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This article must be prefaced with a

BIG disclaimer: I am not trained in veterinary medicine and have no skills in this area. I rely on my own veterinarian, who knows my cats, to use his training and expertise in diagnosing my cats' ills, when indicated. I write only from the viewpoint of one who has shared my home with dozens of cats over an equal number of years. I have had cats with distemper, cats with cancer, cats with FLUTD, cats with dental disease and on numerous occasions, cats with abscesses and/or other injuries. Throw in an assortment of undiagnosed (but not un-treated) ills, and I've had my share of trips to the veterinarian. And I learned at a very early age how urgent those trips can sometimes be.


I often get e-mails from folks describing various symptoms their cats are displaying and asking if I have any idea of the causes. Although I may often have ideas or opinions, my answer is always the same: "Even if I were a veterinarian, I would not attempt to diagnose your pet without a thorough personal examination. Your kitty needs to be seen by a veterinarian, without delay."
Because of the frequency of these questions by email, in comments on my cats site, and in the About.com Cats forum, I've devised three simple rules to follow when a cat appears to be sick or injured:

The First Rule is "Know Your Cat"

I can't stress too much the importance of knowing your cat thoroughly. Through daily observation, and through your petting sessions (during which you'll learn the normal "feel" of your cat's body), learn all about your cat's normal physical condition. By learning the "normal," you'll be able to spot more easily when your cat is "out of whack." Observe the following routines of your cat:

• His Eating Habits
  Does he wolf his food in one sitting, or does he "graze" all day? A sudden lack of appetite should be cause for concern, particularly when combined with other symptoms.
• His Elimination Habits
  Become familiar with the size, color, consistency, and odor of your cat's feces. Note the color and amount of his normal urine output, and how often he urinates normally. Diarrhea, constipation, or straining to urinate are all red flags that your cat needs to bee seen by your veterinarian.
• His Normal Gait
  A cat normally walks with a purposeful stride, in measured paces. Changes in a cat's walking style can signify an injury or arthritis, and a veterinarian can help.
• Activity
  Is your cat always ready for play? Is he normally energetic, e.g., running instead of walking from one place to another. Cats normally become less active as they age, but even a senior cat should play when presented with an interactive toy. Sudden changes in your cat's activity level can signal an injury, lethargy, or depression, all of which are symptoms that should take you to the vet.
• Grooming Habits
  Cats are normally fastidious creatures, and will spend a large part of their waking hours grooming themselves. Failure to groom regularly, resulting in a greasy, matted, unkempt coat, can be caused by arthritis or depression, among other causes, and is a signal the cat needs help. On the other side of the coin, a cat that suddenly starts grooming one particular area excessively, may suffer a skin irritation, caused by fleas, mites, or the grooming itself, and should be seen by a veterinarian.
• His Sociability
  Although cats have a reputation for independence, most cats are very sociable with the other occupants of their home, both human and four-legged. A previously social cat who suddenly starts huddling in a corner has problems, either physical or emotional, and needs professional help.
• Behavioral Changes
  The classic example is a cat that suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box. Provided the box is clean, and there are no recent environmental changes (new cat, new baby, change of residence), inappropriate urination is often a symptom of a lower urinary tract blockage or infection, both very serious conditions. He should be seen by a professional, without delay.
•  
•  If your cat shows any one of the previously listed symptoms for more than 12 hours, or more than one of them for any length of time, I'd advise calling the veterinarian without delay. Obviously, emergencies are just that, and waiting any length of time could put your cat at risk.
  Emergencies
  Emergencies include injuries from accidents, burns, possible poisoning, insect stings or bites, seizures, or swallowing foreign objects, among others. These conditions all indicate a call to your vet during office hours, or a call to the the nearest emergency veterinary clinic after-hours. Other borderline conditions, such as sudden and ongoing projectile vomiting or extreme lethargy also merit an immediate phone call.
  
  Our senior cat, Bubba, throws up fairly frequently, usually soon after eating. We've learned not to be too alarmed about it, because we've had him checked out by our veterinarian several times. Some cats just eat too fast and if they have a particularly sensitive stomach, they'll hurl as a result. Still, we always watch him closely after these incidents, and if he ever showed any other signs of sickness (lethargy, weakness, continued vomiting, or the significant "3rd eyelid"), we'd get him to the veterinarian immediately. We've had cause to do so on a couple of occasions.
  
