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Every cat owner knows what divergent creatures cats are - they want to be outside then they want to be inside; at 4.00 am they jump on your head and pester you in their own unique way demanding to go out - half an hour later, they're caterwauling outside the window demanding to be let back in. So you stumble bleary-eyed from the haven of your duvet to let your little darling back into the house. Then, unbelievably, a tweeting bird in a tree half a mile away causes such consternation for your feline friend that it's easier just to turn out from under your newly-warmed duvet to deposit the contrary creature back outside onto the patio. At the first sign of moisture in the air, your cat will want to be inside and at the first hint of sunshine it's the outdoor life they crave.
It's little wonder then that the majority of cat owners choose to fit a cat flap - it's a simple solution and allows our feline friends to come and go as they feel they have a right to, without hard-working, oft-scorned domestic servants (yes, that's you) having to jump every time these contrary creatures exercise their feline prerogative and change their minds about where they want to be - again.

Photo used under Creative Commons from stephenhanafin
Yes, a cat flap is, on the face of it, the perfect solution; but then you come to the crunch question "Which cat flap do I choose that's suitable for my home and cat?"

The Staywell/ Petsafe Manual 4-Way Locking Classic Cat Flap is an excellent product, designed specifically for our feline friends. It has a good degree of security and is effective for keeping out strays and other animals - except of course the ones our little darlings choose to bring home and present to us as presents... It has a clear, tough flap which is fully waterproof. It is easy to install in most doors or if you prefer can even be installed on an outside wall or window. It is suitable for use with cats up to 7kg in weight, has four locking options:

In only/out only

Open/locked

with a manual four-way locking system and is reasonably priced.

When it comes to providing independence for our feline buddies, a cat flap is second-to-none. As it provides instant access to outdoors it inevitably will increase the exercise levels of your cat, thus promoting good health, lowering the risk of obesity and associated illness such as diabetes. The cat flap also gives instant access back to the safety of your cat's "fortress" which is, after all, what he considers your home to be. This instant access provides peace of mind, comfort and security for your cat should he or she feel the need to escape from potential attack or simply to come in out of the rain. If you are at work during the day, a cat flaps removes the inconvenience of your little prince or princess being stuck outside or contrariwise, stuck indoors until you return home.

I try to base my articles on issues I feel are important for fellow animal lovers. Pet Promenade has all you and your furry member of the family will need. Whatever shape, size or breed we have everything in our pet store to satisfy even the most demanding, four legged diva in your household. We understand how important it is to not only have the latest cat toy, or the trendiest dog collar, but also to make sure the boring bits are covered. That's why we have a variety of flea, worming and fur treatments. http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

