Cat Hairballs by Doris Canova

Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat�s stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.
 
Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.
 
According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.
 
With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract. Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these. Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.
 
Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.
 
Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer. Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care. Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.
 
Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.
 
As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn't bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.
 
If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.

About the Author

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very intertaining and fun. Please visit our site for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - Best House Cat Care, or our blog for more information - Best House Cat Care.

Keeping Your Indoor Cat Happy by Connie Limon

Keeping your cat indoors is the safest option. It helps to:
 
* Protect from trauma
 
* Attacks from other animals
 
* Infectious diseases
 
Even though indoors in the best place for your cat, indoor life can also contribute to boredom and stress that might result in medical and behavior problems. There are steps cat owners can take to provide an interesting indoor life for feline companions.
 
Try to think of your cat as a guest in your home. Realize just a few preparations will make the cat feel welcome and happier. First of all, try to understand your cat's physical, mental and emotional needs. For further information, please follow the link in the resource box to my Persian cat site. On this site you will find helpful articles about every aspect of caring for and living with cats. Bookmark the site as I will be adding information continuously. On this site, I will also be exploring other members of the cat family such as tigers and lions that will help you to understand the natural instincts of the cat.
 
Cats are not herd or pack animals. They evolved as solitary hunters of small prey and spent much of their day in pursuit of food. Other portion of their time was spent establishing, marking and defending a territory. Free-living cats lead very busy lives. Our domesticated cats lead fully indoor lives, which removes the need to find food and patrol territory, but does not eliminate their daily need for stimulation and activity that involved finding food and patrolling territories. So you can imagine how much "extra" time our domesticated cats have on their hands each day living indoors with us.
 
Most of us realize the cat's basic indoor needs of food, water and a litter box. What we might not realize is certain mental and emotional needs. These include:
 
* A place to scratch
 
* A place to rest
 
* A place to perch above the ground
 
* Some interaction with toys to mimic the hunting of prey
 
The mental and emotional needs of a cat call for an informed and understanding owner. For example, scratching is a natural feline activity that helps cats exercise their muscles, shed the old outer layers of their claws and mark their territory using both scent-based and visual sings. Scratching is a cat's instinctive behavior. This urge to scratch will vary from cat to cat as does preferences of location and other materials.
 
You will need to experiment with different scratching devices to see which your cat or cats prefer. Some prefer horizontal surfaces, others prefer vertical. Observe your cat to see what his or her preferences are and then accommodate them with the appropriate scratching devices. I notice my Diamond and Fairy like vertical scratching areas, and my male, Taz, seems to do very little scratching. As you observe your particular cat, you will learn how to communicate with them and what they are saying to you.
 
A funny story about my Taz is with the addition of a new girl, Diamond, she has been teaching the others it seems more games to play. Taz would sit in my lap and roll around and try to grasp hold of my hand or arm with his paws, then very lightly and almost in question start to bite. At first, I was a little alarmed and of course I told him this was absolutely out of the question. He could not bite "mommy." After a few rounds of this, Taz suddenly jumped down from my lap, ran across the room, jumped upon one of the climbing trees, slapped at the little bird hanging there, then grasp hold of it with his paws and starting biting it. Then he ran back over to me, jumped up in my lap and looked straight into my eyes. I felt like he was saying: "I only want to wrestle and play with you." "I am not trying to hurt you." And I do believe this is what he was communicating with his actions and body language. I notice Diamond has been wrestling with Taz and Fairy, so I concluded Diamond taught Taz this new game.
 
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.
Source: The Winn Feline Foundation Online

About the Author

Written by: Connie Limon. I raise the beautiful, emerald green-eyed shaded and chinchilla silver Persian cat from champion and grand champion lines. For more information about us and to be added to our contact list, please visit http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats

Understanding Cat's Body Language by Tauqeer Hassan

Cat are domestic animals, they are not only sociable but also fashionable. Domesticated cats are inclined to form cat communities based on sharing of love and food. Female cats bond with each other very quickly that is quite different from humans. Cats are very territorial just like dogs. A sexually active male is dominant and has the biggest territory. Male dominated cat colonies may be a lot bigger than territories ruled by female cats.
 
Cats don't always cry because of being hungry for food but in many cases they cry because of being hungry for a sexual partner. Because cats are social animals, they cry because they want to have company. Cats may not cry every time but they may chatter or mumble. It's really scary to hear cats chattering like old women. They should be listened and one must talk back. Cats love when its master speak out a few comforting words.
 
