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.

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.

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.

In some cases, a cat may repeatedly lick a certain area, which will create a skin lesion. These lesions usually scab over, and may be mistaken for an injury. The most common cause of a skin lesion is a bug bite, usually from a flea or mosquito. To help stop the itching, a cat will lick the area until the skin sloughs off, which alleviates the itching.

Allergic reactions are another common cause of skin conditions in cats. If your cat is allergic to a specific food ingredient, for example, they may develop a skin condition. Allergic reactions usually manifest as fur loss, which is not contained to a specific area. In addition to this, a cat with an allergic reaction will sometimes have extremely dry, flaking skin. If you believe that your cat is having an allergic reaction to a specific food ingredient or airborne allergen, it is best to seek veterinary advice.

Though it is relatively rare, it is possible that a cat will develop a skin condition as a symptom of mange. Mange is a potentially fatal condition that usually affects cats in contained areas, such as animal shelters. A veterinarian will be able to run a definitive test for mange, at which time a treatment program can be selected.

Just like humans, cats can also get dermatitis. Dermatitis manifests as reddish bumps, similar in appearance to acne, that appear on a cat’s skin. This is a relatively uncommon condition, though can still affect some cats. Some veterinarians prescribe over-the-counter treatments for this condition, which can be found in the pet care section of most pet supply stores. However, the treatment for dermatitis in cats will sometimes require prescription medication.

The best way to identify what is causing a skin condition in your cat is to be observant. Any recent changes in environment can trigger a skin reaction in a cat, especially if they are sensitive to an airborne allergen. If you notice that your cat’s skin condition begins to deteriorate, try to categorize any recent changes in your cat’s lifestyle. Switching cat food formulas is a common cause of skin conditions in cats, since some cats may develop a sensitivity to certain food ingredients (such as corn). If you believe that your cat has developed a sensitivity to your cat food formula, try switching to a higher-quality or grain-free cat food formula. If someone in your household has recently started smoking indoors, this can also be a cause of certain skin reactions in cats. Air fresheners, perfume, household cleaners and other substances may also be causing a skin reaction in your cat. However, as with most health problems in cats, it is always best to seek the advice of a veterinarian.

However, before you purchase health insurance for your cat, there are some things for you to take into consideration. Cat health insurance is an investment, and does require you to take a financial gamble. Though it’s not certain if your cat will become sick or injured, if this does occur, you will most likely have to pay the entirety of the expenses out of your pocket. Cat health insurance can help ease this burden, and give you peace of mind about providing your cat with the proper pet care.

Just like with health insurance for people, health insurance for cats is available as several different plans. It’s best that you research the plan that you wish to purchase, as not every plan will provide coverage for certain types of cats. For example, there are certain health insurance plans for cats that live exclusively indoors. As the risk of an indoor cat becoming injured is considerably lower than a cat that lives outdoors, this plan is usually a bit more affordable. However, this type of insurance may not cover certain types of medical procedures. There are also cat health insurance plans that also cover a portion of scheduled veterinary visits. These plans usually have a set amount that you are required to pay per visit, while the rest of the cost is covered by the insurance plan.

The possibility of emergency care is usually what motivates most cat owners to purchase cat health insurance. However, it is also important to be informed about your decision. The best method to use is to choose approximately six different cat health insurance companies that may work for you and your cat. Evaluate the level of coverage, the medical procedures that are guaranteed to be covered, and the estimated monthly cost. If you wish, you can also evaluate each insurance company’s performance by checking the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Most reputable cat health insurance companies are also reviewed online, which can be a very valuable tool to help you choose an insurance company.

Once you have chosen a cat health insurance company, you will need to choose the level of coverage you wish to purchase for your cat. If you are able to comfortably afford the extra expense, it may be worthwhile for you to invest in a health insurance plan that offers a premium level of coverage. However, it is important to be realistic about how much money you can set aside each month for your cat’s health insurance. If your cat is relatively young, it may be more economical to invest in basic coverage, which is useful in case of a catastrophic health condition. If your cat requires regular veterinary visits, you will want to choose a plan that offers a portion of coverage for general examinations.

