A cat flap is a wonderful invention. It allows your cat to enter and exit different rooms of the house where he is allowed to be without giving access to rooms that are off limits. It can also allow access to the outside so the kitty can go to his private corner of the lawn to do his business. But what if a neighbor's cat who is not so well trained gets into the home or a small dog follows kitty into the house? Today, it is possible to protect your home and your pet with a magnetic cat flap.
A magnetic cat flap uses very powerful magnets to lock the flap in place when the cat is not actively entering or exiting. These magnets are powerful enough to stop a full grown human from being able to open the flap without the proper magnetic key, which can be added to the cat's collar without any problem.
When a magnetic cat flap is in place, the cat can enter and exit at will because the magnetic key in the collar deactivates the magnetic locks. The neighbors' pets will not be able to enter, even if they follow the cat because the locks will pull the flap closed quickly behind the animal and before another creature can make entry.
This factor will protect the home from invasion by neighboring animals who could destroy things or make a mess in the home. In addition to that, it provides protection for the cat in the event it is chased back into the house by another animal.
Unlike traditional cat flaps and doggie doors that can be used by thieves to gain entrance into a home, the magnetic cat flap provides protection from this possibility as well. The only way the flap will open is if the cat approaches with the magnetic key, a thing not likely to occur if there is a stranger right outside. This means that would be thieves will not be able to use the pet entrance as a way to get tools inside the house that would allow them to circumvent the locks and open the doors.
There are several different levels of security provided by cat flaps. The most secure, and the most expensive, provide for a four point security lock. This means that four separate magnets hold the flap in place until the magnetic key on the pet's collar deactivates them. Cheaper units can come with as few as one magnetic lock. These are not as secure as the four point lock, but are still almost infinitely better than a simple pet flap that has no security features built into it.
It is up to the homeowner to determine how secure the magnetic cat flap needs to be based on the value of the cat and the contents of the home. One thing is certain: a magnetic cat flap can provide a great deal of protection to both one's home and one's pet.
Jim Webb writes more about the magnetic cat flap [http://www.petdoorsreview.com/magnetic-cat-flap.html] and various types of pet doors at [http://www.petdoorsreview.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3365119
If your cat exhibits the following symptoms:
Swollen or inflamed gums that appear red in color
Bleeding gums
Pain while eating
Lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss
Excessive salivation
Development of halitosis
Foul breath
Then they could be suffering from feline periodontal disease. It is important to control this condition before it progresses to a much worse stage of chronic gum disease.
Periodontal disease is the most diagnosed problem in cats and dogs. Approximately 90% of cats over the age of one year have some degree of periodontal disease. If they have grade I-II periodontal disease, basically a veterinarian would recommend doing a dental prophylaxis (basically a cleaning under general anaesthetic). Grade I periodontal disease is reversible though. It is most similar to gingivitis in humans. A few things can be done - try... switching the cat off any high protein food they may be on, and switch from canned to dry. High protein food s linked to foul breath odour. Recommended are the dental diets cat foods which will help scrub their teeth as they eat- t/d (Prescription Diet) is the ultimate in these diets but Medi-Cal Veterinary Diets also does a dental diet and so does Science Diet.
There are also additives you can put in their water that can help with the breath- Breathlyzer is one of these.
One of the best things to do too is to brush their teeth. It helps to gradually work up to tooth brushing. Even if they lick a bit of the toothpaste (don't use human toothpaste)- it will help. It has enzymes in it that help prevent calcium from binding and forming tartar.
If the disease has progressed to a later stage; this feline gingivitis can be a very painful condition and although antibiotics may help reduce the infection, tooth extraction may be the only long term solution.
This article was written by Nancy Sobry - your no. 1 source for online pet supplies, http://www.superiorpetsupplies.net, and your source for top quality sporting goods and apparel, [http://www.qualitysportinggoods.net]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4600472
Cats are typically more independent in nature and the symptoms of arthritis may not be noticed immediately. But, their pain is often acute and the joints become stiff and cause great discomfort. Most cats develop arthritis due to a deterioration of cartilage and joints. But, each cat needs to be treated uniquely and the best joint supplement must be chosen specific to her needs. It is important to examine your cat on a daily or weekly basis for signs of joint pains.
Symptoms of Joint Pain
• Limping
• Stiffness while rising from a resting position
• Change in personality
• Licking of particular areas
• Refusal to jump
There are home remedies for easing the joint pain in your cat. Aspirin has been found effective for minor pain. Monitoring your pet's weight and making sure she exercises is very important as overweight cats are more susceptible to joint pains. Provide a warm place for your cat as cold often makes the joint ache worse. A gentle massage to soothe the aching joint is also helpful.
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements can improve the joint health of your pet. Some of them help maintain the structure in cartilage, draw water into the cartilage adding lubrication as well as nutrition, and provide pain relief.
