Owner: For Your Cat URL:http://www.4yourcatshealth.com Join Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:51:38 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Fun, yet informative cat health care blog featuring articles, news updates, photos, trivia, polls, resources and more. Site statistics:Click here
Mystical Qualities 2007-07-02 13:13:27 Mystical Qualities: The Cat In Ancient Egyptian Culture
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
There is a great deal known about the place of the cat in Ancient Egyptian culture due to the fact of the abundance of evidence that was left behind. During this period in time, cats came to have mystical qualities, perhaps in association to their acute night vision. They also came to be highly valued household possessions. The entire household would go into mourning when their family cat died and the head of the household would shave off his eyebrows as a mark of grief. The cat was also the first thing to be saved if an Egyptian house caught fire. The temple and royal cats were even farther up the social scale. They were pampered in life and honored in death by mummified burial.
Cat Health: Mange 2007-07-08 13:38:10 Mange
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Mange is an unsightly and distressing skin condition that is transmitted by mites which live in the coat or on or under the skin. Although there are several species of these mites, they all produce similar effects. These effects range from minor flaking of the skin like dandruff to large, bald, scaly patches. The form of mange must first be identified by a vet since the different species respond to different treatments.
Read more:Health
Cat Care: Water Intake 2007-07-16 14:30:44 Water Intake
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Although this will vary greatly depending on the cat’s diet, a typical cat’s daily water requirement is about 7 fl oz (200 ml) a day. Cat’s in the wild receive most of their water intake from freshly killed prey, this comes to about 70 per cent water. A domestic cat will get some of its water needs from its food, especially if it receives canned food, but fresh water should always be available. One should always keep a close eye on how much water your cat drinks as well. For example, if your cat is always draining its dish, a medical cause such as diabetes or hypothyroidism may be the cause. If these conditions have been ruled out by your vet, then you may provide additional warm water poured over your cats food to help boost its water intake, because not enough water intake can lead to urinary disorders.
Older Cats & Urinary Problems 2007-07-23 13:38:36 Urinary Problems In Older Cats
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
As cats get older, they are prone to urinary problems. One such problem is cystitis which is a bladder infection that results in frequent urination and sometimes blood in the urine. Kidney and bladder problems can also occur. Symptoms of these include offensive breath, frequent urination or not being able to urinate, and noticeably increased thirst. Increased thirst can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism and diabetes, so it is important to take the cat to the vet if you notice it drinking more than normal.
Feline Infectious Enteritis 2007-08-01 16:06:37 Feline Infectious
Enteritis ( or FIE)
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Also known as Feline Panleukopaenia. FIE is a disease that strikes suddenly and progresses very quickly to death. If FIE is suspected, action must be taken immediately. Symptoms are diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting of bile, cries of pain if touched, followed lastly by total collapse. FIE affects cats of all ages and those who do survive appear to have lifelong immunity. Vaccination against FIE in kittenhood, however, with yearly boosters, is almost totally effective.
Read more:Feline
Roman Cats 2007-08-09 17:08:41 Roman Cats
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
In Ancient Rome cats were welcomed as vermin controllers but were given no great affection. Most representations of cats in Roman art show them in workaday situations with no suggestions of reverence or mystical powers, for example, a mosaic from Pompeii shows a pigeon being attacked by a cat. The cat is shown realistically and not idealized at all. The Roman Army however recognized the value of cats as store watchmen. They carried cats with them through Gaul and eventually to Britain. The Roman colonial families soon became avid pet owners (some even kept larger cats as well as the domestic variety). Today there is no doubt that some of their cats strayed and interbred with Felis Silvestris, which is the wild cat that was at that time common across the higher land of Britain and Western Europe. In the Fourth Century AD when the Romans retreated to Rome, they left behind their cats.