Meow does not mean that the cat is crying but it is simply a greeting. A cat's cry may depend on what they are looking for, it can be championship or sexual relationship. Cats may cry because of boredom on rare occasions. Cats also need rest and recreation. Cats get stressed when they are ignored, it can be given a name and called, it can be given a pat on the head, it should not be kicked when it wraps itself around its master's leg and it will simply go away when it will feel that its master has had enough. If one cares for its cat then one has to be there when the cat calls.
 
A cat follows its master around because of a connecting feeling. Cats look upon its master as a second mother. Even if a cat is old, they never ignore the feeling of being attended and cared for.
 
Cats use a variety of sounds like mimicking to communicate with one another. They are very moody and they can't be made like oneself all the time. They have varying body language signs which you can tell by the way their tail, ears, paws and body are positioned.
 
There are many ways by which a cat can be stopped from crying like setting up playful activities with the cat, not ignoring it, taking it to a walk and feeding it regularly. A cat knows how to take advantage of its master's feelings because they can read them.
 
A person will relax more when having a relaxed reline on the lap, this moment regulates the blood flow and calms the heart.

About the Author

Also learn why does my cat follow me and why does my cat cry.

Help! My Cat is Keeping Me Awake. by Larry Chamberlain

"My cat is awake all night, full of energy and is stopping me from getting any sleep. It's driving me nuts!
Most cats spend a good part of their daylight hours sleeping, they like nothing better than finding a warm spot and enjoying a little snooze.
 
The trouble is that some cats are wide-awake when night falls and are full of vim and vigor, if your cat is one that could mean broken sleep or even entirely sleepless nights for you. And that's no joke, you need your sleep so you can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for work in the morning. You are embarrassed about being constantly bleary eyed and yawning at your desk!

So, are you sharing your home with an evil feline, a cat that has a secret agenda to torment you with sleep deprivation? No, it's not really your cat's fault. In their natural state cats are nocturnal hunters, they stalk their prey at night. Centuries ago cats ventured into human settlements because where there was humans there were rodents. This arrangement was good for both parties, good hunting for the cats and the humans had the rodent problem solved for them.
 
Years later the rodent problem was not so acute for humans but many found that they enjoyed the company of cats. Cats began to be kept as pets and the humans fed their feline pets so there was no need for them to hunt for their food. But the hunting instinct remains with the cats to this day... and so does the nocturnal instinct.
 
"OK, cats are naturally active at night but I really need my sleep. What can I do?"
 
This problem most usually affects "indoor only" cats because cats that have access to the outdoors via a pet door can slip out at night and satisfy their hunting instincts. But you may have many reasons why you prefer to keep your cat indoors.
 
Do you play with your cat? You should, playing is fun both for you and your cat and helps increase the bond between the two of you.
 
If your cat's night energy is causing you to lose sleep try a play session with your cat shortly before you go to bed, this may just tire out your cat so she or he is not so active.
 
Involve interactive cat toys, the fishing pole type and the toy mouse on a string variety, roll a ball for your cat to chase. Don't overdo it the object is not to exhaust your kitty but get rid of excess energy. At first your cat may only be interested in playing for a few minutes, that's okay try playing a little longer the next night.
 
The energy that your cat spends playing represents the energy a cat would spend hunting, and at the end of a hunt, a successful one anyway, is a meal. So feed your cat a small meal after the play session. In this way you are recreating your cat's natural nocturnal habits and it just may mean she or he will be a little less active at night.
 
Don't expect this to work instantly, you will need to patiently keep trying, good luck.

About the Author

Larry Chamberlain is a life long lover of cats. To find his articles and thoughts about the domestic feline visit Best Cat Art the site for all the best in cat art, cat and kitten health and cat issues. - Cat Urine Odor

Cat Care Tips. by Deby

Groom your Cat often.
 
Whether long haired or shorthaired cats should be brushed often to remove lose hairs. This will help with hairballs as they constantly groom themselves. Here are a few tips.
 
The very first time you brush your cat use a soft bristle brush. Start brushing at the tip of the fur and gently work deeper into the coat to prevent the brush getting stuck in tangles.
 
Always brush in the direction of the coat. Otherwise the brush can irritate the skin and make your cat run the other direction whenever it sees the brush. When bathing your cat never use human shampoos, they can irritate the skin of a cat.
 
Play with your Cat daily.
 
