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 The biggest myth surrounding cat ownership is that cats are worry
free, self-contained and self-providing pets that require little or no maintenance. Cats are so good at giving people the impression of independence and self-reliance that people believe they don't have to provide the highly focused attention to cats that, say, dogs require. The fact of the matter is that cats do require the same attention to detail that any dog does, and maybe even a little more, in some cases. This is especially true when it comes to probing the controversy regarding whether raw cat food is better that canned cat food or kibbles for your feline ward.

It's a sad thing to look around our country these days and see so many people who have allowed themselves to become overweight and then have to deal with the consequential suffering and ill-health effects of obesity. Diabetes, shortness of breath, constant exhaustion from lugging around so many extra pounds and lowered self-esteem. Of course, the garment industry is singing happy tunes with all the extra thread they have to put together. There's no shortage of explanations for why this situation has come about, but I think when it comes down to it we can only blame ourselves at the individual level for allowing such a condition to take root. After all, how many pounds overweight does one have to get before they realize that something's not right and becoming a problem? 10, 20... 50 lbs? And how long does it take to realize that the magic pills, diets, elixirs and effortless, lose-weight-with-no-work-out machines are products being marketed to your ego, to separate you from your bank account, and not to solve your problem? No... the only way to find an ideal normality is with thorough research, discovery and a lot of hard work accompanied with a healthy life style change. But, enough sermonizing about the human condition. This is about cats, their eating habits and raw cat food.

One thing needs to come along with this discussion from the previous paragraph. Most people are not experts in animal nutrition and rely on others to lead them in the right direction. The source for most 'experts' available to a person for their daily decision making and selection of choices usually comes to us through the traditional media of radio, newspapers, television and now, the internet. Media offers two kinds of resources. Investigative reporting which is presented in newscasts or opinion pieces, and secondly, the marketing hype that provides commercial broadcast funding. The former is reliable enough to put credence into and might call for further research on your part if it interests you. The latter really only wants you to spend your money with them. That's not necessarily bad... it does ultimately put people to work and provides many with an adequate, and even comfortable living. Unfortunately, the bottom line is... corporations only have one objective in the end. That is to feed their bottom line. Now recent events have caused many to reconsider the morality behind a corporations goals. But, as long as this market structure is the paradigm for our economy, the ultimate goal for big business will always be to maximize their profit-loss statements towards the profit end of the spectrum, any way they can get away with, and at your expense... literally.

So, what does this have to do with cats and if raw cat food is what you should be feeding them? Simply put, most people rely on the marketing hype to base their decisions regarding the food they feed their pets. Which is exactly the wrong source for basing such a critical decision. Take the cat for example. It's not only a scientific fact, but a cultural one also, that the cat is described as an obligate carnivore. This defines cats as creatures who derive most of their food nutrients from the animals they hunt and consume (raw cat food). When a cat devours it's prey, she will eat everything including not only muscle meat, but the brains, organ meat and the stomach and its contents which may consist of grasses and grains. One thing she doesn't do is fire up a stove and saute or bake her dinner, or prepare a nice sauce to go with it. She eats it raw. Cultural purists use this description as an argument that feeding cats store bought, mass produced canned or dry cat food is doing your cat a disservice by depriving her of the natural nutrients she would normally get in the raw cat food she captures in the wild, and for which she was biologically designed.

Pottenger's cats 
Francis M. Pottenger, Jr. (1901 - 1967) was the son of Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., the physician who co-founded the Pottenger Sanatorium for treatment of tuberculosis in Monrovia, California. Between 1932 and 1942 he conducted what is know as the Pottenger Cat Study. One part of this study was what effect heat had on the nutrient value of raw food. In other words, what happens to food when you cook it.

"Pottenger used donated laboratory cats to test the potency of the adrenal

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In order to understand what cats like to play with, you need to first understand the nature of your cat. We call cats pets but actually 90% of their nature is still "wild". Cats don't "think", they act in most cases on their natural instincts.

Cats can be categorized as "sneakers and hunters". They hunt birds, mice and other small animals. Their method is, they sneak as close as possible towards their prey. Then they have the best chances to suddenly appear right next to the prey and grab it. If you understand this hunting behavior, you can have a lot of fun playing with your cat. Playing is absolutely necessary for the health and feelings of your cat. Here are some ideas on how you can do it:

- Take a straw and hide behind a furniture. Leave only a little piece of the straw that can be seen by your cat. Then move the straw backwards, so that the cat can see less of it. I bet you, the cat will jump at it before it's all gone behind the furniture.

