Cats As Companion Animals
The domesticated cat of today has become the pet of choice for a people worldwide. In the USA alone, over 30 million domestic pet cats now eclipse the dog population by several million, with the gap growing ever wider each day. Why has the domestic cat gained in popularity? What is it about this puzzling creature that appeals to so many of us?
The answer to this certainly has to be the enigmatic personality of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess an arresting combination of personality traits not found in other houshold pets. Captivating and quiet, self-sufficent amd poised, fastidious and athletic, the cat is seldom needy. It loves company but is also content to pass the time alone for hours at a stretch, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone a family.
This independent streak, a result of felines in nature living alone by themselves, gives the domestic cat a slightly haughty attitude to life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall with people, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capability cats have to survive, with or without humans may perhaps be one of the main reasons why we like them so much. Pets (or people) that are emotionallly needy tend to become increasingly irritating after some time; cats are delightful egocentric creatures. This, combined with their beauty, grace, dignity, and ease of care, make them always desirable.
We also like cats for their ability to say, ” we are your roommate, not your servant,” and for their capacity to realise the value in taking a nap. And who does not appreciate the cat’s clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? Try getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!
There’s no doubt that cats enjoy all the attention we humans lavish upon them, though they will, given the chance, deny it. They are content to remain with us because we love them and look after them, but if we disappeared from the Earth anytime soon, it#s more than likely that the cat would mourn somewaht, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat – all the while laughing at the millions of rudderless, doleful dogs aimlessly wandering about, wondering what to do next.
If my life experience is anything to go by, closer ties have been developed with a cat when an owner doesn’t smother the animal with unwanted affection at times when the cat just wants its own space. As my grandmother used to say: “You’ll never own a cat but one may choose to live with you”.
Typical Cat Health Problems and Cures
December 31, 2008 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
There are many surprises to new cat owners, including that of the numerous health problems that are very common among most cats.
No matter what breed of cat you own, cat health is one of the major topics you will have to know about. Some problems can be expected in any breed. Even though some are easily prevented, others are hereditary. No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem.
Some of the most typical worms to infect cats are tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. You should contact your vet and have your cat tested for worms if he or she has problems gaining weight, fleas, or if you see white spots in his or her stool. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cats stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball – as a popular cat owner manual confirmed recently. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems. Hairballs may occasionally move through a cats intestine and block food from getting past.
Blockages are not to be ignored, since they can kill you if left untreated. A change in appetite, constipation and a dull coat could be an indication that your cat has a blockage. You should make an appointment with the vet as soon as you notice any of these symtoms.
If you want to prevent your cat from getting hairballs and blokages, you should get rid of shedding hair by brushing your cat 2 to 3 times every week. Urinary tract infection, also a common health problem with cats, can be controlled by feeding him food designed to control hair balls.
Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that havent been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. One symptom that your cat may have a UTI is strong smelling urine, and if this symptom is there they need to go to the vet. Your vet will supply you with the proper medicine, and give recommendations on how to avoid this issue in the future.
Nowadays, vaccines are available to treat the disease, feline leukemia, which used to be the greatest cause of death in cats in the past. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesnt happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. If you take cat care seriously, take him to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.
