kitten

Clumping cat litter - One new development of science that has me concerned is that of the "clumping cat litters". Touted to be easier to clean, non-tracking, and cost-effective, it is often "scented" and "deodorizing". It is chemically altered and I believe harmful to our animals.

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litter box
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Great clumping cat litter...Is that why Kitty is so sick?

The future is here today, science has rendered many new inventions. They make our lives seem easier, more cost-effective... and sicker. Sicker? Yes! Every day we are given new information that supports the concerns of many holistic health professionals, that our new and improved world may be toxic. Additives in our foods, artificial scents we spray around us, the list is enormous.

But what about our animals? How are they affected?

One new development of science that has me concerned is that of the "clumping cat litters". Touted to be easier to clean, non-tracking, and cost-effective, it is often "scented" and "deodorizing". It is chemically altered and I believe harmful to our animals.

There has been a rise in depressed immune systems, respiratory distress, irritable bowel syndrome, and vomiting (other than hairballs) among cats that I have seen in the past two years. All had one thing in common... a clumping product in their litter box. In several cases, simply removing the litter improved the condition of the cat. After a period of natural cleansing, with herbs and homeopathy, cats with "irritable bowel syndromes" (which had been unsuccessfully treated by veterinarians with a variety of medications) passed copious amounts of a gel-like substance, which prompted me to study these clumping litters. I found that when mixed with a small amount of water it maintained it shape, but turned to a gel after repeated contact (60 to 72 hours) or with additional fluid added (as would be found in the digestive tract). One can only imagine what happens when this substance is inhaled! One thing for sure, cats ingest or inhale this substance each time they visit their box and when cleaning themselves afterwards.

They are not the only ones that can be harmed. Dogs who love to sneak into the cat box for a (ugh!) treat, not only ingest the toxins normally found in feline fecal material, but the coating of clumping litter as well! This has reeked havoc on many a canine's digestive tract, including leading to a fatal case of bloat in one dog that I know of. When his stomach was opened, it was full of clumping litter! Some dogs have been known to root around in the litter daily, creating respiratory conditions (from gel coatings of the lung tissue), eye irritation, colon distress and even mal absorption of nutrients.

It is my belief that the clumping substance "coats" the digestive tract, attracting the collection of old fecal material, increasing toxicity, bacteria growth and prohibiting proper assimilation of digested food. This can lead to stress on the immune system, leaving the animal susceptible to viral, bacterial, parasitic and yeast infections.

The only way to prevent this is to supply a cat with a good old fashion plant-based litter. Sand litters can create many of the above mentioned problems as well, but plant-based litter products, such as fine (not larger types made for bedding) cedar shavings, provide not only a safe environment to potty in, but a fresh, naturally deodorized one to boot. They are easy to dispose of, safe for septic system and sewers (be sure to read labels first). Always check that your litter is free of any deodorizers, colors or drying agents which could be potentially harmful.

Having a natural litter in your kitty's box is not only healthy, but may encourage those finicky about using a box, to try this one out. The natural texture and aroma is more suited for their needs. When Mother Nature imprinted feline potty instructions, do you think they included silica sand chemically treated?

About the Author
Lisa Newman
Lisa Newman, a holistic health professional and owner of Holistic Animal Care since 1982, has helped many nation-wide through her articles, seminars and consultations on nutritional and behavioral guidance. Her focus is nutrition, homeopathy, herbs, therapeutic bodywork, animal communication and empathic dowsing. For more information and a list of natural animal care diets, supplements and supplies, call: 1-800-497-5665 or (602) 886-1727 in Tucson, Arizona.



temperament of cats
New Article - The Temperament of cats


Also see : A Backward Glance into the History of Cats
According to some sources it is said that Miacis, a weasel-like animal that lived about 40 or 50 million years ago is the cat’s closest ancestor.

