Cats

The cat is a pet treasured for its independent and slightly aloof nature. Unlike with dogs, humans have to earn the affection and loyalty of their feline companions. Perhaps that is why having a cat curled up nearby, purring contentedly, is such a rewarding moment for those who love them.

But have you ever asked yourself, „Why do cats purr?“ Many have wondered, but if cats know the answer they aren’t going to tell us any time soon. This has prompted much research and generated a number of different answers, each just as likely as the last.

Many believe that a cat purrs as a form of communication to other animals. When a kitten is born, it is both blind and deaf. It relies on the mother’s purr for food and comfort. A kitten develops the ability to purr when it is two days old, and this is an effective way for the kitten and mother to communicate.

Why Do Cats Purr and What Does it Mean?

Part of the mystery surrounding the question of why do cats purr is whether or not it is a form of communication and, if so, what are cats trying to communicate?

Most people think their cats purr when they are happy, but cats have been shown to purr when they are resting, nursing, eating, sick, injured or frightened. That’s a lot of emotional states for one sound to cover!

One clue is that kittens can purr at just two days old, long before they can meow or hiss. Some people believe that a kitten purrs to its mother to let her know that its alright, and the mother purrs back in reassurance.

Much like cats’ tendency to knead years after they’ve been weaned, purring may continue as a call for attention in many different situations.

How Can Cat Purring Help Heal Bones?

Another theory asserts that purring is much more than just a unique form of communication. A scientific study found that purring may in fact support cats’ lazy lifestyles.

Spending the majority of the day sleeping can lead to serious muscle loss and bone decay, but the vibrations created by purring may be the perfect frequency to stimulate a cat’s muscles. This would improve bone density, help injuries heal faster and keep the cat fit, all while saving valuable energy as the cat rests.

This intriguing find may someday help astronauts, who suffer from similar physical damage while in space. With the right frequency, a simulated purr could help future space travelers stay strong and healthy.

Cat’s Purr is a Sign of Friendship

Many veterinarians believe that the answer to why cats purr is to let other animals know that they are not a threatening presence. Cats are not the only species that have the ability to purr. This leads veterinarians to believe that a purr can be used as a signal to threatening animals.

This also leads to the belief that the purr is a sign of friendship. It has been shown that if the cat is anxious or in a tense situation, it may purr as a method of avoiding harm. Scientists strongly believe that the answer to “why do cats purr?” is highly associated with the emotions of the cats.

How Do Cats Purr

But „Why do cats purr?“ is not the only big question around this strange feline vocalization. The truth is, nobody even knows exactly how cats purr to begin with.

Cats have no special organ to help them make the sound, but it’s believed they use a special trick to constrict and expand their airway and produce the harmonious fluctuations of a purr.

By vibrating their vocal cords in that pattern, cats cause a strand of bones along their throat to vibrate, and thus emit a sound that no other family of animals can mimic.

What Other Animals Make Purring Sounds?

Those tiny bones that allow cats to purr can be found in several other cat species, including bobcats, ocelots and other small felines.

Their bigger cousins, such as lions and tigers, however, are unable to purr. This is because of a string of tough cartilage that runs over the bones in their neck. It makes it impossible to purr, but because of it the big cats have a much more formidable noise: a full-throated roar!

The ability to purr or roar is what distinguishes big cats from little cats. The cheetah, for example, is quite large, but because it purrs it is classified with the common house-cat.

Cat’s Purr Healing Humans

Scientists believe that a cat purrs as a healing method for humans. Cat owners, especially owners that are older have shown to have lower blood pressure than someone who does not own a cat. This is sometimes why cats are approved as a healing animal in retirement communities.

Cats have also been shown to have a therapeutic effect on their owners. A cat will offer arrange itself so that its body is placed over the painful area of their owner. Their purring has shown to produce vibrations that help to reduce pain.

Cats Purr For Many Different Reasons

Cats have been one of mankind’s oldest allies, but they do not give up their secrets easily. „Why do cats purr?“ is a simple question, but it appears to have a very complex answer. In reality, cats probably use purring as a combination of every theory listed above.

Whether it is a comforting sound for a newborn kitten, a healing vibration throughout a cat’s muscles and bones or a simple indication that the cat means no harm, purring is nonetheless just as soothing for humans as it seems to be for cats.

Owners can certainly appreciate it as yet another fascinating facet of that animal that has intrigued humans throughout history: the cat.

The occasional cat sneezing is not uncommon or abnormal. Cats sneeze just like humans do as a way of releasing irritants from their nasal passages. If your sneezing cat does not stop sneezing though, it may be a sign that it’s time to take your cat to the vet.

Causes of Cat Sneezing

If you respond in a timely fashion, a cat sneezing is not a big health problem in virtually all cases. Here are some of the causes of sneezing and suggested actions to take to help your kitty get better.

Respiratory Infection

The cat’s temperature should be about 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature over 103 could mean a respiratory infection. You should see your veterinarian who will most likely give antibiotics. Also, giving nose drops can ease the discomfort. If the kitty’s nostrils seem red or sore, you can use an eye ointment, as long as it is not aromatic, and clean her nose several times a day with a warm damp soft cloth.

Something Inhaled and Lodged in Airways

The cat could have inhaled environmental material that has become stuck in the nose or elsewhere. It should go away once the cat has sneezed a number of times. Usually there will be nasal drainage in this case. Cleaning products, fragrances, excessive dust, can irritate the cat just as they do human beings.

Other factors for sneezing cat could be dust in cat litter, insecticides or any aerosol sprays or asbestos – fiberglass. Other offenders are mold or pollen on houseplants or tracked in from the outdoors.

Cat Breeds with Compressed Facial Characteristics

Persians and some other cat breeds have the flat-faced appearance. It constrains the nasal passages so it is easier for them to get infections, or get irritants lodged in the airway causing them to sneeze.

A Reaction to a Rhinotracheitis Vaccine

After your kitten receives Rhinotracheitis Vaccine it may cause you cat to sneeze and a runny nose, but only for a few days. If it persists, see your vet.

Why is My Cat Sneezing a Lot?

Upper respiratory infection has become the most common cause of your cat sneezing a lot. There are two types of virus that infect cat’s respiratory system: Adenovirus and Parainfluenza virus. These viruses are easily infecting cats, leading to such symptoms as excessive sneezing, coughing, swollen eyes and glandes as well as increasing of mucus production.

Cat Sneezing Caused by Bacteria

In addition to virus, cat sneezing infections are also caused by bacteria. There are two types of bacteria: Adeno-2 and Bordetella. These bacteria can also infect human respiratory system as well. An alternative way to keep your cat from this ailment is to avoid them contact with other infected cats.

Cat Sneezing Caused by Chemicals

Respiratory system of cats is similar with human. It might be sensitive to some chemicals, making your cat sneezing a lot. Some chemicals that make your cat sneezing are smoke of a cigarette, household cleaning products, fly spray or even cologne/perfume.

