Healthy Pet Corner's Information
and Links for Cats

Basic Care for Cats:
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

If you're thinking of getting a cat, may I suggest you consider adopting a cat from a shelter instead of buying from a pet store or breeder or responding to a "free kittens" ad in the paper. It would mean the world to a homeless cat. You can find a local shelter and choose a pet online at http://www.petfinder.com. Many shelters know the personalities of their animals and can help to match the "perfect" pet for your home.

What to get? Kittens are adorable, but an adult cat can be a better choice for many reasons. Most people don't realize that caring for a kitten is a lot like caring for a baby. Kittens may choose to spend nights scaling your drapes and running up and down stairs and across your countertops until it is trained. An adult cat is usually much calmer and less likely to get into trouble. You'll know what you're getting in personality and appearance. Read more detail at www.sspca.org/KittenCat.html - kitten vs. adult cat.

Knowing a little bit about what is required will help you know whether a cat would be well cared for in your home. Being prepared before the cat arrives will provide for a better start for your cat's change in environment.

Food/Water: You will need food, food dish, water bowl, toys, brush, comb, safety cat collar, scratching post, litter box, and litter. Feed your cat a high-quality food, such as Flint River Ranch, to prevent health problems and clean the dish daily. Wash and refill water bowl daily. Read the article,"Consider Your Pet's Diet."

Health: Spaying and neutering is something that should be considered as soon as the cat is old enough (recent research allows for 6-14 weeks old). Read about the health benefits of spayed and neutered pets. There are low-cost spay/neuter programs to make it affordable to do the right thing. One (1) female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven (7) years.

Immunizations are a health concern. Many vets are saying that all those vaccines are not necessary. To make a big difference in the long-term with your cat's dental health, you can begin early to brush your cat's teeth.

Mosquito Fighter - An all natural and environmentally safe mosquito and tick repellent spray to keep mosquitoes and ticks out of your yard and away from your home.

Grooming: Cats rarely need a bath, but they do need to be brushed or combed to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding which cuts down on hairballs. Read more about why cats groom and what brushing provides.

Housing: Give your cat a clean, dry place of their own. Make a bed [a cardboard box will do] with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Wash the bedding often.

Inside/Outside Cat: Please keep your cat indoors. If your companion animal is allowed outside, they're more susceptible to life-threatening diseases, ticks and other parasites. They can become lost or get hit by a car (1.5 million cats are killed by autos annually), hurt in a fight or poisoned. Outside cats kill a lot of wildlife. You can make your outdoor cat an indoor cat.

Outdoor cats commonly have a life expectancy of fewer than 5 years, while indoor cats is up to 17 years. With less exposure to disease, other cats and animals, and fewer opportunities to have accidents , vet bills are less and cats and owners live happier and healthier lives! A safety collar with an identification tag is always good even for a cat kept inside.

Litter Box: A clean litter box will save you many problems around the house. Litter box basics are essential for you and the cat. There is some discussion about the more recent clumping litters being dangerous.

Scratching Post: This will be a necessary item to avoid having problems with your cat scratching the furniture and other areas of the home. Scratching is a natural behavior, so don't declaw. There are alternatives to declawing available.

Owning a pet is a big responsibility and shouldn't be taken lightly. Aanimals depend on their owners for nearly every aspect of their lives. It's wise to make sure you will be able to meet their needs.

Basic Care Links:

Flint River Ranch Oven-Baked Cat Foods and Healthy Treats - Shipping is included!

Life's Abundance Cat Food by Dr. Jane Bicks - Wheat-free and corn-free foods/treats

Consider Your Pet's Diet - Prevent so many pet diseases - find out what's in your pet food - in most cases, it's not what you think and won't keep a pet healthy

Raw Meat Diets - Recent research shows veterinarians concerned about this harmful practice

Eliminate Pet Stains and Odors Naturally - Even beneath the carpet.  Safe, non-toxic for pets and children.  Really works too!

Pet-Safe Cleaning Product - Chemical cleaning products take their toll on pets

Eco-Friendly Kitty Litter - Recycled newspaper or reclaimed wood

Boarding and Daycare - Find an safe and accredited local place for boarding and daycare for your pets - USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more countries

Getting a Cat Links:

http://www.petfinder.com - Rescue a Homeless Cat - You'll find one perfect for your household and lifestyle by working with a local rescue organization

www.artzwild.com/cat/older.html - Kitten vs. Adult - Which is best for you?