Siamese Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem
Surprisingly, it is not well known that the Siamese breed of cat has been around since before the sixteen hundreds and originated from Thailand which at the time was known as Siam. These elegant cats were introduced to cat fanciers of Great Britain in the eighteen hundreds when the British Ambassador returned home with this lovely breed in tow. It wasn't however until the nineteen fifties that the Siamese became a very popular breed, although today they do not instill that same popularity

Pet Horoscopes - LIBRA (9/22-10/21):
Libra cats are easygoing and like lots of attention. Like the scales of justice that represents this sign, these cats divide their attention equally among all members of the family. They make wonderful companions and hate to be left alone. These cats love good food and soft music. Put music on when you leave home and they will remain mild mannered with a gentle disposition. They can be stubborn at times, and may disappear to sulk. Libra's will eat just about anything, combine this with a tendency to be lazy, and they can put on a lot of extra weight. Be sure to give them plenty of exercise

Training a Cat to Have Likeable Behaviors
Cats can be very finicky at times. When you are trying to change bad behaviors, this can be hard. Cats will not always do what you want them to. When you are trying to change a bad behavior you need to introduce one good behavior.





Also see : Why Your Cat Sleeps All the Time and Other Feline Sleep Facts
Kitties really have two types of sleep. Both types of sleep are required to have a healthy, happy feline. One is known as the cat nap where the animal can wake easily. This kind of sleep allowed for felines in the wild to arouse quickly whenever a threatening situation arose. Sometimes the cat's eyes may be partially open during their napping.

Vaccinations for Your Kitten:
Here's an explanation of the vaccines you need or may want to consider for your kitten

So You Want a Cat or Kitten?
As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of interest to readers.

The Temperament Of Cats
Perhaps you imagined yourself as a sleek young woman like Selena Kyle. But is a cat the right pet for you? To decide, you must have an idea what to expect from a cat. You must be familiar about the temperament of cats.




A girl holds a small kitten on her family farm in Greenup
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Also see : Pet Horoscopes
Discovering Your cat's Inner Soul: If you know your cat's birth date, it may be entertaining as well as helpful to read you cat’s horoscope. Just as people enjoy a bit of fun fortune or predictions and advisement involving our daily lives, current affairs, and those events yet to happen, your cat's behaviors can be predicted too! If you know the birth date of your cat, you can easily look up their horoscope. Many daily pet horoscopes for cats can be found on the internet for free. For detailed information, some will ask for an additional fee. The names and a short description of some well-known online pet horoscope websites include

Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
Your cat has just been diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. This is an extremely common condition, especially in cats just acquired from any multi-cat situation





temperament of cats
New Article -






Is Your Cat A Mac Daddy Cat?


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.Can your cat hack it?

temperament of cats
New Article - I'll Take My Cat


Do You Have A Blog?

Kitten articles for your blog
Kitten articles for your blog




Also see : 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.

The Legendary Luminous Pearl:
The Legendary Luminous Pearl, also known as Luminous Jade", "Moonlight Pearl" in ancient times, can be traced in a number of historical documentary records.
Li Si once submitted a memorial to the first emperor of Qing stating his discovery of "Pearl of Moonlight". It is also recorded in "Shi Yi Ji" that at the time of Da Yu's flood control, there was a snake holding a luminous pearl in the mouth, through which the secluded Fu Yi was first presented. These wonderful legend and myth cast a mysterious air on Luminous Pearl

Feeding and Training a Cat:
Semi-moist foods are usually less expensive because they contain some vegetable protein and are usually supplemented with nutrients to make them nutritionally complete, especially for growing kittens

Important nutritional information on cat food
Protein is crucial for your cat's health, and generally comes from fish, meat or poultry. Advertisers will often say their brand is beef, turkey or mackerel flavoured, but it may not actually contain those products




Cat in Garden
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temperament of cats
Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat?




Also see : As Old as He Feels – Caring for Your Elderly Cat
They say old age creeps up on a person like a thief in the night. This is especially true of your cat. Cats seemingly race through adolescence and adulthood, and suddenly at around 8 years of age, they are entering their golden years.

Cat diseases : watch for early warnings
Watch your cat and disease signs that may indicate a variety of health problems. Being alert to these indicators can help treat your cat quickly and efficiently.

