Cat breeds with long fur tend to develop hairballs than those with short hair. Hairballs in cats shouldn’t be taken for granted for it poses many serious problems if left untreated. If your furry friend cannot rid itself of a cat hairball through defecating or vomiting, she might suffer from a blockage in her digestive system. Severe cases of cat hairballs are life-threatening and need to be removed though surgery. Among the common signs if your cat has hairballs is the loss of appetite or if she is having erratic bowel movements. A cat with dreaded hairballs usually suffers from constipation.
Though there is no exact cat hairball treatment to cure common cat hairballs, there are many preventative ways that can be done before doing any costly surgery. Remember that the formation of hairballs in a cat’s stomach is caused by a behavioral problem. Often times, cats that develop hairballs are either compulsive, bored or stressed out. You can prevent your cat from ingesting her fur by redirecting her energy and attention to fun activities such as playing in the park or giving her cat treats and toys.
Here are some simple cat hairball treatment tips to control or minimize the chance of getting cat hairballs:
1. Regular cat grooming is an effective way to prevent cat hairballs. Comb your cat’s fur as often as possible to get rid of dead hair. By doing this step, you will lessen the instances of too much ingestion of hair. After brushing, wipe your cat’s fur using a moist, clean towel to remove excess dead fur.
2. If cat hairballs continue to bother your pet’s life, use a special lubricant to help your cat digest the offending cat hairballs through her digestive system.
3. Buy special hairball treats for your feline friend. Nowadays, you can purchase a wide variety of edible cat treats with particular components that are designed to break up cat hairballs. Many of these cat treats consist of mineral oil.
4. If your feline shows problematic behaviors like retching or lack of bowel movements, bring her to the vet as soon as possible. She needs to undergo a thorough medical examination to determine the best possible treatment method to get rid of dreaded cat hairballs.
If you want to help prevent furballs through your cats diet try Hills Science Plan
Cat Owners Smarter Than Dog Owners
February 16, 2010
Just when you thought that old “cat lady” cliche was an urban myth comes word from the Veterinary Record journal that cat owners tend to be older and female. But on the upside the same study showed cat owners are smarter.
The research done by the U.K.’s University of Bristol revealed cat owners were more likely to be college graduates than dog owners. The study, which compiled data from almost 3 thousand people, asked about their education, pets and where they lived.
Dr. Jane Murray led the study and said “cats require less time per day than dogs, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes.”
Murray said the higher intelligence of cat owners isn’t exactly directly related to the feline mystique, rather pet owners with more education work longer hours. The cats fit into their lifestyles since they don’t have to be walked like their canine counterparts.
But dog owners need not feel “dumbed- down”, yet another study showed dogs themselves were smarter than cats.
Animal Radio® is the “most-listened-to” animal programming in the U.S.; on 95 AM-FM radio stations including Los Angeles’ KOST 103.5 FM and XM Satellite Radio. Internet savvy folks can listen online anytime by logging onto http://AnimalRadio.com.
No cat wants to be dirty, and it’s up to you to ensure that your cat stays clean. Grooming is very important, as it helps your cat remain clean and healthy. Grooming starts with brushing, as brushing helps to keep the cats hair from becoming hairballs. Brushing will remove loose hair, and help prevent the risk of hairballs. A lot of cats have trouble dislodging hairballs. If the cat isn’t able to get a hairball out, it could result in a blockage of the intestines. Blockages are very serious, and can quickly become life threatening for your pet.
Cats that have long hair need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, while cats with short hair need to be groomed on a weekly basis. When you brush your cat, you should always watch for lumps in the coat and skin irritations. You should start brushing along the cat’s back, going from his head to his tail. Do this a few times on one side, and then switch to the other. Each area should be brushed a few times in the direction of the way your cat’s hair is growing.
When you brush your cat, you should always avoid brushing his face and paws. If a cat doesn’t like to be brushed, you can still groom him using another tool. The grooming glove is an excellent alternative to the brush, as most cats don’t mind it at all. Starting out young is the key to grooming, as it will get your cat used to brushing and grooming. Some cats that have started grooming when they were kittens grow to love it, many of which often look forward to their grooming time.
When brushing your cat, make sure that you check his ears, eyes, teeth, and claws. His eyes should be bright and clear with nothing residing in the corners. His ears should be clean, pink in color, and no sign of ear mites.