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Cat vitamins can be extremely important and crucial to add to a cat's diet. Most people don't realize this which is unfortunate. However, the good news is that more and more pet owners are starting to add supplements to their pet's daily diet.
Adding supplements to your pet's daily diet is not a sure thing however as some cats are already getting all the nutrients that they need in order to live very healthy and happy lives.
If this is the case with your pet can be difficult to know but making a visit to the local vet clinic or animal hospital will most often give you the answers that you need.
It's important to do this because supplements can actually be harmful to a cat's health, this is quite rare however.
It's important to consider adding supplements to your cat's diet because high quality supplements given regularly such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, essential fatty acids, minerals etc. can really boost up a cat's health and happiness. Supplements can also have a significant effect on how long an animal will live.
Cats
Cats (Photo credit: Miezzcom)
One important thing to consider is that all supplements should be given in moderation, if not it can actually be harmful to a cat's health, fitness and happiness.
So it's important that you educate yourself on this subject. There are tons of books and there is a ton of information that can be found online.
You can also ask other pet owners about their opinion of pet supplements. If they don't have one, advise them to consider giving their pet supplements.
You can also find out more about supplements by asking an expert or a veterinarian. They receive these questions often and they will be able to give you good answers.
There is a ton of different of different supplements out there and educating yourself a bit more can really help you make great decisions for your cat's health and happiness.
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Good cat food nutrition is essential for the health of your cat. It is not important what type of food you give your cat - tinned (wet) food, dry food or cook it yourself, however it is important to make sure the food is nutritious, healthy and suitable for the age of your cat.
Good cat food nutrition is essential for the health of your cat. It is not important what type of food you give your cat - tinned (wet) food, dry food or cook it yourself, however it is important to make sure the food is nutritious, healthy and suitable for the age of your cat.
Cat and Cat Foods
Cat and Cat Foods (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kitten cat food is different to adult cat food, just like with humans. They need to have a diet that will promote healthy growth.
Protein, in the form of meat, poultry, fish or eggs, is a very important component of food that will keep your cat healthy.
Many, though probably not all, tinned foods that are labelled as containing chicken, meat or fish need to be carefully checked as to the percentage of that ingredient, and what it is made up of. Some pet food manufacturers have been found to include crushed bone, beaks (of chickens) and offal (the parts such as intestines, lungs, brain, etc) and include that as part of the overall percentage of a particular ingredient.
With tinned cat food you are also paying for the water (which makes up a surprising amount of the total) and cereals to bulk the actual food out. Usually, the cheaper the food the less quality you actually get. If you are not cooking your own cat food, it really is worth it to pay a little extra to know your cat is getting the proper nutrients. It evens itself out as your cat will need to eat less of the more expensive cat foods to remain healthy. There are many single serve packets on the market now and I've found these better than the tinned variety. They are cheaper and one packet will feed my two cats each evening. They also contain a little more food per packet and are definitely friendlier when it comes to disposal and landfill.
Cats need variety in their food, the same as humans. Can you imagine being fed chops, mash and peas seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year? You'd get sick of it after the first week. Your cat is the same. Change it around, give dry food (biscuits etc) two or three times a week and a variety of tinned or packet foods the rest of the week. Unless your cat is on a strict diet, dry food (and plenty of fresh water) should be available at all times so your cat can graze. Unlike dogs, a cat will only eat as much as is needed at that time. Many dry cat foods are also fairly carbohydrate rich and cats don't need too many carbohydrates. Why not occasionally buy some frozen pet food and cook it up. Of course if your cat has special needs such as diabetes, speak to your vet about specialized diet cat food.
Remember, your cat needs a healthy and nutritious diet just as much as you do. By feeding it protein rich food, you are not only saving yourself money on vet bills, you will prolong the life of your cat. Good cat food nutrition is good sense.
Kathy is the author of numerous articles on cat problems and the care of cats. Visit her website at Cat Problems Resolved today to find answers to problems you might be having with your cat or kitten.


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Of all the cat breeds in the world, none is more distinctive or highly recognized than the Persian. Their look is almost stately, conjuring images of riches and opulence, especially white Persian cats, but this breed brings to the table more than simply good looks. Their calm and loving temperament makes them a joy to have around the house and a wonderful, loyal companion.
History
Persians have a lengthy and interesting history. They were first thought to have originated in Iran, which is where Persia once existed. Although this may be true, the modern Persian breed has lost its genetic signature. The modern breed we see today is felt to have, for the most part, developed in Western Europe, specifically Britain. It was not until after World War II that American breeders recognized the inherent beauty of the Persian and began breeding them. Now, the Persian is the most popular breed in the United States.
Stephanie is a Persian cat.
Stephanie is a Persian cat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Characteristics
Persians are set apart from other breeds by their extremely thick coat, wide head, large eyes, and shortened muzzle. In the United States, a movement began in the 1950′s to produce an exaggeratedly flat face, known as peke-faced, but this gave way to health problems. While the peke-faced look is still very popular, the health problems associated with it caused many breeders in the mid-1990′s to abandon selective breeding practices to produce that characteristic. The traditional look of the Persian includes a more elongated muzzle than what we see today and many are now selectively breeding to produce the more traditional looking version of the breed.
Temperament
Dignified, calm, and gentle are three words that come to mind when describing the personality of the Persian. They are very quiet and affectionate, making them a favorite for apartment dwellers. They are content in nearly any environment so long as they are afforded enough attention. Although they do well around other pets, Persians need human companionship and should not be left alone for long periods of time.
Grooming
It should be noted that while most cats are able to groom themselves, the extra dense coat of the Persian prevents it from being able to do so. Regular bathing and brushing of the coat is necessary to keep the coat from matting. Additionally, the large eyes of the Persian can cause excessive tears that run down the face of the cat. Any ocular discharge and crusting should be cleaned each day to prevent staining of the fur around the eyes.
Variations
Persian cats have such a long and extensive history and have been popular for so long that there are many variations of the breed, some of which have given birth to other popular breeds. Himalayans are, in fact, a result of cross breeding Persians with Siamese cats. Exotic short-hair versions of the Persian breed were a result of crossing Persians with American Short-Hair cats. In South Africa, breeders were successful at selectively breeding specific characteristics to produce what is now known as the Chinchilla Longhair breed, featuring a longer muzzle and translucent hair with dark tips.
Health Concerns
The distinctive facial features of the Persian, especially in the peke-faced variations, can cause breathing and eye difficulties. Excessive tearing and corneal damage due to eyelashes rubbing against the eye are also two common problems with this breed. Aside from this, birthing problems are also common in this breed and the rate of stillbirths is much higher in Persians than other breeds at between 16% and 22%. Other health problems that may be seen in Persian cats are polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Persian Cat Rescue
It's hard to believe, but there are Persians out there who do not have a loving home. Even this beautiful, distinctive cat sometimes finds itself in need of adoption for one reason or another and there are rescue centers scattered throughout the country that have Persians available for adoption.
One such rescue center is www.persiancats.org. It should be noted that this website does not ship cats due to the stress it causes the animal and the number of cats that are in need of good homes everywhere. They recommend searching local shelters and rescue centers first. Any individual visiting the website above should be forewarned that the sweet, beautiful faces they are about to see will indeed pull on the heartstrings and they just might find themselves on the phone shortly searching local shelters for a Persian of their own.
Velita Livingston is the founder of the Cat Lover's Diary blob which provides rich content with great advice on cat care tips and cat training, teaching pet owners how to protect, pamper and live peacefully with their pets. Visit the http://www.catloversdiary.com to watch the Cat Lover's Diary Movie, it contains breathtaking images and heartwarming quotes... It will uplift and inspire you! You can also visit the Cat Lover's Diary on Facebook and Twitter.


