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Cat litter box: Primarily the health problems experienced by cat owners or their cats come from the first category and the most significant of these risks is called Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which can be found in raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, dirty cat litter boxes and outdoor soil where cat feces can be found.
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Cat and Kitten Picture Gallery Article Index Need to find information fast? Look here for our list of informative articles about cats and kittens. We add new articles monthly Litter box article index Cat peeing outside the litter box? Find help to combat cat urine order, cat urinary infections and cat spraying. Litter box training and cat urine odor - Urinating outside the litter box - Cat litter box health concerns - Cat litter box retraining - Teach your cat to use a litter box - Plus many more articles Mac Daddy Cat Challenge- Can your cat hack it? Think you have a Mac Daddy Cat? Upload your cats photos and let the world decide. Add Your URL To Our Directory Submit your link to our open link directory - all websites are welcome to post their link Information Center Find the answers to anything - Over 200 subjects and growing Free Cat and Kitten Content For Your SiteIf you are looking for cat and kitten articles for your budding site please feel free to copy this article.Important- If you use an article from my site you must give credit to the author and provide a link to the authors site.You must also give CatNews.org a link back from the posted article All the links you need are already in the code Image #2 HTML Code for Image #2 Cat Litter Box Health Concerns You Need To KnowCats are the most popular pets in the United States. According to the latest version of the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (2002 Edition) there were almost 70 Million pet cats in the United States. Why are cats so popular? There are as many answers to this question as there are cat owners, but the low health risks cats pose to their owners is certainly near the top of this list. Even though the potential health risks cats pose to people are small, it is important that cat owners are aware of these risks and understand how to reduce them. The majority of all risks stemming from cat ownership are associated with the cat litter box and/or cat feces. There are two categories of risks. The first category contains health risks posed by bacteria and parasites to both cat owners and their cats. The second category contains injuries resulting from an automatic litter box or a self cleaning litter box. Primarily the health problems experienced by cat owners or their cats come from the first category and the most significant of these risks is called Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which can be found in raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, dirty cat litter boxes and outdoor soil where cat feces can be found. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite(1). Fortunately, very few people ever experience any symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems, such as individuals infected with the HIV virus, are at risk and should take precautions to avoid being infected by the parasite. For people in this group a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems to the individual or to a pregnant woman’s unborn child. Again, most of the 60 million plus American’s infected with Toxoplasmosis parasite will never experience any symptoms. Most of those who do experience symptoms will simply think they have the Flu as the most common symptoms include swollen glands, fever, headache, muscle pain, or a stiff neck. For those in the high risk group, Toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain, eyes and internal organs. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, children born with Toxoplasma gondii can suffer from hearing loss, mental retardation, and blindness with some children developing brain or eye problems years after birth(2). The CDC estimates that 400-4000 fetuses are infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite each year and as many as 80 infants die from Toxoplasmosis annually(2). So how does an individual contract Toxoplasmosis? A Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by ingesting the Toxoplasma gondi parasite. Most cat owners are infected with the parasite by accidentally ingesting infected cat feces. This happens when a person touches their mouth after handling a cat litter box, working in a garden or sand box or touching anything that has come in contact with cat feces(3). People in the high risk group may wonder whether or not they should give up their cat to avoid infection. According to the CDC, it is not necessary for cat lovers to give up their cats, but it is important for them to protect themselves from infections. The USFDA makes the following recommendations for avoiding infections(2): 1) If possible, have someone else change the litter box. If you have to clean it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water afterwards. 2) Change the litter box daily. The parasite doesn't become infectious until one to five days after the feces are deposited in the litter box. 3) Wear gloves when gardening in a garden or handling sand from a sandbox because cats may have excreted feces in them. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water afterwards. 