IDIOPATATHIC CYSTITIS CAT URINARY INFECTIONS

A urinary tract condition has been recognized in cats over the last few years. The term "idiopathic cystitis" refers to an inflammation of the bladder, with an as-yet unknown cause. cats often are young or middle-aged, with an equal prevalence among males & females. Signs displayed are typical of many types of urinary tract infections.cats often urinate small amounts of urine, with or without blood, outside the litter box. urinating may be painful, so the cat may cry while urinating. The cat maybe is grooming the belly & hindquarters more often, may resent being picked up, may have a decreased appetite & begin hiding in odd places.The term "idiopathic" means that the cause of the condition is unknown. Theories exist, but research still needs to be done. Stress seems to play a role, & interestingly we tend to see more cases at the changes of the seasons. A viral infection may also play a part in the disorder. Some cats show a decrease in the protective layer that is produced on the bladder wall, which may possibly contribute to the disease.Diagnosing idiopathic cystitis can be difficult. Cats are not only prone to other types of urinary tract infections that show the same signs, but can also show behavioural problems which can lead to urinating outside the litter box. READ MORE HERE:http://www.fairmontah.com/feline_idiopathic_cystitis.htm

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS FIP

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a coronavirus infection. Many different strains of coronavirus are capable of infecting cats, but most do not produce serious disease. FIP-producing strains are distinguished by their ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells. The infected cells transport the virus throughout the cat's body. An intense inflammatory reaction occurs in the tissues where these virus-infected cells locate. It is this interaction between the body's own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the disease.
Infected cats shed coronavirus in their saliva and feces. Most cats become infected by inhaling or ingesting the virus, either by direct contact with an infected cat, or by contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like clothing, bedding, feeding bowls, or toys.
Although the virus can survive for a number of weeks in the environment, it is rapidly inactivated by most household detergents and disinfectants. An inexpensive and effective disinfectant is one part of household bleach in thirty-two parts of water (4 ounces of bleach per gallon of water). READ MORE HERE:http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fip.html

CAT DISEASES AND PREGNANT WOMEN TOXOPLASMOSIS

Toxoplasmosis, a disease of cats and other mammalian species, is caused by a parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that are among the simplest creatures in the animal kingdom. Although infection with Toxoplasma is fairly common, actual disease caused by the parasite is relatively rare.
The Life Cycle of ToxoplasmaCats, domestic and wild, are the definitive host (host in which the adult, or sexually mature stage, of the parasite is produced) and are the parasite's primary reservoir of infection. Domestic cats are important in transmission of Toxoplasma to other animals and human beings, which become involved only as intermediate hosts of the parasite. Consumption of raw meat tissues is another important means of transmission.
Cats acquire Toxoplasma infection by eating any of the three infective stages of the parasite: cyst, oocyst, or tachyzoite. Following ingestion of cysts in infected prey (rodents or birds), the intraintestinal infection cycle begins. This cycle occurs only in members of the cat family. The organisms multiply in the wall of the small intestine and produce oocysts, which are then excreted in great numbers in the feces for two to three weeks. Within five days the shed oocysts may sporulate, becoming infectious to other animals and to humans. Sporulated oocysts are highly resistant to environmental conditions and can survive in moist shaded soil or sand for many months.
During the intraintestinal infection cycle in the cat, some Toxoplasma organisms released from the ingested cysts penetrate more deeply into the wall of the intestine and multiply as tachyzoite forms. Very soon these forms spread out from the intestine to other body sites, starting the extraintestinal infection cycle. Eventually the cat's immune system restrains this stage of the organism, which then enters a dormant or "resting" stage by forming cysts in muscles and brain. Most cysts probably remain dormant for the life of the host. The extraintestinal infection cycle occurs not only in cats but also in the intermediate hosts (including humans).

