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Although referred to as hairballs, the often slimy wads of fur that your cat throws up are more cylindrical in shape than round. Generally slender and about 1 inch long, hairballs are usually coughed up after your cat retches, gags and hacks. Regardless of the size of the hairball, some can come out within seconds and some can take about one minute or longer. On rare occasions, retching and hacking doesn't result in a hairball. The swallowed hair just accumulates and might trigger a problem that requires professional help.
If your cat has recently developed a habit of either rubbing or dragging her rear end around the floors of your home, look into the situation further. Since your kitty probably isn't trying out a new style of dance, there's a good chance she's dealing with uncomfortable anal sac woes -- poor dear.
If Mittens enjoys climbing, it's not unreasonable to think she'll find her way into your apple tree when she's outside. Though she'd make a lovely picture nestled among the pretty pink and white flowers, she should steer clear of them. Apple blossoms are trouble for her.
Before they're neutered, male cats use urine marking primarily to attract a mate. Having your cat fixed isn't a guarantee that the marking will stop. Even after they are neutered, male cats may go on marking, creating unpleasant stains and smells throughout your home. If you can identify the possible cause of his behavior, you can seek treatment advice from a veterinarian or behaviorist.
Colds and other respiratory infections are among the most contagious feline diseases. If you are the proud owner of several cats, separating a sick kitty from the rest may prevent the spread of the virus. Quarantine doesn't always work, though, so be prepared to make a visit to the vet.
Blackbirds are commonly found in urban and rural areas and have therefore long been easy prey for the predator-cat. But a recent, controversial study indicates the problem may be far greater than imagined. According to an analysis published in the journal Nature Communications, outdoor cats (feral and owned) are the leading cause of bird deaths in the United States, killing 1.4 billion to 3.7 billion birds each year. Many of those dead birds are blackbirds.
Vaccines play an important role in protecting your cat from infectious diseases. Vaccines work by preparing your cat’s immune system to protect the body from an invasion of disease-causing pathogens. There are several vaccinations available, but some are more common than others. Discuss your options with your veterinarian to set up a vaccination schedule that is appropriate for your cat.
Cats sometimes nibble on plants when they are exploring outdoors. Some of the bushes most frequently used in landscaping are poisonous, and can sicken or kill a cat even if the amount ingested is small. If you have an outdoor cat, it's an excellent idea to identify all of the plants he might encounter in his explorations. Knowing where the dangers are is the first step in landscaping to create a pet-friendly yard.
Flowering vines can be beautiful, fragrant additions to your garden. They offer shade and color, but their long tendrils may be quite tempting to Kitty. If you think she'll lunch on your flowers, plant with her in mind. The trumpet vine is one of several safe choices for her.
Even if your pet isn't a plant-eater, keeping lilies around the house is a health hazard for your furry friend. Easter lilies and other members of the Lilium genus, including hybrid lilies, are toxic to felines. Eating even a little bit of these plants makes most cats sick.
It's no secret that cats are avid groomers, and unless you own a hairless cat, finding and cleaning up hairballs is part of being a cat parent. While grooming, your cats ingests his own hair, some of which might not pass through his digestive system, resulting in a regurgitated hairball. Hairball gel can spare your pet companion the gagging, retching and hacking that often goes paired with bringing up the hairball. The gel lubricates the hair so it can pass in his stool, resulting in fewer cleanups for you.
Early spring flowers are among the welcomest of sights after a long winter. Your kitty might be happy to see the flowers as well, but for a different reason. He might be interested in trying them out as a snack. Plenty of plants are harmless for a cat to munch, but plenty are not. Among the latter are paper whites. Keep your cat away from paper whites. They're highly toxic.
Spaying a cat is a straightforward surgery with a simple goal: to prevent her from going into heat and becoming pregnant. With feline overpopulation rampant in neighborhoods and cities all over the world, spaying is important to the well-being of cats and to their ability to live well with humans.
A bit of greenery in the house allows you to flex your green thumb's muscle during the winter months and livens up your living space. If you share your space with a cat, you have to think about her well-being, too. If Kitty's a grazer, choose cat-friendly plants.
If you're hesitating to have your cat neutered, don't buy into myths about the procedure. Your cat won't become depressed, and he won't hold it against you. In fact, he'll almost certainly live a calmer, happier life. Indeed, he may gain a bit of weight -- it's an indirect response to being neutered -- but it's nothing you can't prevent with a lifestyle change or two.
It's fair to say you'll be surprised when you take the cat for a spaying only to discover your vet can't spay her because she's expecting. The surgery that would have prevented her pregnancy will have to wait. You won’t be able to get her spayed right away after her litter is born. She’ll be ready several weeks after delivery.
Relieving allergies to cats isn't nearly as difficult as you may have been led to believe. Relieve allergies to cats with help from an expert from the Arizona Natural Health Center in this free video clip.
People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to things like cat dander. Learn about allergies to cats in humans with help from an expert from the Arizona Natural Health Center in this free video clip.
