Oh, no! Why is my cat scratching? Does my cat have skin problems or allergies? My poor baby is miserable. If you are a first time cat owner, do not panic; calm down, relax, and observe.

Cat Care Secrets Revealed

The beautiful fur coat of your kitten or cat should be soft, clean and slightly lustrous. If the coat has been dry, dull or oily, help your feline with additional grooming. The skin being dry may have your pet itching and scratching.

Cats are excellent with their personal grooming hygiene. Perhaps, your cat has not been feeling well. Or is she possibly being lazy about her grooming.

How you can stop the scratching can be as easy as brushing her fur. Remove any long, loose, hairs and untangle any matted hair. As you brush your cat, search for any abnormalities present in the skin or caught in her fur.

If you discover dry skin, add humidity to her environment. The climate control in your home or the outside environment may be drying the skin of your cat.

Cats scratching? Here are some questions to help detect what may be causing this behavior:

1. Is the appetite good or bad?
2. Is your cat drinking water?
3. Is elimination appropriate?
4. Are the urine and stools appearing normal?
5. Is the mouth and butt healthy in appearance?
6. Is your feline under stress or anxiety?
7. Do you see evidence of fleas or mites?
8. Do you see raw, red, irritated or bald areas of skin?
9. Is there a skin infection?
10. Does the skin appear dry or oily?
11. Do you see any scratches or abscessed areas on the skin?
12. Has your cat been coughing, sneezing, or having eye or nose discharges?
13. Do the eyes appear normal?
14. Does your cat have a fever?

If after reviewing this list and having brushed your cat, then decide if your pet has an emergency that needs attending by either a cat vet or will a natural home remedy solve the problem.

Natural Home Remedies for Cats

Cat owners are turning to natural remedies for their kittens and cats as an alternative because it is more affordable. Many of us feel that vet costs are either too expensive or not affordable for our household budget.

Many of us have natural products available in our homes and this would save us an unnecessary or an inconvenient trip to the local store or to the vet, especially if a natural product will take care of the condition.

Most of the natural products have no man made chemicals for ingredients, and you are less worried about possible side effects from medicines.

Without naming a particular human medicines that is advertised on television, do you ever listen to the side effects that they recite at the end of the commercial? The side effects seem worse than the disease.

As cat owners we are scared of side effects from ingredients made from chemicals and synthetics. And I believe that this is why many pet owners have turned to natural remedies for both their cats and dogs for healing minor health issues.

Are you looking for natural products which have been time tested for centuries and are proven to correct minor problems that our cats are experiencing?

These traditional natural pet remedies are much more effective for treating most common ailments than the commercial chemical and synthetic treatment methods.

They certainly contain less risk for any harmful side effects. If you are like me and very concerned about health remedies we use on our cats check out http://www.infotrish.vpweb.com/ for traditional and time tested natural remedies for cats.

How to Take Care of a Pregnant Cat

Worms

It is very important that she is free of worms as these can be passed to the kittens in while still in the womb via the bloodstream or through the mother’s milk after birth. Worming can be undertaken between the second and sixth week of the pregnancy and I suggest contacting your vet about this. He will be able to assess your cat and give the best treatment necessary. Kittens that are born with a worm load can become stunted in their growth and are generally less healthy. After you have had your pregnant cat wormed, I would advise making sure she cannot be reinfected, either from contact with other cats or through feeding. It is also important to maintain strict hygiene with regard to the litter tray.

Behavioral Changes

You will notice your pregnant cat’s behavioural changes. She will become quieter and more affectionate. She may become more aggressive with any tom cats in the house. She may also rest more often. Be aware that cats can have morning sickness so if your cat starts vomiting, make sure there is plenty of dry biscuits and fresh water available.

Diet

It will be easier for your pregnant cat if you start giving it smaller and more frequent meals. Just like with humans, the kittens are taking up a fair amount of room so your cat won’t want to eat large meals. I suggest increasing the overall quantity of food by around a third to maintain your cat’s good health and the best growing environment for the kittens. Try to feed her the most nutritious food you can afford. This extra expense will pay off in keeping your cat and her kittens healthy.