HIV/AIDS and Pet Ownership - Making sure it's right

E-mail Class for First Time Cat Owners - Great way to cover the bases - Total of 8 classes!

Choosing A Name - Very helpful and creative site with lots of selection
based on color, gender and country of origin.

Safety Links:

Pet Theft - This scandalous industry has grown like a cancer

Is Your Home Poisoning You and Your Pets? - How toxic is your home?

Are All Those Vaccines Necessary? - Many vets are saying NO

www.petfinder.org - Lost or Found? - Many pets have been reunited with their owners

Preparing Yourself and Your Pet For Disasters - Take a quiz to see how prepared you are - get the information you need to know.

Choosing Safe Toys For Your Cat - Lots of great ideas

Outdoor Enclosures For Cats - Build your own or buy one

Health Links:

Vaccination Controversy and Guidelines - Find the balance in this controversy

The Problems With Declawing - There are better answers.

Fleas and Mosquitoes - Get tips and methods to avoid these pesky critters

Heartworm in Cats - Prevention is the key, but don't forget the herbal choice is safer.

Natural Support for Heart Problems

How to Give Herbs to Pets - How to get herbal remedies into your pet

Herbs in Veterinary Medicine - Feel confident in choosing natural medicines.  Read research papers at the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association site.

Herbs for Pets: All You Ever Wanted to Know - Great book for at-home resource

Herbal Pet Success Stories - Testimonials of pet owners using the natural way

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering - It's good for your pet and you

Seizures - Possible Causes and Natural Options

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs - It doesn't have to be expensive

Finding a Holistic Veterinarian - Check the directory for your city and state.

The Merck Veterinary Manual - 12,000 indexed topics/1200 illustrations, search by topic, species, specialty, disease, and keywords

Kitty Farming - Grow fresh greens for your cats

Claws: How to Best Take Care of Them - Never Declaw a Cat!

How-To Trimming Your Cat's Toenails - Step-by-step instruction

Heartworm Program and Prevention - Herbal - It's working for dogs, it will for cats

Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks - Make an informed decision

Top Medical Reasons To Groom Your Cat - Does more than make your cat look good

Basics of Natural Flea Control - The mechanics of a natural approach

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth - Makes a difference for dental health

Behavior Links:

Behavioral Issues - This website has many behavior articles for cats. Email and phone consultations are also available. Cheryl has helped many families to keep pets that were ready to be turned out of the home due to behavior issues.

Litter Box Problem with Older Cat - Answers from people who have had the same problem

Cat Urine Remover - It's bound to happen - be prepared!

Spraying Urine - When your cat uses urine to mark territory

Making Your Outdoor Cat an Indoor Cat - The key is gradual conversion

Direct Your Cat's Scratching - No need to stop it - Make it a win-win situation

Litter Box Basics - Learn and prevent problems

Solving Litter Box Problems - There are various possibilities for the problem

The Problems With Declawing - It creates more problems than it solves

Why Cats Groom - Interesting information

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=catcarebehavior - ASPCA Behavior Information - Keep your cat happy at play and well-behaved

Understanding Your Cat's Body Language - 6 Ways to Read Your Cat's Mind

Death Is Part of Life:

Do Animals Have Eternal Life? - A book based on Bible Scripture. Recommended by Dr. Jack Van Impe.

Rainbow Bridge - Comforting pet loss site

Miscellaneous Links:

www.petfinder.com - Lost and Found for Pets - Search capability for lost or found

My Pets Pages - Your pet's home on the Internet. Create your own free pet web site or tribute site using My Pets Pages unique web design system.

Placing an Animal in a New Permanent Home -What to do when you have to find another home for your pet

Help! I'm Allergic to My Cat! - Find some relief and tips to make it liveable

Do Outdoor Cats Affect Wildlife Populations? - Get the facts

www.artzwild.com/cat/older.html - Should We Get a Kitten or an Adult Cat? - Kittens are like babies, they do require lots of attention