• Glucosamine
• Glucosamine with Chondroitin
• Methylsulfonymethane
• Joint Enhancer for Cats
• Glyco-Flex
• Ortho-Flex
• Cosequin for Cats
• Super Joint Omega
Joint supplements can be given for pets with degenerative joint disease as well. This is not very common in cats; but, does occur and is usually caused by overweight. The joint wears out and the bone develops a roughness that damages the joint. It is also caused by fractures or dislocation. The supplements along with physiotherapy will help your cat in remaining flexible and will slow down the degeneration of joints in your cat.
Sudha writes on pet ailments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4886214
It's fairly safe to say that a lot of people have a soft spot for animals, especially cats and dogs. We dedicate hours of our lives to our pets, ensuring they are well cared for and happy and naturally in some cases this involves letting them outside occasionally.
The difference between cats and dogs though is that when we let our dogs out we are usually with them to keep an eye on them. Unlike cats, we just open up the door and let them go off and do their own thing as cats are far more independent.
So how can you, the owner minimize the chances of your beloved cat not returning one evening when you let them out? Here are some of my top tips:
- Of course the younger the cat the more effective these tips will be as it becomes more of a routine over time. If your cat is male it's worth considering getting him neutered as this would help to curb his need to roam his territory and stray too far from home. Always consult your vet before though for further information.
- Keep your cat indoor's for at least a month minimum before letting them out for the first time. This gives them time to familiarize themselves with their new home, the scent and to relate home with food which is a big incentive for cats.
- Try to get your cat used to two meals per day. One in the morning and one in the evening are ideal. After about a week or two of this try letting them out about an hour or so before their evening feed, this will ensure two things. Firstly they won't wonder far and secondly it will help them to connect the time with hunger and home with food.
- Try taking your cat around the garden in a harness to help them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. To a young cat the outside provides many many new and interesting things and they can easily get carried away and possibly lost and unsure of the way home.
- The final tip has been labelled by some people as nothing more than an old wives tale but from personal experience it has never failed me or anyone who I have recommended it too. Before letting your cat our coat their paws in butter. This has two reasons. Firstly when they get outside the first thing they will do is sit by the door and clean themselves. This gives them time to gradually take things in about their surroundings. The smell, sounds and other sensations without being completely overwhelmed then when the cat begins to wander they will have the scent of the butter to follow back.
So there you have it, my top picks for helping to prevent your cat from going missing. Of course none of these offer 100% certainty but will most definitely help. Just remember that cats are very smart and independent and as such they will inevitably do what they want.
I also feel it worth mentioning how important chipping is. I would highly recommend getting your cat mocrochipped should the scenario that your cat goes missing should ever occur. It's also a good idea to fit your cat with a collar and tag including contact information. If you feel that chipping is cruel to the animal there are other alternative such as unique ID tags which are available online.
James Jay
Pets Bureau
Pets Bureau is a service which works to reunite lost pets with their owners. For more information on how you can protect your cat or dog further, visit the Pets Bureau site at http://www.petsbureau.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5223760
Some pets attune their rhythms to those of their owners. Over time, they tend to share the same schedule of activities, or at least closely overlap them - watching television together, preparing a meal at about the same time, and sleeping at about the same scheduled hours. Their adherence to a feeding time can be impeccable. These pets are perfectly potty trained. When bored they do not scratch the furniture indoors. They could be holed up in your home all day and they won't mess your house up, in rebellion. Okay, now it's time to wake up to the real world of cabin-fevered pets. You really can't, no matter how hard your try, keep you cat imprisoned indoors. Seriously, you're going to think about installing cat doors. If you won't do this, your cat is going to be doing some unpleasant things while in your house - unpleasant things that could be avoided.
Potty accidents - yes, cats can do that, deliberately
Even though there are some cats that love staying indoors due to the timed pet feeder and indoor heat or cooling, some get easily bored. So even though the potty station is just there, expect them to pee at the base of the couch, in your laundry basket, on your study table, and into the exhaust fan of your computer.
Cats can scratch their itch, and your walls, shelves, and curtain, too
Scratched up furniture, clawed up curtains, the list goes on. Don't expect paintings to escape your cat's claws, along with other items of value on your shelves - they'll be shoved down and topped over and break. if you leave soiled dishes and uncapped catsup bottles, you may find them rummaged and broken, or tumbled over and spilling on your carpet. Could it be that your cat is just mischievous, eternally bored, and have nothing else to do?.
The art of randomly pushing down items from shelves - cat style
If only books fall down from your shelves, consider yourself a lucky pet owner. You may have some expensive or valuable mementos that could get knocked over. That's why cats that are bored tend to love climbing high shelves and shoving down what's there. Cats want to explore, and although some cats explore to find a nice snug-fit space between books, some will just keep climbing and dropping things.
When you're home - you're the butler
But when you're home, even after you keep cleaning up after them, you still have to keep letting them in and out of the house. That's because your cat expects you to do things for him - like open the door. You may have to deal with a meowing that annoys you, if you don't do what the cat says. Later, when they want to come in, they meow non-stop, because you're the butler.
