How long do cats live?
Cats can live for a very long time given the right care mixed with the right genetics. The lifespan for a cat should be around 18 years of age. Most statistics unfortunately, say a cats lifespan is probably 13 years of age. This average however, is including outdoor cats whose lives are often cut short by unexpected tragedies including being hit by cars, attacked by dogs, foxes and raccoons and contracting viral diseases (feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis and feline immunodeficiency virus )after being bitten carrier cats.
Are there any plants tat are toxic to cats?
There are many plants that are toxic to cats. The best plan is to keep plants, except those intended for cats to eat (cat grass, catnip) away from their inquisitive mouths. Even a plant not known for its toxicity can cause severe gastroenteritis. Know the plants in your home and if you feel that your cat has become ill and the plant is at the source of it contact your vet immediately. Remember that something as seemingly benign as drinking water from a vase holding a Lilly of the Valley can prove fatal to you cat.
How can I tell if my cat is sick?
Simple observation of even the most subtle of changes in your cat's behavior and its eating, elimination and grooming habits are usually your best clue that your cat is not well. if any changes are noticed, then you are best to contact the vet. The veterinarian is able to let you know, if they feel that these changes are normal or indicate of an illness. The veterinarian's descriptions of these changes and events, so be prepared to answer multiple questions about your ca's Habit and these changes.
Household Pets Are The Most Common Source Of Allergic Reactions In Humans...
Many people think pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. Researchers have found, however, that the major allergens are proteins in the saliva. These proteins stick to the fur when the animal licks itself.
Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins, as is the skin. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Cats may be more likely than dogs to cause allergic reactions because they lick themselves more, may be held more, and spend more time in the house, close to humans.
Some rodents, such as guinea pigs and gerbils, have become increasingly popular as household pets. They, too can cause allergic reactions in some people, as can mice and rats. Urine is the major source of allergens from these animals.
Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop an may not decrease until six months or more after ending contract with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for 4-6 weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore, it is wise for people with an animal allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets lived on the premises.
When should I spay/neuter my cat?
Cats are spayed and castrated prior to reaching sexual maturity, which is usually at 6 months of age. In doing so, you can prevent your pet from engaging in certain unwanted behaviors, which can become permanent (such as Spraying in the unneutered male). Spaying your female cat before her first heat can also prevent her from getting mammary cancer later in life. Mammary cancer s usually always malignant The is NO good reason to not neuter or not spay your cat.
My kittens teeth are falling out. Is this normal?
Kittens and puppies have "baby teeth" just like people. It is normal for them to lose teeth at about 4 to 6 months to make room for their adult teeth, If they fail to fall out, removed by your veterinarian.
My cat is losing an excessive amount of hair. Is this normal?
This condition is probably normal. Cats, especially cats with long hair will shed their coat. This is a completely normal process. if the hair loss results in complete baldness, a trip to the vet might be necessary.
Do cat's teeth need to be cleaned?
Yes, cat's teeth must be cleaned also. Feline dentistry is one special area of need.
Each feline dental problem is unique and requires certain procedures to control infection or tooth loss.
Feline cavities (endodontic, osteoclastic restorative lesions) are a significant problem in cat's mouths and must be handled appropriately when diagnosed.
How much sleep does a cat require?
One major difference between dogs and cats is their personalities. Cats differ from dogs, in that cats prefer to remain very independent rather than socializing in packs or with humans.
Another unique trait is unusual sleeping patterns. Cats may sleep up to 18 hours a day, but wake-up quickly when disturbed.
A tendency to hide illness relates back to ancestors who would have been preyed upon by larger carnivores if they had demonstrated any sign of weakness. This characteristic, however, often makes it difficult for owners to know when a pet is sick.
My cat is scratching my furniture. I do not want to have her declawed. Is their an alternative?
While scratching is natural behavior for cats, it can often cause problems for cat owners. The standard solution has always been to declaw. Nor your veterinarian has an alternative to declawing that is both practical and painless. nail caps for cats.
nail caps are vinyl caps that help keep your cat's nails blunt and harmless. nail caps such as Soft Paws are applied to the cat's nails with adhesive and keep them blunt for as long as four to six weeks before they need to be reapplied, and you can even apply them yourself.
Tips On Caring For Kittens
Keep neonates warm by placing them in a box or basket lined with a soft, warm covering such as a fleece blanket. Since kittens do not produce sufficient body heat until they are 3 to 4 weeks old, it helps to use a hot water bottle or heating pad under the bed covering to help keep them warm. Be careful that the hot water bottle is not so hot it could burn the kittens.
Newborns should be bottle-fed a kitten formula every two hours for the first week, and every three to four hours thereafter.
