Homeopathy For Cats Offers The Best Health Care

Homeopathy for cats offers both you and your cat not only the best health care, but also the best value. Of course, this doesn't mean that the services of other health care providers should be excluded. But when your cat receives homeopathic treatment as their primary health care, they are much healthier.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complete system of natural health care that restores balance to a sick body. A body can only ever be sick and unhealthy when it is out of natural balance. This can occur from a multitude of causes, such as shock, fright, injury, medication, genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, etc. Whist life may still goes on, the body compensates around this causative factor, creating health problems.

Why should you use homeopathy for your cat?

Because homeopathy works in the same direction that the body is trying to work, it works in harmony with the body. This is in direction opposition to veterinary health care, whose primary aim is to fight disease. Homeopathy enhances health. There is a world of difference.

When can you use homeopathy for cats?

You can start at any time, from a day old kitten right through to old age and everything in between. Homeopathy is safe and never causes side effects. You can use it at any time, when your cat is frail from illness or toxicity, when badly injured, when you cat is showing unfavouable behavioural characteristics and much more.

How does homeopathy work for cats?

In our current mindset so heavily reliant of the logical side of the brain and limiting our awareness to the physical realm, it can be challenging to try to understand how homeopathy works. Homeopathy is an energy based health care system which looks at the big picture. This means that every part of the body and mind are considered as one and all aspects are just as important. Everything is considered.

Homeopathy is based on the philosophy of like cures like. In other words, what a medicine can create in a healthy body, can cure in an unhealthy one, as long as the symptoms agree.

Where should you treat you cat homeopathically?

Homeopathy has enormous potential. It can treat a body at any level, from the basic therapeutic level, which is the way of veterinary and medical health care, right through to psychological, mental and emotional issues.

Whilst homeopathy can be quite easy to learn and use effectively on the therapeutic level, making it very popular for budding home prescribers, this approach is inherently limited. Whilst the scope of a home prescriber can be amazingly broad, it is a mere drop in the ocean compared with what homeopathic treatment can achieve in the hands an experienced and knowledgable practitioner, particularly one who practices homeopathy exclusively.

Your cat and your wallet will profit if you use both approaches. Start of by finding a good homeopath you can work with. Learn the basics of home prescribing. And be aware of your limitations, that will lessen with experience.

Homeopathy for cats offers you both so much.

The Bengal Cat

If a cat that appears as though it has walked straight out of the wilderness and into civilization is what you want, then the Bengal cat fills that order. The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed produced by crossing the domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. The desire of such cross breeding is to produce a cat that looks wild, but has the temperament of a domestic cat.

Physical Body

The most distinct feature of the Bengal cat is its extremely soft, thick, and uniquely patterned coat. There are two distinct patterns recognized within the Bengal cat breed. Those are spotted and marbleized. The spotted coat is closest to its leopard ancestor, featuring leopard spots in varying shades of brown, rust, orange, sand, black, and gray. The marbleized coat is produced from the mixing of the Asian Leopard cat with a domestic tabby to produce splotches that look more like marble. In either case, the Bengal cat has a look that is both strikingly beautiful and wild.

Other than the coat, another distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other cats is its muscular body, more prominent in males than females. Bengal cats are very athletic, sleek, and muscular.

Temperament

The Bengal cat loves to be part of the family. They love to interact and play. This is not to say they will not seek out a soft chair or lap in which to lie for a nap, but for the majority of the day they are very active cats. Being a high energy cat, they are not for someone looking for a docile animal to lounge around the house and look pretty.

The exotic heritage of this cat makes it unique both in look and personality. Even though it takes five generations of Bengal-to-Bengal breeding to produce a line recognized as a Bengal cat, these felines have a wild ancestral heritage and some of those instincts can still be seen in late generations through their extreme intelligence, high energy, and innate curiosity. This is a cat that loves to play and will demand interaction with their owners but in a way that is most pleasant. Some Bengals can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. It's also reported by some owners that their Bengals love water and will shower with them.

Due to the wild ancestral line of the Bengal, careful selective breeding practices are implemented by high quality Bengal cat breeders to ensure that the docile temperament of the domesticated ancestors is dominant.

Common Medical Problems

As with any breed of cat or dog, certain medical problems seem to be more commonplace than others. For the Bengal, the most common health problems seen by veterinarians are as follows:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy - This problem eventually causes blindness. There is no way to screen for this problem, so there is no way for a breeder to tell if a kitten will have problems later on.

Cataracts - Thickening and clouding of the eye lens, causing loss of vision over a period of time and eventual blindness. This problem can be reversed since cataract surgery is available for cats.

Cardiomyopathy - This covers both thickening of the heart muscles and thinning of the heart muscles, both causing very poor circulation. Cats stricken with this condition can appear healthy for a very long time and then suddenly appear very ill.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - This is a condition in which an infection is present within the digestive tract. The symptoms of this condition are typically vomiting and diarrhea. Any Bengal showing symptoms should be taken to the veterinarian immediately to avoid dehydration.

Food Poisoning - Bengals have especially sensitive stomachs. For this reason, their diets should be carefully monitored and table scraps should never be on the menu.

One medical problem you'll never have to worry about with the Bengal cat and possibly their most fascinating feature is they possess an apparent immunity to feline leukemia. This is an inherited trait that the Bengal cat received from its ancestor the Asian Leopard cat.

Bengal cats are one of the most interesting breeds in existence today. From their wild markings to their playful and loving demeanor, Bengal's are an absolute joy to have around the house, especially in a household with children. If a cat who acts more like a family member is desired, the Bengal cat is a great choice.

Velita Livingston is the founder of the Cat Lover's Diary blob which provides rich content with great advice on cat care tips and cat training, teaching pet owners how to protect, pamper and live peacefully with their pets. Visit the http://www.catloversdiary.com to watch the Cat Lover's Diary Movie, it contains breathtaking images and heartwarming quotes... It will uplift and inspire you! You can also visit the Cat Lover's Diary on Facebook and Twitter.