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8 Monate alter Siamkater, Lilac-Point
8 Monate alter Siamkater, Lilac-Point (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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The Siamese cat is one of the best known cat breeds in the United States and around the world. It is not a breed that is native to the US. It originates from Thailand, which was called Siam until June 23, 1939.
The first documented Siamese cat to reach the shores of the United States was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.
This breed is very graceful and quite slender. Oval shaped feet sit at the end of their slim legs. The distinctive markings on the coat are known as points. These shaded patches are found on the muzzle, ears, tail, and feet. Breeders have produced several variations of the points. Some of these are the Blue Point, Seal Point, Chocolate Point, and Lilac Point. These names refer to the color of the markings and other fur. When Siamese kittens are born, they are completely white. They will remain white for several months before their points start becoming visible. To determine the color points before they are visible on the fur you can look at the pads of the paws. Gray pads indicate Blue Point, light brown pads indicate Chocolate Point, and pink pads mean you have a Lilac Point on your hands.
The Siamese breed is known for being slightly more demanding than some other breeds. They are very intelligent cats and attempt to impose their will on their owners. Some Siamese cats are extremely noisy and mischievous. A Siamese in heat can produce quite a concert.
Despite their demanding personalities, Siamese cats yearn for interaction and companionship. They do not do well with being alone for long periods of time. This is why you will often see Siamese in pairs. If you own this breed you can expect to be in the constant company of your feline friend. Whoever first said that people don't own cats because cats own people might have been referring to a Siamese. This will become more obvious as your reading and relaxation times are interrupted by someone wanting to be petted.
They have a love for high places and a curiosity that can get them into precarious predicaments. If you cannot find your Siamese kitty, you should check on top of cabinets or shelves and inside of cupboards and closets.
Even though they can produce a lot of noise, the Siamese isn't particularly fond of external noise. Loud noises like vacuum cleaners and washing machines tend to send these cats for hiding. Even a roll of foil can be enough to induce a panicked run for cover.
Legacy Cages offers great prices on indoor cat cages. They also have various pet rat cages to keep all of your pets safe from each other.


