Feline diabetes incidence increases when dry food is the diet.

A new study has shown that feline diabetes incidence increases when dry food is the diet. The study shows the risk of cats fed with dry food developing diabetes ,even cats with normal weight fed with dry foods have a risk of developing diabetes. The study which was conducted by an online survey,had various questions such as age,breed, diet,exercise,neuter/spay status,body weight,medication,exercise and behavior.The result of the survey further provided a platform for classifying the cats based on diet,with cats fed dry food in a section,cats with wet food in another and those fed a combination of the 2 diets types. The research showed that obesity was a precursor for feline diabetes but also that cats with normal weights fed with dry food were at risk of diabetes. The underlying cause is that dry food(kibble) is rich in carbohydrates and all these carbohydrates breakdown to sugars which triggers diabetes. Cats should be fed on low carbohydrate diet and even treats with high carbohydrate level should be avoided.

Causes of excessive licking in cats/ fur mowing in cats.

Licking comes naturally to cats, but sometimes this normal grooming urge crosses the line into obsessive behavior. If your cat's licking seems excessive in frequency or duration, don't ignore the problem consult your veterinarian. Cats typically spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves and because cats groom frequently, owners usually don't notice a problem until they observe significant hair loss or skin lesions,these type of cats are called fur mowers. Common causes of excessive licking are 1) pain or irritation/itchy. The area constantly linked sometimes gives clue to cause of the itch, compulsive licking at the tail head may indicate a flea infestation, while cats with pollen or food allergies may lick their backs, abdomens or other areas of the body. 2) stress related issues as over grooming is physiological and psychological,thus when physical causes are ruled out ,psychological causes are investigated. The treatment will be to find the underlying cause and treat. contributed by

SIGNS OF STRESS IN CATS.

            Signs Of Stress in Cats.

 Stress can make anyone a little crazy, even our cats. The tricky part is while the anxiety and fear associated with stress affects our cats in much the same way it does us, most cats tend to hide and mask their inner turmoil.

   Stress can be an indication that your cat has a health issue,according to Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, chronic stress can even "suppress the immune response, causing a broad range of illnesses.

Signs of stress you'll want to watch out for in your cat, especially if they occur suddenly. .  1)Aggression Towards People. A stressed or sick cat may also display aggression towards people, even you. Again, it's best to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist immediately.  2)Increased Sleeping Just because cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day doesn't necessarily mean your cat will. By now you will have become accustomed to his or her sleeping schedule.
Discuss with your veterinarian if you're cat is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic. 

3)Excessive Grooming Cats are known for their fastidious grooming, but licking themselves raw or bald is a clear sign of distress. Skip the groomer and go straight for the vet's office
        
Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed.

Katmint for the good-life of cats.

A high School graduate Tyler Thompson wanted to give his cats a taste of the good life, so he developed Koop Brand. Though several other products will debut in 2017, the current products concentrate on natural, organic catnip — called Katmint — and goods and apparel for the cat owners. It's designed more for the relationship between cat and owner, and that's something unique in the market," he said. "They're all-natural products to give cats and humans a better life."The Koop Brand website features hoodies, T-shirts and posters with phrases like "cat vibes," "cats are dope," and "cats and also coffee." Comfortable clothes, coffee mugs and travel thermoses make up the bulk of the human products, because Thompson said he figures "with people who own cats, I'd say at least half are avid coffee or tea drinkers." "I'd stress the cohesiveness between the animal and the pet parent," he said. "We want to blur the line." continue

Tips to keep your cat happy.

