Cat - Trim Your Cat's Nails With Ease

Quality Cat Supplies available at Low Prices and Free Shipping! Many people find it challenging to trim a cat's nails. In the wild a cat will use trees to scratch. This helps stretch the cat's back and promotes old dead nails to fall or scrape off. With indoor cats, it's important to keep nails trimmed. However, you can hurt your cat if you don't know what you are doing, so I encourage you to visit a veterinarian at least once and have them show you which part of the nail is dead. Once you are clear about the potion of the nail that should be trimmed, the five steps below will simplify and speed up the process at home. A couple of guidelines to keep in mind-never cut a nail too low, you only want to trim the tip-the area free of tissue. You must be able to see through the portion of the nail being trimmed. When your cat is asleep, you can lie down next to your cat, and gently squeeze one of their front toes. This will cause the nail to extend. The area that should be trimmed is the tip which will be free of any color, or inside color. If your cat's nails are clearly see-through, you can trim using the following technique. You may want to pretend your trimming your cat's nails right now. Once you feel confident with the steps below, use them the next time you need to trim your cat's nails. 1. Purchase an appropriate size pet nail trimmer from a pet supply store. My favorite brand looks like a small scissors but has a round section for the nail. These scissors cost about $5. You always want a sharp nail trimmer. I replace mine every 6 to 8 months. Do not use a human nail cutter or regular scissors. You can cause injury to your pet. Place the scissors on a floor or table top in a quiet room. 2. Pick up you cat and pet it like normal. Place one hand underneath the ribs as you continue to pet the cat and walk toward the room where the scissor or nail trimmer is located. 3. Continue to hold the cat and kneel down next to the scissors in the following manner. Spread your knees approximately 10 inches apart (this is approximately two or three fist widths). As you kneel, place your big toes side by side and flatten you ankles on the floor if you can. Next sit back on your heels, keeping your knees apart. You hips should be directly over your feet or ankles. 4. Place the cat so that it's feet are on the floor, it's butt and tail are facing your belly or hips, and it's head faces forward'the same direction as yours. Do not sit on or put weight on your cat. If your right handed, slip you left arm against the left side of the cat's body, and firmly but gently hold the cat's chest. With your right arm grab the nail trimmer, and drape your right arm or wrist in front of your cat's chest to prevent them from bolting. 5. Bend forward a little bit and place your right elbow on the floor so your right hand can be stable. Continue to cradle the cat with your left arm and use your left hand to keep the cat from running forward. 6. Keep your right hand or wrist in front of the cat and with your left hand pick up the cat's left front paw. Gentle squeeze a toe. The nail will extend forward. Make sure you can easily see the cat's nail. With your right hand clip the dead portion (clear portion) of the nail. The cat should not scream or flinch if you have clipped only the tip. It's always better to trim a nail too long and correct your mistake, rather than causing injury, pain and possible infection by trimming too short. Proceed to the next toe. If this is new to you or if your cat gets restless, you may just want to do a couple of toes at a time then let your cat go. Trim a few more nails tomorrow. If your cat is docile and you feel fine, proceed trimming every toe, then switch to the right foot. Also, cat's have something called a "dew claw". It's an unused claw next to their front inside "ankles". These claws are not used by the cat, but grow and must be trimmed. A few things to keep in mind--cat's always like to feel safe, so cradling them without applying any weight can be helpful. When a cat becomes upset, it needs to be left alone. Its brain literally gets overloaded and an upset cat is likely to become aggressive. If you are having difficulty and your cat is getting upset, let it go. You can modify this pose however you feel appropriate. I often like to trim my cat's claws when they are sleeping on the bed or resting in my lap. If you want help, it's usually pretty inexpensive to have your cat's claws trimmed by veterinarian ($10-15). With most cats, the front claws need to be trimmed more often. Stay away from an inexperienced pet groom'I have seen and heard horror stories about nail injuries. If your pet's nail is trimmed too close, besides causing pain, an infection can occur. In some cases, these infections can require extensive (an expensive) medical care and if untreated infections may lead to a painful death for your cat. Please see a veterinarian or a certified vet tech if you need assistance caring for your pet. For more free pet care or animal welfare tips, visit http://www.PetCareRCA.com Kate Garvery is the founder and director of the Pet Care Resource Center of America. She is also a freelance writer and provides professional writing services for individuals and business owners http://www.kategarvey.net Kate is the author of 3 non-fiction books and more than 40 non-fiction articles. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Garvey Cat - How To Deal With Extreme Cat Urine Problems Having extreme cat urine problems? With its strong, unpleasant scent and its dark amber coloring, cat urine stains are especially difficult to remove. In fact, they're more difficult to remove than any other pet stain. Because of this, any cat urine problem seems pretty extreme! If you have problems with cat urine, you probably have plenty of questions. What kind of cleaning product can you use? What techniques can you use to remove the stains? Why would a cat urinate outside of the litter box in the first place? And how can you prevent it? There is a lot of information available to help you, and this article will provide you with some of that information. Once you learn the basics, you'll be ready move on to more advanced information, tips, and techniques. You can start with these Frequently Asked Questions. Question: My cat urinated on the carpet. What kind of cleaning product should I use? Is regular carpet cleaner OK? Answer: No. To prevent your cat from urinating in the same place again, you need to use a product that will remove the odor of the urine'not just mask it. Regular household carpet cleaner isn't enough. Look for a product that is designed specifically for cat urine. Many of these products have enzymes that neutralize the proteins in the urine that cause the odor. Whatever you choose, you'll want to use the right techniques to keep from pushing the stain deep into the carpet fibers. Question: I did my research and found a great cat urine cleaning product. It's safe on carpets, but I want to make sure I use it correctly. What are some techniques I can use to clean the urine from my carpet? Answer: If the stain is fresh (that is, still wet), start by blotting it gently with paper towels. Don't apply too much pressure, or the urine is likely to saturate the carpet fibers and maybe even the pads below. Once you've blotted the excess liquid, use your cat urine cleaning product. It's important to follow the directions as some products work differently than others. If required, rinse the area thoroughly when you're finished. You know how to choose a product to clean cat urine in carpet and what techniques to follow, so you're ready to learn more. How do you clean surfaces such as hardwood floors and upholstery? Why would your cat urinate outside of the litter box, and how can you prevent it? There's plenty to learn, but you're off to a good start. Once you have all the information you need, you can permanently rid yourself of those extreme cat urine problems.