Cat Litter Cause Sneezing in Cats

Other thing that makes you cat sneeze is cat litter with very fine particles which will irritate noses of your cat. Now, check your cat litter and replace it with a new one. It will prevent your cat sneeze in litter tray or after using litter box.

Tooth Root Abscess Cause Cat Sneezing

In addition to virus and bacteria, tooth abscesses can be the cause your cat sneezing too much. It is because of tooth abscesses in the upper teeth can travel to the nasal cavity and stimulate cat to sneeze. You don’t have to do anything but you might visit the vet to get some advice.

Cat Sneezing Blood

If your cat sneeze and blood came out around the nose, you are highly recommended to contact the veterinarian. It may or may not be serious, but it could be nasal cancer. The veterinarian will diagnose your cat and tell you what to do.

Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus

Your cat sneezing can be very scary but try not to worry, it’s usually just a common upper respiratory infection. This can be caused by feline Herpesvirus (usually caused by exposure to an already infected cat) or feline Calcivirus. The latter can be more serious as it can lead to pneumonia in some cases, so it’s important to bring your sneezing cat to the vet if its sneezing doesn’t stop or worsens.

Why Is My Cat Sneezing Final Words

There are many ways to cure a cat from sneezing. But first, you must find out what the main cause is. If your cat has a tendency to be allergic to the chemicals you are using, you can then easily throw it away.

Cat sneezing also occurs during a certain time of the year. It leads the air being contaminated with dirty material.

At last, cat sneezing can be the normal action of allergic or irritation problem, but for sure, you are advised to visit the veterinarian.

It is important to contact your vet and describe symptoms when you notice your cat sneezing. Many times, they can advise you without an office visit and you can take care of your kitty.

Why To Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree?

A beautiful Christmas tree lit up with decorations and surrounded by presents is one of the most iconic images of the holiday. However, a tree in the home can present an irresistible temptation to cats who only see a new post to climb, scratch, and taste.

Cat owners don’t necessarily have to forego their Christmas decorations, but they do have to be careful. A proper cat Christmas must keep feline safety in mind – as a sick cat and a mangled tree would not make a jolly holiday.

Christmas Trees Are Toxic to Cats

Christmas can be a stressful time of the year, so it doesn’t help that Christmas trees are dangerous to cats. The oils in fir trees can irritate the mouth and stomach and cause excessive drooling or vomiting if eaten.

Potentially more dangerous is that pine needles can’t be digested, causing further irritation, vomiting, and possibly gastrointestinal obstructions or punctures. Artificial trees can also cause intestinal blockage if the plastic needles are eaten.

Another concern is the Christmas tree water, which can be filled with pesticides, fertilizers, even aspirin to keep the tree fresh. Do not let your cat drink Christmas tree water, and cover the tree water dish.

Choose the Right Christmas Tree

The first decision Christmas tree buyers often make is whether to go natural or artificial. Live Christmas trees are toxic to cats and eating the spines of either can pose severe gastrointestinal problems.

Many cat owners lean towards artificial trees which are often less tempting to eat, but this choice will really depend on you and your cat.

If you do go with a live tree, make sure to cover the water which often contains toxic fertilizers and pesticides. Another consideration is size – small trees can be less tempting to climb and can pose less of a problem if they come crashing down.

Finally, be sure to purchase a secure base with your tree. Ask your retailer for suggestions – the tree base should be solid and keep the tree firmly in place if it gets knocked about.

Choose the Right Spot for Your Tree

Once you have a tree and a solid base, you’ll need to find a spot in your home that is cat-friendly. Keep the tree far from other furniture items and bookshelves, or you might find your cat launching herself from tree to shelf.

If you can, put the tree in a room with a door so you can shut the cats out and away from the tree.

This is especially useful at night and when you are not home. A final tip is to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling over if your cat should pull on it. You may also consider putting short trees on a sturdy table where cats will be less interested in checking it out.

Consider Tree Deterrents

Some cat owners will spray their trees with a product called Bitter Apple, or a citrus spray which spells pleasant enough to humans but not so great to cats. Plastic trees can be sprayed with a small amount of Citronella oil diluted in water.

Another idea is to spray some pine cones with citronella and place them around the base of the tree. The pine cones will make a lovely decoration and discourage your cat from walking up to the tree!

Decorating for a Cat Christmas

The greatest hazard to cats during Christmas time is, perhaps, the Christmas decorations. These dangling ornaments are often too tempting to just leave alone. So please do consider the following:

• Delay decorating until your cat is used to the tree (and knows to leave it well alone).
• Keep your cat away while decorating, and do NOT tease her with the ornaments (or she’ll learn to think of them as toys).
• Avoid glitter and shiny ornaments and try to choose ornaments that will be less attractive to your cat.
• Do NOT use tinsel – it has sharp edges that can slice up the intestinal wall and cause blockage if eaten.
• Avoid using food as decorations (popcorn strands, etc).
• Be careful of ornament hangers – these sharp pieces of metal can require expensive surgery if eaten.
• Take your cat to the vet immediately if he has eaten an ornament.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats the Christmas Tree

If you suspect that your cat ate a few pine needles off the tree, your best move really would be to get him to the vet as soon as possible. This is especially true if you notice that your cat has stopped eating or drinking, is vomiting, or has had any changes in behavior such as excessive licking or drooling.

Monitor your cats closely during the Christmas season and do what you can to cat proof your Christmas tree.

Are Other Holiday Plants Toxic to Cats?

Poinsettias are considered to be only mildly toxic to cats and medical treatment is rarely necessary because of poinsettias. However, holly berries, mistletoe, and rosemary can all be dangerous to inquisitive casts.

Again, these holiday plants have spiny leaves and potentially toxic oils that can be harmful to felines. Keep plants out of reach and check for any changes in your cat’s behavior. Get him to a vet if you suspect anything is wrong.

Curious cats cannot keep themselves away from a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Unfortunately this can be a huge headache for cat owners who have to deal with toppled trees, broken decorations, and the worst nightmare – sick cats.

So, if you wanted to give a cat as a Christmas gift this year, think about the Christmas party and the tree that will be there. It would be nice if that gift cat has a nice Christmas name. There are so much cute Christmas kitten names online, be sure to check them out.

The best route to a jolly Christmas is to keep cats away from the tree as much as possible. However, as stopping cats from doing anything they want to do is often difficult, keep these cat safety tips in mind.

Cat Bad Breath Problems

Feline halitosis simply means bad breath in cats. There is a bad smell coming from their mouth. This smell is mainly due to a number of bad breath causes that you as pet owners should be concerned of.

Avoid expensive medical bills and stressful worries by caring for your cat’s oral hygiene. Don’t forget an old adage, prevention is better than cure.

What is Bad Breath

Just like humans, cats develop bad breath at some point in their lives. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, produces an unpleasant odor at the same time also signal underlying medical condition.

