Month: November 2008

Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Posted by on November 29, 2008

cat-care/”>Health Care for Your Pet Cat

Pet cat  care may be similar to caring for other pets. But such care may also have its own differences. One of them is that pet cats may suffer from a host of different diseases that other pets may not go through. Here is a list of some feline diseases that pet cats may suffer from at some point.

Feline Distemper

This disease usually affects pet cats at a young age. Known medically as feline panleukopenia, this type of viral infection lowers down the immune defenses of young kittens by severely affecting the production of white blood cells. This infection can make young kittens pass, liquid stool with blood due to the severe hemorrhaging that happens in their small intestine.

Fever may also be expected and will lead the young kitten to become depressed and then refuse to take any food and water. It may seem to the pet owner that the cat has a temperamental personality, hence the name feline distemper. The infection actually has no effect on the cat’s personality in any way. Sadly, recovery for such conditions is very rare for a cat.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

This is another viral infection that is also fatal in cats. Once your pet cat shows signs of this infection, it can take years and years of trouble. This infection is usually common mostly in young adult cats and can be transmitted to other cats. There are two known types of this infection.

There is the “dry” type where the young adult cat is affected by high fever as well as problems with internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs and the intestines. With this type of infection, the cats never seem improve no matter how well the treatment is given.

There is also the “wet” type of the disease has the young adult cat having a fluid discharge within the abdomen. Occasionally the cat’s chest displays a golden and dense liquid that contains flakes within. This infection makes the cat run a high fever and would usually not eat well.

The only protection that cats can have over the disease is vaccination. But vaccines should be given to pet cats prior to any exposure to the virus or else the vaccine would not be very effective to prevent any infection.

Feline immune Deficiency Virus

This disease is similar to the Human Immune Deficiency Virus or HIV in humans. This virus in only found in cats and is being spread mainly through a bite from an infected cat. This disease suppresses the cat’s immune system and leads the cat to be more prone to all sorts of infection. There is an intranasal vaccine available to protect cats from the FIV infection although some veterinarians are not that convinced that it can protect  more effectively as compared to  other  vaccines.

Feline Leukemia Virus

This virus can severely limit an infected cat’s immune system. With the affected immune system, the cat has limited ability to defend against all sorts of other infections. This virus can be spread from contact with infected cats. Many cats can become carriers of the virus for years without displaying any outside symptoms of the infection.

Cats harboring the virus may at times develop clinical signs of the infection if they undergo surgery, get injured or when they get lost outside their usual environment. These diseases may give pet owners an idea of how pet cat health care may be important to ensure that their pets live healthier and longer lives.

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Drugless Flea and Roach Solution

Posted by on November 20, 2008

Some years ago, I hosted a talk show on health on a Palm Beach radio station. Someone called in, and wanted to know what to do about fleas, as she was violently allergic to the various poisons that people put on the back of the neck of their dogs. (Most dogs and cats dislike them as well.)

Years previously I had found a solution, so I gave it to her. Purchase a large plastic “squeeze bottle” of Boric Acid. It’s in a fine powder, and if you point the snout down and squeeze the sides, it comes out in a puff of fine powder.

To start, vacuum the carpets, particularly where your pets may sleep or lie, or the entire carpet in a house where all the floors are carpeted. After a thorough vacuuming, go around squeezing the boric acid in a cloud all over the carpet. You’ll have to brush some of the excess into the carpet with your shoes, or a broom.

It will take a week or so, but after that, even with outdoor cats and dogs, you will find very few, or no fleas. Boric Acid is virtually harmless, to children, and your pets, but deadly to most insects.

A product sold in many health food stores was discovered a few years ago. It’s a product made with mixing common yeast and garlic powder. Mix a half teaspoon or so into their food every day. Surprisingly, my cats love it mixed into canned tuna. I thought the garlic odor would be a problem, but it’s not.

This helps keep fleas at a distance outside. You might be able to barely smell the garlic on the skin of your pets if you smell closely. It’s also healthy as the yeast has B vitamins, and the garlic is a natural healthy food for man and beast.

Let’s look at cockroaches next. They’re the “survivors” for millions of years, and will probably survive after all humans have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Every housewife hates them, and most houses have a few hidden away. In South Florida, we have flying cockroaches almost as big as mice, and lots of smaller ones also along with many other insects. Except for ants. Boric Acid works very well.

