PETA Pleds Boycott on Ringling Bros Circus | Cruelty to Animals - Video

PETA video shows Ringling Bros. circus handlers beating elephants

BY Christina Boyle
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, July 22nd 2009, 4:00 AM

Xanthos/News

A weapon allegedly used to train elephants in the Ringling Bros. circus.

The world-famous Ringling Bros. circus faces fresh accusations of animal abuse today after undercover videos show handlers beating elephants before they enter the ring.

The tape, made by a man who posed as a stagehand for six months, is likely to stir outrage and give animal rights activists new ammunition in their campaign against the circus that bills itself "The Greatest Show on Earth."

A worker with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals used a secret camera to document what the group calls the abuse of animals as they're led from holding pens to the stage.

The animals are seen herded together, wearing headdresses, while trainers stand around, appearing to randomly whip them with bull hooks across the head, legs and body.

Loud cracking noises can be heard.

In one scene, a handler curses an elephant, saying, "F--- you, fat ass" before using his whip to nonchalantly strike its trunk.

The elephants are led with a bull hook - a long pole with a metal point at the end - used to pull them by the trunk.

The undercover PETA employee scored a job with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and traveled with the circus as it toured seven states, a spokesman said.

Footage was shot between January and June, the animal rights organization said, and included a stint at Madison Square Garden.

"He witnessed these elephants being beaten for no apparent reason," said Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA's vice president for cruelty investigations, who described the abuse as "consistent" and "routine."

"We've known for years that backstage beatings occur," said Nachminovitch, "but what will strike the audience is that these elephants can't do anything right as far as these workers go.

"This sort of behavior is deeply embedded."

Ringling Bros. officials said they were unaware of the video and could not comment on its content, but they maintained their animals are treated properly.

"PETA is an animal rights extremist group," said Steve Payne, a spokesman for Feld Entertainment, which owns Ringling Bros.

"We are very proud of our animal care, we are committed to the care of all our animals partly through our conservation programs at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation.

"We have 139 years of experience of working with Asian elephants."

This is not the first time Ringling Bros. has come under attack or faced legal challenges.

In 2003, former barn man Tom Rider, who worked for the circus in the late 1990s, joined animal rights groups in filing a suit under the Endangered Species Act, accusing Ringling of "harming, harassing and wounding" the elephants.

The case went to trial six weeks ago; closing arguments are being heard this month.

And in 1998, the circus agreed to donate $20,000 to elephant-care groups to settle a case involving the death of a 3-year-old elephant in its Jacksonville, FL, circus.

Ringling Bros. did not admit guilt.

The show underwent 52 inspections with 24 documented violations, many of them minor, from 2005 to 2008, according to the federal Agriculture Dept's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

As a result of the latest video, PETA filed a formal complaint yesterday with the Agriculture Department under the Animal Welfare Act.

It also plans to file complaints today in seven states where the show performed, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, a spokesman said.

The American Veterinary Medical Assoc. issues guidelines on how to train elephants and says the bull hook, or "guide" as it is known, should be used to produce only "light physical contact."

It should act as a "negative reinforcement" and be paired with a positive verbal command or reward of food to train the animal how to act.

"On rare occasions the guide may be used for physical punishment ... after a highly dangerous behavior is performed," the document states.

"The use of the guide, during routine training, in a manner that causes physical harm to the elephant, is not considered acceptable."

PETA urges, Please, don't attend animal circuses.

Some Plants Poisonous To Cats

By Moses Wright

Cat owners should be aware of plants poisonous to cats. Though many people decorate with plants without thinking about any consequences, the cat owner needs to be responsible for keeping plants that are poisonous to cats off the property.

The plants poisonous to cats are often plants that are sold for seasonal decoration. Mistletoe and poinsettias can cause the cat to have vomiting and diarrhea. These plants can also cause difficulty breathing and blistering in the mouth.

Easter lilies, lily of the valley plants, and tulips are another seasonal decoration that is poisonous to cats. Cats that eat any part of an Easter lily can develop kidney failure.

Many plants poisonous to cats can be found on many farms and in gardens. Apple seeds, cherries, rhubarb, tobacco, eggplant, peach leaves and peach pits, tomato plants, green tomatoes and avocado are poisonous to cats.

Many common flower garden plants are poisonous to cats. Marigolds, geranium, morning glory plants, daffodils, chrysanthemum, and several types of ivy are plants poisonous to cats. Other poisonous plants are aloe vera, sweetpea, oleander, and evergreen.

Poisonous plants to cats can be included in flower arrangements and home decor. Iris, bird of paradise, baby's breath, and eucalyptus are plants poisonous to cats.

Ferns, azalea, hydrangea, and philodendron are plants poisonous to cats. The ingestion of philodendron can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Trembling, loss of coordination, and collapse of the cat can be caused by the ingestion of azalea.

Cactus plants are different from other plants because they can harm a cat without the cat ingesting it. Cactus plants can cause puncture wound which are prone to infection.

Numerous plants not included in this article are poisonous. Before adding a plant to the house or property, a cat owner should ask a veterinarian if it is a plant poisonous to cats.

If a cat owner suspects that their cat may have ingested part of a poisonous plant, the cat owner should contact the veterinarian immediately. Plant poisonings can be serious and even lethal to cats.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a cat lover who can answer your cat health questions and maine coon cat problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

Plants Poisonous to Cats

Almond (Pits of) Aloe Vera Alocasia Amaryllis Apple (seeds) Apple Leaf Croton Apricot (Pits of) Arrowgrass Asparagus Fern Autumn Crocus Avacado (fuit and pit) Azalea Baby's Breath Baneberry Bayonet Beargrass Beech Belladonna Bird of Paradise Bittersweet Black-eyed Susan Black Locust Bleeding Heart Bloodroot Bluebonnet Box Boxwood Branching Ivy Buckeyes Buddist Pine Burning Bush Buttercup Cactus, Candelabra Caladium Calla Lily Castor Bean Ceriman Charming Dieffenbachia Cherry (pits, seeds & wilting leaves) Cherry, most wild varieties Cherry, ground Cherry, Laurel Chinaberry Chinese Evergreen Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Cineria Clematis Cordatum Coriaria Cornflower Corn Plant Cornstalk Plant Croton Corydalis Crocus, Autumn Crown of Thorns Cuban Laurel Cutleaf Philodendron Cycads Cyclamen Daffodil Daphne Datura Deadly Nightshade Death Camas Devil's Ivy Delphinium Decentrea Dieffenbachia Dracaena Palm Dragon Tree Dumb Cane Easter Lily * Eggplant Elaine Elderberry

