Teething Kittens

Despite their small size, teething kittens can damage your furniture, clothes and shoes with their chewing. Your kitten may even decide your fingers and toes are fair game. Provide your kitten with appropriate toys and items to chew to help prevent damage to yourself and your home and protect your cat from chewing and swallowing things that may harm her.

Your kitten will begin teething at approximately 3 1/2 to 4 months of age. Teething continues until all of her adult teeth have grown in at approximately 6 or 7 months of age.

During this process, your kitten's adult teeth begin developing in the gums and placing pressure on the baby teeth. Eventually, the roots of the baby teeth disappear and the adult teeth push the kitten teeth out. Usually, your kitten swallows the baby teeth, but you may occasionally see a baby tooth on the floor or in her dish.

Signs that your kitten is teething include:

1. Chewing
2. Breath odor
3. Drooling
4. Irritability
5. Being reluctant to eat

Chew Toys For Your Kitten
There are many chew da bird toys to consider for your teething kitten. When selecting a toy, make sure it is not something she can swallow or choke on. Avoid hard toys as these may damage her teeth.

Some original da bird toys are designed to be chilled in the refrigerator or freezer to provide relief for your kitten's sore gums. As an alternative, you can freeze a wet wash cloth and give it to your kitten.

Your kitten also may enjoy chewing on grass in a pot. Select a grass that is safe for cats, such as barley, oats, rye, wheat or a combination. You can purchase grass or seeds to grow your own at many pet supply stores.

Although cat teaser wand toys, such as strings or feathers, are not suitable for your kitten to chew on, using them to get your kitten moving can help distract her from teething and drain excess energy. This reduces the chances of her chewing on inappropriate items in your home.

Making a Litter Box Attractive for Cats

Up to 10 percent of all cats develop elimination problems during their lives, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including a medical condition, anxiety or territorial aggression in multiple-cat homes. When your cat stops using its litter box and eliminates in other parts of your home, it stresses out you and your cat. Prevent this messy behavior and train your cat to use its litter box properly by making it pleasant and safe to use.

Place the litter box in a quiet area of your home that your cat can easily get to at all times. Avoid noisy areas such as a laundry rooms, or inaccessible, dark places such as closets or basements. Put the box in a location where the cat can easily escape and does not feel cornered. If possible, place the box in a spot your cat has been eliminating in inappropriately.

Give your cat a litter box without a lid that has enough room for it to turn around comfortably. For young kittens or older cats, provide a litter box with low sides so your cat can easily step in and out of the box.

Use unscented, clumping cat litter that you can scoop and fill the box only 2 to 3 inches deep. Your cat will not use a dirty litter box, so clean it at least once a day with a litter scoop. There are several options for clumping litter, including clay-, wheat- and corn-based formulas. Determine your cat's preference by placing litter boxes side-by-side and fill them with each type. Continue to provide the type of litter in the box your cat uses the most.

You  can also place da bird feather toys around the litter box. Choose her favorite cat clothes toys so that she'll know where the litter box is too. You can also but the litter box around the area where she usually plays these da bird kitty puff toys. This way, she can often see the litter box and learn where it is.

Place Cat Attract Litter in the litter box if your cat still refuses to use the litter box with unscented, clumping litter. This specialty litter contains ingredients designed to attract your cat to use its litter box. You can also sprinkle Cat Attract Litter Additive in your cat's regular litter to make the box more appealing to your cat.

Provide an ample number of litter boxes if you have more than one cat or more than one story to your home. You need to provide enough litter boxes for each of your cats plus one extra, according to the ASPCA. Place at least one box on each level of your home so your cat always has easy access to a litter box.

Clean previous sites of inappropriate elimination by your cat with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the urine or feces odor. This will prevent your cat from returning to these locations instead of its litter box to eliminate.

Getting Rid of Cat Spray Smell

Cats spray to mark their territory with pheromones as a way of communicating with other cats. The smell is so unmistakable, pet owners are rarely unaware of this particularly malodorous form of feline expression. Often, neutering or spaying or playing with cat wands, the cat will stop unwanted spraying. You can do this with a da bird kopter or cat clothing accessories. However, the problem of removing the smell remains. Homemade options range from the use of vinegar and baking soda to commercial products containing enzymes. Removing all traces of the cat spray smell is crucial in discouraging your cat from marking again.