Cat lover these are tips to keep your feline friend happy, There are some great advantages to be gained by keeping your cat confined indoors. These include decreased risk of injury and disease and as a result a significantly longer life expectancy. Not to mention the benefit for wildlife and the appreciation of the non-cat lovers in the community. With a bit of extra effort, these cats can still have a lifestyle that meets their needs. Even cats that spend some time outdoors can benefit from additional opportunities for mental and physical activity in their home environment. This is particularly true for individuals prone to anxiety disorders. The following suggestions allow cats to focus their energies in a healthy, positive way that helps to relieve stress. Cats are individuals so it is important to trial as many of the following as possible so that you can identify the elements that your cat appreciates the most. 1) Toys Cats are very sight sensitive to moving objects, so providing toys with an element of motion. This will help to attract your cat’s interest and enthusiasm for play. These can vary from simple home-made items such as scrunched up pieces of newspaper on the end of a piece of elastic,attached to a stationary object or tied to your belt so they bobble around on the floor behind you as you walk. Various types of toys are also available commercially and these include such things as balls containing bells, cat dancers and various furry items such as mice. Some cats have a genetic predisposition to respond pleasurably to catnip. Toys are available that contain this substance or you might like to grow your own indoor garden and include catnip, catmint or catgrass. Simple items such as table tennis balls or non-toxic soap bubbles can provide avenues for fun interaction. continue

Hyperthyroidism in Cats.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats:Hyperthyroidism is a very common disease afflicting primarily middle-aged and older cats, also called thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from enlarged thyroid glands in the cat's neck. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a tumor called an adenoma, which is non-cancerous but some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease can sometimes cause secondary problems. Thyroid hormones stimulate a faster heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle. Over time, cats with hyperthyroidism may develop an enlargement and thickening of the left ventricle of the heart. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes will eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even result in heart failure. This means that in some cats with hyperthyroidism, additional treatment may be required to control secondary heart disease. However, once the underlying hyperthyroidism has been controlled, the cardiac changes will often improve or may even resolve completely. Signs usually observed in cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism which may be subtle at first but then become more severe as the disease progresses. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat may appear matted or greasy. more

Cognitive dysfunction syndromes in dogs and cats.

Cognitive dysfunction syndromes in dogs and cats are degenerative brain diseases that are often missed until the signs become so advanced that it may be too late to help the pet or owner. in a study,researchers found that the overall prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was a little more than 14 percent, but only about 1.9 percent of cases are diagnosed. The same study found that the chances of having cognitive dysfunction increase with age, so that by the time dogs are 15 years old, 41 percent will have at least one sign consistent with cognitive decline. Neilson and Hart estimated the prevalence in geriatric dogs at 68 percent. In a 2011 review, Gunn-Moore estimated that one-third of cats 11 to 14 years old has age-related cognitive decline, which increased to more than 50 percent of cats 15 years old or older. Unfortunately, less is known about the cognitive effects of aging on senior cats than on senior dogs, but their management is similar. Cognitive dysfunction is a decline in learning, memory or awareness due to the age-related changes within the brain, and they are represented clinically by a group of signs related to varying states of dementia,although appearance is physical the root is psychological. The brains of dogs and cats undergo neuropathology as they age ,such as oxidative damage, neuronal loss, atrophy and the development of ß-amyloid plaques. These are similar changes in human brains with Alzheimer’s disease alongside other pathology that is not seen in canine (or feline) brains, they also develop these ß-amyloid plaques. The brains undergo similar pathology as they develop dementia, dogs are a great research model for human dementia. The knowledge gained from this research not only helps people, but can also help veterinarians help these pets.continue

Understanding personality traits of domestic and wild cats.

A study carried out between the University of Edinburgh and Bronx Zoo compared our beloved domestic cat with its wilder relatives.Compared with the snow leopard, the Scottish wildcat and the African lion, researchers found these larger predators shared similar characteristics of aggression and neurotic behavior to domestic cats. Dominance, impulsiveness and neurotic behavior are the most common trait shared between the domestic cat and the wild cat. The researchers used a testing method known as the 'Big Five' personality test: Openness to Experience, Extraversion/Introversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism. A total of 100 cats, from two different shelters in Scotland were used in the experiment, whilst the other animals were examined from zoos and animal sanctuaries in the UK and USA. 'They're cute and furry and cuddly, but we need to remember when we have cats as pets, we are inviting little predators into our house,' psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel. Dr Max Wachtel explains that for a lot of people, it is worth it. Cats can be fantastic, sweet companions. Until they turn on the predator in them. The advantage humans have is their small size that prevents the cat from being able to unleash its full predatory nature. Its important to understand the personality characteristics of our pets. Different cats have different personalities. But as a species, there are a lot of commonalities,' Dr Wachtel said. more

Deadly cat virus outbreak.