Exercise

Exercise is important for the pregnant cat. Allow her to play or run around as normal. She will slow down in the final weeks of the pregnancy as the kittens grow. Exercise will help keep her muscles toned which will help during the birth, just as it does for us. Keep your cat inside during the pregnancy as she is at risk of picking up parasites or infections if allowed to roam with other cats.

You will be able to have the pregnancy confirmed by a vet at around 4 weeks. This will be done by feeling the cat’s abdomen. You will also notice the increased girth. By the end of the seventh week, you will be able to see the kittens moving. Look for rippling or sliding movements in the abdomen when she is resting.

Long Haired Cats

With long haired cats, it can be a good idea to trim away the fur around the nipples so to make feeding easier for the kittens. This will have the added benefit of preventing the fur becoming mattered around the nipples.

Nesting

About a week before the kittens are due, your cat will start to look for a nesting place. You can prepare a cardboard box with scrunched up plain paper in it. Paper has the advantage of being able to be thrown out after the birth. Don’t use old newspapers for this as the ink can smudge and run when wet and this can be harmful to the kittens and mother. Place the box in a warm and draft free place that will not be too noisy. Make sure food and fresh water are close by. If your cat doesn’t use this box, keep an eye on where she goes as it could be in a wardrobe or drawer somewhere.

Taking care of a pregnant cat is not hard. Give her the best food you can afford, make sure she is healthy and stays that way, and give her plenty of love and attention. You will be rewarded with a litter of beautiful and healthy kittens.

Kathy Robinson has been writing articles on cat problems and the care of cats on her website http://www.CatProblemsResolved.com for a number of years. Why not download your free copy of The Joy of Owning and Caring for a Cat when you sign up for her free Cat Care Newsletter at http://www.catproblemsresolved.com/660.

All natural cat food, in essence, can only refer to the diet cats evolved on. This concept is essential to grasp, because it is the only way to ensure your cat remains healthy. Nothing that is man-made comes even close to the bounties of nature, despite exaggerated claims and pretty pictures.

If you understand that cats have evolved over many millions of years. Whereas man-made cat food has only been around for several decades. The logical conclusion is to recognize that the diet of a wild cat must be the healthiest choice for your domestic cat.

Natural Home Remedies for Cats

And it is. Holistic veterinarians around the world have discovered that when the owners of domestic cats can be persuaded to feed their cat a quality raw meat and bones diet, chronic disease just melts away. With no other form of treatment. Really serious chronic disease such as infertility, diabetes and feline leukemia.

The pretty packets of commercial cat food entice you to believe exaggerated claims by leading you to make conclusions from empty words. ‘Scientifically proved’ doesn’t actually mean anything. What does ‘complete’ mean?

But they leave you feeling secure that the manufacturers are taking care of all your concerns.

Don’t be misled. The manufacturers are taking very good care of their profit margin, but most don’t care too hoots for the health of your cat.

The only way that you can be absolutely sure your cat is getting a healthy diet is to learn a few basic essentials and make it yourself from scratch.

This can sound alarmingly expensive and time consuming. In fact it is neither. Quality all natural cat food may be more expensive pound for pound, but as the quality of the food is more nutritious, less is needed. Add to that the much improved health of your cat, and think of all the health care costs you save over the life of your cat.

Learning to make your own cat food will be more time consuming until you have grasped the idea. It’s always our heads that needs the time to make changes. However, once you have done it a few times, you just keep repeating the same process.

Do you want to learn more about natural good health, in particular diet and homeopathy? Download my free report ‘Better Health for Cats’ here.
Naturally Healthy Cats

Madeleine Innocent is a full time consultant homeopath and homeopathic coach. Visit Madeleine here:
http://naturallyhealthycats.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeleine_Innocent

http://EzineArticles.com/?All-Natural-Cat-Food—Things-You-Should-Know&id=4026453

The vet confirmed your newly adopted kitten wasn’t pregnant, but she was was loaded with cat parasites. Here’s how to help free her of this cat worm mess.

Its been a few days since you first saw the abandoned calico running away from her hiding place in the garage. You caught her attention by offering her a can of cat food which she promptly inhaled. Starving yes, she was, but you couldn’t help notice that she had a big pot belly.