It is important to know that every cat naturally has bad breath owing to its carnivorous and fish-based diets. Nonetheless, don’t neglect signs of significant of cat with bad breath. There are some cases that a simple bad breath can threaten your pet’s life over time.

What are the Symptoms of Cat’s Bad Breath?

Aside from the unpleasant odor from your cat’s mouth, watch out for following symptoms of bad breath of dental in origin:

• Reluctance to eat even when the cat in hungry
• Frequent drooling
• Untidy and poor coat condition
• Red, swollen, and bleeding gums
• Plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth
• Pawing at the mouth.

Additionally, your cat may have non-dental causes of bad breath when showing symptoms of:

• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination in cats
• Lethargy
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Enlarged liver or kidneys

What are the Causes of Bad Breath in Cats?

When bacteria build up in the cat’s mouth, gums, or teeth, it can pose serious problems for your cat’s whole health system. When bacteria travel away from the mouth, through the bloodstream, it gives off a toxic effect on the various parts of the animal’s body. The spread of bacteria could potentially harm your cat’s overall health.

The non-dental cause of feline bad breath can be coming from a different part of its body and is simply released through the mouth. Thus, it makes cats develop bad breath.

Perhaps, the most common cause of feline halitosis is periodontal disease. The bacterial part of plaque and recurrent infections cause cat’s bad odor with periodontal origin. A plaque is a combination of bacteria, minerals, and decayed food that sticks to the teeth. Thus, it causes inflammation of tissues supporting the teeth.

How is Cat Bad Breath Treated?

Cat bad breath treatment varies depending on the exact cause. Thus, it is best to consult your trusted veterinarian on how to find the most suitable bad breath treatment.

Based on the underlying cause of the problem, specific treatment plan can be taken to lessen symptoms of cat bad breath as well as improve your cat’s comfort and health. The most effective means to eliminate feline bad breath is to provide dental care.

A full, professional tooth and gum cleaning service can do wonders for your cat bad breath. Decayed or abscessed teeth are removed leading to a greatly lesser chances of developing other diseases.

7 Cat Breath Remedies That Work

Given that pets aren’t capable of brushing their own teeth, it’s not surprising to know there’s bad breath in cats. The good news is that there are bad breath cures. Bad breath afflicts almost anyone including your pet cat.

Hydration

Always provide a fresh supply of drinking of water in a clean bowl. Cats, just like humans, develop bad breath cats when dehydrated. Although cats are not typically big water drinkers, you can invest in a cat water fountain to attract cats into drinking more water.

Regular vet visit

An appointment to see your vet can be an effective cat bad breath remedies. Your vet would be able to pinpoint the exact cause and suggest treatment for cats with bad breath.

Your vet may perform an oral exam of your cat to check any signs of infection or a decayed tooth. Many serious oral disorders can be treated effectively with medication although a majority of them do not improve on their own.

Regular brushing of teeth

One of the sure-fire bad breath cures is to regularly brush your cat’s teeth. Regular brushing gets rid of plaque and tartar that attracts bacteria to grow and multiply. The build up of these particles in your cat’s mouth, teeth, and gum is one of the cat bad breath causes.

Meat-based cat food

Meat as a staple in your cat’s daily diet helps maintain a healthy mouth environment. As one of the cat breath remedies, it hampers development of infection and bad breath. Check your cat food label to see if your cat’s dry food contains more grain-based protein than real meat.

Allow your cat to chew on raw chicken necks or wings. The bones found in these foods promote chewing the bone to massage cat’s teeth and gums. In the process of chewing, it removes food residue and tartar.

Oral hygiene

Cat breath remedies would not be complete if oral hygiene is excluded. Supplement your cat’s regular brushing with an oral hygiene product to help minimize tartar and plaque formation.

Breath mints

Control cats with bad breath with the use of cat breath mints. Pet supply stores usually sell mints that taste like liver, chicken or fish as well as chlorophyll as a breath freshener.

Plant wheat grass

The compound chlorophyll found in wheat grass will freshen bad breath cats. If your cat is not keen on nibbling wheat grass, break some into bite-sized portions and sprinkle them on the cat’s food.

Taking care of your cat’s teeth may be the answer when your cat has bad breath, but if that doesn’t do the trick there is probably something else causing the problem. When your cat has horribly bad breath it could be because of an abscess or tumor, and you should have it checked out by your vet. There could also be other problems underlying your cat’s breath, so a visit to the vet is always in order.

Cats are not immune to diabetes, lung disease, liver disease, or kidney disease, and all of these conditions can lead to bad breath. Taking your cat to the vet is the least you can do for your friend who has given you many reasons to smile, and your vet is the only one that has the tools to diagnose her properly and provide the treatment needed when your cat has bad breath.

Here are some signals that your cat requires a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

• Too much brown tartar on your cats teeth, particularly if it is also accompanied by red, inflamed gums, drooling, and has difficulting eating.
• A sweet, fruity odor to the breath, which could be an indication that your cat has diabetes. This is particularly true is she has been urinating more often than usual, and drinking more water also.
• If your cat’s breath has the odor of urine it may indicate that she is developing kidney disease.
• She is pawing at her mouth.
• Loss of appetite, vomiting, foul breath odor, gums and corneas that are yellow may be a sigh that your cat’s liver is not well.

When is it time to brush the teeth to get rid of cat bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by fish-based diet of cats. Thus, it is not unusual that cat bad breath has a fishy odor to it. Normal cat bad breath has a minimal odor that should not be offensive. In the absence of pain, you would know that your cat only needs good brushing by the smell of its breath. The process on how to stop bad breath should start with brushing cat’s teeth.

How to get rid of plaque on teeth?

Cats with bad breath are results of tartar and plaque build up on teeth. Thus, the best way on how to get rid of plaque on teeth is to brush the cat’s teeth.

What steps should I take to start brushing my cat’s teeth?

The first step is to make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Your vet will know if there are any serious medical issues to diagnose and treat. A sweet breath indicates diabetes when accompanied with increased urination and hunger and thirst.

The second step is to give your cat prescribed medications when other causes of bad breath are known. These medications may be used to better manage the bacteria found to cause cat bad breath.

How To Brush Cat’s Teeth To Get Rid of Bad Breath

Put tuna juice on your finger to rub it over your cat’s gums. Continue doing this everyday. This step introduces your cat to the tooth brushing process as part of its daily health care.

The next step is to repeat the put tuna juice on a gauze then wrap it around your finger. Use tuna juice if your cat likes the taste.

Dip cat toothbrush in tuna juice. Allow your cat to lick it to get used to the feeling of bristles.

Then put flavored toothpaste on your finger. Rub it into your cat’s mouth and gums. It allows your cat to get used to the taste. It is best to choose cat toothpaste in flavors of tuna, poultry, and other familiar taste.

The final step is to add flavored toothpaste to your pet’s toothbrush. Do not attempt to brush the entire section of your cat’s teeth. Start brushing your cat’s front teeth only. After a few sessions, your cat should let you brush further back.

