General Cat Care

Many people get a cat thinking that they need no care. This is a misconception. Cats do need love and care. They need to be fed, groomed, trained and loved. They need to be protected from disease and hazards. Cats today are different from the wild cats of our ancestors and quite content to have people provide these things. They need care when we go out of town. They may also need to be treated for medical conditions.

If you want to be a better cat-owner, here are some pointers to help you take care of your cat in the best way possible. Hygiene, training, and grooming are all addressed in a logical, easy to understand format. How to use treats is addressed, so that they stay treats, not a general practice.

Cats need food, litter boxes, and flea control. Their people need the correct supplies to take care of them. While there are many good products in the general marketplace, there are specialty items you may not be aware of or may be paying top-dollar for. I can help with the latter. Specialty items can be purchased directly from the suppliers at a price that makes their use more appealing, often with free shipping.

Cat care consists of attending to the physical comforts of your cat, emotional and intellectual stimulation, and love. The physical is easy. All the "things" you need are easily accesible. Emotional and intellectual stimulation are in the way you relate to your cat. Talk to your cat. Treat it as a friend and it will be one to you. Allow your cat to express it's unique personality. Stimulate it's natural intellect with toys, games and training.

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By simply relating to your cat as you go about your day; talking to it when you enter the room, calling it for food or bed; your cat will become attentive to you. You will find your cat coming around to say "hello," asking for cuddles and play.

Tickler wands and other interactive toys will always help your cat to relate to you. Because these toys are only available for play when you offer them, your cat will ask you for them. Your cat can easily be trained to playing with these toys by offering the toys, and when your cat loses interest, give a treat and a cuddle. The treats and toys will give your cat an added reason to play with you besides the exercise and enjoyment it gets by chasing the toy you offer.

We Train Cats

Why Do We Train Cats?

Why do we train cats? Training cats is usually done for one of four reasons:

• To housebreak the cat
• To tame a feral cat
• To correct objectionable (bad) behavior developed in the cat
• To make the cat perform

Each reason is valid in its' context.

Housebreaking includes litter box, sleeping arrangements, counters and furniture, scratching posts, other pets and family members, feeding times.

Usually, a kitten learns the acceptable behaviors "by osmosis" as it grows up in the home. Most people have little difficulty with this. However; when you adopt an adult cat, your cat has different house rules than you do; and this cause friction. The cat must be retrained.

A Feral Cat must be tamed before housebreaking can occur. Taming a feral cat includes developing trust. This is not the easiest thing to do after a cat has been trapped, altered and given vaccinations. The poor thing is probably delirious with fear. Patience is the key. Let the cat lead this dance. If you plan to tame the cat, do not let it loose again after the trapping and vet visit. The cat will not be taken in again.

Correcting Objectionable Behavior calls into play a lot of training and behavioral science knowledge. Operant Conditioning is outlined and discussed. Each behavior needs to be addressed separately, and the measures used to correct one behavior may exacerbate another. The specifics of this are discussed. Clicker training is promoted, as this is the easiest way to train your cat. However, not all cats respond positively to the clicker, and you can ask the Cat Whisperer for help with these cats.

Training to Perform is a simple cycle of the task or trick, mark, reward and repeat. The hardest part is getting the cat to do the behavior the first time. The more often you associate the word or action on your part with the action desired from the cat, the more ingrained the behavior will be. Read the Operant Conditioning page for more information.

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem for cats. The hair loss can be partial or complete, and the patterns varied or symmetrical. Treatment options exist, though they are limited.

Symptoms and Types of Hair Loss in Cats

Signs include partial or total hair loss. The skin surrounding the area of hair loss can appear normal or it can have redness, bumps, scabs, and skin loss. Alopecia may appear in a symmetrical form, or it can be random on the cat's skin.

Causes

In older cats diagnosed with cancer, alopecia is common. Nervous disorders (e.g., over-grooming) can also cause cats to lose their hair. Hormonal imbalances, specifically too much thyroid or increased levels of steroids in the body, may lead to hair loss. Some cats experience skin allergies, which can also cause hair loss to occur. Parasites that bring about mange, and fungal issues like ringworm, are also a common cause of alopecia. Another less common factor is heredity.

Diagnosis

A complete blood count (CBC) is often done to determine if there are hormonal or thyroid imbalances causing the alopecia. Various imaging tools, such as X-rays, are used to rule out signs of cancer or abnormalities in the adrenal glands. Meanwhile, if the veterinarian believes hair loss is due to a skin issue, a skin biopsy or culture may be done.

Treatment of Alopecia in Cats

If the alopecia is due to a skin disorder (e.g., skin erosions), thyroid imbalance, or other hormonal imbalance, there are medications and topical treatments available. If hair loss is due to a behavioral issue, modification treatment can be taught to lessen the problem. Overall, treatment options are fairly limited.

