Cat Grooming

A Feature on the Super Adorable Persian Cats

There are dog people and there are cat people. If you’re a dog person, well this article really isn’t for you. However if you’re the type that loves cats you really need to look into one of the most beautiful breeds out there and that is the Persian. This is a very popular breed and one you should consider if looking to get your very own feline.

Known as one of the most attractive, adorable, and interesting breeds of cats, Persian cats make great pets because of their ability to adjust to an indoor environment. With unique characteristics such as big eyes, wide heads, and thick fur, people can identify them more easily from other cat breeds. Because of their thick fur, pet owners need to wash, clean, and brush these cute little creatures regularly.

Compared to other breeds of cats, pet owners love Persians for their gentle and relaxed appeal, which makes them a perfect pet especially for children. Another advantage of owning such cats is their natural inclination to stay indoors, making them suitable pets even for busy people who are always in and out of their house. Their thick coats make them extremely lovable and very nice to cuddle.

Because of their diverse colors, people can classify Persian cats into several different kinds. Some of their most common colors are lilac, black, and white. In the meantime, some of the cutest types of Persians are the Shaded Silver Doll-Faced Persian, the Persian Chinchilla, and the Red-and-White Bicolor Persian. Additionally, other types such as the Tortoise-Shell Persian Cat, the Persian Calico, and the Blue Point Persian are also very much adorable.

Persian cats are very easy to feed and nourish, however their tastes are more sensitive compared to ordinary cat breeds. Owners usually feed them with cat biscuits, raw meat, and chicken. As they grow, their nutritional needs change, making it necessary for the owners to make a diet plan that will keep their pets healthy all the time. For one to two months old Persians, a milk diet seems very much appropriate. As they reach four months and beyond, pet owners can now start feeding them with soft diet, including chicken and other vitamin-enriched food.

Grooming is an integral part when taking care of Persian cats, mainly because of their thick fur and gooey eyes. Bathing, drying, and brushing are basic procedures needed to maintain the beauty and texture of their fur. At the same time, pet owners can make their Persians always healthy through regular visits to veterinarians. Keeping these cats always clean can help prevent infections and other diseases from pestering these lovable creatures. Concerning the skin of Persian cats, pet owners must check them out for wounds, abrasions, or cuts, which are possible sources of infections and diseases.

While Persian cats do make excellent pets, owners can reciprocate such advantages by taking good care of them always. Expect longer years together with these super lovable and adorable creatures by taking care of them well through proper grooming and nourishment.

The 5 Critical Steps You Must Perform as Your Cat Ages

In another article, certain aspects of, as well as conditions associated with, the feline aging process were covered at great length. One of the premises of feline longevity is that the housecat that is well cared for has a greater tendency at living longer than cats that spend time outdoors. Essential factors that promote longevity and allow your cat to enter their “golden years” in the best shape possible are:

· appropriate amounts of regular exercise

· good health care from the time they are a kitten

· proper diet and nutrition

· stimulating lifestyle and nurturing

Without these elements in place, they will be susceptible to a lengthy list of physical conditions, diseases, and other feline problems characteristically associate with the feline aging process. Here are 5 critical steps to perform as your cat ages so that they reach their geriatric years in the best physical condition possible.

Monitoring Specific Aspects of Behavior – it is imperative that you monitor three aspects of your cat’s behavior continually – bowel movements, urination, and water intake. Any change, no matter how slight, could be extremely significant. Conditions and problems that are caught in the earlier stages and addressed immediately could prevent dire consequences for your cat (and you).

Preventative Health Care – issues such as grooming, as well as dental, intestinal, and skin care and prevention of parasites should continue on an ongoing basis. You may want to consider brushing your cat’s teeth since periodontal conditions become more apparent as your cat ages. In order to optimize coat and skin health, proper grooming is recommended, and it is speculated that this is therapeutically beneficial as well.

Proper Diet and Nutrition - the following dietary adjustments may be of benefit to your cat:

Lowering caloric intake as they become less active and keeping an eye on their weight

Senses of smell and taste decrease as a cat ages so it may be necessary to afford them with more palatable foods (i.e. warm, moist foods)

Avoid excess phosphorous, protein, and sodium ingestion while increasing the intake of Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, and E. The addition of unsaturated fatty acids and zinc are acceptable dietary modifications in older felines. Ask your vet for assistance.

