Keep Your Home Clean and Your Cat Healthy
Cat Litter Boxes
Cats are generally low maintenance pets, but their litter boxes often contribute little to you home decor, and can become a smelly nuisance. Today’s litter boxes, though, can bring a touch of whimsy to your interior design, while their functionality can put an end to messes and odors.
One line of litter boxes comes in an assortment of patterns and colors, from solid silver and solid black, to polka dot, leopard print and wood grain. The litter tray door pulls out, and a metal sifter rake pulls and lifts litter out of the tray for easy cleaning. Another ingenious design has a triangular shape so that you can easily place it otherwise used corner space.
If you want to make cat care even easier, self-cleaning litter boxes are the answer. One style has an internal grill that traps used litter. You simply roll the enclosed litter box on its side and remove the waste tray. Another type takes self-cleaning to the next level by having a slowly but rotating system that quietly but continuously scoops used cat litter into a receptacle. The ultimate litter box is one that automatically flushes cat waste down your toilet. Instead of cat litter, this box uses permanent granules that are washable. After your cat uses the box, the granules are automatically washed, disinfected, and dried. Liquid and any solid waste are flushed down the toilet with fresh water.
Kitty Litter
When it comes to kitty litter, many cats have a preference for one brand over another. But if you start with the right litter or are persistent, you can find kitty litter that can help eliminate odors while keep your cat healthy. One brand of kitty litter on the market not only neutralizes litter box odors, but also changes color if your cat has a urinary tract infection. Given that urinary tract infections can quickly become life threatening, early detection is key. It’s also helpful to have information about a potential infection to give to your veterinarian.
Shedding Tools
Many people who love cats are troubled by allergies, or by the cat hair that clings to furniture and clothes. Products that help with shedding take one of two approaches: either they work at the source of the problem (your furry feline) or they make it a snap to clean up hair off of furniture.
Cats typically shed their undercoat (rather than the hair you see), so a product that helps you remove hair from your pet – a “furminator” of sorts – means you’ll never see it on your couch. These products brush out the dead hair from the undercoat (but don’t cut it), while bringing your cat’s natural oils to the surface. Because this type of product also helps stops over zealous self-cleaning, your cat may be less likely to be bothered by hairballs.
Cat care isn’t difficult, and the great litter boxes, kitty litter, and shedding tools make it even easier!
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Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/keep-your-home-clean-and-your-cat-healthy-1446952.html
Cat health insurance is all that your cat needs
cat health
cat health insurance policies are just like human insurance policies and they also carry equal healthcare benefits. These policies cover all unexpected health expenses of a cat, so that the owner may not face sudden financial burden at the time of her injury or illness. There are people, who believe that paying premiums of their cat’s insurance just increases their financial burden, as their cat hardly requires medical check-ups and treatments. However, life is unpredictable and no cat owner can predict that his or her cat will stay healthy forever; therefore, they should not deny the benefits of a cat health insurance.
However, it is wise to analyze every aspect of cat health insurance polices but it does not mean that these policies are not useful. Analyzing these policies can help a pet owner in getting a clear idea about the processing of these policies. With this, the cat owner can know whether the selected insurance policy covers pre-existing health problems of his or her cat or not. Since there are some policies that do not cover pre-existing conditions, it is always advisable to select a policy that covers unexpected and pre-existing conditions of the insured cat.
There are various factors that determine the benefits of your cat health insurance. Age and physical condition are one of those key factors that decide on the benefit level of a cat insurance policy. These factors also helps the insurance company in setting the premium amount, as older your cat will be the higher premium amount you will have to pay for her policy. However, this premium amount never goes out of the budget of the cat owner, as the cat owner gets the privilege to choose the cat health insurance policy as per his or her capacity.
Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Pet Insurance, Cat insurance, Pet insurance Online,Veterinary pet insurance, Cat health insurance.you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/cat-health-insurance-is-all-that-your-cat-needs-480422.html
cat health
Cat behavior Problems
First of all let me dispel a common myth concerning the training of cats. Cats are inteligent animals and will learn new behavior much faster than you think. Many people find it hard to believe that cat discipline is possible but despite their independent nature it is possible to train a cat that a particular behaviour is bad. All it takes is some patience and consistency in their training. So give it a try and don’t give up.
