Cat Health

David P Lee asked:


Pet owners of today face a wide variety of choices when deciding what to buy for their cats. These choices can and will determine the health of the feline. Good nutritional choices will mean a long, sustainable, illness-free life. Bad choices can mean suffering and premature aging and death for the animal.

What do you need to know about helping your cat remain healthy? Well there are several options. First of all a feline is a carnivore. Cats have always needed the nutrition of meat in order to survive. In fact in the wild cats will hunt their meat, for example just look at lions and tigers. Your domestic cat should not be any different with regard to offering protein in the meal. Water is also an important source of nutrients. To maintain healthy weight water is needed.

Other vitamins your cat needs include vitamin A, D, E and B complex. Also niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin are needed for a complete nutritional complement. Taurine is an important amino acid for felines. They cannot manufacture enough of this nutritional supplement by themselves. One supplement they do not need to consume is vitamin C. Cats synthesize enough of this nutrient within their bodies, as well as vitamin K.

Other vitamins and minerals like calcium are important but keep in mind that overdoing the supplement portion of your pet’s intake can be problematic as well. Always check to make sure the proper dosage has been adhered to before feeding your cat vitamins and minerals. And keep in mind the vitamins they do not need to consume.

They need copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, and other supplements but they also need natural sunlight, exercise, though not as much as a dog, and proper attention in order to be fully healthy. Think of your cats as total beings, not just something you feed everyday. Make sure they get plenty of play everyday with household toys or furniture they can climb on. Many items can be designed with their enjoyment in mind, including where they sleep.

To ensure that your pet receives the exercise they need, offering them plenty of different toys to play with and furniture to climb on is essential. The kitty towers and scratching posts are not to keep them off your furniture as much as they are to give the cat exercise. Sleep is another aspect to be concerned with. Typically a kitten is going to need more play and less sleep. As the cat ages you may find they have a pattern of sleep and play time. Sleep requires a comfortable area they will be happy to sleep in during the day, especially if they are not allowed on the furniture.

The second and arguably the most important benefit to preparing your pet’s meals yourself is that you can avoid the chemicals and by-products found in most store bought food. These by-products have no place in the natural diet of a cat or any animal. Cats need nutritious substances that come from the earth and do not include man-made chemicals or additives.



Desmond

zboyet asked:


A cat that looks to be in its late kittenhood wandered into my garage last night. It is very very skinny. It ate a bit of my cats hard food I gave it and offered it some water but it did not want any. It has been about 12 hours and it has not eaten any more. I am not sure if it is just not hungry or if there is problems with how skinney it is.It is a super friendly cat so I do not think that it is feral.

I am about to make a trip to the pet store and need suggestions for the best kind of food to get it.

Elise

Michael Plante asked:


Man has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. If there is something that he absolutely would like to know, he would use all the means in his grasp to get that knowledge. But the research part can be quite a waste of time. Well, weve done all the hard work for you in order to present this insightful article.

Cats are curious by nature. Because of their curious nature, it is easy for cats to ingest poisons that can cause them to become very ill. Without proper treatment, a cat could die from poisoning.

Cat owners should be aware of the types of items around the home that can poison a cat. Household chemicals, plants, trees and shrubs can all cause a cat to become ill. When you think your cat has ingested a poisonous substance, it is helpful to your vet if you can identify what has made the cat sick. If your cat goes outdoors, sometimes it is impossible to know what the cat has ingested. Here are some common plants and household chemicals that can make your cat ill.

There are certain plants, trees and shrubs that can cause your cat to vomit, become dehydrated and have diarrhea. Sometimes when a cat ingests a toxic plant, they can foam at the mouth or have excessive drooling followed by a be needy to drink lots of water. Their mouth can become red and irritated. In extreme cases, a cat can fall into a coma and die.

Plants inside your home can pose a threat to your cat. Sometimes a cat does not even have to ingest the plant, but can have exposure on their skin, causing irritations. Fig plants, chrysanthemums, poinsettias can all cause reactions in cats. Most of the time these three kinds of plants mania simple cause skin irritation. More serious reactions such as staggering, swelling of the mouth and general weakness are caused by household plants such as Boston ivy, arrowhead vine, caladiums, elephant’s ear, heart leaf, peace lily and dumb cane plants.

If your cat has ingested a large amount of amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping Charlie plants or flowers, you can expect a more serious reaction. These plants, among others can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and heart and respiratory ailments. It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants.

Outdoor plants can also pose generally of the same risks and some of the indoor plants. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, pain, and weakness, breathing difficulties and seizures and convulsions. Some of these plants and shrubs include larkspur, skunkweed, daffodils, foxglove, castor bean, almond plants, wild cherry, English holly, spinach, rhubarb, Jasmine, and pigweed. Other plants that can cause your cat to experience hallucinations include marijuana, nutmeg, peyote, and morning glories.