Cats with bad breath greatly benefits from brushing when done twice or thrice a week. Start slowly on this process to allow your cat to adjust and cooperate. Bad breath solutions need to be done on a consistent manner to see long-term results.

It is difficult for cats to tell you that they need oral care. It is up to you to brush cat’s teeth to get rid of bad breath.

Although many people have cats, few know very much about cat illnesses. If you become informed about the common ailments that cats suffer, not only will you know what to look for and how to treat the illness, you will not suffer as much anxiety over the welfare of your pet.

If you know how to recognize the symptoms of common cat illnesses, you can ensure that your pet receives treatment as soon as possible. This will reduce the severity of most illnesses, as well as the stress on your pet.

There are many diseases and illnesses that can affect your cat at any time during its life. Some of these are thankfully very rare but others are far more common and the chances are you will come across them at some point. So here are some very common cat diseases and symptoms that will hopefully aid you in identifying what might be wrong with your cat and how to deal with them.

Cat Fleas

Although a common problem you’ll be happy to know that fleas are easily dealt with.

There are many types of flea (over 2000) but the one we as cat owners are interested in is Ctenocephalides Felis. So the flea is an external parasite that feeds on your cats blood. By the way humans can also be bitten by cat fleas, however they can’t survive on only human blood and so are unable to live on us.

You don’t need to get too stressed about finding fleas on your cat, yes it’s kind of horrible when you first see one, but they don’t do much harm and with good flea treatment it’s really easy to get rid of them.

Although I just said fleas are mostly harmless, which they are to adult cats, they can pose a danger to young kittens who if heavily infested can develop anemia. You should easily be able to see the signs and symptoms though.

Cat Fleas Symptoms

The first thing you will probably notice is your cat scratching way more than normal. Scratching and licking in the same areas may also lead to some fur loss. Keep an eye on your cats bedding, fleas will live in the areas that your cat spends most its time.

You can often see live fleas on bedding or rugs and flee droppings which look like small bits of grit, or pepper will also often be visible.

Cat fleas are flat shaped, dark brown in color and roughly 2 – 3 mm in length.

Cat Fleas Treatment

There are many different treatments available, the main problem is finding the cat flea treatment that works best for your particular cat. What works really well on some cats does not always work as well on others.

DO NOT ever use any flea treatment on your cat that is designed for use with a different animal.

As an example: Dog flea treatment could be lethal if used on a cat.

Cat Tape Worms

A tapeworm is a flat shaped whitish colored worm with a head and segmented body. They can grow up to 70-80 cm in length. They are acquired by your cat in two main ways.

Fleas that have ingested tape worm eggs are then eaten by your cat.

If your cat eats raw meat, raw fish or rodents that have also ingested tape worm eggs.

The head of the tape worm secures itself to the wall of the cats small intestine and starts to produce proglottids (segments of the tapeworm) these break off and pass through your cat, exiting through your cats feces. Each one of these proglottids is also hermaphroditic and contains eggs.

Generally speaking tapeworms are not particularly dangerous for your cat, and treatment is easy.

Tape Worms Symptoms

Unless you spot the eggs in your cats feces or around the anus area (white grains of rice that may move) then you probably won’t spot any other symptoms. Weight loss can occur if your cat is heavily infected. If you are unsure your vet can examine your cat, and providing your vet with a feces sample will help with the diagnosis.

Tape Worms Treatment

Your vet can provide a deworming treatment usually in tablet form. However please note that in order to prevent re infection you must treat both your cat and your house for fleas.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

This isn’t one disease it’s actually the name given to a group of diseases having different causes that all affect your cats lower urinary tract.

Symptoms of FLUTD in Cats

• Your cat straining whilst trying to urinate (not to be confused with constipation).
• Blood in your cats’ urine.
• Using the litter tray/box more than is usual.
• If your cat urinates in places where it wouldn’t normally around the house.
• If you cat makes crying noises when trying to urinate (most likely hardly any urine is passed).
• Your cat may seem depressed and possible lack of appetite.
• Cleaning of the genital area more frequently than is normal.

The Most Common Causes of FLUTD

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) – FIC is when your cat develops FLUTD but the cause isn’t obvious. The cause is unknown and this is by far the most common cause of FLUTD accounting for about 66% of all FLUTD cases.
Obstruction of the Urethra – This is a total blockage of the Urethra and is considered an emergency.
Urolithiasas – These are stones that may cause a blockage of the Urethra. There are two types, Calcium Oxalate stones or Struvite stones.
Bacterial Infections – The Urethra has a bacterial infection, seen mostly in cats over 10 years old.
Stress or trauma – Can cause FLUTD but very rare.

Note: Any blockage of your cats urethra is considered an emergency and you should seek advice from your vet right away.

Treatment of FLUTD in Cats

You Vet will determine the course of action depending on the cause. Medication may be required and in the case of stones surgery may be required.

Some Things You Can Do To Help In Your Own Home

One of the main things is to increase water consumption. Some cats like running water, I had one that liked drinking from a dripping tap, try a pet water fountain they really do encourage pets to drink more. Just anything that will encourage your cat to drink more.

If your cat eat dry foods try and introduce wet food. Wet cat food contains 60-70% more water than dry food.

Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats (URI’s)

URI’s are usually Viral, sometimes bacterial infections that affect your cats sinuses, nose and throat.

The two most common viral URI’s are:

• Feline Calicivirus
• Herpes

These are responsible for up to 90% of all URI’s.

The two main forms of bacterial URI’s are:

• Chlamydia
• Bordetella

These are much less common in cats than the Viral URI’s.

The infection is spread by sneezing, coughing, use of shared food or water bowls and is far more likely to occur in houses having more than one cat. Catteries and shelters are at much higher risk of these types of infection.

Your cats age and condition also plays a part and whether your cat is up to date with its vaccinations. I should point out that vaccinations will not prevent your cat from becoming infected but it may help to lessen the symptoms.

Certain breeds are also more susceptible. Flat faces breeds such as Persians are at increased risk of catching URI’s.

Symptoms

• Discharge from your cats nose
• Sneezes
• Coughing
• Drooling
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Depression

Treatment

Your vet will prescribe suitable medication that may include antibiotics, but the main thing is (in multi cat households) to isolate your infected cat and be thorough in cleaning and sanitizing things like water and food bowls, bedding and litter boxes and basically any other areas where your cat spends time.

Roundworms in Cats

These are the most common type of worm that infect cats. Almost all cats during their life will become infected, and they are very prevalent in kittens. The Roundworms infect your cats stomach and intestines, unlike tape worms they do not hook themselves onto the lining of the intestines.

Your cat can catch Roundworms by ingesting the eggs from contact with infected soil, or by eating small rodents, beetles or earth worms. A nursing mother can spread to her kittens by larvae being present in her milk.

