How to give a cat a bath
How to give a cat a bath
It is important to know how to bathe your cat. Cats generally to a fine job cleaning themselves, however, they my need a little help from time to time. In this case, it is important to know how to properly give you cat a bath. Giving a cat a bath can be a little trick since most cats are not fond of water or getting wet. There are dry bath products available on the market today to avoid the traditional bath altogether, however these products are better used to keep your cat clean and healthy rather than get them clean after a roll in the mud. The dry bath products are generally a leave in treatments great for eliminating odor. A dry bath is a great idea for keeping you cat clean. It will usually not effect their current flea treatment because no water should be needed to wash it away. Always read the labels before using these products. They are safe to use on cats, but may contain different ingredients that you or your cat could be allergic to. Dry bath products are great, but what do you do when your cat homes home late at night, covered in mud, paint, or something incredible messy and possible toxic? Lets face it, cats get into trouble sometimes. You probably won t want to let them come in the house and lay on your floor or furniture, and, unless you know what your cat is covered in, probably should not let them sit in the mess all night, or try and clean it themselves. You should never let your cat ingest a foreign substance if possible. When this happens, hopefully on a rare occasion, you will want to know how to give your cat a bath. If you re very lucky, this may not be much trouble. Your cat might like the water. But if you have a normal cat like the rest of us, things could get pretty interesting. When you ve decided to give your cat a bath, you should get them a special kitty shampoo. The regular shampoo you use everyday may have harsh perfumes or chemicals that could be harmful to your cat. If this is not available, try and do the best you can with just water in an emergency. It may not be as easy, but this should get most of the muck out of your cat s fur. By this time you should be well aware of your cats temperament. You will know if your cat will fight you and how hard he or she will fight to get away from bath time. So take every precaution necessary to protect yourself and your cat. After all, most cats are equipped with an effective defense. Claws! If you have a leather jumpsuit or bird handling gloves, then you re set. Of course, most of us don t have these types of armor and they are not necessary to get the job done. Rubber gloves are suggested, but long sleeves are a must! Personally, I ve found that a thick, durable fabric like denim or even a thick cotton work just fine. Just make sure, what ever you wear, that it can t be penetrated too easily by your cat s claws. The size of your cat, and intensity of his or her frenzy, should determine your bath space needed. You may be able to get away with using your sink for small cats and kittens. If not, use your bathtub and keep all doors closed. If you have a glass shower door, it s not a bad idea to climb into the tub with your cat and keep that door closed too. Stop! Before you throw you cat into tub of water, remember they will, most likely, be frightened. When you attempt to give your cat a bath, chances are, your cat will know that something s up even before you begin. Your cat may be frightened by the sound of running water, or the splashing sounds in the tub or sink. It s usually not the best idea to run the water over your cat like a shower. This could startle your cat and cause him or her to spring into action and try to run away from it. The best way I ve found is to draw a shallow bath and have a cup handy to pour water, slowly onto your cat in order to wet him. Maintain control! You are the master of your domain and don t let your cat think otherwise in this situation. While hogtying your cat is not recommended, you will need to restrict his movement somewhat. This might take the effort of two people for unruly cats and may take some force. Whatever you do, please don t hurt your cat! Once you have control of your beast, and the water is ready, complete the procedure as quickly as possible. Wet your cats coat thoroughly and lather him up with his own special shampoo. Do the best job you can; don t forget the feet, tail and stomach. Always use extra special care when washing your cats face! Shampoo may not be needed in this area, and be very careful around his eyes. Once your cat is soapy, start to rinse. Using the same, gentle pouring motion with your handy cup and the water in the tub rinse your cats fur. You may want to have a reserve of fresh, clean water for rinsing. Try and use your fingers to break up any matting and wok through thick coated areas. Rinse well, drain the tub, and you are almost done. Now it s time to dry your cat. Drying your cat should not take as much effort as it seems. You will not be able to get him completely dry, so do your best and your cat, and time, will gladly finish the job. When you let your cat out of the sink or bathtub, keep him in the area. Your cat will most likely want to shake first, just like dogs, and then gently, but with enthusiasm, rub your cat with a towel to rid him of excess water. Your cat will begin to lick himself dry. You can them leave your cat in the bathroom until he s dry, or let him out whenever you feel is best you, your home, your furniture, and your cat. In order to simplify this process, here is a step by step guide on How to give a cat a bath: Get cat shampoo Suit up! Protect your body from potential injury. Draw a shallow bath (warm, not hot or cold) Restrain your cat Wet Lather Rinse and Dry The last thing you should know before giving a cat a bath is not to be intimidated. It may not be as simple as one, two, thee, but it s not impossible and you ll both feel better when it’s over.
