Christmas Kitties Gone Bad

image source

Blame it on guzzling too much catnip-spiked eggnog, ingesting too many cutesy empty-calorie Christmas tree-shaped sugar cookies, or mistaking tinsel and faux snow for spaghetti, the holidays undoubtedly bring out the worst in cats and cat owners. To read more, see: Disgraced, Embarrassing, Wacky Christmas Cats and Holiday Kittens Gone Bad.

Save Money on Annual Vaccinations for Cats

After spending way too much money on my cats' annual vaccinations, I wisened up. I hope these tips can help you, too!

Tip #1 -- If you are taking your kitty to the vet for vaccinations, make sure the vet is not going to charge you for an office visit. The vet isn't actually giving your cat an exam, so you should not be charged for an office visit. This will save you anywhere from $30 to $40, depending on the standard cost of the office visit.

Tip #2 -- Your local Humane Society may provide low-cost vaccination clinics in your area. Be sure to check this out online.

Tip #3 -- VetCo provides inexpensive vaccination clinics at some PetCo stores. Call your local store to see if it has any vaccination clinics scheduled.

Tip #4 -- If your kitty is an indoor-only pet, he or she might not need to get every vaccine available. However, be sure to discuss your cat's particular circumstance with a vet.

Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Cat Bad Breath (Feline Halitosis)

What's that nasty aroma, you ask? Look around. Did your kitty just yawn? Wow, is kitty breath supposed to smell that bad? you wonder.

In short, your kitty's breath is not supposed to smell minty fresh. Indeed, it would be a little peculiar if it did. However, if the odor coming from kitty's mouth is a fluorescent green hue and offensive enough to curl your toes, there could be problem that a vet needs to address.

Causes of Cat Bad Breath

Feline halitosis is usually caused by bacteria growth in the mouth. If this bacteria is not removed, plaque and tarter will begin to grow on your kitties' teeth, resulting in even fouler-smelling breath.

Feline halitosis can also have more deeply rooted, serious causes. Gingivitis, rotting teeth, tumors of the mouth, and gastrointestinal tract problems can cause halitosis. Less apparent issues, such as liver, kidney, and respiratory diseases, can also be the culprits.

How to Prevent and Treat Kitty Halitosis

• Brush Kitty's Teeth Regularly: The best thing you can do to prevent and treat feline halitosis is to regularly brush your cat's teeth. Be sure to buy a cat toothpaste that is specially formulated as well as a cat toothbrush that is specially designed for your furry friend. Cat toothpastes come in yummy flavors, including poultry, beef, and malt, that are palatable for the finicky feline. Cat toothbrushes are the perfect size and shape to fit into your kitty's mouth. If your kitty is resistant to having his or her teeth brushed, try using a piece of gauze or Q-Tip instead of the toothbrush.
  

• Switch from Soft to Hard Cat Food: It can also help to switch your kitty from soft food to hard food. Crunchy kibble can help prevent and remove plaque buildup from your cat's teeth. There are also some cat treats available that contain enzymes that help prevent the buildup of tarter.

• Take Kitty for Regular Vet Checkups: Be sure to take your kitty for regular checkups with your veterinarian. As part of a routine examination, the vet will take a look at your kitty's teeth and suggest ways of keeping up on your cat's oral hygiene. Your vet may recommend annual professional teeth cleanings.
  

When Should You Take Kitty to the Vet for Cat Halitosis?

In addition to routine, preventative veterinary examinations, you should also schedule an appointment with your vet if your kitty's halitosis is accompanied by drooling, vomiting, pain, problems eating, or depression. Note, cat breath that smells like ammonia or urine can be a sign of kidney disease; breath that smells rotten can be a sign of an intestinal, gum, or teeth problems; and breath that smells sweet can be a sign of diabetes.

Good Oral Hygiene = A Happy, Healthy Kitty

Feline halitosis is a red flag that should be investigated to rule out more serious, underlying problems. It is important to regularly brush your kitty's teeth. This is the number one way to prevent and treat halitosis and ensure that your kitty has good oral hygiene. If left untreated, feline halitosis can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. More serious consequences of untreated feline halitosis are heart, kidney, and other diseases.

How to Keep Your Cat Litter Box Fresher, Longer

by jaredsgirl

Cats can be wonderful pets to have, but not fun to clean up after. The smell of a liter box is enough to make you cringe. But there are ways to keep your cat's litter box fresh and smelling like new by using a few tricks. You'll also save money on cat litter by prolonging the life of old litter.