Ear mites result from dirt built up in a cat’s ears, and can result in the ears shriveling up and your cat losing his hearing. Ear mites are very annoying for the cat, and hard for you as an owner to get rid of. The best way to get rid of them – is to ensure that your cat’s ears stay clean and healthy.
Each time you groom your cat, you should always aim to go a bit further with your examinations. When your cat remains still, you should always praise him and give him a treat. If your cat doesn’t cooperate and starts to struggle, you shouldn’t fight with him, but instead let him go and try the next day. Once your cat gets used to grooming he will look forward to it each and every day.
Grooming you cat is an important daily routine, especially if your cat isn’t doing it by himself or herself. Here at Pets Pantry we have a comprehensive range of cat grooming brushes and grooming aides to help do the job.
Basic Cat Nutrition
February 18, 2010
Cats are what are known as obligate carnivores. An obligate carnivore is one that must east meat. You cannot just turn her out to graze in a pasture. The digestive tract of cats has been shortened and optimized proteins from meat. They simply don’t have the dental or digestive apparatus to process plant materials.
It’s therefore surprising, given their physical inability to process plants, that you will still find cats nibbling on plants from time to time. There are many theories for why cats would nibble plants. They may be trying to balance an upset digestion or add missing vitamins and minerals. Perhaps they simply like the taste. Maybe it’s a combination of factors. The jury is still out on this matter.
Fortunately these days, we don’t have to go out and hunt for food to feed our cats. There are a large number of very good, nutritionally balanced foods available in pet stores to satisfy any cats’ tastes. Try to feed good quality food. It really does make a difference in the health and appearance of your pet. Pick one that your cat likes and stick with it. Cats don’t actually need a lot of variety. Changing their food constantly tends to just make them picky eaters.
Nutritional requirements for your pet will vary by age and size. What she needs as a kitten will be very different than what she will need as an adult. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bag to avoid feeding too much or too little. The average adult cat will need about one cup of food a day. Cats appreciate consistency in their feeding schedules. Try to feed them at the same time each day. Also, try to keep their bowls out of high traffic areas. It’s hard to eat your dinner when people are stepping on you!
Try not to feed your cat people food. Some things, such as chocolate and raw liver are actually toxic to cats. Others cause digestive upset. Remove the bones from any cooked meat you might want to give to your cat. Poultry and pork bones in particular are given to splintering and can injure your cat.
When you need to switch from one type of food to the other, do so in a gradual process. Shifting gradually from one to the other over the course of a week will help prevent digestive upsets. You may need to switch foods because your store may stop carrying the brand you like or perhaps your kitten has grown old enough to graduate to adult food. Do the changeover slowly and your cat will thank you for it.
Feeding treats is something for you to decide if you want to do it. Some people are dead set against them. Others lavish treats on their pets at every opportunity. There are many good cat treats on the market today. Read their directions carefully. You don’t want to overindulge your cat and turn her into a furry beach ball with legs. The only other thing that a cat requires is water. Do your best to keep a nice fresh supply of water available for your pet. With a little thought and planning you can keep your pet healthy and happy for a long time to come.
Cat Grooming Is A Necessary Part Of Responsible Cat Care
February 22, 2010
Pet cat is your family member now and you have to give proper attention towards its health as you give to other family members.
Grooming makes a cat feel calm and assured. Overweight cats need grooming more frequently since they cannot reach every part of their body. Natural cat grooming is one of the reasons why cats are so clean. A cat might have several grooming sessions in day when it would clean the different parts of its body. Hairballs are a big problem in the process of natural cat grooming.
Cats and kittens don’t often require baths, as they clean themselves frequently. Cats have tongues with a rough surface. Cats generally shed their fur once a year. Longhaired cats require the most grooming of at least a few times a week or even daily. Shorthaired cats can be done less often. In the early spring, all cats need groomed more frequently as their shedding increases and raises the tendency for mats and hairballs. Overweight cats need grooming more frequently since they cannot reach every part of their body.
Himalayan cat grooming is very much like what you would do for a Persian cat, although the Himalayan cat requires additional and more special care. Cat grooming is a necessary part of responsible cat care. Cat grooming is in fact a long program of cat health care that covers the entire life span a cat.
Cats are much-adored pets in most households. We carry pet safe products to train and pamper your pet. We believe in happy pets and happy people. Groomers smell, see and feel their way from one end of the pet to the other, and each year tens of thousands of pets are sent to veterinarians for needed care because groomer observations.