Living and Management

Other than administering the appropriate medication, you should observe the cat's condition to make sure it does not become worse.

BioDeodorizer

BioDeodorizer Refill: 32 oz Bottle

BioDeodorizer gets rid of odors by digesting their sources. Safe for use on tile and carpet, trash receptacles, recycle bins, hampers, even drain lines! Eliminates odors from pet beds and pet accidents on carpet and grout, and freshens litter boxes. BioDeodorizer is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates. The refill contains a 32 oz. bottle; simply re-use your existing heavy-duty sprayer!

Water Ski Dog Leash

Water Ski Dog Leash

Product Summary:
493211 Water Ski Dog Leash

Sure to be the coolest leash on the dock, this water-ski style lead by Paws Aboard™ is outfitted with an authentic ski rope handle and sturdy cord.

Features:

· Heavy-duty steel clip

· Water ski handle offers excellent comfort and control

· Super strength cord is durable and lightweight

Item Specifications:

Dimensions:

4½’ (cord), plus handle 6x7x3

Pet Saver Life Jacket

Kyjen Pet Saver Life Jacket

Product Summary:

High performance dog floatation device for boating, water sport adventures and other outdoor activities with dogs. Provides flotation and ultimate buoyancy with bright orange color for easy visibility. Features quick release buckles, adjustable straps and a convenient top grab handle. Water repellent Neoprene and Cordura materials provide warmth and protection from abrasion.

Size:

X-Small (Up to 18 lbs/15-19" Girth)

Small (15-25 lbs/19-24" Girth)

Medium (20-30 lbs/22-29" Girth)

Large (40-70 lbs/26-35" Girth)

X-Large (Over 70 lbs/31-42" Girth)

Plastic Dog Crate

Petmate Vari-Kennel Ultra Plastic Dog Crate

Product Summary:

Petmate® Vari-Kennel® Ultra Plastic Dog Crate

Have crate, will travel. The Petmate® Vari-Kennel® Ultra is all about comfort, sturdiness and value. It’s also the most affordable option of this caliber. It offers your dog all of the comforts and roominess of a traditional steel crate, in a tough style that’s ready and appropriate for travel, air or otherwise. Whether you’re on the road to grandma’s, overseas, or just setting up camp in your backyard, the Vari-Kennel® is the best way to take “home” with you.

Features:

· Lightweight, high-density copolymer construction

· Bottom half is comfortable enough to use for bed or whelping box

· Simple to assemble – no tools required

· Non-corrosive wing nut connections

· Vents provide open airflow for maximum comfort

· High carbon steel door with door guards

· Squeeze latch offers superior security and one-handed operation

· Flat floor with moat for a dry dog and easy cleanup

· Molded rim improves gripping

· Approved for international air travel with purchase of water cup and label

· Tie down strap holes at each corner

· Interlocking stacking lugs allow stacking of multiple crates

· Easy to clean

· Fits pets 19” to 28” tall

Item Specifications:

Sizes:

Medium: 28”L x 20.5”W x 21.5”H (equipped with carry handle)

Intermediate: 32”L x 22.5”W x 24”H

Large: 36”L x 25”W x 27”H

Extra Large: 39”L x 26”W x 30”H

Giant: 48”L X 32”w x 35”H

Colors:

Traditional Bleached Linen

Related search - 380105

Calf coccidiosis

Headquarter of Bayer Animal Health in Monheim, Germany

The infectious disease coccidiosis poses a massive problem for cattle herds all over the world. This parasitic disease is wide-spread. Unless it is treated early and appropriately it causes severe diarrhea in calves. The consequences are developmental disorders, organ damage and underperformance in animals as well as heavy economic losses for farmers. This is why the early recognition, prevention and effective treatment of calf coccidiosis is the major focus of interest at today’s press conference held by Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division at the XXVth World Buiatrics Congress (WBC) in Budapest, Hungary.

Lykele van der Broek, Head of the Animal Health Division, underlines Bayer’s role as a research-based company which responds to changes on the global cattle market and supports veterinarians and farmers with new product solutions. With sales of €956 million in 2007, Bayer Animal Health is one of the leading manufacturers of animal health products worldwide. The Division produces and distributes over 100 different medicines and care products for farm livestock and domestic pets.

“The long-term future of our business is safeguarded by innovations,” says van der Broek. Bayer Animal Health therefore invests approximately ten percent of its yearly turnover in the research and development of new compounds and the advancement of existing products. Special attention is paid to the livestock sector, states van der Broek. “The continued growth in world population, the rising incomes in emerging countries and the associated increase in the demand for animal-derived foods make innovative, effective and user-friendly high-quality products for farm livestock a major priority.” Cattle are still the most important farm species for the animal health industry.