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When you buy your own Persian cat, you should know the different responsibilities that come with it. You should be aware that your cat needs to be groomed regularly. Persian cat grooming is very important to keep your Persian cat happy and healthy. It is sometimes time consuming but just think of it as a moment to bond between you and your Persian cat.
Persian pets have very long and soft fur. It is prone to mats and dirt. Sometimes its fur looks clean but when you inspect it closely, you will find dirt hidden within its fur. There are also times when your cat's fur gets in the way when it poops or urinates. If your cat is not groomed regularly, mats in its fur might cause skin infections.
Here are some tips in Persian pet grooming
1. Use a comb instead of a brush when you groom your cat. Combing can effectively remove dead hair deep in its fur. Use a wide and metal toothed comb.
grooming persian cats
Grey Persian Cats by Magnus Brath
2. Persian cats may not take their bath daily. You can bathe them every two to six weeks depending on how dirty the fur is. Cats are natural groomers but there are times when the dirt is too much for them to clean by themselves. Make sure to remove mats before you bathe the cat.
3. When you decide to bathe your cat, make sure you use the right type of shampoo. The shampoo color must match with the color of the cat's fur. For example, use a dark colored shampoo when bathing a black Persian cat. You can also use a clear shampoo for any color of fur.
4. If you do not comb your cat daily, mats will form on its fur. Do not use very sharp scissors when you cut the mat. Your cat might get injured since they move without any notice. Make sure to comb the fur behind its ears, on its neck and legs. These are the areas where mats usually appear.
5. Cutting or trimming your cat's fur can help you prevent many problems associated with its fur. You can avoid getting poop and urine on its fur. Matting will not be a problem since your cat will have shorter hair. You can ask your veterinarian to give your cat a lion cut. As much as possible, take your cat to the groomer instead of you trimming the cat's fur to prevent unnecessary cuts and injuries.
6. Keep your Persian pets indoors. There are many things outside your house that can make your cat's fur dirty. In this way, you can lessen the tangles in its fur and lessen how frequent you give your cat a bath. Persian cats shed minimally so do not worry about its fur flying anywhere.
Persian cat grooming will require your patience. Some maybe complicated but some are simple enough for you to do it yourself. You should keep in mind that this is as important as feeding your cat. cat grooming in the end will be rewarding for both the cat and yourself.
Are you looking for more information regarding Persian cat grooming [http://passionateaboutpersians.com]? Visit [http://passionateaboutpersians.com] today!


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As one of the best pets out there, cats are a pleasure to have, but caring for them can get a bit spendy. Food, medical expenses, litter and toys can really add up. With the solid advice below, you will find ways to keep your pet and save some money too.
simple cat care
Mackerel tabby cat pair by Hishasi
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it's in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren't planning on having. Spaying a cat can prevent this.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don't go away.
Don't use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. This will especially be true if it's a product for fleas. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you're not using them.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat's shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Cats can be a very expensive animal to take care of. Cats require so much attention and care you would swear they are as needy as human children are. As this article has shown, there are many things that must be done to keep your cat happy and healthy.
If you want to buy a kitten, then it is important to know their breeds. You also need to know on how to take care of them.


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Cats, Kitten
Cats, Kitten (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kittens develop quickly, so it is important for the animals to receive excellent care during the first several months of their life. Kittens that are well cared for are more likely to grow into healthy, happy pets that enjoy the company of people and other animals living in the home. Whether pet owners are dealing with an unexpected litter or they have just brought a new kitten home, they should take the time to learn how to care for kittens.
If a mother cat has abandoned her kittens or she is unable to feed them for any reason, they need to be fed a nutritional mother's milk supplement until they are six weeks of age or until they are able to eat solid food and drink milk or water on their own. Kittens should visit the vet between six and nine weeks for an examination, parasite testing and to receive their first set of vaccinations. They need to receive three sets of vaccinations in total. The vaccinations protect the kitten from contracting a variety of serious diseases including rabies, feline distemper and feline rhinotracheitis. A good vet will answer any questions people may have about pet health and caring for kittens during the examination.
When bringing a new kitten home, it is best to keep it in a small room for a few days so it has time to adjust to its new surroundings. Any household pets should be introduced slowly so the kitten feels safe and secure. Kittens are very curious creatures so people need to put any small objects away to prevent choking. Once the kitten begins to relax in its new environment, it can begin to roam the house. It is a good idea for people to train their kitten to use a scratching post while they are young. Pet owners should provide a scratching post for their cat as well as a comfortable pet bed and plenty of cat toys.
It is a popular misconception that kittens are ready to leave their mother at six weeks of age. By six weeks, most kittens are eating dry or wet food, drinking water out of a bowl and using the litter box but this does not mean they are psychologically ready to go to a new home. Between six and twelve weeks of age, kittens learn how to interact well with their littermates and mother. If taken from their mother too soon they can develop lifelong anxiety problems. Since a kitten's immune system is not developed until around three months of age, kittens that leave their mother too early are at risk of becoming ill. The ideal time for kittens to go to a new home is at twelve weeks of age.
The author has spent a lot of time learning about kitten and other related topics. Read more about pet health at Shawn Manaher's website.