Bring back your pet’s shiny coat and promote healthy skin with a weekly combing. All you have to do to keep the cat from getting hairballs is try to help remove the loose fur in the cat’s coat by brushing them.
Bathing is another significant step in making sure your pet is groomed correctly. Bathing a cat is an important cat grooming activity and whether you bathe your cat often or not is a matter of choice as well as suitability. Some cats need a bath, some just need the hair cut or combed. It’s nice to have a cute pet cat as your family member.
They also use their teeth to nibble at the fur and put it back in place. Cats generally shed their fur once a year. Shedding of fur is dependent mostly on light and temperature. When a cat cleans itself, it swallows some of its fur. These fur balls solidify into pellets in the cat’s intestines.
Cat grooming & Bathing why does it take so long? Even Cats need frequent bathing, brushing, ears cleaned and nails trimmed. Flea bathing is also another reason why people search for a cat groomer. Even shorthaired breeds benefit from regular bathing. Perfect for training, nail trimming, reaching for a fearful pet, home medicating, playing with or greeting overly anxious pets, and bathing a fearful pet.
Cleaning your cat’s eyes is part of the grooming process. We have a wide variety of cat cleaning products to help make cleaning even the most finicky of cats a breeze. Brushing and combing your cat’s fur, trimming its nails, bathing it, cleaning its eyes and ears and. When you see your cat licking themselves they are not only cleaning their coat they are also grooming it at the same time. Nail trimming is done and ear cleaning as well. They come with nail trimming, ear cleaning, eyes wiped clean. Cat grooming includes the practices like kitten care, giving hygiene bath, cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth & underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas & insects and fixing regular meeting with a professional veterinary. Use the glove for deep cleaning between toes and the mitt for cleaning large surfaces. Most pet owners think of cats as self-feeding, self-watering, self-eliminating and self-cleaning creatures.
Brushing and combing your cat’s fur, trimming its nails, bathing it, cleaning its eyes and ears and. According to cat experts, grooming your cat is the best way to examine the body’s overall condition and includes a combination of massaging, brushing with a cat brush, combing, removing mats and trimming claws. Fortunately, when it comes to picking the right cat grooming brush there are many options available. Most of our kittens will become very fluffy some will have a cotton like coats that will require daily brushing, which will create a strong bond with you and your kitten, some kittens will have a different type of fur that may only require brushing a few times a month. Of course you will need a few grooming supplies such as shampoo, clippers and a good brush to control shedding and keep her fur looking its finest. This is the right brush for combing and brushing your cat or kitten.
Combing and brushing your cat is a vital aspect of grooming. There are many advantages to combing and brushing. Cats can groom themselves as well; they have specially built tongues just for the brushing of their fur. Cats have little spikes on the tops of their tongue that help for removing knots in their fur, and brushing the fur as they clean themselves. Grooming is fairly simple, requiring only an occasional brushing. Shorthaired cats may last a week between brushings-but it doesn’t hurt to brush him or her more often. If your cat has long hair, he or she will require these brushing sessions at least once a day. As a shorthaired cat, grooming is minimal and they require only occasional brushing to remove any loose hair.
Kitten care is very important practice that requires a lot of patience. It is important to get your kitten used to regular grooming as soon as possible. Kittens tend to spend a lot of time close by their owner and weave themselves around a person’s legs. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. Use cat nail trimmers to clip the nail just to the point at which it begins to curl. It’s during the growing phase when they start shedding out that it’s most important to keep combing those cats all the time and getting all that hair out,” says Strydio. Once its face is clean, the cat normally moves on to clean its front legs, flanks, shoulders and genital area. Just a few of the areas that require grooming on a regular basis include the cats body and coat, ears, teeth, paws and nails, gland area, and eyes. The good news is: you can groom your cat at home if you have the right tools and you understand what areas require attention. Bring back your pet’s shiny coat and promote healthy skin with a weekly combing.
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Caring for your Cat
They like to pretend they are independent, aloof and only come in for food or a nap. But we know better! Cats are a gloriously complex mixture of effusive love, cuddles and tummy tickles, quirky chatty meows, cheekiness and adoring wide eyed pleading the minute they’ve clawed the carpet! They are masters of wrapping us around their little paws and generally beautiful, graceful and loving creatures.