Cats don’t think like us
It is essential to remember that cats are not humans they work using their own logic and instincts. Your Ragdoll cat expects you to think the same way he does and will respond to you accordingly.
Cats do not understand violence
A cat will not understand the use of violence as a form of discipline and so will not associate it with their bad behaviour. The only effect this will have is to make them afraid of you. Hitting your Ragdoll cat is not a very effective form of punishment for bad behaviour, the methods outlined below are several good ways to reprimand your Ragdoll cat:
The ‘Face Push’ Method
For times when you are near your cat when behaving badly ‘The Face Push’ method should be used. It consists of a GENTLE but firm push back on your cat’s face along with a stern ‘NO’ command. This is a strong message to cats and used consistently will re-enforce the message that a particular behaviour is wrong.
The Squirt Gun
If your cat is out of reach and needs to be disciplined a squirt gun filled with water and a dash of vinegar is a great tool. Just a quick squirt in the face with a stern ‘NO’ command is enough to let them know that they are missbehaving.
The Rattle Bottle
Another good technique is a small can or plastic bottle partly filled with pebbles or coins when shaken or dropped and the ‘NO’ command can provide a great deterrent from bad behavior. Try not to over use this method to prevent your Ragdoll cat from becoming desensitised to its affect.
Being consistant with these methods will soon teach your Ragdoll cat which behaviour is correct and which is bad.
Problems with aggression
Aggression problems in cats is not as common as it is for dogs but for many reasons cats can develop an aggression problem and it is important to address this as early as possible to avoid impacting the problem with wrong treatment from you the owner. There are different types of aggression in cats and below are the most common:
Play Aggression
The most common form of aggression is play aggression and is usually your cat playing rough. This is almost always because they have been taught to play like this from when they were kittens; this is called ‘conditioned aggression‘.
Conditioned Aggression
As explained above if you have this problem then it was conditioned into your Ragdoll cat from when it was a kitten. To avoid doing this when rearing kittens always divert aggressive play onto toys and other objects like string on the end of a stick. This will help to distance the aggression from you. If necessary use a squirt gun to stop the wrong behavior along with the usual ‘NO’ command.
Pain Aggression
If the aggression problem suddenly appears for no appparent reason your cat could be in pain. Your cat has no way of telling you if it has a medical condition and is in pain so biting or scratching you could be your cats way of either letting you know or protecting itself. If it doesn’t stop over time you should consult your veterinary surgeon to get a diagnosis if there is a medical problem, which needs treatment.
When your ragdoll cat jumps on the table
This is a common problem with cats if you don’t teach them not to. A squirt in the face with the squirt gun or a drop of the rattle bottle along with the ‘NO’ command may be all that is required to deter your cat from jumping up but you must be consistent so that your Ragdoll cat knows why they are being disciplined.
As mentioned above it is not that difficult to have a cat that is disciplined and knows his boundries if the above techniques are used consistantly.
The auther is the writer of ‘The Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook, to find out more visit:
http://www.ragdoll-cat-care.com
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/cat-behavior-problems-183974.html
Questions Cat Owners Need to Ask Themselves Before Purchasing Cat Health Insurance for Their Pet
Before cat owners purchase health insurance for their family cat there are a few questions they should ask themselves. Asking themselves these questions will give the cat owner a reasonable idea of what type of policy will best suit them.
The first thing they should consider is whether or not they would like a discount insurance plan or a comprehensive insurance plan. The next question cat owners need to ask themselves is how attached are they to their local veterinarian. Some veterinarians will not accept pet health insurance from various pet health insurance companies for a variety of reason. If the cat owner does not feel comfortable taking their family pet to a different veterinarian they should look for an insurance company their veterinary clinic accepts. Cat owners should also be aware that in certain instances the local veterinarian or animal hospital cannot help their pets and might refer them to the State University veterinary clinics. When purchasing a health-insurance plan for their owner should double check and make sure that any expenses charged to the university veterinary clinic will be covered by the insurance plan.