Fat cat burglar gets stuck in doggy door:
An Oregon woman says a neighborhood cat was stealing cat food from her garage, but she couldn't catch the thief. After one too many trips to the cat bowl he ended up stuck in her doggy door.

A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine:
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is totally fun and such is the case with my assignment to review Cat Fancy Magazine. My own two Bengal cats volunteered to assist with my research but in the end both of them were found sleeping on the

Cat Toilet Training:
One of the first things as an owner that wants to toilet train your cat is to know about your cat

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas:
You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can't reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it's like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.

Is Your Cat Ready for Toilet Training? Here's 5 Ways You Can Tell
At the end of a long day, who wants to sift through a messy litter box? Certainly not me. Up until now, the litter-box has been a necessary evil, a small price to pay for our beloved companions.





Support Your Local Cat Adoption Programs

Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat
New Article - Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat


Keep your cat disease free
New Article - Home remedies for cats & other pets: Remedy for broken bones


Groom your cat to avoid hairballs
New Article - How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained


Cat Watching

Cat allergies

Owning a Cat - How it Benefits Your Child

If your child misses a lot of school due to illness, maybe you should get a cat. Research has shown that children who own pets attend school up to 9 more days a year than their non pet-owning counterparts. The immune function of pet owners is more stable, making them better able to fend off illness. Pet owners visit doctors less.

But what about allergies? Isn't cat hair is a common source of irritation to immune systems? A leading theory under investigation by asthma researchers suggests that the presence of pets in the home from an early age may adapt the immune system so it is less sensitive to allergens later in life. So it may in fact be the lack of pets in a child's life that contributes to asthma sensitivities.

Studies have also connected pet ownership with lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety levels. In fact, a recent long-term study has shown that people who have never owned a cat, face a 40% greater risk of death due to heart attack than current and even previous cat owners. Dog owners did not have the same level of protection against heart disease as cat owners.

State University of New York researchers found that the cat doesn't even have to be present to achieve this. A group of stockbrokers with hypertension who owned pets showed lower blood pressure even when not with their cats.

It is well known that cat owners have lower stress levels overall, so perhaps the health advantages are a result of being more relaxed.

Cat ownership may be a surprising remedy for absenteeism, however, good health and more days at school are just two of the many benefits to children of having a cat in their lives. Studies have associated numerous psychological benefits with pet ownership.

Children who live with cats show more empathy for others and help others more. This translates to being able to understand others and get along better. Children who live with animals develop a better understanding of body language and other non-verbal cues. A study of 455 school children between the ages of 11 and 16 revealed that children with pets had a better ability to understand non-verbal communications. As a result, these children are more popular with classmates than those who don't have pets at home.

Additionally, children who own pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs and other social activities. Some studies even show that children who own cats have a higher IQ.

Children with pets learn develop an early sense of responsibility. The responsibility of owning a pet can give children the experience of being needed and this may translate into other areas of life. Cats are relatively easy to care for, as they clean themselves and don't need to be walked.

Social skills and responsibility make a great foundation for life. A US study of 394 university students revealed that those who had owned dogs or cats as childhood pets were more self-confident than those who did not. This may be related to other findings that children raised with pets have higher self-esteem, thought to result from the unconditional love a pet provides. No matter what's going on at school, or with friends, pets treat children the same way.

It seems obvious to say then, that pets hold an important place in many children's lives, often on a par with parents, grandparents and siblings. Children often talk to their pets and regard them as an important friends and confidantes. A five-year study of 600 children aged 3-18 years showed that pet-owning children who have challenges such as being slow learners or having divorced parents cope better with life than those who don't have a pet. Again, having a pet that shows unconditional love regardless of what is happening, can cushion other difficulties in life.

It's not surprising that pets have been used successfully in therapy for some time now. They help sick kids relax and take their minds off their illnesses. Some doctors, recognizing the importance of pets in children's lives ensure that pet names are included in their patients' medical records along with other family members. Even in the most depressing clinical environment, talking about a pet can lighten a situation.

If you already have cat members of your family, know that they are doing your children the world of good. If you don't, it's worth serious consideration.