4) Cover outdoor sandboxes to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes. 5) Feed your cat commercial dry or canned food. Never feed your cat raw meat because it can be a source of the Toxoplasmosis gondii parasite. 6) Keep indoor cats indoors. Be especially cautious if you bring outdoor cats indoors. 7) Avoid stray cats, especially kittens. 8) Don't get a new cat while you're pregnant. Safer Child, Inc. makes the following additional recommendations(4): 1) Have your veterinarian test your cat for the Toxoplasmosis parasite. If you cat is infected, you may want to consider having someone else keep your cat during your pregnancy. 2) Keep sandboxes covered to prevent cats from using the sandbox as a litter box. 3) Be aware of neighborhood sandboxes as the parasite can be brought home on shoes, clothing and toys. Similar to Toxoplasmosis, Escherichia coli (commonly called E. coli) can infect humans thru contact with feline fecal material, although the primary means of infection is thru ingestion or raw or undercooked meats. E. Coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Almost all strains of the bacteria are harmless. However a few strains can produce powerful toxins and cause severe illness, especially in children under 5 years of age(5). Symptoms usually include diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In children under 5, 2%-7% of E. coli cases can cause kidney failure. Fortunately, E. coli is easy to prevent. Using the preventative measures, outlined above for Toxoplasmosis will greatly reduce the risks of you or your children contracting an E. coli infection. In addition to these human risks, there are a few health risks cat litter boxes actually pose to cats that cat owners should be aware of. Just as a dirty litter box poses health risks to humans, cats are equally at risk if forced to use a dirty litter box. Since cats stay clean by licking themselves, allowing a cat’s litter box to get too dirty can cause infections when a cat cleans it’s paws after using the dirty litter box. The most common infection is a urinary tract infection, and although this type of infection is rarely fatal it can be very uncomfortable for your cat and will most likely require treatment by your veterinarian. Finally, a lesser-known health risk to cats is actually caused by cat litter itself. What many cat owners do not realize is that some types of cat litter can be harmful or even fatal to their cat. Both clumping and non-clumping litters pose health problems to cats. Clumping cat litters are probably the most popular type of cat litter because of their convenience, hygienic qualities and the fact that clumping litters are required for use in self-cleaning litter boxes. Unfortunately, some clumping litters can be harmful to cats. Clay based clumping litters can contain the mineral sodium bentonite, which can be harmful or fatal to your cat. It is best to avoid using clay based cat litters, especially with kittens. Wheat or corn based clumping litters such as Swheat Scoop, World’s Best Cat Litter and Littermaid cat litter work very well and are non-toxic(6). By their very nature, non-clumping litters do not absorb and isolate a cat’s urine or feces like clumping litters do. As a result, it is much harder to keep your cat’s litter box clean when using non-clumping litter. When using non-clumping litter it is important to frequently clean and disinfect the litter box itself to reduce the chance of bacterial buildups that can cause urinary or other infections in your cat. The second category of health risks covers injuries caused by an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box. Occurrences of this type of injury are rare, but they can happen. An automatic or self cleaning litter box does just what it’s name implies. Usually between 10-15 minutes after a cat uses the litter box, the litter box automatically cleans itself by “sweeping” or “raking” the cat waste into a sealed compartment or bag. For cat owners, injuries can occur if a small child or toddler plays with the automatic litter box during the cleaning cycle. All major brands of automatic litter boxes contain sensors to prevent the cleaning mechanism from activating when a cat or other foreign object is inside the box. However, children can still be injured if they put their hand inside the cleaning mechanism in such a manner as to avoid the sensors. Although these types of injuries are very rare it is best to take precautions. Placing the litter box in a location where your cat can get to it but small children can’t is an easy method. This is good advice for any litter box as this is the best way to keep children from contracting one of the illnesses described earlier in this article. If you can’t keep the automatic litter box out of a child’s reach then it is best to put the litter box inside a litter box cover. There are many types of covers and all of them will help prevent a child from reaching the litter box and the cleaning mechanism. A final option is to unplug the litter box or put it into a “manual operation” mode. Both of these options will require the cat owner to start the cleaning cycle whenever necessary. Although this reduces some of the convenience of an automatic litter box it certainly removes the danger to children. Automatic or self cleaning litter boxes are completely safe for almost all cats. However, most manufacturers recommend that the litter box be used in “manual operation” mode for cats under 5 lbs. Cats under 5 lbs many not be large enough to activate the sensors and the cleaning mechanism could cause injury. Since most adult cats weigh over 5 lbs, it is only necessary