teacup cats: April 2013

A Party Of Sorts

This Saturday past was my mother's second anniversary. I chose to fill it with friends. The day went past. I spoke to a number of my sisters and I made an arrangement to visit with my youngest brother on the Sunday (today).

Swisser was supposed to visit yesterday but she cancelled. She texted Bert saying that she did not want to interrupt our party. Our party! I confess I was miffed of being accused of a party on Matty's anniversary. If it was a party this is what occurred, We ate sausages and mash cooked by Jazzer. We did drink wine. Mel visited us from Edinburgh and brought whisky. Bert drunk some of that and so did Jazzer although she ought not to have. Marty and Jazzer shared some of their experiences of growing up in Belfast during the 1970s and I read excerpts aloud from Lost Lives. Marty retired to the kitchen and played claw hammer banjo for hours.

There came a point in the evening, maybe after her second glass of Scapa, when Jazzer flipped. This is a regular occurrence. She goes from being a relatively normal person to one who is sensitive, defensive and argumentative. It goes something like this, I'll say,

Ben is an absolute gentleman. He really is an excellent young fellow. Everyone thinks the world of him. You couldn't wish for a better son.

Jazzer goes on the defence,

My other kids are fantastic too. They really are great. I won't have a word said against them.

And I say,

You've flipped you bint! Over the edge. No more 16 year old single malt whisky for you!

It seemed to work. Jazzer calmed down. Maybe twenty minutes afterwards this exchange Jazzer's pup Dora jumped up beside me. I stroked her absent-mindedly. Dora is our pup's sister so I don't wish to show favouritism. Jazzer's old dog Frank is snuggled up on my other side. Jazzer reciprocates on the other sofa by scratching my old dog's ears and giving her lots of pets. Old Bonnie groans with pleasure. I say to Mel,

Dora really is the sweetest little dog. She has a lovely nature.

Immediately Jazzer says,

What about Frank? Frank is a lovely dog too! He has a lovely nature as well.

I turn to her sympathetically and say.

Wise up you daft bitch. Can I not even say something nice about one of your dogs without you taking it as a slight against your other dog? Start drinking tea this minute!

We sure know how to party in Springhill.

Supper Time

While Nelly blogs, Bert makes the supper. Tonight we are having poached egg on toast with a side dish of grilled tomatoes and sausages.

What will Pearlie eat?

She might try a wee sausage if I peel it for her.

Pearlie cannot be having any foodstuff with a skin, a crust or a peel for she hates texture nearly as much as she hates music. Music she cannot be doing with,

I weesht ye would turn that oul dinnle aff.

She does like some music. She likes old-fashioned dirgey hymns such as 'How Great Thou Art' and she likes Scottish pipe bands. All else is dinnle.

And she likes her sausages peeled and her fish fingers shaven of breadcrumbs. She wants the crusts cut off her bread. I won't do that. Crusts cut off bread? That is just attention seeking. Since I've been giving her pan slice intacta I've noticed she eats much more of it for she nibbles right down to the crusty brown skin. That has to be a good thing.

And do you know something else? They put coverings on processed foods for a reason. Ever seen a skinned sausage? There is only one thing worse and that is a peeled fish finger. Those breadcrumbs are there for a reason. They are there to make the 'fish' look white instead of a dirty greeny-grey colour. We serve the stripped finger to Pearlie with a side of bread and butter and a cup of tea. Nice, warm tea. She drinks her tea and eats the bread right down to the crusty brown skin. And later on the cat will eat the unwanted and unappetising fish finger. I'm going to tell Pearlie that fish fingers have been prohibited by law.

Health of Your Pet - Rhinotracheitis in Felines

The herpes virus causes many problems for your cat, with one of them being the development of rhinotracheitis. This condition mainly causes upper respiratory infections in your cat, and can also lead to eye problems like conjunctivitis.

Feline rhinotracheitis is mainly a problem for young kittens. However, young ones can harbor the virus for years without showing an outward signs in the meantime. Cats that are infected with the leukemia or immunodeficiency viruses have a major risk of being infected with this one. If your cat frequently displays signs of this condition, then it may be a sign that something more serious is wrong.

The virus that causes rhinotracheitis in cats doesn't prompt symptoms right away. The incubation period, the time in which cats don't display signs, typically lasts for a few days up to a couple of weeks. This can prove problematic for households with multiple cats, since felines can infect others despite not showing signs themselves.

The signs of feline rhinotracheitis are quite similar to those of other upper respiratory infections. Cats will start coughing, sneezing, and producing discharge from their nose. The nasal lining and the eyelid lining may also become inflamed. The former is referred to as rhinitis, while the later is called conjunctivitis.

Cats commonly have a fever while battling this condition too. Others will lose their appetite until they start feeling a little better. Rhinotracheitis in felines can cause cats to display just a few of these symptoms or all of them at once.

There isn't an exact testing method to diagnose feline rhinotracheitis. Your vet will simply need to look at the signs that your cat is displaying while taking his medical history into account. It isn't always easy to identify this condition accurately.

Even if rhinotracheitis in cats were diagnosed, there is no way for vets to treat your cat. The disease usually runs its course after a week or so. In the meantime, supportive measures can be provided for your pet.

Since cats with rhinotracheitis have nasal discharge that can make it difficult to breathe, nasal decongestants are usually provided. Keeping your cat in a room with a humidifier or vaporizer going will also help him breathe better. Owners need to wipe away secretions from the eyes and nose to help minimize the risk of their cats getting reinfected.

Once feline rhinotracheitis compromises the immune system, secondary bacterial infections can easily set in. Your cat may need to take antibiotics to keep these infections from causing additional problems.

This condition is highly contagious. If you have one cat that has been infected, it's best to keep him away from other felines for a while. If not, you will likely be dealing with multiple sick cats at once.

There is a vaccine to protect against feline rhinotracheitis. However, it doesn't always keep cats from being infected entirely. Those that have been vaccinated though likely won't experience serious stages of the disease.

Hopefully, you're aware that there are many different conditions that can affect your cat such as feline bordetella . Learning this information will help you recognize signs of disease quickly. To learn about some of these cat health problems , click over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

Pet Health Tips - Information on Cat Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Hyperesthesia syndrome in cats is a very unique condition. Cats afflicted with it will display unusual behavior at various intervals. It often causes them to lick or chew themselves excessively. Not only can this cause them to lose their hair, but irritation or sores on the skin can also develop. When experiencing an episode, your cat won't appreciate being physically touched.

After hyperesthetic cats have finished licking themselves, they may start running around your home frantically. You'll notice your kitty appears to be depressed or very afraid of something. The pupils will also be dilated due to feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

Another usual sign of hyperesthesia syndrome in cats is a rolling or rippling of the skin on a certain part of your cat's back. The muscle in this area of the back is responsible for causing this rippling effect. An episode can be brought about simply by touching the area.

Cats affected by feline hyperesthesia syndrome may also salivate a lot and be unable to control urination. There is no set time limit for an episode. Some cats only display problems for just a few seconds, while others can have an episode that lasts for a few minutes.

Any breed can be affected by cat hyperesthesia syndrome. However, a few unfortunate ones have a higher degree of risk. They include exotic breeds such as Himalayans, Siamese, and Burmese.

Since there are various other conditions that can cause some of the same signs, they will need to be eliminated in order to make a proper diagnosis of hyperesthesia. Your cat may be suffering from a slipped disk or a pinched nerve which can cause similar signs. Issues with the skin may be brought about by allergies to food or an infestation of fleas or mites.

To rule out these potential other causes, a variety of tests will need to be conducted. The vet will likely start with a physical examination, then move on to neurological tests to see if they're the problem. Blood and urine tests will also be helpful. There isn't always a physical cause of feline hyperesthesia syndrome though.

Fortunately, this condition is relatively minor, and won't lead to serious problems for cats affected by it. However, serious problems can develop if the skin lesions or sores become infected. Simple changes to your cat's lifestyle may be enough. Reducing stress can severely limit the number of episodes your cat suffers.

He should be fed at regular times on a daily basis. The same goes for periods of play. If there are conditions in the environment that causes problems in your cat, then they'll ideally need to be removed. Some cats with the condition can't tolerate being around other cats.

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome can also be treated with different types of medications. The vet may prescribe your cat anti-anxiety medications to limit problems. Other possible treatments include corticosteroids or anti-seizure medications. If these medications are ever discontinued, problems may recur. That means that your cat will likely need to take them for the rest of his life.

As an owner, it's important that you know about various health problems like constipation in cats that can affect your furry friend. Learning this information will help you recognize signs of disease quickly. Make sure you stop by common-cat-diseases.com right now to learn about many of these diseases in felines .

A Look at Rabies in Cats

As far as viruses go, the one that causes feline rabies is one of the most well-known. There is no way to treat rabid cats or any type of animal, so they'll eventually pass away after the disease progresses. Many different types of animals can harbor the virus that causes rabies in cats like foxes, bats, and raccoons. If one of these infected animals bites or scratches your cat, then the virus will be transmitted.

Your pet won't display signs of the disease immediately after being bitten or scratched. The virus takes a while to make its way to the brain, at which point signs will start to appear. This time, known as the incubation period, can last anywhere between two and six weeks.

Feline rabies causes cats to change their behavior dramatically. If yours has always been shy, then he will become aggressive suddenly. Animals that aren't usually affectionate will become so. This stage of the disease only lasts a couple of days.