Symptoms of Roundworms in Cats

There may be very little outward sign that your cat is infected. A heavy infestation may lead to weight loss, a dull coat, and your cats stomach may seem swollen.

Another way to tell is by inspecting your cats feces. Roundworms are light colored (whitish brown) and can be anything from 3 to 6 inches in length. They are round (hence the mane) kind of like spaghetti.

Treatment of Roundworms

Prevention is better than cure and you can minimize infection by keeping litter boxes and bedding clean.

A would be mother cat should (ideally) be dewormed before pregnancy and then again later on in her pregnancy. Kittens should be dewormed at about 2 to 3 weeks of age.

Overt Sick Cat Symptoms

Of course, sometimes your cat’s symptoms may be overt, even from the beginning of the illness. Some things, even a cat can’t hide. Seek veterinary advice immediately when your cat has any of these overt symptoms:

• Refusal to eat or drink.
• Excessive drooling.
• Straining at the litter box.
• Bloody urine.
• Bloody stools or continuing diarrhea.
• Discharge from eyes or nose.
• Expression of pain when you touch a certain area of her body.

Catching your cat’s symptoms early is the key to intervening early enough to help your cat be on her way to a full recovery.

Cats behavior often seems like an unsolvable mystery.

You may have heard things like, „You can’t train a cat“ or „cats are the owners and we are the servants“ or „cats rule and dogs drool“ and the list goes on.

How you interpret your cat behavior has a lot to do with understanding your cat and whether you’ll be able to bring consistent change to any behavior that are causing problems.

Until you understand your cats behavior, you will be left with lots of questions and few answers.

Cat characteristics are very different from dogs or other animals and require a totally different approach.

Does you your feline have cat behavior problems.

Below are some of the most common questions about cat behavior.

Why does the cat sharpen claws?

It is natural for the cat to sharpen claws, by doing that it removes the old outside of the claw, and a new claw and sharper claw will grow out.

They need their claws to fight, hunt and climb trees.

The cat also leaves a scent mark, that lets other cats know that this is your cat’s territory.

Remember to get a scratching tree or it will scratch your furniture.

Why does the cat rub head against everything?

The cat leaves fragrances when it rubs its face against thing, animals and humans.

The fragrance it leaves is called pheromones, and it is a crucial part of the communication between cats.

The smell lets the other cat knows that this item or human belong time your cat.

If it marks you it is a sign of trust and it feels secure around you.

It is also a greeting ritual, between both cat and cat, and cat and human.

Can you educate your cat?

Yes, but cat is not a gregarious, it won’t be like a horse or dog who want to obey you to please you.

It is wise to train your cat.

Training your cat builds a strong relationship between you and your cat and you can remove cat behavior problems with cat training.

The best and almost only motivation is food.

But remember a cat is not a dog.

Why is my cat licking of all the hair on its belly and inner thighs?

It can be an itchy skin problem, like fleas or a allergy reaction, which is the most normal reason.

But it is seen that some cats begin doing it when they get stressed because of territorial situations.

It could be because of a new child, a new pet or even the neighbor’s new dog.

Why is cat peeing outside the cat tray?

Uncleanliness is the most common cat behavior problem.

There can be many reasons for this problem but the most common problem is that the cat is suffering from a urinary tract disease, like cystitis or urinary crystals.

Is is very important to get the cat examined by a vet.

Why won’t our new cat use the cat tray?

If it won’t use the cat tray it could be due to lack of confidence or it doesn’t like the cat tray or cat litter.

It is a good idea to place a second cat tray in another room for the new cat, because it know that it is on foreign territory and it is rude to pee on other cats scent marks.

Try calling the previous owner to ask for what kind of litter he used.

What can I use to clean up were the cat has urinated?

The most important thing is that you do not use ammonia containing products.

Use a feliway, which is a synthetic fragrance, we can’t smell it, but the cat believes that it has already marked the place.

Why does a cat bites when we pet our cat on the stomach?

It is called overstimulation, and it happens often when you pet your cat on the stomach, even though they might have invited you to do it.

Normally the cat will give you small signs, learn these signs to avoid getting bitten.

If it begins with small movements in the tail, it is probably time for you to stop.

Why does our cat hide when we have visitors?

If the cat or a kitten haven’t been in contact and socialized with many people it will become a shy cat.

Never try to catch or hold the cat, it will just make the problem worse.

Instead let it hide, or let it run to high places where it feels safe.

We have taken a wildcat, and it won’t let us pet it or hold it, will we be able to do that in the future?

Cats behavior is often determent by hereditary properties and how the kitten is socialized.

If the kitten is not socialized with people, it will be hard to build trust with it in the future.

It will maybe allow you to feed and touch it a bit, but it will never be like a normal house cat.

Try slowly to build a bond with the cat.

Use food as a way to connect with the cat.

Why does the kitten suck on our clothes and fingers?

Cats who have been taken from the mother before 12 weeks, will begin to suck on you when you are petting it.

This behavior will always be there, but it happens less and less as older the cat becomes.

My Siamese sucks on things that contains wool?

Wool eating is common at Siamese and other Oriental races.

Some will only suck while others will eat it.

To prevent this you can give your cat a more high fiber diet.

If the cat has fallen in love with a furniture containing wool, try to spray it with perfume.

Our cat behaves like it is on drugs when we are dripping with valerian drops?

Some plants like the valerian contain essential oils that seems appealing to the cat.

The cat will only be in the buzz for 10 min, and it is not addictive and totally harmless.

How can we make the cat stop using our neighbor vegetable garden as a toilet?

It is only following its instincts, but to prevent it from doing it  in your neighbors or your own you can give it a nice alternative, like quiet place in the garden with loose soil were it can do its business.

Or you can go the other way around and making the vegetable garden unattractive, by spraying it with citrus, peppermint or the commercial „Stop the cat“ product.

We are getting a baby, what should we think about concerning the cat?

The cat and the baby should get along just fine.

Of course your time will be moved from the cat to the baby, but introduce a daily patting time, so the cats knows that you haven’t forgotten it.

Let the cat smell and investigate the baby and its things. If the cat is healthy and vaccinated it will be no risk for the baby.

Some cats will be very interested others will ignore it.

 Can we get another cat?

All cats are very different and not all cats will accept another cat.

The outgoing and trusting cat, will quickly accept the new cat.

And they will often be very happy to have another cat in the house.

The shy cat will take longer time to accept the new cat, and can develop behavior problems like uncleanliness and aggressiveness.

We are moving from a house to an apartment. How do you think the cat will respond?

The respond is different from cat to cat.

For some cats it is very traumatic to move to a small indoor place, especially if you aren’t home much.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with the cats needs and mind.

Make time for play and petting.

And make sure that the new apartment is full of challenges for the cat.

It can be a good idea to invest in a new cat.

Our male cat is aggressive against the female cat. Should we try to change the ranking?

No, we do not understand the cats social relations.

