Cat Groupie

Cat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Pet Promise Cat Food Discontinuation

2010-06-02T23:56:00.005-06:00

I have a Persian cat, Murphy, that has had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for several years. After the vet wanted to do exploratory surgery to find out what exactly was going on with Murphy, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I didn't think surgery was the best route. I started experimenting with different cat foods. I tried Science Diet prescription canned foods and some holistic duck canned food, but Murphy was still exhibiting the same symptoms: throwing up and loose, bloody stools.

I finally found Pet Promise cat food, which doesn't have byproducts, that Murphy was able to tolerate. Unfortunately, Pet Promise was discontinued in January 2010.

Since January, I have been experimenting with different cat foods to try to find one that Murphy can stomach, so to speak. I first tried Blue Spa Select, but Murphy's bloody stools returned. I now have Murphy on Iams ProActive Health MultiCat kibble, and so far so good. He's been on the food about a week. I'm crossing my fingers that this food will continue to settle well with Murphy. Cat IBS is such a difficult disease to effectively treat and manage.

Tramadol for Dogs

2010-05-25T14:05:00.003-06:00

It may not be completely kosher to talk about pooches on a cat blog, but I know there must be at least a few cat-and-dog lovers out there. So for all the open-minded lovers of the cat and the canine, this information may prove useful.

Tramadol, also known by the brand name Ultram, is mainly used for humans, but it also works well for dogs. More vets are starting to use tramadol to treat chronic and acute pain in canines--discomfort caused by diseases like cancer and arthritis as well as post-op pain and pain from injuries.

I've written several articles about tramadol for Suite101.com, the main website that I write for. The articles include a general article about the use of tramadol for dogs, the side effects of tramadol, and usual dosages of tramadol.

Pumpkin for Feline Diarrhea and Cat Constipation

2010-01-21T15:28:00.002-07:00

All-natural pumpkin is good for treating cats' diarrhea or constipation in felines. Pumpkin fiber firms up runny cat poop, loose stools or gets constipated bowels moving. Read full article about pumpkin solution for cat diarrhea and constipation.

Crystal Litter Review - Choosing Best Litters

2010-01-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good litter? Wondering if crystal cat litter is a good choice for kitties? Find out if crystal litter controls odors, how much it tracks, and its cost. Click here to read a review of crystal cat litter.

Choosing Best Litters - Newspaper Litter Review

2010-01-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Is newspaper litter a good choice for cats? Does Yesterday's News provide odor control? Does it track? Read this cat litter review to find answers and choose best litter. Click here to read full article.

How to Choose a Healthy Cat Food with Omega 3

2010-01-07T15:22:00.001-07:00

Choosing a good omega 3 cat food may seem confusing, but need not be. Follow these easy tips to find a pet food with enough fatty acid to keep feline healthy, coat shiny. To read entire article, click here.

Choosing Best Litters - Pine Cat Litter Review

2010-01-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

What are the pros and cons of pine cat litter? Learn what is good and bad about this litter. Evaluate its odor control properties, price, and whether cats like it or not. Click here to read this cat litter review.

Embarrassed and Angry Santa Kitties: St. Nick Cats Not Feeling The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

“Ho, ho, ho,” is not a phrase these distastefully dressed-up Santa kitties are meowing this holiday season. These poor pussy cats have been shamed and embarrassed beyond words, meows, or any other utterances that any human or feline could articulate.

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How Much Omega-3 Fatty Acid Does Your Cat Need?

2009-12-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 fatty acid is important to cat health. But how much of this fatty acid does a cat need, and how do you pick a cat food with the right amount? Click here to read the article.

How to Easily Solve Cat Litter Box Problems: Easy Tips to Fix Cat's Litter Issues

2009-12-14T13:35:00.001-07:00

Litter box problems are one of the most common challenges and frustrations cat owners have to contend with. Unfortunately, litter pan issues are also the most common reason cats are abandoned at the pound. When a cat begins to go in an area outside of the litter box, there is usually an underlying cause that can be pinpointed and fixed. The following litter box tips can help to correct a cat’s litter pan aversion.

Cat and Dog Fur Sweaters, Scarves, Hats, Mittens and Handbags: Is it Delightful or Disgusting to Use Pets' Hair for Clothes, Fashion Accessories

2009-12-10T10:27:00.005-07:00

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Perhaps you own a leather coat, a mink stole or a rabbit fur coat. Political and moral wrangling aside (that's right, simmer down, PETA), you and others are probably not "hold back the barf" grossed-out by these items. But what if you donned clothing and fashion accouterments made from the fur of your beloved pet, Bowzer or Mr. Fluffs? Does the prospect of that override your gag reflex? To read more, click here.

Christmas Kitties Gone Bad

2009-11-26T09:55:00.005-07:00

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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

2009-11-17T23:21:00.003-07:00

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)

2009-11-17T23:12:00.004-07:00

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

2009-11-12T23:47:00.002-07:00

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

2009-11-10T23:26:00.007-07:00

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

2009-11-09T00:15:00.006-07:00

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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

2009-11-03T17:45:00.004-07:00

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.

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Funny Costumed Kitties and Insane Halloween Cats

2009-10-26T08:38:00.002-06:00

These 10 felines fall into two groups: Undignified Kitty Pawns dressed up by their remorseless owners, and Possessed and Insane Kitties who have managed to escape from their silly Halloween costumes and now want to feast on their owner’s body parts. Click here to see these sad kitty specimens.