The next stage that cats can experience after being infected with the virus is the furious stage. As its name suggests, felines will become very irritable and furious. They will want to stay in a dark location away from all sounds and lights since both will cause issues with them. At this stage of feline rabies, cats can start to have seizures and may die.

If not, they will progress to the final stage of cat rabies, the paralytic phase. The virus will start to cause problems with various nerves and muscles around the body. The ones near the jaw and diaphragm are usually affected first, causing felines lose their ability to swallow or breathe effectively. Cats die as a result of respiratory failure within days of entering this phase.

There is no way to diagnose rabies in cats while they are still alive. Once the disease has run its course and the animal has passed away, the brain can be examined to determine if the rabies virus was truly the cause.

Even if feline rabies were capable of being diagnosed quickly, there is still no treatment for it. Cats almost always die from the disease. A few fortunate felines have lived through an infection though, but it's very rare.

It is very easy to prevent this fatal disease. Simply have your cat vaccinated. While the vaccination is still effective, there is a very little chance that your cat will develop the disease, even after being bitten by an infected animal.

Many, if not most states, have long had laws on the books making it mandatory for dog owners to have their pets vaccinated. Some are starting to make it a requirement for cat owners too. Even if it's not mandatory in your area, you should still have your pet vaccinated for feline rabies.

It is vital that cat owners be aware that their feline can be affected by many different conditions such as stomatitis in felines . In case your cat does fall ill, knowing about these different conditions will help you recognize it quickly. To learn about a range of feline diseases , head on over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

Why Do Cats Like To Sleep So Much

One thing is for sure: cats know how to sleep. And they sleep a lot. However, so far nobody knows why they sleep so much, but you gotta admit that they are the most adorable creatures when asleep.

As they choose the weirdest place to sleep. Either on top of a dog or in a pot. You name a place and they are there :)

Well, it's a known fact that cats evolved from a long line of hunters and predators and that probably has an effect on their sleeping pattern. Their diet may also play an important role. Since they are on protein rich diet that doesn't take them a lot of time of the day, they have plenty of time to sleep.

And sometimes all they do is sleep, since they don't have things to do. Of course this applies for indoor cats. But there is always something you can find for your cat to do and stay awake and entertained.

While newborn cats, well they sleep most of the time, but believe it or not this actually keeps them safe. As they don't attract attention and by that I mean, they don't attract predators.

As for the cats in the wild, well they are constantly on alert in order to survive.

While indoor cats are sleeping, they are still active and ready to go into action. And you can see that as all cats while sleeping have their ears rotating and as soon as they hear a noise or sense that someone is coming they open their eyes to check out the situation and if safe they go back to sleep again.

And as I've already said at the beginning cats sleep basically anywhere. At the table, on a top of a piano, on the edge, anywhere.

As long as it safe and comfortable enough for it to stretch that body. :) For example when it's cold it tries to find a shaded place where it can stretch out. While during the cool winter days a cat will try to find a place warm enough, like warm sunshine or next to a heat source.

Another interesting fact is that cats like to sleep in their owners' beds. And people who use this method actually benefit from it, as it strengthens the human-feline bond and let's not forget all the warmth and the comfort your cat gives you.

And one last thing. Cats dream, too. But, unfortunately for now we can only guess what they dream about.

By Emilija Spirkoska

Emilija Spirkoska Photo

Hey, guys! I'm Emilija, the blogger who helps you keep up with the latest happenings in the world of entertainment. Be it a funny video, picture, or meme in the viral-logy section, I'm here to blog about the most trending topics at the moment. My humble beginnings in creative writing lead back to high-school (when I was some kind of a wanna-be writer), but the real introduction to creative writing and penmanship I got at college. Then, after four years of studying English Language and Literature (from Chaucer to Shakespeare; from Virginia Woolf to George Orwell), I finally had a chance to express myself and blog. It's been a year and a half how I treat Jokeroo blog readers to some informative, witty and laughable articles. It's undenying truth that I'm young in both age and craft, but sure I have the enthusiasm of a child when it comes to blogging, all for your amusement.

Cat Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Owning a pet is not all just fun and games. Cats are one of the most affectionate and loyal pets around. A lot of responsibility comes with taking home a new pet. Just like humans, house pets get sick and need lots of love and attention. Having a housecat is not the same as owning a dog, a rabbit or any other household pet, each has to be taken care of in a particular way and each has its own common ailments. There are many cat symptoms that every pet owner should be aware of to keep their feline in tip-top shape.

If you ever hear your cat making a funny noise, listen carefully, because your pet may have a cough. It may sound cute, but it should be taken seriously. A cough may lead to a fever, difficulty in breathing and discharge from both the cat's eyes and nose. Anything from a collar that is too tight to asthma can cause a cat to cough. If the cough seems minor, it is okay to give it treatment at home. However, if your cat is having trouble breathing, is wheezing, has a loss of appetite and is visibly losing weight, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Coughs can be a sign of the following cat symptoms, heartworms, bronchitis and asthma.

Many say that cats are picky eaters. Being a choosy eater and being anorexic are two completely different things. When a pet refuses to chow down on its pet food it is usually a cause for concern, but more so when it comes to felines. Cats that do not eat can potentially cause liver damage. Some cat symptoms that can be a factor to loss of appetite are illness, new surroundings and recent vaccinations. Anytime that your cat completely refuses to eat should be a red flag. There are a few stimulants you can give to your cat to encourage it to eat but it is always best to consult a veterinarian beforehand.

Cats are not known for their minty fresh breath. However, their breath should have a tolerable aroma. If your cat seems to have bad breath or halitosis there could be a concealed medical condition. A lot of the times the bad breath may be triggered by plaque or gum disease but in some cases even a cats diet can affect the way their breath smells. However, if the odor becomes extremely foul smelling, it could be the indication of more serious health problems like problems in the mouth area, respiratory system and liver. By visiting the veterinarian, proper treatment can be given to your cat and any further concerns you have can be addressed.

Many assume that giving the veterinarian a call should be reserved for emergencies. The fact of the matter is, when you are dealing with a pet that obviously cannot tell you how it feels, it is always a good idea to be aware of the possible symptoms and signs of illnesses. Whenever you are in doubt, call the veterinarian. Never risk the health of your beloved pet.

Five Tips for Selecting the Best Cat Tree

One of the excellent ways to satisfy your cat's curiosity and keep in shape is to make her use a tree. Since there are many such trees offered in the marketplace, you should spend enough time in knowing few things before purchasing one for your beloved pet. Many pets need enough amount of stimulation so as to prevent them from getting bored, and trees are definitely one among best furniture that will keep your active through the day. But before making decision which is best for your feline friend you should consider some things.

Safety Matters a Lot!

It should be the very first thing that you need to consider, when shopping for a tree. Not only should you provide safety for your cat, but also for you or anyone who comes close to that tree. owner should know what their cats can do, and if there are risky areas in your home, the pets are going to explore it for sure.

The manufacturer is responsible for making a well-constructed tree, but the owners are equally responsible for making good judgment in terms of selection. Ensure that the design of the does not compromise on safety. Some of them could be made of cheap materials and could collapse under the weight of your pet. You may also want to buy a tree, which will not trip over when your takes a flying leap, lands on side or top of the tree. The lighter and smaller trees are not the best option if you have big or heavy cats at home. Check the stability of the before making the purchase. Some of the manufacturers use toxic chemicals, glues, and dyes in the making process, and it is strictly not recommended to go for such ones.

Accessibility

Ensure that the kitty you intend to buy is accessible to your or kitty. Cats should be able to climb the in all kinds of situations. You pets many be overweight, old, have health problems, or declawed. If you've bigger cats, take trees that can accommodate properly. The cats should be able to get down or up the very easily.

Durability

Some of the trees at local stores are made with cheap materials, so stability should always be checked. Many use cardboard as the main support, which is not that safe, especially when the is climbing the tree.

Don't Overlook the Visual Appeal

The not only should appeal to your pet, but it should also be great addition to your home decors. If you've spent $2000 on a new sofa or furniture, you wouldn't of course want to see ugly placed in the middle of living room. So, make it a point to pick something that complements your furniture, design, and style of the room.

Price

It is not about buying some cheap or expensive kitty tree, but purchasing something that offers great value for money. Have some budget in your mind and buy a that will satisfy both you and your cat.

Keeping all these things in mind, now you can choose a secure, well-balanced, and stable tree, and keep your pets happy.

Fanad Lighthouse

Fanad, originally uploaded by NellyMoser.

If you should happen to be looking for me this weekend I'll probably be on a dander to that there lighthouse.

Owner's Guide to Cat Tapeworms

There are many parasites that can give cats problems. Feline tapeworms are some of the most common. These white worms are capable of growing approximately eight inches long if they live long enough. Thanks to the suckers and hooks that Mother Nature equipped them with, they're capable of attaching themselves to the walls of the small intestine of your cat.

Cats typically don't experience many problems if they're infested with just a few of them. However, tapeworms in cats can cause serious problems as their numbers increase. They will keep your feline from getting the proper nutrition from their food, eventually causing them to shed pounds. Their fur will also undergo changes, becoming rough and dull.

To understand how feline tapeworms infect cats, you first need to understand a bit about their life cycle. As you know, fleas can easily infect your cat. Sometimes, fleas will harbor cysticercoids, which are formed when flea larvae eat tapeworm eggs. If your cat bites at an area infested with infected fleas, he may end up swallowing one.