If your cat is hyper after being spayed, there are a few key things you can do to try to help. Learn what to do if your cat is acting hyper after being spayed with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Cats make clicking noises with their teeth when in the vicinity of potential prey, such as birds, squirrels or moving toys. This instinctive behavior is sometimes referred to as chattering and is seen in both domesticated cats and feral cats. While this sound is normal if made occasionally, if you observe your cat consistently clicking his teeth together, this could indicate a dental problem, which requires the attention of a veterinarian.
With ear mites being a major cause of ear infections in cats, pet owners need to look for excessive ear scratching and head-shaking as symptoms that the biting bugs have taken up residence. Treatment of the tiny parasites is easy and inexpensive, but it needs to begin at the first sign of discomfort; it can take up to three weeks to destroy all the mites, and they are highly contagious among furry pets. If left untreated, these small creatures can damage a cat's eardrum, causing a host of serious problems for cats.
Cats with digestive system issues may have special dietary considerations until they are well. Diarrhea and parasites are two health concerns that commonly affect felines. Though diarrhea can have many causes, several types of parasites often result in diarrhea until they are treated and eliminated. During the treatment process, cats benefit from diets that are gentle on their healing digestive systems.
Neutering is the term used to describe a routine veterinary procedure in which male cats and other animals are surgically altered through removal of their testicles. Upon completion of the procedure, male cats are no longer able to reproduce. Removal of the testicles leads to positive changes in behavior among male cats and can help improve their longevity. Un-neutered cats retain the ability to reproduce, and they're liable to exhibit behaviors that are undesirable to pet owners.
Excessive diarrhea in cats can sometimes be taken as a sign of a few distinct things. Stop excessive diarrhea in cats with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
Making a cat's nose and whiskers with makeup is something you can accomplish in just a couple of moments. Make a cat's nose and whiskers with makeup with help from a makeup expert in this free video clip.
A cat's insatiable curiosity can sometimes lead to trouble, and other times to some messy situations. When a cat gets dirt on its nose, it will occasionally sneeze to get the dirt off. When that doesn't work, it is up to you to clean out your favorite feline's nose. Cleaning its nose will allow you to inspect it for signs of respiratory illness or infection. Removing dirt that is lodged in a cat's nose can seem tricky, but with a steady hand and some common household items, your cat will soon be ready for its next adventure.
Cats are common house pets, and no matter the breed or environment some cats share common traits due to heredity. One of those is the primordial pouch, sometimes referred to as "spay sway" by owners who notice it once the cat has been spayed or neutered. While many owners may worry that the drooping stomach affects a cats' healths, primordial pouches are quite natural, and it's something that many cats have.
Cats always seem to be on the lookout for trouble, and many of them find it in the form of houseplants. Some cats enjoy digging in the dirt around plants, playing with the leaves and even eating them. While this is generally harmless behavior, some plants can poison cats that ingest them. Before you let your cat run loose indoors or outside, determine which plants in your home or on your property are safe and nontoxic.
Cats are meat-loving animals, but are known to sample plants from time to time. Many cats munch on plants out of boredom or to get your attention. Cat owners must take care to place plants inside their homes or yards that are not toxic to cats, if ingested. Camellia is a good choice for homeowners, as it does not produce plant poisoning symptoms if ingested.
While hairballs look disgusting, they are formed because a cat is constantly grooming itself. During the grooming process, loose and dead hairs are caught by the tongue, ingested and may eventually turn into part of a hairball. Hairballs will appear long and cigar-shaped once vomited out by your cat, and are easy to identify because they are made from a mass of hair. There are natural remedies available to pet owners that should help prevent hairballs from occurring.
Government agencies and private nonprofit foundations provide funding to help pay for cat spay/neuter services. Spay/neuter services help to control cat population and prevent the cruelty or abandonment of unwanted animals. Spay/neuter services may be subsidized or offered for free to families who cannot not afford the high cost of the operation.
For pet owners, the main hazard of hairballs from their cats is the unsavory appearance and smell of the hairballs themselves. For cats, however, hairballs are a natural part of life. Hairballs can, however, sometimes be dangerous, and it helps to know the potential hazards of hairballs so you can help keep your cat healthy.
Hundreds of years ago cats crossed the ocean to North America with the Europeans. Since then they have become a popular pet and companion. In the wild a cat will usually live between 2-5 years. Domestic cats live much longer, sometimes up to 17 years. During old age many cats will face health problems. If your elderly cat is having balance problems you need to see a veterinarian to get an accurate diagnoses. Some conditions causing the imbalance may be treatable, but unfortunately others are not.
Cats often nibble on plants and flowers in the home or outdoor garden. These plants can include carnations and pansies. While many plants are safe for consumption, some plants can cause serious health effects if they're eaten by your cat. You must make sure your pet does not have access to poisonous plants or flowers. Even if the plants are not poisonous, they may still cause adverse effects if ingested.
Cats are mysterious creatures. Many cat habits baffle human owners, such as the ritual of shaking their feet when they go out in the cold. Cats, however, don't always perform this ritual. When they do, they usually have good reasons.