Professor Arwid Daugschies, Director of the Institute of Parasitology at the Veterinary Faculty of Leipzig University, and Dr. Klemens Krieger, head of the research and development department working on parasite control products at Bayer Animal Health – both renowned experts in the field of coccidiosis – presented the latest scientific findings and insights into practical research at the press conference.

Surveys among European veterinarians show that coccidiosis often remains undiagnosed in practice. Initial symptoms in calves, such as reduced feed intake, poor growth or diarrhea, are frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial or viral infections, reports Daugschies. All too often this results in inappropriate treatment with antibiotics, which leads to therapeutic failure. The Leipzig-based scientist therefore advocates extensive differential diagnosis in order to identify a coccidial infection at the earliest possible time. He explains that the intestines of infected animals sustain massive and lasting damage even before the onset of symptoms. As a result, food intake is permanently reduced and immunity weakened. In order to prevent a disease outbreak and avert the subsequent loss of performance, treatment should preferably be given before the first onset of diarrhea, Daugschies says.

Toltrazuril, the active compound developed by Bayer Animal Health, is one of the most efficient remedies against coccidia in various animal species. Recent field studies in cattle have also demonstrated the high efficacy of the compound against these parasites, reports Krieger. “Toltrazuril inhibits the intracellular development of the infectious agents and controls them at all stages of their life cycle. Providing an early and appropriate treatment it has the added benefit of greatly reducing the use of antibiotics as the risk of secondary infections is much lower.”

About Bayer HealthCare

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. The company combines the activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide.

With sales of €956 million (2007), the Animal Health Division is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of veterinary drugs. The division produces and markets approximately 100 different animal health and care products worldwide for livestock and companion animals.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those described in Bayer’s published reports, These reports are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Lykele van der Broek

Cattle at the stable

Cattle

Coccidiosis: Healthy intestinal mucous membrane

Coccidiosis: Attacked intestinal mucous membrane

Coccidiosis: Oocyst Cycle

Coccidiosis: Oocyst Cycle (German)

Marine Animals

Protecting Rare Marine Animals

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,000 different varieties of animals, so that in one day visitors can travel around the One of the most toxic animals in the world -- the poison dart frog -- lives here. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is part of a renowned poison dart frog breeding program, with herpetologists supplying frogs to other zoos and aquariums. The Aquarium also has one of the most extensive turtle collections in the country.

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Enter an aquarium and an underwater zoo comes alive with fish of all shapes and sizes. But if you want more than just a fish-tank view, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,000 different varieties of animals, for a rare visitor experience.

"In one day you can really travel around the world and see a frog that's only found in one little remote part," the aquarium's General Curator, Jack Cover, tells DBIS.

One of the most toxic animals in the world -- the poison dart frog -- lives here. Its bright colors warn predators to keep away, but herpetologists learned they aren't very dangerous living inside the aquarium. In fact, Cover says dart frogs born and raised in captivity are completely non-toxic.

And if frogs aren't your thing, "Turtles are really interesting animals," says Cover. "They first appeared on the planet about 300 million years ago." The National Aquarium in Baltimore has one of the most extensive turtle collections in the country, helping keep some of these slow movers from their biggest threat -- cars! According to Cover, what's the best feature of this "ZooArium?" Getting an up close experience inside, without outside hassles.

"You're gonna see a lot of diversity and the best thing, you get to see them without the extreme heat and the mosquitoes that would normally be chewing you up if you were out in the wild," he says -- a wildly fun experience.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is part of a renowned poison dart frog breeding program, supplying frogs to other zoos and aquariums. Cover says the best time of year to visit the aquarium is in the winter, and ticket prices range from about $14 to $24 depending on age.

BACKGROUND: The National Aquarium in Baltimore features hundreds of exhibits and has more than 16,500 animals. It measures 115,000 square feet and holds more than one million gallons of water. Among the top exhibits today are an environment of Australian animals, a dolphin exhibit, and an exhibit about frogs, the most populous amphibian.

AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS: The Aquarium's Australian exhibit, Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, depicts stories of animal survival in Australia's dry environment. The highly adaptive animals in wild Australia have survived over millions of years in a land of drought, fire, and flood. Australia, roughly the same size as the United States, is the worldýs largest island. Separated by ocean from the rest of the world, Australia has a higher percentage of native animals than any other continent on earth, meaning that many of its species are not naturally found outside the country. These animals -- living creatures that are as close to prehistoric as can be found on earth -- developed over millions of years in solitude.

MARSUPIAL MAMMALS: Australia is famous for its marsupial mammals, which carry their developing young around in a pouch. The mother delivers the babies, still in the embryo stage, when they cannot live by themselves, from inside her body into this pouch. The embryo crawls up and attaches itself to the mothers nipples, located inside the pouch. It continues to develop there, and eventually starts leaving and returning to the pouch in later stages of its development. Over 200 of the 334 species of marsupials are native to Australia, but just one species native to the US, the Virginia Opossum.