After eating an infected flea, the small intestine will break it down and leave the cysticercoids to develop into adult cat tapeworms. This is when they will attach themselves to the small intestine walls and sustain themselves with the nutrients that your cat is supposed to get from his food.

Feline tapeworms are segmented. As they grow, segments will break off and pass out of the body through the feces. Owners who inspect their cat's feces will likely notice them. They look like small grains of rice that are moving around. Some of these segments may also appear around the anus.

Your vet can determine if your cat has tapeworms quite easily. He will simply have to take a look at a sample of your cat's feces under a microscope. They aren't always easy to see via the naked eye.

Fortunately, tapeworms in cats are usually easy to deal with. You will need to give your cat dewormer medication in order to get rid of them. One cycle of this medication may not be enough to get rid of the infestation entirely though.

Parasites such as fleas and lice play a vital role in the transmission of feline tapeworms. Therefore, owners need to do their best to control these parasites so that their cat doesn't get infested with worms. Limiting the amount of time that your cat spends outside roaming around will help. Giving him dewormer medication on a regular basis will also be useful.

As an owner, it's important that you know about various health problems like endocrine alopecia in felines that can affect your furry friend. In case your cat does fall ill, knowing about these different conditions will help you recognize it quickly. To learn about a range of cat health problems , head on over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

Heated Dogs Beds and Heated Cat Beds Can Provide Great Arthritis Relief

For any pet owner, providing a loving and comfortable environment is just one small way of returning the unconditional love and devotion our four-footed companions endlessly provide. For some of these faithful friends, as the years creep closer to old age, they can begin to show signs of achy joints and various level of discomfort associated with arthritis. Perhaps you have noticed that they are a little stiff after a nap, or that they appear to have some pain or stiffness in cold or damp weather. Whatever you have witnessed, seeing your loved one in pain breaks your heart and you simply want to provide some level of relief. Of course, your vet must be an integral part of any dog or cat's physical needs program. But in my quest to provide as much relief and comfort possible for my aging pals, I have found a few low tech tips that are particularly effective at providing relief.

Just like in humans, one of the best forms of relief for joint pain is providing warmth. You may think this sounds non-sophisticated, but it works. It is particularly important to provide warmth to your pet's body during colder temperatures or on damp days. This type of weather can cause joints to become especially stiff or swollen. The heat works to relax muscles and their spasms which are caused by the pain. Relaxed muscles relieve stress on the joints and provide overall improved joint flexibility. The heat also allows blood vessels to expand increasing circulation to the affected areas. Although a hot water bottle can be used, this is a very temporary heat source, quickly dissipating and requires constant attention. The best way to provide continual warmth is through a heated dog bed or a heated cat bed. Once your pet begins to feel the soothing warmth on his sore and painful joints, his heated pet bed will became an oasis of relief. The heated pet bed will also give your dog or cat relief from sleeping on the hard surface of the floor which tends to only aggravates the arthritic condition. Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints and if your pet continues to sleep on floors that are hard and cold this could actually cause the arthritis to worsen. Lastly, the soothing warmth will have a calming effect on your pet and allow for a restful sleep.

An essential part of the plan I have placed my aging pets on is nutritional supplements. Just like in humans, nutritional elements can affect the wellness of your pet's body and its ability to support joint health. The most common natural supplement recommended for the relief of arthritis in dogs and cats is glucosamine. Glucosamine is the primary glue that keeps connective tissue and bone together and may help alleviate joint pain and discomfort. It has also been reported to be useful in the prevention of arthritis. Additionally, Sea Cucumber and Shark Cartilage are both reported to be excellent sources of a host of minerals and protein that may supply the therapeutic protection for joints and the surrounding tissues our pet needs. I have given all three of these supplements to my arthritic pets and have found positive response and relief for my pets each time I have used them.

I believe one of my dog's favorite forms of relief from arthritis pain is slow and gentle massage. Slow and gentle massage is the only type of massage we should conduct ourselves. Anything more intense should be done by a professional or under instruction from your veterinarian. Massage not only provides a loving bond between you and your pet, but it loosens and relaxes the muscles which will tighten with the onset of pain. The blending of massage and a heated pet bed will definitely provide a winning combination.

Sandy Stone Photo

To read more about this topic or several other pet care articles and blogs, go to Pet Crates and More . Looking for that perfect heated bed to provide warmth to your pet; visit the website of Pet Crates and More for some terrific products. With more than 20 years of management experience, Sandy Stone blended her passion for animals with her business acumen and started Pet Crates and More, a business offering products aimed at providing comfort for your pets.

How to Care For a Day-Old Kitten

Kittens are usually cared for by heir moms. However, like all things in nature, Darwinianism kicks in and only few of the offspring will survive. I have encountered twice the particular case of a cat who simply will not care for her babies, being equally disinterested in whether they live or die. So for the best part of the next four weeks I acted like a nursing cat mother for three little kittens. Needless to say, when they're a few hours old, they're hardly bigger than a very small mouse each.

There's two things they need to survive: warmth and food. You can solve the first issue with a couple of 2 litres plastic bottles filled with hot water that you put it in their nesting place. A shoe box will suffice for that. Also, try making them comfortable by adding a towel or any cloth you won't need ever again so they have a soft floor. The water will need changing every few hours, depending on how fast it will cool.

Next issue is a bit of a nuisance. You'll have to buy a baby bottle for kittens. There are many available at pet shops, you cannot improvise around it, trust me on that, I've tried. The thing that came nerare to a baby bottle was a 2ml syringe, but you run the risk of pumping too fast and choking them. Plus, they can't draw from it. So go get the baby bottle. Then for the food. You can either buy special powder milk that has all the surplus they need from a lactating mother, just ask the veterinarian for it, or use your own milk from the store. Either way is fine, the powder milk is pricey but better, but they won't die for the lack of it. Next buy eggs, a whole basket of them, you're going to need them. Break an egg and clear the yolk. Only the yolk! Put the yolk in a cup. Add a bit of milk and mix. Then add a spoon of honey and milk up to about 200ml and mix. Honey helps the kittens' digestion a lot, it's not just for the taste of it. When you have about 200ml of mixed product make sure it's warm and fill up the baby bottle. Then pick each of them up and start feeding them. You'll have to be patient, although at first they're probably be starving and will draw like there's no tomorrow. You will have to repeat that every three hours and twice at night.

My advice is to have more food mixed so you only have to warm it, it saves a lot of time not having to mix it all each and every time they need feeding. After four weeks they will probably learn to drink by themselves and you're off the hook, although there's no timeframe guaranteed about that. I had one crazy kitten who refused to let go of the baby bottle for three months!

If you follow these steps it will be hard on your part but your kittens WILL live. Constant feeding and warmth is all there really is to it. And patience.

Oana Coroian Photo

Oana is a member of Lacartes.com - an online community where people can meet new people and stay connected to friends, families and share photos, updates, reviews and more. Oana regularly writes articles on different topics that interested her. She always had pets around her,from when she was a little girl and her sister has nine cats. Come join us for FREE. This article can only be reproduced in its entirety when the link to lacartes.com is live at all times.

What Owners Need to Know About Scabies in Cats

Scabies in cats is also commonly known as cat mange. A burrowing mite is responsible for causing this condition. Fortunately, it is very uncommon in cats, since it would make them very uncomfortable.

Feline scabies is a very contagious condition. The mite can easily be transmitted to your cat if he comes into direct contact with an infected animal. If you keep your cat indoors, the chances of him coming into contact with a stray is minimal. That's why outdoor cats are usually affected. Any breed or age can become infected with the mite that causes scabies in cats. If mothers are infected, then there is a very high chance that her entire litter will be affected also.

Owners should also be wary, since the mite can infect them also, causing their skin to become very itchy. Mites can only infect humans for up to six weeks before the condition goes away on its own. However, infections are likely to recur as long as the cat is still infected and capable of passing along the mites.

If your cat has feline scabies, then he will experience severe itching around the head and neck. This severe itching prompts cats to scratch at the affected areas constantly. The skin may turn red and sores may develop. Hair loss is also common with excessive scratching. If you notice sores on your cat, then it's important to get them treated as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in the sores becoming infected.

It's vital to have scabies in cats treated quickly even if there are no sores yet. Female mites, after tunneling slightly into the skin, will lay eggs. These eggs will hatch in approximately one week and grow to become adults. The cycle will repeat itself until something is done about it.

To diagnose feline scabies, the veterinarian will most likely do a skin scraping. A skin biopsy is an alternative that's used in rare cases. A skin scraping will confirm if your cat really has this form of mange or another closely related form.

If your cat is like most others, then he will likely hate being bathed. However, bathing in warm water containing lime sulfur is one of the most effective ways to treat cat scabies. This will need to be done for several weeks in order to get rid of the infection entirely. Don't stop bathing your cat as soon as you notice that the symptoms have subsided. There may still be a few mites hanging around that haven't been dealt with yet.

Owners with multiple cats should do the same for all of them. Even if symptoms of feline scabies aren't showing in one of your cats, he may be harboring a few mites that will reinfect your other cat in the future.

It is vital that cat owners be aware that their feline can be affected by many different conditions such as tapeworms in felines . In case your cat does fall ill, knowing about these different conditions will help you recognize it quickly. So, head over to common-cat-diseases.com today to learn about many of these common cat diseases .

