Why does Cat Urine Smell?

Many people often ask the question, “Why does cat urine smell so bad?”. Indeed, the aroma of cat urine is very strong, with a distinct ammonia-like smell. This strong smell comes from a special type of protein that is contained in cat urine. When a cat sprays or urinates indoors, this protein is the cause of the strong odor.

Why is Cat Urine Difficult to Get Rid Of?

Part of the reason why cat urine is difficult to get rid of is because of its strong smell. However, when a cat urinates on a specific area, their urine often forms dried crystals. While you can mask the odor of these dried crystals temporarily with air freshener or carpet spray, the crystals may once again emit cat urine odor when they become moist. In order to fully banish this smell, it’s best if you use a high-powered cat urine odor remover that is designed to neutralize the odor of cat urine.

Why do Cats Urinate Indoors?

There are many reasons why your cat may be urinating indoors. Some cats may urinate to mark their territory, especially if they have not been spayed or neutered. Other cats frequently urinate when exposed to unfamiliar people or situations. It may even be possible that your cat is urinating in an attempt to get your attention, or if they feel neglected.

What Can I Do to Get Rid of Cat Urine Odor?

There are many methods that you can use to banish the smell of cat urine from your home. When understanding how to remove cat urine odor, it’s best if you first identify the reason why your cat is urinating. This way, you can prevent future incidents, and lower the chance of repeat cleanups.

To remove cat urine odor, you can use a mixture of common household substances. Some people recommend mixing the following ingredients:

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Dishwashing Detergent
• Hydrogen Peroxide

These ingredients can be combined to make a solution that can help to neutralize the strong odor of cat urine.

You may also choose to purchase a commercial cat urine removal product. These products are formulated to help permanently disperse the distinct smell of cat urine. However, as with any product, it’s essential that you follow the specific directions on the product. Some cat urine removal products need to be left on the urine spot for a designated period of time, in order for them to be able to neutralize the cat urine.

READ THE INGREDIENTS

Before you purchase any cat food formula, it’s essential that you first read the ingredients. Be cautious of any cat food formulas that include artificial flavors, artificial preservatives or chemical coloring. Identifying these ingredients can be a bit difficult, though here are some that you should definitely avoid:

• Ethoxyquin
• BHA
• BHT

In general, the first five ingredients of a cat food formula make up the bulk of the food. Though it’s still important to read the complete ingredients list, you can gain a general idea of the quality of a food formula from the first five ingredients. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they require a high amount of protein in order to remain healthy. In a high quality cat food formula, three or four of the first five ingredients will be protein-based.

THE CORN DEBATE

Many low-quality or inexpensive cat food formulas contain a high amount of corn. In some formulas, two or three of the first five ingredients may be derived from corn. Though some companies will market corn as being a “whole, nourishing source of nutrition”, don’t be fooled! Corn is a cheap filler ingredient, and may cause serious health problems in your cat. Corn has a high glycemic index effect, and can severely irritate your cat’s digestive system. In addition to this, many cats have an allergic reaction to corn ingredients, especially over a prolonged period of consuming a corn-based food.

GRAIN-FREE CAT FOOD

In order to pick the best food for your cat, you may want to look in to purchasing a grain-free cat food formula. Though these formulas may sometimes be a bit more expensive, they are usually free of high-carbohydrate ingredients that can be damaging to your cat’s health. A diet high in carbohydrate can promote health problems such as obesity, heart problems and diabetes in your cat. With a grain-free formula, you can also avoid the allergic reactions that some cats have to high-carbohydrate cat food formulas.

FEEDING

Choosing your cat’s food is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your cat’s health. There are many different cat food formulas available on the market today, which all may advertise as being the right type of diet for your cat. However, when choosing a cat food, it’s essential that you do not choose based on price alone. Low-quality cat food formulas can be very harmful to your cat’s health, resulting in expensive veterinary bills. Never feed your cat a formula that is corn-based, or that contains a high percentage of simple carbohydrates. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they will thrive when given a diet rich in meat-derived protein. A quick way to evaluate a cat food formula is to read the first five ingredients, which make up the bulk of the formula. For cats, it’s recommended that at least three or four of the first five ingredients are protein-based.

TOYS

Cats are interactive animals, and will require constant entertainment in order to remain happy. There are many great cat toys available for purchase at many pet stores, which can help keep your cat entertained. If you are unsure of what type of toy to purchase, you may also simply purchase some catnip, which can be used to stuff homemade toys or cloth balls for your cat.

VETERINARY CARE

Veterinary care is incredibly important for cats, especially since many cats can develop serious health conditions. It’s best to keep up to date on your cat’s vaccinations, and have a checkup at least once every two months.