They say the Egyptians used to worship cats – and the cats have never forgotten it! And we say why should they?
Cats are obligate carnivores
Essentially this means that cats must eat meat or fish in their daily diet and that vegetarianism is generally not considered an option for cats. Their diets should contain a high level of good quality meat or fish and animal fat and small quantities of fish oil are also beneficial for skin and coat condition.
Cats need the right balance of vitamins and amino acids
Cats require a careful balance of at least 13 different vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins and amino acids in the right ratio, either derived from the raw materials themselves or from added supplements. Good manufacturers use protected vitamins to prevent them being degraded by processing. With the right food from a reputable supplier, there is no need to give your cat extra vitamins and over dosing of vitamins can be harmful.
Cats don’t drink much
Originally a desert animal, cats are adept at living in harsh dry conditions. Probably due to their desert origins, cats don’t drink an awful lot and if fed wet food they can get all the moisture they need from this. However, if fed dry food, cats should be encouraged to drink and water must be made available. Cats don’t always like tap water, in which case you should consider collecting some rainwater in a clean container or offer bottled water or at least tap water that has been left out to ‘stale’.
Cats have a tendency to get stones or cystitis
Due to their low moisture intake, a cat’s urine is very concentrated and they have a tendency to get stones or cystitis. To help avoid this, the minerals in cat food have to be very carefully balanced in order to give a slightly acidic urinary pH.
Have a look at our range of Supa Cat food, developed to give your cat a well balanced nutritional diet. Alternatively you can call Burgess Pet Care free consumer care line on 0800 413 969 between 9am and 5pm, where our dedicated team of pet experts will help you.
Caring For Your Cat
Cats make very rewarding pets, as long as they are cared for properly. Responsible cat care starts by finding out about what owning a cat will involve before taking on the responsibility of ownership. Here we briefly cover the main points for consideration.
The cost of feeding
Feeding a cat doesn’t have to be expensive, but your cat does have certain requirements from her diet to ensure she lives a happy and healthy life. Take a look at the Supa Cat range of complete foods and our feeding guide to give you an idea of what and how much food to give your cat.
The cost of veterinary treatment
You need to consider the cost of initial neutering, annual vaccinations, as well as any ad hoc treatment that may be needed throughout the course of a cat’s life. When you pick up your new cat or kitten, if it doesn’t have any past history of attending a vet, we recommend you take it to a vet straight away and they will recommend the best course of action regarding vaccinations, worming, fleas, feeding etc.
The time a cat requires from you
Cats are generally independent animals, but they do require time for play and companionship. They also need regular grooming, especially if they are long-haired.
How will you care for you cat while you’re away
You need to consider what you will do with your cat if you go away from home, on holiday for example. You will need to make alternative arrangements during these periods to ensure the continual care of your cat, be it paying for a cattery, getting a friend to ‘cat sit’, or asking a trusted neighbour to help out.
Foods to avoid in cats
Below is a list of foods that should not be fed to cats. The list includes many common household foods but is by no means exhaustive.
Alcoholic beverages
Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine
Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Fat trimmings
Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins
Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Large amounts of liver
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts
Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Milk and other dairy products
Some adult cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Mouldy or spoiled food
Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms
Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Pits from peaches and plums
Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems
Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Raw eggs
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt
If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Sugary foods
Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)
Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Poisonous plants
There are many plants and flowers which can be poisonous to cats if eaten. If you like to have cut flowers in the house the following list, which is not exhaustive includes some of the more dangerous ones. NB – All Lillies are particularly poisonous to cats.
Amaryllis
Stomach and intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea)
Azalea
Incoordination, trembling, collapse
Cactus
Punctures skin, infection
Caladium
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Creeping Charlie
Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps
Easter Lily
All parts can cause kidney failure
Dieffenbachia
Affects central nervous system
Ivy
Vomiting, diarrhoea, excitable behaviour
Mistletoe
Ingesting berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing
Philodendron
Same as Caladium
Poinsettia
Same as Mistletoe
Pets Pantry has a wide selection of the very best Cat Foods available. Continually updated to bring you the best cat food from the best manufacturers with brands such as Hills Science Plan, Burns, Natures Best, Pro Plan, Royal Canin to name just a few.