5 Useful Tips to Minimize Your Cat's Scratching Habit

Something that cats love to do the most is scratching! When they go out, they scratch wooden poles, fences, trees and when they are indoors, they love to scratch carpet, sofa, wallpapers, curtains etc. It is because of these habits of cats, many of the pet owners who are already frustrated of seeing scratches all over their furniture and decor items, are considering declawing their kitties.

Removing Those Dangerous Claws!

It is important to know that removals of claws is an extremely procedure for cats; not to mention an unfair one. It is their nature to scratch and for your convenience, you should not really try to change them. These kinds of procedures not only cause physical but also psychological trauma to the cats.

Why Do Cats Scratch A Lot?

In order to find a solution for this problem, you should first try to understand why your kitty likes scratching so much. People believe that by scratching, the cats sharpen and clean their claws. And, that's not entirely true; it is also one of their ways of marking territories or leaving marks on surfaces.

Besides marking her own territory, sharpening and cleaning her claws, for cats scratching is also a great physical exercise. It normally includes climbing, balancing and stretching. These activities are very important for a health survival of cats. That is why it is not a good to declaw your or punish her every time she scratches.

Give Them Scratching Posts

A better option would be to purchase a scratching post and teach her about how to use it. It will take a few days, but gradually your would realize that playing and scratching with the posts is more fun than ruining your decor or home furniture. You should try different kinds of tricks to draw your cat's attention to these posts.

As a owner, you should know that cats enjoy playing so consider buying a post with dangling toys; toys would be even better. If the post doesn't come with such attachments, consider adding a couple of them yourself.

This way, the will quickly understand the perks of fooling around near the scratching post. Make sure that the post you've purchased is big enough and sturdy. Cats do not enjoy scratching things that are not stable as they don't help them in proper scratching.

Try Other Furniture like Scratching Tree or Just a Condo

Besides the normal posts, you can also purchase other furniture items like inclined scratchers, condos, gyms, trees etc. These items can be easily purchased online or at some local pet furniture store. They will give hours of fun and entertainment to your beloved kitty. Such furniture come with a number of features like perches, sisal poles, comfortable beds, toys, and many other attractive features.

Before You Buy!

Before paying for a scratcher, make sure its size is right for placing it at some spacious location inside your house and the color and model of the scratching post goes with the feel of your houses' interior. Remember that cats are very tidy animals and hate being around dirty things, leave alone playing with them. So make sure the post or other furniture are regularly cleaned and well maintained.

Petar Petrov owns an online retail shop of furniture for different needs of cats. Through his blogs, Petar also shares tips and insights about how to take care of the cats and kitties and their different needs, and educates the owners how to purchase Cat Scratching Posts, and condos etc. For more details visit: http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_scratching_posts.html

Flea Prevention For Cats - An Anside Perspective

What is actually meant by a flea prevention for cats? A flea prevention for cats mean a side-effects free, effective and safe type of flea and tick medication option in the form of a spray or tablet or whatever that shall be able to eradicate the menace of fleas and ticks easily from the life of pet animals.

Over the years, it has been observed that most of the pet animals such as dogs and cats have been attacked by an infestation based problems called fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are nothing but problematic and traumatic infections that are infestations such as larvae and eggs that loves to stay deep inside the skin pores or fur of the pet animals mostly dogs and cats. They do not let the pet animals enjoy their life the way they used to enjoy previously such as enjoying playing with their masters and keeping the aura of the home charged with their energetic presence.

Fleas and ticks completely derails the process of enjoyment for the pet animals as when fleas and ticks strike, the pet animals starts scratching their bodies with more intensity on hands and dogs. What's more, the condition of fleas and ticks also keeps a pet animal in gloom as they look lost, pale down and out and even starts refusing taking their once favorite food they used to simply have a great time having.

That's where opting for a flea prevention for cats for an example, becomes the first priority for pet lovers but only taking up an expensive flea medication does not mean that they are a safe and free from side-effects as most of the locally available flea prevention for cats are not free from the harsh and bad effects of other complications that could arise as possible side-effects in the form of Lyme's disease and Tapeworms. Having a side-effect in addition to fleas and ticks mean nothing but disaster for pet animals such as cats so picking up a side-effects and effective flea medication become a must.

Frontline Plus for cats could be trusted as one of the safest ever flea prevention for cats to keep away all problems of fleas and ticks as it works harshly on fleas and ticks and kicks out all infestations. What's more, it is also effective for a period of 30 days after just one.

So, what are you waiting for? Just pick up Frontlilne Plus for cats as the safe flea prevention for cats to keep the health of pet animals in pink right away!

The Truth Regarding Chlamydia in Felines

Both bacteria and viruses can cause conjunctivitis in cats. This condition is known as pink eye, the same thing that can affect dogs, humans, and other animals. Feline chlamydia results from a bacterial infection. Cats are usually infected with other viruses along with this disease like herpes virus and calicivirus.

Chlamydia in cats usually affects those at the younger or older end of the spectrum. Those with damaged immune systems or other illness of some sort have an increased risk too. However, the bacterial infection can cause symptoms in any cat.

There is an assortment of ways that feline chlamydia can be transmitted. The bacteria can be passed via eye discharge, nose secretions, or saliva from infected cats. Mothers are also capable of transmitting the disease to their kittens while giving birth.

You should also know that it's possible chlamydia in cats to be transmitted in indirect ways. The bacteria can live in bedding, food dishes, and other places and can infect your cat if he comes into contact with them. Owners can also harbor the bacteria on their hands and pass it along to their felines.

Seeing the white of your cat's eyes turn red is one of the primary signs of feline chlamydia. The eye may also swell, with the third eyelid closing partially. Discharge that's very watery may also appear from the eyes. All of this will irritate your cat's eye, causing him to paw at it frequently. This illness may only cause symptoms in one eye at first. Eventually though, both eyes will likely experience problems. As mentioned, chlamydia in cats usually occurs at the same time as other respiratory conditions. Cats may have a fever, discharge from the nose, coughing, and sneezing if this occurs.

Feline chlamydia doesn't usually prove difficult to treat as long as it's mild. Antibiotics can get rid of the bacteria. They may be given orally or placed directly in the affected eyes. The condition can get more problematic though if there are other problems at the same time. Your cat may have an upper respiratory illness that requires hospitalization.

Whenever giving your cat antibiotics to treat any condition, it's vital to go through the entire regimen. If you don't, then the bacteria you're trying to get rid of may mutate and grow stronger. If this happens, they may become resistant to the antibiotics.

If you have multiple cats in your household, then you'll especially need to be careful with feline chlamydia. It can easily be transmitted to other cats. Keep infected cats in seclusion. Disinfect bedding, food dishes, and other places that can harbor the bacteria. Also, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you touch the infected cat so that you don't spread it to your other felines.

As an owner, it's important that you know about various health problems like rhinotracheitis in felines that can affect your furry friend. In case your cat does fall ill, knowing about these different conditions will help you recognize it quickly. So, head over to common-cat-diseases.com today to learn about many of these common cat diseases .

Home Truths And Happy Birthdays

Last week was for pondering and gardening. Writing? Not so much.

A week ago Mrs Thatcher popped her clogs which made for a lot of discussion, thinking and remembering. A friend of ours told us once that there was a bottle of champagne he intended to drink when she finally expired. On Friday I asked him if he'd done so. He said he had changed his mind, that he would not allow her to affect his present as her policies had affected his past.

Then I was presented with a home truth by my dear husband, which landed true and took root. Still thinking about that one and will write about it another time.

Then I realised that Pearlie Blue has been living with us for almost five years, not four as I'd previously thought. They do say time flies when one is enjoying oneself. It was around about this time five years ago that she fell and broke her hip. When she recovered from that (something I thought she'd never do) she moved in here. I well remember telling her that she would be coming to live with us and her reply which I thought might display some pathetic gratitude or other sentimental feeling. Not our Pearlie. Instead she snarled,

I should have been in with youse ten years ago!

I murmured something about that not really being practical. Imagine! An ambulatory Pearlie wandering about, interfering, poking in drawers, standing in the way. She was always tremendously good at being in the way and still is I suppose.

So, sowing and planting and watching Game of Thrones and Mad Men, listening to and absorbing home truths, thinking about the eighties and the eighty-somethings, going to Ikea with my darling girls and taking our darling girl Hannah out for her birthday. We ate at Spice and went to see Good Vibrations. Good film. Lot of Game of Thrones actors in it.

It is Hannah Banana's birthday today so I must finish this and go see if I can find the birthday cake candles. Not that Hannah cares but it is extremely important to Martha.

Are You Ready to Have a New Cat?