Elephant Ear Emerald Feather English Ivy Eucalyptus Euonymus Evergreen Ferns Fiddle-leaf fig Florida Beauty Flax Four O'Clock Foxglove Fruit Salad Plant Geranium German Ivy Giant Dumb Cane Glacier IvyGolden Chain Gold Dieffenbachia Gold Dust Dracaena Golden Glow Golden Pothos Gopher Purge Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy Heartland Philodendron Hellebore Hemlock, Poison Hemlock, Water Henbane Holly Honeysuckle Horsebeans Horsebrush Horse Chestnuts Hurricane Plant Hyacinth Hydrangea Indian Rubber Plant Indian Tobacco Iris Iris Ivy Jack in the Pulpit Janet Craig Dracaena Japanese Show Lily * Java Beans Jessamine Jerusalem Cherry Jimson Weed Jonquil Jungle Trumpets Kalanchoe Lacy Tree Philodendron Lantana Larkspur Laurel Lily Lily Spider Lily of the Valley Locoweed Lupine Madagascar Dragon Tree Marble Queen Marigold Marijuana Mescal Bean Mexican Breadfruit Miniature Croton Mistletoe Mock Orange Monkshood Moonseed Morning Glory Mother-in Law's Tongue Morning Glory Mountain Laurel Mushrooms

Narcissus Needlepoint Ivy Nephytis Nightshade Oleander Onion Oriental Lily * Peace Lily Peach (pits and wilting leaves) Pencil Cactus Peony Periwinkle Philodendron Pimpernel Plumosa Fern Poinciana Poinsettia (low toxicity) Poison Hemlock Poison Ivy Poison Oak Pokeweed Poppy Potato Pothos Precatory Bean Primrose Privet, Common Red Emerald Red Princess Red-Margined Dracaena Rhododendron Rhubarb Ribbon Plant Rosemary Pea Rubber Plant Saddle Leaf Philodendron Sago Palm Satin Pothos Schefflera Scotch Broom Silver Pothos Skunk Cabbage Snowdrops Snow on the Mountain Spotted Dumb Cane Staggerweed Star of Bethlehem String of Pearls Striped Dracaena Sweetheart Ivy Sweetpea Swiss Cheese plant Tansy Mustard Taro Vine Tiger Lily * Tobacco Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves) Tree Philodendron Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia Tulip Tung Tree Virginia Creeper Water Hemlock Weeping Fig Wild Call Wisteria Yews -- e.g. Japanese Yew English Yew Western Yew American Yew

Can't Decide Which Cat is For You?

By Bella Holly

Sometimes we tend to forget that when choosing a cat, we should consider more than just the basic care of feeding, watering, etc. One must consider the grooming requirements, personality types, and lifestyles of different cat breeds to determine which best suits your own. This article will list the top five most popular cat breeds, as well as information regarding physical and personality characteristics.

The Oriental is one of the most popular cat breeds around. This breed is a very intelligent, loyal companion and tends to bond deeply with its family. It has large, pointed ears, and although its body is very sleek, it is still quite a muscular breed.

One of the most popular family cat breeds is the American Short-hair. They are quite muscular, but are versatile in lifestyle. They do not require a great deal of exercise, and can be content as lap cats; however they can also adapt to an active lifestyle if you encourage such. They are known to be an extremely loving breed and can live happily with doting families.

One of the most popular cat breed by looks alone is the Birman. They have characteristic bright blue eyes, a white body, and darker patches on the ears, tail, legs, and face. While they enjoy a good romp, they do not require a great deal of attention from their owner. They will take affection when you're ready to give it, but are happy to lounge quietly.

A Sphynx cat may make an appropriate pet for you if you don't mind spending a bit of extra affection and care on your cat. They love attention, and as they have very little hair (like peach-fuzz), they can easily become cold; so you must remember that if the room is too cold for your bare skin, it is likely too cold for the cat. They're wonderful if you want a cat that will snuggle under the covers with you!

The Ragdoll breed is one of the best breeds of cat to choose for a family with children. This breed is very cautious not to play with claws or teeth, but will also not be able to defend itself very well if left outside. It has a very full, lush coat of fur that requires regular grooming and is among the larger cat breeds out there.

Now that you have a better idea about the most popular, yet very different, breeds out there, hopefully you find choosing a cat to be a little less daunting than before. Be sure to remember that lifestyles are important factors to consider; so if you aren't very active, you probably shouldn't choose a cat that requires a lot of activity, and vice verse.

About the Author:

Welcome your new cat to the family with a quality cat house, steps, or perch tower.

Tips For Feeding Dogs and Cats

MINE!

By Bella Holly

This article will discuss pet feeding and how to properly feed your pet to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life. However, more and more pet owners are resorting to making meals for their pets or feeding pets raw food.

Some people believe that pets should only be fed raw food, as the animal would have eaten in the wild, in order for the pet's nutrition to be "balanced" in a more natural way. There are many articles available which discuss the possibility that the man-made pet food of today and straying our pets from raw, natural food is the cause for so many diseases that are cropping up in our pets. It is believed that most of these diseases are nutrition-based due to the lack of raw meat and other nutrients in our pets' diets.

However, veterinarians usually recommend a well-known and trusted brand of pet food that has been specifically designed for your pet. This is where pet feeding can become difficult. Because the quality of pet food can differ depending upon which brand you get, it's a good idea to look at the animal nutrition offered and make your choice based off of that. For instance, Science Diet dog food and Purina dog food are very well-known and trusted brands.

Pet Feeding for Dogs: Commercial brands of pet food for dogs include canned food, dry food and semi-moist food. Up to 50% of your canines diet can come from carbohydrates such as grain. Vets do not recommend semi-moist food because of the additives and chemicals in them. Adult dogs may be fed once or twice per day, while puppies require more frequent feedings. There are brands that specifically specialize in all natural dog food, so if you decide you do want to feed your dog a more natural diet, you may look into it.

There are some foods in which you should NEVER feed your dog. The following are some: onions, garlic, plant leaves (potato, tomato, etc.), mushrooms, persimmons, chocolate, grapes or raisins, or macadamia nuts. Some people mistakenly believe that human vitamins are suitable to dogs, but this is absolutely incorrect. There are pet vitamin supplements available, which you can usually purchase through your vet or at a pet supply store.

Pet Feeding for Cats: Cat food, as with dog food, comes in three forms: canned, dry and semi-moist. Again, semi-moist is not recommended. Carbohydrates are not good for cats. Also, cats need relatively high water content in their food. Therefore, some canned food is good for indoor cats.

There are also foods which are unsuitable to feed to a cat, such as: dough that contains yeast, onions, mushrooms, plant leaves, garlic, sugary foods, raw eggs, salt, persimmons, macadamia nuts, and raisins/grapes. Regardless of the rumors that milk is good for cats, you should never feed a cat cow's milk, as they cannot digest it properly. There are some brands of cat food which offer small bottles of milk, usually intended for kittens.

About the Author:

Petfeedingguide.com is a great resource for general information about how and what to feed your pet. Have a look around!

Sources Of Cat Food Coupons

By Moses Wright

There are expenses related to cat ownership such as litter, veterinary costs, and cat food. Using cat food coupons is a way to reduce the cost of cat ownership.