A viral disease that was thought to have disappeared has caused the death of scores of cats in Sydney in recent weeks, according to investigations into the outbreak . DNA sequencing by Professor Vanessa Barrs from the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science and Marie Bashir Institute, has confirmed that the strain of virus causing the outbreak in Australia is feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). It coincides with several large outbreaks of parvovirus in dogs in NSW, around the Shoalhaven area as well as the Riverina region and Tamworth. The symptoms of FPV are fever, lethargy and loss of appetite which is usually followed by vomiting and diarrhoea,but in severe cases cats can die suddenly without exhibiting any warning signs The .disease in cats is caused by parvoviruses, which are small DNA viruses,but the main one is feline panleukopenia virus. The parvoviruses that infect dogs can also cause the disease in cats,so petlovers with cats and dogs must ensure vaccination. FPV, also known as feline enteritis, is a deadly viral infection of cats that was first discovered more than 100 years ago,but with vaccinations the disease virtually disappeared from Australia in the mid 1970s. There is no risk for humans as the disease is not zoonotic and cannot be passed on to them. source.

SUN BURN IN ANIMALS.

Some dogs and cats prone to sunburn. Excessive sunbathing damages the skin. Humans are not the only ones who need to monitor their exposure to UV rays: animals are at risk too. Dogs and cats with white or thin coats are at particular risk, as are animals with very closely shorn fur or with certain pre-existing conditions. Excessive sunbathing damages the skin. Humans are not the only ones who need to monitor their exposure to UV rays: animals are at risk too. Dogs and cats with white or thin coats are at particular risk, as are animals with very closely short fur or with certain pre-existing conditions. Dermatologist Christa Horvath-Ungerböck from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna explains which animals are particularly sensitive, how to prevent sun damage to the skin, and how to treat a sunburned animal. Human or animals skin with little or no pigmentation is very sensitive to the sun in general. Hairless pets or pets with very short or thin fur can also be vulnerable. For dogs and cats this applies in particular to those parts of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun. These include the ears, the bridge of the nose, the skin around the eyes, and the back. Some animals particularly enjoy lying on tHouse pets with white or short fur are at particular risk of sunburn. The Dogo Argentino breed, white bulldogs, Dalmatians, boxers, whippets, beagles and white or multi-coloured cats with white patches have skin that is very sensitive to light, especially on their heads. In summer animals with short fur can also have a problem. The short hair allows UV rays penetrate down to the sensitive skin and cause sunburn. Hairless dogs and cats are naturally more sensitive to the sun, since they lack the natural sun protection fur affords. Here too though, skin pigmentation plays a role, and darker animals are less vulnerable to UV rays. Owners of vulnerable breeds should take particular care to protect their animals from the sun and their backs to bask in the sun. This exposes the skin on their bellies, which is often hairless, to the rays of the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

                    Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

Nadia, a tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo, tested positive for the corona virus. A few pet cats in the United States and some dogs  have  also tested positive.

The novel corona virus causing the current pandemic is thought to have originated at a live animal market in China, some people have wondered if they need to worry about their own pets.

 The good news is that any risk to humans from to pet is very low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  Humans with COVID-19 infections could pose a slight risk to certain animals, such as cats or ferrets. but not dogs.

 The basic thing to do is to stay safe and keep your pet safe. All personal hygiene protocol of hand washing, use of face mask is advised. The frequency of hand washing must be increased especially after handling your pet.

 When you take your dog out for walks its advisable to wipe the dog when you return paying particular attention to paws.

All You Need to Know About Veterinary Blood Transfusions.