Before cat owners purchase a health-insurance plan for their family cat they should decide if they would like to neuter or spay their cat. Some pet insurance companies offer health insurance plans for pets that will cover the cost to neutering or spaying. If the policy you are thinking about purchasing does not include neutering or spaying you might want to purchase an additional rider to help with the expense. Remember that if you have adopted your cat from a local animal shelter you will be required to neuter or spay your cat if the shelter hasn’t already done that. This is also a good time to get the first round of your cat’s annual shots out of the way.
How much can you actually afford to pay in addition to the monthly or yearly cost of your pets health-insurance plan? If you have to bring your cat to the veterinarian will you be able to pay a deductible? A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay the veterinarian out of your pocket each and every time you visit them. The higher the deductible you carry the lower your monthly premiums are on your pet’s health-insurance plan.
If your cat gets injured in a freak accident or suddenly becomes sick will you be able to pay for any medication that the veterinarian might prescribe. Prescription drugs are expensive whether they are for humans or for pets. If you are concerned about the potential cost of prescription drugs you may want to purchase a rider that will help cover the cost. Purchasing a co-pay option a prescription drugs get help lower your annual fee.
Before purchasing a health-care plan for your cat find out if the plan just coverers your cat’s immediate health care issues or if it will also cover the cost of the veterinarian’s office visit. Cat owner should remember that the time to research the various types of pet health-care insurance is normally before they purchase their pet. Most injuries and illnesses occur during the pets early years of life.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/questions-cat-owners-need-to-ask-themselves-before-purchasing-cat-health-insurance-for-their-pet-1686865.html
Be Responsible Pet Ownership Pet Care Tips for Cats and Dogs
So, before you take home your new dog or cat, consider the following pet care tips to ensure that you are providing your new friend with the right amount of care and just the right amount of love! Your new companion is relying on you to provide it.
Dogs
Whether your new pet is just a puppy or an adult dog, you have a challenge ahead of you to practice responsible pet ownership and awareness. Your home is new territory, and you are now your pet’s primary caregiver. Both kindness and a firm yet reassuring approach to your new dog will go a long way. Ensure that he knows you’re ready to give him the love he deserves by creating a canine-friendly atmosphere and integrating these pet care tips into his routine.
- Crate training and housebreaking: Two very important stages in your dog’s life. Crate training, should you choose this method, gives your pet a quiet, safe place to retreat to at bedtime or whenever you leave the house. If you want to prevent chewing or scratching, crate training might be necessary in the beginning. Housebreaking is just a matter of routine – think of a word you want your dog to associate with going to the bathroom outside and use it repeatedly. Take your dog outside multiple times, normally after meals or water breaks, and he’ll soon make the connection.
- Flea and tick prevention: Without preventative measures and an ounce of responsible pet ownership, your home could become infested or your dog could become extremely ill. Most vets can provide you with products that eliminate fleas and ticks on your dog. Available orally or in a liquid form placed on the back just once a month, your dog will be able to repel fleas, ticks, and parasites regularly.
- Shots and preventative vaccines: Dogs suffer from many terrible diseases that are often fatal if not treated or prevented at the outset. Vaccination is one of the most important pet care tips that can be provided – and one that should be heeded. Rabies, distemper, heartworms, and parvovirus are some of the worst viruses that can afflict your dog – your vet will discuss which shots your pet receives at each yearly check-up to prevent these agonizing diseases.
- Spaying or neutering: Similar to yearly vaccinations, highlighting the need for spaying or neutering play into vital pet care tips. Gone unmonitored, two dogs can produce over 4,000 offspring in seven years. Sadly, a large number of these dogs will be euthanized or left to fend for themselves on the street. Spaying or neutering, a major part of responsible pet ownership, ensures your pet will be healthier in the long run, and you will have prevented the birth of more unwanted puppies.
- Obedience training: Your dog desires structure. Teaching him the basic commands yourself or enrolling him in an obedience or training course gives him a level of organization in his life. Furthermore, teaching him certain commands also ensures that he will be a well-behaved, functioning member of your family within your home. Purchase a book offering pet behavior and pet care tips, such as My Smart Puppy by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson or Dog Talk by John Ross. These two books will give you a better idea of responsible pet ownership and how to approach certain situations with your new dog.
Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are much more independent, needing perhaps less of your attention. Cats, however, rely on you for the same necessities that a dog expects. If problematic behaviors pop up, contact your local animal shelter or animal welfare organization for more pet care tips. Most likely, literature on both dog and cat care will be provided upon request.
In any case, to help your cat be a happier, better-behaved feline, consider the following more important pet care tips:
- A clean litter box: If your cat lives inside, you will need to clean and/or empty his litter box at least twice a day. Every week or so, you’ll also need to dump the litter out entirely and wash his box with hot, soapy water to reduce the spread of bacterial growth. This task can be easy to forget, but cats are clean animals. For a cat, this is one of the more important pet care tips – ensuring his area is always clean. The location of his box is important – keep it out of high-traffic areas and away from his food. To help him learn to use his litter box, show him where it is four to five times a day and encourage him to use it, praising him when he uses it or even just digs.
- Flea and tick prevention: Fleas and ticks can make your new pet very sick and can introduce parasites into the bloodstream. Practice responsible pet ownership! Prevent this from occurring by purchasing flea and tick preventative products from your vet. Flea powder and a quick sweep of the vacuum through your house is also an excellent guard against fleas or ticks. However, if you do opt to buy products online or at the store, be cautious and practice responsible pet ownership by checking the labels and warnings if any – some preventative measures are harmful to cats.
- Spaying or neutering: As important for cats as it is for dogs! Responsible pet ownership dictates that you have your cat spayed or neutered when s/he is between six and eight weeks old if possible. Not only will you help prevent pet “overpopulation,” but you will reduce the potential for other cancers and diseases that may occur if your cat is not surgically altered.
- Shots and preventative vaccines: Cats are susceptible to a variety of fatal and painful diseases. Without vaccinations and a nod to responsible pet ownership, they will likely die or have medical issues throughout their lives. Much like the recommendation for dogs, vaccination for cats is one of the most important pet care tips. Rabies, FeLV (Feline Leukemia), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), and distemper are some of the worst – however, with a regular check-up and shots from your vet and just a bit of responsible pet ownership, you have nothing to worry about!
Be a Knowledgeable Pet Owner
You now have a big responsibility on your hands. Your new cat or dog ultimately relies on you to provide him with the necessities of life, and it is your job as a responsible, knowledgeable pet owner to ensure that he has a happy, healthy life by incorporating a routine into his life and following the pet care tips that have been outlined above.
Do your research and talk to other pet owners to get other helpful pet care tips! Your pet has basic needs that must be fulfilled by you. Of course, he needs a ready supply of cool drinking water, healthy dog or cat food, shade or shelter, and grooming on a regular basis, but he also expects you to create a loving home and warm environment and to keep him healthy and happy.
With just a little awareness of what to expect coupled with responsible pet ownership, you’ll be ready to give your new companion lots of love and a happy home!
About the Author
Mailey E. McLaughlin, M. Ed, is the Training and Behavior Coordinator at the Atlanta Humane Society. A Certified Dog Trainer, she has been teaching professionally for over eight years. Mailey teaches all the AHS dog obedience classes, which include Basic and Intermediate levels, and runs the free pet behavior hotline. She also does one-on-one training for owners and dogs and works with the shelter volunteers to instill manners in the dogs awaiting adoption. She is a member of numerous canine professional organizations, including the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). To learn more about the AHS or to contribute to the online pet donations fund, please visit www.atlantahumane.org.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/be-responsible-pet-ownership–pet-care-tips-for-cats-and-dogs-678648.html
Cat health A good cat nutrition
A BALANCED DIET
Like all animals, the domestic cat needs a diet that is properly balanced and contains all the essential nutrients in the correct quantities. These nutrients are water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins.
The wild members of the cat family, such as the lion, tiger, cheetah and European wild cats, are carnivores. Between them they hunt and kill a wide variety of other animals, ranging in size from small lizards and birds to large antelopes. They don’t just eat the meat or muscle, but consume all, or almost all, of their prey, including the skin, hair or feathers, and the internal organs such as liver kidneys and intestines. Their diet therefore contains a substantial amount of animal protein, and supplies them with all the other essential nutrients that they require.
To remain healthy, domestic cats also require a diet containing animal protein. This is because they need a particular amino acid (one of the blocks of protein) called taurine, which helps to prevent heart and eye diseases. Taurine is plentiful in animal protein, but only present in small amounts in plant protein.