to use the “manual operation” mode until kittens grow to 5 lbs. This article is not intended to dissuade anyone from owning a cat. 70 Million cat owners can’t be wrong; cats make great pets! So, if you already own a cat or are thinking of becoming a cat owner it simply makes good sense to be aware of the health risks associated with cat ownership. Understanding the risks can definately increase the enjoyment of cat ownership. (1)Toxoplasmosis Fact Sheet; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm (2) While You're Pregnant – USFDA http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pregnant/whiltoxo.html (3) Toxoplasmosis – An important Message for Cat Owners; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/toxoplasmosis_brochure_8.2004.pdf (4) Safer Child, Inc.; http://www.saferchild.org/pets&.htm (5) Escherichia coli O157:H7 Fact Sheet; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm (6) Stanford Cat Network’s – Guide to Caring for Your Adopted Cat or Kitten; http://www.stanford.edu/group/CATNET/articles/careguide.html#litter About the Author:
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More Cat, kitten, cat litter, free content, ArticlesPilling a Cat: Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't want something pushed down their throats, and they'll fight with all their might to prevent it. In fact, it's amazing how powerful their small bodies can be. Here are some ways to make the pilling process easier and less stressful ? for both you and your cat CAPRICORN (12/22-1/21): Capricorn cats stay young forever and tend to act like little kittens well into old age. They have endless endurance and will play happily hours on end. They make the best playmates for children. They can be moody and tend to sulk if they don't get their way. Be patient when training these cats as they tend to be slow learners. These cats are more than loyal to the family. They are always determined to please and your patience will be well rewarded
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Cat Fist AidWorlds First Bio-engineered PetSee The Gen Pets Weekly Kitty VideoArticle Authors WantedI have my article directory up and running. Anyone with a good article can submit it for posting I am trying to increases my PR with the search engines and am looking For Authors that will give me a back link to their site. I don’t require a back link for you to post on my site, but it would help me reach my goal of 1 million back links within the next three years.Thanks for visiting my site Russell - Vist the new article directory Check out my new Ecard shop. No sign up with dozens of cat and kitten cards to send Delicious Recipes from my visitors - add yoursRecipe BoxHave a yummy dish? Post it here and share it with everyone Information CenterInformation CenterFind the answers to anything - Over 200 subjects and growing Meow Mix House - Cat Reality TelevisionMy friends at Meow Mix have done it again, they have produced a reality TV show staring 10 homeless cats. All ten cats were chosen from animal shelters from around the country.The cats are spending their time in a storefront window in New York City. The players are brought to life with the use of voice over and the public votes one of the cats out of the house each week. Sound like something you've watched before? The best part is when the cats gets voted out of the Meow Mix House they go to an adopted new home and the winner will be the new Meow Mix spokes-cat. Thanks to Meow Mix for providing great entertainment for us cat lovers. View the episodesEpisode 1Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6 Episode 7 Episode 8 Episode 9 Episode 10 Meow Mix House Cat Reality Television Rare Picture Of All My CatsTrouble, Patches, and Sweetie Pie enjoying a sunny San Antonio Day. (What a life!) Cassidy and Snowflake Same mom different litters - Rescued from a feral colony in San Antonio Cassidy was born with a club foot and two different color eyes Cassidy runs and plays just like her normal sisters Sarafena - Queen of the Witches Cookie Monster came from a local flea market Trouble (Grand Ma) weighs in at 18+ pounds. At 12 years old she still plays with the young cats. Starvin Marvin - AKA "Whizzer" - Our only Tom. Marvin Has FHIV but is healthy and living high on the hog. Cat and Kitten Picture GalleryNeed Cat Articles For Your Web SiteFree Feline Content For Your Cat, Kitten or Pet SiteLooking for quality cat and kitten articles to post on your site? I have done the formatting work for you. I am posting the Article of The Day on this page ready to copy and insert into your site. Attention Authors—New Section - Post Your ArticlesSelf-Posting Article DirectoryAll subjects welcome Feature ArticleCommon Illnesses In Cats - Get To Know What Ails Your PetYour feline may appear healthy at this time but it is imperative that you recognize cats do sporadically acquire several widespread cat related disorders. In general, appropriate feline diet combined with daily grooming tends to eradicate many related health risks for your cat. In the event you perceive a drastic transformation in your cat's behavior or its daily activities tend to be modified, you should immediately consult with your pet's veterinarian. It is as a rule better to be safe then sorry when the health of your cat is concerned.Unlike other species of animals, hair balls embody the most common disorder found in cats. It does not matter if you possess a short or a long haired feline, the hair ball still finds its way into your pet. Although more prominent in the medium to long