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Cat breeds with long fur tend to develop hairballs than those with short hair. Hairballs in cats shouldn’t be taken for granted for it poses many serious problems if left untreated. If your furry friend cannot rid itself of a cat hairball through defecating or vomiting, she might suffer from a blockage in her digestive system. Severe cases of cat hairballs are life-threatening and need to be removed though surgery. Among the common signs if your cat has hairballs is the loss of appetite or if she is having erratic bowel movements. A cat with dreaded hairballs usually suffers from constipation.
Though there is no exact cat hairball treatment to cure common cat hairballs, there are many preventative ways that can be done before doing any costly surgery. Remember that the formation of hairballs in a cat’s stomach is caused by a behavioral problem. Often times, cats that develop hairballs are either compulsive, bored or stressed out. You can prevent your cat from ingesting her fur by redirecting her energy and attention to fun activities such as playing in the park or giving her cat treats and toys.
Here are some simple cat hairball treatment tips to control or minimize the chance of getting cat hairballs:
1. Regular cat grooming is an effective way to prevent cat hairballs. Comb your cat’s fur as often as possible to get rid of dead hair. By doing this step, you will lessen the instances of too much ingestion of hair. After brushing, wipe your cat’s fur using a moist, clean towel to remove excess dead fur.
2. If cat hairballs continue to bother your pet’s life, use a special lubricant to help your cat digest the offending cat hairballs through her digestive system.
3. Buy special hairball treats for your feline friend. Nowadays, you can purchase a wide variety of edible cat treats with particular components that are designed to break up cat hairballs. Many of these cat treats consist of mineral oil.
4. If your feline shows problematic behaviors like retching or lack of bowel movements, bring her to the vet as soon as possible. She needs to undergo a thorough medical examination to determine the best possible treatment method to get rid of dreaded cat hairballs.
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
Heres a range of hairball treatments that will help
If you want to help prevent furballs through your cats diet try Hills Science Plan
Just when you thought that old “cat lady” cliche was an urban myth comes word from the Veterinary Record journal that cat owners tend to be older and female. But on the upside the same study showed cat owners are smarter.
The research done by the U.K.’s University of Bristol revealed cat owners were more likely to be college graduates than dog owners. The study, which compiled data from almost 3 thousand people, asked about their education, pets and where they lived.
Dr. Jane Murray led the study and said “cats require less time per day than dogs, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes.”
Murray said the higher intelligence of cat owners isn’t exactly directly related to the feline mystique, rather pet owners with more education work longer hours. The cats fit into their lifestyles since they don’t have to be walked like their canine counterparts.
But dog owners need not feel “dumbed- down”, yet another study showed dogs themselves were smarter than cats.
Animal Radio® is the “most-listened-to” animal programming in the U.S.; on 95 AM-FM radio stations including Los Angeles’ KOST 103.5 FM and XM Satellite Radio. Internet savvy folks can listen online anytime by logging onto http://AnimalRadio.com.
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.
This article was very useful for a paper I am writing for my thesis.
Thanks
Bernice Franklin
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No cat wants to be dirty, and it’s up to you to ensure that your cat stays clean. Grooming is very important, as it helps your cat remain clean and healthy. Grooming starts with brushing, as brushing helps to keep the cats hair from becoming hairballs. Brushing will remove loose hair, and help prevent the risk of hairballs. A lot of cats have trouble dislodging hairballs. If the cat isn’t able to get a hairball out, it could result in a blockage of the intestines. Blockages are very serious, and can quickly become life threatening for your pet.
Cats that have long hair need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, while cats with short hair need to be groomed on a weekly basis. When you brush your cat, you should always watch for lumps in the coat and skin irritations. You should start brushing along the cat’s back, going from his head to his tail. Do this a few times on one side, and then switch to the other. Each area should be brushed a few times in the direction of the way your cat’s hair is growing.
When you brush your cat, you should always avoid brushing his face and paws. If a cat doesn’t like to be brushed, you can still groom him using another tool. The grooming glove is an excellent alternative to the brush, as most cats don’t mind it at all. Starting out young is the key to grooming, as it will get your cat used to brushing and grooming. Some cats that have started grooming when they were kittens grow to love it, many of which often look forward to their grooming time.
When brushing your cat, make sure that you check his ears, eyes, teeth, and claws. His eyes should be bright and clear with nothing residing in the corners. His ears should be clean, pink in color, and no sign of ear mites.