While dogs are able to manufacture the amino acid taurine within their body, cats can only manufacture a little, and it is not enough to meet their needs, and plant protein cannot supply them with enough to make up the shortfall. Therefore, although a pet dog could remain healthy if fed properly balanced vegetarian diet, a cat could not. For this reason cats are known as obligatory carnivores; they must eat some animal protein on a daily basis in order to survive
WATER
Water is the most important element in a cat’s diet. Whereas most animals can survive after losing up to half of their protein and stored fat, in a cat, even a 10 per cent loss of total body water will cause serious illness, and a 15 percent loss will result in death. Animals can ingest water in 3 ways. They drink it, eat food that contains it, and their body manufactures some water as a by product during the chemical processes involved when converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy.
The daily amount of water required by a cat is roughly the same amount (in mililitres) as its energy requirement (in kilocalories). A sedentary cat needs a daily intake of about 65-70ml (roughly four tablespoons) water for each kilogram of body weight, while an active cat needs about 85ml (roughly six tablespoons).
PROTEIN
Protein occurs in animals (animal protein) and in plants (plant protein). There are many different types of protein, each of which contains a particular combination of amino acids, the substances that provide the materials needed for the growth and repair of all body tissues.
Proteins vary in their digestibility. The most digestible are those contained in foods derived from animal sources, such as meat, eggs and cheese. The least digestible are those contained in foods derived from plants, such as grains and vegetables. Most domestic cats consume a diet containing a significant amount of animal protein. They do eat some plant material, either in the stomach and intestines of prey that they catch, or by voluntarily eating specific plants such as grass, but plant protein is a comparatively unimportant part of the domestic cat’s diet.
When a cat eats grass it is probably doing so to consume fibre and as an aid to digestion. Quite often a cat will vomit soon afterwards, bringing up a bolus of grass mixed with mucus, so eating grass may be a useful method of getting rid of excess mucus from the cat’s stomach.
FATS
Fats and oils contain substances called fatty acids, some of which play an important role in helping to maintain internal body functions and a healthy skin. They also act as carriers for the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).
Fats are concentrated form of energy (for a given weight, fat provides more than twice as many kilocalories (kilojoules) as carbohydrates or protein).
If the diet that a cat consumes contains more energy than the cat needs, the excess is converted into fat that is stored in various parts of the body, such as under the skin and around the intestines. This stored fat acts as a fuel store that can be drawn upon in times of need.
CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates occur in plants and include sugars, starch and cellulose. There are various types of sugars, among which are sucrose and glucose. These are two of the simplest sugars and therefore more easily digested. Cow’s milk contain the milk’s sugar lactose, but many adult cats are unable to digest lactose properly – for this reason specially formulated lactose reduced or lactose-free milk is available for cats from pet food stores and supermarkets. For cats, one of the most useful sources of dietary carbohydrate is rice.
MINERALS
Like other animals, the cat needs to consume many different minerals to ensure that its body process function normally. Some are required in comparatively large amounts, while others, known as trace elements, are only required in very small quantities. Two of the most important minerals for felines are calcium and phosphorous, which are involves in the formation and growth of bones and teeth. Minerals also play an important role in the growth and repair, skin and hair. They are also required in the formation of red and white blood cells, and in various digestive processes.
VITAMINS
Certain vitamins are essential for the proper working of body processes. Four of them, vitamins A, D, E and K, are soluble in fat, so fats and oils provide a good dietary source. Vitamin E plays an important role in normal muscle function, vision and reproductive processes. Vitamins of the B-group, and vitamins C, are soluble in water. The B-group vitamins have a variety of functions associated with the metabolism of amino acids, fats or carbohydrates. Vitamin C I involved in wound healing, preventing haemorrhages from small blood vessels (capillaries) and maintaining healthy skin. As in humans, vitamin C is important in the prevention of scurvy. Cats, like dogs, have the ability to manufacture this vitamin within their bodies and, unlike humans, they don’t need a source of vitamin C in their diet.