hairs species of cat, the hairball dilemma can be diminished by combing and brushing your cat regularly. Not only does this practice generate an attractive cat but it eliminates loose hair which would otherwise end up in your "kitty's" stomach. To avoid the occurrence of hair balls, add a teaspoon of fish oil or cod liver oil to their food at least after a week. This allows the ingested hair to pass freely and easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Bran and canned pumpkin can also help. If you have a feral cat, he may be able to have a solution to hair balls and other ailments by chewing on grass and other plants. The biggest enemies of the cats are the fleas who create havoc in their lives by causing immense distress to them mentally and emotionally and spreading diseases apart from being itchy and allergic. Regular grooming and use of flea collars are recommended for the combat of the flea menace and their resultant ailments. There are many environmental safe powders and sprays to be applied on their furs for the control of fleas besides giving a pleasant odor to your cat. If your cat is highly infested with fleas, then you may ask your vet for some flea inoculations too. When your cat scratches the inside of their ears, other illnesses can be present such as ear mites. They can also have wax buildup which can irritate and annoy your cat. A good thing about this is that it is easily remedied. Whenever you visit the veterinarian, they will probably notice this condition with your cat and solve it easily. They can also provide you with the necessary medications to give to your cat. Ear mites should be treated as early as possible to prevent the loss of hearing of your cat a well as affect their health. Mental and emotional distress in cats is fairly deep rooted than for instance in dogs. They are highly attached to their places of livelihood or territories and after moving to some distant location with their masters and mistresses, there are many authentic instances where cats have returned to their former abodes trekking hundreds of miles on foot (paws). Be aware that your cat too may not be far different from this norm for cats and respect their attachment to their territories or domains. Their territories need not be plainly visible or marked with easily identifiable objects or landmarks as ours. Like their higher felines such as lions and tigers, they too guard their territories with a very high fervor like humans although their boundaries are not easily visible to us being composed of markings from their urine and droppings. Similar to humans, cats may also experience various types of afflictions that have very subtle symptoms. Bring your cat to the vet not only for their annual check up but whenever you detect a change in their behavior such as the time they eat and if they get preoccupied with a different task. Taking care of the health of your can, even from trivial things can ensure you at least 10 years of having a healthy furry companion with you. About The Author Marjorie Greer Author Marjorie Greer can help you with your cat issues. For Cat Care Advice get her free report on cat care, cat food and cat health Common Illnesses In Cats - Get To Know What Ails Your Pet Author Marjorie Greer can help you with your cat issues. For Cat Care Advice get her free report on cat care, cat food and cat health 7 Secrets to Successful Cat Toilet Training My family never thought of cat toilet training, but like to rear cats at home. I do not really mind them around, but the problem of dealing with their wastes poses some challenges to me. Red fluorescent catsRed fluorescent cats: This picture, taken through a special filter in a dark room, shows a cat, left, possessing a red fluorescent protein that makes the animal glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet rays, appearing next to a normal cloned cat. ![]() Link Exchange If you have a pet related site and you'd like to link to Catnews.org feel free! Just copy the HTML code beneath the banner you want and paste it into your web page. If you want a reciprocal link in our link directory please email me at clark2368@aol.com with the page you have posted our banner and the information and graphic for your link Link Directory Visit our friends who support this site Hey are you a Pussy cat? Join the CAT WARS - Upload Your Picture and do battle with me and my friends - Can you hack it? Recently Added Cat, kitten, cat litter, free content, Articles
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Proof That Osama Bin Laden is Dead Dateline: Jan. 2008 Link Exchange If you have a pet related site and you'd like to link to Catnews.org feel free! Just copy the HTML code beneath the banner you want and paste it into your web page. If you want a reciprocal link please email me at clark2368@aol.com with the page you have posted our banner and the information and graphic for your link Yemengzhu - The 3 billion dollar rock![]() Yemengzhu - The 3 Billion Dollar Rock What weighs 6.2 tons and is worth more then 3.1 billion dollars? Are your guessing a new high tech battleship or maybe a new stealth fighter? Well it's a big ball of glow in the dark fluorite. Thats right a rock! read more --- Yemengzhus, 亦稱傳奇光亮珍珠在中國, 是罕見的煥發的球在黑暗的熒石。 Attention Authors—New SectionCatNews.org - Self-Posting Article DirectorySelf-Posting Article DirectoryAll subjects welcome Add Your URL To Our Directory Submit your link to our open link directory - all websites are welcome to post their link New Article New Article
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