All You Need to Know About Veterinary Blood Transfusions.The decision to clinically transfuse a patient with blood products depends on several factors, including: 1)Availability of blood products. 2)Stability of the patient. 3)Chronicity of anemia. 4)Clinical signs of the patient If a patient is demonstrating signs of hemorrhagic shock such as pallor, tachycardia, tachypnea, snappy or thread pulses and decreased mentation, it likely needs a blood transfusion. But wait! Before reaching immediately for that unit of blood, reach for a bag of crystalloids first. Why? In general, most patients requiring a blood transfusion often have concurrent interstitial fluid loss and could benefit from IV fluid therapy. A hemorrhagic shock patient example: Start with a 20 mL/kg IV crystalloid bolus over 20 minutes, followed by patient reassessment. If signs consistent with hemorrhagic shock are still apparent, administer a second bolus (20 mL/kg crystalloids IV), followed by 5 mL/kg smaller aliquots of a colloid (eg, Hetastarch) if the patient fails to respond to crystalloids. If the patient still fails to respond, a blood product is warranted, regardless of what the PCV may be. In human medicine, the transfusion trigger is a hematocrit (HCT) of 25%, whereas in veterinary medicine it is approximately 20%. However, push this to the back of your brain, as some patients need a transfusion regardless of what the PCV is. Take, for example, that classic traumatic hemoabdomen patient. At presentation, the PCV may only be 30%, but they may have catastrophic bleeding, requiring multiple transfusions. To the contrary, a cat with FeLV may present with a PCV of 10%, only to find out that—because of the chronicity—this patient is hemodynamically stable (ie, it doesn’t need an emergency transfusion). Before transfusing, patients should ideally undergo blood-typing or cross-matching (depending on previous transfusions, history of pregnancy, or if there is risk for transfusion reaction). In dogs, if the disease process precludes testing (eg, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, catastrophic bleed), a universal donor (DEA 1.1 negative or A-) should be used.However, dogs can receive a first time transfusion safely without being typed or cross-matched. Keep in mind that if it’s the dog’s first transfusion, a transfusion reaction is not anticipated, as antibodies haven’t formed yet (which typically take 3-7 days to develop). It’s the second transfusion that we worry about for transfusion reactions in dogs. Cats can die if they get the wrong type of blood. There is no universal blood donor for cats. As cats have natural alloantibodies, all cats should always be blood typed or cross-matched prior to transfusion, due to risk for fatal blood transfusion reactions. As little as 1 mL of A blood to a B cat can be fatal (Just as B students may hate A students, B blood hates A blood!). There’s no universal donor in cats. The dosage for ANY blood product is 10-20 mL/kg. Owners should be made aware that their pet has received transfusions, and should inform future veterinarians or caregivers in order to prevent reaction to second transfusions. Antibodies against a transfusion take 3 to 7 days to develop, so the use of cross matching should be implemented when multiple transfusions may occur during prolonged hospitalization. The use of blood typing cards may not beneficial once the patient has been transfused, as it’s testing for antigen.

PETS AND COMPUTER GAMES.

Dr Bronwen Slack, is Meep's owner and vet operations coordinator at PETstock, she believes that people dont spend enough time with their pets. She believes anything that encourages people to interact with their cats, so they're not living such a sedentary lifestyle, is good. Meep lives the typical life of an indulged pet in Melbourne – he has a loving owner who showers him with attention, plenty of toys and a pantry full of food. He also has several games on a Samsung tablet to play. Computer games for pets is the latest in the continuing trend of dogs and cats being elevated from family pet to "furry babies". After all, why should humans have all the fun playing Candy Crush.It's not that balls of yarn and ropes are too analogue for today's 21st-century pets, rather there's now an alternative way to increase simulation among cats and dogs particularly when they're home alone. Marcus Carter, research fellow in computers at the University of Melbourne, says the "interesting trend" reflects the lifestyles of many people, and likens digital games to the increasing use of "pet cams" to monitor them. Marcus recently got a puppy and set up Skype to automatically answer so he could check on her while at work the first few times I left her in the back yard.He believes digital systems in general present an amazing opportunity to improve animal welfare, such as by reducing social isolation in the home. The games are simple, encouraging dogs and cats (and even very young children) to catch a series of slow moving digital fish, bubbles, treats and any other number of small creatures or lasers. One reviewer of the imaginatively titled "Game for Dogs" in the App store wrote: "My dog is now obsessed and is biting cause all she wants to do is play it on the iPad." Dr Slack tends to use the games sporadically so as not to over stimulate them. The best way to use them is when leaving the house to go on an errand and I want to keep the pet occupied while away. for 15 or 20 minutes. read more http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/pet-gamers-cats-and-dogs-the-latest-family-members-to-play-tablet-games-20160408-go1wb7.html