READ MORE HERE;http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/toxo.html

CAUSE SIGNS & TREATMENT OF A CAT ABCESS

THE SIGNS
Bacteria which are trapped under the skin following a bite wound can multiply for several days before any signs of infection are seen. Swelling and pain at the puncture site are the most common signs of infection; When cats are afflicted with an abscess they generally run a fever, quit eating, sleep more than usual (like 22 hours a day instead of the usual 21!) and may exhibit pain. The sooner a treatment for a cat abscess is administered, the sooner the health of the cat can be restored. . Many times a pocket of pus, called an abscess, will form. . The most frequent sites for bite wounds are the face, legs, back, tail and over the rump.
THE CAUSE
When a cat bites, the teeth go through the skin, and then it releases quickly. This results in small puncture wounds in the skin, with small holes. These holes seal and virtually disappear within hours, trapping bacteria from the cat's mouth under the skin of the victim. The type of bacteria which live in the cat’s mouth thrive in an environment where the oxygen concentration is low. Once the wound seals shut, bacteria can begin to multiply at a rapid rate. The organisms most commonly involved with cat bites are Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus.
TREATMENT
Once the cat abscess opens and the pus has a way to escape, the healing process can take over. The purpose of intervening in a case of a cat abscess to to assist the cat in this process by facilitating the escape and cleaning up of all those dead and dying defenders, plus, often when the pus drains the offending instigator of this whole process gets swept right out of the cat with everything else! Some gentle flushing of the wound cavity cleans things up quickly, a touch of antibiotic prevents the damaged tissues from being reinvaded, and the painful pressure from the abscess is relieved. READ MORE HERE;http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/abcat.html
CLICK ON HEADER TO SEE OUR ENTIRE ALLEY CAT FORUM PAGE

CHOOSING A CAT- CAT OR KITTEN? MALE OR FEMALE?

CHOOSING A CAT
Do you want a male or female cat? Generally females are cautious, gentle, and quiet but unless you have your cat spayed, you will have to contend with heat cycles. Males are larger and more outgoing, though unneutered males tend to spray urine to mark their territory, roam, and are prone to fights with other cats.
Do you want a long- or short-haired cat? Long-haired cats are glamorous, but it will be someone's job to keep it that way. Long-haired cats shed a great deal and tend to get hairballs more frequently.
Do you want a purebred or mixed-breed cat? If you want a purebred cat, make sure you buy it only from a reputable breeding establishment and know what you're looking for before you actually buy.
Do you want a kitten or a cat? Kittens are cute but they require more time and patience. Older cats require more socialization but generally are easier to care for. READ MORE HERE;http://home.howstuffworks.com/cat-care-tips.htm

WHY DO CATS & KITTENS PURR?

WHY DO CATS PURR?
And so it is with cats purring. We cannot purr, so we are interested in how cats can do it. It turns out that domestic cats, some wild cats like pumas and mountain lions (in general, any big cat that cannot roar) and even raccoons are all able to purr. Humans happen to smile and laugh when they are happy, and dogs wag their tails. So it is not unusual for an animal to have a physical reaction to happiness. Cats show happiness by purring. They may also purr when startled or upset.
It turns out that cats have special wiring! The wiring travels from the brain to the muscles in the voice box, and this wiring is able to vibrate the muscles so that they act as a valve for air flowing past the voice box. The muscles work both during inhalation and exhalation, which creates the impression that cats can purr continuously. The air passes through the valve, which opens and closes rapidly to create the purring sound. READ MORE HERE;http://science.howstuffworks.com/question394.htm

CAT VACCINATIONS WHAT SHOTS TO GIVE YOUR CAT OR KITTEN

WHAT TO VACCINATE YOUR CAT FOR

Feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a widespread, potentially fatal viral disease. Most cats will be exposed to it at some time, so vaccination is critical. Kittens whose mothers have panleukopenia during gestation or who survive the disease themselves often suffer permanent brain damage and other lifelong problems.
Feline Rhinotracheitis is a viral disease that causes severe upper respiratory infection. It is widespread, and although vaccination won't prevent the disease, it will make its symptoms more mild.
Feline Calicivirus is a viral disease of the upper respiratory system and is responsible for nearly half the upper respiratory infections in cats. Once infected, a cat can continue to carry the virus and suffer runny eyes and sneezing all its life, even if it is treated

Rabies is perhaps the most frightening of the viral diseases that threaten pets because it can affect any mammal, including people, and it is always fatal once symptoms appear. The rabies virus, which attacks the central nervous system, is spread in the saliva of an infected animal, usually by way of a bite. Rabies is fairly common in wild animals, including skunks, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and bats, which can pass the disease on to domestic animals.

(FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), chlamydia (see Common Feline Diseases), and ringworm. The AAFP recommends that FeLV and FIP vaccinations be given only to cats who might be exposed to the diseases through contact with other cats. The decision to vaccinate against chlamydia or ringworm should be based on the cat's risk of exposure.