Angela Coyle is an avid cat lover, and owner of Hercules the cat, Murteza Abyssinian, Mango, and many others throughout the years. She is also currently an editor at http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com
Dogs Need Different Diets At Different Ages
Dogs need different diets at different ages. Yes. This is true. For example, the puppy needs milk as the major food item while an adult dog may need beef or chicken in addition to the boiled egg and milk. So depending on the age factor, the diet schedule varies in reality for the dogs like any other species.
Pet Food Recipes
Author David Gilmore explains: Pretty much every pet owner at one time or another has thought about making their own pet food for their favorite kitty or dog. The store bought pet food is easy to serve, but it often looks disgusting and the preservatives and chemicals in it makes you wonder how healthy it really is. But cats and dogs cananersquo;t eat people food, no matter how much they beg for it.
The Trouble With Long Hair - Cushing's Disease.
As summer sets in most horses have shed their winter coats. But some older horses are still clinging to their winter coat. Some have not shed it at all.
Failure to shed the winter coat is a good indication that a horse has Cushing’s disease.
Cushing’s disease is being recognised more and more frequently in older horses and ponies. The condition is named because of its similarities to the human disease of the same name. But there are significant differences.
Equine Cushing’s disease is associated with excessive cortisol production by the adrenal gland. In almost all cases, it is caused by increased activity in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain. The underlying problem seems to lie with nerves that should limit the activity of the affected part of the gland.
In normal horses, ACTH, a hormone from the pituitary gland, stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. The blood cortisol level is controlled by a complex “feed back mechanism. Basically, an increase in blood cortisol inhibits further ACTH release, which in turn causes the cortisol level to fall.
In horses with Cushing’s disease the abnormal pituitary gland produces ACTH, and other related molecules, some of which increase the potency of ACTH. In addition, the abnormal gland does not respond to the normal feedback controls. Most of the signs seen with Cushing’s disease are due to the increased cortisol activity.
Often the first sign that a horse is affected with Cushing’s disease is hirsutism, the development of an excessively long and often curly coat. Shedding of the coat that normally occurs in summer either does not occur at all or is greatly reduced.
Other signs include excessive sweating, weight loss, poor performance, increased drinking and passing increased amounts of urine. Almost all affected animals go on to develop laminitis eventually. Because the laminitis in these cases is the result of internal problems rather than a momentary dietary indiscretion, it is often more difficult to treat than laminitis due to dietary causes.
Various tests have been used to help to confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately the tests can sometimes be misleading. In most cases they are not necessary. There is really only one condition that causes older horses not to shed their hair in summer - and that is Cushing s disease.
So, what can be done for horses with Cushing s disease? Veterinarians have used a variety of medications, originally intended for human use, to treat Cushing’s disease in horses. The most effective seems to be a drug called pergolide. If the treatment is successful, as well as showing a general improvement in condition, a horse may start to shed its coat again.
Some people have found that herbal mixtures containing chaste berry extracts have helped, but others disagree.
Clipping the excessive coat will make the horse more comfortable, and may reduce the risk of skin infections. Regular corrective trimming of the feet is likely to be necessary once laminitis develops.
The onset of Cushing s disease need not necessarily mean a horse s days are numbered. But once you spot the telltale signs have a word with your veterinarian to discuss the options that are available for managing the condition.
Copyright 2006 by Mark Andrews / Equine Science Update. This article may be freely used by newsletters and web sites without permission as long as the copyright notice, links and contact information remain unchanged. Mark Andrews, an experienced equine veterinarian, is author of The Foaling Guide, (<a href="http://www.thefoalingguide.com" title="http://www.thefoalingguide.com" target="_blank">http://www.thefoalingguide.com</a>) and publisher of Equine Science Update. For the latest information in equine science, subscribe to the free newsletter from Equine Science Update. (<a href="http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk" title="http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk</a>)
Nutrition - Dog Food or Junk Food
Animals are designed naturally to consume natural foods. Industrial vitamins and supplements are chemical extracts that do not provide us or our pets with proper nutrition. Pet foods are packed with fillers that will never match up to the benefits of high quality whole food nutrition.