Chemicals and cleaners found around the house are also cause for concern. Cats can ingest a toxic chemical and become very ill quickly. A common poison for cats is antifreeze. They like the taste and will lick it off of the garage floor from a puddle. Antifreeze can cause seizures and if enough is ingested, can kill a cat. Other common poisons found around the house are rat poisons, and insect sprays and treatments. If you treat your home with insecticides it is very important to keep your cat away from the treated area for several hours. In addition, if you spray the inside of your home, thoroughly wash the cat’s food and water bowls to clean off any residue from the insecticide. Other common household items that can make a cat ill include bleach, alcohol, gasoline, turpentine, lead, acid, garbage waste and paint. Toads and salamanders can also cause cats to become very ill. If you cat eats a toad or salamander, it will be evident by excessive foaming at the mouth and drooling. Also, it is important to remember that if your cat eats a bird, insect or rat that has been infected by a poison, it is likely that your cat will become ill, as well.

It is always a good idea to contact your vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center if you think your cat has been poisoned. There will be different treatments for different poisons. Most vets will try to induce vomiting in call to eliminate the toxin from the body. If your cat has a toxin on the fur or skin, it will be necessary to thoroughly remove the residue by washing the cat’s fur. Both mineral oil and vegetable oil are effective for removing poisons such as gasoline or turpentine. Cats that are experiencing nervous system disorders from ingesting toxins are in serious trouble. Your cat will love to be taken to medical care immediately. Cat with nervous disorders will experience convulsions, unconsciousness and difficulty breathing.

Now wasnt that interesting? Only an expert can reveal this kind of insider information, and provide facts and trends that are often overlooked or misunderstood.



Mauricio

Nevada Pokerqueen asked:


I put my 8 month old kitten on Purina One. I noticed immediate differences in hair, and eyes and energy. She was bouncing off the walls and her hair was wiry and eyes bright. It must be full of vitamins. Anyone try it? Notice any changes?

Marlene

Christopher Byrnes asked:


Great cat care is an important part of keeping your feline companion happy and healthy. However, there are benefits to cat care that go far beyond ensuring that your cat stays in peak shape and enjoys a high quality of life. Caring for your cat can actually be great for your own physical and mental state of being. Cat care can even help you maintain a healthy emotional life. When you achieve better cat care, you are achieving a better lifestyle for yourself.

Scientific experts have shown that caring for and enjoying a pet is great for your body. Spending time with a tame, happy animal is relaxing, and studies show that people who regularly spend time with pets have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than their pet-less friends and neighbors. These factors can not only improve your quality of life, they can actually extend your life expectancy and help you stay in better physical shape for a greater number of years than the average person. The really great news is that both the process and the result of cat care are equally beneficial to your health, so whether you are maintaining your cat or enjoying a friendly tug of war using a ball of yarn, you are helping yourself stay happy and healthy.

If you are looking for a way to make exercise a seamless part of your day, cat care may be the answer. A top notch cat care regimen includes a wide range of activities from trimming nails to cleaning the litter box to more advanced and challenging tasks like training your cat. Almost every single aspect of cat care, from wrestling your kitten into the sink for a bath to petting your cat gently while you are watching television, is great for your health simply because it keeps you moving. Whenever the process of cat care gets you to move even a single muscle that would otherwise be lazily slumped on the couch, cat care is helping your body and your mind. When you chase your cat around the room for a playful game, you are also chasing a healthier heart, stronger bones, and a more robust circulatory system. Cat care helps you life a more active lifestyle.

Cat care is also great for your emotional health. When you rub your cat behind the ears as it purrs softly, you are sure to feel as happy as your cat does. These regular sessions of happy, comforting relaxation are an important part of cat care, and can contribute to a more positive psychological outlook throughout the day. When you spend time sharing love and peace with your cat by providing cat care, your brain releases hormones that make you feel great, and help you manage stress and keep a positive outlook on life. Cat care is a great way to keep yourself feeling positive and happy.



Dana

Christopher Byrnes asked:


Although the phrase cat care may bring to mind thoughts of drudgery or obligation, with the right attitude and a little bit of information, cat care can become an enjoyable part of your day. If you do it right, cat care can be something that you actually look forward to. Helping your cat stay happy and healthy is only as much fun as you let it be, but by learning how to provide the optimum cat care for your beloved pet, you can make cat care routines a treat for both of you.

One important part of making cat care fun is taking enough time to enjoy it. If you whip through your cat care routine with one eye on the clock at all times, you won’t be able to fully appreciate the experience of being with your pet. Try thinking of cat care as a chance to relax and escape the hassles of daily life. Put on your favorite album and relax as your complete cat care tasks like grooming your pet and playing with him or her to help you both gain trimness and agility. The process of caring for a pet is an inherently satisfying and enjoyable one so long as you allow yourself to have fun while doing it instead of trying to rush through and minimize the time you take for cat care. After all, the time you spend on cat care is quality time indeed.

Another crucial part of making cat care a pleasurable activity is education. Teaching yourself a bit more about cat care technique can help you be certain that you are offering your cat the most excellent possible care. The more you know about cat care, the better equipped you will be to keep your cat healthy and happy, and there are few things as satisfying as seeing your cat’s health improve because of your attention. If you want cat care to be a treat for yourself as well as for your pet, it is important to make sure that you are doing a good job of it. The better you are at cat care, the more fun you will have when caring for your cat.

