Signs of a Healthy Cat: A head-to-toe examination of a healthy cat

Part 1: a Healthy Cat's Head By Franny Syufy, About.com

Certainly everyone who has a cat wants him or her to be healthy. Knowing what a healthy cat looks and feels like to the touch can help us spot any changes that may require veterinary attention. Let's take a look at our cats from head to toe so that we may start with a level playing ground. It is important first to point out that a "disability" such as an amputated limb, blindness, or hearing loss does not automatically rule out being overall healthy. For example, an active "tripod" cat may be much healthier than an obese cat with all four legs.

The Healthy Cat's Head
A healthy cat's head will give an impression of alertness. Except when sleeping, interacting with other cats, or on the prowl, the head will be carried high. Start by knowing what all the lumps and bumps on your cats head are in his healthy state (confirm any suspicious ones with your veterinarian).

A Healthy Cat's Ears
Except for the Scottish Fold and the American Curl, a cat's ears will be triangular in shape. The outside ear coat is very short, and, as a rule, somewhat sparser than the hair on the rest of the cat's body. Because of this, white cats and other cats with light-colored ears are susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer which attacks the ear tips and pink noses of these cats. This cancer is malignant, and can spread to other areas of the cat's body if not treated aggressively. Thus, any indication of sores, scabs, or "crusty" appearance should trigger a visit to your veterinarian.

His ears will be clean, with no signs of ear mites. Although normally, a cat's ears may show a small amount of wax, there should be no foul odor or visible pus or drainage, which could lead to hearing loss. A cat with healthy ears should never shake his head nor paw at his ears. Any of these signs are a red flag that the cat should be seen immediately by a veterinarian.

A Healthy Cat's Eyes
Your cat's eyes should be clear, bright, and alert to his surroundings. Although his pupils may be narrow or wide, depending on the amount of light reflecting on them, they should always be the same size. The whites of the eyes should be white, with no evidence of yellowing or redness. Although you may see tiny blood vessels, the appearance of blood in the eye chamber is a veterinary emergency. Squinting or blinking of one eye could also indicate an injury to the eye, such as foreign matter or a scratch from another cat. These are also indications that a veterinarian should be consulted. Reddening of the pink membrane that lines the eyelid is an indication of possible conjunctivitis, which can sometimes be difficult to treat. None of these conditions are responsive to DIY home treatment, and any of them could eventually lead to serious problems and blindness, if left untreated.

A Healthy Cat's Nose
A healthy cat's sense of smell is fourteen times stronger than a human's, which is not surprising, since the cat's nose may be one of his most valuable assets. In fact, news stories occasionally surface when cats' save their families' lives by waking them after smelling smoke or gas leaks.

He depends heavily on his sense of smell to locate food in the form of prey, scent out his enemies (predators, dogs, other cats), or scout for a mate. Cats use their own scent glands to mark their territory, which may range for several miles in the wild. They then use their nose with its magnificent organ, the vomeronasal organ, most often known as the Jacobson's Organ, to check their own scent markings, and to ensure that no other predator or rival cat has passed that way.

A cat's nose leather may be of any color, including black and pink, or even a combination of colors. The nostrils should be free of mucous, and not "runny." Although a cat may sometimes sneeze because of allergies or dust, continuous, severe sneezing, sometimes accompanied by gagging, is an indication he may have some foreign body embedded in his nasal passage. So is a cat pawing at its nose. This is more common with cats allowed outdoors, who may have swallowed or inhaled a foxtail or sharp blade of grass, and it is considered a veterinary emergency. Read a more thorough examination on how a cat uses his nose and Jacobson's organ in "The Nose Knows."

World's Most Beautiful Cat's

Different Types of Cat Barrier

Cats, similar to dogs, are physically active domesticated animals and letting them roam around inside your house without supervision could cause damage and scratches to your beddings and furniture. If you want to prevent that from happening, the use of cat barriers such as cat doors, enclosure or playpen is very helpful to keep your feline friend in a safe and contained area. Such pet containment systems are also a great way to keep your cat away from aggressive dogs and other dangerous stray animals in the neighborhood.

Here are a few types of cat barriers and the many good benefits they can bring to you and your beloved cat:

Cat Doors
Cat barrier, in the form of a cat door, will allow your kitty to enter and exit the house in a safe manner. As you all know, cats are naturally territorial and they immensely enjoy playing inside and outside the house. If you have a small cat door installed specifically for her, it can make the life of your cat easier and convenient. Hence, there’s no more need to exert effort to open the main door at all times to let her out or in.