Scottish terriers are known for being devoted and well-mannered little dogs that can sometimes be stubborn but still make loyal pets. This breed of dog is small in stature and enjoys a fair amount of exercise and independence. Scottish terriers can have a tendency toward skin problems such as mange and other conditions brought on by things like allergies and environment. Treat these issues in a timely manner to ensure the health of your Scottie.
Onion tops are toxic to cats, as are all parts of the onion. Onions are members of the allium family of bulbs, which also includes garlic, leeks, shallots, lilies and other plants. Although alliums have many health benefits for humans, including alleviation of asthma symptoms, ingestion of onion tops by cats can lead to illness and death. It is essential to keep your cat away from green onions, and to be aware of the signs of onion toxicity.
As your cat's caregiver, you are the person responsible for ensuring its needs are met. It can be alarming to note a sudden change in your cat's physique and overall well-being. There are a number of reasons your cat might suddenly drop weight and still remain hungry. Whether your cat has stopped eating entirely or eats but is constantly hungry, intervention is needed.
Cats enjoy playing in the garden and sleeping or playing among your plants. Given the number of household plants that can be toxic to animals, you need to ensure that your garden remains safe for your feline. The lavender plant in its natural form will not poison your cat if ingested in small quantities. Keep products such as essential oils made from lavender away from your cat because these could make your pet ill.
Many owners of ailing cats prefer treating their pets with homeopathic or natural remedies rather than with prescribed antibiotics. A number of natural and homeopathic treatments are available for weight loss and hair loss, although you should always have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine whether the problem lies in the thyroid gland before starting a course of treatment. Some vets may be opposed to natural and homeopathic remedies, but will usually be cooperative if you explain your wishes clearly. Alternatively, many states now have holistic vets who can provide expert advice on alternative treatments.
Cats need proper nutrition to promote their health and happiness. Meeting your cat's nutritional needs will extend its longevity. To meet your cat's nutritional needs, find foods that have an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label, which will guarantee that your cat's nutritional needs will be fulfilled.
Anal prolapse is the protrusion of the red mucous tissue lining of the rectum. Anal prolapse can occur briefly after your cat has a bowel movement but usually corrects itself after a few minutes.There is no known specific cause for this condition in cats, however veterinarians check for ailments that cause irritation and discomfort and work to resolve them. With proper diagnosis and treatment, Anal prolapse can be controlled or eliminated.
Foxglove is a type of plant from the Digitalis family with colorful, bell-shaped flowers. All Digitalis plants are sometimes referred to as foxgloves, the most recognizable of which is the common foxglove. Gardeners should be careful when including foxglove in their garden, however, because it is extremely dangerous to humans and animals.
Just like human beings, cats may become constipated when passing stools is difficult, infrequent or impossible altogether. While healthy cats typically produce bowel movements once or twice a day, a cat experiencing constipation defecates once every two or three days, according to WebMD. If your cat is constipated for two weeks or more, it is most likely chronically constipated, and you should take it to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. To avoid further complications, a chronically constipated cat should be treated as soon as the constipation problem is discovered.
Keeping an animal healthy is a major responsibility of pet owners, and small cuts or scrapes need to be treated to prevent infection. For cat owners, treating cuts on the nose can be a bit complicated due to the tendency of cats to lick their noses. If your cat suffers a cut on the nose, treat the wound quickly to help it heal properly.
Cat owners know hairballs are a common problem. Cats' rough tongues pull fur from their bodies while grooming. They swallow these small bits of debris and fur. Most of it is expelled in their feces, but some of it becomes compacted in the intestines. Large hairballs cause retching and gagging, which eventually leads to vomiting. Hairballs are not serious, unless they occur frequently or prevent your cat from eating or using the litter box. Several homeopathic remedies exist for preventing and eliminating hairballs.
Many animal lovers presume that it is less tedious to maintain a pet bird in comparison to a larger animal such as a dog or cat. However, you will be surprised by the additional problems of dust and health that birds are capable of bringing into your home! Undoubtedly, birds make beautiful pets, especially the ones with colored feathers. Nevertheless, if you opt to bring one home, be prepared to handle the mess created by bird dander.
A cat's paw pads may be burned because of exposure to heat or chemicals. The burns may be severe or mild, depending on the time of exposure and the intensity of the burn's cause. The cat will lick the wounded pads, and they will be red, blistered and swollen. In severe cases, the cat may suffer from shock. Administer first aid help and take your pet to the veterinarian. The treatment of the burn depends on its severity.
Because puppies usually move quickly and easily on their four legs, it is easy to overlook the hard wear their paws may be subjected to. The pad on the pup's paw is tougher than the sole on a human's foot, partly because it becomes hardened by use. However, it is not immune to injury or soreness. A dog's paws are not the equivalent of human shoes. They are particularly vulnerable to being cut by glass or sharp stones or affected by extremes of weather. You may notice your puppy licking it's paw a lot and it may even avoid walking.
Rearing young kittens, particularly when the mother is absent, can be a lot of hard, round-the-clock work. A few pointers from experienced foster cat parents can let you know what to do at home to solve a these common health problems and when it may be necessary to visit the veterinarian when you identify bloating or dehydration in your kittens.