After feeding, be sure to massage a kitten's lower abdominal area to encourage elimination. Usually a mother cat will lick kittens to stimulate elimination.
Be attentive for crying or other abnormal behavior. Crying is a kitten's distress signal, although kittens naturally yowl when they are hungry. A quiet kittens could be a sign of sickness and should not be ignored.
Kittens should stay clean. Wipe away runny eyes or any crusty deposits.
Litter Box
Acclimation
How can I teach my kitten to use the litter box?
You will want to keep in mind that a young kitten is still a baby and will have accidents from time to time. that is the reason that I and my mother recommend confining the kitten to a small area of your home with easy access to his/her food, water and litter box until the kitten is litter trained and gradually introduce the kitten to the rest of the house.
Cats and kittens are meticulous, and you may find that your kitten's mother has already trained him/her to use a box. If not it is usually relatively easy.
Make sure your kitten has immediate access to the litter box and that the kitten can climb in and out with no extra effort (box lids work well). Watch the kitten closely and place the kitten in the litter box when it wakes up, after meals or any time it begins nosing in corners or squatting.
If your kitten as an accident, wipe it up with a paper towel and place the towel in the litter box. Gently scratch the kitten's front paws in the filler, so he/she will earn this is the place to deposit and bury waste.
When your kitten is successful, praise him/her lavishly.
Things to Remember When Combing Your Cat
. Be gentle.
. Be patient.
. Work at a slow pace until the matted area starts to give and you can gently lift the mat away from the skin.
. After the coat is no longer matted, always make sure the brush or comb's teethe reach all the way to the skin and then pull upward and outward.
Why Cats Don't Work
* A cat has NO NEED to work. They have everyone else (including kids and those other unspeakable creatures) working for them.
* A cat knows they are the BOSS and does not take kindly to a human who thinks they are boss.
* A cat is NOT A TEAM PLAYER and will intentionally
undermine group efforts just because they can.
* A cat generally want NO CHANGES in their life style. They will use the same undermining tactics to ensure things remain as they prefer.
* A cat likes to MAKE WORK for their humans by making messes
and being hard to please.
* A cast has MORE IMPORTANT THINGS to do.
WHAT THEY DO INSTEAD
. Sleep . Eat
. Drink . Groom
. Sleep . Play
. Play . Catnap
. Eat . Litter Box
. Sleep . Sleep
SLEEPING
It is normal for cats to sleep a lot, many sleep about 16 hours a day. While they are sleeping, they are storing up energy to do the all the other things they do, such as playing and making mischief. cats will find favorite places to nap at different times of day and will sometimes seek out high places in the sun. Other times, they may choose a dark corner where they can sleep undisturbed. Wherever they are sleeping be assured that they will be immediately alert when it comes time to eat or play.
CATNIP
The majority of adult cats love catnip. There are many
catnip-filled toys available. A cat may sometimes prefer to
just have the catnip without the toy they like it rubbed between
human fingers and put it on scratching posts, on the floor or in
a paper bag. When buying catnip, smaller containers are best
to help ensure freshness.
PLAYING (and Mischief Making)
A domestic at "Plays" instead of hunting as their ancestors had
to do to survive. Playing provides stimulation to keep a cat
mentally alert and healthy. "Playing" and "mischief making"
are much related - the more time a human spends playing with
the cat, the less a cat will need to get into mischief. If you
are a cat's human, be sure to play with your cat daily.
Can You Stop A Big Dog From Pulling On The Leash?
Keith, from Woburn, MA
Yes, but not by pulling on the leash yourself. Instead, do the
opposite. When the dog pulls on the leash, stop walking. When
the dog stops pulling, resume walking. The dog will soon
realize he gets to move forward when he does not pull!
How Long Can A Puppy Hold It In His Crate?
Cindy from Allston, MA
A good rule of thumb is it is the number of hours equal to
his age in months plus one.
Can Dogs Get Sunburn?
Heidi from South End, MA
You bet they can! Which is one reason why you should
never shear a dog's coat too short.
Sunburn
White cats , or cats with white ears and faces are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Over a period of time, exposure to the sun can cause squamous cell carcinomas, a cancer found most often on the tips of the ears and nose, Early signs are a sore that does not heal or that bleeds.
White cats should kept out of direct sun as much as possible, and if they must be in the sun, you can help them prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen on their ears and nose. Your veterinarian can recommend one which will not be harmful if ingested.
The sun is a powerful giver of life and still worshipped by people all over the world (something I do not understand) but it is not always your cat's best friend. Be aware of his/her condition on sweltering summer days, and if you have any doubts at all, go to your veterinarian immediately. You are the only defense your cat has.
.gif)