Pro Vet Secrets Revealed - Treat Your Cat at Home

A quick test by your vet which confirmed that she was loaded with cat parasites. There are two types of cat worms: roundworms and tapeworms. Just in case you’re wondering, the details of this article probably would not make good dinner conversation!

Roundworm cat worms are most common in kittens. Kittens contract roundworms through their mother’s milk; the mother usually becomes contaminated with these cat worms via contaminated soil.

Kittens with roundworms usually have enlarged pot bellies. Roundworms look like cooked spaghetti and can appear in vomit or poo. Sorry for that detailed description, but it’s all part of being a responsible kitty caregiver, right?

Most kittens are born with roundworm cat parasites. All kittens should get a vet checkup to see if deworming medication is necessary. Oftentimes kittens need to take deworming medication for several months to get rid of cat parasites. In fact, you should consider putting your cat on a regular program to keep her free of the creeps.

Tapeworms are most common in adult cats. The cat ingests a flea while grooming; the flea has a tapeworm inside it. Outdoor cats may contract these cat parasites by eating raw flesh from prey such as small animals or fish.

OK, if you thought the roundworm description was gross, brace yourself for the tapeworm description! Tapeworm parasites are approximately one-fourth inch long. You may see them moving about in the fur surrounding your cat’s anus. You may also see what looks like dried up grains of rice in areas where your cat sleeps; these are pieces of dead tapeworms.

Tapeworm cat worms also signify that your kitty has a flea infestation. So when you visit the vet, you’ll probably need a deworming medication to get rid of the cat parasites and a flea medication to stop the cycle.

Although its rare, sometimes cats have reactions to prescribed medications that treat cat worms. Symptoms include shaking, poor coordination, vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat experiences these symptoms after taking a over-the-counter dewormer, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Better yet, take a turn for a gentler, natural solution to cat parasites. Visit http://Cat-Bladder-Problems.com and download your free e-report to learn what natural remedies are best for getting rid of cat worms in your cat or kitten.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Rieger

http://EzineArticles.com/?Cat-Parasites—Who-Else-Wants-to-Know-About-Pot-Bellied-Cats?&id=3565333

Felines are really amazing animals. Their history and background is as rich and complex as the history of dogs. In some nation’s cultures cats are presented in their writings as loveable and friendly creatures, while other depict them as deeply related to evil. One side of the cat’s personality aims to seek you out for praise and caress, as if he couldn’t live without you. Another side of cats can go for weeks on end, without as much as a glance to its pet owner.

Cat Care Secrets Revealed

One of the most notable aspects of cats in general is their attention to cleanliness. Felines practically put themselves in auto pilot when it comes to house training, give them a brief tour of the installations and they will take it from there. Furthermore, if you commit to doing your part by keeping their litter box clean, they will reciprocate by using it, instead of your living room floor. Cats in general are able to spend countless hours in personal grooming. Their favorite tool for the job is their tongue, which they use to remove dirt, excess hair and comb themselves. The process can be quite a show for by standers.

Most pet owners with cats in their home grow so accustomed to cats taking care of themselves that completely forget that they need to complement their efforts with a few chores as well. Some of the responsibility falls on the pet owner, such as clipping the claws on your cat, removing obnoxious knots from the cats hair, and looking after the feline’s teeth for tartar and caries. In order to accomplish these chores, pet owners will need to assemble a special tool box for your cat grooming needs.

An item that should be first in the list should be the traditional brush. This particular brush should be strong enough to remove straws, dirt, falling hair and other debris off your cats coat, while being gentle enough that it does not hurt his delicate skin. If your cat has a tendency to acquire knots in his hair, you might have to invest in a pet groomer, or be prepare to engage your cat with water in order to prevent the knots from forming.

In the event that you have decided to keep the claws on your cat, these will need to be clipped. Wild cats require their nails to defend themselves and to capture prey, they keep their length in line by sharpening them against hard surfaces, such as rocks. However, the use of claws for your regular house cat is limited to scratching furniture and an occasional attack at the hand that feeds him. Is the pet owner’s responsibility to keep the claws in line. This is not only important for your own safety, but for others as well. For this job you will require a cat nail clipper. You are best advised to ask your veterinarian for the best size clipper for your cat. Furthermore, it would be best if you watch him do it the first time.