There are few experiences more rewarding than reveling in the knowledge that you have done a job well, and cat care is no exception. When you improve your cat care skills or brush up on your cat care basics, you are taking steps to transform your cat care from a run of the mill experience to something that you can be proud of. When you provide your cat with the optimum cat care for his or her personality, age, and type of cat, you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment in your abilities that is invaluable, and very enjoyable. In fact, it may feel almost like a treat. When you improve your cat care skills, you can look forward to a happier cat, and to a happier you as well.



Gael

Wade Robins asked:


A pet owner’s decision to get the pet (cat or dog) insured can surely save many worries apart from insuring the life of the pet. It is now easy to get health insurance for your cat covered just as you insurance cover or your car, home or life insurance. Now you can give your cat the protection it needs in situations of illness and be safe. Moreover you can rest assured that the policy is going to bear the expenses, if in case any injury or illness to your beloved cat occurs. You can receive the insurance payments, in case your beloved cat dies even that will be covered .Best choice for old people who care for their cats Health is Pet Insurance. It is most commonly suitable for older people who suppose that their cat will live longer than them.

Cat’s Lives? Why Take Chances

There are times when it was found that the cat over lived its old master. In such cases, if the Cat is covered under the Pet health Insurance by the owner, the cat is delivered to a trustworthy person of the owner and the money is given to that person to take care of the cat. So the cat lives healthily even after the death of the owner of the pet. This comes as a blessing to those cat lovers who rear them like their own child. But you should be very careful in selecting the person that is going to take care of your cat after you. If the person/legal heir is greedy, your cat may not get the required care it needs. The person needs to be very trustworthy. Thus, it is a wise decision to cover your pet under the Health Pet Insurance which might be in your budget. Care must be taken in selecting the policy that best suits the requirements of your cat and you (monetarily). It helps to keep your worries and concern for your pet, at bay. The Insurance cover for the pet or your cat can vary depending upon the worth that you offer. It usually depends upon the average spending on the upkeep of the cat. The cover provided to the cat whose owners are from higher income strata, is generally higher than the one provided to the cat whose owner is from the middle class. For more info see



Tanner

Laura D asked:


(assuming that it doesn’t run into a wall or something because it’s dizzy)

Payton

alessa_sunderland asked:


I have an 18 yr old cat in good health, but she seems increasingly confused. (Meowing at walls, sitting in the middle of the road, chasing imaginary things, etc.) The vet said she is healthy.

Rafael

Thomas Johnsen asked:


If your cat is significantly overweight, it is a good idea to help him slim down. There are many causes of excess weight in cats. Factors like his breed, genes, age, and whether or not he is spayed or neutered may all play a role. Though less common, a fat cat may sometimes have low thyroid function. Though it may seem obvious, the most common reason for feline obesity is because of overindulgence in too many high calorie treats from doting cat owners.

Health Risks for Fat Cats

The health risks of cat obesity can cut short your cat’s life, and can result in costly vet bills. Some of these risks include diabetes and liver disease, which may require expensive prescription medications. Obesity in cats can also cause skin problems, mobility problems, and decreased longevity and enjoyment of life.

What You Can Do

There are some simple steps that you can take to help your fat cat lose weight, and increase his overall health and longevity.

1. Talk to your vet.

Your vet can design a diet plan that is right for your cat, and can provide you with a healthy target weight for your cat. A typical range is 8 to 12 pounds, depending on your cat’s build. Though you may have to spend some money on this vet visit, it is well worth it in the long run in order to avoid more costly bills resulting from chronic illness. If you have pet insurance, the visit may be partially or fully covered.

2. Put your fat cat on a diet.

Your cat should be eating at least half of his calories in the form of lean protein. Protein should be a staple of your cat’s diet, since cats are naturally carnivores. Make sure he does not exceed his recommended daily caloric intake. Reduce fat and increase fiber in his diet. You will want to do this under the supervision of your vet, since too much fiber can decrease the absorption of certain nutrients. Too little fat can also result in dry skin and other problems. Supplementing your cat’s diet with fish oil can help combat these skin problems.

3. Feed him frequent, small meals.

Instead of one or two large meals every day, try spacing his food intake over 4 to 6 small meals. This will help him feel more satisfied, since he won’t have to wait as long between meals. Just like in humans, this “grazing” type of diet helps keep his blood sugar steady.

4. Help him get some exercise.

While it can be tough to walk a cat, you can play with him for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Use toys that encourage his natural hunting instincts, like those with dangling feathers, or toys that you can slither down stairs in snake-like fashion.

It is in your cat’s best interest to keep him healthy and disease free. By helping your overweight cat trim down to an appropriate weight, you significantly decrease the risk of certain chronic illnesses and early death. While your concern for your cat is your primary motivation, you will also save yourself hundreds of dollars in vet bills by addressing your cat’s obesity problem now.



Quinn