Cat dandruff is common among diabetic cats. A study shows that happens in 1 in 200 cats have what is known as diabetes mellitus (DM) and if you want your pet to get better, here are some things you can do.

The cause of this problem is associated with poor nutrition. Instead of buying one of those generic brands of cat food, maybe you should change it and go for one of those that are of good quality even if it may cost a little more.

You can also give food supplements that contain fish oil which have proven to correct the dandruff problem.  This may also come from canned tuna since it is rich in Omega 43 fatty acids that will improve their hair in about a week.

The symptoms that will tell you if your cat has a skin care problem like dandruff includes an increase in their appetite, excessive thirst or urination, dehydration, depression, muscle wasting, lethargy, weight loss and an unkempt hair coat that is a direct result of poor grooming.  It gets worse when the cat displays weak rear legs.

Aside from a cat being diabetic, other risk factors include certain steroid injections, neutering and old age. The cold weather could be another cause since it dries the cat’s skin. If your hunch is correct, you can fix this problem by buying a topical and oral treatment that is designed to treat dry skin. Here is a veterinarian going over a few of these points:

Aside from dandruff, owners should also worry about allergies as this also causes skin problems among cats. This may come from cleaners, pollen, food and other sources and since it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause, owners are advised to use only natural care products in cleaning the home.

The cat should also be confined indoors to prevent them from roaming outside. Studies have shown that sunburn kills the top layer of their skin causing it to dry and flake off. Repeated sunburn may result to skin cancer so if you decide to let them go out, this should be done before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon.

During the winter, the cat should not be allowed to sleep near the fireplace as this also dries out their skin quickly. To keep them warm during the cold months, you should invest in a good humidifier.

The cat may also be infested with fleas and ticks. You can check the cat’s skin routinely to pull them out and use powder to flush the rest out. The hair should also be combed so this does not happen again.

If the cat’s skin care problem continues, it is best to bring it directly to the vet as over the counter medications and parasite treatments which you have tried are not good enough to do the trick. Some of the symptoms associated with dandruff could be something else like a skin disorder and one of them is Cheyletiella which requires the help of a professional.

Cat skin care problems like dandruff must be taken cared off immediately before it gets worse.  Proper hygiene, diet and grooming are the best ways to keep it away and if household remedies don’t work, you better get help so the exact cause can be determined and the proper treatment can be given.

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals.  These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival!  Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that do agree are normally those in the population who don’t really with care for cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular with whom.  Normally, a cat will choose a person in the home that he bonds with.  You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, he will usually hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping.  Purring is a strong sign of affection, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with.  It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat.  Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat, who really knows? You can even train your cat to do some tricks which is a great way to bond with them as seen in this video:

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take on this subject, one of which being psychic.  Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat.  If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person.  Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of us who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans.  There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival.  Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed.  They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different.  Cats are way different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different.  Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention.  The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you.  Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Don’t get your feelings hurt if you are not “that person” the cat chooses, that’s just the way the catnip crumbles!

The picture above is a copy of the original picture of Dr. Erwin Schrödinger from the Smithsonian.

Get To Know Your Cat

When we experience sickness in our bodies, we can simply tell someone that there is something drastically wrong and that individual will find a way to get us to a doctor. Pets can’t do that, but watching them can tell you lots of things, that is why owners ought to train themselves on simple cat care and watch for a few of the signs and symptoms.

The following are a few conditions you have to watch out for and their signs or symptoms:

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most feared disease and in reality is the contributing trigger of death amongst kitties. It is brought on by a coronavirus infection and also the even worse component is the signs are incredibly similar with other ailments so it can be really difficult to tell.

• There may be also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Exactly like the human version, it’s a existence lengthy contamination that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

• Cats also can in infected themselves by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that leads to fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Luckily, it may be handled utilizing some household detergents and bleach as very well as warmth and drying. It can be transmitted with the saliva, tears, urine and feces of contaminated cats. Unlike another two, it are unable to survive that prolonged from the atmosphere so its only contagious when the infected cat stays with one more cat for just a extended period of time.

• Worms are also a further threat to kitties and that is brought on by a fungal contamination that’s spread through the spores. Since it’s a self-limiting sickness, you really don’t need to try and do anything to make it go away. It’ll finally disappear, nevertheless it may just take a few of months.