READ MORE HERE;http://life.familyeducation.com/cats/disease-prevention/45702.html

YOUR CAT & COLD WEATHER

Hypothermia is a major concern during cold weather. Inadequate shelter, calories, or becoming wet can make a pet much more susceptible to this condition. There are additional indoor and outdoor hazards associated with cold weather. We hope this article will help you become more aware of how you can keep your cat comfortable and safe during the cold weather season.
Outdoor housing
If your cat is an outside cat, make a small warm area, preferably a crate or box, in a sheltered place away from the wind, such as the garage. Line it with warm blankets or a cat bed. If the sleeping area is too large it will not provide proper insulation to keep your cat warm and frostbite on tails and tips of ears can occur in severely cold weather. READ MORE HERE;http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1383&articleid=933

HALLOWEEN CANDY AND YOUR CAT

Watch out for decorations that you cat might get into white indoors. Keep away items that your cat could eat or try to eat. Make sure to keep your cat away from electrical cords that your cat could chew on. Make sure that you keep your candy away from the cat because chocolate can kill your cat just like it can kill your dog. Don't let your cat eat pumpkins either. Cats can actually choke on pumpkin seeds, so be careful!
READ MORE HERE;http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/412720/halloween_safety_tips_for_your_cat.html

CAT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

CAT URINARY PROBLEMS

If your cat is straining to urinate and only produces a few drops of urine or none at all, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat could be experiencing urethral obstruction, and if the problem is not solved, he could die within just a couple of days. What is urethral obstruction, and why is it life-threatening? The urethra is a tubelike structure that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes, mineral crystals or stones form in the urethra and block the path to the outside. The blockage is called a urethral plug. Because a male cat's urethra is longer and narrower than a female's, urethral plugs are most often seen in males (whether or not they are neutered). Once a plug has formed, urine builds up in the bladder. This is not only painful to the cat, but can quickly cause kidney damage. The kidneys' job is to release poisonous wastes from the body; when kidneys don't function properly, these poisons accumulate in the bloodstream. The final result, if not treated: a painful death. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE AND SYMPTOMS HERE; http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:3lnLGw3k0_0J:www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx%3FID%3D54+CAT+URINARY+BLOCKAGE&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=us

How To Treat Diarrhea In Your Cat

Having a cat involves occasional unpleasant issues such as diarrhea. This condition usually is minor and temporary, and a little tender loving care from you can help your cat recover quickly.

Diarrhea is a commonly encountered problem that occurs when food is passed through the intestine too rapidly. It can be caused by allergies, milk, worms, spoiled food, or plants. There are also more serious causes such as tumors, viral infections, and diseases of the liver, pancreas, and kidney. It is important to seek professional help if your cat's diarrhea includes blood or your cat experiences severe depression or abdominal pain.

If your cat is experiencing a minor case of diarrhea, use the following cat care tips:

Step 1: Remove all of the cat's food for at least 12 to 24 hours. Water is important to prevent cat dehydration during severe diarrhea. It should not be removed.

Step 2: If blood appears or if diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, contact the veterinarian.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE;

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-a-cat-that-has-diarrhea.htm

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT GETS BURNED

The major goal in treating burns in your dog, horse or cat is to relieve the pain and heal the burn without infection or major scarring.

First degree burns usually don’t require any medical treatment, since the fur of your dog or cat will have protected it more than likely from being burned.

Second degree burns need to be checked by a vet if they exceed an area of more than two fists. The blisters that usually occur with second degree burns should be left alone if they look normal. The skin will start healing on its own underneath the blister. The function of the blister is to protect the new skin from infections and further damage. The only thing you can do is applying a light gauze to the blister. Then, once the blister bursts it is important to gently remove the dead skin, for example by washing it off the affected area. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE; http://www.natural-animal-care-products.com/Burns-Scars.htm

The Photo above is of a burned heroic mother cat whom saved her 5 kittens from a burning building...Read This Amazing Story Here; http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cnn.com/US/9604/05/briefs/am/scarlett_large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cnn.com/US/9604/05/briefs/am/&h=261&w=300&sz=20&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=ell-YXq5RtI5UM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3DCAT%2BBURN%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7GGLR%26sa%3DN

WHY IS MY CAT DROOLING? POISON, TEETH, DISEASE ?