Cat food coupons are available from a variety of sources. A traditional source of cat food coupons is the Sunday edition of the local newspaper. Cat owners may find valuable coupons for cat food and other items.

One source of cat food coupons is through the websites of cat food manufacturers. A cat food manufacturers website may feature many offers for cat food coupons or cat food samples. If the cat owner requests a cat food sample, the sample may arrive with coupons as well.

Signing up for a free membership on the cat food company's website may be required to receive the cat food samples or coupons. The website may have clubs for cat and kitten owners. After signing up for these clubs, the cat owner may periodically receive cat food samples and coupons without having to request them.

Cat food companies often offer samples and coupons for new products. If a cat owner sees a new cat food product advertised, the cat owner should check the cat food company's website for a sample or coupon for that product.

If the website for the cat food manufacturer does not have any offers for coupons or samples, the cat owner may receive coupons by writing a request for them. The cat owners should be sure to include their full names and addresses in the mailed or emailed request for cat food coupons.

The Internet has some websites dedicated to coupons. The website user can select and print coupons for use at the store. If a cat owner has access to a printer, they may want to print cat food coupons and other coupons.

Cat owners should avoid using coupons and purchasing products that they would not normally buy unless the only reason for not buying it before was the cost without a coupon. Buying cat food in a flavor that the cat refuses to eat will waste money if the cat food goes to waste.

About the Author:

Find free cat food samples information at your favorite feline diet resource site now. Do you also want some make your own cat food information? Come join us for a healthier feline diet for your precious kitties.

Does Your Cat Tease Your Dog? | Introducing Cats and Dogs

dogchatforum.com
Can dogs and cats get along together?

You cannot force cats and dogs to get along. Sometimes the best you can hope for is a sort of coexistence. Ideally, introducing dogs and cats takes time. I generally recommend the cat being confined to a room or two by a closed door and the two of them getting used to first the scent of the other animal but not see it. When they are settled with that, let them see each other through a barrier like a baby gate. If the dog tries to go for the cat, stop and redirect the dog to a good toy. Cats are NOT toys. Never force the two together.

It can take weeks or even months for them to learn to tolerate each other. Sometimes they can also become good buddies - it all depends on the cat and the dog. Again, never force it. The worst thing you can do is drop the cat in front of the dog or vice verse or even restrain the two (you could get badly scratched or bitten).

Start slowly

Smell but no sight, sight and smell but no contact, then dog on lead and cat loose (so you can control dog and redirect undesired behaviors and show what is desired) and eventually cat goes in dog-free zone if not already there and the cat is allowed to come out to the dog on the CAT's own time.

Let us look at this in more detail

I have five cats and four dogs as of winter of 2006 when this was revised. The trick is making the cats feel safe and as if they have a safe area. Next is training the dog not to chase and torment the cat. This may mean on leash in the house at times so you can stop the chasing of the cat and redirect to better toys. In addition, a good obedience program (even a refresher if the dog has gone through one already) is a good idea.

Set up a dog free zone

First, set up a Dog-free zone. If the cat can fit through a hole the dog cannot, you are all set here! Get a baby gate - they type with a wire center - and fit it in a doorway. Cut a door in it (file down sharp edges and cover the cuts with duct tape) and this will keep the dog out of the cat's safe zone. In this zone, you will put food, water and the cat's box. Another option is what we did - installed a cat door into the Utility room. If the dog is small enough to get through a cat door, then you may have to teach the cat to jump a lower baby gate to escape the dog. A Dog-free zone gives the cat a place to get away and a feeling of security.

Keep the cat's nails trimmed

Keep the cat's nails trimmed to lessen damage should the cat try to scratch the dog. Alternatively, ask your vet about the claw covers for cats. However, I just clip nails if needed - cheaper and I do not have to worry about reaction to the glue used to adhere the covers or the cover falling off too soon.

I allow my cats to hiss, growl and bat at the dogs to tell them off, but blood drawing is not permitted. Sometimes the more you interfere, the slower the dog will learn. If thedog gets to learn the cat's limits from the cat (with you observing) the dog will often learn faster.

Cat Blocks Dog Intrusion @ Yahoo! Video

Become a Pet Owner Stay Happier and Healthier

By Tukakir Hellaos

When you are at the mall, do you see people who stroll as if there is a spring in their step? At the office, do you encounter individuals who seem to radiate with a good aura that makes you wonder what they are thinking of? Conversely, when you are at the park, do you feel envious of people who have smiles plastered on their faces? Well, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what makes them seem like they are in seventh heaven. Most probably, their happy disposition is due to their pet.

Whether you care to admit it or not, having a pet can be a wonderful addition to one's life. Nowadays, with everyone feeling the pinch of economic crisis, environmental degradation and political turmoil, it is so easy to succumb to depression and hopelessness. Bad news seems to prevail all over the television, the radio, the newspapers and even the internet. However, if you have something worthwhile to occupy your time, like cuddling with your pet, you will have the energy to last you throughout the day. You will also have a very good reason to be excited about right after the office bell rings.

Believe it or not, studies have proven and tested this fact after conducting numerous experiments. There are even a lot of hospitals employing this technique.

Here are the reasons why owning a pet will make you a happier person. Read on.

First of all, pets have this uncanny ability to make their owners feel good about themselves. Most pets are actually smart and responsible which makes them such a wonderful companion. They are also not ashamed to show their affection so their owners enjoy cuddling them. Unlike other people who are not content with what you give them, pets are already happy if you have met their basic needs. Just give them their food, water, dog house, quality time at the park and regular visits to the veterinarian and they will thrive. Pets do not throw temper tantrums regularly and they don't bug you at the office through phone calls or electronic mails. They are content to wait for you until you come home.

Second, owning a pet can greatly improve your self-esteem. Of course, when you are the one in charge of somebody else's basic needs, you have to be at the top of your game. You can't afford to dilly dally when there is a shortage in their food, medications, grooming needs, hygienic materials and so on. This makes you feel like a productive individual. Being productive would raise your self-worth. Other people will definitely notice it in the way you deal with them. Don't be surprised if you hear your boss or co-workers say something nice to you. Your parents and friends will also see the change and might compliment you for it. The inner happiness you feel will simply manifest itself outside and reflect on your disposition.

Third, a pet will gain you new friends. People gravitate towards other people who carry with them their dog, cat, rabbit or pigeon in the park. It will improve your social networking skills. Remember that there are a lot of topics that can be broached when one is in the company of an animal. From their needs to their quirks, you will not be at a loss for something to talk about with a total stranger.

Are you ready to gain the perks of possessing a new pet? Well, wait no more. Head to the nearest humane society and get one now. This time of year there are a lot of kittens in animal shelters. If you are considering a friend for a cat you already have my advice would be to get a cat or kitten that is caged with another. Since they are already used to having another cat around it will take less time for the two of them to become accustom to each other. No pets at home? Kittens love the company of other kittens especially if they are litter mates....take two they are small.