Heated Cat Beds Help Outdoor Cats Survive Winter Temperatures

Cold temperatures can be difficult even for the healthiest of pets. Prolonged expose to the cold for a cat can result in frost bite, hypothermia, and possibly even death. Additionally, the stress on the body caused by prolonged exposure to the cold will reduces the life expectancy of a cat living in the outdoors. Some people are fooled into thinking that just because a cat has a thick fur coat they will be safe from the effect of prolonged cold temperatures. But their fur coat is simply not enough to keep them sufficiently warm during winter temperatures. The overall best practice is to just keep your cat inside during the winter. But, if the situation is such that the cat you are trying to protect is completely outside, here are a few suggestions and practices that will help.

1. Dry, warm shelter is paramount. If a human were left outside in the cold to survive for an extended period of time, one of the first things he would need to find in order to survive would be dry, warm shelter. The same is true for a cat trying to survive cold temperatures. Providing the cat full-time access to a garage, shed or barn is a great start. If this is not possible than providing an insulated cat house placed in a nook away from the weather elements is another good option. The house should be small in size, i.e., just large enough for perhaps two-three cats to go inside and turn around. The small size will help to conserve body heat. The house should also utilize insulation with a high R-value sandwiched in the walls, roof and floor. It is suggested that the interior seams of the house also be sealed so that moisture does not find its way in. The door of the house should be oriented away from the elements such as wind, rain, snow and sleet. A clear path should always be kept to avoid the cat becoming potentially snow bound.

But no matter the shelter that you choose to provide, the cat will also need to be supplied with ample bedding in order to stay warm. A thick bedding of cedar chips or straw can suffice. Blankets and towels are definitely not recommended since once they are wet; they become cold and very difficult to dry. The best option for outdoor shelter venues whether it is a garage, covered porch, barn, shed or cat house is an outdoor heated cat bed. These beds are made of soft PVC and do not absorb water, always providing comfortable warmth even in below freezing temperatures. They also use very low wattage and are efficient. A heated cat bed not only can give you some piece of mind, but it will become your kitty's favorite spot, knowing it will have warmth and comfort from those harsh winter temperatures. It will become their haven, their rescue from an inhospitable temperature environment.

2. Provide and maintain plenty of water. A constant supply of clean, unfrozen water is very important to minimize the risk of dehydration.. The water source should be protected from the elements or heated to prevent freezing. Low-wattage heated bowls work very well as a solution in making certain unfrozen water is always available. As a lower budget option, you can use spray foam insulation on the underside of a deep plastic water bowl. This will help slow the freezing process, but will not eliminate it. So make sure warm water is placed in the bowl regularly.

3. Provide plenty of food. As with any physically body, whether it is human or animal, high levels of calories are burned by the body in just keeping itself warm. So make sure an ample supply of nutritious food is provided. Cats that spend time outside simply need more to eat. Feeding on a regular schedule is also important. Your cat will come to expect the food and will be waiting for it; therefore the food will spend less time in the cold. Ideally, you can provide your cat with a simple feeding station that includes a roof and sides so that your cat will be protected from the elements while it dines.

Cats need protection from the dangers of winter temperatures. Of course, keeping your cat indoors is always the safest and most effective way to promote their good health. But if your cat is going to have prolonged exposure to the cold it is imperative to provide dry shelter and a constant source of warmth which is best provided by a heated pet bed. Keep in mind that if the weather is too cold for you to comfortably spend long period of time outside, then it is probably too cold for your cat as well.

7 Tips to Entice Your Cat to Drink More Water

Most cat owners can attest to the fact that cats are finicky. They will only eat certain kinds of food out of a certain type of bowl. What many people don't realize is that this rule applies to water as well. In general, cats do not drink enough water and this can lead to various health problems, but these problems can be avoided simply by observing the likes and dislikes of a feline with regards to water preferences.

To entice a cat to drink more water takes a little trial and error, but once the magical combination is found, a cat owner should have no problem with their cat remaining hydrated. Below are seven tips to encourage your furry friend to drink up!

1. Water Type
Many people think water is water, but this is not entirely true. There are various types of water from tap water to distilled to mineral. Each cat will have their own preference. Try putting out several bowls of different types of water and see which one they prefer, but make sure all the bowls are identical, as this can be a factor as well in whether or not a cat will drink.

2. Bowls
The type of bowl makes a huge difference. Stainless steel or ceramic will have the highest rate of success. Plastic is a porous material and tends to soak up odor. While a human may not be able to smell it, a cat will and may not want to drink it thinking the water is tainted. One must remember that cats are generally very picky about cleanliness.

3. Cleanliness
Water bowls should be cleaned with hot soapy water on a daily basis. Nobody likes to drink out of a dirty glass. It's logical to believe a cat does not enjoy it either.

4. Placement
Cats also have a preference of where they want their water placed. Try placing several bowls throughout the house and see which ones show signs of having been used.

5. Multiple Cats
Having multiple cats in the home means having multiple food bowls, but it also means having multiple water bowls as well. Smelling another cat around their water bowl can deter the desire to drink water. Nobody likes drinking after another human being and cats do not like drinking after another cat either.

6. Food Additive
Until a cat owner is able to find the best way to encourage their cat to drink water, it may be necessary to use it as a food additive to ensure the cat stays hydrated. Water can be added to either dry or wet food. A bowl of water may also be "flavored" by adding chicken broth or some tuna juice. Normally a cat that will not drink water will go after a bowl of watered down broth.

7. Running Water
If all else fails, chances are the feline is one that prefers running water. It must be an instinct from the wild to prefer running water as opposed to stagnant, but many cat owners report their cats will only drink running water. To check the cats' preference, simply turn on a faucet part way (high water pressure will most likely scare the poor thing) and place the cat next to the sink. There is a good chance the cat will investigate it cautiously at first and then start to drink. If the cat enjoys this, it will be obvious when they begin jumping up to the faucet and trying to drink without the water running. If they do indeed seem to like getting their water this way, a pet drinking fountain may be purchased to facilitate this.

The Importance of Hydration
Feline dehydration can be caused by many different factors from lack of available drinking water to illness. It's extremely important to ensure a cat doesn't become dehydrated, especially for those felines afflicted by diabetes or renal failure, as those two illnesses in particular cause increased urination which in turn causes increased risk for dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are constipation, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, increased heart rate, poor skin elasticity, and poor capillary refill time. There are two tests an owner can perform to check for skin elasticity and capillary refill.