Set aside time everyday to play with your cat. Choose activities that will stimulate them mentally and physically. Keep in mind that a cat plays by chasing, swatting and pouncing.
 
You do not have to buy expensive toys. Some of your cats favorite toys are probably already in your home. Here are some ideas;
 
Take a piece of paper and crumple it up in a ball. Toss the paper ball around and watch your cat swat at it and chase it. Some may even pick it up in their mouth or with their claws and bring it back for you to throw again.
 
One of my Turkish Angoras favorite toys was a small jack ball. She would bat it all around the house and loved to try and pounce on it every time it bounced.
 
Most cats also love empty paper grocery sacks. Open it up on the floor and scratch the outside and your cat will run inside to check it out. Then just continue to rub or scratch the outside of the bag and your cat will try to paw your hand from inside the bag. You can also dangle and string over the front opening and watch your cat try to grab the string and take it inside the bag.
 
Your cat could potentially be your companion for 10 years or more so do not miss a minute of the fun and love they can provide.
 
Fun Cat Trivia and Myths.
 
The richest cat is Blackie whose owner left him 15 million pounds.
 
The average cat sleeps 12-14 hours a day.
 
White cats with blue eyes are often born deaf.
 
Cats with more than 5 toes on a paw are called Polydactyl cats.
 
Cats sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human.
 
Cats have 230 bones.
 
The print on a cats nose is like a finger print, each is unique.
 
Cats have a top speed of 30 miles per hour.
 
Do cats always land on their feet? No, they fall feet first but may break bones in the process.
 
Should cats drink milk? No. They don't need it and it can make some sick.
 
Cats sense of balance is in their whiskers? No. Their whiskers are used as feelers, not to maintain their balance.
 
Do all cats hate water? No. Some cats, like the Turkish Van like it.

About the Author

Deby has been a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts for several years. Select to view Christmas Decorations Ideas. We also have a great selection of adorable Cat Ornaments.

Getting Close to Your Cat by Aditya Wardjat

We often think of cats as being very independent animals. It seems as if they merely put up with their human owners. They seem to have their own interests, plans and preferences--none of which are really tied to the desires of their owners.
 
"You own a dog," they say, "but a cat owns you." Sometimes it can seem that way. Calling a cat to come to your side is often a hit or miss proposition. The cat will seemingly come to you when he or she feels like it, instead of when you would like it to do so. The positive reinforcement techniques that work so well in dog training are often eyed with a menacingly glare by a cat who will walk away from an attempt at training whenever the mood hits him or her.
 
Despite the standoffishness of cats, we continue to keep them as pets. Cats were among history's first domesticated animals and have been an incomparably popular pet since nearly the beginning of recorded history.
 
What is it about cats that attract human interest? Is it their vulnerability? For all of their independence, domesticated cats could never make it in the wild--they need us whether they want to act that way or not.
Is it their independence? Perhaps we have a respect for their apparent self-determination and willingness to do their own thing regardless of what others want. Cats could be seen as an illustration of freedom.
Regardless of the reasons, cats and humans are forever linked. There is just something unique and special about the human/cat relationship. Even though the bond may defy easy description, it is apparent in the eyes of cat owners and felines alike.
 
It is worth mentioning that this bond between man and animal can be strengthened and made deeper via the adoption of some very simple strategies on the part of the pet owner. You see, despite their apparent disregard, cats to appreciate human companionship and can be very receptive to being treated in a certain way.
 
We are so often warned against spoiling. We shouldn't spoil our children. We shouldn't spoil our dog. We can, however, safely spoil our cat. Cat pampering is one of the best ways to improve a cat/owner relationship.
 
Cats thrive on human attention and caring. They tend to mirror that behavior. Those cats who are treated well generally tend to give more positive attention and comfort to their owners. Thus, even though it would still be rewarding without a personal payoff, cat pampering does offer some real advantage to the cat owner, as well as the pet.
 
Cat owners must take the time and expend the energy to do a few "extra" things for their pets. This might involve making homemade treats, proving a kitty with a massage, or simply giving the cat a warm towel fresh from the dryer in which to play. Efforts can run the gamut from spending some extra time with the cat to buying expensive cat playground equipment in the form of "kitty condos."
 
No matter what one does, it can have a positive impact. So long as the cat is receiving caring attention, a relationship is bound to grow. However, by seeking out and finding quality sources of information that provide helpful suggestions and hints on the subject of pampering one's cat, that relationship is likely to grow even faster and stronger.
 