Animal Health Product

new animal health product in New Zealand

Experts Conquer Parasites Just as Sir Edmund Hillary Once Conquered Mount Everest

In Kiel the team is working with full speed to deliver the new dewormer for cats in time in europe.

Christchurch (New Zealand) / Leverkusen – Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to conquer Mount Everest. What does it take to accomplish such a feat? In addition to good physical fitness and a high level of motivation one needs a clear goal, which is exactly what the experts from Bayer HealthCare had when they began working on a new deworming product for cats. Never losing sight of the goal, their long march ultimately led to the development of a new animal health care product on the basis of two active ingredients. One of these is new, and Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division has become the first company to use it in an animal health product: Profender^®. From now on the new dewormer will be launched in Europe within the next six months. At the International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) in Christchurch, New Zealand, the scientists Dr. Christian Epe (Hanover Veterinary College, Germany) and Craigh Reinemeyer, Ph.D. (East Tennessee Clinical Research, U.S.A.) presented test results and field studies affirming the impressive performance of this product to over 600 of their colleagues from all over the world at one of the conference symposiums. The company is heralding a new era in deworming with this innovative animal health product. After more than 20 years, Bayer has thus succeeded in developing a new anthelmintic from a new class of chemical compounds. Designed as a spot-on preparation with two active ingredients, Profender^® is the first prescription-only product for topical application providing comprehensive deworming of all relevant endoparasites in just one treatment step. This new product underscores Bayer HealthCare’s status as an inventor company. The active ingredient praziquantel, the effectiveness of which has been recognized around the world for the past 30 years, has already set standards in the fight against parasites in companion animals and agricultural livestock and even in human beings. The second active ingredient, emodepside, comes from a new class of active substances. Discovered in Japan, its full potential was first recognized and tapped for the development of an animal health product by Bayer’s Animal Health Division. The inventor of the drug, Professor Achim Harder from the Research&Development department of Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division, explained the novel mode of action and the long path to approval at the WAAVP Profender^® symposium. The succinct and somewhat unscientific objective for the researchers working on this project was: Make it stress-free and easy to use! The new deworming product for cats is an especially good example of how our products help animals and benefit our customers. As an alternative to deworming tablets, we have now developed an easy, stress-free and efficient treatment method which is quick and convenient to administer for both veterinarians and animal owners. This is true ‘Science For A Better Life,’ commented Dr. Norbert Mencke, Head of Technical Service for Companion Animals at Bayer HealthCare. Sir Edmund Hillary who conquered Mount Everest, and later the South Pole, the most famous living New Zealand adventure hero, gave a welcome speech at the Bayer Reception following the WAAVP Profender Symposium. In his book View from the summit he expressed his ambitious goal with the words: For the first time on the whole expedition I had the confidence that we were going to get to the top. And as we all know, he made it! Leverkusen / Christchurch, October 20, 2005
hb (2005-10-599)

About Bayer HealthCare AG:

Bayer HealthCare AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2004, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some €8.5 billion.

The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. 35,300 people were employed by Bayer HealthCare worldwide in 2004. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.

SAVE YOUR CAT

Cat health care is an issue that you can now take an active interest in. Use your own curiosity and your Internet skills to keep up to date with all the cat health information that is available to you at your very fingertips.

There are many websites out there on the World Wide Web that specialize in cats and cat-related issues, including cat health problems, cat health symptoms and cat health insurance. The expert, of course, is your veterinarian, but if you keep yourself informed and actively involved in your cat's health life you could well save your cat from any health-related discomfort. Early detection of any ailment is the only way to help your cat live happier and longer.

You can start with a web search or you can ask your veterinarian to recommend a website that he or she may also find useful. There are websites that offer access to databases full of all the information you could ever need about your cat's health needs.

Information on common illnesses or illnesses specific to certain breeds can be found online, which can also help you to be aware of the potential health problems that your pet could face.

But keeping informed about your cat's health is not based on just negative information. You'll find positive information and advice on nutrition, vitamins, pet toys and supplies to keep your cat happier and healthier.

The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems.

Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections. Fighting can lead to various wounds. Eyes are particularly sensitive to feline fights. A sure sign of a cat's health ailing is if he or she stops eating and isn't interested in playing. Wounds should certainly be treated immediately, but if your cat is eating and playing as normal, then you've no real need to worry.

Fleas are also a common problem with cats, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Cat health insurance is a popular choice these days and it is something to consider, albeit carefully. There are insurance companies online that specialize in pet insurance. You can get a quote online and even pay online. The positive aspects of having cat insurance is that if you cat does fall ill or have an accident the insurance will cover part or all of the veterinary bill. Some insurance companies even say they'll cover the cost of advertising for lost cats. As with all insurance packages you should read the fine print before paying for anything.

About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of feline-cat-health.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.