Treating Furballs in a Cat

By Belinda Osgood
The hacking gag, often followed by a blob of spittle, or worse, most commonly signifies a furball in a cat. While this is a common issue and quite normal, especially for long-haired animals, it is still distressing to see your cat go through the eviction process. It is also unpleasant to clean up when the evicted mess lands on your carpet.

When a cat grooms, a generous amount of loose fur is licked from their coats. Unable to spit the fur from their mouths, the cat must swallow it and it accumulates in the stomach. When the fur forms a significant mass, a furball results and this is what the cat must purge.

Furballs, while rarely a problem for your cat, are far from desirable. Here are a few tips for helping reduce the frequency of furballs in your cat.

• Regularly groom your pet. Begin when they are a kitten and they will love the process. Introducing an older cat to it may cause distress to both cat and owner. There are a variety of products on the market. I find that a soft, long-bristled brush is most effective on my long-haired cat, while my short-haired cat responds better to a grooming mitt with rubber prongs. As you groom periodically remove the dislodged hair from the brush or mitt's surface to maintain its effectiveness.

• During the moulting seasons - most notably when they shed the summer coat in autumn and lose their winter coat in spring - add half a teaspoon of vegetable oil mixed in with their food, once every few days. This helps lubricate the digestive tract and enables the fur to pass more easily through their system without requiring vomiting.

• Invest in a cat food or cat treats designed to help prevent or treat furballs. My favourite product to use is furball treats made in Holland. My cats love them more than catnip treats! They are safe, enjoyable, and a lovely way to show your affection and look after their health. They have the dual purpose of preventing furballs and treating cats who've already developed furballs.

These few simple steps can eliminate furball issues, or at least dramatically minimize the frequency of them occurring. Furballs, on occasion may cause a problem whereby it triggers an irritation of the digestive tract or where the animal is unable to expel the mass. These cases are not common, and if they occur, a veterinarian consultation is necessary. Always monitor your pet for any signs of associated illness such as loss of appetite, weight loss, or apathy. These can signify a more serious furball issue or other health issue that requires the advice of a vet.

Belinda Osgood is a writer who enjoys working from home in the company of numerous pets, including two cats. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Belinda_Osgood

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Corrugated Litter Box

By Robert Grazian
If you have a cat, you are well aware of just how pesky a litter box can be; this is where corrugated litter boxes can come in very handy. They have to be cleaned out on a then comes the time where all the litter needs to be dumped so that you and your kitty can start fresh. That is one of the most irritating chores of them all for cat owners, and that is a time when a corrugated litter box may be a great idea.

A corrugated litter box is just what it sounds like; it is a litter box that is composed of corrugated cardboard. This helps it to stay strong as a plastic one would, but also allows it to be completely disposable. After the litter has been scooped as much as possible, when it comes time to dump the whole litter box it easily folds down to fit in your outside trash can. This way, you don't have to worry about germs or making a mess that you may have to sweep up later; simply fold the cardboard litter box down and slip it into a trash bag.

Dump the bag and you're done! Best of all, you can unwrap a new corrugated litter box, pour litter in, and be done with the process. It sounds too simple, right? This is one of those cases in which something sounds too good to be true and it is really that way, and that is to the happy ears of loving cat owners around the world who have just been fed up with their current litter boxes.

There are other types of litter boxes that you may have tried, including the designer boxes that look like pieces of furniture, self cleaning litter boxes, hooded kitty litter boxes and more. Corrugated litter boxes are environmentally friendly and easy to deal with, giving you another helping hand in keeping your home as clean and sanitary as you want it to be, helping ensure a healthier life for everyone involved.

If you have a cat, corrugated litter boxes are definitely one of those things that you should be considering. There are many different options for your cat's sanitary purposes, and corrugated litter boxes are definitely one of those things that you should be considering.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about corrugated litter boxes visit Best Litter Boxes Online for current articles and discussions.

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Cat Behaviors - Tips For A Happy Cat And A Happy Home

By Paul Proctor

Considering getting a cat for a pet? Adopting a stray can be a good option if you keep a few things in mind. Stray cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them. Cat behaviors are often misunderstood. You should take care and have a great deal of understanding if you want to turn a feral cat into a content house cat.

There are many ways a cat can easily adjust to you. The adoption process usually begins when a cat gives its consent by starting to interact with you. One way of earning his trust is by giving him food. When he takes it you will know that you are slowly tearing down his barriers. Through patience and perseverance you will be rewarded by his trust.

Let's face it. Some cat behaviors are problems when these pets live in our homes. Cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems. Luckily for us and our feline friends, there are solutions that help keep both kitty and kitty owner happy.

A cat's need to scratch can damage furniture and walls, so it's a good idea to get some kind of of scratching post. These can range from simple cardboard varieties to larger carpeted ones. A kitty jungle-gym will let your cat not only scratch but have a place to climb about on and sleep in.