Any cat owner interested in improving the overall quality of his or her relationship with her cat should consider searching out a multitude of ways by which they might be able to pamper a cat. Not all cats are amenable to all approaches, so it is important to find a series of options with which one can experiment in order to see optimal results.
 
Although all cats may not respond in the same way to particular pampering plans, every cat can be reached by some technique. It may take some time and effort to learn what really makes your cat tick, but the rewards certainly justify the efforts.

About the Author

I am Aditya Wardjat, author of "Cat Pampering". Learn how to "Make Your Cat Feel Special"! Get A Guide To Pampering Your Cat at http://www.pamperingcat.com/

Cat Spraying - Can I Stop It? by Angelica C

Did you ever notice that rude behavior your cat has been doing? During the first few months after my daughter's cat, Miming, came to live with us, a new male stray came every morning. Soon, he decided to come live with us too. And for that few months thereafter, I was having fits almost all the time.
 
The cat never seems to tire of annoying me by depositing small amounts of urine, from our mailbox, to my daughter's swing set, car hood, on my furniture, on my porch, on kitchen counters, on doorways and even window panes! It drove me nuts; I kept on following her with a Lysol on one hand and alcohol on the other. It was being O.C., I know. But it just wouldn't stop.
 
Is this a litter box problem? My veterinarian disagreed. The doctor informed me that this act is called Feline Spraying or Cat Spraying. It is when a cat is seen backing into an area, with tail high and quivering and a little crouching, as it SPRAYS its urine.
 
Apparently, urine spraying is a communication system for cats. My tom (male cat) started spraying when he reached sexual maturity, and this occurs between 5 months to a year old. This is his way of marking his territory and letting other cats know that my house, this area, this particular boundary is owned by him. Talk about being possessive, huh?
 
Sometimes though, my veterinarian pointed out, that cat spraying may be due to stress. He may have felt some threat that he needed to mark his territory around my place. Additionally, the spraying could have also been done by Miming, my daughter's female cat. Cat spraying is common to unneutered males. However, female felines can also do cat spraying if they are in heat and they want to let the male cats know that they are.
I was determined to stop this behavior, despite the fact that this may be a natural occurrence in homes with cats. Since I do my living, baking and catering, it is my utmost rule to keep the house, particularly my kitchen, clean and tidy. Does this mean I should give up taking care of kitties?
 
Fortunately for my little girl, the veterinarian said it's not necessary. The easiest way to deal with the problem is to consider having "Tom" neutered or spayed, which I did. Statistics showed that at least 90% of neutered male cats stopped spraying after the process, 78% of which stopped immediately and 9% stopped in a few months. There were about 13% that did not stop spraying even after being neutered. If this procedure didn't work for my Tom, the doctor suggested giving him anti-anxiety drugs. So, I have learned that felines can suffer from undue stress and that can cause this urine spraying.
 
Did you know that Clomicalm and Valium are some drugs being administered by vets to address cat spraying problems? However, as with people, these uppers have certain effects on our pets. Some cat owners reported a change of behavior of their cats on anxiety medication.
 
Another alternative suggested is the use of diffusers and sprays. These new pheromone products (e.g. Feliway) offers us cat owners the chance to help our cats manage cat spraying. By spraying 'friendly' pheromone in places where Tom sprays, which lets the cat know that cat spraying is not allowed in this area. Additionally, the product is available in plug in diffusers which could work best for felines doing cat spraying around the house.
 
As this cat spraying may be due to stress, it is important to reassure Tom that there is no need to be anxious, and no need to feel threatened.
 
Did you know that problems in the household and human stress can also affect cats and cause them stress? Just like children, our cats need special attention and a bit of shelter from the stress we grown-ups are so accustomed to. Reducing these in our homes could significantly help in stopping our cats from spraying.
 
More so, cleaning the areas where our cats have sprayed proves to be not just an O.C. practice, but a good O.C. one. This helps in removing the odor and communicating to Tom that urinating in these areas are a big No-No. To effectively wash the areas clean, it is advisable to use a laundry detergent and mixing white vinegar and water, spraying a little onto the surfaces to remove any unwanted smell.
 
If your cat should continue spraying despite being spayed or after following the above suggestions, it is best to consult a cat behavior analyst. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a good one in your area and help your cat get over cat spraying.

About the Author

Get More Information about Cats Spraying and everything cat lovers should know about Cats Problems and Cats Behaviour at:  http://www.catloverssite.com/