Hairballs are normal for cats. It is, in most cases, not a reason to be alarmed since it is a natural occurrence. However, there are many things you can do to help your cat with this issue, and avoid cleaning the hairballs every other day. Let’s see what the best hairball remedy for cats is and what you can and should do about this.

ALSO READ: 25 Most Common Cat Diseases and How to Prevent Them

What Is the Best Hairball Remedy for Cats?

What are Hairballs?

Before we get into what the best hairball remedy for cats is, we must understand how these nasty balls of hair appear on your carpet and why cats are the exclusive carriers of hairballs among all pets.

Cats groom themselves by licking their fur and during this process they swallow a lot of their hair. In most situations, cats will digest the hair that they swallow and eliminate them with the feces, but sometimes the hair doesn’t go through the intestinal tract. In those cases, the hair gets stuck and your cat has to find an alternative way to eliminate the hair. That leads to vomiting and you get a nicely shaped hairball on your rug.

Dr Karen Becker warns pet owners about the serious problems hairballs in cats can cause, and the reason why every pet owner must look into how to deal with them.

Even though all cats can have problems with hairballs, cats with longer hair are particularly susceptible to getting hairballs. Even with short-haired cats like American Shorthair or Exotic Shorthair, it is important to regularly groom your cat to help her ingest less hair, but with long-haired cats this is even more important. In fact, some cat breeds will require brushing or combing on a daily basis.

What is actually the best hairball remedy for cats?

Fortunately or not, the best hairball remedy for cats – most of them, at least – is exactly what you would use for preventing hairballs in the first place. There are many natural remedies, as well as pharmaceutical medicine that can help your cat pass the hairballs when they become stuck, but the most effective way to deal with hairballs is prevention.

“If there seems to be an abnormal amount of hairballs produced, then steps should be taken to prevent the pet from ingesting large amounts of hair or to help the hair move through the GI tract before it accumulates together.” – James Barr, DVM at Texas VetMed

There are several ways to prevent hairballs in cats, and those same methods will work well as the best hairball remedy for cats as well. So, how do you prevent hairballs in your feline, and what actually works without harming your cat? Let’s take a look.

How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats

The best way to prevent hairballs in cats is to find ways how to navigate all that hair your cat swallows and to have her eliminate it through feces, and not through vomiting. This method is the basis for prevention and works as the best hairball remedy for cats.

Obviously, preventing hairballs in cats is a much better alternative to cleaning up after your feline, not to mention the fact that your pet would certainly thank you for it since it is much easier to eliminate excess hair through feces than through vomiting and retching. There are many remedies to help you deal with this problem, both pharmaceutical and homeopathic, and you should try them and see what works best.

Regular grooming

The absolute best hairball remedy for cats is ensuring less hair on your cat, which can be accomplished through brushing and grooming sessions of your feline companion.

Regular grooming of your cat is the best way to prevent hairballs because it will stop the source at its start, prevent hairs from getting ingested by your pet. Of course, you can’t prevent your cat from swallowing hair completely, but limiting the hair intake will certainly help. You should try to groom your cat’s fur every day, and if you have a cat with a particularly long coat, then even twice a day is not too much.

In addition to this, regular grooming will have a positive emotional impact on your cat because you will spend some quality time with her. Keeping your cat’s coat clean and nice will also help with some skin conditions and you will also be able to notice any skin anomalies better. For example, if you have a cat that spends a lot of time outdoors, you might spot some ticks on her coat if you brush your cat’s hair every day.

Fiber in Cat Food

Proper diet can be considered as another best hairball remedy for cats due to how closely these two things are related. Adding fiber to your cat’s food can help move things along and speed up the digesting process. Any excess hairballs that she has stuck in her stomach will be better digested with fiber.

There are many ways to add fiber to her diet, but perhaps the most natural one is with adding a bit of fruits and vegetables, especially if you’re into homemade cat foods and cooking for your pet. Carrots, sweet potatoes and apples have a lot of natural fiber and you can just slice them up into small pieces for your cat.

You can also give your cat some canned pumpkin, which is also a great source of fiber and many cats also love the taste of it. You can mix it into her food or just place it on a dish for her to eat. One teaspoon a day is enough to help your cat with digestion of those irritating hairballs. Other human foods for cats can also be helpful for this.

Even though most fruits and vegetables can be consumed by cats, you should still consult with your vet before you add them to her diet. For example, some cats can be harmed by grapes, raisins or seedy fruits, and there are plenty of other human foods that are always much too dangerous for cats to consume. Consult with a veterinarian and make sure that it is safe for you to add specific fruits and vegetables to your cat’s diet.

