, understanding a cat's disposition or nature, fleas, teeth, furniture scratching, household chemicals, and much more.

Being aware of a cat's natural tendencies, and knowing how to handle situations as they arise will bring you joy beyond your expectations during your responsible cat ownership.

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them
By Ian White

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Copyright © 2005, Ian White

About the Author:Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. http://www.cat-breeders.biz

Cat Health Insurance Eliminates Pain..For You and Your Cat!!

2007-05-03T14:17:00.000-04:00

Cat health insurance provides affordable medical care which is a direct correlation to improved health.

Practicing wishful thinking that your cat will stay healthy throughout its entire life
may not work. Additionally, situations beyond our control, like the pet food recall, may occur despite our best effort to care for our pets.

If your cat should get sick momentarily or as it gets older (just as some people do) the insurance is there to help you with the vet bills.

The cost of premiums may be lower than annual check ups and routine health care visits.

One of my cats had an emergency operation that cost $3000. Believe me this amount was not in the budget! In this instance, the costs of the premiums were far lower than the price to pay for his life and proper medical attention.

This certainly eliminated my pain by not having to consider euthanasia and also the physical pain my cat was experiencing. I was only worried about my cat, not the mounting vet bill.

Cat Health Insurance can address many issues, such as:

Care in an accident
Cancer treatments
Surgery
Pre existing cat medical problems
Annual checkups
Prescriptions

Pet health insurance is one of the important considerations in responsible pet ownership.

Make an informed choice on cat health insurance and proper cat care.

Visit http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_health_insurance.html alternative views on cat health care. Which includes cat health insurance, health problems, correct feeding, harmful cat litter and cat lover gifts.

Kitty Cat Bad Breath May Be A Digestive Imbalance...Not Tooth Decay or Disease!

2007-04-06T23:38:00.000-04:00

I call it “Kitty Cat Breath.” My cats eat medicated food mixed with homemade cooked turkey that I prepare for them (to be certain that they are provided with the proper nutritional balance). As a result sometimes they have bad cat breath.

Bad cat breath can be caused by dental problems, or disease, but this is not always the case. It may also be due to an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive area.

Cat bad breath is related to what you feed your pet. Most wet and dry cat foods have a strong odor to us, but not to our cats. So is it possible that the food may contribute to bad breath in the digestive tract? You bet it is.

When bad breath odor occurs it is an indication that the intestines and the stomach’s good bacteria are out of balance, and the bad bacteria has grown out of proportion.

To restore inner digestive harmony, what has worked for my cats is a formulation of natural ingredients.

It is obvious when the proper balance has been restored, because the bad cat breath is completely gone.

Your cat may not eat medicated food, but its tummy flora may need balancing, hence you can tell by its breath.

If the natural formulation does not work, this means that your pet may have health problems, and should visit a vet.

Help your cat get rid of bad breath by restoring its digestive balance.

Visit http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_bad_breath.html for alternative views on cat health care. Which includes correct feeding, health problems, harmful cat litter, hairball resolution and cat lover gifts.

Cat Food Recall..Save Your Cat's Life!!!

2007-03-26T17:13:00.000-04:00

Cat Food Recall Shows Homemade Cat Food Important !!!

Do you know what's in your cat's food?

Should we always depend upon governmental powers regarding what we

feed our cat?

As a new cat owner many years ago, I thought all one must do is buy pet food and protect your pet from harm, and of course give it love.

As is always the case with any new undertaking, there is a lot more to be done than what appears on the surface.

I went merrily on my way purchasing canned cat food and fed my two cats. One became very ill and in attempting to do the absolute best for its well being, I began asking around, searching on the web, asking homeopathic friends for information. I was made aware of the controversy regarding canned cat food vs. homemade cat food.

How silly, I thought...the governmental powers that be would never allow our pets to "eat" food that was not healthy. Was I mistaken when I learned pet food does not have the same high standards as human food.

My sick cat was not responding well to several medications and he began refusing the canned cat food. I made the decision to prepare his food myself, after all, he had to eat in order to get well and perhaps he would tolerate the medications, if he were better nourished.

I was correct. He began to eat the turkey, veggies, potatoes and supplements I gave him. I had not realized that the canned cat foods are "allowed" to contain by-products which can be animal hair, diseased and cancerous tissue, and a host of other unsavory parts. A sick pet whom otherwise would eat it, may refuse it.

I realized there is some merit to the homemade cat food idea. My sick pet began tolerating the medication and a recovery ensued. I began home cooking their food, and providing supplements for a balanced meal. They do not like the raw food diet for cats,they totally refuse it.

I tried many recipes during the trial and error period and finally came up with one homemade cat food recipe that my cats enjoy the most.

My summation...homemade cat food is equivalent to what we humans eat when eating a home cooked meal vs. eating fast food totally.

Visit http://www.allthingscat.com/homemade_cat_food.html for alternative views on cat health care. Which includes correct feeding, homemade cat food recipe, health problems, harmful cat litter, hairball resolution and cat lover gifts.