lundi 5 décembre 2011

Cat Urine Odor: Top Ways To Stop It Fast And Remove the Smell

Expert Author Dr Andrew Jones, DVMCats are wonderful companions, but when they start to urinate in the wrong places, such as in your carpet or on your couch, then your companion becomes not so wonderful. In this article I will show you the top reasons why cats urinate inappropriately, the top ways to solve this, plus my most effective at home remedy to eliminate the odor. You'll find out how to prevent this from happening again, keeping your home free from the unpleasant odor of cat urine.
Cats choose to urinate outside their litter box for a variety of reasons. Some cats will urinate due to a medical condition called feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD); in this condition there is pain and inflammation. Kidney disease can cause increased drinking and urination, while diabetes can lead to increased drinking and bladder infections. Some cats have issues with the litter box, as it may be the wrong type of litter, or are located in a place with too much traffic. In other situations, cats will urinate due to behavior; such as the stress of being inside, anxiety with another cat, or just because an unfamiliar new 'object' is present.
Litter box problems are best treated by changing litters to one your cats prefers ( such as clumping clay litter), placing them in more private areas in your home, and by having more litter boxes available. The litter must be cleaned regularly, as cats will be averse to using it due to smell, and not being fresh.
Medical conditions require a diagnosis at your veterinarian starting with an analysis of the urine. Kidney failure and diabetes require specific diets, medication based on test results, and in the case of diabetes, insulin can be needed. FLUTD, or bladder inflammation can respond to conventional and alternative treatments. These include: canned food increasing moisture content, supplements to decrease inflammation, such as Glucosamine, and/or anti-anxiety conventional medication such as amitriptyline. The cat glucosamine dose is 100mg per 10lbs of body weight daily.
Cat behavior urination requires you to decrease the stress causing your cat to urinate in the wrong places. Behavioral urination occurs more often in un-neutered/ unsprayed cats; if this is the case with your cat then have them spayed or neutered. Top holistic remedies to decrease anxiety in your cat include the pheromone called Feliway; it is available as a spray or plug in diffuser. Bach Rescue Remedy may make your anxious cat feel calmer and more secure. Place 1 drop twice daily in your cat's mouth. Try this for 3-4 weeks. Valerian may decrease anxiety in your cat, but it must be given for 2 weeks. The dose is 50 mg per lb of body weight of the dried herb or 1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily of the extract.
Removing the smell of cat urine is key to preventing this from happening again. Cats tend to go back to the same area that they have urinated on in the past. There are a number of commercial urine odor removal products, but I have found a particular home recipe very effective. If the urine is fresh, soak up as much as possible with a cloth or paper towel. Mix up this recipe for odor neutralizer (may lighten fabric so test a spot first) 1 cup hydrogen peroxide ( 3%), 1 tsp baking soda, 1 quick squirt liquid dish soap. Mix well and completely saturate on carpet/fabric that has been urinated on, and let air dry. Some people find mixing in a spray bottle and spraying it on is easier. Wait 24-48 hours then vacuum your carpet/couch, or wash your peed on shirt.
You can stop your cat from urinating in the wrong places in your house if you follow my above suggestions, a successfully remove the foul odor. If your cat is drinking more than normal, or urinating frequently with blood, then have a veterinarian determine the cause. If feline urinary tract disease is found, follow the basic principles of increasing fluid in your cats diet with canned food, decrease inflammation with supplements such as glucosamine, and decrease stress in your cat with remedies such as the natural pheromone, Feliway. Use my advised home recipe to remove the smell of cat urine, and if you follow all of
the steps, this may never happen again.
Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a Free Ebook, Cat Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your cat's health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Your FREE CAT HEALTH SECRETS BOOK is at http://www.theonlinevet.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6716630

