HowToDoThings.com Recent Care & Health Articles

How To Choose a Cat Sitter

meloukhia — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:34:05 -0500

Every cat owner knows how fussy cats can get when you need to leave them, even for a few days. Finding a cat sitter you and they feel comfortable with is crucial, and it can be the start of a long-term business relationship. Be aware that good pet sitters can be booked for months in advance, so try to think ahead when you know you have a major trip planned.

Ask for recommendations. Skip the phone book and go straight to word of mouth, or turn to a trade organization like the National Association of Pet Sitters. Ask your veterinarian and friends if they know of a good cat sitter, and be sure to ask about rates as well. If you have additional pets, ask for a sitter who can handle all of your animals, in addition to your cat or cats. Humane organizations may also offer recommendations.

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How To Groom Your Cat

meloukhia — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:37:48 -0500

How To Prepare for a Pregnant Cat

cwalk — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:44:43 -0500

How To Care for a Blind Cat

Uninvited Writer — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:31:43 -0600

My cat, Boo, is blind. I don't believe he was blind from birth but he is now officially blind according to the vet. It takes a little while for you to realize that he can't see; you certainly can't tell right away by looking at him. I only started noticing because he would occasionally walk into a wall and had a hard time finding toys I threw. He runs and plays like any other cat, and is just as curious. He does not like a shut door and at night he has to sleep right up against me. He is very friendly with visitors just as long as they talk to him and pet him.

Don't let your cat outside. Being outside is dangerous enough for a cat but a blind one is at a definite disadvantage. There are too many dangers from other animals, traffic, and people.
Don't rearrange the furniture too often.

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How To Groom a Long-Haired Cat

CrystalsPetPages — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:48:02 -0600

Grooming your cat can be a chore to say the least. Grooming a long-haired cat can be an almost hair-raising experience. Be prepared for hair up your nose, in your eyes, and you might even end up with a little in your digestive tract. I will say that when you are finished and your cat has calmed down from being violated, you will both be happy you took the time to make your four-legged ball of fluff feel her very best.

How To Make Money as a Young Teen

Hayden Killworth — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:40:52 -0600

When you are young and can't get a job at a store or restaurant such as McDonald's, it can be hard to make money. As tough as it is to make a dent in the moneymaking world, there are other things you can do to pull in the cash.

How To Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

bronwyn — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:51:27 -0600

Christmas and other holidays can be fun for the whole family - pets included. However, there are some common hazards that may threaten your pet's well-being. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets who wander around the house could soon find that their curiosity and playfulness gets them into trouble. Before relaxing and celebrating, make sure that your home is pet-friendly.

How To Feed Your Pet Safely

teacher — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:17:30 -0500

Having a pet is a lot of fun as it provides you with company and even some entertainment, but you should be aware that it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, which includes feeding as well as safety. What do these two components have to do with each other? Well, next time that your pet is mooching food while you are having a snack or a meal, think about what you are about to feed him and ask yourself if it is safe to share? After all, the last thing that you want to do is to make your beloved pet ill, choke him or even cause his death. Surprised? Well, not as much as when you read the following potentially life-threatening foods that are listed below.

How To Clean a Cat

LisatheCopywriter — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:22:17 -0500

Cats are famously fastidious groomers. Anyone who’s lived with cats has observed them washing themselves several times a day; usually, they take care of themselves just fine.

Sometimes, however, you may wish to be involved. A grooming routine can be a good bonding experience; most cats enjoy the attention. Also, your cat may need help occasionally because of an unfortunate encounter with something icky, or you may have adopted a cat from difficult circumstances who just needs some help returning to his former elegance.

Before you get started, make sure you and your cat are both relaxed. If at all possible, enlist the help of a second person. Your helper can help Kitty stay still or just scratch him around the neck and ears to make it more enjoyable.

How To Groom a Cat

Staff468 — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:59:00 -0500

Would you want to bathe using your tongue on a daily basis? I didn't think so. But that's exactly what cats do. You'll never hear them complaining about it, either - or if you do, you probably won't recognize the complaint.

No, cats are generally very stoic about their grooming practices, quietly doing as much as they can to keep themselves tidy. But contrary to what many believe, cats can't groom themselves entirely on their own. We have to groom them in order for cats to be as clean and happy as they can be. And we all know how important it is that our cats be happy (they aren't stoic about too many things).