To check skin elasticity, grasp some skin at the base of the neck and then release. If the skin does not spring back immediately, the feline is in a state of dehydration.

To check capillary refill time, press a finger against the cats gum. Once the finger is removed, a white spot will be present. Time how long it takes for the white spot to turn pink again. It should only take one to two seconds. If it takes longer than that, the cat is dehydrated.

Enough cannot be said about ensuring a feline remains hydrated. A cat stuck inside a home or apartment 24/7 without water to drink that they enjoy, can easily lead to a state of dehydration. It's extremely important to monitor a cat's rate of water consumption and, if low, take measures to improve that rate. Dehydration can greatly shorten a feline's life, but it's normally a very preventable problem that only takes a little observation and trial and error to correct.

Skin Allergies In Cats - Overcoming Them The Holistic Way

Skin allergies in cats are not uncommon. Their incidence is rising. An allergy is a hypersensitivity to something, which the immune system is unable to deal with. Usually the allergy is to an external, or environmental factor, or allergen.

These factors can be the same as in anyone such as dust, pollen, plants, food ingredients, insect bites, insecticides, toxins in the environment, etc. Some are seasonal.

The main symptoms of skin allergies in cats is an increased or continual licking and constant scratching. Obviously there is an extreme itch going on that we can't see or feel. Common areas are the groin, the base of the tail and the sides.

Skin allergies are often called atopic dermatitis. They can be mild or severe and anything in between. Severe allergies can result in the cat self harming in their desperate attempt to ease the itch.

The factors which lead to skin allergies in cats are only the stimulants. They are not the cause. The real cause is an area that doesn't appear on the veterinary horizon, for a variety of reasons, which are beyond the scope of this article.

Vaccinations are known to be one of the main causes of allergies. Most people believe that by vaccinating their cat against the common feline diseases, they are improving the health of their cat. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Let's look at the common ingredients in vaccines. Depending on the species and the vaccine, these will vary, but the common ingredients include:

    thimerosal - a mercury derivative
    formaldehyde - a strong preservative used to embalm dead bodies
    aluminium salts - considered linked to alzheimers disease
    phenol - a derivative from coal tar
    various animal cells, proteins or DNA - cross species and ethical issues
    monosodium glutamate - known for many health related problems
    aspartame - known for many health related issues
    sorbitol - an alcohol
    hydrolised protein - hydrolising is a known health hazard

Injecting these directly into the blood of any animal creates an immediate immune response. However, this is not a healthy response, as all the normal, subtle paths have been bypassed. Instead, the immune response is not unlike when bitten by a poisonous snake.

Many cats do become resistant to that particular strain of that particular disease, but this comes at a price. The immune system takes a tumble. This means that overall your cat is less healthy.

A common side effect of vaccines is allergies, but they don't stop there. Here are a couple of statements from medical doctors, which you may find interesting. The same applies to veterinary vaccines.

Rebecca Carley M.D - "If children receive all recommended vaccines, they will receive 2,370 times the "allowable safe limit" for mercury in the first two years of life (as if there is such a thing as a "safe" amount of a toxic poison)."

Russell L. Blaylock M D Neurosurgeon - "Most have at least heard about the controversy surrounding possible harmful effects of some of the vaccines. What is less well known is that even greater dangers exist than are being conveyed to the general public. Much of this information is buried in highly technical scientific journals beyond the reach and understanding of the average person."

There are other, far safer ways to prevent your cat from getting disease. The first thing is to ensure you take care of their immune system, This is the key to health. And there are three important ways to do this:

    quality, natural, nutritious food
    healthy lifestyle
    holistic health care

You can learn more about this by clicking on the link below

Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap For Your Home

As a nation of cat lovers, we all know how much our cats like to come and go and have their own freedom and space, generally doing as they please and we as their owners like to fulfill those wishes. Cat flaps are a way of ensuring your pet can have his or her freedom, while at the same time keeping the home secure.

Many cats go off on their adventures, playing with others, marking out their territory and all sorts of fun exploring, but when the cat decides its time to return home to its family, what you do not want is him or her bringing their mates back home with them. There has been many a time that cat owners have returned home to find that they have acquired an extra cat in their home, due to the cheeky newcomer using the cat flap for the resident pet.

This can sometimes cause problems between cats such as; your pet may get territorial with the other cat and mark territory or even have a scuffle, the other cat may be not be neutered which could be a problem if yours are not neutered either, the newcomer may not be house trained and could cause destruction, plus many more other important concerns.

The answer to this problem is to purchase a Sureflap Microchip Cat Flap which is completely unlike the normal pet flaps. This invention has a Sureflap microchip, which is an innovative work of art and it really does show how advanced technology has become these days. How it works is very simple; Once this is set into learn mode, you should ensure your cat passes through it, once he or she has passed all the way through and is out the other side, the special microchip technology in the device will save your cats personal microchip I.D. into the built in memory, by doing this it ensures that the flap will only allow access to your very own cats inside the home which ensures the problem is solved. The benefits of this microchip design are, the cat flap fitting is easy, as it will fit most standard doors, walls and windows, it also has a magnetic latch, which will ensure that other daring felines cannot successfully open the microchip cat flap and roam free around your house.

This Sureflap cat flap also works if you own quite a few cats, as up to a whopping 32 ID's can be stored, so it is very economical, especially if you own more than one mini tiger! It is compatible with your cats own existing microchip, which means that your cat doesn't have to wear a special tag or collar to enable this system to work. As well as looking smart and modern this product really does the required job of being a secure electronic cat flap very well and you can rest assured that there will be no more unexpected visitors sitting on your couch when you return home.

Whatever shape, size or breed we have everything in our pet store to satisfy even the most demanding, four legged diva in your household. We understand how important it is to not only have the latest cat toy, or the trendiest dog collar, but also to make sure the boring bits are covered.

About Persian Cats

Of all the cat breeds in the world, none is more distinctive or highly recognized than the Persian. Their look is almost stately, conjuring images of riches and opulence, especially white Persian cats, but this breed brings to the table more than simply good looks. Their calm and loving temperament makes them a joy to have around the house and a wonderful, loyal companion.

