Proper Cat Health Care

Cats have been companions to man throughout history, but not always as a beloved companion.

In ancient times, the cat earned it’s keep by helping to reduce the population of rats and mice that raided precious grain stores. In ancient Egypt, the cat was adored and celebrated - even mummified along with their human companions.

Medieval man, however, had an entirely different opinion of the cat.

Up until Medieval times, the cat had been elevated to a high status. She was even worshipped in some places, like the German states, where cats were associated with Freya the goddess of love and fertility.

But medieval man was superstitious, believing that witches and demons walked the earth doing evil deeds. The church became a central part of medieval life and in its quest for power, preached that the old ways of worship were evil.

The church took a dislike to the old Freya rites and in 1484, Pope Innocent VIII instructed the Inquisition to burn the Freya heretics as witches - along with their cats.

During the 16th and 17th centuries over 175,000 supposed witches were executed in Germany and France. Along with them went thousands of cats.

Medieval man thought the cat had supernatural powers and any misfortune was blamed on them. Anything from sour milk to an outbreak of disease was blamed on our furry friends. Cats were even thought to be witches in disguise, running in the darkness of night to perform evil acts. Cats were burned, boiled, stoned, flayed, stabbed, gutted, dropped from high places, hanged, impaled and buried alive with an almost religious fervor.

To own a cat during these times was risking ones life as many an old lady was accused of witchcraft simply because she kept a cat as a companion. Throughout these bleak times, however, some did remain loyal to the furry feline.

Millers and Sailors still saw great uses for the cats to rid their respective areas of vermin and others kept their fondness for cats as well. As time went on, more people of influence began to keep cats (even Cardinals Wolsey and Richelieu kept cats as pets) and the tide began to turn in the cats favor.

Finally, but the 18th century, cats were no longer persecuted and cats as companions began to make a comeback. Today, of course, cats are widely accepted as the loving companions and, while they don’t typically enjoy the status they did in ancient Egypt, they are adored and cared for as loving pets.

The “end of the year” holidays can present some particular hazards to the health of your cat, and consequently to your peace of mind. Here are some ideas that have worked for us to make this time a happy one for all.

Make sure you check your vet’s holiday hours and emergency contacts and have the information easily accessible.

Think before you decorate with plants. Cats will nibble household plants, and many, including mistletoe and some poinsettias, can make your cat very ill. Make sure your holiday greenery (and “red-ery”) is out of your pet’s reach.

The same is true if you have a Christmas tree. You should put only unbreakable decorations at the bottom of your tree, so there is no danger of your cat’s batting a glass ball and breaking it, or using your grandmother’s antique bubble lights as playtoys.

How about some kitty baubles or toys on the lower branches instead? Or, do what we did when we had both pets and little ones. We put the tree and gifts into a playpen. That may not stop Kitty, but at least the tree can’t fall down as easily when she climbs it.

Another oft-forgotten item: if you have a live tree in water, wrap the base so your cat can’t decide to take a drink of that water and keep the birds away from the tree. Many modern live trees have been sprayed with chemicals that may be toxic to your little friends.

Be very, very careful about candles. Your cat may be enticed by the flicker of the flame, and may singe his whiskers or worse. Place glass “hurricane lanterns” or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets.

Think ahead to New Years Eve, and plan how to keep your pets from becoming frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noisy merriment. Some cats may be severely traumatized by fireworks, so be sure to keep them inside if you go out to celebrate.

Pets, especially cats, may be stressed by the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are stressed yourself. Some cats respond to stress by becoming hyper or hysterical, and some simply retreat. Plan to spend some special time with your cat to calm yourself and reassure them during this period, and if your pet is especially upset with strangers visiting, prepare a “refuge” he can go to and escape the “maddening crowd.”

Keep your cat’s health and your decorations intact this holiday season.

Various types of worms can cause problems in cats. Tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms are three different types. These worms multiply as they live inside your cat. If there get to be too many, it can be life-threatening for your cat. Let’s take a look at these feline worms.