About the Author
Jenny
Jenny is a cat lover and webmaster of Pictures of Cats You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to her website featuring photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.



Dental disease in dogs and cats
New Article - Cat Litter Box Health Concerns You Need To Know:





temperament of cats
Can Cat Lovers Ever Love Dogs?


Cat Health Articles

Cat health articles
Is your cat sick? Find out why.




More Cat and Kitten Articles


No Sugar for Your "Sweetie" if it has Diabetes
It's a habit that almost all pet owners fall into. We tend to equate human diseases with veterinary ones. Sometimes certain human diseases are just like certain animal illnesses, but diabetes is not one of them.

Morris Animal Foundation Sponsors Cat Cancer Research Studies
Over the past several years, owners of cats have become more aware of injection-site tumors that could be linked to vaccinations. These tumors, or fibrosarcomas, can arise at any injection site, vaccine-related or otherwise. While these tumors are not extremely widespread, the treatment needs to be much more invasive than conventional tumors.

The Scottish Fold Cat
The first Scottish Fold cat came from a farm in Pearthshire, Scotland, England in, 1961. The cat was discovered by a local shepherd who noticed the strange folded ears

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly virus that lethally infects cats and, until recently, had no vaccination.
While there is no cure, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of your cat contracting this disease

5 Common Causes of Your Cat Urinating Outside the Litter Box:
Have you ever had this happen? You’re a happy cat owner, your kitty is using the box just fine, but one day…you come home and find a giant urine spot in the living room the bathroom…heaven forbid – on your bed! What happened? What went wrong? It

"Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy"

Should Outside Cats Use A Collar
Most cat owners find themselves in a quandary over whether or not to use a cat collar on their outdoor cats. The debate still reigns over the pros and cons of outfitting an outside cat with a collar

"Your Guide to Cat Breeds"
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans, cats pretty much took care of their own breeding. People kept them for one purpose - hunting rodent - and they are already perfectly designed for that.



temperament of cats
New Article - About Your Cats Tongue







cat food factors that discourage feline utd
New Article - Cat Chat: How Cats Communicate


Training a cat to do tricks
New Article - How to Make your Cat Urinate in the Litter Box




health risk of catnip
New Article - Feral Cats Can Make Good Pets


Feral cats
New Article - All About Traveling With Cats


cloned cats
New Article - How to Solve Litter box Problems in Multi-cat Homes


cat food
New Article - New Recipes Transform Canned Cat Food


kitten
New Article - How to Control the Smell From the Litter Box


Cats and kidney disease
New Article - Cat Bathing Tips and Tricks



San Antonio Texas Pet Scene

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Add a Shelter Cat to Your Family Today

Stray Cat Adoptions of Texas (SCAT)

P.O. Box 700571
San Antonio, Texas 78270
Attn: Denise Duchaine
SCAT runs weekend cat adoption centers at several PetSmart locations in San Antonio.

San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition

San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition
San Antonio Feral Cat Coalition is organized to promote Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and public education of feral cat issues in the San Antonio area.

South Texas Persian Rescue

South Texas Persian Rescue
We are a rescue specializing in rescuing persians, himalayans, exotic shorthairs, and ragdolls. Most of our rescued cats are pulled from shelters. Some are given up by their owners due to family situations, financial situations, or a behavioral problem the cat is having. All cats are treated for any existing medical condition(s); they are spayed/neutered, FIV/FELV tested, and given all necessary immunizations before adoption; and any behavioral problem(s) the cat may have is addressed and resolved. All of our foster kitties are housed in actual homes with foster parents - so they get used to being in a home environment.

The Humane Society / SPCA of Bexar County

The Humane Society / SPCA of Bexar County
The Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County has served Bexar County and its surrounding areas since 1952.

Animal Defense League

Animal Defense League
The ADL has a nice Cat House and always has cats and kittens for adoption

Become part of the San Antonio Pet Scene

Email me your Pet related announcements and I will post them for free. clark2368@aol.com

Cat
New Article - Are You Abusing Your Cat?