In cats, it is important to rule out stuff that they might have eaten, because cats salivate really excessively as the result of ingesting several medications and flea sprays. We have also seen salivation after ingesting small lizards (we have skinks here) and toads. Most cats will leave toads alone so we see this more often in dogs. . If the problem has cleared up and not returned, I would lean towards the possibility of an ingested source of irritation, even if there isn't anything that you can find that might have caused the problem.
Dental disorders can cause excessive salivation in cats.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE;http://www.vetinfo4cats.com/cdrool.html

CAT OWNERSHIP IN DISASTERS

PET EVACUATIONS IN A DISASTER
In two epidemiological studies of evacuations from disaster, risk factors for household evacuation failure, pet evacuation failure, and pet rescue attempts were characterized. Risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Case households were defined as those which either failed to evacuate as a unit, evacuated but without their pets (dogs or cats), or evacuated without their pets and later attempted to rescue their pet. Control households were those that either evacuated as a unit, evacuated with their pet, or evacuated and did not attempt to rescue their pet.
READ FULL REPORT AND GET TIPS HERE:
http://www.animaldisasters.com/Pet%20Owners.htm

FIRE SAFTEY FOR YOUR PET CAT

Plan your family's (including your pets') safe evacuation in advance.Remember their usual hiding and sleeping places. During a fire, they'll be terrified, and are likely to hide in their favorite retreats.Always have a carrier readily available for cats and small animals and leashes for dogs.**Purchase Evacsack for a space saving and economical emergency transport.In a pinch use a pillow case as a carrier.If there is time before safely exiting with your pet(s), call 911.In a multipet household in which individual collection may be unrealistic, herd the pets outside through doors or windows, if this is safe and feasible.
Read Full Report and Tips Here:http://www.geocities.com/ttylerbin/

ANTIFREEZE IS POISON TO CATS

As winter approaches, many people will "winterize" their automobiles, including a change of antifreeze. Dogs and cats find antifreeze quite tasty and will drink it when given the opportunity. Antifreeze can be deadly even in small doses, around five tablespoons can kill a medium sized dog. A cat can ingest enough to prove fatal by just walking through a puddle of antifreeze and then licking its paws. Not just dogs and cats are at risk, all animals are susceptible. When ingested animals suffer from drunkenness, weakness, depression, staggering, possible seizures, renal failure (kidney) and even death. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. Antifreeze should be kept away from your pets and all spills should be cleaned up right away. If your pet comes in contact with Antifreeze take him/her to your local veterinarian immediately. Treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to be started as soon after ingestion as possible to be effective. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of survival. Once kidney failure develops, most animals will die. Read Full Report and Other Winter Hazards Here: http://www.elmorehumane.com/tips.htm

CAT AND THE LAW

The Domestic Cat and the Law: A Guide to Available Resources

The Legal Status of the Domestic Cat
The status of the domestic cat in common law is very clear: cats are property. However, the common law standing of the cat has changed over the years from being one of property with no intrinsic value, to being valued chattel. William Blackstone, in applying theories of property argued by Hobbes and Locke, provides one of the first common law definitions of the legal status of the domestic cat in his famous “Rights of Things” in 2 Commentaries On The Laws of England (U. Chicago Press 1979) (1769). He distinguishes between animals raised for food and those “kept for pleasure, curiosity or whim [such as cats]…because their value is not intrinsic, but depending on the caprice of owners…” Further, he argues that with regard to animals classed as “domitae” (tame by nature), “[A] man may have as absolute a property as in any inanimate beings.” [2 Com. § 393] Although the cat may have benefited from Blackstone’s assessment that it was a thing of property, it no doubt suffered from his failure to attribute any value to the animal. Read More;http://www.llrx.com/features/catlaw.htm

WHAT KIND OF CAT DO YOU HAVE? TAKE THE TEST

Answer the following fun questions and then add up the numbers to work out your cat's purrsonality type. Pure-breds often have distinctive purrsonalities while mixed breeds have a mixture of traits.