Read more:Roman
Spraying 2007-08-21 10:09:42 Symptoms of Illness: Spraying
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Spraying within the house can be a symptom of illness. It is without a doubt a sign of some disturbance in the cat’s life that is causing it stress, and if it continues a trip to the vet is called for. If the cat seems to be physically fit after an examination, the vet may then refer the cat to an animal behaviorist. Tranquilizers may also be prescribed to reduce the stress temporarily.
Oil Problems 2007-09-02 11:44:02 Oil Problems
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Although oil problems are not bothersome to the cat, excessive oil from the sebaceous glands at the roots of the hairs can cause unsightly skin problems. Stud tail which is one form of this condition causes greasy marks at the base of the tail. It is most commonly seen in unneutered males but can occur in neuters as well. Feline acne is another form and appears as blackheads on the cats lips and chin. In both conditions, the treatment is the same- frequent bathing with a cat shampoo and, under veterinary advice, a special antiseptic cream. Extreme cases may be prescribed antibiotics.
Common Parasites: Ticks 2007-09-15 17:43:58 Ticks
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Ticks are generally not a common cat parasite but if allowed outside cats may pick up ticks on the ears, neck, and paws. They are usually discovered while grooming the cat because when they are engorged with the cat’s blood they can be up to 0.5 in (1 cm) long. One should never attempt to remove the tick without first applying a dab of surgical spirit. After a few seconds it can then be detached with tweezers or a special tick-remover, make sure to take care that the entire insect is removed. Some anti-flea preparations also kill ticks once they have bitten, but by that time the cat may have already scratched off the tick, and the jaws of the tick may have been left embedded in the skin, which could set up an infection.
Read more:Common
, Parasites
, Ticks
Cat Breeds: The Ocicat 2007-10-01 21:45:44 The Ocicat
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
The Ocicat is a large, athletic, exclusively spotted breed with a solid, long-legged body that is strong and muscular. A fully grown female can weigh up to 12 lb (5.5kg) and a male up to 15 lb (7kg). Their legs are long and the hindquarters should be just slightly tapered and have a dark tip. The head is a modified wedge that has a broad muzzle and strong chin. Their eyes are large and almond shaped and angled slightly upwards towards the ears. They should also be well spaced with more than the length of an eye between them. And the ears are large and wide at the base and curved at the tips.
The coat of the Ocicat is smooth and glossy, tight, and sleek. Although it is short, it is long enough to show the bands of color which are the breed’s hallmark.
The available colors of the Ocicat are: chestnut brown or light chocolate spots on a cream background, blue with slate blue spots, golden with cinnamon spots, bronze with tarnished gold spots, lavende
Catnip: Grow Your Own 2007-10-22 17:00:07 Grow Your Own Catnip
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
If you decide to grow your own catnip for your cat, it’s best to do so indoors in a window with plenty of sunshine. You can grow it outdoors as well but it can quickly draw the attention of every cat in your neighborhood to your garden. Catnip also spreads and can easily take over your garden if you don’t keep it well pruned.
Catnip seeds can be purchased at garden centers , online and at many discount stores. Instructions on how to plant and grow it will be included on the package. Be sure never to let the plant flower as this will ensure that the catnip is at its highest potency. When it comes time to harvest and dry the catnip, first cut the branches and tie them in bunches, then hang them upside down in a dry and dark place. Once the leaves have dried then it’s time to carefully sort the leaves into an airtight container and throw out all the stems. Be careful not to crush or crumble the catnip until it is time to use
The Ocicat 2007-10-01 21:45:44 The Ocicat
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
The Ocicat is a large, athletic, exclusively spotted breed with a solid, long-legged body that is strong and muscular. A fully grown female can weigh up to 12 lb (5.5kg) and a male up to 15 lb (7kg). Their legs are long and the hindquarters should be just slightly tapered and have a dark tip. The head is a modified wedge that has a broad muzzle and strong chin. Their eyes are large and almond shaped and angled slightly upwards towards the ears. They should also be well spaced with more than the length of an eye between them. And the ears are large and wide at the base and curved at the tips.