Newest Cat and Kitten Articles

Cat claw trimming
Cat claw trimming can be a stressful and even dangerous task but a little bit of patience and the right tools can make this grooming procedure easier and, maybe, even enjoyable.

Cat Training for Your Intractable Cat
Cats are almost always depicted as loners, the lords of their realm, snobbish and downright stubborn. This is a type of animal that is quite proud, going their own way and rarely following orders. Think Garfield.

The Legendary Luminous Pearl:
In 1985, Mr. Li Guangling, a collector from Henan Province, discovered a fluorite luminous pearl, which could give out green phosphorescence in the dark after being held in hand. Soon after that, a friend from Luoyang of Henan showed the author two bored luminous pearls, which could also give out dazzling green light, but the component of which was not determined. It is left unknown if these two luminous pearls are exactly those two of the legendary 12 luminous pearls on the hat of empress Ci Xi....

Cat Allergy - What Can I Do, I Love Cats:
According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that’s approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat

How Long Will My Cat Live?: Veterinary medicine has made some great advances in recent years, and this is one of the reasons the average age of domestic cats is increasing.
A well cared for cat that is kept indoors and is fed a good nutritional diet, would be expected to live for about 15 years

5 Common Causes of Your Cat Urinating Outside the Litter Box:
Have you ever had this happen? You’re a happy cat owner, your kitty is using the box just fine, but one day…you come home and find a giant urine spot in the living room the bathroom…heaven forbid – on your bed! What happened? What went wrong? It

Designer Cat Collars:
Give Style To Your Cat! Designer cat collars come in all forms from floral, gem-stoned, personalized to even leather. Every cats different and had a personality all their own.



Cat
Shelter Cats Make Great Companions

Other Crazy Stuff

Identity Theft a real threat to cats

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Identity Theft Is Real

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Don't Be Fooled

Catnews.org is currently investigating the real threat of identity theft to your cat or kitten. We have a reporter deep under cover to gather the facts. We will be reporting on this vital issue soon.
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Our Reporter On The Inside

An Engineer's Guide to Cats



Worlds First Bio-engineered Pet

GenPet
See The Gen Pets



Proof That Osama Bin Laden is Dead
Dateline: Jan. 2008



Yemengzhu - The 3 billion dollar rock

Yemengzhu
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。

Red fluorescent cats

Fluorescent cats


Red 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.

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I am a slave to 8 cats

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Rare Picture Of All My Cats



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Trouble, Patches, and Sweetie Pie enjoying a sunny San Antonio Day. (What a life!)

'cat stomped to death
Cassidy and Snowflake Same mom different litters - Rescued from a feral colony in San Antonio

'custom road bike stand
Cassidy was born with a club foot and two different color eyes

'cat need a collar
Cassidy runs and plays just like her normal sisters

'introducing two cats
Sarafena - Queen of the Witches

'cat_whisperer
Cookie Monster came from a local flea market

'cat urine smells
Trouble (Grand Ma) weighs in at 18+ pounds. At 12 years old she still plays with the young cats.

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Starvin Marvin - AKA "Whizzer" - Our only Tom. Marvin Has FHIV but is healthy and living high on the hog.

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Editor - Russell Clark (clark2368@aol.com)
Adopt a shelter cat today. - Better yet, adopt two.

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Whats News

Spot-On Flea and Tick Treatment Q&A

Due to an increase in adverse reactions to spot-on flea and tick products (treatments placed over the animal' back), the EPA is intensifying its evaluation of these agents. At this time, the agency is said to be investigating all brands and types of spot-on treatments, and they have not specified that any one particular product is of most concern. Both products purchased directly from a veterinarian and those bought over the counter are being evaluated. Although the agency has not released any specific data as to the statistical breakdown of types of adverse reactions, side effects are reported to range from skin irritation, to seizure and death.
Continue Reading


Introducing A New Cat At Home

When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it's normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 - 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isn't in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesn't go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.
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QUICK CAT FACTS

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ARE GINGER CATS ALWAYS MALE?
No. This is a common misconception. Ginger cats can be either male or female although ginger females are less common.