Sometimes the cat appears in your house unexpectedly. You meet a homeless kitten on the street, feel sorry for it, and bring it to your home. Or someone you know, for some reason needs to get rid of the cat, and it finds itself under the threat of living on a street or in a shelter, and you take the cat out of sympathy for the animal. You know that you do the right thing, and this is indeed true. But you bring the cat home and realize that both of you have to overcome a long period of adjustment and getting used to each other. And here you have to show patience and love, because the cat may feel frustrated, anxious, or on the contrary, it could be depressed because of new home, new environment, changes in nutrition, home-sickness, and many other things. And in this case only time, understanding and caring will help you to get along and become friends with your pet. Lovely kitten

Lovely kitten

Well, what if the decision to take the cat to the house is not spontaneous? You have to make a balanced decision, the acceptance of which should involve all members of the family. Choosing a cat essentially depends on the purpose for which you need it. If you are single and need a companion, you should choose a breed that fits your temperament, so you are never bored with each other, or vice versa, so that the cat does not annoy you by excessive activity if you like peace and order. Or maybe you want to demonstrate your pet at shows? Then thought should be given to which breed, in your opinion, is the most presentable, who will teach the cat to the exhibition process. You may need the services of a professional trainer or breeder. Well and if you want to devote yourself to a thoroughbred breeding, you need a lot of knowledge in the field of selection and training of cats, and you will need to work closely with your veterinarian to prevent problems. Think it over, who will take the main care of a cat. The animal needs a balanced diet, rest, walks, trips to the vet, etc. And it's better if all of this will be controlled by one member of the family. If you entrust your child with care of a cat, you should still monitor how comfortable the animal feels, how timely is feeding and cleaning. When the child begins to have other interests, promptly take care of the pet yourself. Consider also what the conditions of life you can offer to your cat and seek advice from breeders. Some active cats require space for games and hunting, while calm cats, such as phlegmatic long-haired breeds can feel great in a small apartment. If you already have pets in the house, make sure that the new cat is not terrorized by the dog, that a war for territory is not started with another cat already living with your, that new cat does not diversify its menu by your budgie, hamster or goldfish. Of course, you should calculate your financial ability to support a cat, because it includes not only high-quality feeding but also the care items, the cost of the veterinarian, participation in exhibitions and sometimes spoiled furniture and other expenses. And if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you have to give up the idea of having a cat. Rate this Article

Are You Ready to Have a New Cat?Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Andrew Dar has published 2 articles. Article submitted on March 05, 2013. Word count: 573

Pet Owner's Guide to Enteritis in Felines

Enteritis in cats is a very serious disease. It's often referred to as distemper, which is a disease that dogs commonly get. However, feline enteritis isn't the same. A common other name for the condition is panleukopenia.

This disease normally strikes kittens younger than six months old. However, older cats also have a relatively increased risk of developing it. Older cats may be strong enough to fight off the affliction, but kittens can easily succumb to it.

Feline enteritis is caused by a virus. Wild animals such as cats and raccoons can harbor the highly contagious virus. Infected animals can pass it to your cat by coming into direct contact with him. If your cat comes into contact with nasal or oral secretions, he can get infected too.

Owners should also know that the virus that causes enteritis in cats can also contaminate items such as bedding, litter boxes, and food dishes. Owners can also pass the virus along to their cats because it's capable of contaminating human hands.

After being infected with feline enteritis, your cat may not show any symptoms for up to ten days. Common signs include high fever and loss of appetite. Cats may also vomit frequently, producing yellow-tinted bile in the process. If you touch your cat in the abdominal region, he may cry out in pain. It is also common for cats to have diarrhea and produce stool that also has a yellow color, although it may appear to have blood in it instead.

As mentioned, enteritis in cats is quite serious. That's why it is important that you get your cat checked out and diagnosed with the condition as soon as possible. The chances of your cat surviving a bout with this virus rise considerably the earlier that treatment is started.

There is no way to battle the virus that causes cat enteritis directly. The vet will simply need to provide supportive measures to help your cat make it through the disease. Antibiotics will likely be given to stave off any bacterial infections. IV fluids and nutrition therapy may also be necessary.

It is very easy to prevent enteritis in cats. Simply have your feline vaccinated. The virus can live virtually anywhere in your home, so your kitten would be at risk if left unvaccinated. Using a standard disinfectant won't be enough to kill the virus either.

If your cat survives an episode of feline enteritis, then you should be aware that he will continue to shed the virus for a few weeks. Other cats in the household can easily be infected. The good news is that cats that survive an infection from the virus will be relatively safe from reinfection since their immune system will be boosted.

As an owner, it's important that you know about various health problems like aids in felines that can affect your furry friend. Learning about these conditions will help you get your cat treated quickly in case he does fall ill. To learn about a range of cat health problems , head on over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

How an Effective Flea Prevention For Cats Work?

Frontline Plus for cats

Frontline Plus is very effective flea prevention for cats. It is used to kill fleas in all its stages and works against killing ticks. There are different varieties of fleas and each one of them is prevalent more in certain regions. It is difficult to identify the type of dog fleas by a pet owner but with an effective medication like frontline Plus, one does not have to worry for his pets.

Frontline Plus is the flea prevention for cats is helpful in killing the entire family f fleas as well as ticks. In just 24 hours of application, frontline Plus will effectively kill all fleas and ticks. As a result, the pet gets instant relief from itching and scratching. This medication gives immediate result.

Frontline Plus has two powerful ingredients; one of them is fipronil which kills the adult fleas and ticks by attacking their central nervous system. This makes the fleas, ticks disable, and they are not able to move. The application of the medication prevents the ticks from jumping and thus they do not infect other places. The other ingredient present in the flea prevention for cats is S-Methoprene. This ingredient kills eggs and larva of all types of fleas. When these two ingredients mix, it provides an all-round effect in killing these tiny pests.

This flea prevention for cats is a powerful medication and comes with an instruction to apply it in the right manner. It is very essential to apply this medication properly else, it will not show the desired result. One has to part the dog's fur with fingers after taking the medication on the tip of the finger. Then apply the medication on the dog's skin and not on the fur. One has to wait for three days before grooming the pet.

Some precautions while using flea prevention for cats

Kids must not be allowed to touch the medication; they must not apply it on the pet.After applying the medication, make sure that the pet is made to worn veterinary cone. This is done so that the pet is not able to lick itself.

Wash the hands properly after applying this flea prevention for cats.

It is mostly found that people across the globe prefer Frontline Plus for Cats to kill fleas and ticks. Visit out website to know more about Generic frontline plus and other pet related information. HTML Source EditorWord Wrap

How to Choose the Best Food for Cats?

If you have recently just become an owner of a pet cat, you should be wary of what to give to it especially in giving him the right kind of food. Remember that they also have their own nutritional needs you need to compensate. Cats are carnivores by nature and their nutrition would mostly depend on protein sources. It is a must that they be fed in a balanced diet to avoid overweighing. Here are some tips for you to follow upon choosing your cat food

As you may have noticed cats are often fed with canned food. Too much of it could lead to dehydration. Veterinarians would recommend something else to go along with it. This is a good way to prevent urinary tract infection in the long run.

Take note of the age of your cat. If it is still too young, perhaps less than half a year old then do not ever give him cat food for the adults only. There are a lot of different kitten foods that are suitable for the young ones out there. Once the cat has reached over six months, you can make a combination of adult and kitten food.

There are some foods that don't harm the teeth of your cat. You could choose that to save your pet from different kinds of dental problems.

There are some diets also made especially for cats. Home or indoor cats don't move a lot so tendency is that they would be overweight. Ask the veterinarian for his suggestions. Check the label for m the product as

Hairball is good but don't give it every single day since it can upset the stomach. Fiber is good for constipation.

To make sure that your cat would be in a better condition it is always best that you make some varieties once in a while. When you go shopping for some cat food, choose different kinds like dry food, canned, semi-moist food, etc. Remember, too much of something is bad enough

Don't give cats milk from the cows. The digestion system isn't capable of such dairy product. Don't give leftovers as well! It is definitely a no-no to do that.

Organic food could be in for the cat food but then it doesn't mean that it's the best. You could opt to have one as well but don't let it fool you. However, you should also notice what kind of flavor your cat is enjoying.

Well making sure that it is rich in protein. If possible, avoid grains.

Here is a list of nutrition that you should consider giving to your cat:

Fat - not so muchProtein - basically their main sourceVitaminsTaurineWater - very important to avoid constipationOn the other hand, here is a list of food that you shouldn't give to your petsChocolate

Yarn threads, rubber bands, string - these are things that could look really appetizing to them. Do take care that they won't swallow it because it may result in some internal problems.

5 Easy Tips to Maintain a Harmonious Multiple Cat House

Pets can add joy to our life, but if you live with too many cats, then you could find yourself in cat hell! People who live with would have learnt about them and would know how to provide them with proper shelter.

There are millions of Americans who are recognized with rewards for having many cats. These people provide companionship, stimulation, and enrich the lives of cats. But require special care, and here are some tips to make their life sweeter with their own cat house.

Introduction of New Pets

When you bring new pets to your home, give them separate room, water, food, litter box, and toys. This will help them adjust, and then they'll start interacting with other members too. You have to get a certification from veterinarian that the pet is healthy so that you will have no problems in future.

You should continue to introduce the new pets to the old ones. This can be done by exchanging the beds, rubbing a cloth of one cat's mouth, and leaving the cloth in the other's place. When they start developing curiosity about each other, they become friendly. At this moment, supervised, short interactions can help them get along.

Free Space and Heights to be included

always need lot of space to be on their own, and get along with each other. have dominance rituals and their height would play a big role in those rituals. If you do not have trees, even top of a book shelf or top of a refrigerator will do the job. You should ensure that the are safe, and there are no breakable things in their vicinity.

Different pets show different behavior; there are some cats, which occupy different areas of house, and then there are cats, which stay in the bedrooms all the time and some others live in the living room. There are some cats, which prefer cat trees, which few don't... So, you'll have to basically understand their preferences, and act accordingly.