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Heart Murmurs in Your Dog or Cat:.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Heart Murmurs in Your Dog or Cat. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that a veterinarian hears when listening to the pet’s heart through a stethoscope during a physical exam. Normally, your pet’s veterinarian hears two distinct normal heart sounds when they listen to the heart: lub-dub…lub-dub…lub-dub. When your vet hears an additional “whooshing” sound in between normal heart sounds, this is known as a heart murmur. If your pet is diagnosed with a heart murmur, there is no reason to panic. Some heart murmurs are benign or harmless and may go away on their own, particularly in puppies and kittens. The only way to know the extent of your pet’s condition is to work with your veterinarian and/or a veterinary cardiologist (a specialist) to determine the cause of the murmur and the severity of the heart disease. Additional diagnostic testing may be required. Causes of a Heart Murmur in pets. Anything that changes the blood flow through the heart can cause a murmur to be heard. Some of the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs and cats include:1) Heart valve deficiencies. 2) Defects in the heart walls. 3)Infection of the heart valves. 4)Hereditary cardiac defects. 5)Extra vessel connecting the great arteries (patent ductus arteriosus). 6)Defects in the heart muscle walls (ventricular septal defect). 7)Obstructive injury of the pulmonary valve (pulmonic stenosis). 8)Obstructive injury below the aortic valve (subaortic stenosis). 9)Defective mitral/tricuspid valve (mitral/tricuspid valve dysplasia). 10)Acquired cardiac diseases. 11)Thickening of the heart valves (myxomatous mitral/tricuspid valve degeneration). 12)Infection of the heart valves (infective endocarditis). 13)Weakening or thickening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies). 14)Dynamic obstruction of the right ventricle (a benign condition for cats). Signs of Cardiac Disease Not all dogs and cats diagnosed with a heart murmur will suffer from cardiac disease; alternatively, not all dogs and cats that suffer from cardiac disease will have a murmur. Signs of cardiac disease in dogs and cats can include: Difficulty breathing. Rapid shallow breathing. Cough. Abdominal (stomach) distention. Inability to exercise/weakness. Gray or blue gums. Possible collapse.

How to manage scratching in cats.

How to manage scratching in cats; Cats that scratch your favorite sofa or expensive drapes are not on a mission to destroy your home, but rather to satisfy certain innate needs. Scratching is an innate behavior, it is difficult to stop or even curb. It is like trying to stop a cat from grooming, or burying its waste. However, cats can be taught to scratch on more appropriate objects like scratching posts and tree stumps. The following three tactics will help you redirect your cat's scratching behavior: 1. Identify your cat's scratching preferences To find out what your cat likes best to scratch on, observe her carefully. Does your cat prefer to scratch on carpets, drapes, wood, or some other surface? Does she scratch vertically, with her paws stretched out above her head, or does she prefer horizontal surfaces? Once you have figured out your cat's preferred scratching materials and orientation, you will be better equipped to buy a scratching post that suits her needs. 2. Provide items that match these preferences Scratching posts of all shapes, sizes, and textures are available at most pet stores. If your cat likes to scratch on carpets, a carpet-covered post would be a good choice. But if your cat prefers couches and other nubby surfaces, a post covered in sisal or some other rope-like material might be your best bet. The scratching post should also match your cat's preferred orientation for scratching. A cat that climbs and scratches on drapes would probably prefer a post tall enough for a long stretch, such as those that mount on a wall or door. However, a cat that likes the horizontal motion of scratching on a carpet might be more likely to use a flattened cardboard box, or a log placed on its side. 3. Make unacceptable items unavailable or less attractive to your cat The only guaranteed way to stop your cat from scratching a given area or object is to block her access to it. Closing doors may be the simplest solution. However, if this is not practical, there are booby traps you can set up to discourage scratching. A tower of plastic cups that topples over when bumped can be placed in front of scratchable items to startle your cat whenever she begins to scratch. Items covered with blankets, sheets of plastic, or double-sided tape also hinders scratching behavior. A more expensive tactic is to purchase an indoor fence that delivers mild, harmless shock when your cat crosses a given boundary. Scratching has a scent-marking component, cats are more likely to re-scratch areas that already have their scent. To help break this cycle, try using an odor neutralizer to deodorize areas where your cat has previously scratched.