1. When it wants attention, does your cat misbehave or do destructive things?
Always 5 points
Often 4 points
Sometimes 3 points
Hardly ever 2 points
Never 1 point

2. How often does your cat come running if it hears or smells food being prepared (cat food or people food)?
Always 5 points
Often 4 points
Sometimes 3 points
Hardly ever 2 points
Never 1 point

3. Is your cat a fussy eater which only likes gourmet food or is it a dustbin-guts which eats anything on offer (and anything else it can find)?
Not fussy at all 1 point
Sometimes fussy 3 points
Always fussy 5 points

4. Does your cat drag its food from its bowl and play with it or is it a tidy eater?
Very tidy eater 1 point
Usually tidy eater 3 points
Sloppy eater, food goes everywhere 5 points

5. When your cat sees birds or other prey through the window, how often does it get frustrated at not being able to reach them through the glass?
Always 5 points
Often 4 points
Sometimes 3 points
Hardly ever 2 points
Not bothered 1 point

6. Outdoor cats: Is your cat a patient and proficient hunter?Indoor cats: How well does your cat 'hunt' its cat-tease toys?
Very proficient, always catches what it stalks/plays with 5 points
Fairly good, often catches what it stalks/plays with 3 points
What are mice? You mean you want me to chase that toy? 1 point

7. How much does your cat use its tail to communicate its feelings?(For tail-less cats score 2 points and go to next question)
Has an entire tail-language 5 points
Wags tail when happy 3 points
Holds tail up when greeted 2 points
Lashes tail when angry 1 point

8. Is your cat talkative with a wide vocabulary or is it the silent type?
Always talking, complete sentences even, good conversational skills 5 points
Meows and chirrups 3 points
Sometimes meows 1 point

9. Is your cat agile or does it fall off the windowsill/shelf (etc) or into the bath/pond when playing or exploring?
Frequently falls off things or trips over its own feet 5 points
Sometimes falls off things if it is in a hurry 4 points
Very agile and never falls off things/never get on things in the first place 1 point

Now add up your cat's scores and see what purrsonality type your cat is. Remember, this is a fun quiz!
Score
Purrsonality Type
Description
Over 37 points =Frantic Feline
Life is never dull when you have a Frantic Feline. They are intelligent, talkative, hyperactive and easily distracted. They need plenty of stimulation from their owners or other hyperactive cats - but your house might not survive their antics! Typical Frantic Felines are Siamese/Orientals and Devon Rexes.
30 - 36 points=Clever Cat
Clever Cats are lively in body and mind. They need plenty to occupy their minds and they like to think through a problem before taking action. They are often good hunters and retrievers and enjoy playing with their owners. Typical Clever Cats are American Bobtails, Bengals and Burmese/Asians.
24 - 29 points=Magnificent Mog
Active but not highly strung, Magnificent Mogs are well-balanced and easy-going. They display a mixture of purrsonality traits from other categories and make good family cats. Typical Magnificent Mogs are British/America Shorthairs, rugged Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats and most random-bred kitties.
17 - 23 points=Cordial Kitty
Cordial Kitties are cats with New Age philosophies. They are gentle, harmonious souls who waft elegantly around the house. They are easily offended. They would much rather sniff the flowers than wreck floral arrangements. Probably a Buddhist monk in a previous life. Typical Cordial Kitties are Birmans, Balinese and Angoras.
Less than 16 points=Placid Pussycat
True couch potatoes of the cat family, Placid Pussies enjoy snoozing in sunbeams and snuggling up to heaters. They prefer gentle petting to active play and are happy to watch life go by. Elderly cats often fall into this category after retiring from another purrsonality type. Other Placid Pussycats are Persians/Himalayans and their relatives, Exotic Shorthairs.

This is a fun test, it is not intended as a reliable indicator of breed personalities. Not all cats of a specific breed will fall into the suggested category!

SICK CAT ? SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR CAT

The Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats
1. Inappropriate Elimination Behaviour
or Litter Box Use
Inappropriate and annoying elimination behaviors
by your cat can often indicate an underlying medical
condition and do not mean your cat is trying “to get
back” at you. These behaviors can include urinating or
defecating outside the litter box or other problems. A
cat with these behaviors may have any number of conditions,
including lower urinary tract disease, kidney
disease, urinary tract infection and diabetes mellitus.
2. Changes in Interaction
Cats are social animals and enjoy interactions with
their human family and often with other pets. Changes
in those interactions may signal problems such as disease,
fear and anxiety. It may also signal pain, which
can cause aggression.
3. Changes in Activity
A decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of a
number of conditions. Discomfort from joint disease
or systemic illnesses can also lead to a decrease in
activity. Increased activity is often seen with hyperthyroidism.
It’s important to understand cats don’t usually
slow down just because they are old.
4. Changes in Sleeping Habits
The average adult cat may spend 16 to 18 hours per
day sleeping. The key to differentiating abnormal
lethargy from normal napping is knowing your cat’s
sleeping patterns and noting any changes.
READ MORE;http://www.catclinic.com.au/newsletters-pdf/catsonly_Toxoetc2006.pdf