- Take a piece of paper and crumple it to a ball. Then put a little cord around it and tie it up. Your cat will love this toy, you can use it for any kind of stuff. You hand hold it just as high that your cat can reach the ball. You can will jump at it. My cat used to do even somersaults when I used that toy.

- Cats will run after all kinds of little balls, like those little ones made of paper. Unfortunately they don't bring the balls back like dogs do it...

- You can use long tiny branches, sticks or blade of gras to play with your cat.

So there are various ways to play with your cat. Keep in mind that they like to chase, hide and creap than you will be able to come up with all kinds of new ideas on how to play with your cat. Be aware that cats don't always want to play. Cats sleep a lot during daytime and they might not want to be boughered. They are just different than dogs, they have their own "will". You can not force a cat to do anything, the cat will show you what it likes and what not, so listen carefully!

Finally you should give your cat the possibility to go outside the house, if possible. Cats love the nature and they love to play in the garden. Don't be afraid that your cat runs away, it will come back if you treated it good... You should get the cat used to be outside the house when it is little, then it will be able to build its natural instincts.


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 Inappropriate elimination is the number 1 cause of cats being put
down, given away, sold and/or abandoned. When it comes to inappropriate elimination Veterinarians have been using Prozac for cats, to eliminate the problem of inappropriate elimination. Prozac for cats has been a miracle drug for many cats facing the possibility of euthanasia or abandonment, saving them from a bad end, and giving them the life they deserve.

Even though they have a reputation for being independent and self-sufficient, many cats manifest behavior issues or negative habits which requirement attention. Prior to finding a new home for the cat, doing away with it to the dangerous outdoors, or even the idea of putting the animal down, think about finding out what is causing the issue, how to deal with the behavior, and how to re-train your pet. With appropriate know-how, ones cat can once again be loving and enjoyable.

Inappropriate elimination is not really one problem but rather a group of conditions: some health-related, some bodily (relating to normal biological functions), some to do with elimination inclinations, and others associated to anxiety and stress. Some cats just cease using the litter box. Others use the litter box for elimination reasons but additionally mark their own territory using urine or fecal matter.

One such incident where a couple had brought home a new baby, the cat was inappropriately urinating on everything. after a couple of weeks, and keeping the litter box clean, the cat stopped. However, when they brought home their second baby, the inappropriate elimination and urination became very bad, and didn't stop, even after several weeks. Their only thought was to either find a new home for the cat, with a single person and no other pets, or put the cat down. They really didn't want to do either. They took the cat to the vet to check for urinary track infection which came back negative. This is when the veterinarian suggested Prozac for the cat.

After explaining to the couple that many medications have been tried and failed, Prozac for cats urinating inappropriately seemed to work the best. So this is what the couple tried as a last resort before putting the cat down. After just one dose at night, the cat completely stopped urinating, except for in it's own litter box. They said the cat has also stopped howling at night and keeping them awake at time, and now comes out in the light during the day, instead of hiding all day and only coming out at night.

Prozac for cats has stopped inappropriate elimination and urinating in a great many cases, and is possibly the best treatment when all else fails.

Larry got tired of his cat urinating in house [http://www.ihatecatpee.com], and went to the vet to find out what to do about the inappropriate elimination. The vet gave him Prozac for cats [http://www.ihatecatpee.com] which stopped the cat urinating in house. Larry has a website where he talks about how to remove cat urine smell

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Sometimes, the problem is obvious, such as your cat throwing up
after eating - and what comes up includes something which seems to be small pieces of spaghetti. What these are in most cases are roundworms.In other cases the problem may not be immediately apparent.

Your cat might have a wheeze; this could simply indicate a cold and vets see thousands of cats which seem to have a respiratory ailment. However, these symptoms can also mean that your cat is afflicted with parasitic lungworms. They will cause your cat to present symptoms which seem like asthma, but of course a different course of treatment is recommended if lungworms are the issue.

If you've recently adopted a new cat, there's a good chance that he has some unwelcome stowaways: cat worms. If you haven't yet been able to get into the vet for an exam, then you'll need to keep an eye on the litter box. If you see black, tarry looking or bloody stools, then your cat probably has hookworms; your vet can make a definitive diagnosis of this problem.

The symptoms that you may see in cats which have a serious roundworm infestation include diarrhea, vomiting or both. There may be blood in both the stool and vomit. What is happening is your cat is doing her level best to get these parasites out; but vomiting won't get rid of the problem and the diarrhea and vomiting can leave your cat dehydrated and malnourished.

Cat worms are parasites that feed off of your cat's blood. In serious infestations, anemia can result. However, the most serious threat to your cat from cat worms is developing an impacted GI tract - her intestines are packed with roundworms!