About the Author:

Being a pet owner is great. But there are two things that you need to know about. One is quality pet health insurance because unless you have it your pet is not secure if accidents happen. The second is that using cheap pet meds can hurt your pet terminally if you purchase poor quality of medication.

How To Raise Your First Kitten

By Sarah Parker

Kitten care may be daunting to the cat owner for first time. A lot of things are there one should know about kitten care. You will need to learn many things to raise your kitten properly like bottle feeding to socializing your kitten.

It should be fun to caring kitten. When you are looking at your kitten you see a incapacitated creature for first few days. Care must be taken for your kitten and in effect, they will grow into intelligent, strong and loving cats.

Kittens grow up extremely quickly as in first six weeks there growth rate is at the highest in the entire life period. In this crucial stage there are some things we should not do during this part of a kitten's life.

You should not feed dog food to your kitten at all because this can cause them vomiting or sickness. Either table scraps should not be feed to kitten. Any type of canned fish for human being or canned tuna and liver should be avoided. You need to feed your kitten with specialty food with proper milk. Feeding is important in kitten care.

Socializing your kitty is also a part of kitten care. Play with your kitten talk to it and cuddle with your kitten. You need to care in this matter because handling it properly will add some positive experience with you and so, become properly socialized.

Part of kitten care also needs care of what you should allow and what you should prohibit while playing of you kitten. You strictly do not permit your kitten to lay with your fingers you can associate any play toy with it because it can develop a bad habit of scratching and biting which may harm not only to but others also in the house hold.

What toys to buy can also be confusing when you first bring home a cat. Sometimes, you don't even have to buy them because you can find them lying around the house or you can make them. One toy that can be helpful for your kitten is plastic straw. These work excellently for teething during the early stages of cat's life. Kittens also enjoy playing with old shoulder pads so they can also be used.

It is also important that what your kitten should not play with. By avoiding loose string elastics and curling ribbons or they may get a cat hairball. You do not want your kitty going to the doctor only because of their toys.

About the Author:

Are you looking for information how to raise a kitten? Cat Keepers is a great resource for everything you need to know about cat care.

Characteristics Of Maine Coon Cats

By Moses Wright

Maine Coon cats are sturdy, long haired cats with thick coats. They are native to North America. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Maine Coon cat is it bushy, brush-like tail.

Native to the state of Maine, the Maine Coon cat breed was prized for its mousing ability in Colonial times. There are many legends that describe origins of this cat breed like the belief that the Maine Coon is offspring from mating between domestic cats and raccoons, which is scientifically impossible.

Maine coon cats have physical characteristics that reflect their origin in Maine where winters can be harsh. The thick, long coats served as protection from the bitter cold. Their tufted toes and wide feet are comparable to snowshoes.

The Maine Coon cat has a rectangular body. Their rounded eyes are large. Possible eye colors for Maine Coon cats are gold, green, green-gold, or copper. Blue eye and odd-eyes are possible on white and bi-colored Maine Coon cats.

The ears are wide at the base and rather large with tufted tips. Maine Coons have medium-sized heads and may have a frontal ruff. The frontal ruff is a described as a desirable characteristic by the breed standard.

Solid-colored Maine Coons can be white, black, blue, cream, or red. Other possible colorings are calico, tabby, bi-colored, tortoiseshell, shaded, and smoke.

Maine Coon kitten are one of the slowest developing cat breeds. Maine Coon kittens reach adult size when they are three to five years old. Many kittens of other cat breeds are full size by the time they are eighteen months to two years old.

Most adult Maine Coon cats weigh twelve to twenty pounds. Female Maine Coon cats are smaller than the males. Maine Coons have a heavy bone structure and are broad chested. The size of a Maine Coon cat is considered medium to large sized cats.

If someone is interested in purchasing a Maine Coon kitten, the prospective owner should look for a reputable Maine Coon cat breeder. Some breeders may have waiting lists for a Maine Coon kitten as there often are for other cat breeds.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a cat specialist who can answer your cat health questions and perhaps also give you hundreds of cat names for you to choose from if you are getting a new cat. Visit his cat health resource website now.

Dealing with sleeping disorders in your pet

Pet Talk | www.thecherokeean.com | Cherokeean Herald

Maybe you’ve seen the comical home video on ‘YouTube’ titled “sleepwalking fail”? It is a short clip of a sleeping dog that starts to “run” horizontally in his sleep, then suddenly jumps up and slams into a wall! Although the video is seriously funny, there is nothing funny about what might be wrong with this animal.

This dog could be dreaming, although it unknown for certain if animals dream according to Dr. M.A. Crist, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Most likely, this animal is displaying signs of a sleep disorder.

Sleeping disorders are not healthy, and as with humans, we see disturbed sleep patterns as a sign of old age, disease or life-altering illness. The two sleeping disorders that are most dangerous to an animal’s health are narcolepsy and cataplexy. If your pet has one of these disorders and is left alone, or unattended near water, they could possibly drown.

“Narcolepsy is the occurrence of uncontrollable Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep phase characterized by the presence of rapid eye movements and fast phase activity,” said Crist. “Cataplexy is the sudden development of rapid duration voluntary muscle weakness, flaccidity, or paralysis of all muscles except extraocular and respiratory muscles. These two sleep disorders are usually a congenital and inherited condition that can be brought on by excitement such as playing, eating, drinking, or greeting owners and can last seconds to minutes, many times a day, or infrequently.”

Warning signs of one or both of these disorders are the pet may suddenly collapse into lateral or sterna recumbancy with no movements. With narcolepsy the animal appears asleep, and with cataplexy the animal is alert but can’t follow motion with eye movements. The pet can be aroused with petting, external stimuli, and loud noises.

These disorders are not curable.

Older cats may also experience behavior changes in sleep cycles or waking in the night, restlessness and pacing. This is either related to senility or a disease called Hyperthyroidism.

“Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone which can lead to cardiac disease and high blood pressure,” said Crist. “A specific thyroid blood test can be checked to verify this abnormality and treatment can be initiated. Melatonin, an internal hormone secreted by the pineal gland during darkness, can also be given as an oral supplement usually with minimal side effects as a potential treatment for sleep disorders.”

Of course, there are several things that pet owners can do for their pets before their sleeping disorders become too severe.

“If owners notice their pet having a change in their sleeping pattern they want to take them to their veterinarian for a complete physical examination and laboratory analysis,” said Crist. “Medical problems may contribute to these disturbances and some medicines may need to be prescribed by a veterinarian to help combat their sleep disturbance.”

“While melatonin has been useful for treating sleep disorders that arise from hypothyroidism, senility, or cognitive dysfunction,” said Crist, “it is not regulated by the FDA, so ask a veterinarian the correct dose for your pet. Acupuncture and herbal medications are other modalities that might be used to treat sleep disorders in pets.”

Placing your pet on certain diets can also aid in their sleeping troubles.