Cat Nutrition Guide - Maintain and Enhance Your Cat's Health


Cats, like all other animals, need a balanced diet in order to keep healthy. They need to consume an adequate amount of water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins. If they don't, they could end up with health problems. One way to enhance your cat's nutrition starting today is by implementing a probiotic such as Fortiflora this will not only improve the absorption of nutrients your cat takes in and put them to work more effectively, a probiotic will work to support a healthy digestive and immune system.
Water:
Water is the most important part of a cat's diet. Since they are so small, they can become dehydrated easily. An average weight cat should consume about 60-80 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight. This actually depends on the weather and how active the cat is; to sustain cat nutrition, you should provide him or her with moist food that contains water. You should also make sure it has drinking water available to it at all times. A drop of only 10% of the water content of a cat's body will make it seriously dehydrated, so monitor your cat's consumption carefully.
Protein:
Protein is also essential for cat nutrition. It helps to build muscle, repair tissues and supply your cat with energy. Not all protein is the same; in fact many protein containing foods have different amino acid content. Your cat needs to consume all of the amino acids every day, so it's important to provide them with food that contains complete protein. Talk to your veterinarian if there are any concerns with this. It is known that dogs can survive perfectly fine on a vegetarian diet but cats cannot because their bodies do not make as many amino acids.
Fat:
Even though too much fat can be harmful, the right amount will provide benefit to your cat's diet. It is also a source of energy and helps the body to absorb fat soluble vitamins. Fat insulates the organs, therefore keeping your cat warm. It is also helpful in maintaining healthy fur.
Carbohydrates:
Unlike humans, cats do not require very many carbohydrates in their diet. Most cat foods, especially dry foods, contain more carbohydrates than they actually need. It can be used as an energy source, but excess carbs will be stored as fat and contribute to obesity. Some cats do not tolerate carbohydrates well, so keep an eye on yours if you feed it carbohydrate.
Minerals:
Cat nutrition cannot be maintained without minerals. Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are needed for healthy bones. Other minerals provide the body with a number of other benefits. Most manufactured cat foods are fortified with minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine and selenium.
Vitamins:
Vitamins are also needed in a cat's diet. They are involved in several bodily processes. Some vitamins are stored in the body and some are excreted through the urine. Therefore, some are needed in higher amounts than others. Most cat food are also fortified with vitamins.
Fiber:
A cat's diet does not need a huge amount of fiber, however, a small amount is helpful for the colon and digestive system. Again, it is important to note that Feline Fortiflora will also encourage the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria that aids in digestive processes.
To sum it up, cat nutrition can be maintained through a proper, balanced diet. Other ways to improve their health is by making sure they exercise and live in a healthy environment. Always talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's health or nutrition.
We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more tips and stories about pets as well as information on health promoting pet supplements. See you there!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6703210

Time For Cat Play


Watching your cat play is very entertaining. They like to play by themselves, and they like to play interactively with a human.
Kittens are fluffy bundles of energy and playing is essential to their growth. Playing helps them develop their physical coordination and balance, and some toys even help them develop problem solving skills.
Kittens are happy little creatures and very curious. They can find the simplest item to entertain themselves. As your cat grows into a cat, you may have to have interactive play time to stimulate their playing instincts, or they will become lazy.
Cats like to be on the hunt like wild cats do. Wild cats are truly looking for food, and you can simulate this desire in your domestic cat with interactive toys. These toys encourage your kitten or cat to jump, chase and run to win the game. Allow them to win once in a while and let them catch their prey, but don't allow them to win all of the time. If they always catch their prey, or if the hunt is just too difficult, they will loose interest and not play at all.
Kittens and cats claws and teeth can wound your skin, so keep them from interacting too close to your face, especially your eyes, and your hands. If you get bit or scratched, cleanse it immediately with an antiseptic like alcohol or peroxide. This is especially true if your cat goes outside at all, but even indoor cats can cause infections.
My husband was bit and scratched several times as he waved his hand trying to get a feral cat out of a shelter. He ended up in emergency about 15 hours later with a very aggressive infection. He was given high doses of antibiotics for 3 days. If he would have waited until the next day before getting help, the situation could have become very serious for him.
Cat toys can be as simple as an opened paper sack or an empty box. They love to play with a skein of yarn or a wadded up piece of paper or foil. Holiday or birthday time allows many fun places for them to play and hide as presents are opened and left on the floor. They also like to bat milk jug rings around your kitten floor or any smooth surface.
A fun interactive toy is tying a piece of folded paper to string and drag it around the room. For more fun, raise it in the air or hide it around furniture or a door way. This gets you moving as well as your cat, and it helps to eliminate their boredom.
Getting your cat to play also helps to eliminate obesity. Older cats suffering with obesity is one of the biggest problems of an indoor cat.
Toys that cats like to play with are varied, and should be changed often so your kitty doesn't get bored with any particular one. It may take several tries to figure out what they like to play with. As cat lovers we know that cats are finicky little creatures, and what they love to play with today, may not be their toy of choice tomorrow.
Here are a few toys that are fun for your cat and you - whether you are watching or interacting with them.
Crazy Circle Cat Toy - This toy has a ball that they bat around inside a ring. They can hit it back and forth, and chase it as it goes round and round. Try as they may, they cannot dislodge the ball from the ring. Some rings even have surfaces in the center on which they can scratch.
Laser Toy - These lasers can be pointed on the floor, furniture and any surface you don't mind if they jump upon, because they will try to chase it. Cats love to chase these lights. CAUTION: Do not shine the lights in your feline's eyes.
Catnip bubbles - I use to love to play with bubbles as a kid, and now you can blow bubbles and let your cat try to catch them. These bubbles have catnip scent, and they are safe for your cat and easy on any surface on which they land.
Kitty teasers - These are feathered objects dangling from a stick. They are very interactive as you move the object, they run and jump and chase it.
Peek-a-boo box - These are square wooden boxes with holes all around them. Place a small toy or treat inside and they will try to get the objects out of the box.
Don't forget the usual variety of balls and furry little mice. Avoid purchasing or making any toy that can shred easily or break apart into many small pieces. Don't give them a reason or opportunity to chew or swallow any toy or its parts. It is often wise to watch them play so you can make sure they are complete safe.
Enjoy your feline. Keep her safe. You will have hours of entertainment as you watch them play.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.
Having had cats and dogs most of her life, Lori Kniff is concerned about the health and safety of our best friends, our dogs and cats.
Please go to the website http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com, and you will find cat toys that will keep your pets safe, healthy, happy and content.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6708573