Ear mites result from dirt built up in a cat’s ears, and can result in the ears shriveling up and your cat losing his hearing. Ear mites are very annoying for the cat, and hard for you as an owner to get rid of. The best way to get rid of them – is to ensure that your cat’s ears stay clean and healthy.
Each time you groom your cat, you should always aim to go a bit further with your examinations. When your cat remains still, you should always praise him and give him a treat. If your cat doesn’t cooperate and starts to struggle, you shouldn’t fight with him, but instead let him go and try the next day. Once your cat gets used to grooming he will look forward to it each and every day.
Grooming Your Cat courtesy of Cat Articles
Grooming you cat is an important daily routine, especially if your cat isn’t doing it by himself or herself. Here at Pets Pantry we have a comprehensive range of cat grooming brushes and grooming aides to help do the job.
Cats are what are known as obligate carnivores. An obligate carnivore is one that must east meat. You cannot just turn her out to graze in a pasture. The digestive tract of cats has been shortened and optimized proteins from meat. They simply don’t have the dental or digestive apparatus to process plant materials.
It’s therefore surprising, given their physical inability to process plants, that you will still find cats nibbling on plants from time to time. There are many theories for why cats would nibble plants. They may be trying to balance an upset digestion or add missing vitamins and minerals. Perhaps they simply like the taste. Maybe it’s a combination of factors. The jury is still out on this matter.
Fortunately these days, we don’t have to go out and hunt for food to feed our cats. There are a large number of very good, nutritionally balanced foods available in pet stores to satisfy any cats’ tastes. Try to feed good quality food. It really does make a difference in the health and appearance of your pet. Pick one that your cat likes and stick with it. Cats don’t actually need a lot of variety. Changing their food constantly tends to just make them picky eaters.
Nutritional requirements for your pet will vary by age and size. What she needs as a kitten will be very different than what she will need as an adult. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bag to avoid feeding too much or too little. The average adult cat will need about one cup of food a day. Cats appreciate consistency in their feeding schedules. Try to feed them at the same time each day. Also, try to keep their bowls out of high traffic areas. It’s hard to eat your dinner when people are stepping on you!
Try not to feed your cat people food. Some things, such as chocolate and raw liver are actually toxic to cats. Others cause digestive upset. Remove the bones from any cooked meat you might want to give to your cat. Poultry and pork bones in particular are given to splintering and can injure your cat.
When you need to switch from one type of food to the other, do so in a gradual process. Shifting gradually from one to the other over the course of a week will help prevent digestive upsets. You may need to switch foods because your store may stop carrying the brand you like or perhaps your kitten has grown old enough to graduate to adult food. Do the changeover slowly and your cat will thank you for it.
Feeding treats is something for you to decide if you want to do it. Some people are dead set against them. Others lavish treats on their pets at every opportunity. There are many good cat treats on the market today. Read their directions carefully. You don’t want to overindulge your cat and turn her into a furry beach ball with legs. The only other thing that a cat requires is water. Do your best to keep a nice fresh supply of water available for your pet. With a little thought and planning you can keep your pet healthy and happy for a long time to come.
Grooming Your Cat courtesy of Cat Articles
For a large comprehensive range of cat foods browse Pets Pantry’s website for a wide choice of adult , kitten and senior cat foods from all the major manufacturers.
Pet cat is your family member now and you have to give proper attention towards its health as you give to other family members.
Grooming makes a cat feel calm and assured. Overweight cats need grooming more frequently since they cannot reach every part of their body. Natural cat grooming is one of the reasons why cats are so clean. A cat might have several grooming sessions in day when it would clean the different parts of its body. Hairballs are a big problem in the process of natural cat grooming.
Cats and kittens don’t often require baths, as they clean themselves frequently. Cats have tongues with a rough surface. Cats generally shed their fur once a year. Longhaired cats require the most grooming of at least a few times a week or even daily. Shorthaired cats can be done less often. In the early spring, all cats need groomed more frequently as their shedding increases and raises the tendency for mats and hairballs. Overweight cats need grooming more frequently since they cannot reach every part of their body.
Himalayan cat grooming is very much like what you would do for a Persian cat, although the Himalayan cat requires additional and more special care. Cat grooming is a necessary part of responsible cat care. Cat grooming is in fact a long program of cat health care that covers the entire life span a cat.
Cats are much-adored pets in most households. We carry pet safe products to train and pamper your pet. We believe in happy pets and happy people. Groomers smell, see and feel their way from one end of the pet to the other, and each year tens of thousands of pets are sent to veterinarians for needed care because groomer observations.