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15 Naughty Cats Caught in Funny, Embarrassing, Bizarre, and Compromising Situations: Part 2

2009-10-18T22:41:00.001-06:00

Photos of bad, disobedient, and mischievous kitties caught red-pawed in a variety of less-than-flattering poses...

Here's one sample of a devilish feline. Click here to see all of the photos.

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Too Adorable for Words: The Purrito

2009-10-17T23:56:00.002-06:00

OK, this is the cutest, funniest picture I've come across in a while--a purrito! Doesn't it just make you want to eat it it's so adorable?! My two favorite things in the world are bean burritos and cats--so this synthesis is just too much for me to handle!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

10 Ways to Reduce How Many Slimy, Yucky, Revolting Hairballs Your Cat Pukes Up

2009-10-17T21:16:00.001-06:00

Hack, hack, haaack! It’s an all-too-familiar sound. Your cat is preparing to hurl a wet mass of fur from deep within its sinuous intestines onto your Persian rug. What can you do to lessen the number of hairballs your blessed feline pukes up?

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Hollywood Copy Cats: 14 Insanely Funny Celebrity Look-Alike Kitties

2009-10-15T00:42:00.002-06:00

Who knew that the rich, famous, accomplished, revered – celebrities, entertainers, singers, political commentators, political figures – had copycats? Click here to see these funny kitty impersonators!

Rush Limbaugh


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The Ultimate Cat Litter Review: Is Pine, Newspaper, Wheat, Clay, or Crystals Better?

2009-10-12T16:21:00.004-06:00

Walk into any pet supply store, and you’ll quickly be amazed and then overwhelmed by the great variety and brands of litters available. Which litter is best? I think I might have the answer!

Click here to read my thoughts about what litter is best and why.

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12 Kitties Caught in a Variety of Funny & Less-than-Flattering Poses

2009-09-30T10:22:00.005-06:00

Want to see some kitties caught in strange, funny, odd, wacko, bizarre, silly, and mischievous situations? Well, shame on you! OK, the kitties forgive you as long as you don't laugh too loudly at them. Here's a preview of the kitty cats that were caught red-pawed in a variety of unflattering poses.

Stir-Fry Kity
Doin' the Deed in the Toilet Kitty
Relaxin' with a Cold One Kitty
Chewin' the Charmin Kitty
Junked Up Kitties (Alternately, We've Got a Really Weird Owner Kitties)
Great Taste, Zero Sugar Kitty
Lather, Rinse, Repeat Kitty
Caught Wet-Pawed Kitty
Yarmulke Kitty
Yep, That's the Spot Kitty
Trio of Love Kitty
Drenched Rat Kitty

To see pictures of these kitty rascals, visit 12 Cats Caught in Funny, Embarrassing, Bizarre, and Compromising Situations.

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Possessed by the Devil Kitties Needing an Exorcism

2009-09-26T11:39:00.009-06:00

As you probably know, the sad truth is that all kitties are possessed to some extent by the Prince of Darkness. It's really no secret. You see Him shining through in their eyes, you His voice in their meows, you recognize His influence in their unpredictable and possessed behaviors.

There are 10 kitties whose possession by the Evil One is especially dire:

Feeling the Dark One from My Jowls to My Eyeballs Kitty
Waiting for the Mothership Kitty
Staring into the Dark Abyss of Humankind Kitty
Area 51 Kitty
There's a Fairy Between My Eyes Kitty
Vampire Kitty
Preparing to Feast on Your Heart Kitty
Feeling the Diabolical Presence Within Kitty
Wrangling with the Dark and the Light Kitty
Scanning for Prey Kitty

These kitties' souls have succumbed to the Dark Abysmal One.

Prepare yourself to meet these sad felines. Are you ready?

Good.

Visit 10 Possessed Cats in Need of an Exorcism.

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Cat Dreams

2009-09-25T14:48:00.004-06:00

I’d barter the clanking, glittery trinkets of human life

To languish lazily in the unremembered musings of the alley cat

In the unearthly blue window

Of the timeless, white-stuccoed Greek villa with blinding blue shutters

Of those $19.99 art prints in the mall—

Intoxicating whiffs of cotton breezes

Infused with the essence of magenta geraniums—

What dreams would come?

Slits into a glowing abyss of knowing

Without caring

Halfway here and halfway there—

I know why the Egyptians worshiped them, mummified them:

It’s a groping after the sacred essence of the majestic feline,

Forever twitching now and then in anticipatory elation

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Litter Box Problems = Number One Reason Cats Are Abandoned

2009-09-24T11:49:00.005-06:00

Did you know that litter box problems are the most common reason that cats are dropped off at the pound or abandoned in some other awful place? The stark reality of the pound is that the majority of cats who end up there will be euthanized.

There are many effective strategies for combating litter box problems. Many are very simple and easy to try. To learn more, visit Litter Box Problems: 10 Things to Try Instead of Sending Fluffy to the Pound.

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Sexy Kitty Cats Lookin' for Love in the Personal Ads

2009-09-21T16:47:00.004-06:00

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Meet Jesabell. She's got a super long, extra soft pink tongue that can tickle the right kitty suitor's fancy. She loves to give wet, sloppy, slurppy kisses on kitties' noses and cheeks.

Jesabell is just one of fifteen sexy kitties lookin' for love in the Kitty Personals. To learn more about this hot feline and other eligible kitties, visit Sexy, Sultry, Saucy, Silly, Somewhat Sinful Kitty Cats Lookin' for Love.