Cats Sneezing

If your cat sneezes frequently, it can come from a host of reasons. Your little feline companion loves to stick his nose in every little crevice and crook, and can get his nasal passages blocked. Viruses also play a big part in making your cat sneeze. With a cat sneezing constantly, you feel his pain and discomfort every time he wheezes, coughs or sneezes. When a cat sneezes frequently, this behavior can be accompanied by nasal discharge and runny eyes. Whether caused by viral infection or nasal blockage, untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to more extreme disease.

Sure, you can fight your cat into a pet carrier, make an appointment with the vet, and watch in misery as your cat is, pricked and prodded, x-rayed and handled, all the while seeing the mistrust and pain in her eyes. You can almost hear her thinking, "Why are you doing this to me? I love you. I trusted you!" Aside from the mental stress and emotional wreckage levied on you and your cat, there is the vet's bill, which can easily run several hundred dollars. I know, I spent $600 in two weeks trying to cure my cat's sneezing and nasal discharge, to no avail.

I eventually found a company specializing in natural, homeopathic cures and remedies for pets. For a fraction of the cost of a vet, I was able to stop my cat sneezing constantly. If your cat sneezes frequently, maybe you would benefit from this natural cure as well. Especially when dealing with young kittens, older cats and pregnant queens, using regular vaccines can be scary, even deadly. Their immune system is weak, and this makes them susceptible to strong medicines. Natural, non-chemical remedies have been proven to be extremely effective for curing these cats with weaker immune systems without putting them at risk from normal vaccines.

When your cat sneezes frequently, he is asking for help. He can not drive to the drug store and fix himself, so reach out to him. If you have a cat sneezing constantly, he may benefit from a natural, holistic remedy. I was in the same boat you are in, and I know it worked for Shorty McGee, my 8 year old tortoiseshell, and my pocketbook! She is living proof of the effectiveness of natural, homeopathic remedies for pets.

Cats Door and Its Benefits

A lot of time and effort is spent when you own any kind of a pet. And this is true for a cat as well, even though they are not as demanding as dogs. But all the same, cats need care especially when they are left alone with nobody to let them in and out of the home. Setting up a cat door is a good alternative to having the pet owner be always present at home. Of course, make sure that the door is big enough for your cat, but too small for any dogs or humans, so that you don't have any intruders in your home.

How Useful Is A Cat Door?

Some cats can be extremely persistent about going in and out of the home. With a pet door, you will not have to leave your favorite TV program, or worse still, wake up at night, to put your cat outdoors. Your cat can go in and out of the house as desired without your help.

If you have a cat as well as a big dog for a pet, besides, having a cat door leading outside, it'll be best to have one also fixed on a door leading into another room in your home. This will give your cat a chance to run to safety if it's being chased by your big dog, and keep them apart. And, of course, since dogs love eating, virtually, anything including cat food, you can keep the food in the room with the cat door, so that the dog will not get to it and start a fight.

During harsh winters, your cat could develop frostbite of the nose, ears and foot pads, if left outdoors for a very long time. Whether you live in the city or countryside, don't leave your cat outside at night, as it will be dangerous for the cat, since cars find it difficult to stop on snow-covered roads. With a cat door, your cat will be able to escape the cold and ice outside, if there's no one at home.

A special door will not only save you time and energy, but will also make your cat a happier pet. Cats, basically, are impatient, and can't be trained as easily as dogs. So, by setting up a cat door in your home, it would be beneficial to both, you and your cat to live a more comfy life together.

How to Feed Your Cat

Nutrition is essential for the good health and long life of every creature. Cats are not an exception. Young cats are especially pliable to nutritional imbalances and feeding errors. The feeding habits of the cat established after weaning are very important for its future health status. Cat owners should be familiar with the nutritional requirements of their cats.

Cats are carnivorous animals and cannot receive nutrition from the majority of vegetable proteins. Wild cats eat the whole of their preys - muscles, organs, viscera, bones, offal, skin. Thus, they ingest the digested food the prey has eaten. This gives the cat the opportunity to receive nutrition from various sources - meat and vegetable sources.

Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements - cats need more protein and have greater tolerance for fat.

We cannot mention one particular food that all cats will like. Cat foods can be found in different flavors and textures. When you find the food your cat likes, and if it meets the nutritional requirements, stick to it and don't change it often because frequent changes may make the cat fastidious and may cause digestive problems.

What do cats need?

Cat owners should choose foods that provide all necessary nutrients and promote the good health of their cat. There are foods specially developed for kittens, mature cats, pregnant cats, but all food should contain the following essential nutrients: water, proteins (essential amino acids and nitrogen), essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins.

Proteins provide energy. They contain amino acids which stimulate the body to rebuild tissues and to perform its functions. Fats are a good source of concentrated energy and unsaturated fatty acids. Minerals regulate the functions in cat's body. Minerals include macro minerals - calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and micro minerals - copper, manganese, iron, and iodine. Vitamins are involved in many physiological processes and can be divided into two groups: fat-soluble - vitamins A, D, E and K, and water-soluble - thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12.

Types of cat food

There is a variety of cat foods on the market produced by different manufacturers. We can divide cat foods into three main categories:

Dry Food

It contains approximately 6-10% moisture and has an abrasive function, so it cleans the teeth and gums, and keeps them healthy. Dry foods have a long shelf life. Food that contains 34-38% protein and 19-22% fat provides a healthy balance.

Soft - Moist Food

It contains about 23-40% moisture and cat owners prefer it because it is convenient and has a long shelf life. However, soft-moist foods are more expensive than dry foods. You should be careful because soft-moist foods contain a lot of preservatives.

Canned Food

Canned food contains approximately 68-70% moisture and most cats like it most of all other foods. However, it is not recommended to feed your cat with canned food only because it sticks to the cat's teeth and this may lead to dental problems.

You should give your cat small amounts of canned food two times per day and leave some dry food because most cats like eating dry food all day long.

What should you be careful about when you feed your cat?

Cats don't need to eat the whole day long. Do not give your cat more food than your vet has recommended. Distribute the amount of food into two or three meals and give it to the cat throughout the day.

Do not give your cat dog's food because it doesn't have the necessary amounts of protein and amino acids. For the same reason, avoid feeding the cat with vegetarian food. Do not over feed your cat as obesity can cause diseases, pre-mature aging and early death.

Do not give your cat chocolate, alcohol, onions, pork, raw fish, raw eggs and bones.

Consult your vet if your cat refuses to eat more than two days because fasting may be harmful and may cause serious liver problems.

Do not put your cat's food near her litter box. Cats eat far away from the place she eliminates. If you put her food near her litter box, the cat may eliminate away from the litter box.

You shouldn't give your cat hairball remedy around her meal because many hairball remedies and treats contain mineral oil or petroleum jelly which will extract the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from the intestines.

Reduce the usage of tuna because it contains high levels of mercury.

Tips about feeding your cat

1. Cats that live free in the wild eat grass every day. Domestic cats will also eat grass if they have the opportunity, so cat owners should provide sources of green vegetation for their cats.
2. Milk is a food, not a drink. The only drink that cats use is water. Milk is a good source of calcium and phosphorus which make bones and teeth stronger. It also provides many vitamins and minerals. However, you should keep in mind that many cats cannot digest milk as they grow older.
3. Provide your cat with varied food. You can mix some of the new food with the old for 3-5 days in order to make gradual changes.
4. Cats should be fed in quiet parts of the house where no one will bother them because they feel vulnerable while they eat.
5. If you have more cats, you should provide each of them with a separate food bowl and you shouldn't keep them close to each other while they are eating, because cats compete for their food and feel uncomfortable if they are too close to one another.
6. It is recommended that you don't feed your cat from plastic bowl. Provide ceramic or stainless steel bowls because plastic dishes may give shelter to bacteria. Moreover, some cats may develop allergies to plastic and may get pimples on their chins.
7. Older cats would like you to raise their food and water bowl a few inches off the floor because this will make it easier on their backs and necks.
8. You should observe your pet closely after you give it new food. Any changes in the coat, appetite, weight or mood may indicate a problem. If you have any questions about the dietary plant of you cat, consult your vet for advices.