Dental hygiene is also of crucial importance in the health of your pet, and by no means should be considered just pet games to look into your cat’s mouth. The tools required for this job could be limited to a small mirror and a tooth brush. A simple inspection with the mirror and removing debris with the toothbrush is enough as far as maintenance. Further examination and attention should be provided by your cat’s veterinarian.

Enter the exciting world of free pet games. Play Puppy games and other pet games online at Petgames123.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Cross

http://EzineArticles.com/?Gathering-the-Tools-Required-For-Grooming-Your-Cat&id=3571548

Feline Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye. It’s more commonly known as “Cat Pink Eye” and is probably the most common eye problem cats have. Actually to provide a more precise definition, conjunctivitis is an inflamed conjunctiva, which is the thin, delicate membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid. The conjunctiva also creates a seal with the nictitating membrane “the third eye.” (The nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals like the cat that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten the eye while also allowing visibility.)

A healthy conjunctiva is a slightly pale pink. When infected it swells and becomes much darker. This is why cats with conjunctivitis are often referred to as “pink-eyed.”

Natural Home Remedies for Cats

What are the Signs of Cat Pink Eye?

1. Frequent squinting – your kitty looks sort of like one of the “Lolipop Kids” from the Wizard of Oz.

2. Watery or mucous-like discharge that’s clear, yellow, and gray with pus.

3. The pink membrane lining, or conjunctiva, that surrounds kitty’s eye is a much darker pink almost red and swollen.

4. Third eye protrusion. The nictitating membrane actually begins to protrude a bit because of the swollen conjunctiva.

5. The part of the eye called the iris, the beautiful colored part of kitty’s eye will probably appear duller than usual or in some cases be an entirely different color.

6. Kitty is pawing or rubbing the eye.

7. Sometimes cat eye infections are accompanied by frequent sneezing and possibly an upper respiratory tract infection.

It is important to note that conjunctivitis should be treated as soon as possible. Although conjunctivitis is not life threatening, if it isn’t treated in time, can spread from the conjunctiva to other parts of the eye eventually causing severe damage to the cat’s eyesight.

Besides, all you have to do is take one look to know that the infectious condition is red, raw and sore. And you can tell immediately by paying attention to kitty’s behavior that Feline Conjunctivitis is a very upsetting condition. The sooner you get relief for kitty the better!

To grab your free report on your cat’s health and to receive some really good tips on owning and caring for a cat visit http://buyingandowningacat101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Glenn

http://EzineArticles.com/?Feline-Conjunctivitis—7-Signs-Your-Cat-Has-Pink-Eye&id=3560447

When you think about Asthma you probably think about it as being a disorder found only in humans, but you probably didn’t realize that it could be present in your cat. There are many symptoms common to those who suffer from asthma and if your cat is showing these symptoms, then you may want to consider having your cat checked to see whether or not he or she has asthma.

Pro Vet Secrets Revealed - Treat Your Cat at Home

So what exactly is asthma in cats? It is labeled as an immune mediated disease which can portray a number of symptoms such as infrequent coughing which may seem to be a common hairball cough, or random occurrences of respiratory distress which is more commonly known by veterinarians as acute dyspnea.

The onset of these symptoms can stem from a number of sources including certain allergens that may be present or by increased levels of stress. It is also possible for other symptoms to occur immediately after the initial symptoms previously mentioned. These other symptoms may include sneezing, vomiting, and perhaps even what we commonly know as wheezing. You may be able to notice that your cat is having problems breathing right away as they will be breathing heavily, or the problem may come about gradually in which case they will slowly exhibit signs of troubled breathing.

You can treat asthma fairly quickly with a number of steroids and other medications such treatments such as bronchodilators and oxygen therapy. There are a few methods that can be used to diagnose the disorder, but the most common method for doing so is by x-ray as well as a slide cytology of your cat’s airway.