Another good source of fiber is cat grass which grows quickly and doesn’t require a lot of care. It is also pretty cheap, which makes it a truly economic and renewable source of fiber for your cat, as well as enjoyment since many cats like to play with cat grass.

There are also plenty cheap cat foods that claim to help prevent hairballs. The majority of these foods have a high volume of fiber to help the gastrointestinal tract of your cat moving normally – that’s their main selling point. However, these foods are not always effective and not every cat will react the same way to these cat foods.

Natural Oils in Cat’s Diet

On top of fiber in your cat’s diet, another best hairball remedy for cats that you should consider is natural oils. Adding them to your cat’s diet, whether it is vegetable or fish oil, will work. This will help her move those nagging hairballs along, but it will also help her have a more beautiful and shiny coat. Just mix a teaspoon of oil into her canned food and you will help her pass the hairballs by simply making them slippery in her tummy.

Another thing that can help in a similar way as oils is a homeopathic herbal medicine that is made from slippery elm, which is a type of tree bark. You should mix a little bit of slippery elm with your cat’s food every day to help her eliminate hairballs. Just be careful not to use too much, simply cover the bottom of your teaspoon and add it to her food.

Plenty of Water

You need to make sure that your cat drinks enough water every day. Fresh and clean water is the cornerstone of digestion and you need to pay special attention to your cat’s water intake and optimize it. In general, cats should drink around 4 ounces of water in addition to their food. However, if your cat doesn’t eat much of wet canned food and eats a lot of dry food, you should probably make sure that she gets even more than that.

If your cat struggles to drink enough water, you should help her out. For example, you should use stainless steel or glass bowls because plastic can leave a taste that might discourage your kitty from drinking water. Also, refresh her bowl every day and make sure that she always has fresh and clean water to drink. Using filtered water is also a good idea since tap water can contain too many minerals and chlorine.

Petroleum

As the final solution among the best hairball remedy for cats is using any products that contain petroleum. These remedies act as a lubricant and help the hairballs get evacuated through the intestinal tract. However, these remedies are not effective in all situations and some cats don’t react well to them. In fact, you should first consult your vet before you administer these remedies because some of them can actually be harmful to your cat.

Similar to these hairball remedies are laxatives, since most laxatives are petroleum-based and they are all flavored so your cat doesn’t refuse to eat them. There are also laxatives that are petroleum-free, but in both cases, you need to be careful when you use laxatives with cats. You need to make sure that you administer the proper dose of laxatives, and it is always better to go with natural solutions than pharmaceutical.

Take Hairballs Seriously

It’s great that you’re researching the best hairball remedy for cats, because many pet owners simply assume that because it’s natural for cats to experience hairballs, it can never because a problem. This assumption is wrong.

Even though hairballs are normal for cats and most of them are harmless, your cat could also have a serious problem. If you notice that she is retching repeatedly and that she hasn’t eaten anything for more than a day, you should take her to the vet. In some cases, the hairball needs to be removed surgically, and even if that is not the case, your vet will give you advice on how to deal with your specific cat’s hairball problem long-term.

Don’t wait for problems to become serious; take your cat to the vet at the first sign of trouble. If she is dealing with hairballs much too often, she might have an underlying medical condition. For example, your cat might be suffering from impaction, which means that something is stuck in her digestive tract and she can’t vomit or eliminate waste due to that blockage. 1/4 of all impaction cases in cats is caused by hairballs.

If you notice that your kitty has diarrhea or constipation and a swollen abdomen, if she is vomiting undigested food or retching too often, you should see your vet as soon as possible. This can be a life-threatening condition if you don’t react on time and surgery might be necessary. Take hairballs seriously!

READ NEXT: The Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach Brands

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If your cat is scratching out of boredom, making sure that your cat has enough cat toys and entertainment can be enough. This usually works for most pet owners and their felines. However, if the reason is instinctive, then you will have to work a little bit to teach your cat that her behavior is unacceptable. So here are a few good tips on how to keep cats off furniture.

ALSO READ: 3 Most Common Cat Behavior Problems (and how to solve them)

How to Keep Cats Off Furniture

Provide Good Care

Before you try to change your cat’s behavior, the best tip on how to keep cats off furniture is to make sure that your pet has everything that she needs to keep her occupied and happy. Cats will often “attack” your furniture out of boredom or out of stress, so keeping her happy and entertained can prevent her bad behavior towards your prized bed or sofa.