Regular Exercise – regular exercise in older cats is paramount, especially for those felines that are suffering with arthritis. Even if your cat is strictly an indoor pet, it is wise to encourage them to play as well as avoiding sleeping for hours at a time. This helps to maintain proper bowel functions, as well as muscle bulk and strength factors.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups – semi-annual check-ups are the recommended norm for an older feline. In so doing, there is more likelihood of catching serious problems early on – e.g. arthritis or cancer as examples.

Your cat’s lifestyle can be evaluated correctly by your veterinarian and once your cat reaches 10 years of age you need to adjust their daily health regimen accordingly.

How to Show Your Cat You Love Her

Cats make wonderful pets, and although they are traditionally very independent animals, they can also be very affectionate. The best way of gaining her love is to first show her that you love her. This article aims to give you some tried and proven techniques.

These techniques tend to work best with young cats, but if your cat is older, don’t despair- it may just take longer, so be patient with her. Use caution at all times, and be prepared to try again another day if she backs away or shows signs of fear. Until she has become used to you, always let her approach you rather than force attention upon her.

Cats will greet each other by rubbing heads or noses; obviously you may not want to rub noses, but you can get her used to having your head near her. Pet her and wait until she is in a relaxed and happy state, and then gradually move your head nearer to her; there is no need to talk whilst you do this, although some people find it helps to make small purring noises. Get down to her level; if you are standing up, towering over her, she can find this threatening. Crouch down if needs be- don’t loom over her as she will find this intimidating.

Some people like to nuzzle their cat, as this is how cats show affection to others. If you want to do this, start by gently breathing on her neck, and progress to gentle nuzzling movements round her head and neck. Exercise caution, however, as she could nip you if startled.

Cats love to play, even older cats, so make time each day to play with her. They love small, light balls, feathers, or anything which can be dangled, but don’t let them play with string or rubber bands unsupervised as these can be swallowed.

Some cats like to be groomed, others hate it- be prepared to experiment. If your cat enjoys this, it can be a source of pleasure for both of you. Never force her into being groomed however, and be prepared to stop when she has had enough or this will cease to be a pleasurable experience for her.

Talk to her often; let her get used to the sound of your voice. Use soft, quiet tones. Some cats prefer high pitched sounds; again, don’t be afraid to experiment.

With a little time, the bond between you and your cat could be closer than ever.

Secrets of Bonding With Your Cat

There is no doubt that owning a cat can be a very rewarding and pleasurable experience. This article contains tips and hints to help you to get the best out of your relationship with your pet cat.

First of all, remember that staring directly into a cat’s eyes can signal aggression to them. The first step to bonding with your cat is to look into her eyes, then look away whilst blinking slowly. This is how cats show affection to a feline companion or owner, and if done regularly will help the bonding process and help her to trust you.

Pet her often, if she enjoys this. Take the time to find out where she likes being stroked; this is easy as she will purr louder and show signs of pleasure when these areas are being petted. Try under her chin, her forehead and the bridge of her nose. Most cats also enjoy daily grooming, especially if introduced to it at a young age. Always be gentle when grooming and stop when she has had enough.

Make sure you keep to a feeding regime; cats thrive on routine, so feed her at the same time each day and she will love you for it.

Don’t try to pick her up unless she likes this, and don’t do this when she has just eaten or if she is not in the mood; she may try to struggle free and hurt herself. Never try to restrain her against her wishes.

Never punish her by hitting her; cats can not equate physical punishment as a consequence of their actions. She will become fearful of you instead. Bad behavior is much more effectively punished by withholding treats (not meals) or by saying ‘no’ loudly and clearly.

Ensure her needs are met, give her plenty of fuss and show her the respect she deserves, and you will have a happy and healthy cat who thinks the world of you!

Are you having problems with your cat’s behavior? Visit my blog to learn how to solve problem behaviors, plus tips and essential advice to keep her in tip top health.

