Hair Balls
Occasional hair balls are normal. Frequent, large hair balls aren't. If your cat is regularly swallowing up large masses of hair or having trouble expelling hair balls, you can help him out by daily brushing so he won't swallow so much hair, and by giving him ober-the-counter hair ball preparation. If he has a chronic hair-ball problem, increase the fiver content in his diet by feeding him a high-fiber food or offering a teaspoon of canned pumpkin, plain bran, or other fiber supplement along with his meals.
If you cat is vomiting frequently and has diarrhea, loss of appetite, a retching cough, and a swollen belly, get him to the veterinarian immediately. He may have a case of feline constipation caused by impacted hair balls. In some cases, the blockage must be surgically removed.
"; quotes[1]="Treats, Snacks, and People Food
Cats love treats! But be sensible. Dispense treats sparingly, one at a time. For added fun and exercise, train your cat to jump for his treats. Many cats learn very quickly to leap and catch the flying morsels in midair. Make sure your cat never samples the following:
A diet consisting entirely of human foods is not a complete or balanced diet for your cat.
"; quotes[2]="Treats, Snacks, and People Food
Cats love treats! But be sensible. Dispense treats sparingly, one at a time. For added fun and exercise, train your cat to jump for his treats. Many cats learn very quickly to leap and catch the flying morsels in midair. Make sure your cat never samples the following:
A diet consisting entirely of human foods is not a complete or balanced diet for your cat.
"; quotes[3]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[4]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[5]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[6]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[7]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[8]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[9]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[10]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[11]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[12]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[13]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[14]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[15]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[16]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[17]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[18]="Treats, Snacks, and People Food
Cats love treats! But be sensible. Dispense treats sparingly, one at a time. For added fun and exercise, train your cat to jump for his treats. Many cats learn very quickly to leap and catch the flying morsels in midair. Make sure your cat never samples the following:
A diet consisting entirely of human foods is not a complete or balanced diet for your cat.
"; quotes[19]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[20]="Inappropriate Urination
There are three kinds of urine-related cat behavior problems:spraying, urine marking, and inappropriate urination. Spraying and urine marking are both territorial functions and are most often seen un unsterilized male cats. Neutering and spaying cure most cases of spraying and urine marking. Some sterilized cats might spray occasionally, when under stress or at a sight of a strange cat.
To stop inappropriate urination, clean thoroughly and deodorize the spot, place your cat's food and water dishes near it. Or place at the spot something with a strong odor cats generally dislike--fresh citrus rinds, a bar of perfumed soap, or a cat-safe air-freshner canister.
"; quotes[21]="Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
The vaccination against FeLV is recommended only for cats considered at risk for FeLV infection--those allowed outdoors unsupervised, those living in the shelters, or those living in situations where new cats enter the environment frequently. Cats can catch feline leukemia only from direct contact with an infected cat. Mother cats can also pass it to their kittens. Researchers point out that the best way to protect against FeLV is to prevent exposure to possibly infected cats, as the vaccine isn't perfect and doesn't confer protection on all cats who are vaccinated. At-risk cats should be revaccinated every year. Initially, kittens are given two doses of the vaccine three-to-four weeks apart, starting at age eight weeks.
"; quotes[22]="Giardia
Routine vaccination against the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia is not recommended. But the vaccine has been shown to lessen an infected cat's symptoms, and to render him contagious for a shorter period of time. Giardia may be transmitted to humans and other animals.
There's also a small possibility of anaphylactic shock following vaccination. This severe allergic reaction to some component of the vaccine usually occurs within the first half hour after vaccination. Signs include salivation, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination, and collapse. Rush back to the veterinarian if your cat shows these signs.
"; quotes[23]="Cat Myths Debunked I
Myth: Fleas can be controlled by adding Brewer's yeast or garlic to your cat's food.
These folk remedies, while relatively harmless, have never been shown in clinical tests to have any effect whatsoever on fleas.
Myth: If your cat's nose is cold and wet, he's healthy.
The temperature and moisture of your cat's nose have more to do with the room temperature and humidity than with the state of his health. If other signs are present, don't assume a cold, wet nose means he is well.