The genetics of ginger is explained in more detail in Tortoiseshell and Tri-Colour Cats (ginger is caused by the same gene as tortoiseshell), but this is a short version for those wanting a quick answer.

The ginger gene changes black pigment into a reddish pigment. The ginger gene is carried on the X chromosome. A normal male cat has XY genetic makeup so he only needs to inherit one ginger gene for him to be a ginger cat. A normal female is XX genetic makeup so she must inherit two ginger genes to be a ginger cat. If she inherits only one ginger gene, she will be tortoiseshell with some ginger areas and some black/brown areas.

The ginger gene is called a sex-linked gene because it is carried on a sex chromosome.

Also, if you look closely, ginger cats have tabby markings though these may be faint or only visible on the face, tail and lower legs. They are also visible in the ginger areas of tortie cats. This is because the gene that turns off tabby to give solid colour cats does not work on the ginger colour.

ARE GINGER FEMALES RARE?
No. They are less common than ginger males, but they are not rare. It is possible to selectively breed ginger female cats by mating ginger males and ginger females together. They will have ginger offspring.

ARE GINGER FEMALES STERILE?
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SOMETHING NEW FOR BLOGGERS

visit CatNews.org

Free changing picture gallery for your blog or webpage

Here is your chance to put a rotating picture gallery of the cats of CatNews.org on your blog or website.

Drop this code into your page and the gallery will function just like the pictures you see on my site, changing each time your visitor refreshes the page. I am always adding pictures to these galleries. They already has quite a few in them.

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Focus On Cat Health

Cat Health

Treating Hyperthyroid Cats With Just One Shot

Although injecting a cat with radioactive material might sound like it would do more harm than good, it's the best treatment option for cats with an overactive thyroid gland. The disease, which is common in middle-aged cats, causes several symptoms such as: weight loss, hyperactivity, anxiety, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, along with an increased appetite. Once diagnosed, there are three treatment options: radioiodine therapy, surgery, and lifelong oral medication.

"Radioiodine therapy is arguably the safest and most effective treatment," explains Dr. Thomas Graves, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and endocrinology expert at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Surgical removal of the thyroid glands can cause laryngeal paralysis, as well as other complications, such as hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Lifelong oral administration of methimazole, an anti-thyroid drug, also carries risks and can be expensive long-term.

Although the thought of injecting your cat with radioactive material may cause concern, it does not seem to bother cats or cause any discomfort. In fact, the procedure is incredibly simple. The cat arrives at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and a catheter is placed. One injection of radioactive material is given, and then the patient relaxes in a special room until being released from the clinic.

Some owners grow concerned that leaving their beloved cats in the hospital for five days is too traumatic. However, Dr. Graves mentions that, "Over the years I don't know how many hundred cats I've treated with radioiodine therapy. I've never had a patient that did not easily acclimate to hospital life." In short, cats residing in the hospital after treatment have a good quality of life.
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PICA In Cats: EATING THE INEDIBLE

Pica means eating non-food items. The behaviour ranges from sucking, chewing and biting through to swallowing bites of items. Pica (from the Latin for "magpie"). It should not be confused with the suckling/nursing behaviour that some cats retain into adulthood. Commonly consumed target items include wool, string, elastic bands, electrical cords, tissues, tinsel and houseplants. Other objects have included cassette tape and the rubber "teat" section of a child's dummy (pacifier). Eating a little grass or herbs is normal cat behaviour; indoor cats may eat houseplants if there is no grass accessible.

Like many obsessive or abnormal behaviours, the cat persists in doing it because the it is comforting or rewarding. The reward might be a nice taste, a full stomach or simply getting attention from the owner. The challenge is to make the behaviour unrewarding and redirect the behaviour into something rewarding for the cat and acceptable to the owner. Sometimes it is a displacement activity where an abnormal activity is substituted for normal behaviour because the cat can't express the more normal behaviour i.e. the normal behaviour is being thwarted.