History
Persians have a lengthy and interesting history. They were first thought to have originated in Iran, which is where Persia once existed. Although this may be true, the modern Persian breed has lost its genetic signature. The modern breed we see today is felt to have, for the most part, developed in Western Europe, specifically Britain. It was not until after World War II that American breeders recognized the inherent beauty of the Persian and began breeding them. Now, the Persian is the most popular breed in the United States.

Characteristics
Persians are set apart from other breeds by their extremely thick coat, wide head, large eyes, and shortened muzzle. In the United States, a movement began in the 1950′s to produce an exaggeratedly flat face, known as peke-faced, but this gave way to health problems. While the peke-faced look is still very popular, the health problems associated with it caused many breeders in the mid-1990′s to abandon selective breeding practices to produce that characteristic. The traditional look of the Persian includes a more elongated muzzle than what we see today and many are now selectively breeding to produce the more traditional looking version of the breed.

Temperament
Dignified, calm, and gentle are three words that come to mind when describing the personality of the Persian. They are very quiet and affectionate, making them a favorite for apartment dwellers. They are content in nearly any environment so long as they are afforded enough attention. Although they do well around other pets, Persians need human companionship and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Grooming
It should be noted that while most cats are able to groom themselves, the extra dense coat of the Persian prevents it from being able to do so. Regular bathing and brushing of the coat is necessary to keep the coat from matting. Additionally, the large eyes of the Persian can cause excessive tears that run down the face of the cat. Any ocular discharge and crusting should be cleaned each day to prevent staining of the fur around the eyes.

Variations
Persian cats have such a long and extensive history and have been popular for so long that there are many variations of the breed, some of which have given birth to other popular breeds. Himalayans are, in fact, a result of cross breeding Persians with Siamese cats. Exotic short-hair versions of the Persian breed were a result of crossing Persians with American Short-Hair cats. In South Africa, breeders were successful at selectively breeding specific characteristics to produce what is now known as the Chinchilla Longhair breed, featuring a longer muzzle and translucent hair with dark tips.

Health Concerns
The distinctive facial features of the Persian, especially in the peke-faced variations, can cause breathing and eye difficulties. Excessive tearing and corneal damage due to eyelashes rubbing against the eye are also two common problems with this breed. Aside from this, birthing problems are also common in this breed and the rate of stillbirths is much higher in Persians than other breeds at between 16% and 22%. Other health problems that may be seen in Persian cats are polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Persian Cat Rescue
It's hard to believe, but there are Persians out there who do not have a loving home. Even this beautiful, distinctive cat sometimes finds itself in need of adoption for one reason or another and there are rescue centers scattered throughout the country that have Persians available for adoption.

One such rescue center is www.persiancats.org. It should be noted that this website does not ship cats due to the stress it causes the animal and the number of cats that are in need of good homes everywhere. They recommend searching local shelters and rescue centers first. Any individual visiting the website above should be forewarned that the sweet, beautiful faces they are about to see will indeed pull on the heartstrings and they just might find themselves on the phone shortly searching local shelters for a Persian of their own.

Velita Livingston is the founder of the Cat Lover's Diary blob which provides rich content with great advice on cat care tips and cat training, teaching pet owners how to protect, pamper and live peacefully with their pets. Visit the http://www.catloversdiary.com to watch the Cat Lover's Diary Movie, it contains breathtaking images and heartwarming quotes... It will uplift and inspire you! You can also visit the Cat Lover's Diary on Facebook and Twitter.

Adopting a Cat? Here Are Tips To Help You Prepare

After many discussions, the decision has been made to bring a cat into your family. Congratulations!

Of course you know to expect an adjustment period, while your furry friend gets used to his new home.

These tips should lead to a smoother transition for everyone.

Bringing your cat home

Make sure you have a pet travel bag or a sturdy carrier for the car ride home. Holding the cat on your lap is a very bad idea, and a dangerous one. Even if he's calm enough to sit in someone's lap, nothing will stop him from bolting the second the car door opens. It's really not worth the risk.

Find a vet

If you don't already have a vet, now would be the time to find one. You don't want to start running around when the cat's not feeling well. It's also good to know where the local emergency hospital is, just in case.

Pet sitters

If you had to go away suddenly, who would you call to care for the cat? Start thinking, and asking around. Checking out some professional pet sitters will also come in handy.

Supplies

Buy supplies such as a litter box, litter, food and water bowls, scratching post, brush, nail clippers, bed and a couple of toys

Food

Give your cat the same food he's been eating. If you want to switch brands, by all means, just do it gradually to avoid any stomach issues.

Cat proofing the house

Some cats get into everything, others don't. Since you probably don't know which category yours falls into, it's safer to be cautious until you do know. Don't leave things like rubber bands, ribbon, string, cords, or wires lying around. Toxic houseplants should be removed, and household cleaners, chemicals or medications locked away. You might also want to take your favorite glass vase off the table, just in case.

A room of his own

Coming to a new home can be overwhelming, so setting him up in a quiet room will help. If there's a closet, leave the door open a little so he has a place to hide. If not, a large box or something to hide behind/under will do just as well.

The litter box should go in one area, food and water bowls in another.

Set the carrier down on the floor, and open the door. Don't tip it, or try and drag him out. He'll come out and explore when he's ready.

Spend time with him, talk to him, but let him come to you. If he's hiding under the bed and refuses to come out, don't force him.

If you have other pets at home, it's wise to leave the cat in the room for a few days, so everyone can get used to the newcomer.

Introductions

Have family members go in, one at a time and sit with the cat, allowing him to get familiar with everyone.

Some cats are happy to have a new playmate, while others just see them as invaders of their territory. Keeping him separated, will allow the resident cat time to check him out.

You could start opening the door just a little, so they can see each other and stick a paw through.

After a few days of gradual introduction, see how they do face to face. Have someone supervise to make sure there's no fighting.

It would be helpful to know in advance, how your dog feels about cats, but sometimes you don't. When the dog is out on a walk, let your cat explore the house. Once he's more comfortable, you can start introducing the dog and cat, slowly.

Keep the dog on a leash, while the cat walks around. Don't leave them alone until they've demonstrated that they're okay together, and won't kill each other.

Don't forget cats are predators, so if you have birds or other little critters, please take appropriate measures to ensure their safety. Make sure the cat isn't tormenting them, and stressing them out.