“Omega 3 fatty acids and diets that are enriched with antioxidants are good for dogs with cognitive dysfunction and sleep issues,” said Crist. “Therapeutic diets supplemented with antioxidants such as vitamin C, mixed tocopherols, beta-carotene, flavenoids, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids had dogs show improvement on the performance of cognitive tasks than dogs on a non-supplemented diet.”

It will always be a true mystery whether or not pets dream.

“In mammals and birds, studies have shown that long episodes of nondreaming sleep referred to as “slow-wave” or SW sleep is followed by short episodes of dreaming sleep referred to as “rapid-eye-movement” or REM sleep,” said Crist. “If a disturbance in this pattern occurs then sleeping problems can begin. However, we will never really know if pets dream because we cannot talk to them. However, we do know that dogs have the REM sleep phase and this is the dream activity period in people. Dogs do have leg movements, facial twitching, vocalizations, and tail movements. Therefore, it might be likely they are having a dream.”

Crist mentioned that it is important to know some sleep disorders require a lengthy behavioral consultation and examination by a veterinarian. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants should be prescribed for these dogs and cats who have diagnosed obsessive-compulsive behavior disorders that are disturbing their sleeping patterns. She also reminded that by always taking our pets to the veterinarian for their regular check-up, many potential problems can be caught before they seriously affect your pet’s health.

Secrets To Cheaper Pet Food

By Skotten Edelstein

With the current economic crisis everyone is facing today, more and more people are feeling the pinch and tightening their proverbial belts in order to cut cost and save money. Since nobody knows how long this financial turmoil will last, each and every person is doing his share to maximize his purchasing power.

The news of big firms in Wall Street filing for bankruptcy and financial bailout packages doesn't help calm the mind of ordinary consumers. In fact, it adds fuel to the fire because it will result to lower economic growth and higher inflation rate. This is terrible news to those who are already in deep debt. This grim scenario which hovers over the country like a dark cloud is very scary to all concerned.

Even pet owners are not safe from this dilemma. Yes, it may be true that compared to human beings, expenses for pets are not that scandalously high. However, this should not be grounds to stay complacent and fork out cash like tomorrow is the end of the world. It is vital that you should be careful of how you spend your money in order to have extra cash available should things get much worse. Here is a list of ways to save money on pet food. Hopefully, you will gain tons of benefit after reading this article.

Primarily, you can slash your expenses by purchasing pet food in bulk. You may be curious as to how this is possible. Well, if you were to buy a huge sack weighing seven kilos instead of seven small ones, then it means that less money was spent manufacturing the package. The pet food firm has saved quite an amount, if this is the case. Therefore, the savings they have made will then be passed on to the unwavering consumers.

Another quick way to save is to buy pet food in the internet. It is an open secret that the online marketplace is just as good, if not better, than the real world. By logging online, you have a wide selection that will fit your astute needs. Most web sites present a variety of pet food products, from the lowest priced to the most expensive, depending on the quality. Here, you can easily compare a lot of factors. After you have made a decision, you can easily acquire an item and pay for it using your credit card or PayPal account. In a matter of days, your order will be delivered right at the address you have specified.

Check out your veterinarian's supply. If you often buy your food products from him, then he will probably give you a discount or a promotional price. It is also possible that he will slash down his mark up if you are consistently purchasing other pet items from his clinic aside from your pet food.

Scan the newspapers and magazines for food coupons. Advertisers usually use it as bait for potential consumers so they place it in this medium. Others prefer handing out the coupons in malls, streets or bazaars wherein a lot of people converge for a quick orientation.

Lastly, you can minimize if not avoid, treats. They can be quite draining to the pocket if done in a regular manner. If you must give a nice reward, make sure that your pet has done something special or extraordinary to deserve it. This way, he will learn how to behave better.

About the Author:

This Expert is valued for his quality tips for pet owners looking for cheap pet health insurance for their cats and dogs. You might also benefit from reading his latest publicly released article called Help Your Pet Stay Healthy.

Why Being a Cat Owner is Great

By Rebetta Tyrkera

Are you living alone in a single apartment unit in the middle of a crowded city? Do you want some company that is not demanding of your time? Or maybe you just prefer indulging in your maternal instinct and want someone to cuddle when you get home minus the complications of a personal relationship. If you replied yes to the three aforementioned queries, then maybe it's about time you get a pet.

Since time immemorial, pets have been considered as great friends of people. They can provide a listening ear without spewing off harsh judgments and cynical comments. They have great virtues, such as being trustworthy, smart, affable and even responsible to a certain degree. And, unlike humans who can be so possessive, they do not require attention. They can survive even without bothering you at your place of work. Don't you find it a great relief that they don't bombard you with negative emotions?

Pet stores and veterinarians offer a great selection when it comes to potential pet choices. You can see cute dogs, furry kittens, regal-looking birds, small rabbits and even rare animals like albino pythons and deadly tarantulas. Surely, no matter what your inherent personality is, you will find a perfect match that fits your discriminating needs.

A lot of people opt to buy tame animals like cats and dogs because they are relatively easy to care for. For those who pick a cat over a dog, here are certain advantages that a cat can give its owner. Read this article why being a cat owner is satisfying.

One, being a cat owner trains you to become more aware of other's needs. Not only will you worry about your basic necessities for the week, you will also learn what food, grooming stuff, exercise routine and medication your cat will require. You will also deal with the fact that you have to visit the vet in case your pet doesn't feel well. All these may sound like additional chores in your lifestyle but the virtues you will develop are simply priceless. Other people will definitely notice that you have changed for the better.

Second, if you possess a cat, you will be motivated to face each day with passion. This results from having found a purpose in life. Basically, you are now aware that you are being relied on; hence, you have something to look forward. You don't feel as if you are alone in this whole, wide world. Coming home after office hours is also a pleasurable experience now with your cat's presence. If you had a bad day at the office due to a fight with a co-worker or a crazy meeting with clients, you can de-stress with your beloved kitty.

Third, you can have more acquaintances and friends. You may join a cat owners' association or cat lovers' organization to learn about ways to make your cat become a better pet. Having fun with these like-minded people will be a blast and you might even meet a special someone there. If not, be content that you can have someone to talk to. There are a lot of things that can be discussed regarding the care of a cat so don't worry about possible awkward moments.

So after reading this interesting and information-filled write up, you are now ready to own a cat. Head to the nearest animal clinic and pick the feline of your choice. Enjoy!

About the Author:

Wanting to become a pet owner is great. But there are two things that you need to know about. An important key is quality pet health insurance because without it your pet is not secure if accidents happen. The next key thing is that using cheap pet meds will damage your pet terminally if you purchase poor quality of medication.

Homemade Cat Food Recipe

By Moses Wright

Many cat owners enjoy preparing their cats food at home. Cat owners may make homemade cat food in an attempt to save money. Some cat owners do not trust the nutritional value of manufactured cat food.

Even though some cat owners make homemade cat food in an attempt to save money, not much money is usually saved by doing so. However, making cat food can provide the cat with a diet that more closely resembles their natural diet since manufactured food often has too many carbohydrates and not enough protein.