Cat Flaps
This unique feline door design will let your cat to enter and exit a house on their own without needing you to open the main door from time to time, while providing protection against wind, rain and other harsh elements.

Cat Enclosures
For outdoor use, cat enclosures are very functional to contain your cat in the backyard or the park. More than being a cage, this spacious cat containment system can serve as an outdoor feline barrier where your furry friend can play, run, exercise and rest safely while enjoying the beauty of the outside world.

Cat Playpens
For indoor use, on the other hand, cat playpens and kitten playpens are a great solution. This type of cat barrier provides a comfortable space for your feline pet to stretch out, move around and play inside the house, while preventing her to get in touch with fragile objects such as furniture and other precious decorations. Cat playpen is also ideal to use if you leave your cat home alone.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Helping Your Cat Express Its Creativity Through Scratching

Most cats enjoy scratching, there's no question about it.

And indoor cats are no different. Just because a tree is not available, it does not decrease their desire to "leave a mark on the world" by scratching. From a cat's point of view, chairs, sofas, and even the woodwork can serve as a good substitute. But cat owners often take a different view. They see scratching as a destructive behavior, and seek to redirect or stop it. In many cases, a scratching post can be a good compromise.

But even better, why not help your feline pal create original pieces of art you will be proud to display in your home or office?

Ever since he was a kitten, my cat Henry has always loved to scratch. He soon grew tired of the scratching post I bought him and went on tocreate interesting textures on the living room sofa and chair. I was determined not to have him declawed. So what was the answer?

I remembered hearing that a friend's cat liked to scratch a piece of carpet she had nailed onto the wall. So I went to the surplus store and bought a few pieces of carpet remnants.

It did not take Henry long to catch on. Almost as soon as I nailed the carpet up on the wall, he discovered that he really enjoyed scratching it. He was very pleased that it didn't turn over with him like his old scratching post sometimes did, and he enjoyed working with the
texture.

A few months later, when Henry had nearly scratched the carpet remnant to pieces, I decided to replace it with another strip of carpet. But instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to put a hanger on it and display it. After all, it looked like a modern piece of fiber art. It had long, fluffy loops of all lengths, and it looked like someone had spent a great deal of time creating it. (Actually they did -- only the "someone" happened to be feline!)

Last summer when I was exhibiting some of my own fiber art at the Bangor Public Library in Bangor, Maine, I decided to include a few pieces of Henry's work. The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and were surprised to learn that a cat had created it! Within a few
months, Henry and his work were also featured in the Bangor Daily News.

If you would like to help your feline friend express their creativity, all you need are a few nails or screws and a strip of carpet that's at least 5-6 inches across and at least a foot long. Make sure that the carpet does not have loops that are cut, or your cat will only be able
to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she would like to create. Nail it securely to the wall, and watch what happens! If your cat needs a little encouragement, you can always rub the carpet remnant with catnip, or spray it with catnip spray.

Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat might create!

Anita Louise McCormick is a writer, editor, artist, and Reiki Master. She is also the agent and personal assistant of a very creative cat, Henry the Feline Fiber Artist! You can visit the website Anita created for Henry at http://henrythefelinefiberartist.wordpress.com to read his story, see a few of the wall hangings he created, and view a short video documentary about his work. Anita also has a website about her writing at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/AnitaMcCormick

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

How to Clean Cat Urine

Cats may urinate outside the litter box for a number of reasons, including:

Marking Territory – The cat is claiming an object or area as his own. This is a common problem in multicat households.

Fear: The cat has been frightened while using the litter box or near the spot where he has urinated.

• Litter Box Problems: These may include location, type of litter, and other issues.
• Stress: Changes that cats find traumatic such as moving house can cause soiling outside the box.
• Illness: Inappropriate elimination is a symptom of many different medical problems. If a cat begins urinating outside the box, take him for a veterinary check-up to rule out health issues before assuming that it's a behavioural problem.

It's important to clean cat urine thoroughly as soon as it's discovered, or the scent will lure the cat back, encouraging him to keep marking the same spot. Other cats, vying for territory within a multicat household, may also urinate on a spot that the first cat has marked to assert their own claims.