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We've all done it - got luxurious pet toys and pricey cat food for our favourite pets for them only to momentarily pause, sniff, back away and hiss in disgust at our thoughtful purchase. Felines are naturally fussy; so buying things they will appreciate can be very difficult.
Cat Hebe
Cat Hebe (Photo credit: @Doug88888)
"Should I bother with buying a cat bed then?" - is the common dilemma which comes to many peoples' minds when it comes to getting a cat bed.
Well it's a good question. But on the other hand, here are 5 very good reasons why you should try and motivate your furry friend to use a comfortable cat bed.
First of all, it offers them with their very own little private area. Regularly cats just want to have their own space to get away from the noises of other pets, company, the TV and kids. So a lovely bed for your cat in a quiet room gives them a cosy spot to relax in peace.
Should you place the cat bed in a private place, like in a free room or in the corner of a tranquil place, you will offer them something so tempting that they most likely won't be able to turn it down.
Number two - It gives them a location to use all the time. Most cats love sleeping where we humans want to chill out. Our beds, the sofa, dining rooms are just a few illustrations.
Yet truth be told; it can be quite infuriating when they are resting on top of your bed every time. So offer them a place all of their own so they stop doing it (all of the time anyway) down the road.
#3 - It looks tidier than using duvets and soft cushions for them. Quite a few people choose to use old quilts, duvets and pillows to construct make-shift sleeping places for their felines, but it does not look particularly beautiful if you have friends and family around.
You don't have to compromise and lower the style and attractiveness of your home with old soft furnishings with a trendy new cat bed.
Number four - You can place it in a dry place outside the house. If you've got a garage, green house or building outside that your cat likes to visit then buying a cat bed offers them something pleasant to rest on in an unconventional place.
And in the summer time, you can put it in the garden and put your cat bed in a lovely shady place to allow them to relax in comfort outdoors.
My fifth reason is to keep them extra comfortable and hot - with a radiator cat bed. They will adore being able to get up on it, as its over the radiator, and it will make them nice and warm in the winter.
And that is it! Five compelling points why you should invest in a lovely new bed for your cat. For a purchase of 10 to 30 quid, you can provide a specific place that is extra comfortable and out of the way of your sleeping space for your much-loved pet.
Ready to buy a new cat bed? Joe David recommends http://www.purrfectlypets.co.uk - who have a fantastic range of cat beds and pet supplies in stock, with free UK delivery available on most orders. Make your order now - cat beds on sale