Raw food diets for cats are popular. The cat owners that make cat food using only raw food often use a meat grinder to grind bones and meat.

Some cat owners who are new to making cat food may want to try a simple homemade cat food recipe that does not require the purchase of a meat grinder or other tools. Easy homemade cat food recipes that only use ingredients that can be found in grocery stores are available on the Internet.

A simple homemade cat recipe includes the cat owners choices of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. The meat choices for this recipe are one cup cubed, cooked chicken, 6 ounce can of salmon, one can of tuna, one can of sardines in olive oil, or " cup beef, cooked and shredded. Tuna should not be used too often due to concerns about mercury content.

After the meat is selected, choose at least one vegetable. The suggested vegetable choices are chopped, steamed broccoli, cup shredded, steamed carrots, finely chopped celery, or cup cubed, cooked potato. The cat owner may want to try different combinations of vegetables and meat to find the homemade cat food recipe that the cat likes best.

The vegetables and meat are mixed with a little chicken or beef broth. One or two tablespoons of cooked oatmeal or some cooked rice may be added to the meat and vegetable mixture.

A cat owner should not always feed the cat the same homemade cat food. By using different variations of this simple recipe, the cat receives many different vitamins and minerals.

About the Author:

Make your own cat food information can be found at Moses Wright's favorite free cat food website. Moses is an accredited writer in the cats industry with many years of experience in cat health.

Signs And Symptoms Of Feline Distemper

By Moses Wright

Feline distemper is sometimes called feline panleukopenia or feline panleuk. The virus that causes feline distemper is similar to the one that causes distemper in dogs. This preventable cat disease can be fatal.

People may mistakenly think that the name distemper means that the cat disease causes aggression or changes the cats temperament. Two common signs of feline distemper are vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms of feline distemper include abdominal pain and hunched posture.

Feline distemper causes an extreme drop in the number of white blood cells. Cats with feline distemper may have a high fever.

Depression and loss of appetite are common symptoms of feline distemper. Cats infected with feline distemper may stop grooming themselves. The haw, or third eyelid, may be able to be seen in the corner of the eye.

Feline distemper is highly contagious. It is transmitted from cat to cat by shared litter boxes, fleas, shared food or water bowls, mutual grooming, or shared bedding.

Feline distemper can be spread by human contact between infected and non-infected cats. Kittens may get the disease from their mothers before they are born.

Kittens born to mothers with the antibodies for feline distemper are temporarily protected from the disease. The temporary immunity lasts up to ten weeks. Kittens need to be vaccinated for this cat disease to have ongoing protection.

Treatment for feline distemper is focused on alleviating the vomiting and diarrhea. There is no treatment to get rid of the virus. For the cat to survive, the cats immune system must fight off the infection.

All surfaces in an area where a cat with feline distemper has been need to be disinfected with a bleach and water solution. If not thoroughly disinfected, the surfaces can remain contaminated with the virus that causes feline distemper for years.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a big lover of cats. He set up this site to help fellow cat lovers with their cat health questions and provide more info on common cat illnesses symptoms.

Fostering And Cat Rescue Homes

By Moses Wright

Families who have changes in financial circumstances or living arrangements may find themselves unable to care for their cats. Some cats may have behavior problems or health problems for which the family feels unable to handle.

Kittens may be surrendered due to their families lack of desire to care for them or inability to be responsible for multiple cats. Sometimes, a family member is allergic to cats and therefore can longer have a cat in the home.

Even though the majority of pets in animal rescue shelters are there due to changes in their families circumstances, many people mistakenly believe that they are there because they have behavior or health problems.

Animal shelters can be pushed to their limits in the number of pets they can care for at a time. Many animal shelters have ties with cat rescue homes and fostering homes that can take some cats until permanent homes are found.

Animal shelters are often in need of fosterers to care for pets in their homes. This helps the shelter by alleviating some of the strain of numerous animals. Placement of a cat in a foster home is often beneficial to the cat as well since the cat will live in a family setting and have normal social interaction.

Being a cat fosterer can be a rewarding experience. The fosterer feels needed by the fostered cat and a part of animal rescue efforts. The cats often give thanks in the form of affection and companionship.

Some people would like to become fosterers but have concerns over the costs of caring for the animals. Some animal shelters cover many of the costs of fostering cats including veterinary care, litter, and cat food.

If someone is interested in learning more about becoming a fosterer, the person should contact the local animal shelter for information. Animal shelters have rules and requirements to be sure that the foster home will provide adequate care for the fostered animals. Many animal shelters will do what they can to help interested people meet the requirements to become fosterers.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a pet lover who can answer your cat health questions and maine coon cat problems. Check out his cat related website for the whole range of cat breeds today.

What Causes Hair Loss In Cats?

By Moses Wright

Hair loss in cats is a loss of hair that is more severe than normal shedding. There are many possible causes of hair loss in cats.

One of the most common causes of hair loss in cats is a reaction to an infestation of fleas. Hair loss from fleas is a sign that the cat may be allergic to the flea bites. Cats may also scratch the areas of flea bites which can make the hair loss worse.

Allergies from substances such as chemicals or fabrics in the home can cause cat hair loss. The allergic reaction can be from the substance coming in contact with the cats skin or inhaling an allergen like dust.

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause hair loss in cats. After other conditions are ruled out and folliculitis is diagnosed, the condition is typically treated with antibiotics. Hair loss in cats can be caused by other infections as well.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss in cats. Treatment options for ringworm include oral medications and dips.

Hair loss can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroidism can cause hair to be easily pulled out which can cause hair loss during grooming.

Excessive grooming is a nervous habit that some cats develop in reaction to stress and changes in their environment. Excessive grooming can cause hair loss in cats.

Hair loss in cats can be caused by sunburn. White cats are susceptible to sunburn on their ears. The ears can be protected with suntan lotion.

Some cats develop hair loss during pregnancy. This hair loss is commonly referred to as blowing her coat. The nursing cat may also experience hair loss.

Some hair loss in cats is a genetic characteristic of the cat breed. Kittens of some hairless cat breeds are born with some hair that they lose as they mature.

Cats naturally have thinner hair above their eyes. The thin hair in this area is normal and not a typical sign of cat hair loss.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a cat specialist who can answer your cat health questions and perhaps also give you hundreds of cat names for you to choose from if you are getting a new cat. Visit his cat health resource website now.

Are Free Cat Food Samples Beneficial? Printable Free Cat Food Sample Coupon

By Moses Wright

Small pouches or containers of cat food are sometimes given away as free cat food samples. Sometimes people enjoy looking for free samples to try new things and save a little bit of money. Free cat food samples offer the same benefits.

Manufacturers of cat food sometimes give away free sample coupons for cat food. Cat food sample coupons may be given away at pet stores or through their websites.

The purpose of cat food sample coupons is to entice new customers. The cat food manufacturers hope that the cat owners will buy the cat food.