A Natural Recipe
Soak up as much urine as possible with paper towels or an old towel. If the urine is on carpet or rugs, try not to rub it into the fibers.

Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a container. Pour this mixture onto the soiled area until saturated. Allow to dry.

Combine one cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of a mild liquid soap in a small spray bottle.

Sprinkle baking soda over the spot then spray with the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Test this mix on a small area of the carpet or fabric to be sure it will not stain the fibers.

Use a small scrub brush to gently work the mixture into the fibers of the carpet or rug then let dry. Vacuum the mixture and repeat if necessary.

Other Methods
Saturate the area with a commercial product such as Nature's Miracle or Odor Neutralizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application on various surfaces. Rather than mask the smell as deodorizers do, these products contain enzymes that will break down the molecules that cause cat spray smell. These products are available at many pet stores and department stores.

For soiled clothes, towels or other washables, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar, either white or apple cider, into the wash along with the detergent and launder as usual. Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer.

Spray outside bushes or sidewalks with a half and half mixture of vinegar and water until the area is free of cat spray urine.

Hire a professional. Most professional cleaners use the hot-water extraction method. This is a very effective form of steam cleaning used for deep cleaning of carpets and rugs.

Tapeworn Treatment in Cats

Almost all cats, at some point in their lives, are afflicted by internal parasites. One such parasite, the tapeworm, can be particularly troublesome, and should be treated as soon as possible. It is also possible to take some steps to prevent tapeworm infection. This article is designed to inform readers about how to prevent tapeworm infection, as well as how to cure a tapeworm infection in a cat.

Call your veterinarian if you notice the symptoms of a tapeworm infestation. A tapeworm infestation is most frequently discovered when segments of the tapeworm are found in and on a cat's stool and in the hair around the cat's anal region. Tapeworm segments often look similar to large grains of rice or small segments of a pasta noodle. They are easily visible to the naked eye.

Collect a sample of the stool and bring it to your veterinarian, who can often identify tapeworm segments on sight, but may also choose to do a fecal examination to confirm infestation. Wait for the right time to collect the sample. Play with your cat using da bird pack or cat wire wand with it before the grooming session. This da bird refill will help calm down the cat and less aggressive. It is likely that your veterinarian will require this, particularly if this is your cat's first infestation.

Cure the infestation by administering the medication that your veterinarian prescribes. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a tapeworm dewormer, such as Droncit or Drontal, to eradicate the parasites. This medication usually consists of one dose immediately, and a second dose approximately two weeks later. After administering the medication, you may see the dead worms pass in the cat's stool. This is perfectly normal and nothing to become alarmed about.

Start your cat on some type of flea preventative to prevent further infestation, such as Frontline, Advantage or Revolution, and try to keep your pet from hunting and ingesting small animals, which can also cause infestation.

Consider obtaining a prescription from your veterinarian for the treatment medication, especially if your pet has repeated infestations. You will then be able to purchase the medication from online retailers, such as PetMeds, at a much lower cost and without having to pay for a veterinary visit.

Removing Static Cling on Cats

Excessive static cling occurs when friction between two separate surfaces results in either a positive or a negative electrical charge. Cats with long hair commonly collect quite a bit of the shocking stuff, particularly during the fall and winter. Dry and overheated environments build up static, and combing your cat adds the electrical charge, turning your kitty into a walking static cling factory. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to remove static cling from your cat's fur.

Calm him if he is agitated by petting him for a few minutes or giving him healthy treats. You can also play or exercise with your feline prior to the cleaning. You may want to do this with long cat wand. Some of these include da bird toy, cat teasers, lion cat hat etc. These products will keep your cat relaxed before the grooming session.

Apply hand cream or talcum powder to your hands before touching your cat.

Rub the cat's entire coat with a nylon stocking. This is often all that is needed.