Things That You Will Learn When You Own A Cat

When people think of a family pet, the first thing they think of is a dog. It is no surprise, as dogs can make great companions and they can even help owners with special needs. What may come as a surprise is that cats are in fact the most popular option as pets in the country. There are many advantages to owning cats; they take a lot less work in your part to care for them. They are seen as more independent etc. Even when some people will take them out for a walk here and there, all they really need is a litter box to take care of their business. There are still a few things that you will learn when you own a cat.

They Need You... A Lot

Even though cats have a reputation for being independent, they still need you a lot. When you own a cat you understand the concept because your cat will like to be close to you a lot of the time. While in a lot of cases they do not act as excited to see you when you come home, the fact is that not having you for extended periods of time can be very stressing to a cat. They do not only need you for food, they also need companionship, and unless you are there all the time or get a second cat they can be very bored and lonely.

They Need Exercise

A cat that is lonely the entire day can get bored, and a bored cat can easily get into trouble. If the cat has no one to interact with then it will have two options: It will get fat and sick and lead a boring life, or it can entertain itself by destroying some of the wires around the house. That can be dangerous to the cat if the wire conducts electricity. Your plants will also be fair game and so will be your carpet. Giving your cat a fair amount of exercise in the way of interactive toys can help you save your furniture, wires and even the cat's life. If you own a cat, then you already know where the toys are available; but if you are new to cats then you should head to your local pet store.

They Are Not Dogs

A pet owner may feel that they know what to expect when they own a cat because they had another type of pet in the past. This is actually not the case. Cats are very different from dogs and a new cat owner would do well to do some reading before ever going through the adoption process. Cat education is a lot different than dog education. The games that they like to play are different and the way you will need to cat-proof your home is not even close to what you would have to do when you adopt a puppy. That said, cats can be great companions to people and you will have a long loving relationship with them.

Interesting Facts About Cats You Probably Didn't Know

Interesting Facts About Cat Claws

It's impossible for a cat to climb down a tree head first because their claws are curved only one way. To get down, they must back down (or get a nice fireman to rescue them.)

All cats have claws; all cats, with the exception of the cheetah, sheath their claws when at rest. A cat's back claws are not as sharp as their front claws, because the back ones do not retract, and therefore become worn.

Marking their Territory

You probably feel pretty special when fluffy rubs up against your legs; she's not only showing affection, she's marking you as her territory. Do you ever wonder why as soon as you change the litter box, your cat goes in to use it? You guessed it - she's marking her territory. No matter how many times you change the litter box, your cat will go in right after to make it hers. This means you'll be buying a lot of cat litter!

Why Do Cats Purr?

To this day, experts are unsure of why cats purr. Most believe that the purring is caused by vibrating vocal chords deep in the throat. In order to purr, one of the larynx muscles open and closes the air passage as much as 25 times a second. Cats mostly purr when they are happy and content, but they can also purr when they are nervous.

How they Spend Their Day

Cats spend about 18 hours a day sleeping. When kittens sleep, a growth hormone is released.Another third of their day is spent cleaning and grooming themselves. That doesn't leave much time for play, but they do manage to get some free time in!

The Richest Cat in the World

The richest cat is named Blackie, who was left 15 million pounds by his owner, Ben Rea. This just shows how much Ben loved his pet, with that amount of money this cat is definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to cat food.

How to Tell if a Cat Feels Content

When a cat is on her back, paws in the air, you know she feels safe and content (although this is not an invitation to give her a belly rub!) They will usually curl up in one of their favorite spots in the house to fall asleep; don't be surprised if one of their favorite spots is your bed.

Cats love to be pampered, but they also enjoy their time alone. They will let you know when they want attention. In the meantime, they'll be expecting the best toys and treats that money can buy - so be on the lookout for money savers like Tidy Cats coupons.

Help Homeless Cats Get Through the Coming Winter

Winter time can be pretty harsh. It can be quite hard against almost every living thing there is, regardless of size or age. Anyone who's gone through a winter season - especially a particularly bleak season of it - knows how difficult it could be. Maybe we're a little more used to it now, those who live here in the US where it is an annual experience, although it can be really tough sometimes. But what about the animals that also experience winter with us, are they coping just as well? In particular, how about those homeless cats who could possibly remain homeless even as winter is fast approaching, what can be done to help them?

There are organizations that are dedicated to helping homeless animals get through the tough stretch of winter season each year, and homeless cats are always among those that receive plenty of help. However, such organizations can only do so much to aid those animals. With the number of homeless cats, many are inevitably going to be left on the streets when the freezing weather hits.

Private individuals need to be aware that they can actually do something to help those homeless cats during the cold season. The things that they need to do to help are actually pretty simple once you get to know about it. Those simple things already mean a lot in terms of lifting any of the sufferings that the homeless cats could potentially suffer from during the winter.

Here are some of those things that every person could do in order to help homeless cats:

    The homeless cats should be fed often and in large quantities during the winter season. Since food and water have a tendency to freeze, this is very important. The amount of food given to the cats should be doubled, as it would not only help keep them strong and healthy, it will also help them fight off the cold. As much as possible, use only the best cat food available.

    The cats should be encouraged to use different types of shelters that would keep them from the harshness of the elements. Among the structures that they could make use of are basements, barns, doghouses, garages, and other structures that are specifically designed to meet the conditions of the weather. The cats should be kept as dry and warm as possible, so the shelters need to be insulated and provided with adequate heating.

    Little kittens should be given special attention. If they are spotted in a certain place then they should be taken into shelters or better yet, given to foster homes. When those options are not available then the people who find the kittens should coordinate with organizations that could help.

    Cats that are weak or old should also be given special care and attention. Sick ones should be taken to a vet's clinic so that they could immediately receive the medical attention that they require. After being treated, the cats should not be released immediately because the weather could make it sick again and it might survive the winter.

The Beauty of Possessing Cats

Cats and more cats, how they can so easily become an obsession. I have become involved in the cat business as I'm supportive of a cattery, in touch with a cat rescuer and I help three outdoor cats. My friend has a cattery in the beautiful desert and when one visits, at least twenty cats show the traditional cat greeting by clamoring to the door and trying to steal a glance. At night, if I choose to stay, at least twenty cats take the places of the proverbial "cats who sleep with you". One undersized black guy got overly familiar and licked the inside of my ear.

