Our pets can sometimes be as close to us as members of our family, that’s why cat owners will want to know as much as they can about cat health. The following are the major things to know about caring for your cat in a loving way:

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your pet eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as you cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed pet.

GROOMING: Longhaired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less than once a week.

LITTER: The litter box can be a danger to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s letter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

ELDERLY CATS: Some diseases occur because your pet gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and may need special diets.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching an area a lot try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

DECLAWING: Choosing to declaw can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

PARASITES: Parasites like ringworm, heart worm and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

STRESS: Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, purchase a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Part of managing cat health is making sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze are inaccessible to your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

MOUTH: Cat’s often have mouth diseases and this can impact cat health. Cat’s are just as prone to gingivitis as humans and cats can also develop. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether you cat goes out of doors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Cat health is an issue that concerns us all and hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your cat’s life safer and healthier.

For more more information about cat health please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/How-to-Make-Your-Pets-Healthier-and-Happier.php

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Posted on June 17th, 2008 by itbsuperrich
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Vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets. Some diseases are airborne or can be acquired by contact with fecal matter that might be brought into your house on your street shoes. Diseases that affect pets are present in the environment, and some diseases can spread to humans.

Any animal that goes outdoors should be vaccinated annually for rabies. This includes ferrets and bunnies. If you have a small house dog, or your dog is at low risk for contracting Leptospirosis, your vet may determine that this vaccination is not necessary. Aged animals should only be vaccinated on the recommendation of your vet.

Vaccinations protect your beloved pet from painful and often fatal diseases. They help ensure a long and happy life for your pet, with many hours of enjoyment for you with your animal companion. The cost of vaccinations is very small, compared to the cost of treating a disease or of losing your pet altogether. Many communities have vaccination clinics where you can get free rabies vaccines for example. Check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian to find out when a free vaccination clinic is scheduled.

Your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, environment, and geographic location can all affect the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccines for your pet.

Vaccination Schedule

Cat

Vaccine: Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus and calicivirus (combined)

When: As early as 6 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 12 weeks of age

Booster: Every 3 years

Cat

Vaccine: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
When: Begin at 4 months old, repeat in 2-4 weeks
Booster: Every year

Cat

Vaccine: Feline distemper
When: At 9 weeks old and 12 weeks old
Booster: Every year

Cat, Dog, Ferret, Bunny

Vaccine: Rabies
When: At 3 months for initial protection, and again at 1 year
Booster: Every 1 to 3 years

Dog*

Vaccine: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (combined DHPP), Leptospirosis, Adenovirus
When: At 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks
Booster: 1 year after last puppy dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type

Dog

Vaccine: Rabies
When: 3 months
Booster: 1 year after puppy dose, then as required by local authorities

Dog

Vaccine: Coronavirus
When: 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age

Dog - if it will be exposed to ticks

Vaccine: Lyme
When: 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks
Booster: Every year

Dog - if it will be boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience classes

Vaccine: Kennel cough (Bordetelle)
When: 16 weeks
Booster: Every year

Dog - outdoor dogs; can spread to humans

Vaccine: Giardia
When: 12 weeks, 15 weeks
Booster: Every year, if indicated in your area

* Not a vaccination, but dogs should receive heartworm prevention starting at between 8-15 weeks of age, continued for life, with annual heartworm blood tests.

After the vaccination, it is important to watch your pet for the next couple of days for any signs of a reaction to the shot. Possible symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Minor fever

• Irritability, expressed as biting, growling, or unwillingness to be with people

• Unusual sleepiness, lack of energy

• Swelling or redness around the injection site

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If you observe a lump on your cat for more than 3 months after it has been vaccinated for rabies or feline leukemia call your vet. This could be a sign of a vaccine-associated tumor.

Reactions to vaccines happen from time to time, but for the most part, having your pet vaccinated, and given a health checkup once a year, is the safest way to protect them and help them live a long, happy life.

Sources: American Animal Hospital Association and Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario, Canada

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Posted on June 11th, 2008 by itbsuperrich
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