Brushing your cat. Cat hair comes in different lengths...

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How To Cope with the Loss of a Pet

Staff468 — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:39:00 -0600

There's no easy way to cope with the loss of a pet, nor should you try to bypass the natural grieving process. Always remember, you're not alone. Everyone who's ever been touched by a pet's loving devotion has also known the pain of loss.

A time of emotional turbulence. After the loss of a pet, you can expect to face the emotional roller coaster known as grief. For a time - sometimes a period of days, sometimes weeks or months - you may experience feelings of disbelief, sadness, anger, guilt, embarrassment or depression. Let's banish embarrassment without further delay, though, since there is no justifiable reason to be ashamed of grieving for your lost pet. Grief is admirable and human, not unnatural or embarrassing.

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How To Help Your Pet Cope with the Loss of Another Pet

Staff468 — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:36:00 -0600

Coping with the death of a beloved pet is very difficult for all of us, requiring lengthy sessions of grieving, feelings of emptiness and not just a few tears. But we often forget that the struggle is also difficult for a surviving pet who has lost a companion. Even if your pets did not seem incredibly close, they undoubtedly formed a stronger bond than was visibly obvious. Very likely you can see signs of grieving and sadness in your pet's behavior. We owe our pets all the support and love we can offer in their time of need; haven't they been there to support and love us?

Show the dead pet's body to your surviving pet, when possible. Allowing your surviving pet this opportunity can ease her potential anxiety and make the mourning period smoother.
How can you tell if your pet is grieving?
- You may notice a loss of appetite and enthusiasm for food and water.
  
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How To Choose a Veterinarian

Amy 329 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:06:00 -0600

For those of us who love our pets, choosing the right veterinarian can be a big decision. There are several things you can do to ensure that you find a doctor you are comfortable with and who will take the best possible care of your pet.

Ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to find a good veterinarian is to ask other people for recommendations. You can ask family and friends, and you can also check with a breeder or the staff of your local animal shelter. Getting recommendations from people who have a good relationship with their veterinarian is better than searching your local yellow pages.

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How To Choose the Right Pet Boarding Kennel

Casey47 — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:03:00 -0600

Choosing your pet's home away from home while you are gone is one of the more important choices you can make for them. Many people do not realize the extreme differences in pet boarding kennels these days. Just the name itself can tell you a lot. Would you rather your dog stay at a boarding kennel or a pet resort? I think the answer to that is easy! Now let's explore why this is by talking about prices, accommodations, extras, and other factors.

Locating Pet Boarding Kennels: The first step in choosing the right place to board your pet is to first locate all of your choices. There are two really simple ways to do this.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Herpes

Deborah331 — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 04:02:00 -0500

Feline Rhinotracheitis, or feline herpes, is a virus commonly found in weak kittens or older cats, both domestic and wild. This feline virus is highly infectious and is easily transmitted from an infected cat to an uninfected one. Transmission of feline herpes is easily accomplished by the uninfected cat coming in contact with the infected cat's body fluids, which are found in the nose, eye or mouth and can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing. Feline herpes can also be found on items exposed to the infected cat, including food and water dishes, cages and litter boxes. Owners can even pass feline herpes from one cat to another. Responsible owners will recognize the symptoms of feline herpes, go to a vet for a diagnosis, have the cat treated and, importantly, vaccinate their cats to prevent feline herpes in the future.

How To Identify and Treat Feline Kidney Disease

Darcy480 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:01:00 -0500

Feline kidney disease is extremely common in older cats but can develop in younger cats. Cats that develop kidney disease do not begin to show symptoms until they have lost approximately 65-70% of the nephrons in their kidneys. Nephrons are funnel-shaped tubes that filter and reabsorb the fluids inside the kidneys. Kidney failure will result if more than 75% of the nephrons are lost.

What are the common symptoms of feline kidney disease?

The most common symptoms are:

Increased thirst.
Changes in bladder habits (increased urination, urinating in strange places, straining when urinating, and/or blood in the urine).
Gagging and/or vomiting (both clear/foamy liquid and food).