LITTER BOX

Litter box training a cat is fairly simple, since most cats have an instinctual desire to bury their waste. Place your cat’s litter box in a private area, where any residual odor will not bother the other members of your household. It’s recommended that you clean your cat’s litter box once per day, with a complete replacement of the litter in the box about once per week. You may also want to disinfect the box with a non-toxic cleaner to help control odor.

Buying a Cat

1. Positive Aspects
   When you purchase a cat, you will most likely be buying it from a pet store. If you are looking for a specific breed of cat, you may begin your search at a breeder that specializes in the breed you are searching for. When buying from a breeder, you will often get certification stating that your cat is purebred, which may make your cat eligible to participate in cat shows. Many cat shows require proof that a cat is purebred.
2. Negative Aspects
   When purchasing a cat, you are supporting the “pet mills” that produce the animals that you see at many pet stores. In addition to this, thousands of cats are abandoned each year, and are in need of a loving home. Many of the animals in shelters will be euthanized, and by purchasing a cat, you are instead supporting the further breeding of more commercial cats. In addition to this, purchased cats may have genetic defects resulting from inbreeding or poor nutrition, which is common at many pet stores.

Adopting a Cat

1. Positive Aspects
   When you choose to adopt a cat from an animal shelter, you are providing a loving, caring home for an animal that truly needs your love. Many cats in animal shelters are already litter-box trained, and are desperate for human attention. In addition to this, many animal shelters provide spaying/neutering, vaccinations and basic medical care for cats in their care for no extra charge. By adopting a cat from a shelter, you are saving it from being one of the thousands of cats that are euthanized at animal shelters each year.
2. Negative Aspects
   If you do not adopt a cat from a reputable shelter, you may have to deal with improper medical care that occurred during a cat’s shelter care. Some cats from shelters may have been extensively abused, and may require extra care before they are able to interact with humans on a normal level.

Conclusion

In general, there are more benefits associated with adopting a cat from an animal shelter than from purchasing a cat from a breeder or pet store. Due to overcrowding in animal shelters, thousands of cats are killed each year simply because shelters do not have enough room. Adopting a cat from an animal shelter is less expensive as well, since many common medical care procedures are included in the small adoption fee from most shelters.

The most common reason that a cat may sneeze is because they are experiencing an upper respiratory infection. This is especially true if you notice that your cat sneezes in “fits”, which may last up to a minute in length. An upper respiratory infection is usually also accompanied by other symptoms, such as swollen, red eyes. If you notice that your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Upper respiratory infections are usually either caused by a viral or bacterial infection. With the proper treatment and veterinary pet care, your cat should recover from this condition.

In other cases, a cat’s sneezing may be caused by an allergen in their environment. Airborne allergens can cause sneezing in cats, along with several other respiratory symptoms. Cigarette smoke is a common example of an allergen that may cause sneezing in cats, especially if you habitually smoke inside your home. In addition to this, there are certain air fresheners, insect repellants or other household products that may irritate your cat’s respiratory system. In some cases, it may even be a perfume or cologne product that causes your cat to sneeze.

A less commonly known cause of sneezing in cats is an existing dental problem. Certain dental problems, such as an advanced tooth abscess, can cause sneezing in cats. The infection in the tooth can spread to the nasal region, which may induce a respiratory reaction. This is another reason why it is very important not to ignore your cat’s dental health. Aside from being a very important part of pet care, taking care of your cat’s teeth can reduce the chance of your cat being affected by certain medical complications.

If you notice that your cat is sneezing blood, this is definitely a cause for concern. If you notice that you cat begins to sneeze blood, it is imperative that you bring your cat to a veterinary hospital immediately. In some cases, this may be a symptom that is indicative of your cat having nasal cancer. However, a cat sneezing blood can also be caused by a buildup of fluid in the nasal cavity. In this case, it can be cured by a veterinarian draining the fluid from the nasal cavity, and monitoring the cat’s progress over several hours. In any event, it’s very important to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if you notice that they are sneezing blood.

If you notice that your cat is sneezing frequently, it is always best to seek veterinary advice. Though a cat’s sneezing can be caused by several different factors, it may be indicative of a potentially serious health condition.

The Swine Flu virus (also called H1N1) is a novel strain of influenza that has currently been declared as the cause of a world-wide pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organization). The Swine Flu virus has primarily been focused on by the media as affecting humans, though recent developments have proven that it affects more types of animals than previously thought. Swine Flu is not affected by general flu vaccines, and contains genes from five different types of flu viruses. These viruses are:

• North American Avian Influenza
• North American Swine Influenza
• Human Influenza
• Two Different Swine Flu Viruses usually found in Asian and Europe

Symptoms of Swine Flu in Cats

The symptoms of swine flu in cats are slightly different from the symptoms of this virus in humans. Cats with swine flu will typically display an unusual level of lethargy, and show a lack of interest in daily activities. Cats with swine flu will sometimes stop grooming themselves, and refuse food. To signal the respiratory distress associated with swine flu, most cats will rest by hunching on four feet, instead of laying flat on one side. Visible difficulty in breathing is also said to be a noticeable symptom of swine flu in cats. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, and has recently been exposed to other people or animals who could be infected with swine flu, it is best if you bring them to your veterinarian for testing. If it’s confirmed that your cat has swine flu, treatment will be prescribed by the veterinarian, and you cat’s chances of recovery should be fairly good.