The x-ray is in most cases the number one tool for diagnosing asthma in your cat and will help rule out other diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and even heart disease. It is important to use the x-ray because asthma can have similar symptoms when compared to these diseases and may be mistaken for one of them. Because the knowledge of asthma in cats has become increasingly abundant over the years, it’s been determined that the asthma in cats is very similar to the asthma in humans, which has also helped increase the effectiveness of treatment of feline asthma.

The most common treatment for feline asthma has become the use of corticosteroids like prednisone, and the use of bronchodilators like terbutaline. The success rate for treating feline asthma is usually pretty high with positive results achieved more and more frequently, and the occurrences of severe episodes of asthma are becoming less and less. The key to treating your cat for feline asthma is to get them checked as early as possible, which will increase the likelihood of successful treatment and minimize the amount of damage that is caused to your cat’s lungs.

There are alternative treatments that you can be used such as steroids which can be injected, which are very useful if your cat has a hard time with pills. Other treatments include Cyproheptadine which was used to stimulate appetite, Cyclosporin which is typically only used in cases where the disease is more severe, and Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody which is still an experimental treatment.

One of strategies for relieving allergy symptoms is to remove the allergens that may be present in your cat’s living environment. This may be done with an air purifier, litter that is unscented and free of dust, and perhaps even controlling sprays which are odor free.

Search for dogs for sale, cats for sale, and other animals for sale at FarmMedley.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_LeClair

http://EzineArticles.com/?Diagnosing-and-Treating-Cat-Asthma&id=3569390

Of all the topics and issues concerning cat health problems I’ll be the first to admit that I’m actually quite alarmed that I have to present information encouraging you to take precautions to reduce the risk of H1N1 infecting your cat however; there is evidence that cats can carry the H1N1 Swine flu virus.

Pro Vet Secrets Revealed - Treat Your Cat at Home

In the first week of November, 2009 the Iowa Department of Public Health reported and confirmed that a 13-year-old domestic short-haired cat had been infected with Swine flu, and it’s believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline, according to veterinary and federal officials.

The Iowa cat was taken to the veterinary college at Iowa State University, where tests of a nasal swab confirmed the cat was infected with the H1N1 virus. The family mentioned to the vet that they had also recently battled the illness, which led to testing the cat for H1N1.

The good news is both the cat and its owners have recovered from their illnesses.

Veterinary and federal officials all seem to agree that although it’s rare that cats get infected with any kind of flu virus, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention admits that they’ve known all along that it’s certainly a possibility and is not completely unexpected, as other strains of influenza have been found in cats in the past.

If a cat does get a human flu bug, symptoms to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing and breathing with the mouth open.

Veterinary and federal officials are now urging pet owners to take the same precautions against spreading Swine flu to pets as they would with humans; so here are 5 tips to help reduce the risk of H1N1 infecting your cat:

1. Reduce contact with your cat if you are sick.

2. Avoid being around them when you are coughing or sneezing.

3. Get into the habit of washing your hands frequently.

4. It’s very important to avoid contact with their faces.

5. Make sure your veterinarian is aware if your cat is having any health problems whatsoever and especially if your cat gets sick after you’ve had H1N1, or any other infection.

While humans can pass the flu on to a cat, it’s highly unlikely that your cat could transmit it back to humans. If your cat is having health problems, particularly respiratory problems, consult a veterinarian.

To grab your free report on keeping your cat healthy and to receive some really good tips on owning and caring for a cat visit http://buyingandowningacat101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Glenn

http://EzineArticles.com/?Cat-Health-Problems—5-Tips-to-Reduce-the-Risk-of-H1N1-Infecting-Your-Cat&id=3559151

Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms

When cat owners get together, they exchange stories about how quirky or cute their pets are, laugh over the “biggest hairball I ever saw” joke but they almost never discuss deworming their pets! Yet, worms are a very common ailment, even in well cared for animals.

How to Protect Your Cat from Fleas that Cause Worms

ROUNDWORMS (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina)

These are the most common form of parasite in today’s cat. Roundworms can grow from 2-4 inches long and can overwhelm a cat’s stomach giving it a potbelly appearance.

Cats can easily pass a whole live, roundworm (thin, spaghetti-like critters) which results in a freaked out call to the vet from horrified owners! Roundworms can cause weight loss and diarrhea or vomiting. And in very severe cases, they can actually so numerous, that they can cause bowel blockages!