Boric Acid in the carpets, particularly around the edges and baseboards, keeps your pets pretty free. But, there are a few places where it pays to keep them out as well. Put a small amount of Boric Acid into some beer botttle caps.

Place the caps of Boric Acid into the corners of your cupboards. If you have paper in the bottom of your kitchen drawers (or cabinet shelves), take up the

Paper, and do a small Boric Acid spray, then replace the paper. Don’t forget to spray the Boric Acid under the refrigerator, and the stove.

That night, the entire program was taken up with callers, some telling us how well this worked for them, or asking more questions. Several people called the next time the program was on to thank me and some of my listeners for the above advice.

Much later, I learned how to stop ants, including fire ants. Simply empty one or more “blue” packages of NutraSweet (Aspartame) onto the nest. The ant hills are gone by the next day usually. Sprinkle a few grains in the baseboards or any possible entry holes into your home to prevent intrance. Aspartame seems to be a deadly poison to most insects, but particularly to ants.

If it’s that deadly to ants, what might it do to some susceptible humans? Many persons are allergic to it. Not everybody is even aware of this problem. It often causes headaches in fact. I never use Nutrisweet!

I hope that the above helps you to better health for you and your pets.

 

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All About Cat Blogging

Posted by on November 19, 2008

 

Have you ever tried writing using a different viewpoint? Most people will write using their viewpoint. Seldom can you find a person who writes in a different way. But if you want to be known online, you must be as unique as possible. If you try to surf the net, particularly in blog websites, you will note that some bloggers write using their cat’s viewpoint which is more commonly called as cat blogging.

What is cat blogging? Those who are unfamiliar with cat blogging may think that these are blogs about cats. Well, you can actually find blogs about cats online. Pets are interesting topics and aside from cats, some bloggers also write about dogs, birds, and fishes. However, some bloggers find cat blogging much better because it draws more attention. Readers find cat blogging quite interesting because the blogger writes blogs using their cat’s viewpoint.

Cat blogging is really strange and this may be the reason why many individuals are interested in reading it as well in posting comments. Blogs about pets, specifically about cats are quite ordinary nowadays because many bloggers want to share with the whole world the everyday life of their cats. If you want to become a well-known blogger, why not try cat blogging?

Through cat blogging, you can be creative and imaginative. You can also practice your spelling and grammar while writing your blogs. If you try cat blogging, you can expect more readers to visit your site. Some bloggers even claim that they receive more or less 5 comments everyday.

You can surely stretch your creativity and imagination through cat blogging. Experts say that bloggers who write from their cat’s viewpoint can enjoy its therapeutic benefit. Your blogs will usually revolve around the daily life of your cat. You can create an entirely different character that catches the attention of many readers. 

If you try to look into the existing cat blogs, you will definitely enjoy the experience. You can read about the lives of different kinds of cats. One very popular cat blogger is a diva who talks with celebrities and stars. This cat diva also comments on the shortcomings of the rich people and famous celebrities. You can also find cats that talk about mundane lives. Some cat bloggers also talk about politics and elections. If you add a bit of creativity in your cat blogging, you can also make it big in the blogging business.

Those who love their pet cats will find cat blogging enjoyable. If you want to know more about cat blogging, you can visit catster.com because the diaries there are written from a cat’s viewpoint. Blogs about cats are increasing everyday and the internet has a lot of room for cat lovers.

If you want to expand your imagination, your horizons, create a certain outlet, or simply want to meet other people who think like you, start cat blogging now. Do your homework first and research about cat blogging. You can also reach other cat bloggers online and you can ask for some pointers in making cat blogs. A little hard work might turn you into a successful cat blogger.

Cat blogging is really popular these days. Be a cat blogger and make money from it or you can simply share your cat’s daily life to the world. You can meet many cat lovers online so start blogging now.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED BLOGGING FOR PROFITS NOW!

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Cat Bites - Why is this Common Cat Behavior?

Posted by on November 14, 2008

Ow! Your feline just sunk her sharp little teeth into you. Read on for some reasons why your cat bites you.

Your cat may be afraid. A kid could be pulling the cat’s tail. An unfamiliar person may have tried to pick the cat up. Cats will bite to protect themselves.