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Any cat owner is more than aware of their pet's propensity for hairballs, and hairball control is a topmost priority for the benefit of the cat as well as their human companions. It's never pleasant to slip out of bed for a late night snack only to step on a cool, hairball cluster right next to the bed, and anyone who has watched their cat retch up a hairball feels the utmost sympathy for their condition. Dealing with hairballs is both reactionary and proactive, and taking a positive and productive approach to your cat's overall health is a priority for cat owners world-wide. It's impossible to prevent a cat from cleaning and grooming themselves. With that in mind, what can cat owners do to control or prevent hairballs as much as possible?
Hairball (sometimes called Furball)
Hairball (sometimes called Furball) (Photo credit: wallygrom)
1) One of the simplest and effective tricks to hairball control should be obvious. The more often you groom your cat, the less loose hair they are able to swallow when they clean up behind you and groom themselves. Brushing your cat regularly can remove a lot of the fur that could be ingested by your feline companion, and it makes the possibility of a hairball less likely. Contrary to popular opinion, cats do love to be brushed regularly, and as an added benefit it can be a fun bonding experience between you and your feline. Expect them to nuzzle the brush and purr like crazy, but use caution. You don't want to use a brush with sharp-ended bristles or you could cause irritation on your cat's sensitive skin, and you don't want them to see regular grooming as a painful or stressful process.
2) A lot of hairballs can also be prevented by a change in your cat's regular diet. A lot of cat foods have adopted a special, indoor formula specifically designed to limit or reduce the likelihood of hairballs. These dietary formulas are high in fiber which encourages a strong, healthy digestive system which allows swallowed hair to pass safely through without accumulating in the stomach. They also serve to strengthen your cat's healthy coat which minimizes shedding on the surface and leaves less loose hair to be swallowed initially.
If store-bought brands don't seem to be effective with your cat (especially if you have a long-haired breed that is naturally prone to hairballs in the first place) special, holistic blends are available. A lot of vets are recommending pet owners to adopt a more natural approach and guiding their patients away from cat foods that contain grains like wheat, barley, rice, corn or gluten. These blends are a lot milder on your cat's digestive system, and they still provide all of the essential nutrients to make sure they have a well-balanced, healthy diet free from fillers that aren't really effective overall.
3) If your cat is already susceptible to hairballs, there are a lot of products on the market specifically designed for hairball control. Most of these products act as a mild laxative for your cat, and it encourages digested balls of fur to be passed through their systems rather than being vomited back up. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and use only as instructed to reduce the chance of dehydration and diarrhea. You don't want to act so proactively that you give your cat an additional digestive system issue rather than preventing one completely.
If your cat seems to experience frequent hairballs regardless of your efforts to prevent or limit them, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem like IBD or intestinal lymphoma (which is a cancer) so you are certainly advised to take your pet to the vet for a full checkup. You want to make sure that there is not something more serious in play before trying a mix of alternate solutions, and the last thing that you want to do is to take a gamble with your favorite feline's overall health.
While hairballs are typically harmless, they're still unpleasant for both the cat and their owners. It may not be possible to prevent all hairballs initially, but these remedies and ideas can work to improve the overall health of your pet, in addition to providing them all of the essentials needed for a well-balanced diet and a healthy life. Hairballs can be a symptom of something worse, so don't avoid a trip to the vet if their hairballs appear more frequent than normal.
Velita Livingston is the founder of the Cat Lover's Diary blog which provides rich content with great advice on cat care tips and cat training, teaching pet owners how to protect, pamper and live peacefully with their pets. Visit the http://www.catloversdiary.com to watch the Cat Lover's Diary Movie, it contains breathtaking images and heartwarming quotes... It will uplift and inspire you! You can also visit the Cat Lover's Diary on Facebook and Twitter.


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A basic litter box and a bag of litter
A basic litter box and a bag of litter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
How does one go about choosing the best cat litter for their cat?
Assume that you are new to the pet cat ownership arena and you want to choose the best cat litter for your newly purchased cat. This actually happened to me several years ago. I walked into a few of the name brand pet stores and was mesmerized by the wide choice of products available. I literally did not know where to start.
Cat litters can be placed into seven categories:
1)Clumping/ non clumping or (scoopable/ nonscoopable) 2)Odor controlling or non order controlling 3)Scented or non scented 4)Diagnostic or non diagnostic 5)Natural ingredients or non natural ingredients 6)High Bulk Density or Low bulk density. 7) Coarse Pellets or fine Pellets.
In short, there are a number of features on which to differentiate between the products.
In addition, although all cat litter products absorb the cat's urine, the level of absorptivity varies with the different products.
The final major variance between the products of course is price per lb or unit volume of the product.
What is the meaning of some of these categories?
Clumping or scoopable means where ever the cat urinates in the litter the wetted particles will adhere together to form a clump or lump. This lump can now be scooped (scoopable) from the dry cat litter. This can be done by hand or it may be mechanized. For a good product, the lumps should be firm and should not break apart when allowed to free fall from a height of about 12 inches.
Products that does odor control has an ingredient that destroys bacteria producing odor other products mask the odor by using a scented ingredient.
Diagnostic type cat litter is a recent development in the industry and only a few products have this feature. What these products are attempting to do is provide early warning for urolithiasis, which is usually accompanied by bacterial infection, in the cats. This phenomenon is more common in the winter months and when the cat has low water intake. Normally, by the time it is recognized in the cats the process is well advanced and the only satisfactory treatment is surgical removal of the calculi. If discovered early, gentle manipulation of a sound or catheter often may dislodge small calculi. Dilating the urethra by alternately injecting sterile water or saline solution under pressure and manually compressing the bladder may also relieve the obstruction.
However, due to the inherent difficulties of surgery involving these organs, the results are not always favorable, besides the procedure is usually expensive. The early warning feature of some products involves a color change of the product, the sick cat's urine causing the clumps to change from it's normal color to some other predetermined color.
It is an advantage for the product to be made from natural ingredients as disposal should not be a problem environmentally. Some environmentally friendly products can be disposed of by simply flushing in the toilet. However this cannot be done for those products with high bulk density or those with toxic ingredients.
It is reported that cat faeces may be contaminated by a type of bacteria that is harmful to some sea otters,this is a concern if there is a practice of dumping raw sewage into the sea.
The bulk density of the product mainly affects its absorptivity. Those with high bulk density have low porosity and so are less efficient in absorbing the urine on a per unit volume basis of the product. The result is unless you are using a large quantity of this product, some urine may seep to the bottom of the cat litter box and you are prone to a lingering smell. In other words, you have to purchase a larger quantity of this product to do the same job as the product with lower bulk density. Products with high bulk density also present a handling problem.
Coarse versus fine pellets: Coarse pellets tend to provide less comfort for the cat whereas fine pellets may have a dust problem. The key is to find the best balance in size grade, this may be influenced by the size an age of the cat. However, some products that have fine particles mitigate dustiness by including anti tracking ingredients as well as anti dustiness ingredients.
Having reviewed the features of cat litter products on the market, we are in a position to define the features that would be included in the best product:
It should have strong clumping or scoopable properties, have ingredients that provide effective odor control (destroying odor causing bacteria), have good diagnostic properties, made mainly from natural ingredients and have low bulk density with medium size pellets. It should not pose a dust problem by having dust control ingredients if necessary. Above all, it should be reasonably priced on a per unit volume basis.
Have you come across any product that meet the above criteria? If you have that is the best cat litter product in your area.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The author, Delroy Rainford, is a chemical engineer by profession and currently resides in Snellville, Georgia USA. He is passionate in caring for his two year old cat, Gram. He also did some work in developing a unique cat litter product. For further information visit: http://www.daracpetsupplies.com
Further information on, Healthalertlitter, the product the author participated in developing can be obtained from the author's website