Myth: If your cat's nose is cold and wet, he's healthy
The temperature and moisture of your cat's nose have more to do with the room temperature and humidity than with the state of his health. If other signs are present, don't assume a cold, wet nose means he is well.
"; quotes[24]="Taking Your Cat's Temperature
Fever is an important symptom. The normal temperature range for an adult cat is 100-to102.5 degrees; for a very young kitten (under 3-4 weeks old), it's lower. Lubricate the tip of a thermometer (preferably digital, not glass and mercury) with baby oil. Have your helper hold the cat firmly. You may want to wrap your cat in a towel. Leave his tail free. With one hand, raise your cat's tail. With the other, insert the thermometer about one inch into his anus. Hold it in place for at least 3 minutes. Then remove it, quickly wipe it clean, and read his temperature. Be sure to clean the thermometer thoroughly after each use.
A digital thermometer reads in much less time than does a glas thermometer. Ear thermometers are also available, but they are not as accurate as the rectal variety.
"; quotes[25]="Hair Balls
Occasional hair balls are normal. Frequent, large hair balls aren't. If your cat is regularly swallowing up large masses of hair or having trouble expelling hair balls, you can help him out by daily brushing so he won't swallow so much hair, and by giving him ober-the-counter hair ball preparation. If he has a chronic hair-ball problem, increase the fiver content in his diet by feeding him a high-fiber food or offering a teaspoon of canned pumpkin, plain bran, or other fiber supplement along with his meals.
If you cat is vomiting frequently and has diarrhea, loss of appetite, a retching cough, and a swollen belly, get him to the veterinarian immediately. He may have a case of feline constipation caused by impacted hair balls. In some cases, the blockage must be surgically removed.
"; quotes[26]="Treats, Snacks, and People Food
Cats love treats! But be sensible. Dispense treats sparingly, one at a time. For added fun and exercise, train your cat to jump for his treats. Many cats learn very quickly to leap and catch the flying morsels in midair. Make sure your cat never samples the following:
A diet consisting entirely of human foods is not a complete or balanced diet for your cat.
"; quotes[27]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[28]="Inappropriate Urination
There are three kinds of urine-related cat behavior problems:spraying, urine marking, and inappropriate urination. Spraying and urine marking are both territorial functions and are most often seen un unsterilized male cats. Neutering and spaying cure most cases of spraying and urine marking. Some sterilized cats might spray occasionally, when under stress or at a sight of a strange cat.
To stop inappropriate urination, clean thoroughly and deodorize the spot, place your cat's food and water dishes near it. Or place at the spot something with a strong odor cats generally dislike--fresh citrus rinds, a bar of perfumed soap, or a cat-safe air-freshner canister.
"; quotes[29]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; quotes[30]="Cat Myths Debunked II
Myth: Carpet scooting means your cat has worms.
Most scooting in cats is caused by impacted anal glands or dermatitis caused by dried fecal matter that's collected around his anus. A scooting cat is itchy and uncomfortable. If your cat is haing trouble keeping his rear end clean and groomed, perhaps because of long fur, obesity, or inflexibility due to age, help him out by clipping excess fur. Check frequently and wipe the area with a warm, damp washcloth. Persistent redness, and scooting call for a trip to the veterinarian to check for anal sacculitis
"; authors[0]="Erma Bombeck"; authors[1]="Oscar Wilde"; authors[2]="Josh Billings"; authors[3]=""; authors[4]=""; authors[5]=""; authors[6]=""; authors[7]=""; authors[8]=""; authors[9]=""; authors[10]=""; authors[11]=""; authors[12]=""; authors[13]=""; authors[14]=""; authors[15]=""; authors[16]=""; authors[17]="Josh Billings"; authors[18]="Josh Billings"; authors[19]=""; authors[20]=""; authors[21]=""; authors[22]=""; authors[23]=""; authors[24]=""; authors[25]=""; authors[26]=""; authors[27]=""; authors[28]=""; authors[29]=""; authors[30]=""; document.write('CAT TIP OF THE DAY
' + quotes[d.getDate()-1] + 'Pet Tip served by Go Pets America
');