Your Cats Need Toys

Cats naturally amuse themselves, and we have all laughed at our cat's antics as they chase their tails or attack a slipper. Bearing this is mind; I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a cat toy that they will probably be bored with an hour later.

When it comes to cat toys, you need to imagine you are dealing with a small child. They are very fickle and get bored very quickly. Here are a few ideas for the best toys to get.

If you are having problems with your cat trying to climb your curtain and running the fabric, get your kitty a cat tower. Your cat will love this and you can get them in all different heights and styles so your cat will be amused for hours.

Most cats, when they catch small prey like a mouse, will simply play with it until it dies. Stuffed mice are an ideal toy as it replicates nature. You can buy these in packs of 3 or 12, and the most popular is made of leather and has fur and a long tail.

We've all come done in the mornings to discover that our precious pussy has left a trail of destruction. You really need your cat to sleep through the night like you do, so introducing a catnip toy before you go to bed will give your cat a burst of energy which is quickly spent and he will sleep through the night too.

What the manufacturers of catnip toys don't tell you is that giving them to your cat every day can have adverse effects on their moods and overall behavior. Use these toys sparingly so a dependency doesn't develop.

If you have a pile of stuffed toys that your children don't care about anymore, don't put them in the trash, give them, one a time, to your cat. The antics of these frisky felines trying to prove their superiority over a large toy is absolutely hysterical.

By giving your cat the opportunity to play with these toys, he will have a lot of fun.

Cat Beds for Your Cat’s Comfort

Cat beds are a great way to ensure comfort for your feline. From luxury to economic models, your cat will love the feeling of having its own niche. There are a variety of styles to choose from, in a wide array of colors. They are also easy to carry and normally do not take up much space. Since cats spend most of their days lounging around, a bed is the perfect place for it to sleep and play in. You can also select a bed that matches the décor of your home. They are manufactured in a number of designs, and are even equipped with heating components.

If you love your cats and want to see them happy, purchasing cat beds is truly a must. They offer coziness and are soft enough to facilitate your animal. Unlike a doghouse, the cat bed is primarily designed for indoor use. This does not mean you cannot place it outside, however, the chances of your cat wandering away increases. Since cats also spend a great deal of time sleeping, a nice bed can also improve your cat's health and demeanor. With vibrant colors, it also adds a unique touch to any room or kitchen. They are also reasonably priced and come in a variety of shapes and styles.

Cat beds make the perfect gift for any animal lover. Several manufacturers have also integrated feline features into their beds. These provide a sense of familiarity to your cat, while allowing him or her to interact with the bed. If an image of another cat is part of the design, your cat might feel a bond of friendship. The styles also included elevated pieces, tents, and even furniture. There are many books for animal lovers that showcase sleeping beds. They provide several aspects, including the benefits your cat will reap with its own bed. No longer will you have to worry about where your cat is sleeping.

If you're in the market for a nice cat accessory, cat beds will facilitate all your needs. Not only is it great for sleeping, it's a place your cat can truly call its own. There are also various items you can add to your cat's bed. These include throw pillows, toys, plush dolls, and sound makers. As a great source of entertainment, the items will keep your pet busy for hours. From fleece to foam, these lavish beds are also cultivated from different fabrics. You have the freedom to select which fabric best represents your cat. Most items are also scratch resistant and very durable.

Cat beds are highly sought after in the pet arena. There will always be a demand for bigger and more dazzling items. With so many features, they also assist older cats that suffer from arthritis and other ailments. Perhaps the best part is watching your cat adapt to its new home. If the bed does sustain damage, they can easily be replaced or updated. From pet stores to feline kennels, cat beds are sold on a daily basis. This is a great investment for any cat lover and should not be passed up.

Your Cats Need a Natural Shampoo Wash

Unless you started bathing your cat when he/she was a small kitten and got her adjusted to it slowly, bathing a cat is definitely not going to be your favorite thing to do. Felines hate water and, regardless of how much love they usually show you, when you try to put them in water, the teeth and claws are coming out.