Choosing A Cat Breed

Choosing a pet can be a momentous decision; there are space considerations, time commitments, and a general overall dedication to the daily love and care of another living thing. It is not a decision to take lightly. Of course, there is also the equally significant choice between varieties of pets. Pet owners are often split down the middle between dog lovers and cat lovers – with owners of both thrown in for spice. Cats may seem like the simpler of the animals from which to choose. But the truth is that there are a variety of cat breeds to explore – each of which has its own look and personality.

Each cat breed is something very different from the next. It is important, therefore, that you consider the personality of your family and what cat breed would best integrate into your lifestyle. The biggest difference between each cat breed is generally the level of human contact they need or tolerate. Some cats are perfectly content to stay to themselves and only emerge when they need to be fed. This may be a good choice of cat breed for a busy professional couple with no children. For an active family who wants a participatory pet, however, a cat breed with a more social personality may be a better fit.

When considering a cat breed it is also important to consider their hair length. Long-haired cats require an enormous amount of grooming because of the possibility of mangled, knotted hair – an uncomfortable prospect for the cat and an equally aggravating prospect for the owner. A short haired cat breed requires far less grooming and may be a better choice for those owners with minimal time to dedicate.

When researching a particular cat breed, you have a number of different resource options. Chat with other cat owners about their favorite cat breed and the pros and cons of ownership; consult a trusted veterinarian about the temperament of a particular cat breed and how it would fit within your family; and speak with knowledgeable pet store employees about their experiences with each cat breed. Lastly, the Internet holds a vast amount of information on whichever cat breed most interests you.

If you do proper research regarding your cat breed of choice, you will find that you soon have another family member that will bring you a lifetime of love and joy.

What Should I Buy For My Pet Grooming Kit?

So you have just bought home your new best friend. Whether it is a dog or a cat it will now require looking after and getting a grooming kit is one of the first items you will need to buy. As pet owners we must take care of our pet’s health by providing the right diet and grooming everyday depending on their individual needs. Some animals will require far more care and attention than others.

Pet Grooming To Ensure A Clean Healthy Coat

Depending on the type of pet you have, you will decide on the requirements of the pet grooming kit; however, as most of us have dogs or cats you will find here the essentials required in the pet grooming kits for those two categories. Grooming of your pet should ideally be carried out on a daily basis but this also depends on the type of coat your pet has. Grooming kits are designed for all types of fur, whether your pet is long or short haired.

Your Pet Grooming Kit Should Consist Of The Following:

1. Brush
2. Comb
3. Clippers
4. Nail Clippers
5. Shampoo
6. Conditioner
7. Flea Treatment
8. Tick Treatment

The brush and comb are designed for all hair types and you should easily be able to find one for your pet grooming kit.

Clippers are usually only used on dogs and some dogs do not require them in their pet grooming kit if they have very short hair.

Nail clippers are a relatively cheap addition to your pet grooming kit but are an essential item as your pets nails need cutting short on a regular basis.

Special Shampoos and conditioners are needed as human alternatives can cause their skin to become sore or cause allergies.

You will need a hair dryer but you can use yours, however some animals become scared of the noise it make so put it on a low setting as to not frighten them too much.

Where To Shop For Pet Grooming Kits

The best place to shop for pet grooming kits is on the internet as you can shop around for prices without leaving your home. If you need advice or prefer to see what you are buying in person then a visit to a pet store would be more worth while. Pet grooming kits are priced around $50 but sometimes buying all the items you need separately will result in you spending less money.

Cat Health. How to Reduce Your Number of Trips to the Vet

The last few years have seen a huge shift towards disease prevention in humans. Keep fit, eat sensibly, get regular check-ups etc. etc. and you’ll be healthier and less at risk from disease.

Exactly the same is true for cat health. Taking a few simple steps to keep your kitty fit and well can help minimize vet visits and potentially save you a load of money and stress.

Here’s a suggested cat health timetable to help keep your adult cat in tip-top shape:

Once a year:
Take him to the vet for a general cat health check and for vaccinations against the potentially fatal cat flu and feline infectious enteritis. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, your cat may also need yearly vaccines against other diseases.

Every three months:
Worm him against roundworms (your vet should give you tablets for this at Kitty’s yearly check-up). Worms can cause damage to the cat’s intestine, liver and lungs if they really take hold.

Monthly:
Use a flea treatment. Cat fleas can cause severe skin irritation and they sometimes carry nasty diseases. Many good flea treatments are also effective against other parasites.