• Should you cat is overweight, probabilities are it  has Feline diabetes. The signs and symptoms of this illness incorporate excessive urination and thirst as effectively as excess weight reduction or gain. Vets really are not sure what causes this but there are a number of study researches which have proven that there is certainly a link concerning pancreatic illness, hormonal imbalance and selected drugs.

The signs or symptoms of most of these ailments talked about have a lot in common. These incorporate diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for a lot more than 5 days,  poor vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing closely or rapidly at rest. In order to discover the exact problem, your cat will have to undergo some tests.

The vet will need to get some blood, urine and feces samples in order to see what’s going on internally. Any input that you personally have observed and give will also be very useful. When the assessments arrive out, only then will the suitable treatment be administered for your cat.  Each circumstance varies, so what worked for one cat might not have a similar positive impact with yours.

Your cat may now be very healthy but you should always gave it constant observation and care. This may be accomplished by feeding it good quality food, providing it fresh drinking water, providing it with play opportunities, suitable grooming, keeping your cat indoors and taking it for yearly routine vet visits. Here is a video that demonstrates how to remove mats especially on long haired cats:

If you have missed any of these uncomplicated guidelines, something unfortunate is bound to happen. You will quickly notice a change in behavior from the feline and by doing absolutely nothing about it, it just gonna makes matters worse.

Simply by observing your cat, you will know when there are  unusual signs and symptoms you need to act on.

Keeping your cat safe and healthy at all times should be one of your major concerns, and this can be even more difficult around the holidays. There are a number of special considerations you must make for regarding cat safety around the holidays. Your vet can give you more specific instructions, but here are just a few of the things you need to consider:

• Decorations - Holidays are not festive without a little decorating, and this includes, in many cases, the use of flowers. If you have a cat in your house, make sure that flowers are well out of reach if they are toxic, remembering that cats can jump very high. Some of the most popular flowers that are harmful to your pet include bleeding hearts, calla lilies, poinsettias, daffodils, Easter lilies, irises, ivies, tulips (the bulb part), and a number of other plants. Most cats will not go out of their way to eat these things, but to be on the safe side, make sure you use them in a safe way in your home or, better yet, opt for faux versions instead! There are many kinds of plants that can harm your cat, so check with your vet to make sure before bringing new kinds of plants into your house.

• Company - The holidays also may bring a number of guests into your home for parties and gatherings. Consider that this can be very scary for your cat, unless he or she is used to high levels of traffic. It’s a good idea to keep your cat in a room away from the party with the door shut. This will prevent your cat from being scared. When people are coming into and out of your house, there’s also the potential that your cat could get outside, and there is also the danger that guests will feed your cat unsafe human foods. It is better to keep your cat away from the party.

• Remember also that alcohol and animals do not mix well. Alcohol, in fact, is deadly to animals. Although you or (more likely) a guest might think it’s funny to slip a little vodka into your cat’s water bowl, this could prove fatal! When you have guests, put your cat’s food and water bowls somewhere safe where no one can tamper with them.

• Candles and electrical lights could also be unsafe for your pet. Cats are attracted to bright lights, and a candle could not only burn your pet, but you may find that a cat knocking over a candle will start a fire in your house or, at the least, spill wax onto furniture or carpets. Use electrical lights instead, but remember to keep the cords covered and taped down so your pet isn’t tempted to play with them.

Enjoy the following presentation by a few of my friends

To sum it up, just keep an extra eye on your cat during the holiday season. Make sure they are staying safe at all times. By taking a few precautions you can still have a good time without compromising your cat’s health.

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at www.WhiskerFeathers.com

There will be times in your life when you have to leave home, and you can’t always take your cat with you, no matter how well behaved he or she may be. If you have to travel out of town, it is important to make sure that your cat’s health will be in good hands while you are gone. For this job, you’ll need a cat sitter. When hiring a cat sitter, make sure that you leave him or her with good information about your cats so that you can rest assured that they are safe and healthy.