A few of the things you will need are, a couple of towels, some natural cat shampoo (bought or home made), a bowl or pitcher, a sponge and the mindset that you are probably in for a battle. First run a couple of inches of water in the tub and place one of the towels in the bottom where you plan to bath your cat. Then, go and get her, pick her up as if you were just going to pet her or take her for a treat, and head for the bathroom.

Cats are very intelligent animals, so when you enter the bathroom they will probably start struggling because they have already figured out you are up to no good. So, before you put your cat in the tub and begin, be sure and shut the bathroom door. If you have had a cat for long you know if they escape and don't want to be caught, they won't be caught. Not only are they fast, they know the places, like under the bed, where you can't get to them. If you have already gotten her wet down and applied shampoo, should she struggle and get loose you are going to have a mess on your hands if she has the whole house to run through.

Okay, you have your supplies ready, the door is closed and you are ready to begin. The first thing that will probably happen as you try to put the cat in water is she will suddenly become firmly attached to your arm with those very sharp claws. Just bite your lower lip and ease her down in the water while talking in a soft, gentle voice. Hopefully she will calm down after a couple of minutes. Continue talking quietly in a loving, reassuring way and begin to wet her down. After she is wet, take a safe, natural cat shampoo and slowly massage it into her fur. She may even like this part. After you have finished bathing her, gently wash off the shampoo. Be sure and get it all off so there will be nothing left that could possibly irritate her skin. Lastly, dry her down with the towel and put her in her favorite resting place.

Luckily for the owner, cats spend half the day bathing themselves with their tongue, so you only need to wash your cat very few times a year, for instance in flea season. However, try and remember when this task does come to hand, to use natural bath washes when shampooing your feline. Talk to your pet store owner or vet for suggestions. Also, there are many great home made shampoo recipes on the internet you might want give a try. Some of them are even dry shampoos that don't require water. Your cat would probably love you to give that one a try first.

Gum Disease in Cats and How to Prevent It

A cat's teeth and gums are a way to determine the animal's general health. If your cat has a bad breath the first thing you should check is the cat's mouth. Swollen gums, yellow buildup or brown strips are the signs you should look for. These signs mean tartar, which is the main cause of gum inflammation and gingivitis. If the problem is chronic then you should take the cat to a veterinary, which will probably anesthetize your cat and clean its teeth. Here are some advices that may help you avoid this situation.

Start checking your cat's teeth since it is still a kitty. Cats don't usually like heaving their mouth checked but if they get used to it won't be a problem anymore. A healthy cat doesn't have gingivitis. This is why you must regularly check for a ref strip along the gums. Wrap gauze around your fingers and clean your cat's teeth and gum periodically to avoid the appearance of buildup and inflammations. You don't even need to use special toothpaste. Plain water is just what you need. You can even remove small pieces of tartar with your fingernails before they get big and start causing problems.

It is known that dry food can clean a cat's teeth preventing tartar. However eating crispy food is not healthy for your cat. Dry food is mostly made of carbohydrates which are not healthy for a cat's teeth. Furthermore cats don't have grinding teeth so there's no way how a cat can clean its teeth by eating dry food. You've probably seen how cats turn their head from side to side when they eat dry food. That's because cat's teeth are for ripping and not for grinding.

To prevent tooth problems you should feed your cat with quality food. Therefore you should stop giving dry food to your cat. You will notice that your cat will not encounter any dental problem anymore. If you feed your cat with homemade and canned food the teeth diseases will be completely one. Besides feeding your cat with healthy food, you can also perform a monthly home tooth cleaning which will improve the health of your cat's teeth. Another tip that can prove very useful is to give your cat a few pieces of cheddar cheese every week. Cheese contains enzymes which destroy the harmful bacteria which causes gum disease.

How to Lose Your Cat’s Weight Naturally

Our wonderful cats, are they demanding? Yes. Are they spoiled? Maybe a little. Because of those things are they overweight? If you answered yes, then here are some tips to help you with that problem.

Unlike dogs, who we also love, cats are never easy, especially when we try to introduce change into their life. But with love and patience you can help your cat to lose weight. If your cat seems to be more docile and not playing as much that could be a sign a change of diet may be in order.