Young cats especially may suffer an intestinal perforation as a result of this impaction.Tape worms are a less serious problem but still need to be treated. This is one of the easier ones to diagnose yourself. You probably see plenty of your cat's rear-end everyday; take a closer look. If you see small, white protrusions, you're probably seeing a segment of one of these cat tape worms poking out.

Cat heartworm infestation is one of the most serious of cat worm health threats. Your cat might cough, gag, vomit or appear to have difficulty breathing. Tragically, a cat with these worms may show no symptoms and simply die without warning.

Here is a brief list of cat worm symptoms which every cat owner needs to be aware of and watch for.If your cat exhibits one or more of the following symptoms, then there may be a cat worm infestation.

1. Gagging 
2. Diarrhea 
3. Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing 
4. Frequent vomiting 
5. Vomiting short, white spaghetti-like matter 
6. Black, tarry or bloody stools 
7. White, rice-like sections stuck to your cat's rear-end or in her bedding

Your vet will probably recommend a chemically derived oral or topical treatment to get rid of these cat parasites. Many cat owners are choosing to go the natural route with remedies like wormwood (Artemisia Absinthinium). This herb is often used to treat parasitic infestations in cats and should be considered as a possible remedy to provide your cat much needed relief from her cat worm symptoms.

If you think your cat has tape worms, roundworms or hookworms, you can choose to treat her naturally at home with gentle remedies including wormwood extract. Its easy to administer, just a pinch of the remedy in her food a couple of times each day for 3 - 5 weeks. Its recommended to repeat the process every 2 or 3 months especially for outdoor cats who have more opportunity to get worms from birds, mice and other rodents.

Kate Rieger has been owned by 15+ cats and is a champion of spay and release for her feral cat neighbors. Never one to be short on opinion, she is on good behavior during her speaking engagements at organizations where she spreads the word about natural alternatives to pet care. Drop by and pick up a free copy [http://www.coolest-cat-care.com/catwormfreedeals] of her eHandout '111 Things You Don't Know That Could Harm Your Cat' at [http://www.coolest-cat-care.com/catwormfreedeals].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kate_Rieger/157865



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2215731

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Cats naturally love to stay outdoors, whether or not we like them to stay outside. For this reason, when they are forced to stay inside, most of them will look for ways to go out. However, if you always allow them to stay outdoors, there is a greater probability to get into fights, get run-over, stolen, and abused, or bring home birds and rodents. Luckily, cats can now take pleasure in the great outdoors even as they stay in your backyard. This is the life offered by outdoor cat enclosures.

In addition to outdoor cat enclosures, a wide range of cages, backyard systems and fencing aim to provide your cat with a safe, controlled space, in which it can stay outside, breathe fresh air and gaze at the birds as they fly. Here are the different types of outdoor cat enclosures and tips on how to choose one.

Different Types of Outdoor Cat Enclosures

On the market there is a wide range of outdoor cat enclosures available. They can be big or small, common or customized, made with your own design or by another. Nevertheless, there are a number of major classifications of outdoor cat enclosures accessible to many people such as the following:

Cat tents
Freestanding cat cages
Multilevel, prefabricated cat cages
Netted cat enclosures
Wall-hugging cat enclosures
A little bit more about cat tents

Perhaps the most convenient form of cat enclosure is the netted outdoor cat tent. They are simple to fold, pack up and take along, plus they do not occupy a lot of space.

These enclosures are best for people who do not like the idea of having a permanent structure within their property, those who want to easily move the enclosures around, or those that are budget constrained. They are also perfect for those who have only one cat, since such tents can easily get full.

These tents are ideal for those who live in apartments as well, since their small size is just right on a balcony and can easily by packed away. This way, you do not have to share space with a large cat cage on your own balcony.

Finally, cat tents are advantageous for those who travel. Whether you are always on the go, currently traveling, camping or need to take an extended trip and there is no option but to bring your poor cat, it would be convenient to bring along an outdoor cat tents - since it gives your kitty a little more space to walk around.

You Don't Know What to Buy

If you have a hard time deciding on the cat tent that would be best for you, take these factors into consideration.

Budget: If you have a tight budget, you can opt for a cat tent or netted enclosure
Backyard space: If your backyard is big, choose between a netted enclosure or large freestanding cage;
Aesthetic preference: If you want to stand-out, go for a custom-designed enclosure or any of the multi-level cages;
Freedom of cat: If you want to give some freedom to your cat and let it come and go anytime, choose an outdoor cat enclosure that can be fastened to a cat door;
Outside influence: If you stay in the wild, get an enclosure that can withstand extreme weather, as well as predators;
Portability: If you always take along your cat with you, opt for a collapsible kitty tent.
Not sure if miniature tents are suitable for your felines? Perhaps, you don't have a cat, but own a dog? No worries - in our online shop you can find product for all pets - including a small dog tent - so come and visit it today!