Add moisture to your cat's fur before brushing. A completely dry coat will produce static electricity when brushed or combed. Fill a plastic spray bottle with warm water and spritz the cat's coat lightly with a fine mist. However, many cats consider this to be rude treatment, and won't stand for it. If that is your kitty, just use a clean washcloth dampened with warm water to give the pet an all-over wipe. This works very well for removing static cling.

Spritz the cat's fur with an anti-static pet spray, if the pet will permit you to do so. Otherwise, apply some of the spray to a clean washcloth, and lightly rub the entire coat with it.

Groom the cat only as much as necessary with metal or Teflon-coated combs and brushes. Don't use wire slickers or plastics. Excessive brushing and combing creates static cling in the fur.

Taking Care of Your Feline

Caring for a cat comes with a lot of responsibility because you have to provide her with everything she needs to live a healthy and happy life. You'll need to give your new feline friend food, water, a litter box, shelter, environmental enrichment, medical care and plenty of love and affection. Fortunately, the love and companionship you'll get in return make it all worth it.

Give the Cat Litter Boxes
Provide your cat with her own litter box and at least one additional box. In multiple-cat households, have one litter box more than the number of cats. Place the boxes in quiet locations, away from noisy appliances and high-traffic areas. Have at least one litter box on each floor of your home. Use clumping litter and scoop the boxes daily. Doing so keeps the stink down and limits risk of infection.

Provide Fresh Food and Water
Provide each cat with her own food and water dishes, accessible to her at all times. Place them away from her litter box. Feed dry kibble, canned food or a combination of both, one to two times per day. Commercially prepared cat food diets are nutritionally balanced for cats. Follow the feeding recommendations provided on the label of the food you choose so you don't underfeed or overfeed your kitty. The average cat needs about a quarter-cup of dry cat food per day for each 5 pounds of weight, according to the petMD website. Don't forget to change your cat's water a few times daily so that it's fresh and clean.

Visit the Vet Regularly
Bring your cat to the vet at least once per year to make sure she's healthy. Senior cats, 7 years old or older, may need two visits each year. During the visit, your vet will give your cat any necessary vaccinations, check your cat's weight, give her a full physical exam and possibly take blood, urine or fecal samples. In addition to her normal checkups, any time your cat appears ill, lethargic or otherwise unhealthy, get her to the vet right away for an exam.

Groom Your Cat Regularly
Brush your cat's coat daily to prevent her from developing hairballs, improve her skin and coat and keep her coat free of mats. Long-haired breeds may require longer grooming sessions and even the occasional professional trim near the hindquarters. While most cats groom themselves, if you need to bathe your kitty, do so with a cat-safe shampoo and warm water, or schedule a session with a professional groomer. Check her nails weekly and have them trimmed when necessary -- it's a good idea for indoors cats, despite that they sharpen them on everything in sight.

Provide Plenty of Human-Cat Interaction and Exercise
Spend time with your cat daily, letting her snuggle near you in a comfy cat bed. Interact with her using laser cat toys and feather cat wand toys to exercise her. Exercise is necessary to keep your cat physically active and prevent her from becoming obese. Provide her with plenty of da bird cat toys to keep her busy during the day and even when you're at home. The toys will help keep her active and prevent boredom.

Keep Your Cat Indoors
Keep your kitty inside and provide her with scratching posts, cat trees and a window perch or screened enclosure to enrich her environment. Indoor-only cats live longer than those allowed to go outside, according to the Humane Society of the United States. To expose your cat to the outside safely, take her for walks on a leash.

Keeping That Fur White

Keeping a cat clean is not something many cat owners think about, especially since most felines do a respectable job with their own hygiene. Cats spend a substantial amount of time grooming, up to half their waking lives. The white cat, especially the white show cat, has particular needs when it comes to grooming and bathing, as dirt, tears and debris from the litter box can all stain her beautiful fur.

Play or exercise with your feline prior to the bathing. You may want to do this with best cat products. Some of these include laser cat pointer, cat toys, teaser wand, etc. These products will keep your cat relaxed before the grooming session.

Comb your kitty with a fine-tooth comb to remove debris that may be discoloring her fur.