Cat owners looking for free samples of cat food may want to start their search with a search engine. The search on a search engine like Google.com may show manufacturers who are giving away free cat food samples.

Some cat food manufacturers have special programs for kitten owners and new cat owners. If the new cat owner or owner of a kitten registers, the manufacturer often sends a cat food sample and information on cat care.

Free cat food samples of new products are sometimes given away to cat owners. If a new cat food becomes available, the cat owner may want to check the manufacturers website for a free sample of the new cat food.

The disadvantage of using cat food samples is that the samples are rather small. Therefore, the sample may only be one serving for a cat. If the owner gives the cat samples of cat food that is different from the cats usual food, the change in food may upset the cats stomach.

When using many samples of cat food, the cat owner may want to add a small amount of cat food from a dry cat food sample to the cat's usual dry cat food. Since canned or moist cat food does not stay fresh in an open container, adding small amounts over time only works for dry cat food.

About the Author:

Find free cat food information at your favorite cat diet resource site now. Do you also want some make your own cat food information? Come join us for a healthier cat diet for your precious kitties.

A website with a free cat food sample coupon is Lifes Abundance. All they ask is that you pay a small fee to cover the shipping.

Does Your Pet Need to be Healthier?

By Skibber Labskovs

When you own a pet you take on the responsibility for their lives. So many factors play into your pet being healthy. You have probably had a sick pet at some time your life, and you know how that can tug at your heart. I have had a sick dog so I know it feels, I could only thinks about getting her well. Does your pet need to be healthier?

The first thing to do to take good care of your pet is to feed them good nutritious food. Make sure this food is specially made for them. Pet food is specially designed to have all the nutritional needs included for your pet's health. Whether you have a dog or a hamster, they need the food that is specially designed for them.

In the event that you are going to give your pet people food to consume, make sure it follows their dietary guidelines. Dogs should absolutely not have anything with caffeine in it. This could bring on a heart attack with the dogs. Nor should they have sugar.

Animals can get overweight if fed too much too. This is why feeding dogs and cats table scraps is frowned on. You can kill fish by overfeeding them. Just like people, pets can be made unhealthy by eating too many calories. Make sure that when your pet consumes water that they have sufficient water daily to be hydrated. If your pet happens to be fish in an aquarium, make sure their water is clean and clear for them. This water needs daily watching for different problems.

Make sure the vet sees your pet once a year when it pertains to the type of pet you have. Dogs and cats require vaccines yearly to ward off specific diseases. The rabies vaccine is probably the most important of all of them. If you live somewhere that your pet could come in contact with other animals especially wild ones, the rabies vaccine is crucial.

Every pet needs exercise even fish. Fish do of course get a lot of exercise swimming constantly like they do. Cats and dogs should be ran, played with, and walked be certain that they receive enough healthy exercise. This helps keeps their bodies strong and their weight at the right point. It also helps your pet's heart be healthy. Walk your cat or dog when you go for a stroll. This is how both of you can get healthier at the same time. Provide a hamster with a wheel to run on for their health, if that is your pet of choice. This way it gets enough exercise for its health.

Our pets need our undivided attention and love to be fully healthy. We should show our pets that they are love through petting them and/or talking to them. Grooming is just another show of affection as far as they are concerned. Cats and dogs either get matted coats or shed their hair too much if not brushed enough.

These tips will assist you in providing your pet with the best of care, so that they can be the healthiest they can be. Now isn't that what we all want for our pets? Get your pet healthier today!

About the Author:

Wanting to become a pet owner is wonderful. But there are two things that you need to know about. An important key is quality pet health insurance because without it your pet is not secure if accidents happen. The second is that using cheap pet meds will damage your pet terminally if you find the wrong quality of medication.

For Cats in Kidney Failure - Critical Testing For Cats in Kidney Failure

Many signs are nonspecific and can be linked with several different diseases. Each of them is significant and should prompt your concern. It is important to know what to look for, pay attention to your cat’s behavior and observe for any abnormal symptoms.

Here are the 8 common signs of illness you should be able to recognize in your cat.

1. Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a “loss of appetite” and it is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of the cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal’s health, especially if it lasts 24 hours or more.
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2. Urinating problem. “Trouble urinating” can include straining to urinate, frequent attempts at urination, spending more time in the litter box, urinating outside of the litter box, and/or evidence of discomfort when urinating. Some of the causes if left untreated can result in death in as little as 36 hours.
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3. Weight loss. This is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious.
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4. Breathing Problems. Respiratory distress, often called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, during inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out). When your cat has trouble breathing, he may not be able to get enough oxygen to his tissues. This is a very serious symptom and should be evaluated immediately.
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5. Jaundice. Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, describes the yellow color taken on by the tissues throughout the body due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a substance that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. There are several causes for jaundice and regardless of the cause; jaundice is considered abnormal and serious in the cat.
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6. Urinating and Drinking Excessively. These signs are often early signs of disease including kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland problems, uterine infection (called pyometra), as well as other causes. Cats normally take in about 20 to 40 milliliters (about one ounce) per pound of body weight per per pound of body weight per day, or one cup for a normal sized cat. If you determine that your cat is drinking excessively, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
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7. Lethargy or Weakness. Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference in which there are delayed responses to external stimuli such as auditory (sound), visual (sight), or tactile (touch) stimuli. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign associated with many possible underlying systemic disorders.
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8. Pale Gums. Pale gums or mucous membranes can indicate blood loss or “shock”. The possible causes for either blood loss or shock are life-threatening and thus should be evaluated immediately.

It is a good idea to have your cat examined periodically (a physical exam is a must). This can help look for problems early and start this at a young age.

Prevention is the best cure. Feed your cat a high quality diet and give him plenty of opportunities for play. Watch your cat carefully for any sign of illness. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, please contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic as soon as possible.

By Kate Rieger

When you have suspicions for a cat in kidney failure, its key to get your cat in early for a series of diagnostic tests. When you are done reading this article, you'll understand what tests are run for cats in kidney failure. You can help your cat live longer by getting him in early to the vet to have a a series of diagnostic tests run. Your veterinarian test your cat's urine and blood for tell-tale signs of a cat experiencing renal failure.

First lets review some of the vocabulary used to convey the state of the condition for cats in kidney failure. Acute kidney (or renal) failure in your cat is characterized by complete organ failure where the kidneys stop working altogether. Acute renal failure in cats happens suddenly. It can affect both young and old cats.This type of kidney disease is almost always fatal but if treated immediately and aggressively, the kidneys may regain normal functions and your cat may live a relatively normal life.

The other phrase you may hear is chronic kidney failure. This is the most common disease and is usually experienced by an aging cat. As cats age their major organs have weakened, including their kidneys. Sadly, by the time you notice the symptoms for cats in kidney failure about 70% of your cat's kidney functions are already in trouble. Chronic kidney failure is a progressive disease and eventually your cat will die from it. However, the earlier the disease is discovered the longer you can keep your cat comfortable for months or even years.