How do I protect my cat’s health?

This is a fairly common general question, as most cat owners want to look out for their cat’s overall well-being. A great way to help protect your cat’s health from an early age is to get your cat vaccinated. There are several different vaccinations that a veterinarian will recommend for your cat, which can help prevent many potentially serious health conditions. There is a vaccine for enteritis, which is a respiratory condition. In addition to this, there is also now a vaccine against the feline leukemia virus (FLV), which is potentially fatal to some cats. A rabies vaccination is also extremely important, since many cats each year die from being infected with rabies. Getting your cat properly vaccinated could perhaps be valued as one of the more important parts of pet care.

Why is my cat vomiting?

Since vomiting in cats is a symptom of many different health conditions, it is usually cause enough for some concern. Vomiting is indicative that a cat is experiencing some sort of gastrointestinal distress, which can be caused by a significant number of factors. In some cases, a cat may vomit simply from eating quickly. However, vomiting is often a symptom of a medical condition, and may be caused by digestive problems. If you cat seems to constantly vomit up one type of food, for example, this could mean that your cat is unable to properly digest the food formula. In this case, it is best to try switching cat food formulas until you find one that your cat is able to digest.

Why is my cat constantly scratching at their ears?

Severe scratching of the ears is a potential symptom of a parasite called the “ear mite”. Ear mites are a common problem among cats, especially cats that spend time outdoors. Though ear mites are not necessarily visible to the naked eye, a cat will experience severe itching in their ear area, which is a symptom of an ear mite infection. The best thing to do is to take your cat to the veterinarian. A veterinarian will usually take a cotton swab sample of the inside of your cat’s ear, and examine the swab under a microscope. Once identified, there are several different treatment options available for ear mites.

These are just some of the most common questions about cat health. If you have any questions about how to best care for your cat, it is always best to seek the advice of your veterinarian. Use common sense, and if you see any changes in your cat’s health, schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

FLEAS
Fleas are a very common health problem that can affect cats of all life stages. Fleas can affect cats, dogs, mice and any other small mammals that you may have in your home. In addition to this, fleas are also able to feed off of humans. Fleas feast on the blood of mammals in order to survive, though their bites also cause a significant amount of irritation. A cat may get fleas from being outdoors, coming into contact with an infected animal, or by being exposed to hatching flea larvae. In order to effectively treat fleas on your cat, it is best to use multiple products in order to ensure that all of the fleas are eradicated. There are many different flea shampoo products, flea treatments, and flea sprays available in the pet care section of most pet supply stores.

WORMS
In regards to proper pet cat care, another common health problem seen in cats is worms. Having a cat that is infested with worms can be a huge problem, especially when dealing with an advanced worm infection. There are many different worms that can affect cats, including tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms, whipworms and lungworms. Worms can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in a cat, since they usually reside in a cat’s intestinal tract. If you believe that your cat has been infected with worms, it is important that you seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

HAIRBALLS
Dealing with hairballs is an unavoidable part of owning a cat. While hairballs are more common in long-haired cats, they can be present in almost all adult cats. Hairballs form when a cat ingests shed fur while grooming. The shed fur coagulates inside the stomach, forming a matted clump of hair. This hairball is either vomited up, or passed through a cat’s intestines into their stool. The best way to help prevent hairballs is to purchase a specialized cat food formula that contains enough fiber to help your cat easily digest any ingested fur.

VIRAL INFECTIONS
Just like humans, cats are subject to a significant number of viral infections. Though some viral infections are relatively minor (such as the flu virus), there are some viruses that can cause serious health complications for cats. For example, there is a virus called FLV that can affect cats in all life stages. FLV stands for “Feline Leukemia Virus”, and can be transmitted through exposure with other infected animals. The treatment for infection with FLV is expensive and only moderately successful, with most cats eventually succumbing to the disease. However, there is a vaccine against FLV that is currently available, which should be recommended to you by your veterinarian.