Things You'll Need:

• Scoopable, deodorizing cat litter


• Cat litter deodorizer


• Scooper


• Cat litter box liners

Line the cat litter pan with a disposable cat liner. You can find these at Wal-Mart or any grocery store, Dollar Store...etc., for around $2 for a 10 pack of generic ones. Cat litter pan liners keep your litter pan free from messes and make clean up of cat litter easier.

After lining the litter box with a disposable liner, sprinkle a bit of cat litter deodorizer into pan and spread around. This helps to soak up any excess cat urine that may seep through the litter. Arm & Hammer makes a great cat litter deodorizer that keeps smells away longer.

Pour a deodorized cat litter into the pan on top of the cat litter deodorizer. You don't need much, but make sure it's enough to cover 1/4 of the cat litter pan. Mix cat litter and deodorizer with a scooper to give the litter pan extra added protection from smells. A great cat litter to use is Arm & Hammer Super Scoop, fresh scent. Each time your cat paws over his waster, he will release the fresh scent baking soda crystals.

Content Source: Bukisa - How to Keep Your Cat Litter Box Fresher, Longer

How to Make Friends with a Strange Cat: A Handy Guide to Making Friends with Cats You Don't Know

by PandiPanda

Making friends with a cat you don't know is a lot like meeting a new person. You have to introduce yourself, get to know them, and try to leave on a positive note. Just as in meeting a new person, there are many socially awkward pitfalls along the way which can result in a ruined relationship with a cat. Ere, however, we will tell you how, in just a few easy steps, to avoid these pitfalls and successfully forge a relationship with your new feline acquaintance.

Step 1

Find a cat you don't know.

Step 2

Approach the cat within 20 or so feet. This is far enough away to make the cat aware of your presence but not close enough to be threatening. Move slowly, and if the cat gets spooked before you get that close, take a couple steps back, stop, and move on to Step 3 until it allows you to get closer.

Step 3

Kneel down, squat, or sit. This makes you physically smaller and less visually threatening. Hold out your hand as if you're holding something and you're offering it to the cat. This is the universal symbol of food and even if you don't have an offering the cat will understand that you have good intentions, or at least be intrigued enough to come investigate.

Make kissy noises.

Step 4

After making kissy sounds for a while, many cats will have already approached you and begun to rube their furry bodies all over you in greeting. If so, respond in kind with petting.

Otherwise, slowly begin to approach the cat (stay low to the ground, however. Getting up suddenly will frighten it). Stop when the cat gets uncomfortable and return to step 3.

Once you are close enough to the cat (or the cat has approached you) reach out a hand (slowly) and pet it gently. Most cats especially appreciate being scratched on all parts of the head (except the eyes). Try to avoid tails, legs and bellies (unless they invite you) because being touched in these places tends to annoy most cats more than anything else. Note that many female cats also appreciate being scratched on their backs, right in front of their tails.

Continue this until one of you gets bored or needs to go attend to some less pleasurable duty. Gracefully make your exit and Voila! You have successfully made friends with a strange cat.

Tips

Do not approach a cat that looks deranged in anyway because it may have rabies or some time of nasty venereal disease (very counterproductive to love).

Giving a cat food helps tremendously (they happily lick the hand that feeds them) but be careful because some people don't like their pets being fed by strangers. Also be sure that your offering is kitty-friendly. No alka-seltzer and soda water, please.

Content Source: Bukisa - How to make friends with a strange cat

Why Glasses of Water Are Not Safe Around My Cat

image source

This picture reminds me exactly of my kitty, the aptly named Travieso. My husband named Travieso, Travieso, because, well, the kitty is a Travieso (Spanish for "mischievous"). T, for short, is enamored with anything involving water. One of his favorite past times is tonguing around the faucet, whether it's on or not. No glass of water is safe--anywhere. Ironically, it is fine to leave meat or other food items out on the counter--just not water. I once purchased one of those cat fountains that recirculates the water. T was so entralled with the running water, that he sat and pawed all of the water out onto the floor. Can you say, "Bad kitty?!" Ah, but he's such a sweet boy in every--well almost every other--way.

Clear Up Your Cat's Diarrhea Using Natural Remedies

There are several home remedies to treat cat diarrhea. These natural treatments are inexpensive, easy to use, and effective. To learn more, check out Effective Natural Treatments for Cat Diarrhea: How to Firm Up Your Cat's Runny Stools Using Easy Home Remedies.




image source