  
  

  The Third Rule is "Know When to Search the Web"

  The Internet offers a wondrous variety of information for those seeking it, and the wealth of veterinary articles about various diseases and conditions is a good example. I'm as quick as the next person to point the mouse to seek out more information about a particular condition, as I've done with Bubba on more than one occasion. But I did so, only after our veterinarian had examined Bubba and started a course of treatment. I'm sure our vet thought I was a pest, because I'd read an article and call him, saying, "What about this or that potential diagnosis?" He was understanding though, and put Bubba through every test I suggested, just to ease my mind. He also listened when I suggested some alternative treatment I'd read about. If he thought a holistic remedy might help, but more importantly, would do no harm, he'd give it a try. Otherwise, he would explain why it might not be appropriate.
  
   The bottom line is that if you cat exhibits any unusual symptoms or a combination of symptoms, pick up the phone first, and after your veterinarian has examined kitty and prescribed a course of treatment, then pick up the mouse and surf to your heart's content, for a better understanding of your cat's condition.
  
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  By Franny Syufy

  Cats Expert 

  
  

  
  

 Read more:
Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated

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Cat Grooming Basics

Cats are neat freaks. In fact, if you’re a cat owner, you know firsthand that your cat is a fastidious groomer. After all, it seems to spend most of its life either sleeping or grooming!
But as gung-ho as your cat is about keeping itself groomed and clean, the truth is that it could still use a bit of help from you.
Grooming is about more than just keeping your cat looking good. Grooming your cat on a regular basis will also help you to keep an eye on its health. And grooming your cat can even help to prevent feline health issues such as digestive problems caused by hairballs. Regular grooming can also help to improve the health of your cat’s skin and coat.

GETTING STARTED

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If you’re already a cat owner, this probably goes without saying: Don’t just snatch up your cat one day and commence to grooming if you’ve never groomed the cat before. The outcome is likely to be unpleasant for the both of you.
Instead, slowly accustom the cat to the process of grooming.
Pick a time when the cat is relaxed and content – after eating, perhaps. Then start with short grooming sessions of maybe 5 to 10 minutes. Pet and praise the cat as you’re grooming, and maybe even offer a treat at the end of the session. And if the cat begins to show signs that it’s none too happy about what’s happening, stop for now. You can try it again later.
With time, the cat will become accustomed to the process, and will likely come to enjoy it.

BRUSHING BASICS

Regular brushing offers benefits such as dead hair and dirt, and removing or preventing mats and tangles. But do it right, or you’ll end up with a cantankerous kitty on your hands!
Always brush in the direction that the hair naturally lays, never against the ‘grain.’ And be extra gentle around the belly and chest.
For shorthaired cats:

• Start with a fine-toothed metal comb. Run it through the cat’s fur from head to tail tip. Watch for small pepper-like specks that could indicate the presence of cat fleas.
• Use a bristle or rubber brush next to remove loose hair.

For longhaired cats:

• Start with a wide-toothed comb to remove debris that may be caught in the cat’s coat. Carefully untangle any knots.
• Next use a wire brush or a bristle brush to remove loose hair.
• Consider using a toothbrush to brush around the cat’s face.

And if you encounter matting in the cat’s fur, don’t try to cut it out; one or both of you may end up getting hurt.
Brushing twice a week should be plenty for most shorthaired cats, while a longhaired cat may need brushing every day.

BATH TIME (SAY IT ISN’T SO)

Does the idea of giving your cat a bath send shivers of fear down your spine? Understandable! It’s well known that most cats aren’t particularly fond of water. You may even have been witness to a vivid demonstration of this fact in times past.
Luckily, cats don’t often need the help of a full-blown bath.
But on occasion, your cat’s coat might become sticky or dirty to a degree that the old tongue-bath just isn’t going to cut it. So you’ll have to get involved. Fortunately, though, bath time doesn’t have to be a time of terror for the both of you – if you do it right:

• Start by making the water temperature pleasant. It should be warm – not hot, and not cold.
• Use a shampoo that’s made specifically for use with cats, and labeled accordingly.
• Use a sink or tub in which you’ve placed a rubber bath mat, filled to a depth of just 3 or 4 inches.
• Gently wet the cat down using a spray hose, but DO NOT spray or pour water directly on the cat’s head – you don’t want to spray or pour into the cat’s eyes, ears or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, use an unbreakable pitcher.
• Start at the cat’s head, and gently work in the shampoo from head to tail.
• Rinse gently but thoroughly, making sure that all the shampoo is rinsed out. Again, be sure to avoid spraying or pouring water directly on the cat’s head.
• Gently pat dry with a large towel.

And one last tip: If your cat’s nails need clipping, do it BEFORE bath time!