Hookworms

Hookworms are smaller than the others as they only grow to be half an inch. Cats normally ingest them along with their food. Sometimes, the worms are able to penetrate the cat’s skin. Hookworms pass through the lungs on their way to the intestines.

An infestation of hookworms can also be life-threatening. Since these worms suck blood, your cat will experience blood loss. A large amount of these worms in the body can easily lead to anemia. Deworming medication is used to treat hookworms.

Tapeworms

Cats can also be affected by tapeworms, although they rarely cause serious damage. Ingesting contaminated fleas or rodents is the main way cats become infected. The adults mature in the small intestine. Your cat’s stool may also have segments in it. You should be able to spot the segments easily if you look closely. These worms are also treated using deworming medication. However, it’s important that you do your best to control fleas around your cat if you want to prevent a recurrence of tapeworms in felines.

Roundworms

Roundworms live in the same intestine and can reach up to five inches in length. Most cats become infected by coming into contact with feces or food. Queens can also pass them to their kittens through their milk.

These worms are relatively large, so they can easily cause an intestinal blockage as they multiply. Kittens can easily die from this condition. Your veterinarian can determine if your cat has these feline worms by examining his stool. Deworming medication is the main course of treatment.

There are many diseases that can possibly affect your pet like cat allergies. Luckily for you, www.cat-illnesses.com provides all the information you need. So, come by today to start reading about various diseases that can affect your cat.

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Ear polyps are benign growth. They can affect the middle ear or the back of the throat. It’s quite rare for cats to develop these growths. Cats of any sex or age can be affected. However, cats younger than four usually are. Keep reading to learn all about ear polyps in cats.

Causes

As an owner, you may wonder how your feline could develop these growths. Unfortunately, no one knows their exact cause, but there are a few possible reasons for their appearance. Some speculate that they form as the result of inflammation from bacteria or fungi. Vets also speculate that growths can occur because of feline calicivirus.

Signs

These growths cause signs that mimic an ear infection. Your cat will shake and scratch his head frequently. Cats may also experience a thick ear discharge. Cats may also experience loss of coordination that will prevent them from walking in a straight line. Other cats experience trouble breathing and swallowing.

Diagnosis

If not detected in time, ear polyps can severely damage the ear drum. If a polyp is expected, he will use an otoscope to exam your cat’s ears and mouth. Sometimes, it’s necessary for your cat to take an x-ray. A biopsy can determine if the growth is cancerous or benign. Most polyps are benign though.

Treatment

Most cats with ear polyps have to have surgery. There are two forms of surgery. The polyp’s stalk can be cut allowing for it to be removed. However, this method has one main fault. The polyp will likely recur in a few months since its base wasn’t cut.

You could also have your cat undergo the invasive surgery. So the polyp won’t recur in a few months, its base will also be removed during this surgery. The bone that surrounds the inner ear will have to be removed beforehand to allow access to the base. Cats that undergo this form of surgery usually have no problems with polyps in the future.

Your precious kitty can be susceptible to many different health conditions. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Cats develop hyperthyroidism when one of their thyroid glands start producing too many hormones. This endocrine disease is relatively common, especially in middle-aged to older cats. If left untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure and death. Keep reading to learn all about feline hyperthyroidism.

Causes

The most common cause of this condition is development of adenomas in the thyroid gland. Adenomas are groups of non-cancerous cells. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by cancerous cells growing in the gland. However, it’s pretty rare for cancer cells to affect this gland. You may be wondering about the signs produced by this disease.

Signs

Your cat’s metabolic rate is controlled by the thyroid gland. If the thyroid gland malfunctions, cats start to eat and drink more than they normally do. However, he will also begin to lose weight very fast. Most cats also become much more active.

The gastrointestinal system can also be affected by this disease. Diarrhea and vomiting are common signs. This disease can also cause problems with the heart. This may lead to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or an increased heart rate.