Cat - How To Deal With Extreme Cat Urine Problems

Having extreme cat urine problems? With its strong, unpleasant scent and its dark amber coloring, cat urine stains are especially difficult to remove. In fact, they're more difficult to remove than any other pet stain. Because of this, any cat urine problem seems pretty extreme! If you have problems with cat urine, you probably have plenty of questions. What kind of cleaning product can you use? What techniques can you use to remove the stains? Why would a cat urinate outside of the litter box in the first place? And how can you prevent it? There is a lot of information available to help you, and this article will provide you with some of that information. Once you learn the basics, you'll be ready move on to more advanced information, tips, and techniques. You can start with these Frequently Asked Questions. Question: My cat urinated on the carpet. What kind of cleaning product should I use? Is regular carpet cleaner OK? Answer: No. To prevent your cat from urinating in the same place again, you need to use a product that will remove the odor of the urine'not just mask it. Regular household carpet cleaner isn't enough. Look for a product that is designed specifically for cat urine. Many of these products have enzymes that neutralize the proteins in the urine that cause the odor. Whatever you choose, you'll want to use the right techniques to keep from pushing the stain deep into the carpet fibers. Question: I did my research and found a great cat urine cleaning product. It's safe on carpets, but I want to make sure I use it correctly. What are some techniques I can use to clean the urine from my carpet? Answer: If the stain is fresh (that is, still wet), start by blotting it gently with paper towels. Don't apply too much pressure, or the urine is likely to saturate the carpet fibers and maybe even the pads below. Once you've blotted the excess liquid, use your cat urine cleaning product. It's important to follow the directions as some products work differently than others. If required, rinse the area thoroughly when you're finished. You know how to choose a product to clean cat urine in carpet and what techniques to follow, so you're ready to learn more. How do you clean surfaces such as hardwood floors and upholstery? Why would your cat urinate outside of the litter box, and how can you prevent it? There's plenty to learn, but you're off to a good start. Once you have all the information you need, you can permanently rid yourself of those extreme cat urine problems. Jenny Johnson is a pet lover and the author of the highly successful ebook "How To Clean Dog & Cat Urine". To learn how you too can clean your cat's extreme urine, and live in a clean, odor-free home again, please visit: http://www.removedogandcaturine.com Extreme Cat Urine Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Johnson Cat - Is your Dog Malnourished? Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption. After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible. Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA ... one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity ... has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time. Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years. And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment. She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog's natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts. Harder working or more energetic dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food. Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn't we have that same attitude towards our pets? Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She formulates Life's Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life's Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

Cat - Is your Dog Malnourished?

Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption. After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible. Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA ... one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity ... has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time. Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years. And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment. She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog's natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts. Harder working or more energetic dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food. Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn't we have that same attitude towards our pets? Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She formulates Life's Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life's Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/ About The Author A.M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/ Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A.M._Wilmot Cat - How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture It's natural for cats to scratch but often it destroys your good furniture. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to relieve the problem. Many people watch in sadness as their cat destroys virtually everything that he can get his claws into. You can improve this behavior. To do so, you need to know why he is doing what he is doing. Cats were hunters. They needed those sharp teeth to help them to climb trees and to leap down on their prey. Although your cat is not likely to be pouncing on their dinner anymore, they still instinctively need to sharpen their claws and that is exactly what they are doing on your furniture. The scratching that they do is a way of trimming their nails and it removes the old outer part of the claws. Another reason they are ruining your home is because they know it to be their territory. They release a scent from special glands in their paws which helps them mark the area as theirs. They also do it because they are working the kinks out of their body as well as burning some energy. Before you head off to have him de clawed, you may want to try out some of the alternative methods of preventing the scratching. One way is to provide them with scratching pads or posts. There are a wide variety of them available including those that are part of a cat condo. You can even make your own by using two foot high section of a four by four, two foot by two foot piece of heavy plywood and a carpet remnant. When you have one of these, take it and put it right next to his favorite piece of furniture to destroy. Then, gradually move it away from the furniture as he gets accustomed to it. You can also use a pet repellant spray such as Bitter Apple on the furniture that the pet is clawing at. Take the time to test the spray on a non visible area of the furniture before using it though. Or if you do not want to spray the furniture, then cover the material with aluminum foil or tape that is placed sticky side up. The cat will not like the material and will turn to the scratching post instead. Some cats just can't seem to stop. For these, de-clawing becomes the best option. If your cat stays indoors, you can have their claws removed. There are some risks involved and the procedure can be painful for him. Those who would like to avoid this like to use nail caps instead. These are applied as false nails would be to the cat's nail. If your cat is a scratcher, do what you can to stop him before you have him de-clawed. If this becomes the best option though, it may be better than having your furniture torn up! I hope that some of these simple tips help you save your furniture from cat attack without stopping you cat from enjoying life.

Cat - How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture

It's natural for cats to scratch but often it destroys your good furniture. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to relieve the problem. Many people watch in sadness as their cat destroys virtually everything that he can get his claws into. You can improve this behavior. To do so, you need to know why he is doing what he is doing. Cats were hunters. They needed those sharp teeth to help them to climb trees and to leap down on their prey. Although your cat is not likely to be pouncing on their dinner anymore, they still instinctively need to sharpen their claws and that is exactly what they are doing on your furniture. The scratching that they do is a way of trimming their nails and it removes the old outer part of the claws. Another reason they are ruining your home is because they know it to be their territory. They release a scent from special glands in their paws which helps them mark the area as theirs. They also do it because they are working the kinks out of their body as well as burning some energy. Before you head off to have him de clawed, you may want to try out some of the alternative methods of preventing the scratching. One way is to provide them with scratching pads or posts. There are a wide variety of them available including those that are part of a cat condo. You can even make your own by using two foot high section of a four by four, two foot by two foot piece of heavy plywood and a carpet remnant. When you have one of these, take it and put it right next to his favorite piece of furniture to destroy. Then, gradually move it away from the furniture as he gets accustomed to it. You can also use a pet repellant spray such as Bitter Apple on the furniture that the pet is clawing at. Take the time to test the spray on a non visible area of the furniture before using it though. Or if you do not want to spray the furniture, then cover the material with aluminum foil or tape that is placed sticky side up. The cat will not like the material and will turn to the scratching post instead. Some cats just can't seem to stop. For these, de-clawing becomes the best option. If your cat stays indoors, you can have their claws removed. There are some risks involved and the procedure can be painful for him. Those who would like to avoid this like to use nail caps instead. These are applied as false nails would be to the cat's nail. If your cat is a scratcher, do what you can to stop him before you have him de-clawed. If this becomes the best option though, it may be better than having your furniture torn up! I hope that some of these simple tips help you save your furniture from cat attack without stopping you cat from enjoying life. Niall Kennedy is a lifelong pet lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information and news, tips and reviews to help you keep your cat happy and healthy. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Kennedy Cat - Cat Homelessness Rises The recent christmas period has, it seems, witnessed a rise in the number of stray or abandoned cats. The staff at the Bury St Edmunds branch of the Cats Protection league have witnessed a growing crisis as they have been called in to look after more cats than they can easily cope with. They predict a crisis as foster homes are full and there are less people able or willing to offer a cat a home. Unfortunately the volunteers look to house 12 cats per month in a small town in Suffolk, England. Margaret Spratt, a volunteer, says "Our pens are always full, and we can't even take any more animals in at the moment." The main source of cats needing help are those that are abandoned, those that are stray and those that have been the victim of a death of an elderly lone owner. Mrs Spratt reports that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to rehouse cats. The recent christmas has seen more cats than ever being brought into the center. They report having to turn cats away, which is clearly not an ideal situation. "We do the very best that we can for the animals in our care, and we just hope that eventually we can find the right homes for them," said Mrs Spratt. There appears no clear reason why the supply of unwanted cats has increased. The hope is that there will be a settling of the problem so that current cats can be rehomed. If the situation continues in the same pattern then new methods of cat care and cat care funding will need to be devised.