Weekly:
Groom your cat thoroughly. This reduces the risk of hairballs, which can cause vomiting, constipation and discomfort. In severe cases they may need surgical removal. Note:If your cat is long haired, or if he sheds a lot of hair, you should groom him daily.

Daily:
Play with your cat. This keeps him fit, stimulates him and helps to prevent stress.

Twice a day:
Feed him good quality food to keep him healthy and help him fight diseases.

Clean his litter box. Many cats won’t use a dirty litter box, so they’ll either pee elsewhere (e.g. on the carpet) or won’t pee at all until the box is cleaned. This can cause urine stagnation and infection.

Overnight:
Keep Kitty indoors. Cats are at much greater risk of getting injured, killed, lost or stolen when it’s dark.

All the time:
Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh water to drink.

Make your home safe for your cat. Keep poisonous chemicals and houseplants out of his reach. Check he’s not stuck or locked in somewhere. Make sure he’s not sitting in the washing machine or under the car before you use them etc.

Some cat health problems are unavoidable, but by taking these preventative measures, you should be able to increase your cat’s chances of staying healthy and happy.

7 Natural Cat Behaviors

Have you ever wondered why your feline friends acts they way they do? What makes them want to stalk, scratch, greet you, purr, or at times be a complete loner? What makes them so independent?

They really only require humans to fulfill a couple of needs then from there they can mostly take care of themselves. Knowing the reasoning behind what they do, will make it easier for you live in harmony with your beloved kitty.

1. Purring:

We all know that cats purr at times when being pet to demonstrate their pleasure or satisfaction. Did you also know that cats purr when they are sad or in pain. A female cat purrs while giving birth to kittens. Purring shows that they require some help or attention.

2. Greeting:

Greeting is a part of cat’s behavior, which is expressed by rubbing its body or face against your body. Cats show their love and trust in you by lying down, turning over, yawning or stretching and retracting their claws.

3. Privacy:

After a cat uses their litter box, they bury their business. Most people believe this habit is because they are a clean animal. The real reason for this is to hide it from more domineering animals. In the environment they live in now this domineering creature would be you, their master.

4. Grooming:

Because cats are such clean animals they groom after eating. Because they have uneven surfaces on their tongues that untangle and remove the muck, they use their tongues to moisten their paws and use them to wash off their face. They also do this to wash any other part of their body that they can’t reach.

5. Kitty Tails:

When a cat wags it’s tail it usually is because they are irritated, annoyed, or angry. However, this is not the only time a cat will wag their tail. Cats also do this when they are stalking their prey. When you might see it is when they are chasing their favorite toy, or even a laser pen. This is just a way of letting of some steam from plotting their next move.

6. Catnaps:

The term ‘catnap’ is not just a term. In fact a cat’s favorite past time is sleeping. It includes deep sleep, cat snooze and sleeping with shut eyes. The older cats doze more than the younger ones. They explore for soft places to nap that are warm and cozy.

7. Food Habits:

A strange meal time ritual is when a cat removes their food from their bowl and puts it on the floor. Well, after knowing why they do this it’s not so strange. This helps them grind down their food into small pieces and makes it visible to which pieces are ready to be consumed.

Another strange eating habit is when a cat eats grass, or some of your favorite houseplants. This isn’t to annoy you. Your cat eats these things when they have indigestion. After eating these things your cat will vomit making them feel much better.

Cats are multifarious creatures. Their behavior mainly depends on natural factors as well as on the genes and the atmosphere in which the cat develops. To really understand a cat and their behavior could take a lifetime and a fun and love filled lifetime it would be.

Taking Care of an Older Cat

Cats are not turtles. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, people aren’t turtles, either. However, when you really think about it, people are a lot closer to turtles than cats in the sense that turtles, as well as people, can live to be 100 years or more. Not so for cats. In fact, in human terms, a cat who’s surpassed twelve years would be applying for their old age pension. Certainly cats can live longer than twelve years and, in fact, thanks to many factors, cats really are living much longer these days.

Dedicated care from their human companions plus advances in veterinary medicine are the main reasons. Most experts consider a cat’s “senior years” to begin on her 10th birthday. After this point, the aging process begins to slow in even the most playful feline. Yet, with a little extra attention from her resident human, a cat could enjoy another 5-10 years of life and love.