For cats weight and too much of it, can be the cause of many diseases. Cats have a higher risk of getting diseases such as kidney stones, or crystals and a very high risk of diabetes, and also their quality of life changes. They cannot jump up to look out the window, which we all know as cat owners they love to be able to sit on a windowsill. The worst side effect of being overweight is their life expectancy becomes much shorter.

Here are some tips to help you with your cat's weight problem.

Tip #1. The first step in helping your cat lose weight is their diet. Is the current food they are eating high in fat and calories? Try slowly changing over their food to a healthy weight loss food. You can select from a variety of very good quality foods that are available.

Tip #2. If your cat is eating people food that has to be cut out. Also if you are giving him/her snacks of any kind, that also should be stopped. Many times, it is better to feed your cat small meals during the day instead of one large meal twice a day. Most important with cats you must do any change gradually. Cats should never lose weight quickly. It is recommended that you allow no more than a couple of pounds a year.

Tip #3. Finally, with a healthier diet your cat should want to be more active. We know our cats can be stubborn, but if possible try to get them to play a couple of times a day. My cat likes to run after rolled up napkins. Roll them in a ball and through it. They are soft so your cat can pick them up. Cats are creatures of habit. They know what they like. Being cat owners we know they do not like change of any kind. Trying to change their diet is never easy, but to keep them healthy and live longer it has to be done if they become overweight.

Just remember help your cat lose weight naturally and safely. Very slow weight loss is best for cats.

Tips for Adopting and Caring Persian Cat

Compared to a dog, it is much easier to care for a cat. But, if you are planning to adopt a Persian cat, there are a few things you must know.

• When you are going to adopt a Persian cat, make sure the seller give you the health and breeding papers which contain complete information about the cat you are going to adopt.
• A Persian cat has a limited ability to groom himself. So, you need to brush his hair twice a day with a metal comb. It is very useful to keep his hair shiny and clean.
• It is also a good idea to brush your cat's hair with baby wipes. Baby wipes are free from toxic, have good smell, and they will not cause allergies.
• Clean your cat's nose everyday as a blockage on his nose can cause difficulty in breathing.
• Make sure you clean his litter box everyday so that your cat will feel comfortable using his litter box.
• Take him to the veterinarian regularly to make sure he is healthy.
• This cat's breed loves sunbathing. Give your cat his own window where he can do this activity.
• Spare your time to play with him so that he will not get overweight.
• Only feed him with food which is designed for indoors cats.
• Does your cat feel lonely? It is not a bad idea to adopt a new pet.
• Most cats hate water, including a Persian cat. But you need to bath him at least once a week.
• Persian cats are prone to stress. Take him to the veterinarian if you find stress in your cat. Keeping him indoor is the best way to prevent cats from getting stress.

Minimizing Cat Shedding

Shedding is a normal event in every cat's life and cat owners should accept this fact. Through shedding cats replenish their fur and maintain it in a good condition.

Wild cats shed their fur twice a year - in the spring to remove the winter undercoat, and in the autumn to prepare their new coat for the coming winter. Domesticated cats, however, are subjected to artificial winter heating and summer air-conditioning. As a result, their bodies are confused and they shed constantly. 

When cats shed they remove dead hair from their bodies. Dead hair should be removed because it may cause skin irritation.

Shedding indicated that the cat is healthy; sick cats do not shed. Shedding depends on the time the cat spends outdoors. It is significantly affected by daylight and can be triggered by a number of hours spent on sunlight. Shedding also depends on the bathing, grooming of the cat and the activities she is involved in. 

Cats that live indoors shed at any time of the year. The amount of the shed hair is less than the amount shed by outdoor cats because of the artificial light and the temperature in the house.

Outdoor cats shed two times in the year - in the spring and in the autumn. They usually don't shed at all or shed just limited amounts of hair in the winter because they keep their fur for the cold weather.

Breeds that don't shed or shed a little

There are two cat breeds that shed minimal amounts of hair. One of them is the Cornish Rex that has short curly hair, and the other one is the Devon Rex that has similar coat. Their shedding is usually not noticed, but it doesn't mean they don't shed.