Siamese Cats : The Sleek Pussy
Siam, the former name for Thailand is allegedly the origin of the breed. It is said that at one time these cats were so highly valued that only members of the Royal Family were allowed to keep them. It was not until the twentieth century that Siamese cats became popular around the world. Read other snippets below: The cats have a unique appearance, sleek streamlined shape with striking facial features, almond eyes and short silky coats make them fascinating to look at and they have been the subject of many a sculpture. Here are various varieties with seal points being one of the best known, having dark brown extremities and a pale fawn body. Chocolate, lilac and blue points are other fascinating varieties with different colour permutations. Due to different breeding organisations there are different standards and requirements and this has caused some disagreements between these various organisations, leading to names such as Traditional Siamese , Classic Siamese and Appleheads . If you are thinking of getting a Siamese then I advise you to do some research! Siamese cats are among the most affectionate of cats and enjoy being with people. They bond with their owners and are happy in the confines of their owners home. The cats are extremely vocal and intelligent as well as being playful and active. Remember if you are considering owning a Siamese to keep those breakables out of their way!
Sarah-Anne has been an animal care expert for 10 years. If you want to raise health, happy Siamese cats then click this link http://mainecoon.focal.hop.clickbank.net/ If you want to know how to make your cat adore you then click this link http://mainecoon.banfdotcom.hop.clickbank.net/ If you are concerned about your cats health then click this link http://mainecoon.kittycat.hop.clickbank.net/ for the best cat health and care resource guide.
Are Those Fleas on My Cat?
Have you ever cuddled up with your cat only to find some dark and small stuff crawling in its hair? That can be a scary moment! The smart thing to do is to immediately do a simple test to prevent further infestation. Cat fleas multiply very rapidly if left unchecked and can spread to humans easily as well. A cat flea treatment often isn t enough and you ll have to deep clean your whole home.
Signs that the little insects have invaded your cat are fairly easy to notice. Your cat may be scratching very often and more intensely than normal. You or others staying in your home may have red itchy spots on your ankles or stomach as well.
Comb your cat’s fur near its tail and you will find small bits of dead fur and blackish dirt. That could be the excrement of fleas. Do a quick test: tap the hair and dirt onto a white piece of paper and sprinkle over with water. If the little bits of crumbling, blackish material dissolve into bloody bits, it s time to give your pet a cat flea treatment. The tiny black fleas may be crawling or jumping about. It is critical that you send your cat for a flea treatment immediately, as you need to stop the cat fleas from multiplying as quickly as you can.
Veterinarians these days are offering easy solutions for cat flea treatment. A treatment called “Advantage” will help get rid of the cat flea problem without having to give your cat a bath in insecticidal solutions (also available at your veterinarian). This cat flea treatment is a spot-on treatment. You only need to place a drop of the solution onto your cat’s skin in between its shoulder blades. Reapply at scheduled intervals to make sure that all fleas are killed. That s it! “Frontline” is another popular choice for spot-on treatments.
There are also non-chemical cat flea treatments. However, these are less straightforward than spot-on solutions. Washing your cat with 1 - 2 rounds of soapy water and then combing (once it is dry) with a fine-toothed flea comb can help remove cat flea eggs, larvae and mature insects from your cat’s fur. You ll probably have to comb your cat every night for several to make the cat flea treatment effective. Wiping a lemon-juice repellent on your cat’s fur can help to remove any cat flea hitchhikers on your cat, although you will have to manually remove the eggs and larvae.
Whichever treatment you choose, for an effective cat flea treatment, you ll need to vacuum your home thoroughly and steam-clean your carpets and furniture as well. Wash all bedding, throws, or blankets the cat is in contact with in hot, soapy water. Secure the vacuum bag in a plastic bag before throwing it into the outside garbage bin.
Prevention is definitely better than cure. You can try these natural remedies to get rid of cat flea worries before the pests invade your pet. Add a tiny bit of garlic into your cat’s meal and add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to its water. If it doesn’t want to drink it, then just use the apple cider vinegar as a spray to deter fleas by misting your pet every now and then.
To get treatments for cat fleas, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat-Page.com
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