Diagnosis

In order to accurately diagnose this condition, the veterinarian has to draw a blood sample. The level of thyroid hormone in the blood will be measured. The vet may have a hard time diagnosing this disease since the level of thyroid hormone can vary over time. The vet may also palpate the thyroid gland to see if its enlarged.

Treatment

If diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your cat will have three treatment options. Drugs, surgery, and radioactive iodine are these methods of treatment. If your cat is given radioactive iodine, it will destroy all thyroid tissue in his body. This is the most costly method but also the most effective.

During surgery, one or both thyroid glands will be removed. However, surgery is less effective since thyroid tissue can be left in other areas of the body. Antithyroid drugs are effective and are taken orally once or twice each day for life. The symptoms will quickly reappear is the medication is ever discontinued.

Cats can be affected by many feline illnesses. Fortunately, cat-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Distemper in cats is a very serious disease that can easily be fatal. It is caused by a highly contagious virus. The virus can be transmitted through contact with other cats and humans. Infected feeding dishes, litter boxes, and bedding can also transmit the disease to your cat. Here is everything you need to know about distemper in felines.

Signs

Cats begin to show symptoms about 10 days after being exposed to the virus. He will begin to display signs such as loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s also common for cats to stop grooming themselves properly. This leads to the development of rough hair. Some cats also develop a third eyelid in the inner corner of their eye.

Diagnosis

As soon as your cat begins showing symptoms, you need to take him to the vet. Your cat will need to submit a blood sample. If your cat has distemper, the blood sample will show antibodies to the virus. Your cat’s white blood cell count will also be lowered.

Treatment

Your cat will need immediate treatment once diagnosed. As you now know, vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common signs of distemper in cats. Since dehydration can easily become a problem, your cat will likely be given fluids and nutrients.

Secondary bacterial infections can also become a problem with this disease. So, antibiotics may need to be given also. This will allow the immune system time to take over. A blood transfusion may also be necesssary.

Prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease. The first shot is given between eight and ten weeks of age. Booster shots are required to combat this disease effectively. They are given every one to three years.

This hardy virus can survive in the environment for years. The virus normally dwells in bedding, upholstery, and carpeting. A normal disinfectant is enough to destroy this virus though.

All owners should know a little something about cat health problems. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. Click over right now.

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It’s pretty common for cats to develop diabetes. Cats suffer from this condition if insulin in their bodies don’t balance glucose properly. This condition affects cats of all ages and breeds. However, obese and older cats are more at risk. This article will discuss feline diabetes.

Cause

Your cat can develop this condition for two main reasons. Either the body produces insulin but doesn’t use it properly, or it fails to produce enough. There is no known reason why this happens, although certain conditions can increase the risk of developing this disease.

As mentioned earlier, diabetes is very common in obese cats. Other things that can play a role include hormone imbalances, genetics, and diseases of the pancreas. Cats taking certain medications may also develop the condition.

Symptoms

It’s common for no symptoms to be noticed in the earliest stages of this disease. When the disease advances, your cat may develop liver disease and secondary bacterial infections. This causes signs of disease such as increased urination, rough hair, lethargy, and increased appetite. Although cats can start to eat more, they sometimes lose weight. A disorder known as neuropathy may also occur. This would cause your cat to develop weak hing legs.

Diagnosis

Your cat will need to receive a thorough physical exam. Diabetes may be suspected based on your cat’s signs. High levels of sugar will be present in both blood and urine samples.

Treatment

Cat diabetes is a condition that must be treated, or it will eventually be fatal. Your cat may need to receive shots of insulin once or twice a day. Some cats can effectively control this disease with oral medication and a special diet. The amount of insulin your cat needs may change over time. You will have to take your cat to the vet regularly so that he can determine the correct amount of insulin required for your cat.

All owners should know a little something about cat diseases. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Ringworm in cats is caused by various fungal organisms. Since cats less than a year old don’t have fully-developed immune systems, they are affected most often. Cats with longer hair also have more problems with ringworm. The condition is also very infectious as it can be transmitted to other cats, dogs, and even you. This article will tell you everything you need to know regarding ringworm in cats.