The coat of the Ocicat is smooth and glossy, tight, and sleek. Although it is short, it is long enough to show the bands of color which are the breed’s hallmark.
The available colors of the Ocicat are: chestnut brown or light chocolate spots on a cream background, blue with slate blue spots, golden with cinnamon spots, bronze with tarnished gold spots, lavende
Common Parasites: Ticks And Cats 2007-09-15 17:43:58 Ticks
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Ticks are generally not a common cat parasite but if allowed outside cats may pick up ticks on the ears, neck, and paws. They are usually discovered while grooming the cat because when they are engorged with the cat’s blood they can be up to 0.5 in (1 cm) long. One should never attempt to remove the tick without first applying a dab of surgical spirit. After a few seconds it can then be detached with tweezers or a special tick-remover, make sure to take care that the entire insect is removed. Some anti-flea preparations also kill ticks once they have bitten, but by that time the cat may have already scratched off the tick, and the jaws of the tick may have been left embedded in the skin, which could set up an infection. Read more:Common
, Parasites
, Ticks
Oil Problems In Cats 2007-09-02 11:44:02 Oil Problems
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Although oil problems are not bothersome to the cat, excessive oil from the sebaceous glands at the roots of the hairs can cause unsightly skin problems. Stud tail which is one form of this condition causes greasy marks at the base of the tail. It is most commonly seen in unneutered males but can occur in neuters as well. Feline acne is another form and appears as blackheads on the cats lips and chin. In both conditions, the treatment is the same- frequent bathing with a cat shampoo and, under veterinary advice, a special antiseptic cream. Extreme cases may be prescribed antibiotics.
Cat Spraying 2007-08-21 10:09:42 Symptoms of Illness: Spraying
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Spraying within the house can be a symptom of illness. It is without a doubt a sign of some disturbance in the cat’s life that is causing it stress, and if it continues a trip to the vet is called for. If the cat seems to be physically fit after an examination, the vet may then refer the cat to an animal behaviorist. Tranquilizers may also be prescribed to reduce the stress temporarily.
Roman Cats 2007-08-09 17:08:41 Roman Cats
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
In Ancient Rome cats were welcomed as vermin controllers but were given no great affection. Most representations of cats in Roman art show them in workaday situations with no suggestions of reverence or mystical powers, for example, a mosaic from Pompeii shows a pigeon being attacked by a cat. The cat is shown realistically and not idealized at all. The Roman Army however recognized the value of cats as store watchmen. They carried cats with them through Gaul and eventually to Britain. The Roman colonial families soon became avid pet owners (some even kept larger cats as well as the domestic variety). Today there is no doubt that some of their cats strayed and interbred with Felis Silvestris, which is the wild cat that was at that time common across the higher land of Britain and Western Europe. In the Fourth Century AD when the Romans retreated to Rome, they left behind their cats. Read more:Roman
Feline Infectious Enteritis 2007-08-01 16:06:37 Feline Infectious
Enteritis ( or FIE)
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Also known as Feline Panleukopaenia. FIE is a disease that strikes suddenly and progresses very quickly to death. If FIE is suspected, action must be taken immediately. Symptoms are diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting of bile, cries of pain if touched, followed lastly by total collapse. FIE affects cats of all ages and those who do survive appear to have lifelong immunity. Vaccination against FIE in kittenhood, however, with yearly boosters, is almost totally effective. Read more:Feline
Older Cats And Urinary Problems 2007-07-23 13:38:36 Urinary Problems In Older Cats
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
As cats get older, they are prone to urinary problems. One such problem is cystitis which is a bladder infection that results in frequent urination and sometimes blood in the urine. Kidney and bladder problems can also occur. Symptoms of these include offensive breath, frequent urination or not being able to urinate, and noticeably increased thirst. Increased thirst can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism and diabetes, so it is important to take the cat to the vet if you notice it drinking more than normal.