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It can be incredibly difficult to tell if your cat is sick, because they are exceptionally good at hiding their symptoms. In fact, in many cases symptoms of illness will not appear in a cat until the condition has become nearly fatal. For example, with certain forms of cancer, you may have no idea that your cat is sick until it is too late. For this reason, it is especially important for cat owners to be aware and vigilant about their cat's health. Regular veterinary visits are obviously important, but you should also watch for these signs that will help you with how to tell if your cat is sick.
Changes in Social Behaviour
A veterinary surgeon removes stitches from a c...
A veterinary surgeon removes stitches from a cat's face following minor surgery on an abscess. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A loner cat that suddenly becomes clingy or an excessively affectionate cat that suddenly becomes reclusive may be a sick cat. If you notice sudden or extreme changes in your cat's behaviour, this may be a sign of illness. Unfortunately, there may be no other obvious symptoms so if the odd behaviour continues for more than a few days you should visit your veterinarian.
Changes in Activity Level
Likewise, if your cat has become lethargic, distant, or lacks energy, this is also a common sign of illness. Arthritis is one example of a cat disease that will likely make your cat less active than normal. But even more life-threatening conditions can have a significant impact on your cat's activity level. Similarly, if your cat starts to behave erratically or appears to have an excess of energy, there may be an underlying health concern.
Changes in Appetite
Whether you're monitoring your cat's eating or drinking habits, obvious changes could be a sign of illness. Indeed, one of the earliest signs that your cat is sick is lack of appetite or diminished consumption of water. If you have a general idea of how much your cat eats or drinks on a daily basis, you'll be well prepared to notice changes in appetite that may signify illness. Similarly, excessive weight gain or weight loss for no apparent reason is a common symptom of sickness in cats.
Halitosis
Bad breath in cats is often associated with metabolic diseases or most likely dental disease. Ensure your cat undergoes regular dental health checkups with your veterinarian in order to maintain proper oral health.
Changes in Grooming Habits
A cat that becomes disinterested in grooming is likely ill. From arthritis and obesity to oral health problems, there may be many underlying reasons your cat is not grooming. Regardless, if the lack of grooming persists, visit your veterinarian.
Other changes
Changes in sleeping habits, litter box habits, excessive scratching or other routine changes may indicate your cat is not feeling well. Essentially, you should monitor your cat's general behaviour and if you notice significant alterations, visit a vet.
If you notice any of the above changes in your cat's behavior, it is advisable to visit a veterinary clinic near you, such as Steveston Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, BC.


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