FIBRE
Derived from plant materials (often ingested along with prey), fibre does not provide a cat with any nutrients but it does play a very important role in digestion. It acts as a bulking agent, absorbs any toxic by products of the digestive processes, and increases the rate of passage of food through the gut
For more interesting cat care and health tips, please visit my blog at:-
http://cuteycats2u.blogspot.com/
Cuteycats2u.blogspot.com is a highly entertaining and informative blog containing useful cat care and training advises, funny cat videos, cute cat pictures and cat stories. Have fun!!
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/cat-health–a-good-cat-nutrition-226318.html
Common Health Problems with Old Cats
The rate at which the cats have problems varies considerably, and some will stay healthy for longer periods of time after they become old. What you should do as a cat owner, is work on prevention and boost their immunity while they’re still healthy. This can help them a lot in their final years.
Health issues in old cats will vary, depending on the general health of each cat, and on the nutritional needs that they have. The strength of their immune system is also important. The first thing you need to prevent in an older cat is obesity. You need to provide the cat with the nutrition that it requires, without helping it become obese.
While a dog will need less food as it ages, a cat will continue to need the same amount of calories throughout their entire life. Cats will usually become obese between six and nine years old.
The diet of an old cat should be different than that of a young cat, because their fat absorption and digestion is different. The quantity of proteins however, should remain the same, unless they have a condition that requires a smaller amount.
Old cats will not need minerals and vitamins as much as younger ones, but according to some studies, the aging process is slowed by vitamins A, C and E. Cats should get plenty of water as they age, even if they consume less of it. It’s an important source of nutrients for them and they should have water available at all times if they need it.
Problems with their teeth are the second large issue that cats meet when they’re older. Usually a cat will have either gum or dental problems by the time they get three years old. Brushing their teeth a few times each week is how you can prevent this problem. You can also give them chew treats, so you reduce the amount of tarter on their teeth.
When your cat starts to get older, you need to control their weight and their diet. This is the best method of keeping their health in check. Their diet should contain a low carbohydrate count by a high protein intake.
Do you want to learn more about cat dandruff? Visit CatDandruff.Net for more information on cat dandruff treatments and cat dandruff symptoms.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/common-health-problems-with-old-cats-1390681.html
Cat Health and Cat Water Secret Is Your Cat Thirsty
You want to be sure your cat’s nutritional requirements are met and cat water is often left out of this equation. You check the cat food labels, making sure meat protein is the first thing on the list – not all corn or soy meal. But are you as concerned with how much water your cat drinks each day?
To be sure, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and taurine are vital to your cat’s health, but don’t be satisfied that you’ve provided her a sound nutritional framework with just cat food. The one ingredient that doesn’t have to be listed in the ingredients label is the most important one of all. Water.
Think about it. You can live for years with insufficient calcium in your diet before showing any clinical signs of calcium deficiency. Try going without water for a few days and you are in big trouble.
Your Cat’s Health and Cat Water Intake
Your cat’s body can’t process all those vitamins and amino acids just by swallowing a cup of cat chow. Water acts as a solvent and help dissolve these chemicals in order for your cat to benefit. Nutrients can’t be digested and brought into the cells…waste can’t get transported out of the body…your cat’s temperature can’t be controlled because the heat his body generates isn’t dissipated…his organs start to fail.
When your cat doesn’t drink enough water his body attempts to conserve what fluids it has in it already. He doesn’t urinate or eliminate stool. His body is dying while trying to conserve his water resources.
Feline urinary tract problems, cat bladder stones and kidney problems are often linked to poor water intake. So nutrition and cat water are very much linked together.
How Much Water?
Your domestic cat’s ancestry goes way back and originates in the wild African desert. The wild cat’s body adapted to the dry, arid climate. That doesn’t mean your cat needs less water than a dog. Your cat’s water requirements depend on factors like: activity level, age, environmental conditions and air temperature.
The rule of thumb is to estimate one milliliter of water for every food calorie consumed. For an adult cat, this means about 250 – 350 ml each day or 9 – 12 fluid ounces.