Bring back your pet’s shiny coat and promote healthy skin with a weekly combing. All you have to do to keep the cat from getting hairballs is try to help remove the loose fur in the cat’s coat by brushing them.
Bathing is another significant step in making sure your pet is groomed correctly. Bathing a cat is an important cat grooming activity and whether you bathe your cat often or not is a matter of choice as well as suitability. Some cats need a bath, some just need the hair cut or combed. It’s nice to have a cute pet cat as your family member.
They also use their teeth to nibble at the fur and put it back in place. Cats generally shed their fur once a year. Shedding of fur is dependent mostly on light and temperature. When a cat cleans itself, it swallows some of its fur. These fur balls solidify into pellets in the cat’s intestines.
Cat grooming & Bathing why does it take so long? Even Cats need frequent bathing, brushing, ears cleaned and nails trimmed. Flea bathing is also another reason why people search for a cat groomer. Even shorthaired breeds benefit from regular bathing. Perfect for training, nail trimming, reaching for a fearful pet, home medicating, playing with or greeting overly anxious pets, and bathing a fearful pet.
Cleaning your cat’s eyes is part of the grooming process. We have a wide variety of cat cleaning products to help make cleaning even the most finicky of cats a breeze. Brushing and combing your cat’s fur, trimming its nails, bathing it, cleaning its eyes and ears and. When you see your cat licking themselves they are not only cleaning their coat they are also grooming it at the same time. Nail trimming is done and ear cleaning as well. They come with nail trimming, ear cleaning, eyes wiped clean. Cat grooming includes the practices like kitten care, giving hygiene bath, cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth & underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas & insects and fixing regular meeting with a professional veterinary. Use the glove for deep cleaning between toes and the mitt for cleaning large surfaces. Most pet owners think of cats as self-feeding, self-watering, self-eliminating and self-cleaning creatures.
Brushing and combing your cat’s fur, trimming its nails, bathing it, cleaning its eyes and ears and. According to cat experts, grooming your cat is the best way to examine the body’s overall condition and includes a combination of massaging, brushing with a cat brush, combing, removing mats and trimming claws. Fortunately, when it comes to picking the right cat grooming brush there are many options available. Most of our kittens will become very fluffy some will have a cotton like coats that will require daily brushing, which will create a strong bond with you and your kitten, some kittens will have a different type of fur that may only require brushing a few times a month. Of course you will need a few grooming supplies such as shampoo, clippers and a good brush to control shedding and keep her fur looking its finest. This is the right brush for combing and brushing your cat or kitten.
Combing and brushing your cat is a vital aspect of grooming. There are many advantages to combing and brushing. Cats can groom themselves as well; they have specially built tongues just for the brushing of their fur. Cats have little spikes on the tops of their tongue that help for removing knots in their fur, and brushing the fur as they clean themselves. Grooming is fairly simple, requiring only an occasional brushing. Shorthaired cats may last a week between brushings-but it doesn’t hurt to brush him or her more often. If your cat has long hair, he or she will require these brushing sessions at least once a day. As a shorthaired cat, grooming is minimal and they require only occasional brushing to remove any loose hair.
Kitten care is very important practice that requires a lot of patience. It is important to get your kitten used to regular grooming as soon as possible. Kittens tend to spend a lot of time close by their owner and weave themselves around a person’s legs. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. Use cat nail trimmers to clip the nail just to the point at which it begins to curl. It’s during the growing phase when they start shedding out that it’s most important to keep combing those cats all the time and getting all that hair out,” says Strydio. Once its face is clean, the cat normally moves on to clean its front legs, flanks, shoulders and genital area. Just a few of the areas that require grooming on a regular basis include the cats body and coat, ears, teeth, paws and nails, gland area, and eyes. The good news is: you can groom your cat at home if you have the right tools and you understand what areas require attention. Bring back your pet’s shiny coat and promote healthy skin with a weekly combing.
Here at Pets Pantry we have a comprehensive range of cat grooming products including slicker brushes, grooming gloves and a great range of Mikki grooming products.
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Caring for your Cat
They like to pretend they are independent, aloof and only come in for food or a nap. But we know better! Cats are a gloriously complex mixture of effusive love, cuddles and tummy tickles, quirky chatty meows, cheekiness and adoring wide eyed pleading the minute they’ve clawed the carpet! They are masters of wrapping us around their little paws and generally beautiful, graceful and loving creatures.