How to Remove Fresh Cat Urine from Carpets or Furniture

Fresh cat urine is acidic, while dried urine is alkaline, so different cleaning strategies are required for each. Vinegar, often recommended for cleaning cat urine, will affect the pH of fresh urine in a way that makes the odour difficult to permanently eliminate. When fresh urine has been cleaned with vinegar, the smell can be brought back to life on humid days.

To clean fresh cat urine from carpeting or upholstery so that the odour is permanently removed, use the following strategy:

• Step 1: Blot the area with dry rags or paper towels – don’t rub, as this may force urine deeper into the fabric or carpet underlay. Press down on the rags or towels to soak up as much urine as possible.
• Step 2: Saturate the area with a dish detergent solution (1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent to 1 quart of warm water). Let the solution sit for an hour or two if possible. Then rinse the area thoroughly (a wet sponge can be used for this purpose) and allow it to dry.
• Step 3: Apply an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle to ensure that all scents detectable to cats have been eliminated (enzymatic cleaners should also be used for cat urine on hardwood or concrete). More than one application may be required.
• Step 4: If the cat has urinated on a carpet, it may have soaked through to the underlay or even the floorboards underneath. If possible, pull up the carpet and clean the area underneath the urine spot. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before replacing the carpet. The padding inside furniture that has been targeted may also require cleaning.

How to Remove Dried Cat Urine from Carpets or Furniture

Dried cat urine, which may be hidden away in closets and other out-of-the-way spots, can be found using a black light (black-light-equipped portable flashlights are available at many hardware and pet supply stores). To clean dried cat urine:

• Step 1: Soak the area with a vinegar and water solution (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar). Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes and then blot with dry rags or paper towels.
• Step 2: Follow steps 2-4 for cleaning fresh cat urine (see above).

How to Prevent Cats from Urinating Outside the Litter Box

In addition to thoroughly cleaning and de-scenting the area, there are ways to prevent cats from urinating outside the box, particularly if they are targeting a specific place over and over again. Effective strategies include:

• Blocking access to the area if possible or using carpet runner (pointy side up), tinfoil, or Sticky Paws tape (all items that cats dislike walking on) to cover the spot for a few weeks until the habit is broken
• Avoiding the use of ammonia-based cleaners, as the smell may encourage cats to continue urinating on the spot where it has been applied
• Discarding smaller items (i.e., pillows) that are frequently targeted
• Trying a pheromone product, such as Feliway (some owners find these products useful in reducing or eliminating urine marking)
• Taking steps to reduce conflicts among cats that may contribute to territorial marking
• Addressing any problems with the litter box that cause the cat to avoid it
• Dealing with psychological issues that are triggering inappropriate elimination

Scolding or punishing cats for urinating or defecating outside the box is unlikely to stop this behaviour. In fact, it often increases inappropriate elimination because anxious cats are more inclined to go outside the box. Providing extra attention and reassurance is more likely to have a positive effect on undesirable behaviour than punishment.

References:

• Christensen, Wendy, and the Staff of the Humane Society of the United States. (2002). The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
• The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2009). “How to Clean up Cat Urine.”

The copyright of the article How to Clean Cat Urine in Cats is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish How to Clean Cat Urine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Prisoners Transformed Through Pet Therapy © Jennifer Copley

At many prisons, inmates have experienced a metamorphosis as a result of their interactions with cats. The following are some particularly noteworthy examples of the benefits of pet therapy at correctional institutions.
The Cat Program at Saxierriet Prison

Saxierriet penitentiary in Switzerland has implemented an innovative pet therapy program called the Cat Program through which inmate volunteers are provided with a pet cat. Strict regulations are enforced to ensure the welfare of these therapy animals, and inmates may take their pets with them when they are released.

Having trustworthy, nonjudgmental companions has reduced the loneliness of participating inmates. Taking care of an animal is the only socially acceptable way of showing affection in prison, and the opportunity to do so has made the prisoners more receptive to psychological treatment. A study of participants found that they had higher self-esteem and self-confidence as a result of the program, critical elements for resocialization after release (Nef, 2004, "The Cat Programme, An Animal-Assisted Therapy at Saxierriet Prison for Men: Its Effects and Results in a Correctional Establishment").
The Feral Cat Colony at Pollsmoor Prison

Pollsmoor Prison, a South African maximum security facility housing a large number of hardcore criminals, is also home to a feral cat colony whose members have had a transformative effect on the inmates.