In the best-case scenario, your cat sitter will be someone that you already know. Neighborhood teens make good cat sitters, as do relatives. You can also call a pet sitting company if you don’t have anyone else in mind. Whoever takes care of your cats, make sure that they are trustworthy and responsible to show up at your house every single day at the correct times. If you have multiple cats or other pets, or if you will be gone for over a week, it may be a good idea to have someone you know house sit and stay overnight in your home.

Before you leave, create an easy-to-read sheet of important information. Start by listing your cats-include their names, fur color, special diet and medication, likes and dislikes, and favorite hiding place. You should also include step-by-step detailed instructions for cat care and the number for you and for your vet.

Make sure that everything needed to care for your cat is out in the open and easy to use. For example, do forget to leave a can opener for your cat sitter! If any of your cats fall ill or are injured, your cat sitter will need to call a vet and possible even take your act to the vet’s office. Have the phone in an easy-to-locate place and leave cat carriers by the door. Also make sure that all cleaning supplies are easy for your cat sitter to find, including litter box materials.

Here is a cat sitting video:

If any of your cats need vet care, you will have to pay the vet bills, of course. Leave a $20 bill (or more if you’ll be gone longer) for your cat sitter to specifically be used for the cats. Beyond that, call your vet to alert him or her that you will be out of town. Given your vet your credit card number, the phone number where you can be reached, and the name of your cat sitter, with the assertion that he or she will act in your place until you return home. Planning ahead will help keep your cat safe and healthy even while you are away.

You’ll also have peace of mind knowing they are okay.

Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at  www.WhiskerFeathers.com

What You Need to Watch For

When we experience pain in our bodies, we can easily tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will be able to bring you to the hospital. Pets cannot do that but watching them can tell you a lot of things which is why owners should practice cat care and be aware of the symptoms.

Here are a few diseases you should watch out for and their symptoms:

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease and in fact is the leading cause of death among cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and the worse part is that the symptoms are very common with other ailments so it is really hard to tell.

• There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the human version, it is a life long infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat.

• Cats can also in infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortunately, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is transmitted through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it cannot survive that long in the environment so it is only contagious when the infected cat stays with another cat for a long period of time.

• Worms are also another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through the spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you don’t to do anything to make it go away. It will eventually clear up but it may just take a few months.

• If you cat is overweight, chances are it already has feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease include excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Vets are not yet sure what causes this but there have been a few research studies that have shown that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and certain medications.

The symptoms of most of the diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg,   a decrease in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests.

Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples. Any input that you have observed and give will also be useful. When the tests come out, only then will the proper treatment be administered to the cat as each case varies so what worked for one cat may not have the same positive effect with yours.

Your cat could still be healthy if you gave it constant attention. This can be done by feeding it high quality food, giving it fresh water, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it regularly to the vet.

If you have missed any of these simple steps, something wrong is bound to happen and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of the feline and doing nothing about it just going to make matters worse. So observe proper cat care tips and look out for symptoms.

Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at  www.WhiskerFeathers.com

My cat Sofie Tucker is getting up in years, in fact the years have simply flown by! It seems like she has always been such a grown lady, but of course such is not the case. Sofie was a rescue, my vet referred me to the lady who was feeding her feral mama and litter mates. Fortunately, when I got Sofie while she was still a kitten and not afraid of people. She was my second kitten, so I knew a little bit about what to expect. For those who have never had a kitten and are thinking about getting one, here are a few tips:

1. They are not unlike fast growing babies.  They start off lying in your arms looking at peace with the world but before you know it they’re at the “toddler” stage and running up drapes and under rugs! Yikes!!

2. They are fussy eaters.  Even the smallest kitten will spit out everything it doesn’t believe to be the very best available – oh and “the best” is very subjective, it depends less on the price/brand and more on the cat’s likes and dislikes! We have Kitten Liquid Milk for those emergencies when you may need to replace their mother’s milk.

3. Which brings us on to number 3, your kitten will grow into an opinionated cat with strong likes and dislikes.  It won’t care if that’s your chair, your child’s bed, an antique sofa or fragile houseplant.  If your cat likes it, it’s his!

4. If you have friends and family who don’t like – or even better, are allergic to – your kitten from a very young age will see these as their new best friend and insist on sitting on their lap!