Forms

Various fungi can cause ringworm in cats, as was mentioned earlier. They include Microsporum Canis, Microsporum Gypsum, and Trichophyton. Microsporum Canis is usually the organism responsible in cats. So, what are some of the symptoms you should look for?

Signs

The fungus that causes ringworm inhabits the hair follicles. This weakens the shafts which causes hair to fall out. As the condition progresses, the hair loss will develop into circular patches usually on the head and limbs. Your cat may also have dry, flaky skin that’s very itchy.

Diagnosis

The vet can diagnose this disease using various methods. The quickest way is to use an ultraviolet light known as a Wood’s lamp. Many species of fungus will glow a fluorescent green when exposed to this lamp. Another way to diagnose ringworm in cats is to remove a few strands of hair and ship them off to the lab. This method is very time-consuming though. The sample needs to sit for a while because fungus grows slowly.

Treatment

If left untreated, your cat will likely get rid of the condition himself in two to four months. However, in the meantime, your cat could easily pass the disease on to you or other animals. So, it’s best to get it treated quickly.

Shampoo with lime sulfur is one of the main methods of treatment. The condition can also be treated with anti-fungal medications. If your cat has long hair, you should clip it so the treatment regimen is more effective. Other animals in the household need to be treated as a precaution.

Cats can be affected by many feline illnesses. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Much like people, cats can suffer from allergies too. Allergies are broken up into four different types. These different types include contact, food, flea, and inhalant. Here’s a look at different types of feline allergies.

Food

It’s possible for your cat to develop an allergy to different ingredients in food. This type of allergy usually takes a long time to develop. Some of the ingredients that cause the most problems include milk, chicken, beef, wheat, corn, and eggs. If your cat develops a food allergy, he may suffer respiratory problems, digestive problems, or severe itching. If your cat develops this type of allergy, you will have to monitor what he eats closely. In some cases, your cat may have to take medications such as steroids or antihistamines.

Flea

Most cats don’t have much of a reaction to a flea bite. However, a single bite can cause a severe reaction in some cats. The intense itching will prompt your cat to chew or severely scratch himself. Hair will eventually start to fall out after the area has been chewed and scratched so much. Bacteria can also infect the open sores that develop from the scratching. It is important to practice very good flea control if your cat is allergic to flea bites.

Inhalant

Some cats also experience inhalant allergies. This is one of the most common types of allergies that felines suffer from. Mold, mildew, pollen, and dust mites can all be problem. If your cat is allergic to pollen, he may experience flare-ups at certain times of the year, just like people. Cats allergic to some of the other substances may suffer problems at any time. Two of the main treatment methods include desensitization and hypoallergenic shampoo.

Contact

Contact allergies are also common in felines. This can be caused by various materials around the house. Flea collars and bedding are common items that cause problems. This type of allergy is easy to treat, as you simply have to keep your cat away from the offending material.

All owners should know their pet can fall victim to feline illnesses. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Do you know of anything more sweet than a cat purring? We all know the feeling of lying in bed or on the sofa with a purring cat, listening to this deep, soothing vibration.

A baby cat is able to purr already on the second day of life, and he often purrs while nursing. The mother purrs back. Not only house cats purr: most felines do. And contrary to what we think, it is not only an expression of pleasure. Cats often purr under stress, for example, mothers often purr while giving birth, when they feel pain. Did you know that purring can heal? It has been proven by science that sounds in the frequency range of purring (between 25 and 150 Hertz) are good for the bone density and can hasten the healing of wounds in bones and muscles. We all know that cats spend a lot of time lying and sleeping, which does not stimulate the bones and muscles enough for a good body posture control: purring is a way to keep their muscles and bones healthy without having to exercise too much. Purring is thus a self-healing procedure and helps them stay in good shape.