In the middle of the night, aside from rumpled sheets and wadded up blankets, I endured the unexpected sensation of a cat predator at the window. A huge owl spread his wings ominously behind the shade and appeared to be the vampire who might prey upon all domestic cats. After thrashing about, I was able to settle in again and the little black boy resumed his intimate touches. In the daytime, the major challenge was to orchestrate the movements of waves of felines in order to keep them outside an off-limits room. All in all, I enjoyed being a petting partner for this large group of desert cats.

As a friend of a cat rescuer, I've had the experience of smuggling one orange guy named Reggie out of Animal Control. My friend waited outside while I crept into the Control Center and briefly signed the necessary papers to rescue a cat who had been a member of the desert cattery. Due to circumstances beyond his control, and his name is Reggie, he was held captive and labeled undesirable by the powers to be. They had found some kind of bacterial infection and confined him with a group of cats who were deemed unable to be adopted.

I hopefully placed Reggie's name on the "cat to be adopted" line of the application and briskly walked to the backroom where problem cats were being observed. One look at Reggie, an orange and white delight, and I knew I couldn't live without him. I was determined to rescue the feline, as my friend waited anxiously by the door. Indeed, Reggie was given to me with the warning that he wasn't completely well. Since then, he has become the life of the party at the cattery, and has even escaped the outdoor enclosure to enjoy the freedom and thrill of the rooftop.

And I can't forget my three outdoor cats. I possess an unusual tortoise shell female called "Chatty". "Chat" is the French word for cat, and she is also "chatty" or talkative. I'm sure she is part Maincun, which is a breed known for its various vocalizings and heavy, wiry coat. The purebreds of this breed also have hair in their ears and around their feet. Chatty has lead a most unusual life as she has spent it outdoors as a stray. She has survived more than ten years outside and is extremely intelligent, if not cunning. She will appear at exactly the time I chose to go outside the front door the previous evening. She tracks my movements and is able to gauge the expected hour. If I visit a neighbor, she will wait outside that very door for me. If I water the lawn she will stalk me about the yard, probably theorizing about the exact moment I will ascend my staircase and feed the beasties.

Other outdoor cats are "Gent", short for "gentleman" and "Mr Orange", a large, very noisy orange tabby. Gent likes to take his meal by himself, in my kitchen. Each night he is hopeful that I will allow this intrusion into my solitary existence. I live alone so these cats are live bodies who visit my bungalow in the remote corner of my courtyard. Few people can find me, and that works well because I like to choose moments of being alone in my snug apartment. Even so, Gent finds me and, if I remember to let him in, he pauses by my doorway to enjoy pats and pets, then casually trots to the kitchen for a private meal of wet cat food. The only problem in this routine is encountered when he arrives back at the door. Chatty shows her independence and jealousy all at the same time as she tries to strike at him as he leaves the doorway and heads down the stairs.

Mr. Orange is the noisiest cat in the neighborhood and, I'm afraid, may soon bring unwelcome comments from the neighbors. He is a large male, orange with a white belt around his middle. He doesn't come every night, so I know others are helping this supposedly homeless cat. One never knows for sure how many homes these strays have. I received a letter from a knowledgeable ferrel cat coalition and I heard about the process of TNR, which means trap, neuter and release. I only hope I will have time to do all this. Chatty will in fact be going to the cattery as I am taking a very long flight to North Carolina (I live in San Diego) to visit my son, his wife and their two children. It's time for Chatty to retire. I hope I'm right in thinking that the males have another feeding spot across the street.

I know you animal haters will, as of now, hate me when I say that everybody needs to have at least one pet, especially a cat. They are very low maintenance and there is no need for euthanasia. Let me put it this way, because of peoples' selfishness and lack of education, cats are put to sleep in great numbers. I believe as the American Indians believed, that the way we treat animals and our natural world will ultimately affect our own existence. The Bible, in Genesis, says that we are the rulers over animals and, more importantly, are the caretakers of God's creatures. I'm actually not allowed to have pets here at this apartment complex, but I have requested an exception to the rule. If everyone would due their part, Animal Control would not have the odious task of extermination. This, of course includes spaying and neutering teenage cats. I believe that a person's character can be gauged by how he/she treats animals and small children. These are the helpless of the world, and it is up to the rest of us to show compassion and kindness.

In an ideal world, every household would have at least one cat. They could leave them outside if they had to, but just feed them and give them limited care. I'm not going to say the State could allocate funds for this, but just that each household could take some responsibility. I live in a city where many animals roam free: the climate is excellent and the city areas are surrounded by uncultivated, unsettled acreage. As a result, possums, raccoons and domestic pets are in abundance. They like the weather just like our homeless population and are frequent visitors to any type of outdoor feeding bowls. I sound as if I have a regular menagerie around here, and I don't: I'm careful about just regularly feeding one cat and I have plans to relocate the males. When I could have a pet, I certainly did.

And here I'm going to sound off about the treatment of all of our wild animals. Why do we need to shoot the wolves, or round up the horses, or eliminate the buffalo (fortunately this practice has ceased). When I travel the vast plains, mountains and valleys of our country I observe more than enough land for all. Sure, bears get into peoples' garbage and scare them to death, and, in this case, something has to be done. But I see pettiness and meanness behind so much of the animal controversy. What lands do our wolves threaten? They have been re-introduced into Yellowstone but the ranchers have been yelling ever since. Isn't part of this a competition with the animals for some favorite spot some rancher took a liking to? And perhaps their pride sets in and then the argument begins that they are not going to give into an animal. We're asked to be wise stewards over our resources by biblical admonition, and this doesn't mean that we are to feel competitive with or power over our animals.

Personally, I can't stand to see an animal caged. They obviously are not meant for this type of confinement and it need not be. If they are given a decent and humane environment as in many zoo's, this is allright. Or if they are taken for regular walks and excusions outside their confines, then this is allright. No one wants to see animals threatened, yelled at and shot unless they are a direct danger to a person. It's so sad to see the efforts of animal conservationists defeated by hunters.