5. Don’t believe what your cat tries to make you think – it is possible to train a cat to do certain things.  Just take potty training as an example, you can train a cat to use a litter box, so it follows that a cat is capable of learning.  Unfortunately an ability to learn does not automatically mean a willingness to learn, especially in a cat!

6. A kitten will grow, and grow fast.  Remember this as you think it’s cute to have that tiny ball of fluff curled up next to you on your pillow at night!  Pretty soon that little kitten is going to take up all the pillow, and not be happy when it suddenly finds itself on the cold floor in a property fight over whose pillow it is!

7. A kitten will quickly worm itself into your heart and stay there – so make sure you only take enough money to buy one or you could end up bringing two or three home because you couldn’t choose between two of them, and then the third one looked so lonely!

If you find that you have to step in and care of some newborn kittens, we offer a Newborn Kitten Care Kit.

Also, be sure to take lots and lots of pictures because they grow so fast and there is nothing as cute as a kitten!

Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves.  In the beginning, they were used for one purpose – hunting and killing rodents.  As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking.  Now days, there are several different breeds of cats – which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries.  There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers.  There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history.  Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history!  These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan.  Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat.

Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper.

Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions.  Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley Cats are the most common in North America.  There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats.  They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence.  Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped.  Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless – and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be.  Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify.  Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats.  Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes.  Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along.  Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular.  Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet – including dogs.  No matter breed of cat you get – you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

I live in what is probably the plastic surgery capital of the world, Los Angeles California. People seek perfection and sometimes go way overboard in the process if you ask me. This has to do with the demands of Hollywood, if you want to be a star you have to look the part. It is really up to the individual and their ambitions, we do after all have freedom of choice. When it comes to our pets, that’s another thing.

I recently read an article about Banfield, The Pet Hospital’s decision to stop performing ear cropping and tail docking. Banfield is the exclusive provider of veterinary services for the Petsmart pet supply chain. The Portland, Oregon based company has 730 hospitals and 2,000 veterinarians nationwide, so this is making quite a statement.

“After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” said Karen Faunt DVM, MS, DACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether.”

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure where a portion of the ear is removed. It is done to produce ears that stand erect. Ear cropping is performed on puppies around 8-12 weeks of age and is common on Great Danes, Boxers, Dobermans and more.Here is a picture of two Boxers, one with cropped ears and the other one without:

The surgery is also used on Pit bulls to shorten the length of their ears and is most often seen in dogs used for fighting.

Tail docking is the surgical removal of part of the tail of a dog. It is performed on healthy puppies when they are between 2 – 5 days old. It is commonly performed on breeds such as Boxers, Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.

These surgeries are principally done just so that the dogs will comply with a certain standard of looks for the breed. When I first came to understand this fact I was horrified! By my own ignorance I thought that a Boxers ears just stood up like that naturally or my Silky’s  stump of a tail was as long as it grew.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals- Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston was founded in 1868. It is the oldest society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the United States. In their statement of beliefs they clearly list tail docking and ear cropping among one of the procedures they find as cruel. Cat declawing is another practice they find is neither minor or painless.

I say congratulations to Banfield in their stand on the behalf of pets. Our cats and dogs are beautiful just the way our Creator made them.

Age is just a number, right? A human who is 60 years old may act like a young adult, while another human the same age may act like he or she is on their deathbed! Believe it or not, cats are the same! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or may get gray and achy quite young. Why is this? Specific breed, environment, and genetics play a role, but in general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30!

There are things you can do, however, to provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. For example, have your cat spayed or neutered for starters. Statistics show that fixed cats live longer, because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few dangerous situations and disease. Good nutrition is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age. You may need to make changes over the years as they get older, be open to change their food if necessary.

As you cat ages, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include:

• reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures
• decreased sensory perception
• susceptibility to infection
• arthritis and joint stiffness
• digestion problems
• kidney & liver problems
• weaker bones
• cancer
• muscle weakness
• slow reaction
• memory loss
• high blood pressure
• irritability

As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!

Along with a good diet, promote healthy amounts to exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go outside or if you have an indoor cat, playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces, like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise.

Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat’s sleeping habits.

Preventative health care is, of course, important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat’s teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most of them grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet chances, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.