PICA, WOOL-SUCKING OR PREY-PLUCKING?
Wool-sucking (or fabric-sucking) is a misdirected form of nursing. It's similar to a child's thumb-sucking in providing comfort.. Though sometimes mistaken for wool-eating, the item (sweater, blanket etc) is only sucked, not chewed, bitten or swallowed. Other commonly suckled objects include the cat's own tail, other cats or pet dogs. Behavioural treatment may be needed to build up the cat's confidence so it no longer resorts to "comfort nursing".

In general, the younger a kitten is when it is weaned, the stronger the urge to nurse and the more persistent the comfort-nursing. Usually it decreases naturally as the kitten grows up, but it may persist or resurface in early-weaned or hand-reared cats, particularly at times of stress. More rarely it becomes a compulsive behaviour or progresses to pica.

Some owners provide an old sweater for the cat to suckle on while protecting other garments by storing them away from the cat or dabbing hot chilli sauce onto them.

Plucking the target resembles pica but is a misdirected prey-related activity. The cat holds down the (often woollen) blanket or garment with its paws and uses its teeth to pluck or tear at it. This is the same behaviour found when a cat plucks or tears fur, feather or flesh from larger prey items (e.g. pigeons). The clothing/blanket isn't swallowed anything the cats tears off is discarded. One of my cats, Sappho, exhibited this behaviour towards crochet blankets.

In the case of one Siamese cat, it took a sock to its eating area and plucked at it periodically during the meal (canned food). The owner attributed this to "teeth cleaning" but it was probably misdirected prey-plucking/tearing behaviour as it only occurred at mealtimes.

BREED PREDISPOSITIONS
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Focus On Cat Breeds

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Know More About Purebred Cat Breeds

All types of cats and no matter if they are purebred or not do wonderful feline companions. If you have your heart set on getting a purebred cat, here are some popular breeds that you might consider. Some might be surprised to know that you can find cats and kittens in your local rescue. If you are looking for a specific race that you could call or go by the local emergency center before seeking a breeder.

British Short Hair
British shorthair cats are one of the oldest cat breeds and English ancestry goes back to Rome. This breed was first known for its ability to hunt because of his physical strength. However, this breed is also known for his calm demeanor and loyalty.

The British Shorthair has a short plush coat is very soft and easy to groom. These cats are larger and they prefer to stay on the ground. They are pets and families are very loyal companions. The original color of these cats is a grayish blue, now you can find these adorable animals in a variety of colors.

Birman
Birman cats are believed to have originated in Burma and they were considered sacred animals and belonged to the high priests. It is believed that this cat breeds were created in the Western world around 1925. These cats are lovely companions and were marked by very distinctive.

Birman cats are usually very long and thick. Their hair is long and silky, but it is not as thick as the Persian cat and does not mat easily. Their fur is usually light in color with a gilded plaster. The points on the face, legs and tail are darker and are similar to Siamese. They have big blue eyes and a face looking strong. The only thing distinctive about the Birman cat that makes them stand out from others is their very distinctive white feet. These cats have great personalities that make them good pets and family companions.
Burmese
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History, Temperament of the Maine Coon.

History of the Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons have been on this earth for many centuries, they were well documented at being in large numbers at American Cat Shows in the mid 1800’s alongside the other popular breed at the time the Persian cat.

There are several theories as to the origin of Maine Coons, the Darwin Theory of an animal’s origin being disregarded and obscured, from being an outcross between a Bobcat/Wildcat and a domestic, coming across as ship cats from Scandinavian countries as Forest type cats and mating with the domestic cats, to Marie Antoinette sending her royal cats on a ship to the safety of Maine, prior to her beheading. Nobody really knows and the cat’s aren’t saying.