The days when we needed to hunt for meat are over. Then why is it such a sport to take a rifle and shoot a wild and beautiful beast such as a wolf or a bear? I recently saw a T.V. program where an animal activist was forced to take a hunter out on his rounds because he could do nothing about the hunting season. Imagine how he felt. Animals always bring out strong feelings of compassion in these activists. I'm not a fanatic. I do not want to possess tens of tens of cats. Indeed, I'm a tiny bit allergic to cat dander. But I see the feeling that can surround animals and it's the same feeling that surrounds helpless people.

Taking care of these ferrel cats is close to taking care of homeless people, in my mind. It is not at all the same, in that it is much more important to take care of people than animals. But the same compassion is involved in both cases. Whereas there might be some situations that require extermination in the animal world, there are none in the people world. But it is a slippery slope. How one treats animals is some indication as to how he/she treats his fellow human beings. I help feed the homeless next door at my church and I have helped my mentally ill brother through many predicaments. I feel that I can't call myself a follower of Christ, and not at least try to help my brother. I can't look God's lost and needy creatures in the face and not try to do something about it. The life that is given to critters and to people is rendered by the same hand of the Almighty, though I don't believe animals have a soul. They are placed here much like our natural surroundings, trees, bushes and flowers, to enhance our existence. They are not to be opportunities to show our pettiness, vanity or cruelty.

I'm an ecologist at heart, though my profession has been sewing and designs. I can't help getting involved in this controversy and I'm doing my small part to help the critters of this world. I'm not an extremist and I'm not going to pet a tarantula, or swim with sharks. But thinking about those cats has brought out some thoughts I've bottled up for awhile. I used to be a mean and self-centered person when I was young and I was mean to cats. I think back to those times with an intense pain. It seems as if our society is showing some regret as to how we have treated our environment; for instance, permanently scarring the land by over-mining it. Another example is creating the dust bowl of the 30's by over-farming the land. Ken Burns has a documentary coming up on that topic.

These topics are related in my mind because we are, as I have stated, suppose to rule and reign over our environment and its animals with the kind of care Our Lord would show. If you want to give me a name, you could call be a "Christian Ecologist". I just don't like to see selfishness and greed take over in this great country. I hope we can continue to take care of our stray dogs and cats, and to find the time, that important four letter word, to show kindness and care for our surrounding land and its animals. If we find the time for these basic concerns, all else will follow.

I am Donna Gordon, a graduate of the ever-political university at Berkeley. If you are an animal activist, you will enjoy this article, as I did writing it. I am a Christian activist and if you like to get involved in society's causes from a biblical point of view, read me. Please go to Kindle, Nook or Smashwords for my first published novel "The Spiritual Dreams of a Lifetime". It's about my life on the edge and in recovery from addiction. But it also includes my spiritual dreams which, by the way, include many images of nature. You can read more about my causes and motivations in the biography section of Smashwords or Authors' Den. I'm thrilled with the internet way of writing and I know this enthusiasm will rub off on you. This type of writing is a far cry from the writing marathons of the past, which involved sending off specially typed manuscripts with the proper postage etc. I'm always getting passionate about something, as most writers do. Here I am in my bungalow with no one to talk to, so you're it. You will find my novel very personal and I hope it touches your soul. I'm thrilled that we can write these letters to each other and, as the saying goes, "tear our passions to tatters". My life on the edge has included falling off a few times into uncomfortable situations, but, in so doing, my compassion quotient has risen. My favorite saying is "There's not enough compassion in the world" and that's my main reason for taking up the cause in this article, of God's little creature, the cat. He's been given a mouth, nose and ears just like us, and he can receive love.

Plants That Are Toxic To Cats

In most cases, people who love their animals also love their houseplants. Houseplants breathe life into a home just like owning a cat does. It seems both pets and houseplants go hand-in-hand, but in reality they can be a deadly combination if the owner is not aware of which plants are toxic to their furry friends.

Any cat owner who also dabbles in gardening or owns houseplants should familiarize themselves with the list below. It's a surprising list to say the least. Many very common and useful plants are on this list. Even the aloe vera plant, known for its medicinal value as a topical treatment for cuts and burns, is poisonous to cats. Even more surprising is that tomato and pea plants are toxic to cats as well. It's a scary feeling to read this list and count the number of common plants lying around the house just waiting to poison the beloved feline of the home.

House Plants Toxic to Cats:

1. Aloe Vera - Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, diarrhea, anorexia, depression, and a change in the color of urine.

2. Asparagus Fern - Symptoms: Allergic dermatitis, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Baby's Breath - Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Begonia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

5. Bird of Paradise Flower - Symptoms: Mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

6. Caladium (also known as Elephant Ears or Taro) - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

7. Cardboard Palm - Symptoms: Liver failure, excessive thirst, bruising, melena, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, vomiting, pathy, liver damage, liver failure and death.

8. Carnation - Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

9. Ceriman - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, vomiting, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

10. Charming Dieffenbachia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, vomiting, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

11. Chinese Jade - Symptoms: Nausea and retching.

12. Chrysanthemum - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, in-coordination, and dermatitis.

13. Coleus - Symptoms: Vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, depression, and anorexia.

14. Corn Plant - Symptoms: Vomiting blood, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, and dilated pupils.

15. Cyclamen - Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, seizure, and death.

16. Daffodil (also known as narcissus) - Symptoms: Vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmia.

17. Dahlia - Symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

18. Dieffenbachia - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

19. Everlasting Pea (also known as Sweet Pea) - Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

20. Fig (also known as Indian Rubber Plant) - Symptoms: Dermatitis, oral irritation, excessive salivation, and vomiting.

21. Flamingo Flower - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

22. Florida Beauty - Symptoms: Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, increased heart-rate, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, in-coordination, weakness, and drooling.

23. Hyacinth, both Garden Hyacinth and Water Hyacinth are toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and allergic reactions.

24. Gladiola - Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea.

25. Hellebore - Symptoms: Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression.

26. Hosta - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.

27. Ivy is yet another botanical genre that should be avoided by pet owners. Many different species of ivy are toxic to both dogs and cats. The variations to especially watch for are the Branching Ivy, English ivy, Devil's Ivy (also known as Golden Pothos), and Sweetheart Ivy - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

28. Jade Plant (also known as Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant) - Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, ataxia, and slow heart rate.

29. Kiss-me-quick - Symptoms: Tremors, seizures (for several days), diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, lethargy, in-coordination, and coughing.