PEDICURE, PLEASE

Getting your cat to accept having it’s claws trimmed by you really shouldn’t be too difficult, IF you approach it properly.
Start out by spending some time just training your cat to be comfortable and accepting of having her feet handled. Begin to massage its feet on a daily basis. Do that by running your hand along its leg, and then very gently pressing with your thumb on the pad of each toe, causing the claw to extend. After a week or two the cat will likely become comfortable with its daily foot massage.
Once the cat is comfortable with the massaging, it’s OK to clip. Use a quality, sharp clipper or nail scissors specifically designed for use on cats. Cut parallel to the flat of the claw, and clip off only the white tip. Be VERY careful to avoid the quick, which usually appears as a pinkish area that you can see through the translucent claw.

IT’S NICE TO BE NEEDED

Compared to certain other pets, cats are relatively low maintenance – a nice perk for cat lovers. But like all of us, your cat could use a helping hand now and then. Independent creature though your cat may be, it still needs your help in remaining happy and healthy.
And that’s kind of a perk, too, wouldn’t you agree?

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Dr Eloise Bright Dr Eloise Bright is our resident pet care expert and Love That Pet Vet. When not working to keep her pet patients healthy, Eloise enjoys spending time with her family and pets. Connect with her on Google+.

Read more:
 The Complete Cat Care Guide For the New Cat Owner: Basic Details On Caring for Cats And Kittens Including Information On Cat Breeds, Cat Diet, Cat ... Possible Care and Keep Him Happy And Healthy

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 Cat Healthcare Tips

 

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Keeping your cat healthy, groomed, and well fed is important. Take a look at these five easy tips for maintaining your cat and you’re sure to have a lovely companion for many years to come.

Congratulations on getting a new cat! Whether you’re a new cat owner or someone with a few other furry, four-legged creatures around, one thing is for certain: You and your new pet are going to have a great time together.

However, these cute pets do depend on you to keep them in tip-top shape. It’s much like having a furry toddler in your hands, but with less maintenance, and a litter box. (Hopefully no one out there makes their toddlers use litter boxes.)

Follow these five easy tips and you'll make your cat healthy for many years to come.

1. The Essential Cat

Your cat has certain needs, some of those are basic: food, water, liter box, and bowls or glasses. Bowls are used for food, while drinking water from glasses make cats feel fancy and elegant. Carriers are also important, as are ID collars and microchips, especially if your cat spends time outside.

Did you know cats can sleep up to twenty hours a day? But when they’re not sleeping, eating, or showing off in windows for passersby to admire, they are playing. Toys, therefore, are a great way for your cat (or kitten) to hone its hunting skills, stay fit, and not get bored while you’re away at work.

A piece of colorful string, toy mice filled with catnip, ball, or laser pointer -- be careful not to direct it into the cat’s eyes -- are all good toys. Rotating the toys is also a good idea, as the kitty will enjoy rediscovering an old friend (or foe).

2. Chowing Down

Food and water are essential for any living being. Likewise, cats like their water fresh and clean. You can even splurge and buy water fountains that provide your cat with filtered, flowing water. Now we know what you're thinking, "I'm not spending that kind of money!" Don't worry. Just make sure they have access to clean water, allowing them to quench those parched lips whenever they please.

It’s also a good idea to have a few special dishes for food. If you’re busy in the morning, just put the food in a clean bowl and save all the washing for later. However, it's important you only put enough food for the cat’s morning meal. If cats are given too much food, they tend to overeat. Remember, fat cats are made, not born (and who wants to end up on Dr. Phil because of a fat cat?).

Dry food used to be recommended by many vets, but some have recently changed their minds and are encouraging an exclusive wet food diet, instead. If you decide to take this route, make sure you ask your vet for good brands, or head down to your local pet food store (holistic or otherwise) and see what they suggest.

Read more:
 The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook

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Cat Care, Cat Health, Cat Happiness...Welcome to The Cat Guide

Do you want to learn more about cat health and cat care?
Do you want to care for your cat in the best possible way?
Is your cat causing you all sorts of problems at home?
Looking for a site with all the latest cat tips and ideas?
If you answered yes to any of the questions you are in the right place!
Welcome to The Cat Guide, the site that gives you a comprehensive guide to all aspects of cat care, cat health and cat breeds. Whether you have trouble grooming your cat, your cats putting on weight or your house cat is getting bored and depressed we are here to help.

   

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We have an extensive guide to cat breeds and a special section devoted to house cats. If something is not there and you have a question un-answered please let us know! This site is devoted to cats and was created for you.
We at The Cat Guide have a passion for cats. A passion for Cat Care and Cat Health.
The fact you are on this site says you share the same passion as us. You want the best for your cats health and safety. Cat care is an important part of your life. Maybe you're struggling with an aspect of your cats life...