Litter Box

It is recommended to have at least as many litter boxes as the number of in the house, or preferably one more than that. You have to pay attention to your and understand what they love. There are cats, which do not mind sharing, while there are a few those are quite reserved.

In this case, you can keep one litter box upstairs and one more down so that they can share and play. There are some that do not like sharing. You have to watch and decide based on their behavior.

When you are purchasing a new litter box it is advisable to retain the old ones, since some may not like to go inside the new litter box right away.

Give Attention to Your Every Day

It is very easy to feed the cats, clean the litter boxes, and forget them... But, this is not enough when you really care for the life of cats. All living beings need attention and care; including cats, so it's important meet the needs of the cats, and dedicate some time towards their play time.

There are some that will stretch on your lap when you are watching TV, and you'll often come across few that live mostly in the bedroom. Ensure you spend some time with them at least before going to bed, and switching off the lights. Some would like to curl up in your arms at night. The most important thing is to know each and every cat as an individual and meet their needs.

Petar Petrov has dedicated most of his life to cats. He has written several articles about Outdoor Cat Houses, and often shares his pet-raising experiences with the other pet owners. For more details visit: http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_houses.html

You love cats?Do you want cats wallpapers?

Hy! Do you want wallpapers with cats? Let's know something about cats first!

One of the things we love the most about cats is the fact that they can often be so unintentionally funny. People who think the cat are aloof simply don't know cat as you and I do. Our Show and Tell Feature on this site offers a number of ways you can share your funny pictures.

The domestic cat(Felis catus or Felis silvestris catus)is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal. It is often called the house cat when kept as an indoor pet, or simply the cat when there is no need to distinguish it from other felids and felines. The cat are valued by humans for companionship and ability to hunt vermin and household pests.

Cats are similar in anatomy to the other felids, with strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, sharp retractable claws, and teeth adapted to killing small prey. Cat senses fit a crepuscular and predatory ecological niche. Can hear sounds too faint or too high in frequency for human ears, such as those made by mice and other small game. They can see in near darkness. Like most mammals, cats have poorer color vision and a better sense of smell than humans.

Despite being solitary hunters, them are a social species, and cat communication includes the use of a variety of vocalizations (meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling and grunting) as well as pheromones and types of cat-specific body language.

Cats have a rapid breeding rate. Under controlled breeding, they can be bred and shown as registered pedigree pets, a hobby known as cat fancy. Failure to control the breeding of pet cats by spaying and neutering, and the abandonment of former household pets, has resulted in large numbers of feral cats worldwide, with a population of up to 60 million of these animals in the United States alone, while in Japan they are caught and disposed of.

So....Do you want wallpapers or photos with animals? check r-photo.eu and download photos with cats,dogs or another animal.You can download wallpapers free or photos with cars,motorcycle or pictures of nature,sports.We update our site every time is possible (at 1-2 days) so we waiting you to visit us and send us one reply!We have photos with dog playing with cats,little dogs playing,white dogs,black dogs but like I says up our team upgrade the site when is possible.

Heated Cat Beds Help Outdoor Cats Survive Winter Temperatures

Cold temperatures can be difficult even for the healthiest of pets. Prolonged expose to the cold for a cat can result in frost bite, hypothermia, and possibly even death. Additionally, the stress on the body caused by prolonged exposure to the cold will reduces the life expectancy of a cat living in the outdoors. Some people are fooled into thinking that just because a cat has a thick fur coat they will be safe from the effect of prolonged cold temperatures. But their fur coat is simply not enough to keep them sufficiently warm during winter temperatures. The overall best practice is to just keep your cat inside during the winter. But, if the situation is such that the cat you are trying to protect is completely outside, here are a few suggestions and practices that will help.

Dry, warm shelter is paramount. If a human were left outside in the cold to survive for an extended period of time, one of the first things he would need to find in order to survive would be dry, warm shelter. The same is true for a cat trying to survive cold temperatures. Providing the cat full-time access to a garage, shed or barn is a great start. If this is not possible than providing an insulated cat house placed in a nook away from the weather elements is another good option. The house should be small in size, i.e., just large enough for perhaps two to three cats to go inside and turn around. The small size will help to conserve body heat. The house should also utilize insulation with a high R-value sandwiched in the walls, roof and floor. It is suggested that the interior seams of the house also be sealed so that moisture does not find its way in. The door of the house should be oriented away from the elements such as wind, rain, snow and sleet. A clear path should always be kept to avoid the cat becoming potentially snow bound.

But no matter the shelter that you choose to provide, the cat will also need to be supplied with ample bedding in order to stay warm. A thick bedding of cedar chips or straw can suffice. Blankets and towels are definitely not recommended since once they are wet; they become cold and very difficult to dry. The best option for outdoor shelter venues whether it is a garage, covered porch, barn, shed or cat house is an outdoor heated cat bed. These beds are made of soft PVC and do not absorb water, always providing comfortable warmth even in below freezing temperatures. They also use very low wattage and are efficient. A heated cat bed not only can give you some piece of mind, but it will become your kitty's favorite spot, knowing it will have warmth and comfort from those harsh winter temperatures. It will become their haven, their rescue from an inhospitable temperature environment.

Provide and maintain plenty of water. A constant supply of clean, unfrozen water is very important to minimize the risk of dehydration. . The water source should be protected from the elements or heated to prevent freezing. Low-wattage heated bowls work very well as a solution in making certain unfrozen water is always available. As a lower budget option, you can use spray foam insulation on the underside of a deep plastic water bowl. This will help slow the freezing process, but will not eliminate it. So make sure warm water is placed in the bowl regularly.

Provide plenty of food. As with any physically body, whether it is human or animal, high levels of calories are burned by the body in just keeping itself warm. So make sure an ample supply of nutritious food is provided. Cats that spend time outside simply need more to eat. Feeding on a regular schedule is also important. Your cat will come to expect the food and will be waiting for it; therefore the food will spend less time in the cold. Ideally, you can provide your cat with a simple feeding station that includes a roof and sides so that your cat will be protected from the elements while it dines.

Cats need protection from the dangers of winter temperatures. Of course, keeping your cat indoors is always the safest and most effective way to promote their good health. But if your cat is going to have prolonged exposure to the cold it is imperative to provide dry shelter and a constant source of warmth which is best provided by a heated pet bed. Keep in mind that if the weather is too cold for you to comfortably spend long period of time outside, then it is probably too cold for your cat as well.

Sandy Stone Photo

To read more about this topic or several other pet care articles and blogs, go to Pet Crates and More . Looking for an indoor or outdoor heated pet bed, pet playpen, dog crate or other pet care items; visit the website of Pet Crates and More for some terrific products. With more than 20 years of management experience, Sandy Stone blended her passion for animals with her business acumen and started Pet Crates and More, a business offering products aimed at providing comfort for your pets.

Everything Owner's Need to Know About Bordetella in Cats

Dog owners are likely familiar with kennel cough. Cats can also develop a version of the disease known as feline bordetella although it is much less common. The bacteria responsible for this illness is closely related to bacteria that causes the disease in dogs and humans.

The bacteria responsible for bordetella in cats is known as Bordetella bronchiseptica. If the bacteria infects your cat, it will lead to respiratory issues. The risk of becoming infected with it also rises dramatically if your kitty has a viral infection of some sort.

Cat bordetella is highly contagious, and coughing or sneezing is enough to transmit the bacteria.. Shelters can especially experience problems since there are plenty of felines in close proximity to each other. The disease can easily pass between animals if there are multiple cats in the household. Dogs have also been known to pass the disease to cats in some cases.

Adults with feline bordetella usually don't have any trouble getting over the infection. However, kittens can be devastated by the disease and even die from it if it progresses. Signs of an infection are very similar to other upper respiratory infections such as herpes virus and calicivirus.

Despite the fact that bordetella in cats is often referred to as kennel cough, coughing isn't quite as common with felines as it is with dogs battling the disease. Most cats will experience discharge from the nose and sneezing. Discharge may also come from the eyes. Other possible signs of the condition include depression, loss of appetite, and fever.

Cat bordetella doesn't always lead to noticeable signs. Your feline may simply be a carrier of the disease. Carriers don't display signs, but are capable of passing the disease on to other animals.

As mentioned, the signs of feline bordetella are quite similar to other respiratory infections. Simply taking a look at your cat won't be enough to make a proper diagnosis of this condition. That's why the veterinarian will need to rule those other possibilities out. A swab of the nose will need to be done.

Kittens with the disease will likely need to be provided with supportive care. Antibiotics are the main way that bordetella in felines is treated. Since there are various types of antibiotics, the vet needs to choose which specific one he thinks will be most effective.

Owners should know that there is a vaccination to protect against feline bordetella. It is usually best to get your cat vaccinated against the disease even if he or she is an adult. At the very least, you should discuss your options with your vet.

Hopefully, you're aware that there are many different conditions that can affect your cat such as ringworm in cats . Learning about these conditions will help you get your cat treated quickly in case he does fall ill. To learn about a range of cat health problems , head on over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

Grumpy Cat Inspires Grumpy Art

Once she went online she became an internet sensation, and now the Grumpy Cat called Tard has served as an inspiration to some incredible works of art.

Her grumpy face has appeared on numerous T-shirts, mugs, and it was memefied thousands of times. It even inspired some people to create pumpkin carvings and costumes for the recent "trick or treat" holiday, i.e., Halloween.