Vaccination in cats with non adjuvanted vaccines protect against vaccination site sarcoma.(VSS)

Injections may be more dangerous for cats than for dogs. This may be because some pet vaccines and drugs contain substances called adjuvants to make them more effective. Adjuvants may be chemicals, parts of microbes or mammalian proteins that may overly irritate a cat's body. Adjuvants are safe for dogs, people and other pet species,but injections containing adjuvants may be the cause of a type of malignant tumor called "vaccine site sarcoma" (VSS).Vaccines containing small amounts of live viruses are among the most powerful in causing the immune system to create virus-battling antibodies. The immune system also modifies cells to aid in the fight against a virus when exposed to a live form. Some forms of live viruses in vaccines can infect pets so to avoid this problem and protect immune systems, veterinarians often use vaccines that are based on weaker killed or modified viruses. Another modified live-virus vaccine. Manufacturers boost the efficacy of vaccines containing modified viruses by adding adjuvants. Adjuvants are materials added to vaccines ,with the function of keeping the vaccine within the skin for a period of time after the vaccine is administered thus allowing the immune system to be properly stimulated. Adjuvants can also directly stimulate the immune system,although certain cats are genetically predisposed to forming VSS. Its documented that out of every 10,000 cats injected with a vaccine containing an adjuvant, only one to two develop cancerous tumors at the injection site. Cats will commonly develop a lump at the site of a vaccination, typically caused by inflammation and local immune stimulation. These lumps are benign and will resolve spontaneously a few weeks after they are evolve. A pet owner whose cat receives an adjuvanted injection should monitor the injection site for about three months, but cat -parent should visit a veterinarian if swelling grows progressively larger by a month following injection. It is recommended to visit the vet for a biopsy if 1) the lump is still present 3 months from the time of vaccination, 2) the lump is greater than 2 cm in diameter regardless of the duration of time of the vaccination. 3) the lump progressively increases in size over the course of one month since the time it was discovered. The strict compliance to the specific protocols regarding where vaccines should be administered is also important to prevent adverse reactions. The following depicts correct sites for the necessary vaccinations in cat; 1) rabies vaccines should be given as far down on the right hind limb . 2) feline leukemia vaccines should be given as far down on the left hind limb . 3) other vaccines should be given as far down on the right front leg . Vaccinations should never be given between the shoulder blades.

Cat cuddling and cat-scratch disease.

A new study reveals that , cuddling a cat could give you an infection that could even kill you.The infection linked to cat scratches is aptly termed Cat-scratch disease, which can be fatal in some cases. Cat-scratch disease is an illness that results in intense fever, headaches, pustules and inflamed lymph nodes. The infection can progress drastically in rare instances leading to complications of the brain or heart and even result in death. "Cat-scratch disease, causes a significant number of annual infections, some of which can lead to encephalitis as well as endocarditis. Humans can risk contracting the disease just by kissing or cuddling cats, or by being scratched or bitten by them. The illness is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted to cats by fleas. According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noted kittens and stray cats were especially susceptible to carrying the harmful bacteria. The report showed that each year, about 12,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cat-scratch disease and 500 require hospitalization. Cat-scratch is preventable if hygiene plays a part in animal handling,interactions and proper pet care. Cat owners should take the following precautions; 1) wash their hands after petting their cats. 2 ) clean bites and scratches with soap and water . 3)prevent contact of your cats with strays. 4) regular flea control. When bitten or scratched by your cat, wash area with soap and water and visit your doctor immediately.