FAT CAT ? PUT YOUR CAT ON A DIET

Obesity in cats is as rampant as obesity in people in the United States. It is your job as a responsible pet owner to help fluffy trim those extra pounds. And it will be hard on both of you.
How did this happen? Obesity in cats has the same root causes as obesity in people: too much to eat, especially carbohydrates, too little exercise, and too many snacks. Many cats are fed "free choice", which means there is food available all the time and the cat eats whenever it wants.
Free choice feeding has probably been the biggest single factor contributing to feline obesity. Although kitty kibble is fast and convenient, it is loaded with carbohydrates in the form of flour and sugar that hold the other ingredients together. Read more:http://qualitycatresources.com/putting-a-cat-on-a-diet-2007-09-11

CALIFORNIA PROPOSED CAT SPAY / NEUTER LAW

AB1634 - California’s Proposed Cat Neutering Law
They’re rioting in Texas! The McAllen, Texas Monitor is adding fuel to the flames by reprinting an article from the Orange County, CA Register - they want nationwide protests. The government is getting into our private business again. What is the big deal? The furor is caused by a proposed California law, AB1634 that requires neutering of animals that come into contact with animal control officers. The owner will be fined (unless they neuter their pet, then). Oh whoa-is-me.
The proponents cite the hundreds of thousands of euthanized animals each year and the cost to catch and house them until they are put down. The detractors say, "It is not the government’s business". The proponents say that an un-neutered female cat can have 100’s of kittens in her lifetime. Actually the number varies depending on your source from 100 to 70,000 (including the offspring of the first cat’s kittens and grandkittens). The opponents say, "It is not the government’s business". No one even mentions the number of kittens that can be fathered by an un-neutered male cat. READ MORE;http://qualitycatresources.com/ab1634-californias-proposed-cat-neutering-law-2007-08-09

CAT LITTER / SWITCH YOUR CATS LITTER SLOW

SWITCHING CAT LITTER
For many cats, the slightest change in what they're used to can create stress. So if you're thinking about changing their brand or type of litter, plan ahead and decide the best way to do it based on your particular cat.
Method #1. Gradual Transition. When a cat enters the litter box, she expects to encounter the same scent (or lack of) and texture on her paws every time. If she steps in and is confronted with a foreign scent or texture, it could potentially create enough confusion for her to feel as if another location would be a better option for elimination. Unfortunately, her location choice might not be to your liking.
If you have to change brands or types of litter, add just a little of the new kind into the current litter at a time. Each day, increase the amount of the new litter so that the transition lasts about four or five days. To maintain an appropriate litter level, just start removing some of the current litter in the box.
If you're switching from a traditional clay litter to a clumping formula, keep in mind that the new litter won't perform as expected during the transition. READ MORE;
http://pets.yahoo.com/blog/catbehavior/2881/switching-litter-take-it-slow/

CATS AND KITTENS TEETH

During its lifetime, a cat has two sets of teeth, a deciduous set and a permanent set. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth (molars are absent); adult cats have a total of 30 teeth.Deciduous or “milk teeth” begin to appear when the kitten is about four weeks of age. At six weeks of age all 26 deciduous teeth are present. From 11 to 30 weeks of age, kittens lose their deciduous teeth. During this time they may eat less because of sore gums.When the deciduous teeth fall out, they are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. The permanent teeth should be in place by about six months of age.A cat's teeth are well-suited to rip and cut. Twelve tiny teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors): six in the upper jaw, six in the lower jaw do some scraping. They are flanked by two upper and two lower canines, sometimes described as “fangs,” designed to hold prey and to tear flesh. Ten sharp premolars and four molars act together to cut food. READ MORE: http://pets.yahoo.com/cats/health-and-nutrition/244/a-cat-s-teeth-timetable-and-functions/