30. Lacy Tree Philodendron - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

31. Lily Family - Nearly all lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats. The variations to especially watch for are Amaryllis, Arum Lily, Asian Lily, Stargazer Lily, Barbados Lily, Clivia Lily, Desert Azalea, Easter Lily, Giant Dracaena (also known as the Palm Lily), Lily-Of-The-Valley, Orange Day Lily, Tiger Lily, Trumpet Lily, and Wood Lily. With so many different species of lilies that are toxic to cats and dogs alike, it's best for pet owners to simply avoid lilies altogether. Symptoms: Diarrhea, depression, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors, excessive drooling, irritation to oral cavity, difficulty swallowing, cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, kidney failure, and death.

32. Mistletoe - Symptoms: Gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, odd behavior that would point to signs of hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea.

33. Nephthytis - Symptoms: Irritation and burning of the oral cavity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

34. Orange - Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and sometimes photo-sensitivity.

35. Pencil Cactus - Symptoms: Irritation of the oral cavity and vomiting.

36. Poinsettia - Symptoms: Irritation of the oral cavity and vomiting.

37. Primrose - Symptoms: Mild vomiting.

38. Spring Parsley - Symptoms: Photo-sensitivity, ulcerative dermatitis, exudative dermatitis, and ocular toxicity.

39. Tomato Plant - Symptoms: Excessive drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, depression, confusion, bradycardia (slow heart rate), dilated pupils, weakness, and change in behavior.

40. Tulip - Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.

41. Yucca - Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea.

It should be noted that many of these plants are popular flowers used in arrangements. Even though a cat owner has taken great care to ensure their home and yard is free from these toxic plants, any flower arrangements brought into the home should also be kept out of reach of your cat.

It should never be assumed that a cat will instinctively leave a toxic plant alone. Thousands of cats are taken to the veterinarian each year on an emergency basis due to ingestion of a toxic houseplant. By becoming familiar with this list, a cat owner can rest assured their home is a safe environment for their beloved feline.

Cat Care Tips - Info on Cat Enteritis

Enteritis is a very serious disease for cats. It's often referred to as distemper, which is a disease that dogs commonly get. However, cat enteritis isn't the same. A common other name for the condition is panleukopenia.

This disease normally strikes kittens younger than six months old. However, older cats also have a relatively increased risk of developing it. Older cats may be strong enough to fight off the affliction, but kittens can easily succumb to it.

Cat enteritis is caused by a virus. Wild animals such as cats and raccoons can harbor the highly contagious virus. Infected animals can pass it to your cat by coming into direct contact with him. If your cat comes into contact with nasal or oral secretions, he can get infected too.

Owners should also know that the virus that causes enteritis can also contaminate items such as bedding, litter boxes, and food dishes. Owners can also pass the virus along to their cats because it's capable of contaminating human hands.

After being infected with cat enteritis, your cat may not show any symptoms for up to ten days. Common signs include high fever and loss of appetite. Cats may also vomit frequently, producing yellow-tinted bile in the process. If you touch your cat in the abdominal region, he may cry out in pain. It is also common for cats to have diarrhea and produce stool that also has a yellow color, although it may appear to have blood in it instead.

As mentioned, enteritis is quite serious. That's why it is important that you get your cat checked out and diagnosed with the condition as soon as possible. The chances of your cat surviving a bout with this virus rise considerably the earlier that treatment is started.

There is no way to battle the virus that causes cat enteritis directly. The vet will simply need to provide supportive measures to help your cat make it through the disease. Antibiotics will likely be given to stave off any bacterial infections. IV fluids and nutrition therapy may also be necessary.

It is very easy to prevent this disease. Simply have your feline vaccinated. The virus can live virtually anywhere in your home, so your kitten would be at risk if left unvaccinated. Using a standard disinfectant won't be enough to kill the virus either.

If your cat survives an episode of cat enteritis, then you should be aware that he will continue to shed the virus for a few weeks. Other cats in the household can easily be infected. The good news is that cats that survive an infection from the virus will be relatively safe from reinfection since their immune system will be boosted.

Cats Health Care - Natural Is Best!

Cats health care is complex, but simple at the same time. This seemingly contradictory statement stems from how humans view the world. All humans have a belief system set up, that is personal and based on their upbringing, their culture, their environment, their education, their religion, etc. When any of this is challenged, it can feel very uncomfortable, unsafe even.

Cats health care is complex because every aspect of your cat's life needs to be examined. No stone can be left unturned. This is regardless of what you feel is good for your cat or not. Your preconceptions must not get in the way. You need to be very open minded.

So when you feel that you cannot examine an aspect that perhaps you need to, that may be necessary to get to the route of the problem your cat may be suffering with, you may be challenging your current belief system. Scary stuff indeed!

Cats health care is simple, because when you look at the whole picture, in its entirety, it can be easy to see where and why your cat may have a health issue.

Let's first look at how cats in the wild live. This is how they evolved. This is why cats are so successful today.

At least three things spring to mind immediately - diet, freedom and health care.

Let's deal with the last one first, as most people would be asking 'where is health care in the wild'?

Animals seek out medicinal plants and herbs, to cure a variety of problems. They know which ones are good for any given ailment. They are far more savvy than the average human. Grass is a good example - cats use it to clear a digestive problem.

Animals also know that rest and sleep can cure a large number of problems. Field doctors in a war zone discovered this too. They found that the patients they were unable to help immediately, fared far better than those they got to first.

There is a magic to life that most humans know little about. Self healing is very strong in every living being.

The second item, freedom, may not be optional for many cats for safety reasons. However, cats are free spirited and do suffer without some freedom. It is well known that cats confined indoors all the time are less healthy and life shorter lives, than those who have free access outside.

How you go about addressing this depends on where you live. Securing a safe back yard may be an option for you. Some breeds take well to walking on a lead. Just making a closed run where they can feel the grass and the sun, may make all the difference to their lives.

Probably diet is the most important aspect of everyone's health care. Yet diet is dismissed by many as being irrelevant to health. That's a bit like saying that the type of fuel you put in your car is immaterial to how it performs.

The fact is that the typical commercial cat foods fed to most cats is the cause of most of their health issues. It also means that by changing the diet of your cat to a natural one, it is highly likely that they will improve or even recover from their health problem.