HOW TO CONTROL FELINE HAIRBALL USING DIETARY CELLULOSE.

Cellulose-enriched dry and wet cat foods make claims on hairball control. Research data indicate that supplemental dietary cellulose reduces hairball symptoms and raises fecal hair excretion in cats, but the type and amount of 
cellulose determine the efficacy.
 
  The Grooming behavior of cats is associated with the ingestion of fur and most of the swallowed, non-digestible hair passes through the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted with the feces. About 10% of short haired cats bring up hairballs periodically, the need being around twice as common in their long haired counterparts.     

Aggregates of hair formed in the stomach have reached a size that cannot enter the duodenum and will eventually be ejected by vomiting. Occasionally, fur masses obstruct the intestine and cause severe clinical signs and even potentially mortality.

 Normally, gastric hairball formation and elimination is harmless. 
Bringing up hairballs is common in pet cats and presents an unpleasant nuisance for many owners as they dislike the signs of vomiting, retching and coughing.

 This situation forms the basis for industrially produced cat foods with a hairball-control claim. 
When the pet food label declares the ingredients by individual names, powdered cellulose is usually found in the list.
 The hairball claim is often explained by the food formula moving hair through the digestive tract for fecal voiding. 

 The anti-hairball effect of dietary cellulose as shown in cats is based on two synergistic mechanisms; Cellulose may prevent the clustering of single strands of hair in the stomach, thereby increasing the transfer of loose hairs into the duodenum.

This effect may be greater for fibrillated cellulose prepared by modern and sophisticated milling technology and facilitating the formation of an insoluble fiber network.

 Cellulose ingestion also accelerates the transit of digesta and thus propels duodenal hair into the feces.

Together, the two mechanisms lead to the observed cellulose-induced fecal excretion of hair. An unchanged grooming behavior with ingestion of fur results in an increase in fecal hair excretion .
 This infers less formation of mats of hair in the stomach, Consequently there will be less vomiting of hairballs.
     Read about research at allaboutfeed.net

Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.

 Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.
Fleas, ticks and other parasites are often the bane of you and your cat's health. Stop your cat scratching through regular treatment.

Cats aren’t the only ones who suffer from fleas. For every single flea living on your cat, there could be hundreds more developing in your home! Flea bites can lead some cats to develop allergies, whilst parasites can act as intermediate hosts for certain tapeworms.

A heavy infestation can also cause anaemia, which is potentially life-threatening.The most recommended method to prevent flea infestations on your cat would be the use of a flea control treatment monthly, especially in the warmer seasons.

 In addition, the environment should also be treated regularly. Vacuuming and steaming the carpets, cleaning and washing all the bedding, and using carpet sprays are some of the options to prevent having these parasites multiplying in your house.

 How do I spot fleas? The most obvious sign is persistent scratching. Fleas are dark brown and about 1mm to 2mms long. You may find them – as well as tiny black specks of flea dirt – in your cat's coat during combing.

 There is an easy treatment now to keep your cats safe,  one dose will kill fleas and ticks for 3 months. Order now.

Dogs prefer to eat fat, and cats surprisingly tend toward carbs.

Dogs prefer to eat fat, and cats surprisingly tend toward carbs.Dogs gravitate toward high-fat food, but cats pounce on carbohydrates with even greater enthusiasm, according to research into the dietary habits of America's two most popular pets. The study sheds new light on optimal nutrition for the animals and refutes a common notion that cats want and need a protein-heavy regimen.Findings were published this month in the Journal of Experimental Biology. "The numbers were much different than what traditional thinking would have expected," said the study's corresponding author, Jean Hall, a professor in the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University. "Some experts have thought cats need diets that are 40 or 50 percent protein. Our findings are quite different than the numbers used in marketing and are going to really challenge the pet food industry." Dietary proteins contribute to a number of important physiological functions such as blood clotting, production of hormones and enzymes, vision and cell repair. Protein also has the most power to make the eater feel satiated; carbohydrates are No. 2 in that regard, followed by fat.