Maine Coons are a natural breed of cat or at least the original ones were, and anyone who has ever met one and to everyone who has ever lived with one, the Maine Coon is a very special breed of cat. [1]

Appearance of The Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons are the largest breed of domestic cat and have a rugged, working cat appearance. They have a lovely semi-longhaired coat of varying lengths and were well built to survive in the harsh North American winters. This coat is very water repellent, but quite soft to the touch. An amazing plumed tail of large proportions finishes off this wonderful coat. They come in a large variety of colours and in several tabby patterns as well as solid and particolours. Brown tabby is the original colouring of a Maine Coon but the rainbow of colours range through blues, reds and creams, silvers tortoiseshell and solid blacks through to solid white.
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Cat allergies

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Helpful Tips Before Getting A Cat
Before you look for a new cat, know what you are getting into. Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats are not animals that you can ignore. Unless your are prepared to spend time with them, do not get one. If you have never owned cats, you may not realize that they do certain cat things and need certain cat things. New and unsuspecting cat owners may be surprised when they find their cats regularly do the following:

Understanding Cat's Behavior
Your cat's tail makes a great indicator of your pet's feelings and mood. When his tail is held straight up, this is an indication that he is happy and feeling relaxed. In fact, the higher the tail is held, the happier your cat is. Thus, when your cat greets you with a high tail when you get home, you are sure that he is in a very good mood.

8 Must-Have Ingredients for Your Homemade Cat Food Recipe
If you want to know exactly what your cat is being fed each day, then the best way is to prepare a homemade cat food recipe yourself. However, for your cat to remain healthy, it is important to ensure that your homemade cat food recipe includes sufficient animal protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins. This is usually obtained from red meat, liver, kidney, heart, chicken and sometimes milk.

Inside Cats And Outside Cats
Cats can be either outdoor or indoor pets. Pet owners themselves must decide whether or not they want their cats to be outdoor or indoor animals. Many countries actually ban people from allowing cats to be outdoor animals, especially if the cats are declawed and defenseless in the wild. In the United States, however, the decision is up to the pet owner. There are several things to consider when making a decision. Below, a few pros and cons of these topics are discussed.

Cat Training Problems? Train a Better Kitty Through Feline Communication
Cats are amazing, unique and intelligent animals. Any cat lover knows this instinctually and believes they have a wonderful connection and understanding of their kitty. It comes as a surprise to many when their adorable cat misbehaves by clawing furniture, being antisocial, refusing to use the kitty litter and so on. We ask ourselves why and wonder why normal animal training techniques do not work. While there are many reasons of all of these things one of the core concepts you need to know when you have cat training problems is how to really communicate with your feline.



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Meow Mix House - Cat Reality Television

My 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.
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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.

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Recently Added Articles

An Overview of Cat Breeds:
Cats were one of the last animals to be domesticated. They were first found in households in Egypt about 5000 years ago. Currently they are the most popular house pets, outnumbering dogs by more than two to one

Cat Anxiety and Cat Litter Box Problems:
Frazzled felines will sometimes relieve their anxiety by urinating, or marking (spraying) outside the cat litter box. Here are a few of the causes and the solutions to calm your kitty down.

Training Your Cat Not to Scratch Furniture
Cats have a natural instinct that will lead them to climb and scratch. If you are not providing the proper tools for the cat to use, they will use what they can find to scratch.



temperament of cats
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Home remedies for cats & other pets: Skunk Odor
Vinegar and water douche is helpful in covering up the skunk odor. Pour the mixture on your pet and rub. Use rubber gloves to protect yourself from the skunk odor. Do not let your animal get wet soon as the smell will return. Repeat till your pet is skunk odor free

Does the world need more cats?:
Aren’t they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing and crawling little kittens leaves only the fiercest cat hater indifferent. But does the world need more cats? A cat is the second most popular pet in the world

Feeding Your Elderly Cat:
An elderly cat's metabolism slows down, just as it does in a human. Owners should take this into consideration when feeding their cat. Older pets get less exercise, which means less lean muscle, so their food requirement is reduced

Litter Box Strategies For Disabled Cats
Cats that are blind, partially paralyzed, have a missing limb, or very old can develop litter box problems that affect you as well as them. Owning one of these special kitties is challenging, but you can develop solutions to work around cat litter

THERE ARE OVER 50 CAT BREEDS. WHAT BREED MAKES THE BEST PET?
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first. Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company.



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