Depending on your cats diet, he may get a portion of this daily requirement from canned cat food. Canned cat food typically contains 78% water. A 6 ounce can of cat food might provide 130 ml of water. So if you cat eats canned cat food, he requires less supplemental water. However, dry food contains much less water so your cat’s water intake should be more.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/cat-health-and-cat-water-secret-is-your-cat-thirsty-1030950.html
Caring For Your Cat Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Your Home Clean
Cat Litter Boxes:
Cats are generally low maintenance pets, but their litter boxes do very little to contribute to our home decor, and can become a smelly nuisances well. Today’s litter boxes, though, can bring a touch of color to your interior design, while their functionality can put an end to messes and odors.
One line of litter boxes comes in an assortment of patterns and colors, from solid silver and solid black, to polka dot, and wood grain. The litter tray door pulls out, and the automatic litter pan the metal sifter rake pulls and lifts litter out of the tray for easy cleaning. Another ingenious design has a triangular shape so that you can easily place it otherwise used corner space.
If you want to make cat care even easier, self-cleaning litter boxes are the answer. One style has an internal grill that traps used litter. You simply roll the enclosed litter box on its side and remove the waste tray. Another type takes self-cleaning to the next level by having a slowly but rotating system that quietly but continuously scoops used cat litter into a receptacle. The ultimate litter box is one that automatically flushes cat waste down your toilet. Instead of cat litter, this box uses permanent granules that are washable.
Kitty Litter:
When it comes to kitty litter, many cats have a preference for one brand over another. But if you start with the right litter or are persistent, you can find kitty litter that can help eliminate odors while keep your cat healthy. One particular brand of kitty litter on the market not only neutralizes litter box odors, but also changes color if your cat has a urinary tract infection. Given that urinary tract infections in cats can quickly become life threatening, early detection is very important to your cat’s health. It’s also helpful to have information about a potential infection to give to your veterinarian.
Shedding Tools
Many people who love cats are troubled by allergies, or by the cat hair that clings to furniture and clothes. Products that help with shedding take one of two approaches: either they work at the source of the problem your cat or they make it a snap to clean up hair off of furniture.
Cats typically shed their undercoat not just the top coat, so a product that helps you remove hair from your pet – means you’ll never see it on your couch. These products brush out the dead hair from the undercoat but won’t cut it, while bringing your cat’s natural oils to the surface. Because this type of product also helps stops over zealous self-cleaning, your cat may be less likely to be bothered by hairballs.
Cat care isn’t difficult, and the great litter boxes, kitty litter, and shedding tools make it even easier!
NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.
We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been “owned” by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Please visit our site for a wide array of products that will make “His Majesty” very happy – Best House Cat Care, or our blog for more information – Best House Cat Care.
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A Large Cat Litter Box Will Help Cats Feel Comfortable
It may be a misconception that cats use litter boxes instinctively though they are more likely to eliminate in soft soil or sand. Litter boxes including large cat litter boxes are a convenience that accommodates cats, though one will find the cat being weak in its desire to eliminate while using a litter box.
Most Litter Boxes Tend to Be Too Small
A large cat litter box is recommended, and it is a fact that most cat boxes tend to be too small and are designed for convenience of humans, and not for felines. A large cat litter box should be at least two feet wide and long. It is possible to make a large cat litter box at home, and an under-bed storage box for sweaters would be adequate to create one.
The LitterMaid Mega Self-Cleaning litter box is a good example of the large cat litter box, and it has a sturdy removable ramp that supports very large and heavy cats, and also helps catch litter that is scattered about the box. It also provides sufficient privacy for the cat, which is something that every cat loves.
Another large cat litter box one can consider using for the cat is the one sold by Omega Paw that is easy to use, self-cleaning, cleans quickly, controls dust, and is sanitary as well. The large size of this cat litter box allows for paw cleaning with a litter mat and measures is 20″x23″x19.
Still another large cat litter box that will keep the cat happy is the one sold by Petmate which takes litter care out of the cat owner’s hand and has an extra large waste box capacity and is certainly large, measuring 26.8″x16.5″x4″.
Selecting a large cat litter box is probably the most important purchase a cat owner can make for his or her cat that will ensure the cat’s health and well-being. A litter box that is of adequate size should be large enough to accommodate the cat so as to avoid accidents as well as help develop good litter box habits.
Roland Jefferson III is a web based writer out of Manhattan Beach Village, California. For free resources covering Large Cat Litter Box, please visit our Large Cat Litter Box Resource.
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