“Cats scratch for a variety of reasons: to maintain the health of their nails, to stretch out the muscles in their shoulders and back, to mark their territory around other cats, and to serve as an emotional outlet.” – Animal Humane Society

Cat scratching posts

Cats have a natural urge to scratch things in order to keep their nails nicely trimmed. If you see scratch marks on your furniture, that is likely the sign that your cat needed to do something about her long nails. Provide your cat with a scratching post, or a cat house with scratching post in it, if you want to avoid scratch marks on your furniture.

Pet owners on a budget can also get alternative places (or in addition to scratching posts) for cats to sink their claws into, like boards or old furniture. There are even many small pieces of wooden furniture designed specifically for cats, which can be a good idea if she adores playing with your furniture. If she likes softer surfaces more, like your couch or your rugs, go with a carpeted post or maybe a proper cat tree.

A good trick on how to keep cats off furniture is to actually encourage your cat to use these items instead of your precious couch. To do that, you can spread a bit of catnip on that specific area or put some cat toys around them. Just remember that you can’t force your cat to use these items, so you need to be patient and give her time to adjust and learn. Trying to force her by dragging her claws onto it or yelling at her will likely have an opposite effect and make your cat avoid that particular area.

Playtime and cat toys

Speaking of alternatives, give your cat with enough toys so she doesn’t get bored. Get some toys that she can use on her own, as well as toys that require your involvement. It is also advisable to play with your cat every day to keep her entertained and active. If she is happy and content, she won’t go after your furniture to get your attention.

You can also try to make some room for your cat where she can play, whether it is an entire room, if just a space within it, or a corner. Keep all her toys and furniture in that specific space and when you play with her, do it in this area. She is less likely to invade your space if she has her own.

RELATED: Cat Training 101 – How to Train a Cat

Discourage Your Cat

One of the key tricks to how to keep cats off furniture is to make it anything you don’t want scratched less appealing for her. There are many ways to achieve this and you need to try different methods before you find the one that works. However, trying to force her to change her behavior by punishment is likely to have little or even opposite effect.

Avoid punishment

When it comes to advice on how to keep cats off furniture, punishment is the absolute worst way to do this. Avoid yelling at your cat, or putting her in a cage when she behaves badly, like when she comes at your furniture. You should practice positive reinforcement instead of negative, especially when punishment you give her is such a stressful one.

“Punishment should be avoided, because it can cause fear and anxiety toward the owners or fear of handling and petting and, at best, will stop the undesirable behavior only when the owner is present.” – Gary M. Landsberg, DVM at MerckVetManual

Another thing to avoid is using a water spray bottle to keep your cat off the furniture. While it’s a popular method among many pet owners, other experts argue that it’s ineffective and that while this strategy can bring you some short-term results, it won’t help your cat learn to behave the way you want long-term. This will only stress her out and make her feel discontent towards you.

Remove the attraction

Cats will jump on your furniture or scratch it for many reasons, as I’ve already mentioned. But she will also do it in order to achieve a certain goal. For example, she can jump on a bed that is close to a window or climb on your kitchen counter to look for food.

If you eliminate these “rewards”, your cat will lose her reasons to get on your furniture. For example, you should keep your blinds closed on windows that are close to furniture to keep her from climbing in order to look out the windows. Alternatively, provide an easier and better way for her to get to the window if you’d like your cat to be able to get there.

You can remove additional padding from furniture when you don’t use it, like blankets or pillows. Your cat might enjoy that comfort, so make sure to not give her that option. You should also keep your kitchen surfaces free of food that can attract your cat. Most pet owners find these small tricks work best for how to keep cats off furniture in their home.

Make the furniture uninviting

On that same note remember that cats love the way that certain furniture feels, and if you change that, you can make your cat lose interest in that item. For example, you can line furniture with tinfoil since cats don’t like slippery surfaces at all. This is not the most ergonomic option for many pet owners, but you get the gist of it.

Another thing you can do is put a sticky tape on some of your furniture like tables and kitchen counters. Sticky feeling that your cat will get when she jumps on a piece of furniture will make her stay off it next time (after several attempts). However, don’t use this tape on leather furniture because you can damage it that way.

You can also put plastic mats on your furniture. These floor mats have small knobs on the other side, so if you turn it upside down, your cat will be uncomfortable and irritated. She will not be harmed, of course.

Use a repellent spray

There are numerous cat repellent sprays which are great for fabric surfaces. They are made from oils and other strong and uninviting scents that will repel your cats from your furniture. Cats leave their scent on furniture when they scratch it or rub their heads on it, and repellent spray will keep their scent away, so they won’t feel drawn to it.