The only cat breed that doesn't shed is the Sphynx. However, these cats are not absolutely hairless. Some people describe the skin of the Sphynx as suede or chamois. This cat breed is very rare and requires special care but is a perfect choice for people with allergies.

Dealing with your cat's shedding

You can control the shedding of your cat with regular brushing and combing. Daily brushing removes loose and dead hair and maintains the cat's hair healthy.

Start brushing your cat slowly and don't continue the sessions too long; stop brushing the cat before she protests. You can use treat to make the brushing sessions more pleasant. As the cat learns to like the brushing you can make these procedures for longer period of times. They will remove dead hair from the cat's body and the cat is less likely to shed in the house.

When combing the cat, do it carefully in the hair growth direction, so that you smooth the coat and remove any knows or tangles in the fur. Longhaired cats should first be brushed with a wide tooth comb and then with a fine tooth comb.

The length of the cat's hair is very important for the good brushing. Short-haired cats, such as Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex cats, need little brushing. Shorthaired with dense coats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs and Scottish folds need a brushing once a month. Cats with long and flowing coats like Persian cat have to be combed very often and should be bathed once in the week or once in two weeks.

The advantages of combing and brushing are innumerable:

• Frequent brush of your cat removes dead and lose hair from the cat's body and she will not shed that much:
• Brushing and combing will reduce the presence of hairballs, particularly in the breeds with long coats;
• Brushing and combing keep the fur smooth and don't allow mats;
• Both activities are a good form of interaction for you and the cat, and are perfect for bonding process;
• They give the opportunity to examine the cat's hair for any potential problems, including parasites and skin conditions.

You can also reduce the cat's shedding by feeding her with healthy food of good quality. The cat food should be balances and should contain all nutrients required by the cat for a healthy skin and fur. In addition, you may use some products that are applied on the cat's hair and can reduce the shedding. They are available is specialized pet stores. Some vitamins produced from fish oils can also be helpful as they provide the cat with omega-3 fatty acids that make the fur stronger. There are some topical sprays that are used by cat owners to change and reduce the shedding.

If shedding continues throughout the year and is significant, the cat may have food or dust allergy. In some cases then the cat becomes sick from excessive hair ball, vets recommend that the cat is shaves three or four times a year. However, you should consult your veterinarian before you do something, because he will tell you what the problem is and how to solve it.

Stop Your Cats Marking

What is urine marking?

The urine marking is when your cat sprays little amounts of pee to declare its attendance.

Why do cats mark?

There are many reasons why cats mark:

• To declare the territory: The cat wants the other know that this is his or her area from the marking.
• Shows the availability of sexual - No stress or nervousness
• Change location: Some cats will mean when their owners move on.
• If the new animals and people are in the residence.
• There are many cats at home
• The cat gets less attention than usual.
• Significant changes in lifestyles and routines, for example, the owner has full-time work, renovation the house, etc.

Your cats would urinate properly if you prepare enough litter boxes in the house.

You should have at least one more than the number of them.

If you have a two-story house, make sure that all of litter boxes are cleaned and there is one per storey.

How do you prevent your cat from marking?

There are several ways to reduce or even stop, your cat from marking. These are some of the best ways in which the following list:

Take your cat for analysis of his or her urine for sure of no medical reasons for their behavior.

1. Neuters cats immediately. This is the most effective thing you can do to stop spraying from them, and if you could control all over the issue, it is almost mandatory. The statistics show that 87% of all cats stopped marking when they are altered, 78% of this number stop marking immediately and 9% stop within 3 months.
2. Behavior moderation is a real and tried method of controlling them from spraying, it requires much time and effort on your behalf, and supervises them closely, paying attention to where and when they mark.
3. It is also helping if you have a new designed for the areas which the cat tends to mark. The cats should not be sprayed in areas where they can eat, sleep and play. If the cat marks in specific places around the home indiscriminately, put its food containers next to the spot, play with him, and put his bed there.

Think about the cat training program if you find your cats have some problems with their behavior.