Make sure that the female cat, can escape at all times.

Try to expand the territory by adding more high places to their environment.

You could place some cat caves on top of a bookcase. If that doesn’t help you need an expert to help you.

My cat won’t play with any toys. He sleeps or eats all the time?

An indoor cat who is protected at all times, and do not have to patrol its territory will have a lot of spare time.

And if the owner isn’t home a lot, you will get an under stimulated cat, who main event of the day is to eat.

Try to stimulate your cat as much as possible.

Try buying new toys or try getting another cat.

What can we do when our cat digs in the houseplants?

They often dig to find out if it is a good place to go on toilet.

To avoid this try to place large rocks, or other obstacles.

My cat is on hunt and attacking me?

If the cat can’t use its hunting skills on natural things, it will use others things, and sometimes that includes you.

It is not because your cat is aggressive but it just have to abreact on something.

Normally a cat hunts 30 times a day.

You can buy toys for it, and play hunting games with it, to stimulate the cat.

Why does the cat lift its upper lip when it smells something?

It is called flehmen and it is a common thing for animals. It is when the cat take the scent to a special organ, which can decipher the scent.

This is used when they pick up a scent mark from another cat.

Why does our cat come home with half dead mouse’s?

It see us as hopeless hunters, and it therefore wants to teach us how to hunt.

This behavior is common with female cats.

This is the same behavior she would have done if she had kittens.

Instead of yelling at the cat, because we believe it is disgusting.

We should praise it and give it some food, so you in the mean time can get rid of the mouse.

How many hours does a cat sleep?

The cat sleeps almost 16 hours a day.

But they only sleep a few hours at a time.

Cats can get used to sleeping at night together with the owner.

Why does a cat purr?

Many thinks that the cat purr when it is at ease, but it is not that simple.

When a cat is injured is can begin to purr as well, many vets believe that it has a reassuring and calming effect on the cat.

People have experienced cats purr after they have been run over.

How does a cat purr?

It has been a mystery for thousands of years and only recently has scientist agreed that the sound is made by two fake vocal cords which are next to the normal vocal cord.

Can big cats like tigers and lions purr?

No, they cannot.

But they can make a small greeting sound when they exhale, and not like the cat, who can do it without exhaling.

Why does the cat “tramp” when you are petting it?

When we are petting the cat, it goes back to when it was a kitten, and we are the mother.

As kittens they tramped and kneaded the mother cats udder.

Take the tramping as it likes you and feel secure around you.

Why does the cat play with its prey and not just kill it?

Domestic cats are not often hungry because we feed them.

But its hunting instinct is still there, and it has to stimulate it.

The hunting is now more a game and they are doing it for fun.

Wild cats will often kill their prey a lot faster.

Does a cat have a territory?

Yes, cats are a territorial animals.

Their territories are delimited with scents marks. But territories can overlap each other.

The size of a cat’s territory depends on how many cats there are and the possibility to expand.

How big is a normal cat territory?

It all depends on the number of cats in one area, in areas with no cats, the territory can be almost 600.000 m2.

Normally the females area is only up to 60.000 m2.

Do cats have a ranking?

Yes, but is it not like dogs.

The cat have a so-called relative ranking.

The same cat can have different ranking on different places, at different times or in different situations.

When a female cat is pregnant they have a high rank.

The highest ranked cat does not have to be the strongest, but the most intelligent and the most balanced cat.

My cat eats the houseplants?

It is a part of the cats normal behavior to eat green plants.

If it is an indoor cat you should consider removing toxic plants.

You can also offer the cat some green supplements, like cat grass.

Conclusion

I hope this helped you answer some of your questions about cat behavior.

Cat behavior can be very annoying for your family and cat behavior can ruin the relationship with your cat.

Cat training is a great way to get rid of cat behavior problems.

Please share this with your friends, families and their cats, to help them with their cat behavior problems.

Many pets just love to sleep for long time, cats definitely do and they just love to spend much time in their dream land. Some of them love to sleep in their owner’s lap, some love the carpet or rug and some cats love their own cat bed only. For those that love to sleep in their bed, here are the top 10 unique cat beds reviews.

Why You Need A Bed for Pet

Cat and Dog pet beds are pet beds that are designed to be used by either a dog or a cat. While many of these beds are quality products, it is often better to buy beds specifically made for either a cat or a dog, as each of these animals have different needs when it comes to comfort and safety.

Cats tend to prefer less soft or plush beds and will need fabrics that are resistant to scratching, while dogs like softer, roomier beds that are resistant to chewing.

How To Choose The Right Cat Bed

No matter what type of bed a cat owner goes with, he will want to be sure it is the appropriate size and that it can support the full weight of the cat. In fact, most cat owners advise going up a size when purchasing a bed, though even this can be tricky. Cats will often be fearful of a bed that is overly large.

Cat beds can be a great way to stop animals from jumping on furniture, tracking hair through the house, and can even aid in house training your pet. Most cat beds will either be machine washable or will have removable liners or covers that can easily be washed or replaced.

What kind of cat beds you can get

Cat beds are made of all kinds of materials and can be purchased in just about any color, style, size, or design imaginable. Branded cat beds, however, are a bit more expensive, but they are usually crafted of higher quality and are much longer lasting.

It is not necessarily important for cat owners to purchase a branded cat bed, but the bed should be made of lasting and durable materials that are not easily ruined by a rambunctious pet.

When shopping for the best cat beds, cat owners should note the brand of the cat bed, the weight capacity, the size and shape. Shopping secondhand cat beds is fine if the bed is durable and will withstand use by another cat. Branded beds will often have their own website with sale or discount prices on certain items, making it easy for cat owners to find discounted cat beds.

What is the Best Cat Bed

The cat bed comes in various sizes and it has several common shapes like rectangle, square, round, or oblong. Cats just love to feel warm so your Cat bed should be made of thick blanket. Especially in the cold season these kind of Cat beds will help your lovely cat to get sleep full night comfortably.

Top 10 Unique cat beds:

Most of us consider pets to be cherished members of our family. As such we care about them, we love them, we’re responsible for them, and we want them to be comfortable in our homes every day, especially at rest or bedtime.

Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler Cat Bed

FEATURES:
High 12 inch back wall that helps relieve pressure from joints.	It is covered in ultra-soft and cozy sherpa fabric that is reminiscent of a mothers fur, aiding in deeper sleep.
Lower carved 9" front and side walls for easy head resting.	The bottom of the bed is made with tough nylon fabric that resists dirt and water.
Cozy sherpa fabric that induces deeper sleep.	The Deep Dish can easily be vacuum cleaned, or thrown in the washer and dryer.
The stitching along the sides of the bed hold the filling in place and help to retain the bed's structure.	The Deep Dish is best suited for dogs and cats 10-20 pounds, but can accommodate pets outside of this range.
Tough nylon backing that resists dirt and water.	Meant to be reminiscent of a mother’s fur, this therapeutic sherpa fabric will aid in a deeper, more peaceful sleep for your pet.