If so please don't be worried. You have identified there is a problem or concern and you have gone looking for a way to rectify it... You should actually give yourself a congratulations.....You’re in the right place!

Are you planning on bringing a cat or kitten into your life and want to know more about different cat breeds? Do you want to do the research that every responsible cat owner should before bringing kitty in to your home.....If that’s you then well done! You’re on the track to becoming a fantastic cat owner and companion!

You may just want to interact with fellow cat owners.....Share your cat care experience with our cat community...An expert on cat health ...Want to know the latest tips and advice that we at The Cat Guide publish frequently ...well with your help of course....

The truth is that no website, book or expert can answer every question you have.....Why? Like humans every cat is different and will react in different ways to different things. We will try and cover every major topic in cat care and cat health and give you some fantastic tips along the way that I hope will help you and your cat.
But is that enough?

We need your help too! Do you have great grooming tips? Have you and your cat overcome a tricky situation? Can you help our cat community? Are you an expert on cat care or cat health?
Our aim is to help every cat owner across the world that wants to help their cat live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life.

So can we achieve this goal? Of course! With fellow cat owners contributing to helping others in need we together can ensure that those who want to be educated will be educated....whatever the subject.

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Read more:
 The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care

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 Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten

By:
Drs. Foster & Smith Veterinary Services Department

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Bringing home a new cat or kitten is always exciting. You cannot wait to introduce the new addition to your family and friends; and you are already looking forward to years of happy companionship. The way you introduce your new cat to your household can make a big difference in how well he makes the adjustment.

Remember that cats are very much creatures of habit. They like things to be predictable and pretty much the same from day to day. You will be taking your cat out of a familiar environment, putting him into a noisy, moving vehicle, then expecting him to adjust to new surroundings, new people and perhaps, new animals. This is a lot to ask, and no matter how wonderful you and your home are, even the most easy-going cat is likely to be stressed and nervous. To make the transition as smooth as possible, take things slowly and give your cat plenty of time to get used to his new home.

Before you bring your new cat or kitten home
Making some plans ahead of time will make the transition to a new home much easier for you and your cat.

First, make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your new pet examined. If possible, schedule the appointment so you can take your cat to the veterinarian immediately after picking him up.

Make sure you have a sturdy travel crate for the cat to ride in. Most of the time the trip home will involve a car ride. When cats are nervous, they may feel more secure in an enclosed space. An unrestrained cat can be a real driving hazard, especially if she climbs down by the pedals, or jumps onto your shoulder. Having your cat in a carrier can also be helpful in case the cat vomits, urinates or defecates, which some cats will do if they are nervous.

The sense of smell is very important to cats, and it will make them more comfortable to have something that smells like their former home. For kittens, it is especially helpful to take a towel or blanket the kitten has been sleeping on with you to his new home. Make arrangements ahead of time with the breeder or shelter, possibly bringing them a towel for the cat to sleep on for several days before you pick her up. Place the towel in the carrier for the ride home, and leave it in the carrier for your new pet to sleep on the first few days.

To limit the number of changes your new pet will need to experience the first day, before you get the cat, find out what food and litter the cat has had, and try to get the same brand. If you want to change brands later, slowly (over the course of a week) mix the new brand in with the old brand.

Before you bring your new cat home, put his food, water, toys, scratching post, and litter pan in a quiet room you can close off, perhaps a spare bedroom. If the new cat is shy, fearful, or you have other cats, the use of the product Feliway may be helpful. Feliway is a product that was designed to help reduce anxiety in cats. It contains pheromones from the cat's face. Pheromones are chemicals which are used to communicate with other members of the same species. You may notice that a cat often rubs her face and chin on vertical surfaces. She is leaving a scent there which contains these pheromones.

The pheromones from the face have a calming effect on other cats. You may wish to spray Feliway in the cat's new room, in the cat carrier before and after you pick up the cat, and around the house, if you have other cats. Alternatively, you can purchase a plug-in form of the product to use in the house.

The initial introduction to your home
Cats need to become thoroughly familiar with new surroundings before they feel comfortable. An entire apartment or house can be overwhelming all at once. Many cats will hide under beds or furniture, sometimes for days. It will be much less stressful for your cat to learn about you, your family and your home a little at a time. This is even more important if there are multiple people and/or pets in your household.

When you bring your cat home, place him in the room you have fixed up for him, keep this room closed off, and let him explore that area first. Let the cat come out of his crate on his own; do not try to coax him or tip the crate to force him out. Cats are curious and most will soon come out to explore their surroundings.