You need to make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle if you don’t want to overdo it. Also, test the spray first on a small piece of furniture so you can be sure that it won’t damage its lining in any way.

Tricks and traps

Finally, if you need a way on how to keep cats off furniture, you’ll have to get creative – try to make some kind of traps that will scare her away without harming your cat. For example, you can put some pillows on the edge of the bed or couch and when your cat jumps up, she will fall off the furniture. Cats remember these things for a long time.

Another interesting way to startle your cat is with mousetraps. You can put a few of wooden mousetraps on the cushions of your couch and set them upside down. Then, put a blanket or some sheet over it to protect the cat. They should be heavy enough to protect her, but not too heavy because they will trip the mousetraps. When your cat jumps on the couch the mousetraps will spring up and scare your cat. That will probably be enough to keep the cat off your furniture.

Trim Your Cat’s Nails

Trimming your cat’s nails is a necessary grooming procedure and should not be done only as part of your bag of tricks on how to keep cats off furniture, but regularly. Sometimes even the scratching posts are not enough to trim her claws properly, and you should do it yourself. In fact, it is recommended to trim her nails every two weeks. Trimming and cutting your cat’s nails does not mean declawing your cat, which is a different thing and is not recommended by most experts.

“The ASPCA discourages declawing and tendonectomies because of the extreme pain that these surgeries inevitably cause. Both procedures are illegal in some European countries because they’re considered cruel to animals.” – WebMD

If you decide to clip her nails, you need to do it carefully and properly so you don’t damage your cat’s claws. You need to make sure that she is relaxed and comfortable and that she is not scared of the clippers. For example, you should choose a quiet room and use cat nail clippers in the air a few times to make sure that your cat is at ease with that sound. Otherwise, she might be startled and move, which can make you hurt her accidentally with the clippers.

Put your cat in your lap so she faces away from you. Take one of your cat’s toes in your hand and gently massage it until the nail extends. When that happens, trim just the sharp tip of the nail. Don’t cut the pink part of her nail, the quick, because that is where her nerves are blood vessels are. Don’t trim more than two nails in one sitting until your cat gets used to regular trimming.

Finally, if you can also use cat nail covers. These are made of rubber, and will prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. However, she will also not be able to utilize her nails for climbing, so keep that in mind.

READ NEXT: 25 Best Cat Training Tricks

The post Tips and Tricks on How to Keep Cats Off Furniture appeared first on Cats PhD.

In addition to how many, what type of breeds are favored for apartment life as well. Cat breeds that don’t shed, are more docile, and are naturally more domesticated to dwell in smaller environments with little or no outdoor spaces.

Unless you are a cat hoarder or run a cat sanctuary there is no reason to have 20 cats running around your house. Most cat owners are perfectly happy with 1 or 2 cats, maybe three or four at the most. There are many factors you need to consider before bringing cats into an apartment space, mainly the amount of room you will have. Here are some things to take into consideration before adding a new feline addition to your small space.

ALSO READ: The Best House Cat Breeds

9 Things to Consider Before Adopting a House Cat

1. Check with the Landlord or Property Management First

Many apartments have rules for having pets. If your apartment does except pets there may be breed and weight restrictions (even for cats) and how many you can have at one time. Some landlords accept pets on a case to case basis depending on your past references, or what type of cat you have, i.e. is it an older, mature cat that sits around all day and doesn’t have the energy for mass destruction?

Specifically some apartments like a 1 or 2 bedroom may accept pets, but a studio apartment does not. Check with the property management before adopting a new pet. There may be a small deposit or monthly fee to have a cat in your place. In general most newer apartments accept pets due to the overwhelming amount of pet owners that there are today, and cats are usually more accepted than dogs, especially larger dogs.

2. Affordability

After you’ve checked with your landlord or property management company decide how many cats you can financially and otherwise have the ability to care for. Take into consideration buying your cat’s food, litter and accessories, vet visits, pet sitting and boarding expenses, and also the time you have available to care for them. With the rising costs of food, pet food is no exception.

Most pet food companies are beginning to use more natural, grain free ingredients and the cost of food, especially quality food for your pet is on the rise. Adding additional cats will increase those monthly food costs. Remember owning a cat is a commitment for its life which can extend to 20+ years. Be prepared to take on the care and expenses of your cat(s) for a good length of time.