Cats And Their Water Intake 2007-07-16 14:30:44 Water Intake
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Although this will vary greatly depending on the cat’s diet, a typical cat’s daily water requirement is about 7 fl oz (200 ml) a day. Cat’s in the wild receive most of their water intake from freshly killed prey, this comes to about 70 per cent water. A domestic cat will get some of its water needs from its food, especially if it receives canned food, but fresh water should always be available. One should always keep a close eye on how much water your cat drinks as well. For example, if your cat is always draining its dish, a medical cause such as diabetes or hypothyroidism may be the cause. If these conditions have been ruled out by your vet, then you may provide additional warm water poured over your cats food to help boost its water intake, because not enough water intake can lead to urinary disorders.
Mange in Cats 2007-07-08 13:38:10 Mange
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
Mange is an unsightly and distressing skin condition that is transmitted by mites which live in the coat or on or under the skin. Although there are several species of these mites, they all produce similar effects. These effects range from minor flaking of the skin like dandruff to large, bald, scaly patches. The form of mange must first be identified by a vet since the different species respond to different treatments.
Mystical Qualities And Cats 2007-07-02 13:13:27 Mystical Qualities: The Cat In Ancient Egyptian Culture
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
There is a great deal known about the place of the cat in Ancient Egyptian culture due to the fact of the abundance of evidence that was left behind. During this period in time, cats came to have mystical qualities, perhaps in association to their acute night vision. They also came to be highly valued household possessions. The entire household would go into mourning when their family cat died and the head of the household would shave off his eyebrows as a mark of grief. The cat was also the first thing to be saved if an Egyptian house caught fire. The temple and royal cats were even farther up the social scale. They were pampered in life and honored in death by mummified burial.
Cats, Myths And Folklore 2007-06-25 12:27:19 Buddist Beliefs And Cats
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
The beliefs of one branch of the Buddist faith practised in southeast Asia thought that when a person who had reached the highest level of spirituality died, their soul then entered into the body of a cat. The soul would then remain there until the cat died, when it entered into Paradise. And despite the contradictory view of the cat in other Buddist lore, this particular belief may be reflected in the appearance of a cat at the feet of some statues of the Budda.
Read more:Myths
, Folklore
Meaning Of ‘Points’ In Feline Terminology 2007-06-17 12:25:11 Feline Terminology: Points
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
A cat’s ‘Points’ are the ears, nose, feet, and tail. For example, in cats which have a pointed pattern coat, their basic coat color is confined to the points. The remainder of the cats body is usually a pale cream, fawn, or white. The white may have a bluish, creamy, or ivory tinge to it.
For show cats the colorpointing must match the basic body color. An example of this would be, a blue point must have a bluish-white body.
Read more:Meaning
, Feline
Indoor Cats & Excercise 2007-06-03 11:47:43 Exercise For The Indoor Cat
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
When owning an indoor only cat, the cat must be provided with opportunities for exercise and encouraged often to play games. Some welcome diversions you may offer to your cat are large, strong cardboard boxes� (be sure they never contained any hazardous material), corrurgated paper and tubes of cardboard. You may also wish to purchase an indoor ‘climbing tree’ from your local pet store. To remind a cat of its hunting skills, catnip mice and other similar toys will do nicely. Be sure to also provide some kind of a scratching post as it is essential.
Read more:Excercise
The Nebelung 2007-06-11 12:04:29 The Nebelung
by: Laurie Buckley, admin
The Nebelung, or otherwise known as the Longhaired Russian Blue or the Nebelung Blue, is an exceptionally handsome cat. They have an alert stance and a businesslike expression. The body of the Nebelung is long, lithe, and slender. The tail is fluffy and carried erect. The head is a modified wedge, with ears set far apart, well pricked, well tufted, and wide at the base. The slightly oval eyes are large and set well apart. The eyes are green at maturity. As kittens, their blue eyes turn yellow before finally turning green as adults. Nebelungs are said to be robust and vigorous. Grooming is moderate by longhair standards.
