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