Other symptoms include:

Loss of appetite and weight loss
.
Depression and lethargy.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Leukemia

Sharon449 — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:03:00 -0500

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) causes feline leukemia, a type of cancer, as well as many other disorders including lymphoma, immune system suppression, anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, paralysis, and upper respiratory infections. In the first stage of FeLV infection, the virus is found in the blood but has not spread. Some infected cats can fight off the virus in this stage and have immunity thereafter. In the second stage, the virus spreads beyond the blood to invade the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. Once this happens, some cats will have an active infection and begin to show more symptoms right away, while others will have a dormant infection that may show up later, after months or years.

How To Identify and Treat Feline Pancreatitis

Ann110 — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 21:29:00 -0500

Feline pancreatitis is a serious disease that can be dangerous as well as painful for your cat.

What is pancreatitis? It is a swelling of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. When the pancreas is swollen, the enzymes it produces can enter the surrounding abdominal organs. Ultimately, this can cause damage to the liver, intestines and other internal organs that are near the pancreas.
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis? Feline pancreatitis can be hard to identify. While it is commonly marked by vomiting, not all cats display this symptom. Other cats may show signs of abdominal distress or fever, although these are symptoms of many feline health conditions. Two of the most common things observed in cats with pancreatitis are loss of appetite and lethargy.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline HIV and AIDS

Donna162 — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 13:17:00 -0500

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is part of the same family of viruses (lentiviruses) as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Essentially, FIV affects a cat's T cells, the white blood cells that are essential in staving off infections. As in the human variety, FIV attacks the cat's immune system, weakening it and leaving the cat prone to a variety of illnesses and infections. First identified in 1986, FIV is found not only in domestic house cats, but is also found in cats in the wild, including tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats, cheetahs, and pumas.

How To Identify and Treat Feline Constipation

Donna162 — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:32:00 -0500

Feline constipation is not uncommon, and while it is more often found in older cats, it can occur in cats of any age. Generally, a cat will have one or two bowel movements a day. A change in this pattern could indicate that the cat is suffering from feline constipation. Here's some information that can help you identify and treat this condition.

Symptoms of Feline Constipation

How To Identify and Treat Feline Ear Mites

Ann110 — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 20:45:00 -0500

Ear mites are one of the most common causes of feline ear discomfort. But what exactly are ear mites? They are tiny parasites that live inside the ear canal of an infected animal; in the case of cats, the most likely organism is Otodectes cynotis. The mites live on the wax and other dirt inside a cat's ear.

How To Care for Older Cats

Jane199 — Sun, 28 May 2006 16:18:00 -0500

Older cats are more sedentary than younger ones, and usually easier housemates, since they are less 'crazy,' but they have unique health issues that you should be aware of.

How To Care for Your House Cat

Jane199 — Sat, 27 May 2006 14:27:00 -0500

Cats are among the easiest house pets to care for, because they are fairly self-sufficient, as long as they are fed and their litter is changed periodically. But there are a few things you need to know if you haven't ever been owned by a cat before.

The procedures for integrating a cat into your household are a little different, depending on the age of the cat, and whether or not you already have pets. Don't hesitate to mix cats and dogs, unless you have a dog that is very territorial and aggressive. Dogs raised with cats are quite happy to share their person with them, and often will pick one kitten to be its particular friend.

If you adopt a kitten:

How To Identify and Treat Feline Distemper

Amy135 — Fri, 26 May 2006 12:09:00 -0500

Feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is a serious disease most often seen in kittens under age five months. The disease is often fatal in kittens, although older cats may have a better chance to survive.

Feline panleukopenia is a viral disease, and the causative virus is shed in most cats' secretions and excretions. It can even be passed along by a mother cat to her kittens in the womb. It is transmitted most often by fleas. The virus is a hardy one, and can live for years. Most antiseptics and disinfectants have no effect on it. The virus may be killed by at least a 10-minute immersion in bleach.
The first symptom of panleukopenia is usually a sudden, high fever. By about 48 hours after the fever's appearance, the cat will not eat, and often starts vomiting. Depression, diarrhea and dehydration follow. Hemorrhage of the intestines may follow as the disease progresses.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Carrie122 — Thu, 25 May 2006 17:44:00 -0500

Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in cats. The term actually refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the stomach lining or intestinal tracts, which causes changes in the normal bodily functions these organs perform.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease often mimic those of other diseases or illnesses, therefore it is important to take your cat to see the veterinarian if any of these symptoms occur. They include:

Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Refusal to use the litter box

Stomach gurgles or rumbling

Flatulence

Darkened stools

Abdominal pain

These symptoms can last over the course of several weeks, or can come and go intermittently.