See on Amazon for More Details

MEOWFIA Organic Wool and Handmade Large Cat Bed

FEATURES:
Each cat cave is carefully handcrafted from 100% all-natural wool by artisans in Nepal.	Keeps your cat warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Provides warmth, comfort and privacy.	Suitable for cats and dogs from 20 lbs to small kitten.
Perfect for cats to play, nap, rest, relax and sleep inside or on top.	Can be used as a padded mat. Perfectly fits any room in your house.
Handmade with care and designed to make your cat feel at home.	It's a Handmade product and dimensions slightly vary: 19 inches (48 cm) diameter, 12 inches (30 cm) height, 8 inches (20 cm) entrance.

See on Amazon for More Details

HACHIKITTY Soft, Washable and Durable Round Cat Bed

FEATURES:
Raised side, perfectly supports pet's head and neck.	Waterproof fabric and non-slip bottom, easy to clean and a safer choice.
Skin-friendly faux fur, super soft and cozy which is just for a better sleep.	Machine-washable fabric, won't be out of shape after washing on gentle cycle with cold water.
300D oxford fabric is durable and good to keep shape.	One-piece design, the connecting bottom cannot be digged out and carried.
The bottom of the cat bed is made with high quality polyester with rubber patch, well keep pets from sliding.	Dimensions: Small (18x18x6 inches) for a small cat under 15 lbs and Medium (24x24x7 inches) for a big cat or two kittens.

See on Amazon for More Details

Fhasso Chic and Decorative Handmade Cave Bamboo Cat Bed

FEATURES:
Fhasso handmade cat bed, made with sustainable bamboo and a plush, machine washable, velvet cushion.	Fhasso cat bed complements any decor as a decorative, contemporary accent piece.
Fhasso luxury bamboo cat bed with white interior adds a unique accent to a modern living room.	The perfect hideout for one cat. Size: 17.8 by 13.8 inches for cats up to 10 lbs.
Fhasso pet beds are a comfortable hideaway for your cat, providing spacious security.	Modern home decor with slate and milk colors.
This covered cat bed offers an outer shell for protection and a soft, plush cushion inside for ultimate rest and relaxation.	Machine washable plush velvet cushion cover with zipper.

See on Amazon for More Details

Mod Dream Pod Heated or Unheated Cat Bed by K&H Pet Products

FEATURES:
K&H Pet Products mod dream pod cat bed available in heated and unheated styles.	The large opening makes entry and exit a breeze.
The large size accommodates any size cat and the privacy will be appreciated by all cats.	If you choose the heated model, the heater is MET listed and uses only 4 watts of electricity.
Includes a comfortable polyfil pillow and is available in both heated and unheated styles.	The heater is removable for year round use.
The Mod Dream Pod exterior is EVA based and has a rugged 600 denier polyester fabric surface.	The poly-filled pillow inside is super-soft and completely washable.

See on Amazon for More Details

Pet Tent Cave Cat Bed by Petsure

FEATURES:
Cat/Dog Tent Bed is a comfortable retreat that you can set up at home or take along with you on trips.	Skid-free base with rubber bits will prevent slipping on any floor.
Petsure Pet Tent Cave Bed for Cats/Small Dogs is available in 1 size to accommodate small dogs and cats.	Suitable for cats, small dogs, puppies or rabbits up to 11 lbs.
The enclosed pet tent can be folded down to provide a bed for your beloved kitty or puppy to sleep.	Washable inner cushion can be removed for easy maintenance.
Textured leather handle on top makes it easy to pick up or move around.	Petsure guarantees to provide 1-Month return and replacement and life-time free customer service.

See on Amazon for More Details

D+GARDEN Wicker Covered Cat Bed with Bed Mat

FEATURES:
Built with rattan for small to medium pets, you can expect the same durability and all weather endurance that's the very nature of patio furniture.	Design of cat house is inspired by bird nest that includes hooded rim that gives pet better sheltering.
D+Garden medium wicker cat bed offers features that are essential to cat hideaway including bed mat and free scratch pad.	Also wide cave opening makes it easier for small, medium indoor cats to walk in and arch their back.
Cat hut in eggshell shape can absorb impact directed at the dome basket.	Wicker material is washable and protects cats in a enclosed modern style dome basket.
Made of hand woven resin wicker that's used to build outdoor patio furniture and harmless to cat.	Dimensions: Overall 19.5 W x 18 D x 12.5 H inches.
Wicker surface is slick and scratch-resistant.	Package Contents: Wicker Cat Bed, Bed Mat, Scratch Pad.

See on Amazon for More Details

Kitty City Large Cube Bed for Cats

FEATURES:
Your feisty pet will feel like King of the Mountain on top of the Kitty City Cat Cube.	Bed with premium fur cushions are machine washable.
Your shy pet can feel snug and secure inside peeking out.	Suitable for cats of all sizes.
Extra large space for cats to move around.	Size/inches: 16.5 x 16.5 x 19.2.
Cats love to nap on the premium fur included on the top cushion bed and inside bottom platform.	Easy assembly, no tools required.

See on Amazon for More Details

Beautiful Design MYZOO Spaceship Gamma Wooden and Transparent Cat Bed

FEATURES:
Each component in Spaceship Series provides specific function.	Located on the wall, allows the cat to be perched viewing from above.
The transparent acrylic provides a secure environment by giving the cat a much wider eyesight.	Dimension: Diameter 40 x 47.5 cm; Diameter of Entrance: 22 cm.
The four air holes on the body creates better air circulation and reduce the echo that may cause in a surrounded space.	Weight limit 15 kg.

See on Amazon for More Details

CATONEER Solid Birch Wood and Cotton Cat Bed/Hammock

FEATURES:
Soft and comfortable easy to jump in.	Foldable hammock features a lightweight design, so as to be light as a feather.
Constructed by 100% cotton padding and birch wood.	Fold it down, put it in the trunk, and you’re ready to go!
100% Eco Friendly Materials.	Move it from one place to another without effort and hassle.
Solid birch wood most favorite material of Scandinavian furniture makers.	Comfy and delicate, this bed hammock is just what every cat lover needs- a must-have accessory worth having!
Ultimate softness and risk-free fabrication are guaranteed.	Holds up to 17 lbs.

See on Amazon for More Details

Sharing a Bed with Your Cat

Sharing your bed with them may be fun and cute and loving but every family member would get a better night’s sleep if their furry darlings had their own special beds to claim as their own. With tender, loving training they can be encouraged to use their own special bed.

Weaning them off of your bed might be a process but is well worth the time and effort, and they will lavish you with laps of love for their comfortable space.

We have come a long way from just letting our cats sleep on the hard floor like they did years ago. We didn’t know any better then and neither did our cats. Floor sleeping, especially for long naps or overnight may cause all kinds of problems especially as they age.