How do Cats get Swine Flu?

Given that the cat in Iowa was able to catch Swine Flu from its owners, it can be surmised that cats are able to catch swine flu from humans. However, it could be further theorized that cats are susceptible to any airborne exposure to the virus, such as contact with other infected animals. As of current research, animals such as pigs, ferrets and turkeys are confirmed to also be susceptible to catching the H1N1 virus.

How can I prevent my cat from catching Swine Flu?

The absolute best way to ensure that your cat does not become infected with swine flu is to avoid having them exposed to any other humans or animals that could potentially carry the swine flu virus. Now that we know that cats are able to become infected with swine flu, it is essential that you take extra precautions to avoid exposing your cat to this virus. If a member of your household catches Swine Flu, it is best if you keep them in an area of your home where they will not come in contact with any cats in your home. Since this type of quarantine can also help prevent other members of your household from becoming infected with Swine Flu, it’s best if you follow this procedure. If an animal in your household begins to exhibit flu-like symptoms, it’s also highly recommended that you put this animal in a quarantine where they will not be in contact with any other pets you may have. Though the transmission of Swine Flu from certain animals to humans may vary, it is always best if you use these prevention measures to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Can cats transmit Swine Flu to Humans?

There is not yet any definitive answer to this question that is supported by scientific research. However, since it seems that most cats with Swine Flu do not display excessive sneezing or coughing, this may signify that the risk of transmission to humans is relatively low. This is because sneezing and coughing are the main ways that a virus becomes airborne, which can result in transmission to those exposed to it. There are not yet any confirmed cases of cats transmitting swine flu to humans.

CHOCOLATE

Most pet owners are familiar with the fact that chocolate is bad for dogs, but it is actually fairly harmful for cats as well, although its effects on each cat vary in intensity. Chocolate can cause health symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, loss of fluids (due to chocolate being a diuretic), gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting). In more severe cases, it can cause damage to the nervous system.  These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a caffeine overdose in humans. The active ingredient in chocolate harmful to cats is a methylxanthine called theobromine. Though consumption of chocolate is not always fatal to a cat, it can still be very harmful to a cat’s health. If you are aware that your cat has ingested chocolate or caffeine-containing substances, it’s very important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Failure to do so could be very dangerous to your cat’s health.

GARLIC/ONIONS

The fact that garlic and onions contain substances that are potentially harmful to cats is not very well-known among pet owners. Onions are slightly more toxic than garlic, though both garlic and onions present a serious health hazard to cats. Although dogs are sometimes affected by consuming garlic or onions, cats are much more susceptible to experiencing serious health problems from these substances. It’s very important to keep your cat from consuming onions, which is all the more true if you are feeding your cat a raw-food diet. Some pet owners will use onions or garlic when preparing a raw food meal for their cat, which can have serious adverse health reactions. The toxic substance contained in both garlic and onions is called methylcysteine sulfoxide. Once ingested, this substance causes symptoms such as asthma attacks, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, and anemia.

CITRIS OILS

Another cat food ingredient to avoid is citrus oils, commonly found in insecticidal treatments, shampoos, fragrances, and some food additives. It is particularly important that you never use dog products on cats with citrus oils, because there can be enough in the dosage to cause serious harm to your cat.  The active ingredients include Limonene and Linalool, and can cause trembling, drooling, depression, general weakness, and may be accompanied by a strong citrus smell. If your cat comes into contact with any citrus oils via the skin, bathe the pet immediately with liquid dish soap and warm water. Be sure to dry your cat well, and do not let them become cold. Afterwards, or in the event of an oral exposure, immediately take your cat to the veterinarian.

When your cat enters the senior life stage, you may notice that their behavior may begin to change. Senior cats may sleep more, and show less interest in playtime or normal activities. Senior cats are also slightly more receptive to stress, and may become agitated at any small changes in their environment. A common problem some cat owners encounter with senior cats is that they seem to forget where their litter box is. Though this is a normal part of a cat growing older, it could potentially be indicative of a health condition. It’s best to schedule a veterinary appointment if your cat seems to have lost control of their bowels.