You can be spared of the trouble, the clean ups, the annoyance, the noise, the broken items, the scattered personal belongings, the pee-smelling indoors if you start thinking about buying cat doors.
Cats can also suffer from cabin fever and need to get out of the house. To prevent them from making potty accidents indoors, why not install cat doors in your home? Not only will you stop having to get up everything they want to get out or in, but your cats will also have enough exercise - because of those cat doors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5520352
The cat food myth that many of us believe is that what we give our little fluffy is plenty.
We buy the tins or we buy the dry cat food and then give it to our little fluffy friends. When they don't eat it, we assume that they are fussy. We change the cat food flavor, mix it up even more, or even change the brand.
What we tend to find is that cats are not really fussy. They are just going off their genetics which demands that fluffy is given a certain amount of food groups that is specifically designed for fluffy. So a cat will know if it hasn't got those nutrients and will hunt them out disliking food until it has found "the right combination".
Wrong.
Cat food is balanced for normal, healthy fluffy. It is also wise to know what fluffy is actually eating and what you should do to help your cat have a balanced diet.
Unfortunately in our frenzy to make our cat love us and to make sure that it is getting the best food, we sometimes make mistakes.
Here are 8 ultimate tips to give your cat the best food which will apply to cat health as well...
1. never give fluffy dog food. It is not made for a cat and long term use can cause all sorts of illnesses, fatal and chronic. Some are: night blindness and vitamin deficiencies.
2. never give excess vitamin A. This can cause sterility and loss of hair.
3. never give raw fish. They contain enzymes that break down vitamin B1 and can even carry disease for little fluffy.
4. Canned food provides some water for cats but always give a cat a fresh water source to use.
5. A cat will not eat anything that is by its litter tray.
6. By enlarge, they are solitary animals so they get concerned when anything disturbs their food eating. The location of the food dish, other animals close by, interactions of distraction etc will all determine how much the cat is willing to eat. It is not uncommon for a cat not to eat for a week in a boarding house.
7. Vitamin and minerals are not really needed as supplements (unless the vet says) as long as the cat is eating a well balanced meal.
8. Any treat should not consist of more than 20% of fluffy s intake.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7413612
Cat dental care can be done the easy way or the hard way. When you listen to many veterinarians or specialised pet therapists, they will try to persuade you to clean your pets teeth either with a product they sell or with a toothbrush.
I don't know about you, but trying to clean a cat's teeth with a toothbrush seems to me to be inviting trouble. Your cat will probably, and righteously, react by scratching you. If that doesn't work, you'll likely get bitten for your troubles.
Clearly, they are telling us to back off. But do we listen? In our arrogance, we think we know best. I have learned the hard way that we most definitely don't.
Chewing something manmade that claims to clean your cat's teeth sounds dubious to me. The product is more likely to benefit the bank balance of the manufacture and supplier than your cat.
For a species that claims to be the most intelligent, humans can be remarkably stupid. Please don't take offense at this, as that remark is not necessarily aimed at you. It is more aimed at the animal therapists (veterinarians mainly), who make their livlihood from giving you advice about caring for your cat.
However, being stupid can be very lucrative, as long as you can convince your followers that you are, in fact, very helpful.
Lets look at wild cats. Wild cats, in all their forms, don't need toothbrushes or products that claim to clean their teeth. Wild cats already have a wonderful tooth cleaner built into every meal their consume - the bones of their prey.
Take a peak at your cats teeth and tell me if they are not perfectly suited to crunching up on small bones? This act keep their teeth clean, free from tartar, their gums nicely massaged and gives them a grand supply of macro minerals.
I have to say that I am utterly gobsmacked by vets who tell you not to feed your cat bones. Certainly it does make very good business sense as the lack of bones in their diet creates lots of business for them. Your cat will inevitably develop many mouth, and other health, problems.
Sadly, even many holistic practitioners and vets will tell you to grind up the bones before feeding them to your cat. They really haven't fully embraced the way cats work naturally.
If you are feeling resistance to what I am saying about cat dental care, then you have been subjected to the very clever marketing psychology that abounds. I simply ask you to think laterally.
Consider this - cats in general cope very well when they turn feral. Throughout the world, whether in cold or hot countries, feral cats prosper. And the only way they can do that is because they are excellent hunters. And when they catch their prey, they eat everything, including the bones. Luckily for them, there is a large population of mice almost everywhere.
Humans seem to be very good at refusing to look at the cause of problems and instead keep creating ever more weird (and sometimes clever) devises that will never cure the problem. Your thinking needs to go back to the cause, not trying to manage the effect. Managing the effect simply creates more problems.
The easy way to cat dental care is to provide your cat with the where-with-all to do the cleaning themselves. However, there is one problem with this - most people have made their cats into junkies who refuse to eat real food. You'll probably need help turning this around.
Three Natural and Economical Feline Treatments
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8329703