Playtime is another time when cats may bite. You might be walking across the room and suddenly feel your toe attacked. Some cats hate to have their bellies tickled and will bite your hand. Even though biting is normal cat behavior, you most likely do not want your cat to be biting you or your family members. Help you cat release pent-up energy with games of chase and pounce by using cat toys that have long poles so that you don’t get your hands injured. Don’t use your hand or other body part as the object to be chased as this cat training will only encourage biting.

Some cats bite to express their love. Cats bite each other lightly to demonstrate their affection for each other, and your cat may be giving you love cat-style. Cats may gently nip if they are licking you. The cat is really grooming you, and it is normal for cats to softly bite when they are grooming each other.

Cats may bite to communicate to you that they have had enough of your attention for the time being. You might be petting your cat and listening to her purr when she suddenly bites you to make you stop the petting. Cats usually will give signals that they have had enough before they bite such as laying back their ears or making circles with their tails.

Pain can cause cats to bite. If your cat suddenly starts biting for no apparent reason, get a vet exam to rule out any physical problems.

Handling kittens in the presence of the mother cat can also get you bitten since cat mothers tend to be very protective of their offspring. Generally, the mama cat will stop biting when the kittens get older.

You should understand now why your cat bites. By not playing aggressively with your cat, treating underlying medical conditions, and learning cat behavior secrets , you can reduce or eliminate the biting and enjoy your cat friend.

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Pet Insurance - Answering Your Questions

Posted by on November 9, 2008

Most people are familiar with healthcare insurance for themselves and their family but what about their pets? Pet insurance is a new idea in insurance to help cover the four-legged members of the family. Granted, your workplace may not cover the insurance but it is very valuable to have in case your pet becomes sick. Routine veterinary care may not be expensive but if your pet was to become sick or injured, costs could quickly mount up and be beyond your ability to repay. The old adage of “better to be safe than sorry” is very true when it comes to insurance. It is better to have it and not need it than to find yourself with a sick pet and no way of paying the vet bills. Most people are unaware or inexperienced when it comes to pet insurance but this article will cover some of the basics when it comes to what to expect in pet insurance.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is healthcare insurance for your pet. Primarily this insurance is taken out by dog and cat owners. Really expensive pets can be insured for their value. Chances are that if you can afford a $500,000 horse, you can pay for the veterinary bills out of your own checking account. Pet insurance is used by those who would not be able to afford if their pets became seriously ill and required extensive care. It is a way to manage veterinary costs in the same manner as normal healthcare coverage.

Do all vets accept pet insurance?

Pet insurance works differently than typical healthcare insurance. You do not have to worry about finding a provider in the network or worry about whether or not your doctor accepts the insurance. All you have to do is pay for the procedure and then file a claim with the insurance company. The upside is being reimbursed for a percentage of the procedure. The downside is paying so much out of pocket initially and having to wait for the insurance to send you a check.

How much out of pocket will I be expected to pay if my pet needs surgery?

Unfortunately the downside to pet insurance is that you will have to pay for the entire amount out of your pocket before the insurance company pays you a portion back. When you take your pet in for surgery you will need to take along a claim form that the veterinarian will complete. After completing the form and filling out the claim information, along with attaching copies of the receipts and invoices, you will mail or fax the information to the insurance. After reviewing the information the insurance company will mail out a check for the amount of the procedure they cover.

Some veterinary clinics will make payment arrangements with you in case of an emergency. If you have a long history of good payments to your vet, you can discuss this at a visit. Chances are high that he or she can work with you. The ultimate goal of both you and the vet is a healthy and safe pet.

Is there a limit on what my pet insurance will pay out?

Yes, there is a limit on how much of the procedure is covered by the insurance company. This amount varies depending on which insurance plan you select, what your deductible is and how much the actual procedure runs. When you sign up for pet insurance the company will provide you with a list of procedures they cover along with how much per procedure is covered.

Can I buy my pet’s medications online and then be reimbursed for the expense by the insurance company?

All FDA approved medications will be reimbursed. All you have to do is include the receipt from your purchase of the medication, fill out a claim form and submit the information to the insurance company. The insurance company can provide you with the allowed amounts they pay for medications.

For a great deal more informational value go to this online destination: Exotic Pet Insurance and certainly try Insurance Pet Reports with more helpful material at Pet Insurance

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