Using a pet wipe, clean her face and around her eyes to remove any stains from tears and cat food.

Sprinkle some cornstarch under you cat's chin, on her bib area and on her paws. Rub gently, then comb or brush away to restore these problem areas to a whiter appearance.

Create a paste by mixing the cornstarch and a small amount of peroxide. Add peroxide slowly until the consistency is like paste. Using a clean cloth, rub the mixture on any urine stains. Remove the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Don't use this mixture around kitty's eyes and nose.

Prepare your bathing area. You'll need shampoo and towels. Choosing a shampoo designed for white cats may give you better results. Open the shampoo before you begin. It's easier to do with dry hands.

Fill your basin, wash tub or sink half-full with warm water. With your right hand under your cat's belly and your left holding her front paws, gently lower her into the water.

Wet your kitty's fur using a cup or your hand. Gently pour water over her body. Once kitty is used to her bath, you may be able to use the sink's spray hose on low pressure.

Remove as much water from your cat's fur as possible by stroking her with your hands. Place her on a towel next to the sink or in the other side of the sink if you have a double sink.

Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into your hand and rub your hands together. If you need to keep one hand on your cat to keep her still, drip the shampoo along her spine to spread it out. Avoid letting large amounts of shampoo deposit onto one area; it will make rinsing far more difficult.

Shampoo kitty thoroughly, keeping the shampoo out of her eyes and the shampoo and water out of her ears.

Return kitty to the sink or basin you filled with warm water. Rinse her well, using clean water once the bath water becomes murky from shampoo. Keep a pitcher of clean, warm water standing by if your cat doesn't like the sound of running water. For long-haired cats, such as Persians, float them in the water, allowing the fur to spread out along the water's surface. Add water to the basin to raise the water level, and be sure to hold onto kitty so her face isn't submerged. Floating makes for easier shampoo removal.

Drain the tub and remove as much water as you can from your cat's fur by stroking her with your hands.Dry your cat by rubbing her gently with the towel.

Blow-dry your cat's fur on the lowest setting. Use a cooler setting than you'd use on yourself to make certain you don't burn her skin.

Unmat Cat Hair

Long-haired cats are particularly prone to matting. A mat is a clump of knotted fur that can cause a cat discomfort if allowed to mat down to the skin. Mats are usually caused by an owner's failure to groom regularly enough, so if your cat has hair prone to matting, comb it out at least once a week. If mats are allowed to get bad enough, the cat will likely need to be shaved, after which you can begin a regular grooming regimen.

Before or during the grooming session, your cat may fight, bite and scratch. It's best to take precautions to protect both yourself and the cat. However, you may attempt or try to play with gocat da bird toys with some rewards such as purina pro plan cat treats. These wand cat toys will help calm down the cat and less aggressive.

Separate the mat. Identify a mat to work on and separate it from the surrounding hair.

Hold the mat at the base of the hair shaft. Grip the base of the mat with your fingers before you start combing to avoid pulling on your cat's skin.

Use the end tine of the comb to pull apart the mat. Gently pull and separate the mat, starting furthest from the skin and working down. If the mat is too big or too stubborn to separate this way, use a pair of blunt-tipped scissors and cut once into the mat, perpendicular to the skin. Treat the two cut sections of mat as two separate mats and continue trying to pull them apart with your comb. Always untangle a mat all the way down to the skin. If a little tangle is left over, it will quickly grow to a big one again, and it will pull on your cat's skin in the meantime.

Inspect and de-mat under the joints and behind the ears. These areas have the most friction during normal activity and are the most likely to mat.

Brush through the cat's coat with a soft metal-toothed brush. Once all the major mats have been pulled apart, brush through the cat's entire coat. These brushes will pull out any last bits of matted fur and should run though the coat smoothly if the cat is fully de-matted.

Cut off the most stubborn mats. If there are mats that are just too tangled to comb out, you can carefully cut them off using your blunt-tipped scissors. Be careful not to cut the skin, as the skin of cats is very thin and could bleed profusely if nicked. Don't worry about the appearance of a cut mat, since the hair will grow back quickly.