Caring for a senior cat’s health is a bit more involved, and requires that you keep a close eye on any changes in your cat’s health. Most senior cats have specialized nutritional needs, and may require a different type of cat food formula. Most cat food companies offer a formula designed for cats that are in the senior life stage, and it is best to begin feeding a specialized formula to your cat. Some senior cats may require additional supplements in order to maintain optimum nutrition, which are usually available in most pet supply stores.

Older cats may also require additional grooming, as they may begin to have an increase in shedding. The best thing to do is to schedule a time twice per week in which you can groom your cat, in order to minimize shedding. A senior cat’s coat may lose some color as well, as some of their fur may appear to turn white. This is completely normal, and should not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice any strange skin colorations in a senior cat, it is always best to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.

Senior cats are usually less active, and may not be as eager to play. However, it is still important that they recieve some amount of exercise. Any excercise that a senior cat participates in should be monitored, since an older cat’s joints tend to become much more fragile as they age. There are some “joint care” supplements available for older cats, which can usually be purchased from a pet supply store. If your senior cat seems to be losing mobility, try adding a joint care supplement to their diet.

These are some of the most important things to remember when caring for a senior cat’s health. If you follow these basic guidelines, you will be able to give your cat the best possible care in their senior years.

Hairballs may actually present a significant danger to your cat’s health. A large hairball may result in intestinal blockage, which can lead to serious health complications in a cat. If this occurs, it is usually necessary for the cat to undergo expensive veterinary procedures before the blockage is removed.

There are several simple preventive methods you can follow to help control your cat’s hairballs. One method is fairly obvious: groom your cat on a regular basis. Thoroughly brushing your cat’s fur usually only requires about a five minute investment in time, and can be very useful in decreasing hairballs. A grooming brush for your cat is usually available in the pet care section of pet supply stores, and will most likely be relatively inexpensive. The best method to use is to start with brushing your cat’s head, and move backwards towards the tail. Aside from preventing hairballs, regularly grooming your cat is a great way to ensure that your cat’s skin remains in good condition.

Another preventive method you can use is to purchase a hairball control product. These products are usually made with vegetable fiber, and may help hairballs to have an easier time passing through a cat’s digestive system. The method with which these products are used is relatively varied, with some of them being powder additives that you can mix with canned cat food. Vegetable fiber also provides some additional health benefits for cats, though should only be used by following the directions on the label.

Some pet stores even offer certain type of cat “laxatives”. These products vary in ingredients, though most are designed to soften your cat’s stools. Some may contain artificial ingredients, while some are marketed as being “all natural”. As with any feline medication, it is best to use caution when using laxatives on your cat. If you have any doubts about how a laxative will affect your cat’s health, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Providing clean, fresh water is also a simple and effective way to help control hairballs. If your cat is constantly hydrated, they will have a much easier time digesting hairballs. Water is extremely important for a cat’s overall good health, and should always be changed on a daily basis.

These are just a few of the methods you can use to help prevent hairballs in your cat. Most cats shed on a regular basis, and managing hairballs is simply another part of caring for your cat. With a bit of prevention, you can ensure that your cat will be relatively hairball-free.

For most pet owners, spaying a female cat presents more of an issue than neutering a male cat. Owning a female cat that isn’t spayed induces the possibility that the cat may become pregnant. This is especially true of female cats that live outdoors, since they have a greater likelihood that they will encounter a fertile male cat. Caring for a pregnant cat involves a considerable amount of work, and is also relatively expensive (especially if a pregnant cat requires any medical procedures). Once a pregnant cat gives birth, it is then necessary to provide care for the newborn kittens, and attempt to find proper homes for them. The absolute best way to prevent your cat from becoming pregnant is to bring them to the veterinarian to be spayed. The spaying process removes all of a female cat’s reproductive organs, which makes it relatively impossible for a pregnancy to occur. The surgery is relatively simple, and requires the use of an anesthetic. The scars from the surgery are small, and will heal after a short period of time.

Having a male cat neutered is also extremely beneficial, especially regarding your relationship with your cat. Male cats usually enter a period in which they will be trying to find a mate, which can result in a lot of late-night meowing. In addition to this, a male cat usually feels the need to advertise his fertility, which is accomplished by spraying hormone-saturated urine around their “territory”. Needless to say, this can be very detrimental to your relationship with your cat, as you are constantly cleaning up after their urination. During the neutering process, a male cat has their testicles completely removed while under anesthetic. After this procedure, a veterinarian will prescribe specific medications that will help a cat to deal with post-surgery discomfort.

There is some debate on the question of which you should spay a female cat after they have had a litter of kittens, or experienced their first heat cycle. The reason for this is that once a cat has experienced the hormonal response while in heat, the behavior associated with it may not cease even after they have been spayed. Some female cats may roam your house or yard while meowing when they are in heat. After the spaying process, however, most cats do not experience the metabolism issues or weight gain that is commonly associated with hysterectomies in human females. This is also true of male cats who have the neutering procedure.