Prisoners first invited the starving feral cats into their cells by hanging sheets from their windows for the cats to climb and sharing their food with them. Rita Brock and Mandy Wilson of The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), who originally came to rescue feral cats in the area that local authorities planned to eradicate, now have the ongoing responsibility of working with the prisoners and wardens to ensure that the cats receive sufficient food and medical care.

Pollsmoor inmate Wayne Hutchinson says of his cat Spookies, “she’s totally stolen my heart and changed my life around....I was abused as a child, and she has taught me how to love and learn the errors of my ways.” (Sandy Robins,“The Cats of Pollsmoor Prison,” Cat Fancy Magazine - reprinted 16 April 2009 by Linda Tellington-Jones).

To read the full story of the Pollsmoor Prison cats, visit Tellington-Jones’ website.
The Cat Program at Indiana State Prison

Cat Behaviourist Diana Korten visited the Indiana State prison to interview inmates and staff about their cat program. Korten notes that it was the cats that initiated the program when they made their way onto the prison grounds and began having kittens there.

Indiana State is a maximum security facility and many of the offenders are in for murder, but the men are fiercely protective of their cats. They construct elaborate cat furniture, make cat toys, and take excellent care of their charges, cat-sitting for one another as needed. The prisoners receive unconditional love from their pets and believe that the cats have changed them in positive ways, reducing their anger and increasing their capacity for self-control.

Inmate James Stone confided to Korten, “I have a temper. One time some things happened and I was feeling pretty serious about doing something....But Raol put Jinxster in my arms, and I just held him until I didn’t need to do something anymore....During my first 15 years here, I was trouble....But Jinx changed all that. I’m a different person now.”

Administrator Vince Morton told Korten, “I’ve been here for over 25 years, and I have seen a lot of offenders transformed by the cats.” The program costs the taxpayers nothing – prisoners pay all cat-related expenses through work programs or family support.

To read the full article on this remarkable program and its effects, visit Diana Korten's Cat Odyssey blog.
The Pen Pals Program at Pocahontas Correctional Unit

The Chesterfield, VA, Pocahontas Correctional Unit Pen Pals program enables trusted inmates to care for abandoned feral cats. Participants socialize the cats, after which they are adopted out.

Pet cats that found themselves homeless after Hurricane Katrina were also cared for by the Pen Pals. The inmates were happy to help the sick, traumatized animals, and to do something tangible for the hurricane relief effort (Associated Press, 19 October, 2005, “Inmates Welcome Cats Orphaned by Katrina”).
The Cats of Bang Kwang Prison

Bang Kwang Prison in Thailand, like many other prisons, has become a gathering place for abandoned feral cats. Lonely inmates, many of them in jail for life, are comforted by the 700 feral cats that live on the prison grounds.

A warden at the prison said “with these cats around, inmates with brutal crimes such as murder have reduced much of their aggression and become gentler.” The cats are particularly popular among former gunmen. According to one, “when I first arrived here, I was very edgy, so full of worries and bad tempers rushing in and out. But when I began raising and playing with these cats, my mind grew calmer.” In addition to having a positive effect on the inmates, the cats earn their keep by eliminating prison rats (MCOT English News, 23 July 2008, “Bang Kwang Inmates Find Comfort in Cats’ Company”).

Further Reading

• For more information on the psychological and physical health benefits cats can provide, see The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat.
• See Animal-Assisted Therapy Providers for information on animal therapy in other contexts such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

The copyright of the article Prison Cats Change Inmates for the Better in Cats is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish Prison Cats Change Inmates for the Better in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

New to Cats - Getting Your First Cat

Getting your first cat or kitten can be a huge step for a "Cat Newbie." These helpful articles and resources will help you in making that all-important decision of committing to a lifetime relationship. Whether you've just adopted your first cat, or are just thinking about getting one, this is the place to start.

Where to Adopt a Cat
Indoors or Outdoors
Cat Care 101
Allergic to Cats
Declawing
Cat Names

Advanced Tips for Choosing Cat Food

Cat food is one of the most important expenses of feline guardianship, next to veterinary care. It is important also to note that proper diet can eliminate or delay veterinary expense for a number of serious medical conditions.

How to Make Your House a Great Place for Your Cat
Just as you may need a TV, books, or a garden, for the quality of life you enjoy, so does your cat have certain needs. By providing him with the essentials, your relationship with your cat will grow, and kitty will truly feel "at home."