Cats can get roundworms from other cats, infected prey animals (rodents, rabbits and squirrels) or even from the soil where other infected animals have defecated.

Roundworms are also the cause of Visceral Larva Migrans in humans. Young children are at high risk for this disease due to roundworm eggs being found in sandboxes, playgrounds and yards. Visceral Larva Migrans can affect the lungs, liver, eyes, the brain, heart, and other organs.

HOOKWORMS (Ancylostoma braziliense)

Hookworms are dangerous bloodsuckers that can kill a kitten or adult cat depending on the severity of infestation and the overall health of the cat. At other times, a cat with severe hookworms may require a blood transfusion in order to recover. Hookworms are most often found in areas with warm, moist environments.

Signs of hookworms are anemia (pale, mucus covered gums), dark stools (passed blood), weight loss and dull, poor looking coats. Hookworms can’t be seen with the naked eye, so if you suspect or know that hookworms are prevalent in your area, take your pet to a vet for tests immediately.

Hookworm eggs can lie dormant for months in the soil around apartment complexes and other outdoor areas that infested animals may frequent. Even if you pet lives alone, just by playing in an infected area, it can ingest a hookworm egg or even have one burrow under its skin while resting on the ground.

TAPEWORMS (Dipylidium caninum, T. taeniaeformis)

Tapeworms round out our worm trilogy. Tapeworms are visible to the human eye like round worms. The first time a cat owner usually knows their pet is infested is when they notice “dried rice” or “sesame seeds” stuck to the cat’s bedding or on its anal area. These nasty bits are dried tapeworm segments.

The most common way for tapeworms to enter a cat’s system is via fleas. Yes, our vampiric friend, the cat flea is also a prime carrier of tapeworms. Tapeworms if left to grow can cause very horrible stomach cramps, diarrhea and even convulsions in cats as their systems become overwhelmed with toxins from their uninvited guests.

Like roundworms, humans can sometimes become infested with tapeworms due contact with infected animals. This is yet another reason that you should control your cat’s flea problem.

Both roundworms and tapeworms can now be treated with over the counter tablets that are inexpensive. Hookworms, however, must be treated by your vet since it can quickly lead to more serious conditions. But if you are not sure which type of worm infestation your pet is suffering, please visit your local vet for a proper diagnosis.

Like most mammals, your cat’s intestinal tract is host to many different kinds of tiny biological critters. Most are harmless but the ones that instinctively give people the shudders are worms.

These parasitic pests can enter your cat’s body in numerous ways; some kittens are even born carrying worms!

If you want to know how to prevent and treat worm infestations in your pet, then you should learn the follows signs.

Signs of Feline Worms

Loss of Appetite: In advanced stages, worms can cause considerable pain and discomfort that makes eating difficult or stressful for your pet. Also over time worms can cause damage to the digestive tract.

Dull coat: Worms compete for nourishment with the host animal and a sign of this may be a lackluster coat.

Potbelly: Especially with roundworms, a cat or kitten can develop a distended or potbelly appearance.

Weight Loss: A cat with worms will have a sudden drop in weight. Although weight loss is one of the signs of worms, it can also be indicative of other problems such as diabetes or heart problems. So weight loss must to taken in combination with other symptoms. Please visit your vet for a profesional diagnosis.

Stunted growth: This is seen in kittens and young cats. But older cats may be slow to heal or recover from illnesses.

Listless or Lethargic Your normally happy-to-see-you cat, who greets you at door, now seems not to care anymore. Worms often cause anemia and poor nutrition in infected cats that make it difficult for them to maintain their natural energy levels. To check for anemia, look for pale pink gums in your pet.

Diarrhea or vomiting: All types of worms can cause intestinal distress that can lead to loose and watery stools or vomiting.

Constant licking around the anal area: Worms are very irritating and your cat can be seen frequently licking or grooming around their anal areas. Look for bits of something that looks like “dried rice or sesame seed” (dead tapeworm segments) sticking to your animal’s fur.

If your cat is experiencing any noticeable pain or discomfort, you should take them to your vet immediately because some worm infestations can become life threatening.