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How To Take Care of Kittens

Theresa157 — Wed, 24 May 2006 08:40:00 -0500

If you've just gotten a kitten, you may be wondering how to care for her and what you should be doing. You may have questions about vaccines, foods, litter boxes and health concerns.

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How To Wean a Bottle Fed Kitten

Theresa157 — Mon, 22 May 2006 08:46:00 -0500

Here are some pointers on how to make the transition as stress-free as possible for both you and your kitten:

Once your cat is four weeks old (see # 9), start by making a paste with the formula and a quality, brand-name soft food like Science Diet Feline Growth canned food. You can also offer meat-based baby foods if you wish.

Once you have your paste, put it into a saucer or a shallow bowl.

Use your finger to feed the kitten from the saucer or shallow bowl so she gets the idea of eating solid food and of getting food from the saucer or bowl. After you've offered the paste to your kitten with your finger, offer her the soft food from the saucer. Be prepared for the kitten to play in it and make a mess. A towel beneath the bowl or saucer may be a great idea.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Worms

Theresa157 — Mon, 22 May 2006 08:22:00 -0500

If you have a new kitten or see something odd in your cat's fecal matter, you may be wondering about worms. Worms are a parasitic organism that many cats get. The two most common kinds of worms are tapeworms and roundworms.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Parasites

Carrie122 — Tue, 16 May 2006 09:39:00 -0500

Feline parasites are divided into two different types: those that live outside the body including fleas, mites, and ticks, and those who live inside the body and include tapeworms, heartworms, and ringworms.

No matter which type of parasite you're dealing with, they can be frustrating, painful for your cat, and difficult to get rid of. They can also be responsible for the spread of disease, and cause your cat a great deal of distress.

Fleas: The most common type of feline skin parasite is the flea. Fleas can cause anemia in kittens, and many cats are allergic to their bites. Fleas are so tiny it can be hard to spot them, but they do leave their droppings behind. The droppings are reddish in color, and will stain a damp paper towel with reddish-pink blots. Cats with fleas will be itchy and have small red bites on their skin.

Treatment:

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Anemia

Donna162 — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:17:00 -0500

Like humans, cats can, and often do suffer from anemia. The condition, known as feline anemia, is the result of a low red blood cell count that leads to a reduction of the oxygen level throughout the cat's system. Anemia is frequently a result of kidney disease, which causes a shortage of the hormone erythropoietin. When levels of erythropoietin are reduced, the bone marrow receives fewer stimuli to produce the red blood cells.

Feline anemia can also be caused by fleas or other parasites. Some cats have developed the condition after having suffered a severe blood loss, either from trauma or through an internal cause, such as a bleeding ulcer or tumor.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Carrie122 — Sun, 07 May 2006 15:41:00 -0500

Feline squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the skin of cats, most commonly in and around the facial tissue. The disease is contracted most often in outdoor cats with light-colored coat and skin, and appears to be related to sun exposure. Older cats are also more likely to contract feline squamous cell carcinoma, generally after eleven years of age.

Tumors can appear anywhere on the body, including the tongue, tonsils, nasal passages, ears and esophagus. Treatments and success rates vary depending on the location of the tumor and how much the disease has spread before it is diagnosed and treated. If lesions or tumors can be surgically removed or reached easily with radiation, the chance of successful treatment is much greater than with those that are internal.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Lymphoma

Carrie122 — Tue, 02 May 2006 08:10:00 -0500

Cats are more susceptible to lymphoma than humans or other animals, and those who already suffer from feline leukemia are even more likely to contract feline lymphoma. While the disease is certainly serious and can be life-threatening, it is possible to manage the disease for some time to improve your cat's quality of life. Read on to find out more about the condition and how it can be treated.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Vomiting

Theresa157 — Mon, 01 May 2006 07:58:00 -0500

If your cat vomits once or on rare occasions, it's usually not a big deal (other than the mess to your carpet or furniture). But if your cat vomits more, there may be some concerns. Not only is vomiting a symptom of health issues, but vomiting can lead to other problems such as dehydration. If your cat is vomiting up blood, take your pet to a vet or an emergency veterinarian hospital immediately.

The following will help you treat your cat's vomiting. If your cat continues to vomit for more than 48 hours, gets worse or becomes lethargic or sick-acting, contact your vet for further instructions.