Before I go on with some genuine pieces of art inspired by Grumpy, I want to share some basic info about the grumpiest cat ever.

Tard's Road to Fame

Known as Tardar Sauce or Tard, the cat with the grumpiest face ever rose to the Internet fame after a photo of her was posted on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

According to Knowyourmeme.com, the scowl-faced kitty got upvoted more than 25,300 times on Reddit, and it was viewed more that million times on Imgur.

And eventually it got even her own video!

Is Tard Really Grumpy?

If you ask Tard's owner Tabatha, you will probably get a No, as an answer. According to her, that's just her face.

"Tardar has what looks kind of like an under bite. She looked unique, as did her brother, at birth, with a flat face, bubble eyes, and a short tail," says Tabatha, adding:

"Tardar is not as coordinated as a normal cat, so she is likely a little angry about that. I think she likes to be held and petted some times, but being the pet of a 10 year old could make anyone grumpy."

Grumpy's Family

Apart from living with Tabatha, Tard also shares the same roof with her mommy Callie, brother Pokey, three newborn kittens, a dog (brother) named Shaggy, a dog (sister) named Honey, a dog (grandmother) called Raven, and the most important family member, her 10 year old co-owner Chyrstal Bundesen. Ah, I hope I didn't leave out anyone!

Grumpy Art Inspired by TardAndhere comes the art, finally!The Grumpy Cat in the act of being grumpyThe Halloween-related memeOne of my favorite Gumpy cat memesThe Grumpy cat cardThe Grumpy Cat portrait

Hope you enjoyed in the grumpy inspired art above, and didn't get grumpy yourself! If you did, then I hope these cat gifs will cheer you up, since it's Monday and the week has just started!

For more fun stuff go to Jokeroo.com.

By Emilija Spirkoska

Emilija Spirkoska Photo

Hey, guys! I'm Emilija, the blogger who helps you keep up with the latest happenings in the world of entertainment. Be it a funny video, picture, or meme in the viral-logy section, I'm here to blog about the most trending topics at the moment. My humble beginnings in creative writing lead back to high-school (when I was some kind of a wanna-be writer), but the real introduction to creative writing and penmanship I got at college.

Two Down, Three To Go

It is probably ten years or more since I lumped Margaret Thatcher, the Queen, Matty, Pearlie and Ian Paisley together as a cohort. I banded them on age as they were all born within a nine month period. If Matty was feeling 'old' I'd say to her, "Have you seen the state of Paisley? He's looking his age for sure! And the harples* of him! You? You're like a lilty** yet!" Or she'd think her mind wasn't as sharp as it used to be. "Sharp! You're as sharp as a tack. Didn't you win a tenner for completing the Irish News crossword the other week? Imagine being like Maggie Thatcher. Sure she has to be told every day that Denis is dead. Wouldn't that be awful?"

And there was always Pearlie who, couldn't walk, could barely eat, had no way with her and had precious few friends. While Matty was, without doubt, the most popular woman in her road and rarely wanted company or outings.

And the Queen. "Mum, that poor woman. Sure she's great for her age and wants for nothing but she has hardly a minute to call her own and almost her entire family are on welfare! At least your kids have jobs."

Ten years ago I'd have wagered that Pearlie would go first, then Ian Paisley. After that it would be Thatcher, then Matty at 95 and the Queen at 100 or more. Instead it was Matty, the youngest of the five who was first to pass away. Now Thatcher has gone and it's happy for her I'd say. There was a recent photograph of her sitting on a park bench, in a good wool coat, wrinkled stockings and a pair of Hotter shoes on her feet. A little whippet was beside her and she was petting the dog which looked like a smaller, finer version of my Judy. I never liked Mrs T. Some part of me admired her as a person and a woman but I hated her dogma. I hated her stance on Ireland. But I loved that picture with the dog. She cannot have been all bad.

I was in hospital having Hannah when Thatcher went to war with Argentina. I was in hospital this morning when I heard of her death. Nobody seemed to care. It was just a diversion, like the Jeremy Kyle Show.

And I wondered who would be next. My prediction - Ian Paisley, then Pearlie, then the Queen. Surely Pearlie cannot outlive the Queen?

And hopefully I will outlive them all. The news from the hospital was good. So far.

* harple - limp
** lilty - bouncing, energetic woman

Information Dog Owners Should Know Regarding Endocrine Alopecia in Felines

There are many reasons why cats can experience problems with hair loss. A relatively rare reason for this to occur is because of feline endocrine alopecia. Vets don't exactly know why this rare skin condition occurs.

Whenever it does develop though, your cat's hair will start thinning. Various areas of the body will be affected by hair loss. You may notice that these areas appear to be the same on both sides of the body. Two areas that are most often affected include the rear legs and abdominal region.

Certain other medical conditions can mimic the signs caused by feline endocrine alopecia. To see if your cat is really suffering from this condition, the vet will have to rule out other possible causes of the hair loss first. Parasites and conditions like ringworm can cause similar signs.

In order to make a diagnosis of endocrine alopecia in cats, vets typically look at a sample of hairs under a microscope. Doing so can help determine at what stage of their growth the hair were broken. Skin scrapings around the affected area can also help determine what's causing hair loss in your cat. Fungal infections like ringworm can easily cause signs.

A blood sample may also be in order if your vet suspects feline endocrine alopecia to be the problem. The sample won't be tested in the office though. A laboratory will need to inspect it to see how the endocrine system is functioning as far as hormones go.

As mentioned earlier, vets don't know why cat endocrine alopecia develops. Hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormone are some of the leading suspects though. Cats with the condition may need to start a regimen of hormone therapy to deal with it.

Cats that are eating foods that they're allergic to may experience spontaneous hair loss. Therefore, you may need to start your cat on a food trial to see if it helps relieve the signs. You may need to start feeding your cat a different type of food.

Sometimes, feline endocrine alopecia is treated with medications that are designed to grow the hair back. This isn't always the preferred method of treatment in cats though. These medications can lead to serious side effects in some felines. They can be toxic to the liver over time and also cause cardiac problems.

Cats may even develop other conditions like diabetes mellitus after taking these medications. Some even experience changes in their behavior.

It is vital that cat owners be aware that their feline can be affected by many different conditions such as feline chlamydia . Learning this information will help you recognize signs of disease quickly. To learn about some of these feline diseases , click over to common-cat-diseases.com today.

Remove Cat Urine Smell And Stains From Your Carpet Quickly And Inexpensively

It can be stressful and time intensive looking for ways on how to get cat urine smell out of carpet. The odor in some homes I've been in have literally brought tears to my eyes! Not to mention leaving an ugly stain.

Plus it can be a really big pain requiring you to spend money and buy different cleaning products you do not have any idea if it will work.

After learning what works and what doesn't from working in my own pet service business for many years, here's what I do to inexpensively, but successfully, to get rid of cat urine smell plus spots from my personal clients carpet.

It's so simple and easy and requires just two or three actions to accomplish.

Cleaning Up New Cat Urine Stains Out Of Carpet

Step 1 - For any new stains on your carpet, you first need to absorb as much of the urine as you possibly can using newspapers or paper towels. Press straight down on them to get rid of as much fluid as is possible.

Make sure you position the paper towel or newspaper below the carpeting in the event the urine has soaked into the carpet padding.

Use as much newspapers or paper towels as required so that the stain is hardly damp.

Step 2 - Begin using fresh water to clean the spot. Perform the procedure again till the stains have disappeared. Quick and easy!

Step 3 - (You can use this final step if you would like to be certain all traces of cat urine is gone) - Use an enzyme cleaning agent, which is a product that will literally eat all odor producing bacteria, on the area. This will make certain any cat urine residue still left in the spot is eliminated. In addition, the smell is going to be removed by using this process. You can find and buy an enzyme cleaner at most local stores or on the internet.

Clean-up Those Dried Cat Urine Marks Within Your Carpeting

It will require a bit more work to successfully eliminate older marks which sometimes have set in. You most likely need to get all of them out because your pet companion possess a remarkable sense of smell and might want to go to the bathroom on the same place repeatedly if it can smell its urine there.

Step 1 - Utilizing a carpet cleaning machine, remove any chemical products in addition to cleaners you may have used to remove the stains before on the carpet.

Just use clean water inside the carpet cleaning machine because of the fact that any kind of chemical products can reduce the ability of the enzymatic cleaner (which you'll use next) at getting rid of the stain.

Avoid the use of too much water on the stain, simply because you do not want to increase the risk of the stain going into the padding beneath the carpeting!

Step 2 - Clean the stain by using an enzymatic product until the stain is no longer visible.

Step 3 - Once the cat urine stains has been visibly removed, utilize a black light flashlight in order to guarantee every last bit of cat urine is fully gone. The black light makes all indications of urine glow a purple color. It's amazing what this little device can show you that your naked eye cannot see!

If you do discover some traces of urine still left, re-apply the cleaning solution to remove it.

By getting rid of every single cat urine spot, and above all the smells out of the carpet, you'll considerably lessen the possibility of your cat urinating directly on those same spots for a second time.

How to Keep a Cat Healthy And Happy

If you own a cat you will know what a rewarding experience it can be. This article focuses on how you can keep your cat healthy and content on a daily basis. You might find it is easier to do than you may think.