To have their own state of the art luxury cat bed will allow them a more peaceful, restful and healthy sleep. They’ll appreciate and respect you for caring about them this way.

You may find that several, maybe different style cat beds placed in different areas of your home will work well for your individual life style and your particular cat. Each cat is unique and special and you and your family will assess what cat beds works best for all.

Mange is a parasitic infestation and its different types are caused by different species of parasitic mites, some of which burrow into the skin while others do not. When humans are infected by these mites, which sometimes can happen when the sarcoptic mite is involved, the condition is not referred to as mange but as scabies.

Types of Mange that Can Affect Cats

There are several kinds of mange in cats, often labeled as feline mange. One of the more common is demodectic mange or demodicosis. There are three different forms of demodicosis and two of them can affect cats.

Another kind is sarcoptic mange, which is also somewhat common and can also affect humans. Three additional categories are feline scabies, cheyletiella mange, and otodectic mange.

While cats of any age can get mange, most healthy cats are immune to the disease since their immune system helps to keep any mite infestation in check. Kittens can sometimes get mange from their mothers while nursing, but usually not afterward.

Cats that are most apt to have feline mange are mostly older cats whose immune systems have become weakened for whatever reason.

Demodectic Mange in Cats

Demodectic mange is caused by mites that are so small they are invisible to the naked eye. These mites are often present in small numbers but usually do not present a problem or are at least not symptomatic of any kind of a disorder.

If a cat’s immune system is weakened for some reason, however or too much oil is being produced on its skin, these demodectic mites can proliferate and the number of mites inhabiting the cat’s hair follicles can become excessive, leading to skin problems, which will further weaken the immune system, and a potential loss of hair.

Demodicosis, or any other kind of mange, is actually rather rare in cats and consequently the disease has not been subjected to a great deal of study. What is known however is that demodicosis can be caused by either of two types of mites: Demodex cati and D. gatoi. Another kind of Demodex mite, D. canis, as the name implies, affects dogs, but it does not affect cats.

Demodex cati mites in cats

Demodex cati mites mostly affect cats that have a weakened immune system, a metabolic system disease, or a hormone imbalance. This mite is similar in appearance to the mite that affects dogs, but it is a completely different species of mite. The D. cati mite is quite often found in the hair follicles of perfectly healthy cats where it is a normal part of the follicular flora.

Alopecia or hair loss, crusting, and discharge of fluids from the follicles are typical symptoms of a D. cati infestation. An infection may also be present, although when that happens, it tends to be a secondary infection, often caused by the cat’s scratching or biting an affected area.

Demodex gatoi mites in cats

Demodex gatoi mites can cause a disorder that is potentially contagious and can therefore spread to several cats that happen to inhabit the same household. D. gatoi is sometimes referred to as the short-bodied feline mite in that it is roughly half the size of the D. cati mite.

Pruritus is a common symptom of a D. gatoi infestation and can be moderate to severe. If hair loss occurs, it is often due to a cat’s overgrooming rather than a result of the disease itself.

It is possible, although somewhat unusual, for a cat to become infested with both of these types of mites at the same time.

Sarcoptic Mange in Cats

Sarcoptic mange in cats is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is usually referred to as feline scabies. The S. scabiei mite is also too small to be seen by the naked eye. The female mite will burrow into a cat’s skin to lay its eggs and then return to the surface. Larvae from the hatched eggs will also migrate to the surface, molt into a nymphal stage, and eventually become adults.

Both the burrowing activity of mites and their movement about the surface of the skin can cause itching. Their burrowing into the skin can also cause more severe itching as it will trigger in some cases a major allergic response.

Unlike D. cati and D. gatoi, these mites do not inhabit hair follicles, but instead prefer hairless or nearly hairless patches of skin such as in the ears or near the eyes. This mange form can at times be difficult to diagnose but its treatment is generally easy.

Cheyletiella Mites in Cats

Cheyletiella mange, often referred to as cheyletiellosis, is caused by a mite having the same name. This mite can have a number of animals as hosts and can sometimes be found on humans as well. The animal most apt to have a cheyletiellosis problem is the rabbit, but cats and dogs can become infected as well, as this particular form of mange is somewhat contagious.

There are several different species of these mites but the differences are unimportant. As far as the host is concerned, “if you’ve seen one of these mites, you’ve seen them all.” One of the primary symptoms of cheyletiellosis is the appearance of dandruff, which at times can appear to move about due to the activity of the mites.

In most cases, an infestation of these mites will appear on the backs of cats and other animals and usually nowhere else although they have been known to invade the nostrils, which could cause your kitty to have sneezing spells.

Cheyletiella mites can also infest people but such infestations tend to be short-lived since these mites cannot reproduce while on a human host.

Otodectic Mange in Cats

Otodectic mange is caused by the Otodectes cynotis mite, which is more familiarly known as the ear mite. It, though rarely encountered, is nevertheless the most common type in cats. These otodectic mites are usually located deep within a feline’s ear canal where they can cause chronic infections and considerable misery to the cat.

Otodectic mange is considered highly contagious. Any presence of this mite can be especially troublesome, as not only does the cat have to be treated, but also its surroundings may have to be treated with a hospital-grade disinfectant, including the bedding and nearby carpeting.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cat Mange

Cats will usually let you know something is amiss by their general restlessness and their scratching due to the itching the disease causes. The scratching can often be frantic and usually becomes noticeable within a week of the cat’s having been infested by an excessive number of mites.

The symptoms tend to be somewhat similar no matter what form of mite is involved, possibly except for some of the symptoms of an ear mite infestation. One of the symptoms is usually hair loss due to the damage done to hair follicles, but it can also be due to excessive grooming on the part of the cat, as was noted earlier. The appearance of dandruff is sometimes prevalent, more so from some types of mange than from others.

Diagnosis often involves skin scrapings, which are then examined under a microscope since the mites are for the most part too tiny to be observed by the naked eye. Hair samples are often taken to determine the exact type of mange or the species of mite that is involved.

Treating Cat Mange

Treating mange in cats primarily consists of killing off the mite population. This can usually be accomplished by one or more of several different methods.

An application of anti-mange medicine may be all that is needed in some cases, but at times a specific mange type may require a specific type of treatment, something a veterinarian will be able to determine.

Medication is usually applied topically although in some cases it may be applied by injection. A medicated dip is another approach and is probably the type of treatment your cat will like the least. Applying a medicated shampoo may suffice in some instances – another approach your cat may not particularly care for.

In more severe cases, an antibiotic medication, an anti-inflammatory medication, or both may be called for. The medications used to kill off the mites usually work quickly and effectively but it could be several weeks to a month before the results become evident, especially in the event of hair loss or if a significant amount of damage has been done to the cat’s skin.

After you’ve taken your cat in for treatment or have started treating it yourself, you will need to clean and disinfect its surroundings. Also keep it away from other cats that might have the disease. Schedule a couple of follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to make certain the mites have indeed been eradicated.