It is also believed that domestic cats have been selected for their cute features throughout history, and that cats who purr a lot were considered cuter and thus selected over the others. Research shows that domestic cats purr a lot more often than their wild counterparts, it could be seen as an immature behavior they kept from the times when they were kittens. The grown up domestic cats tend to live more like a kitten than the adult wild cats, for example, they press their paws on the ground more while eating : this is something kittens do on their mother’s breasts while nursing, to make the milk come out.
But what about all these cats that purr in moments of pain, while they are sick or giving birth? Researc shows that purring is used as a self-defense mechanism, a sort of smile in tough times. Cats try to comfort themselves and calm down by creating these soothing vibrations. It also works on humans: try lying next to a purring cat when you are feeling down or stressed out. It works magically.

Purring is like an elexir, a mental technique to relax or feel better, a way to keep yourself in good shape and also a way to express pleasure and satisfaction in a childish way. The more you help your cat purr, the happier he will be, and maybe the happier you will be, too. So don’t be afraid: pet him a lot!

If you want to see pics of cute kittens check out the the kitten blog

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It is the nature of soul to grow, to heal, and to love. As we enter into the world, we emerge as a tiny child. We are open. We do not have conditions placed on us by our parents or ourselves. We have not closed ourselves off from any possibility. It is though the world lay at our feet. We are a bundle of unconditioned purity.

As we age, conditions are placed on us to direct us along our paths intended to keep us from harm. Even if we manage to stay out of harms way, we move into a state of stimulus-response reactions toward life. This draws us further and further away from the natural state of pure being we came into the world with as an infant.

How can we return to our natural state of being? How can we call our soul back and gain a sense of spiritual well-being? The following are ways we can return to the wholeness and healing we seek as spiritual beings incarnated into the human race:

1. Do Something Creative.

Creativity engages our heart, our mind, and our imagination. These activities allow us to utilize our whole being. Our attention moves from outer expressions of the world and enters the inner dynamics of living giving rise to our heart and our imagination. When our heart and our imagination are given attention, we enter into the realm of insight. Insight is our ability to see from within just how sacred and magical our lives really are.

In the realm of soul, our humanity becomes sacred. Through creativity we are aware how life flows through us and not from us. The more we identify with these qualities of attention flowing through us, the more we are identifying with qualities residing in us that are whole and healing. It is our natural state.

2. Spend Time With A Child.

Children have a way of drawing our attention away from activities and responsibilities defining us as adults. All a child wants to do in this world is have fun. They seem to never tire of such activities. Children are constantly motivated by play.

As adults, we tend to think of play as wasted time. Adults who lose a sense of play and joy in their lives are in danger of losing self-motivation. The kind of self-motivation I am referring to involves the desire to have fun in life. This can lead to a depressive state lacking creativity, spontaneity, and the heart of a child.

Each of us has the heart of a child within us that never tires. It is the part of us fully participating in and with life. As our imagination and heart begin to guide us over the mind, we are in soul. In soul, our mind is in its proper perspective. This part of us is our inner awareness not bound by the pressures of the world. When we return to soul, the possibility of living whole and healed becomes a reality.

3. Become A Child.

The next time you look into a child’s eyes try to feel their heart. Notice the difference and similarities of your heart and their heart. Is there a difference? Is this awareness a long or short distance from where you were as a child?

What happened to that little boy or little girl inside you? Since we cannot retrieve childhood physically, maybe we can from within. Remember your past as a child - the good times and the bad times. As you look at your life through the eyes of a child, recall how active your heart and imagination were. Embrace it. Let this inner vision penetrate your entire awareness. Let go of your adult interpretations of your childhood and view it with innocence and love.

Our true nature is to live in the world without being fully of it. Inside us are endless avenues that can move us toward the experience of joy. When we let go of our tendency to view the world as right or wrong, good or bad, we leave behind dualism and enter into Unity.

This Unity behind all appearances of diversity is a healing state of unconditional love. It is the part of us bringing all life into being, leading us through life, and what will lead us home. It is the force of nature giving us life. It is our soul.

Sam Oliver
healing, health care, massage therapy, aromatherapy, alternative care

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