How happy is your cat? Chances are you won't need to think too hard to find out the answer. Lots of purring normally tells you your cat is content and happy. If he rolls on his back for a tummy tickle, this is also a good sign - he trusts you and is happy in your company.

Of course life with a cat as a pet is about far more than just tummy tickles. It is important to know how to keep him happy and content on a regular basis. One important part of this process is to keep an eye on him to watch for any unusual behaviour. If a cat is poorly it is difficult to tell what is wrong. After all, he can't tell you. If he suddenly stops eating his Purina foodsfor example, you know there is a reason for it. He could have a bad tooth. It might be a simple stomach upset that will clear in no time and he'll be back to his pro plan cat food again. However it is a good idea to watch for anything out of the ordinary like this, so you can get advice from your vet as soon as possible.

Another point worth thinking about is making sure your cat isn't bored. This is less likely to happen during better weather if your cat is able to go outdoors. He can spend all day running around to burn off energy, chasing after flies and enjoying the fresh air. You'll probably find he comes in to eat his Purina food in the evening before falling asleep for the rest of the night!

However if he isn't an outdoor cat you might run into problems in this case. There are times when he might end up bored and wanting to play, so it is important to have some toys around he will enjoy. Buy good quality toys so they don't hurt him in any way, and make sure you check them frequently for damage. Some of these toys are designed to make it more of a challenge to eat treats or pro plan cat foods, to slow him down when he eats. These are good fun but you should supervise him when he is playing.

Of course nothing beats playing with his owner. He will love stalking and chasing things, so try and buy a toy that has this in mind. A mouse on the end of a piece of string is a popular toy, especially if it has catnip in it. This is a great way to have some quality time with your cat, because you can both enjoy the process of playing together. Be sure you are quick though, otherwise he might pounce on you!

Nothing beats the experience of owning a cat. Part of the responsibility is to ensure he is always happy and as healthy as possible. Regular vet's visits are a good idea, but there is a lot you can do on a daily basis to help as well.

Monster Pet Supplies offers premium quality Purina foods for cats. These Purina pro plan cat foods provide cat's complete nourishment & protection. Browse more Pro Plan diets online or call them on 0113 279 7474 for details.

Feed Natural Cat Food For Better Health

Food is an integral part of overall development. The composition and nutritional value of the food you serve to your pets matter a lot. Taste is something that appeals everyone, including your pets. If you own a cat, you must be aware how finicky cats can be towards food. Cats are strict meat eaters compared to other omnivorous pets, such as dogs. Hence, their nutritional composition mainly comprises of animal protein and amino acid called taurine. The deficiency of these two elements in the food can cause diseases, such as deterioration of the retina, deprivation of vision, and cardiac harm.

Hence, you need to choose cat food with utmost care. The food should be high in protein and less in carbohydrates. However, many cat foods have artificial flavors and preservatives which may not provide adequate nutrition as promised. It is here when you should actively think about natural cat food. Natural cat food has the required composition which is of utmost importance for the overall well being of your cat.

These foods are made from natural ingredients and have no fillers, genetically modified ingredients, artificial colours, flavors or preservatives. It tries to retain as much natural taste and ingredients as possible. This allows your cat to get natural vitamins and proteins for absorption. When you are looking for natural ingredients look for human grade cat food. Human grade cat food ensures that the food that you feed your cat is made out of the best natural ingredients of human edible quality. These foods offer superior nutritional benefits.

The advantages of carefully picking up the graded food include your pet's longevity and agility. Some foods may make your pet overly obese and inactive. This is largely because of increased fat ingredients and less of the proteins in the food. This can lead to many diseases and decrease your pet's age too.

However, human grade cat food has natural ingredients, which ensures that your pet gets essential fatty acids and proteins. This helps your cat get healthy coat, it increases immunity against skin ailments and allergies as these foods are free from artificial color enhancers and flavors which may induce a reaction on your pet's skin.

Because natural foods have no fillers, your pets will eat what is required and will also enjoy better taste. This also gives them more energy and helps them in maintaining a healthy weight. Natural foods are easy to digest, so your cat will stay away from digestive disorders. Give a healthy and more natural diet and avoid any health hassles in your cat.

Petproject.hk offers online natural cat food, human grade cat food , cat food, accessories and other information regarding cat products. Choose the best and cheap products for your cat by comparing price and products among different brands.

Are Cats Smart or Dumb?

Love them or hate them cats are just hard to ignore. I love cats, but I have often wondered about just how smart they really are? For that reason I've collected a few videos of cats and their reactions to things! So you be the judge and tell me what you think!

Over the years, I've read, or heard so many different things about whether our friends are smart or clever and now I have a few words for you folks. Probably most of would say that cats are not smart because unlike dogs they aren't obedient, won't do tricks, and won't come when they are called. But, that's not a reason to call them stupid, as cats only do things when they want.

Yep, that's the thing with cats! They seems to do what they want and when they want. So if we love them enough and treat them right, maybe then they will be more willing to cooperate with us.

Anyway here are some videos of cats doing "clever things" and not so "clever things".

Meet the white cat that goes nuts after seeing its reflection in the mirror! This kitty is so popular at the moment that over the last few days it got more than 500,000 views on the Internet! It appears to me as if the angry white kitty has an imaginary conversation with his white, fluffy foe. And judging by the sounds it seems like they are having a pretty tense conversation.

Anyway, it would be better for you to avoid any contact with the white crazy cat as one can only imagine what would happen if the cat gets mad at you! Yep, it's that serious! Or this kitty here. Now, this is a way funnier situation! This cat gets totally confused after a dog shows up on the screen while his owner plays the video game 'Assassin's Creed' 3.

At first the cat seems so calm and peaceful while its owner is playing Assassin's Creed, but that comes to end as soon as it sees dogs on the screen! It flips out and starts searching the dogs behind the TV screen, because they show up and then they walk off the screen! But unfortunately for the cat, there are no dogs to be found behind the big TV screen! And that goes on and on.

Nonetheless, just like people, some cats are clever, some are not!

Emilija S Photo

Hey, guys! I'm Emilija, the blogger who helps you keep up with the latest happenings in the world of entertainment. Be it a funny video, picture, or meme in the viral-logy section, I'm here to blog about the most trending topics at the moment. My humble beginnings in creative writing lead back to high-school (when I was some kind of a wanna-be writer), but the real introduction to creative writing and penmanship I got at college. Then, after four years of studying English Language and Literature (from Chaucer to Shakespeare; from Virginia Woolf to George Orwell), I finally had a chance to express myself and blog. It's been a year and a half how I treat Jokeroo blog readers to some informative, witty and laughable articles. It's undenying truth that I'm young in both age and craft, but sure I have the enthusiasm of a child when it comes to blogging, all for your amusement. Rate this Article

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Emilija S has published 7 articles. Article submitted on November 13, 2012. Word count: 397

teacup cats

Its not all cats advertised teacup cats as tiny are teacup kittens. Remember that the standard size female cat will weight about 11 to 14 pounds. The standard size men cat will weight about 12 to 17 pounds. A teacup size female cat will weight about 3 to 6. 5 pounds as well as the teacup size male may weight about 3 to 7. 5 pounds. This is a good rule-of-thumb to bear in mind when shopping for the teacup. Some unscrupulous breeders will sell you a cat under ten pounds to be a teacup when that weight falls inside the normal weight range teacup cats for the standard cat. When shopping for a teacup try not to be fooled by a breeder that will sell you a runt or explain that any cat lower than ten pounds is the miniature.

Teacup kittens come in several breeds. These cats are bred to be small by inbreeding. The particular cat of one breed is mated while using smallest cat of another breed progressively in each generation and with each mating a tiny or teacup cat arrives. The result of this kind of breeding teacup cats results in dwarfism. There are two types of dwarfism where teacups and other miniature animals are concerned and they're achondroplastic where the predominant gene will, through mutation, influence the hormones that manage bone growth, and the actual primordial which occurs naturally. At this point let's cover teacup cats the most prevalent breeds of miniature (teacup) kittens and cats.

The most popular from the teacup kittens is the combination of Persian and Exotic. This MiniPer, a combination of Persians and Exotics was made in California by Cher Simmitt. The MiniPers are primordial teacup cats dwarves and their health are proportionate in every way except that they're smaller than the normal Persian and Exotic. The MiniPaws can be a hybrid and carry the genes of the achondroplastic and teacup cats primordial dwarfism. They may be small in proportion and also have shortened legs thus, causing the legs to be somewhat deformed. They are a good example of the mutation of the dominant gene and it is affect on the bodily hormones that control teacup cats bone increase..

The Napoleon was created intentionally by mating a Munchkin using a Persian. They have long coats and beautiful big eyes similar to the Persian. The Napoleon would be the newest of the teacup breeds.

The Lambkin was made by cross breeding a Munchkin using a Selkirk Rex. They are called Lambkin for their soft curly coats which resemble the coat of the lamb. Most of the tiny or teacup kittens are cross varieties of Persians and Exotics and are the most used and sought after out of teacup cats all the miniature breeds.

teacup cats

Many individuals want the teacups since they're cute and appear like kittens. They are easy to keep and carry and a lot teacup cats of them are lap cats. Nonetheless, be forewarned, they could be kittens when you buy them but like all other cats they develop and lose their teacup cats kittenish ways. They are after most, cats and cats usually do not stay teacup cats kittens forever.