As with humans, cats often lose the ability to hear as they get older. This often goes unnoticed by their human companion because they think their cat’s lack of response is just typical feline aloofness. Unfortunately, without keen hearing and vision, an older cat becomes more vulnerable to threats from cars and dogs on the street, so it’s probably a good idea to keep an older cat indoors. If she loves the fresh air, then make sure you supervise her in a protected area when she is allowed outdoors.

Even the most easygoing cat can become a finicky eater in her later years. As an older cat’s senses of smell and taste begin to diminish, she becomes less interested in her food. Try adding moist food and warming her meals to amplify the scent and make her dinner more tantalizing.

Also, it’s important to keep fresh water available for your older cat, and to monitor her drinking habits. Her natural thirst drive can fade with age, causing her to become dangerously dehydrated rather quickly. Pay attention to about how much water your cat drinks each day. If the amount suddenly drops, and you know she is not getting water from any other source, you should consider contacting your veterinarian.

Common problems people see their older cats develop include difficulties swallowing due to decreased saliva production, less tolerance to extreme heat and/or cold, gum disease and tooth loss, a change in litter habits, and difficulty sleeping well.

Recent studies have uncovered a problem with potassium balance in many older cats. Poor coat condition, loss of appetite and lethargy have been linked to a mild form of hypokalemia, or low blood potassium. Low blood potassium damages the cat’s kidneys, which, in an older cat, are already weakening. This leads to a vicious cycle because declining kidney function increases the loss of potassium in the blood, which in turn causes further deterioration of the kidneys.

Arthritis and stiffness is fairly common in older cats as well and as it becomes more difficult to move, a geriatric cat spends more time sleeping. If her diet stays the same, she’ll begin to put on a lot of extra weight. This can add to her discomfort which makes her more inclined not to move. Without exercise her muscles will weaken, so it’s important to encourage an older cat to take part in some activity every day. Physical movement will help with digestion and bowel function, as well as keep her sharp mentally.

As a cat gets older, it spends less time grooming itself which may result in her hair becoming dry and matted. Regular grooming is required to keep her coat healthy and beautiful, so it’s best to schedule daily brushing to remove loose hair that can form uncomfortable hairballs in her stomach.

So, as I said, cats aren’t turtles. However, with love and care they can live for fifteen years or more. But remember, just as senior humans require special care, so does your feline friend. Pay attention to their needs and help make them as comfortable as possible.

Why You Should Be Concerned with Your Cat Health Care

The more fully you educate yourself about the ins and outs of cat care, the more able you will be to create an ideal care regimen for your pet. The better your cat care, the longer your cat will live, and the higher the quality of life it will have. In case that isn’t reason enough for you to invest a bit of time and energy in learning to offer your feline pet the best possible cat care, here is a quick breakdown of a few of the many benefits to outstanding cat care.

Great cat care means that when your cat needs medical treatment, you will recognize the signs early, possibly even long before invasive or costly procedures or drugs are necessary. Conscientious cat care will help you notice any health problems as soon as they manifest in even minor symptoms. This can help you catch issues early, when they are at their most easily treatable. By providing great cat care, you are helping to stop diseases and other health problems in their tracks by getting your cat the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.

Regular, excellent cat care means that you will be able to be more efficient and save time in your cat care regimen. If you take a bit of time each day to complete a few simple cat care tasks, you will be sure that nothing builds up until it gets out of hand. In fact, you can spend less time overall by making efficient cat care a part of every day. Habitual and thorough cat care can actually be less work than taking care of a cat who you have ignored even a little bit. After all, grooming a slightly scruffy cat once every week is easier overall than grooming an utterly filthy cat once a month.

When you fully understand the different aspects of cat care, you can be sure that you aren’t neglecting any part of the cat care equation. Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced or uneducated cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs fulfilled, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner.

Last but not least, one great reason to improve your cat care is simply that there is no good reason not to. Learning how to care for your cat more fully and completely is easy, so you might as well give it a try. Even if you think that you already know everything under the sun about cat care, it never hurts to double check. Take some time to skim a book or a few websites on the subject, and you just may discover your own reasons to improve the way you care for your pet.