If you have a male pet cat, it would be crucial for you to have him neutered. Otherwise you will experienced having his urine sprayed all over your place to mark his territory. This will also be good for him because it will discouraged fight with other male of the same specie.

All cats feel the need hunt. This cat behaviour is particularly strong in stray cats as it is the way they have survived up until their adoption. Don't be alarmed if your cat brings the body of a small woodland creature to your doorstep. Praising, instead of reproaching the cat for it's actions, will go a long way in keeping your cat happy.

Avoiding a resolution to such cat behaviors will result in a bad relationship between you and your feline. If you prevent your feline from hunting, this will most assuredly get on your nerves since cats need a way in which to channel their energy. If you love your furnishings at all you must attend to their need to scratch and spray. This is the reason these fundamental cat behaviors are beneficial to learn; particularly when you adopt strays.

New cats in a home may exhibit one or more of many unwanted cat behaviors. The most common problems owners have are cat scratching, spraying and hunting. Cats that scratch furniture or other possessions can often be redirected to a scratching post. A male cat that sprays to mark his territory will need to be neutered to solve the problem. Also, a cat's natural hunting instinct can be redirected towards any of the wide variety of toys available, or even homemade ones. Cat behaviour may be perplexing to a new owner, but can be efficiently handled, creating a more positive environment for both you and your cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Proctor

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Cat Spraying A Common Annoyance

By Paul Proctor

'Cat spraying' is when a domestic cat will soil its house to mark its territory by backing into furniture or any household item and release a pungent spray. Approximately 40% of all soiling complaints are made of such instances. Females cats will sometimes do it when they are in heat, but generally it is mostly un-neutured male tom cats.

Cats spray for a variety of reasons. They spray during territorial disputes, when they are aware of another cat in heat, when stressed and often after fights with other cats. So the cats, normally solitary creatures, mark their territory as a way to reduce conflicts with other cats in the area. Mostly cats will spray outside, but if there are conflicts within the home, they will spray inside as well.

When a cat "sprays" an object, the spray releases a rancid odor most akin to ammonia. The smell may encourage the cat to spray again, so it is importantly to remove the smell rapidly and completely. When removing the smell, clean the object thoroughly with an enzymatic cleanser, one specially designed to remove bad odors. Avoid cleansers that contain ammonia: they will only make the smell worse!

So, how does one prevent this annoying habit? Can it be prevented from happening in the first place?Neutering a tom will significantly reduce the occurrence of cat spraying. Identifying conflicts within the home with the help of a cat whisperer, or someone attuned to cat psychology, can help resolve or minimize the problem. If a cat is spraying in one location, you can arrange furniture or objects around to make them less appealing to spray. Outside the home, you made need to keep your cat inside until conflicts are resolved with neighborhood cats.

Cat spraying cannot be cured by punishment. A stressed cat may even spray more often, and hitting your cat will simply encourage fear, not obedience. Nor will taking your cat to the sprayed area for punishment be an effective deterrent.

Even with taking all the precautions, cat spraying will be difficult to eliminate completely but can be easily be controlled and minimized. It is just an occurrence that comes along with the responsibility and pleasure of owning a feline friend.

The problem of 'cat spraying' is when a domestic cat will soil its house to mark its territory by backing into furniture or any household item and release a pungent spray. Approximately 40% of all soiling complaints are made of such instances. Females cats will sometimes do it when they are in heat, but generally it is mostly un-neutered male tom cats. Employing a cat whisperer who understands cat psychology to come into your home can also lessen the problem. Don't ever try to punish your cat by bringing him into the area and hitting him. This will lead your cat to be fearful of you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Proctor

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Beds For Cats

By Charley Hwang

Beds do not strike us as something essential for our pets sometimes, for some of us have the idea that they can sleep on any surface. However, for dogs, we tend to buy them a soft, warm basket or something that they can sleep in. Majority of the dogs will then claim the bed as a sleeping spot. On the other hands, cats do not really need a certain place to sleep. It will in fact, sleep at any place it feels like, anytime, anywhere.

Cats are hard to train to sleep in one specific spot. They will still end up sleeping in various places in your house. Furniture such as chairs, tables, sofas, or floor or any cozy nook they can curl up in and fall asleep without disturbance.

Although your pet cat likes sleeping on your couch or steps, it does not mean that it wouldn’t appreciate a nice warm bed. You can still go ahead and get your cat a bed, and perhaps it will take interest in it and somehow, enjoy sleeping in it. Although it won’t be sleeping in the bed every night, you’ll still know that the bed will become one of the many sleeping places it will visit, and cats enjoy being territorial, and owning a new bed will bring them satisfaction.

If you have seen cat trees, it is your best choice of a cat bed for your pet. It is a tall stand with a perch built at the top, where your cat can climb up onto it and sleep while everyone is below it, such as dogs that cats naturally fear. You can even connect the perch to a window sill, and your cat can nap as well as look out the window at the activities that goes on outside.

Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, and according to research, they actually spend up to two thirds of their life sleeping!! Now, that is a sound reason to get your cat a comfortable bed, or make its favourite napping spots as comfortable as you can. Some choices include round and furry cuddle-type beds, or bouncy cushions that create a round circle where your cat can snuggle in.

Cleanliness and hygiene is again the most important thing to look out for when getting your cat a bed. No matter what bed you decided to get, make sure that it has a removable cover that you can take out and wash regularly. Cats, like dogs, will attract bugs such as fleas, and these pests can make a home out of any fabric, especially if your cat lies there often. So make sure you remember to wash your cat’s bed often, and the other spots your cat sleep in as well to guarantee a flea-free home, one that you and your cat will both enjoy. See below for more information about Beds For Cats.

For more information on Cat Beds or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/should-you-buy-a-bed-for-your-cat/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charley_Hwang

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Painlessly Groom Your Cat

It may appear at first that cats do a perfectly good job of grooming themselves. However, if we take the time to brush their fur we can do a lot to help them, and also aid promote their fine health, by aiding their blood circulation and by cleaning up any hair, that they may end up swallowing.

Begin combing your cat while it's a kitten so it'll become used to the grooming. Use a loving tone and reward your pet with a treat to keep the grooming as enjoyable as it can be.

Always use a soft comb and brush in the direction of the hair growth so as to avoid irritating your cat's skin. It is suggested that long-haired cats be combed nearly every day while shorthaired cats can get by with a couple of combings each week.

Take care around the ear area because cats have sensitive ears. Working slowly will help keep the brush from jamming up too quickly and getting you bogged down.

Start clipping your pet's nails while it's still young. Don't use household clippers. Invest in a proper pair of clippers that are shaped for cutting the curve of their nails. Keep sessions short and quick. Do only one paw at a time, and gently press on the inside of the paw to help show the nails.

Then smoothly cut the tip. This is important because cats have a vein in their nail. It might be visible if the nail is not too opaque.

Ears must also be viewed and cleaned and wiped, using a cleaner provided specifically for cats. This will reduce build-up of wax, mites, debris, that may lead to ear problems.

Always remember that grooming your pet also means taking note of any changes in their skin or fur.

Just a few moments each day grooming your pet will not only help maintain its health but will also building a good relationship with you.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site articles for free.

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New Trends In Cat Accessories

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.

To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.

The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

Dominic Lee is the spokeperson for PetPetSupplies.com - the premier internet destination for pet supplies, accessories, and products for pets. Please check out http://www.petpetsupplies.com/cats-cat-furniture-scratchers.html for more trendy cat furniture and accessories

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Show Your Wild Side With Cat Eye Contact Lenses

Cat eye contact lenses may not be something that you would want to wear everyday, but imagine the possibilities. For those of you not familiar with designer contact lenses, they are lenses that you can wear even if you have perfect vision. You would be amazed at how many television shows, movies and theatrical productions use custom made contact lenses. One of the most popular styles is the cat eye contact lens.

Take a look at your cat’s eyes. You will notice that her pupil is shaped like an elongated disk rather than a circle like yours and her iris color is probably some sort of yellowish-green. You could have eyes that matched hers.

Novelty contact lenses are very similar to conventional colored contacts that can change your eyes’ color from brown to blue or green. Except these go much further. These contact lenses can duplicate the eye of almost any animal. Imagine having eyes like that of a snake or wolf or a jaguar. And just like conventional contact lenses, these allow for complete, unobstructed vision. The decorated parts of the contact do not cover your cornea, which is the part of your eye that the light enters and allows you to see.

Because novelty contact lenses need the same care and can carry the same risks as conventional contact lenses, you will need to see an eye doctor or optometrist before you can purchase a pair. Even online sites will require the name and phone or fax number to your doctor’s office before they will be able to fill your order. Keeping the lenses clean and free from bacteria is so important when you are dealing with something that will be going into your eyes. Your doctor will be able to examine your eyes and teach you how to properly care for your new lenses.

Costume parties and Halloween are the most popular reasons for you to buy a pair of cat eye contact lenses. But don’t limit yourself. You may feel like turning an ordinary Friday night out into something special. Imagine the looks you’ll get on the dance floor.

One of the most popular brands for cat eye contact lenses is called Wild Eyes. This is a line from the contact lens company, CIBA Vision. They carry many different choices and styles of novelty contacts for men and women. Their best selling style is the cat eye contact lenses. These lenses can be worn casually, with a costume or they can be the finishing touch to that alluring outfit. Meow!

Don't miss out on the huge savings with online contact lenses by visiting http://www.contactlensesguideonline.com, a popular eye sight website that provides discounts on Ciba Contact Lenses, Free Sample Contact Lenses, and information on Contact Lenses in Canada so you can see better and clearer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Clifton

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