7 Tips for Welcoming a New Kitten Into Your Home


The day has finally arrived and that oh so small bundle of fur has arrived in your home. It is there looking up at you and all of sudden you realize that you have assumed responsibility for another real, living breathing creature. Those small eyes are so trusting and already it believes that you fully know how to care and look after it. You on the other hand are not really sure where you should start. Here are 7 tips that I hope will help you:
Tip 1. Prepare before the kitten arrives. There are some essential items that you should get hold of before arrival day. Your new kitten will need some very basic supplies to be in place before you bring him home. Your kitten will need food and water dishes that are clean, preferable ceramic. You will also need a litter box that is accessible to a small kitten that is located in a place that will give your kitten privacy from other household animals or small children.
Tip 2. Simply relax. You will be surprised how quickly you and your kitten will get used to each other and your little ways.
Tip 3. Confine your new kitten to just one room of the home for the first day (preferably the one with the litter box in it). After a few days, allow the kitten to explore another area of the home. Make sure that you have kitten-proofed each area before allowing the kitten in it. This means no cleaning products, no small objects that a kitten can get lodged in the throat, and no poisonous plants. Every few days expand the area of the home to include more space until eventually your kitten is allowed to explore all areas of your home.
Tip 4. Get used to looking where you are treading. Kittens are very small and it is easy to tread on them if they are scampering around the floor, so be aware.
Tip 5. Be careful when you close doors and cupboards. Kittens are inquisitive little creatures and they can easily get shut in if you do not know they are there.
Tip 6. Kittens generally love to be handled and played with. Spend time playing with your kitten each day. If you have to be out of the home for any lengths of time make sure that your kitten has some toys to occupy itself whilst you are away.
Tip 7. Provide your kitten with some kind of bed or sleeping area where it can go and feel secure. Kittens and cats like having some kind of wall around them which is why many choose to sleep in corners. Alternatively, a simple cardboard box with towelling or a blanket in the bottom can provide an excellent bed for a kitten, but make sure it is easy for it to get into.
The first few weeks that a kitten enters your home is going to be a learning curve for you both,. However before very long there will be a real bond between pet and owner.
Being a cat owner comes with responsibilities you need to know about Cat Care To find free articles about looking after your cat visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6726018

Cat Scratching - How To Save Your Furniture!


Cats and scratching go together like peanut-butter and jelly! But wouldn't it be nice if you could have one without the other?
Cat scratching is a problem that most, if not all, cat owners have to face at one point or another. No one wants their furniture shredded to bits by their lovable, fluffy feline... but what are the alternatives? Unfortunately, many kitties end up on the street because their owners just can't deal with the scratching! In their defense, cat scratching CAN cause a lot of damage!
But don't be hasty! There ARE alternatives to putting up with destroyed furniture!
  • Probably the most obvious alternative is to have your cat declawed. Declawing, however, is banned in some regions and is very painful for the animal. It is the removal of the last toe joint which prevents the claw from growing back. There are PLENTY of other options out there, however, that are much better for you and your cat!

  • Cat furniture and scratching posts infused with cat nip are a fantastic way to provide your feline friend with an alternative to scratching your furniture. There are many different types and sizes of scratching posts, and even some that are incorporated into cat trees, which also offer your cat the ability to climb, stretch, and exercise - which is MUCH more fun than playing around on your living room sofa.

  • Encourage your cat to play on their new furniture. The more exciting and enticing it seems, the more he/she will want to spend time on it. Make it a game and a reward! Offer Kitty treats scattered on the different levels of their cat tree or in the tunnels and crawl spaces.

  • If your cat still enjoys clawing at your furniture, use double stick tape on the furniture's surface to deter your feline friend. Cats don't like clawing a sticky surface. You can easily attach double stick tape to a piece of flexible plastic or cardboard and attach it to the side of your couch, chair, etc.

  • Try the water bottle trick! Whenever you catch your cat clawing your furniture, use a water bottle to spray him/her. Unless your cat has an affinity for water, he/she is NOT going to appreciate getting wet and will think twice about scratching your furniture.
Just remember: there's always a solution! Cat scratching is a common problem, and you are not alone. There are plenty of tricks out there to keep Kitty from destroying your house!
You can check out a wide variety of cat furniture at PetProductsForYou.com. Cat furniture is a great way to solve your cat's scratching problems!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6721745