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Most cat owners feel "in the dark" about their cats needs and
desires. Here's 5 things your feline friend wishes they could tell you!

"I'm bored!" 
It's a common misconception that cats are a "set it and forget" type of pet. In actuality, cats need a lot more than full food and water dishes. Mental stimulation is necessary to keep your feline happy, as they're naturally keen predators. Try making a kitty maze from discarded cardboard boxes, or DIY kitty toys made from common items like toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls.

"Scratching is natural and essential." 
If you didn't know any better, you might think scratching furniture and carpets is naughty behavior. But did you know that scratching is essential to your kitty's well-being? Scratching not only conditions your cat's nails and nail bed, but also helps them stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. If Fluffy is destroying your furniture, get them a scratching post or two to meet their needs. For furniture scratchers, upright posts work great; for carpet scratchers, floor posts or mats do the trick. When purchasing scratchers, try to find one with a material similar to kitty's favorite forbidden scratching areas.

"I get most of my moisture from my food." 
Domestic cats evolved from desert dwelling ancestors, and are naturally designed to get their water from food. Dry food contains 5-10% moisture, while wet food is as high as 75%. If your pet is showing signs of dehydration or urinary tract problems, try increasing the amount of moisture in their food. This often helps dry skin issues as well.

"I need dental care, too!" 
85% of cats have periodontal disease before their 6th birthday! When you start to notice gunk building up on the surface of the teeth, or any redness/swelling near the gums, this is usually an indication that a cleaning is needed. Most veterinarians offer dental cleaning/teeth scaling services at their facility. In addition to regular cleanings, it is important to establish a regular teeth brushing routine at home. Poor oral health can lead to bigger problems, such as kidney issues, down the road.

"I can tell you A LOT with my body." 
Cats communicate a great deal of information without ever voicing a peep! Pay attention to your cat's ears, eyes, and muscle tension. In addition to body language, your kitty's meows may be deceiving you as well! Cats often vocalize when they're hungry, and purr when they're content. But like a human smile, purring could mean your cat is nervous, anxious, or thrilled. Purrs vibrate at 25-150HZ which is also the frequency that assists in physical healing and bone mending. So when kitty is purring during their nap, they're actually working to keep their bones strong!

In conclusion, it is important to pay attention to your cat's needs to make sure you're providing them with an enriched lifestyle. Meeting their needs appropriately can curb bad behaviors and strengthen your bond!

Meeting your cats physical and emotional needs are essential for a happy life. For more tips and videos on cat grooming and boarding, visit

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Now is your soul-searching time. It is really important to think
through very carefully - and honestly - if you are in the best position to adopt a Sphynx (or indeed any pet). Besides shelter, nutritious food, and your time, your pet will require adequate medical care. This is one of the greatest responsibilities that applies to being a pet owner. If you feel that the time is not right to provide all four of these pet care factors, then you are not ready to adopt a Sphynx. A common question that people ask when considering adopting a Sphynx into their household is: "What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Sphynx?"

Advantages

Sphynx cats do not shed because they are hairless. In fact, they have a fine layer of downy fur on the skin which is almost impossible to see.
Sphynx are incredibly loving and provide companionship more than most cats.
Sphynx blurs the traditional boundaries between dogs and cats.
They usually get along very well with other pets in the house even the dogs.
You become part of an exclusive club of Sphynx owners as they are so rare. This can open you up to wonderful friendships.
Hairless cats are very intelligent and can be trained.
They have proven and positive impact on humans' health.
Nude cats enjoy being dressed up because they don't like being cold!
They will keep you warm at night.
Sphynx is healthy breed with no known specific health or genetic problems.
Disadvantages

Sphynx breed is more demanding than other cats, in terms of the level of attention that they require. This can be alleviated somewhat by buying two Sphynx cats so that they have each other's company.
Sphynx eat and poo a lot because of their high metabolism.
The peculiarity of the Sphynx's almost hairless coat means that their skin becomes quite oily and greasy. They need to be bathed regularly, once or twice a week.
You will need to clean Sphynx ears and clip their nails routinely.
Sphynx is a very mischievous and playful cat. They will climb and jump on your furniture and appliances.
You may experience negative comments from people who don't like bold cats. You will need to accept that some people find the breed ugly or alien looking.
The Sphynx is a rare breed of cat, and as with anything rare and exclusive, this generally means a higher than normal purchase price

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