If the cat seems very timid, you can leave the room for a while and check back later. If you really want to stay in the room, get a book and read. When the cat is ready to come out, stay where you are and let him come to you. Talk in a soft, reassuring tone, pet him if he seems interested, but do not try to pick him up. Leave the open carrier in the room, so that he has a safe retreat if he wants one. Give him time to learn that he can trust you.

The introduction to other family members
Introduce other family members slowly. Have them come into the room one at a time to pet and play with the cat. Have younger children sit down, then show them how to gently stroke the cat's fur and offer her a few treats. Make certain that children understand that they are not to chase the cat, hurt her or bother her while she eats, sleeps or uses the litter box. If there are no other pets, you can let the cat begin to explore the rest of the house in a few days.

The introduction to other pet cats in your home
If you are bringing your new cat into a home with other cats, keep in mind that there are diseases and parasites that cats can transmit to each other, and some of these are fatal. There are also certain parasites such as roundworms, that people can get from cats. Roundworm eggs are passed in the stool and are so small they cannot be seen without a microscope.

Roundworms are especially a concern for young children, who often put their fingers into their mouths after playing with pets. Before you bring a new cat into your household, take it to your veterinarian for an examination and stool sample check.

Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what vaccinations your cat needs and check your cat's stool for intestinal parasites. Your veterinarian can also perform blood testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Then you can bring your new cat home without concerns about compromising the health of other cats or people in your household.

Keeping the new cat in a quiet, separate room is especially important if there are other cats in the house. The other cats will quickly become aware of your new cat's presence. The cats will usually sniff at each other under the closed door. Do not be surprised if there is some initial hissing.

Help the cats get used to each other's scent by rubbing a towel over each of them in turn. Feeding them on either side of the door that closes off the room the new cat is in is also helpful. They will start associating the smell of the other cat with a good thing (food). After a few days, take the new cat out of its room, put the old cat in that room with the door closed, and let the new cat begin to explore the rest of the house for a few hours each evening.

The next step is to let the cats see each other, yet still keep them separated. An old screen door or a piece of Plexiglas works well for this. Another option is to prop open the door of the new cat's room, just enough so that the cats can see each other and put a paw through, but not enough that they can get through the door. After a few days of this, try feeding the cats together but at opposite ends of the room. Monitor the cats during this time, and separate them except at mealtime. Each day, move the food dishes very slightly closer to each other, until the cats are eating side by side. The idea is for the cats to associate each other with the pleasant experience of eating. It is not unusual to hear occasional hissing, but this should decrease as the days go by. If things do not seem to be improving, try decreasing their interaction for a few days.

Once the cats seem comfortable with each other, you can move on to the final step. Open the door all the way, allowing the cats to come and go as they please. Monitor them closely, in case they fight. Do not leave them alone for any length of time until you are sure they will get along well. Provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the household (e.g., if you have two cats, provide three litterboxes). This helps to prevent a more dominant cat from stalking the other and keeping him from using the litter box.

The introduction to a pet dog in your home
Introducing a new cat into a household where there is a dog is a little different. Keep them separated, with the cat in its own room, for the first few days. Then pick a time when the dog is outside or crated, and let the cat begin to explore the rest of the house.

Once the cat seems comfortable in the house, you can begin introducing the dog and the cat. Keep the dog on a short leash, give the command for a sit or a down/stay and allow the cat to come into the room. If the dog is remaining quiet and the cat seems interested, let the cat come over and investigate the dog.

The main concerns here are that the dog might get aggressive, or that the cat might claw at the dog's face. Knowing some of your new cat's previous history can help you know what to expect. Obviously, a cat that has been chased by a dog in its previous home is much less likely to do well in a new home with a dog. Some dogs are wonderful with cats, while some can be a threat.

There are some dogs who instinctively see small animals as prey to be hunted. Monitor the dog and cat closely and do not leave them alone together until you are certain they will get along well. Make sure there are safe retreats in the house where the cat can get away from the dog. A baby gate across the doorway of one room works well.

Position the gate 4 to 5 inches above the floor for young kittens or older cats who cannot jump well. Make sure litter boxes are out of the dog's reach, also, to prevent the dog from eating feces and/or litter, or keeping a frightened cat from using the litter box.

Knowing your cat's history, taking care to pick a cat likely to fit in well with your household (see also Should I Get a Kitten), and taking the time to gradually introduce the newcomer, will greatly increase the chances of your new cat becoming a happy, permanent member of your family.

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Read more:
ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Caring for Your Pet (Aspc Complete Guide to)

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