They say the Egyptians used to worship cats – and the cats have never forgotten it! And we say why should they?
Nutrition for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores
Essentially this means that cats must eat meat or fish in their daily diet and that vegetarianism is generally not considered an option for cats. Their diets should contain a high level of good quality meat or fish and animal fat and small quantities of fish oil are also beneficial for skin and coat condition.
Cats need the right balance of vitamins and amino acids
Cats require a careful balance of at least 13 different vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins and amino acids in the right ratio, either derived from the raw materials themselves or from added supplements. Good manufacturers use protected vitamins to prevent them being degraded by processing. With the right food from a reputable supplier, there is no need to give your cat extra vitamins and over dosing of vitamins can be harmful.
Cats don’t drink much
Originally a desert animal, cats are adept at living in harsh dry conditions. Probably due to their desert origins, cats don’t drink an awful lot and if fed wet food they can get all the moisture they need from this. However, if fed dry food, cats should be encouraged to drink and water must be made available. Cats don’t always like tap water, in which case you should consider collecting some rainwater in a clean container or offer bottled water or at least tap water that has been left out to ‘stale’.
Cats have a tendency to get stones or cystitis
Due to their low moisture intake, a cat’s urine is very concentrated and they have a tendency to get stones or cystitis. To help avoid this, the minerals in cat food have to be very carefully balanced in order to give a slightly acidic urinary pH.
Have a look at our range of Supa Cat food, developed to give your cat a well balanced nutritional diet. Alternatively you can call Burgess Pet Care free consumer care line on 0800 413 969 between 9am and 5pm, where our dedicated team of pet experts will help you.
Caring For Your Cat
Cats make very rewarding pets, as long as they are cared for properly. Responsible cat care starts by finding out about what owning a cat will involve before taking on the responsibility of ownership. Here we briefly cover the main points for consideration.
The cost of feeding
Feeding a cat doesn’t have to be expensive, but your cat does have certain requirements from her diet to ensure she lives a happy and healthy life. Take a look at the Supa Cat range of complete foods and our feeding guide to give you an idea of what and how much food to give your cat.
The cost of veterinary treatment
You need to consider the cost of initial neutering, annual vaccinations, as well as any ad hoc treatment that may be needed throughout the course of a cat’s life. When you pick up your new cat or kitten, if it doesn’t have any past history of attending a vet, we recommend you take it to a vet straight away and they will recommend the best course of action regarding vaccinations, worming, fleas, feeding etc.
The time a cat requires from you
Cats are generally independent animals, but they do require time for play and companionship. They also need regular grooming, especially if they are long-haired.
How will you care for you cat while you’re away
You need to consider what you will do with your cat if you go away from home, on holiday for example. You will need to make alternative arrangements during these periods to ensure the continual care of your cat, be it paying for a cattery, getting a friend to ‘cat sit’, or asking a trusted neighbour to help out.
Foods to avoid in cats
Below is a list of foods that should not be fed to cats. The list includes many common household foods but is by no means exhaustive.
Alcoholic beverages
Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine
Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Fat trimmings
Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins
Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Large amounts of liver
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts
Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Milk and other dairy products
Some adult cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Mouldy or spoiled food
Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms
Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Pits from peaches and plums
Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems
Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Raw eggs
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt
If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Sugary foods
Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)
Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Poisonous plants
There are many plants and flowers which can be poisonous to cats if eaten. If you like to have cut flowers in the house the following list, which is not exhaustive includes some of the more dangerous ones. NB – All Lillies are particularly poisonous to cats.
Amaryllis
Stomach and intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea)
Azalea
Incoordination, trembling, collapse
Cactus
Punctures skin, infection
Caladium
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Creeping Charlie
Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps
Easter Lily
All parts can cause kidney failure
Dieffenbachia
Affects central nervous system
Ivy
Vomiting, diarrhoea, excitable behaviour
Mistletoe
Ingesting berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing
Philodendron
Same as Caladium
Poinsettia
Same as Mistletoe
Pets Pantry has a wide selection of the very best Cat Foods available. Continually updated to bring you the best cat food from the best manufacturers with brands such as Hills Science Plan, Burns, Natures Best, Pro Plan, Royal Canin to name just a few.