Feline Artificial Respiration 2007-11-08 22:15:11 Artificial respiration is needed when a cat has a heartbeat but is not breathing. It is very important to never try to attempt this on a cat who is breathing on her own. The steps to perform artificial respiration on a cat in an emergency are as follows:
If the cat is wearing a collar, remove it.
Then open her mouth and pull the tongue outward so that it won’t block the throat and check for any foreign bodies.
Next you will want to clear the mouth of any excess saliva and mucous. If the cat was underwater or has any vomit in her mouth, suspend her upside down by the hips and then gently swing her body a few times to remove the liquid.
The next thing to do is to lay the cat on her right side making sure that her body is slightly higher than her head. To ensure an open air passage, the head and neck should be straight.
And lastly with her tongue pulled forward, place your mouth over her nose only, do not cover her mouth. You will then proceed to blow air into her nostrils for abo Read more:Feline
, Artificial
Kitten Vaccine Schedule 2007-11-19 17:35:11 The following is a general guideline for your kitten’s vaccine requirements. Note that your vet may change this schedule to suit your kitten’s risk factors.
Six to eight weeks of age
feline rhinotracheitis-calicivirus-panleukopenia vaccine #1
chlamydia vaccine #1 (this vaccine is optional, it is also sometimes combined with the above-mentioned vaccine)
stool check for internal parasites- a de-worming is performed if it’s needed
Twelve weeks of age
feline rhinotracheitis-calicivirus-panleukopenia vaccine #2
chlamydia vaccine #2
feline leukemia vaccine #1
a second de-worming (if needed)
Sixteen weeks of age
feline leukemia vaccine #2
rabies vaccine
feline infectious peritonitis vaccine #1 (note this vaccine is highly controversial, it is usually only recommended for catteries or multicat households)
Twenty weeks of age
feline infectious peritonitis vaccine #2
Annually
all vaccines are boostered
a fecal exam is performed for indoor cats (for outdoor cats, ever Read more:Kitten
, Schedule
Mealtime Aggression 2007-11-27 13:19:01 If you have a multicat household, there may come a time when you will have one cat who aggressively takes over the food bowl or even kicks another cat out of the kitchen. To help overcome this problem, you should make sure that each cat has their own bowl if you feed your cats on a schedule. The use of a double bowl is not recommended due to the fact that it will force the cats to be too uncomfortably close to one another. If you need to, feed them in opposite corners of your kitchen or maybe even in different rooms from each other. By taking these steps each cat should then be able to eat theirs meals without feeling threatened. If mealtime aggression continues to be a problem after following the above suggestions, you may want to consider providing more than one feeding areas and letting the cats eat when they choose to.
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Read more:Aggression
Cleaning Your Cat’s Ears 2007-12-04 14:07:09 Before you start to clean your cat’s ears make sure you take a good look inside them first, check for any sores, ear mites or signs of infection. If your cat has a blackish-brown crumbly material visible in her ears, that’s a tell-tale sign of ear mites. Your cat will need a visit to the vet and be put on ear medication. A trip to the vet will also be in order if the ears look inflamed, have an odor, or are sensitive to the touch. Don’t attempt to clean her ears if this is the case as you’ll only make them worse. If your cat’s ears look good and healthy but have some dirt or wax build-up in them, wipe the inside of her ear with a cotton ball that has a little ear cleaner on it. Never use a cotton swab on your cat, you could injure her delicate eardrum.
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How To Take Your Cat's Pulse 2007-12-11 16:29:30 The first step in learning how to take your cat’s pulse, is to feel inside of her hind leg where it meets the groin for the femoral artery. This can be done while your cat is in a standing position. Now you will need to press your fingers on the artery until you can feel the pulse. Within a fifteen-second period, count the number of pulsations you feel. You will now need to multiply that amount by four to get the pulse count per minute. For an adult cat the normal rate is 160 to 180 beats per minute. The normal rate for a kitten’s pulse is much higher, usually about 200 beats per minute.
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