June 29, 2010
What's in This Issue:
I added an article to the list on the Articles Main Page. Many thanks to Frank in Texas for the link. A great read and a great program!
I found The Cat's House video online, again! This version is updated, and I hope you like it as much as I do.
Articles
Diabetes in Your Cat by Lynn Gordon
Keep Cats Safe in Warm Weather by June Sabe
Keeping Cats from Plants by Luke Blaise
Offers
Don't forget the interactive pages...
Bragging Rights For Readers
Bad Cat Behaviors From Readers
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Diabetes in Your Cat by Lynn Gordon
Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America, for good reason. They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.
The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat. An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.
If you don't get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn't happen overnight - it takes time and dedication.
Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you'll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat.
Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn't eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren't around, he may end up dying.
If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of feline insulin. Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life.
You will also have to monitor your cat's diet very carefully during this time. If you are giving your cat insulin shots under the guidance of your vet, then it is imperative that if you choose to place your cat on a low carbohydrate diet - TELL YOUR VET FIRST!
It is very important to address the carbohydrate level in a cat's diet but it is 'tunnel vision' nutrition to stop there. We need to address the quality of the ingredients in the foods that we feed to our cats - not just the carb level.
Both issues (carb level and nutrient quality) are important since we are feeding the whole cat, not just the disease of diabetes.
Commercial cat food may be the cause of your cat's illnesses.
About the Author:
Lynne Gordon. I am striving to save the world - one person, one cat and one dog at a time. Don't allow disease to rob your cat of health and life!
For domestic cats, improvements in veterinary medicine and care by owners have helped extend life expectancy well into the teen years, sometimes into the 20s. But cats age quickly in terms of human years.
By the time they are 6 months old, they are the human equivalent of 10. Although cat-to-human age comparisons can vary, after the age of 2, cats take on about four human years for every cat year. An 11-year-old cat is the approximate equivalent of a 60-year-old human, right down to the onset of aches and pains, health problems, declining fertility and weight gain or loss. But in terms of changes in diet and health care, cats are considered "senior" at about 8 years of age, equivalent to middle age in humans.
Unless they live in zoos, where they receive regular veterinary care and a good diet, wild (and feral) cats rarely live more than 10 years. Malnutrition, parasites and a host of other factors serve to shorten their decidedly harsher lives.
Keep Cats Safe in Warm Weather by June Sabe
The hot summer months can pose a real threat to pets. Cats and dogs simply cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. As a responsible pet owner, you need to make sure that your pet is safe during these warm weather months. Here are some tips to help you and your pet.Never leave an animal in a car: All pet owners should know the dangers of leaving any pet in a hot car, even if it is just for a few minutes. This especially applies to dog owners. Dogs love riding in the car and it is very tempting to let your dog ride to the grocery store with you. However, pet owners should never leave cats or dogs inside a car during hot weather. Even with the windows open, a car parked in the hot sun can reach sweltering temperatures. Pets left in hot cars can die within minutes or can suffer from severe dehydration.
The best rule of thumb is the leave your pet at home in the cool air conditioner during the hot weather. You should also know that if you are a dog owner that allowing your dog a ride the bed of a truck could be very dangerous for a dog at any time of the year. One jolt can send your dog flying out of the bed of the truck, resulting in injury or worse. Even putting your dog unsupervised in the bed of a truck in a public place can be a recipe for disaster. Be extra careful with your pet during traveling.
If you must travel with your dog or cat, secure your pet in the car and leave the air conditioning on at all times. Let your pets take frequent breaks on long trips and give them a chance to get a drink of water.
Be Careful Walking the Dog: There are many areas where the temperatures soar in the warm months. In places where the temperatures reach an all-time high, it is a good idea to walk your dog either in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower.
During the summer, temperatures will be at the highest during midday. You should refrain from walking your dog during this time. Not only will you and your dog become hot and dehydrated, the hot concrete can burn your dog's sensitive paws. When you do walk during hot weather, take along water for your dog and stop frequently to let your dog drink. Your dog will thank you for this.
Practice Proper Pet Grooming: It is always a good idea to keep your pet properly groomed, but it is especially important during the summer months. If your dog has very long fur, it is like wearing a fur coat in 95-degree weather. It is not comfortable to your pet. Also, keep an eye out for pets that have much of their fur trimmed off, such as poodles. Longhaired dogs can quickly overheat in the high temperatures.
Poodles and other breeds with short cuts can get sunburned. Sunscreen does not protect dogs. With long haired dogs, regular brushing also helps remove the winter undercoat and can help your dog better regulate body temperatures during hot weather. Regular clipping of long hair can also help keep your dog cool.
Even longhaired cats can benefit from a summer clipping. Longhaired cats are easily overheated, even if they do stay indoors.
Watch for Insects: Insects can be bothersome to your pet during the warm, summer months. Spring and summer are when fleas and ticks are the highest. Mosquitoes are also out during this time of year. It is always a good idea to make sure your dog and cat are getting their monthly flea and tick preventative. Your dog also needs to stay current on heartworm preventative, as mosquito bites can cause heartworms. Also, keep a first aid kit on hand for bee or wasp stings.
Outdoor safety: Summer is often when people spend a lot of times outdoors. Whether it is working in the yard, visiting the lake or swimming in the pool, you need to take extra caution when your pets are with you outside. If you mow your yard or put chemicals on the grass, be sure your pets are indoors and away from the dangers. Also, if your dog enjoys the water, keep a close eye on your pet. Most pets can swim instinctively, but it is always a good idea to watch. If you enjoy taking your dog out boating, you can buy life preserver vests for your dog to wear. You can never be too safe when it comes to your beloved furry friend.
God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the lion.
- Fernand Mery
Keeping Plants Safe from Cats by Luke Blaise
If you are having trouble with your cat always eating your plants or digging in the soil there are several easy solutions to this problem. Cats naturally like to explore their territory, and your plants are included in that territory. So if you are tired of cleaning up topsoil off the ground here are some ways to save your plants.If your cat is always playing with plant soil you could try putting some large pebbles or rocks on top of the soil. These will be too heavy for your cat to move, but at the same time allow water to pass through them so you can continue to water them.
Another solution is putting some pinecones on top of the soil. Cats do not like to touch them or step on these. As a last resort you could try putting aluminum foil on the top of the soil as well. Cats do not like the feel of aluminum foil and you can poke holes through the foil so you can continue to water the plant as well.
If your cats are chewing on the leaves you can spray a product called Bitter Apple on them as well. If your cat really likes chewing on plant you could invest in buying some cat grass which is sold at most pet stores or online.
This allows cats to chew on plant material, and will hopefully divert their attention away from your plants towards her own cat grass.
As a last resort if none of these steps seem to work for you can always elevate your plants higher or put them on a pedestal so they're not reachable.
Whatever the cause of your cat's bad behavior, the important thing is to correct it quickly. To learn how to do this correctly, visit: Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems!
Offers
Siphotrol Plus Spray Neem Spray for Fleas
IG Similase for digestive support, including hairball relief
ONP Para-Gone Herbal Formula for heartworms and other parasites  PetAlive GlucoEnsure
Pet Essences Pancreas Imbalance Flower Essences Electrolyte Solution
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