Your vet will palpitate the kidney area and check for small, shriveled kidneys. He may take x-rays or an ultrasound. The most dependable diagnosis comes from the blood and urine tests taken from your cat.

Blood Tests

A blood test evaluates the BUN level of your cat's blood. No, BUN isn't a level of yeast but stands for the Blood Urea Nitrogen level. The BUN is a chemical that the liver makes from ammonia. After production, BUN is excreted into the kidneys, which increases in some diseases especially for cats in kidney failure. The test also is a marker for dehydration in your cat or even bladder stones.

Blood tests also show the level of creatinine in your cat's blood. Creatinine is the breakdown product of muscle and normally is excreted by the kidneys. If your cat's creatinine level is abnormal it helps confirm that your cat's elevated BUN level was caused by kidney failure.

Urine Tests

When evaluating your cat's urine, the veterinarian will check for signs of infection, the concentration, and any losses of proteins. When a healthy cat is dehydrated the proteins show at a concentrated level. For cats in kidney failure, this protein concentration is not there which is key to determining if your cat's kidneys are functioning properly or not.

About the Author:

To wrap all this up...urine and blood tests are key to determining if your cat is having a kidney problem. Do not give up when you hear your cat has kidney disease. There are a number of homeopathic remedies available to improve the quality of life for cats in kidney failure. You'll find more tips for helping treat a cat with chronic renal failure at http://Cat-Bladder-Problems.com.

Signs of Renal failure in cats. Increased thirst is often the first symptom

Kidney disease, in the form of chronic renal failure (CRF), is a common problem in older cats. I have seen kidney failure in cats as young as 4 years, but far more frequently in much older cats. The most noticeable symptom is an increase in water consumption and urination ("drink-a-lot, pee-a-lot syndrome"). A blood test should be done if you notice these symptoms, as there are several conditions that can cause this. The increase in drinking and urinating in CRF is due to loss of the kidney's ability to concentrate the urine. The kidneys have a very large reserve capacity, and symptoms of kidney failure are not seen until approximately 75% of kidney tissue is non-functional. In my experience, kidney failure is the most common cause of death in older cats.

Causes of Chronic Renal Failure

Recent research suggests a link between vaccination for feline distemper and immune-mediated inflammation of the kidneys, which is thought to be the cause of CRF. Annual boosters for distemper are completely unnecessary. Be sure to discuss all recommended vaccines with your veterinarian. A cat with kidney disease or kidney failure should not be vaccinated at all.

Long-term feeding of an all-dry-food diet is also suspected as a factor in Chronic Renal Failure. Cats' kidneys are highly efficient and adapted to life in the desert, where they would get most or all of their water from eating their prey. Cats eating dry cat food take in only half the water that cats on a canned or homemade diet get; this chronic dehydration can cause stress on the kidneys over time. Dry diets also predispose cats to lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD, LUTD, FUS, crystals, stones, cystitis) because they force such a high degree of urine concentration. Chronic or recurrent bladder disease may also be a factor in the development of CRF.

Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic kidney failure is progressive and incurable. No conventional or alternative medical treatment can reverse its course, since the disease involves the loss of kidney cells and replacement by scar tissue. The rate of progression in any individual cat probably cannot be slowed to any significant degree. When the process is advanced, the kidneys become small and lumpy, and the amount of functional tissue is greatly limited. The most significant problems caused by the loss of function are build-up of blood toxins, and anemia. These can cause weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and other signs of illness.

Some cats are able to maintain their body weight and live relatively comfortable lives for months to years, while others succumb to the disease more quickly. In conventional medicine, there are drugs that can minimize anemia, and phosphate binders to prevent phosphorus precipitates from further damaging the kidneys. However, these may not be palatable, and may cause adverse reactions. They are also of little or no value unless the cat is eating a restricted protein/low phosphorus diet exclusively. It may also be important to supplement potassium in the food.

Poison To Cats - Are You Poisoning Your Cat With His Hairball Remedy?

By Kate Rieger

It probably never occurred to you that you are damaging your cats with the hairball medicine you give them. Certainly not that you were giving poison to cats. In fact, overloading your cats' diet with some hairball products can prevent absorption of a vital vitamin.

Many of us rely on supplemental vitamins to provide a nutritional boost to our human diets. Perhaps you even thought about supplementing your cat's diet with vitamins. After all, didn't you read somewhere that kittens with diets low in vitamin D develop rickets? Or what about older cats with low levels of vitamin D in their diet suffering from brittle bones?

Both of these conditions are possible, but such deficiencies are rare in today's cat diet world. That said, it is possible that you may cause your cat to have a vitamin D deficiency simply by treating him for hairballs. You could be literally giving poison to cats when you treat them with hairball remedies that have a petroleum jelly base or mineral oil.

If your cat 'just loves' his petroleum based hairball remedy and you 'just love' giving it to him, you both may need to back off the program a bit. Excessive use of this type of hair ball remedy can interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamin D.

If you indulged your cats with this type of hairball remedy, but now know better, don't be tempted to add vitamin D back into their diet. Just continue to feed a high quality cat food which is full of vitamins cats need. Once your cats are off the petroleum based product, their digestive system will be able to absorb the vitamin D again.

Now let's consider completely removing this 'petroleum based' product from your cats diets. After all, would you ingest something made of petroleum? Here, have a pint of crude to slick up your innards. Its really not a far stretch to consider this as something close to giving poison to cats.

Consider switching over to an herbal hairball treatment. There are herbal compounds that provide a gentle yet effective solution to cat hairballs. Psyllium nigrum is a very high source of dietary fiber while Aloe ferox (a well known medicinal herb) is known for its beneficial effect on digestive functioning. Nux vom is a proven homeopathic remedy often prescribed for indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, violent retching and abdominal cramps.

Its easy to give this herbal remedy and if you have a cat who hates the other products, bets are that he'll never even notice when you add a bit to his canned cat food. Just give 1/2 capsule 2 times daily for 10 days, followed by 1/2 capsule once daily as a maintenance dose for cats who are prone to nasty hairballs.

About the Author:

Stop over-indulging with the greasy hairball remedy and get your cats on a natural hairball remedy today at http://www.Coolest-Cat-Care.com/HairBallFree.

Amazon Review:
Cat Grass is not only a treat that cats love to eat, it is also good for them and will help deter them away from eating houseplants! My cat often nibbles on houseplants then throws up and I'm always afraid that it will do damage to her digestive system. When there is cat grass around, though, she only eats that - she really chows it down, and it makes her happy, too! Cat grass is also good for cats - it contains vitamins that may or may not be present in cat food, and it aids their digestive system and helps to eliminate fur balls.

Even if you do not have a green thumb, cat grass is so easy to grow, that anyone can do it and it's also a great "project" for kids, too. The seeds sprout very quickly (if you keep them moist) and will grow quickly to 4-6inches in a window sill.

If you have cats, cat grass is a must!