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How To Care for Himalayan Cats

Ann110 — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 22:00:00 -0500

Caring for Himalayan cats is similar to the care for most feline breeds. However, there are a few unique factors to consider if you are planning to make a Himalayan cat part of your family.

Himalayan cats are actually a subcategory of the Persian breed. Persian cats were bred with Siamese cats to acquire their beautiful coloring. Himalayans have the characteristic flat faces and long fur of the Persian breed. Their bodies are well-muscled and lean, despite the puffy appearance.

Himalayans tend to have gentle and sweet temperaments and make good pets for many different kinds of families. They tend to have relaxed natures, but also to be playful and active. As a breed, they are affectionate and sweet, if a bit fickle.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Carrie122 — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:06:00 -0500

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a condition in cats caused by an infection of a coronavirus. It attacks the white blood cells, where the virus grows and mutates, using the cells to transport itself throughout the rest of the cat's body. FIP causes severe inflammation at the infection site and can lead to a variety of symptoms. Here's what you need to know about Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

Kittens and cats older than 14 years of age are most susceptible to Feline Infectious Peritonitis, as their immune systems are more fragile.

The coronavirus that causes FIP can be spread through a cat's saliva or feces. Cats become infected with the virus through direct contact with an infected cat, inhaling the virus or picking it up from a contaminated surface such as furniture, toys, food dishes or carpeting. The virus is not passed down from a mother to her kittens, nor can it be spread through breast milk.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Asthma

Carrie122 — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 08:26:00 -0500

Feline asthma is a condition that afflicts roughly one percent of domestic cats. While no one is sure what exactly causes this chronic respiratory condition, most veterinarians agree that it is an allergic reaction to pollutants in the air.

If you suspect that your cat may suffer from feline asthma, watch for these signs:

Periods of dry coughing, which can be severe. This can mimic the type of cough that results in a hairball or vomiting, and sometimes the cat will indeed vomit because of the severity of the coughing.

Wheezing sounds, or difficulty breathing.

Open-mouth breathing and frequent panting.

Slow, labored breathing or fast, gulping breaths.

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How To Identify and Treat Feline Hyperthyroidism

Amy135 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:20:00 -0500

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disorder of older cats caused by a benign adenoma tumor growing on the thyroid gland.

Onset of this disorder can be gradual and may not be recognized until symptoms are far advanced. A cat with this disorder may have weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, nervousness and vomiting. The cat should be taken to the veterinarian and the owner should ask for a complete blood panel, including a thyroid test. The blood panel will also rule out other disorders such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Cats left untreated often die of heart failure, since the disease makes the heart beat faster and can cause a thickening of the heart wall. Fluid builds up in the chest and the cat begins wheezing and coughing. Treating the hyperthyroidism may resolve the heart issues, but the cat may also need heart medication until the heart is healthier.

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How To Feed Kittens

Amy135 — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 12:25:00 -0500

Feeding kittens is usually not challenging, unless the kittens are unweaned. In that case, special measures are necessary.

Feeding a weaned kitten:

For weaned kittens, a person should start by feeding any commercial dry food especially for kittens. The food should be slightly moistened with water. Fresh water should also be offered at all times. The dry food should be moistened until the kitten is about five to six months old. Do not moisten the food with milk. Cow's milk gives many cats diarrhea and is not healthy for them.

Some pet owners want to move a cat on to canned food. This should not be done until the cat is at least six months old. However, the canned food should still be supplemented with the kitten chow until the cat is 12-18 months old. The kitten chow provides extra nutrients that are essential for a healthy adult cat. Also, dry food should still be offered even if the cat eats canned food.

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How To Care for a Pregnant Cat

Carrie122 — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:27:00 -0500

Cats need special care when they are pregnant, just like humans do! A female cat is sexually mature at between five and nine months of age. Once pregnant, their gestation period lasts for about 65 days. Pregnant cats are called queens, which, if you're a cat owner you'll agree, suits them perfectly.

While a cat who has become pregnant may not show any obvious signs of their condition within the first few weeks of their pregnancy, they will no longer be going into heat or showing signs of being ready to mate. After about three weeks, the queen's nipples will enlarge and become quite pink, and soon after her stomach will start to grow larger as well. By this time there should be no doubt as to her condition. Here are some steps you can take to make sure the pregnancy and delivery are as easy and safe as possible for your cat and her kittens.

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