3. Litter Box Control

One of the biggest factors to consider when owning cats is making sure you have ample space for the clunky portable toilet cats come to know as cat’s litter box. When owning multiple cats it is suggested that you have two litter boxes or more to adequately provide sanitary relief for your cats. Cats are very finicky, and are masters of cleanliness so even a speckle of waste in their box can often disgust them into not using it.

Cats are also fussy about other cats using their litter box so by having more than one you give them options to mark their territory and feel more comfortable using despite other cats in the household. In addition to having space for two or more litter boxes, the scent of a litter box is also something to consider. There are self-cleaning litter boxes for those who don’t wish to clean their cat’s litter.

Keeping small spaces smelling like spring gardens is no simple task. Candles and other home fragrances tend to just put a band-aid on the stinky problem and are not always healthy for the human. Keeping a clean litter box is a constant task morning through night with multiple cats. In an apartment situation if you are not able to fit the litter box in the bathroom you will need to be creative in finding a space that makes it comfortable and accessible for your cat and out of your way. It’s best to use litter with odor control.

4. Roommates

Sometimes having a roommate can prove challenging, but imagine having a roommate who is allergic to cats.  When considering how many cats are too many for your apartment it might be wise to check in with the roommate or friend or family member who shares space with you.

Different factors can include allergies, affinity for cats, how many cats the roommate may already have, sharing common space with the cat, i.e. food bowl in kitchen and litter box in bathroom. Having cats is like having another roommate that doesn’t pay rent or wash the dishes, so make sure your housemate is okay with adding a cat to the mix.

5. Nocturnal Nuisance

Cats are nocturnal which means when the sun sets that’s their cue to turn up the party. Cats are sleeping beauties during the day, but at night they are normally wide awake and ready to play. If you’re not awake, they’ll find plenty of ways to entertain themselves around the apartment.

One cat is noisy but add another and then another in the mix and you’ll have flashbacks of all those frat parties you used to crash in college. This might prove to be a nuisance for not only you or a possible roommate situation, but also if you are living above another unit. Even laser playtime can prove to be a loud ruckus for someone living below you. Make sure you are able to sleep in tight quarters with loud felines who don’t care much about humans getting a good night’s rest.

6. Cat Hair Don’t Care

“How many cats is too many?” is a question to weigh in ounces of fur. Cat hair does not care about your new black pants, your navy blue sofa, or your morning bowl of cereal. Cat hair makes your home its home and you will find it everywhere. Your vacuum will look like it just sucked up a month’s worth of dirt fuzz after just one day – yes you must vacuum daily (okay every other day).

You’ll be checking any food you put in your mouth to see if you will catch a taste of feline fuzz – cat owners have probably unknowingly consumed enough to make their own hairball. If you can’t handle cat grooming, being overcome with cat hair in your apartment and thinking twice about buying black clothes when shopping then maybe keeping your cats to a manageable minimum is a a good plan. Remember when living in a tiny space a little cat hair becomes tons of cat hair pretty quick.

7. Cats Have Different Personalities

There is no one mold of a house cat. They all have very unique personalities which may include different eating habits, sleeping habits, play habits, and of course temperaments. Having multiple cats in an apartment may be challenging if the cats are needing their space not only from humans, but also from other cats.

Cats need their own private, personal space which may include a dark nook and cranny, a comfortable chair or under the bed, a cat house or a cat tree. Cats are territorial so it’s possible that fights may break out over whose secret spot is whose. Cats also have different eating habits which may include spilling over the bowl of water or food, allergies to certain proteins like chicken, and only wanting to drink out of the bathroom sink.

In an apartment setting, having multiple cat bowls and food choices can get your space cluttered pretty quickly. Having multiple cats in an apartment can also turn your home into a crowded jungle gym with various cat scratching posts, beds, play tunnels, tons of mouse toys and other cat furniture around the house. Some cats may like to scratch different types of surfaces so with multiple cats you may have to have several options for them at one time – hopefully one not being your sofa.

8. There is no such thing as personal space

Living in an apartment with cats you’ll find cats will make the apartment their own and take it upon themselves to explore and/or claim all territory as theirs. You may find cats on your kitchen counter-tops, atop your fridge, lounging on windowsills, sleeping in bathroom sinks… there is no privacy in an apartment.

And while these furry roommates can be quite entertaining and good company, having too many in a small space can make for uncompromising situations. Try to watch your favorite television show with a cat’s tail dangling over the screen, trying to take a shower with cats staring at you from outside the shower door, and cat owners know the trials of trying to make a bed with cats – at least they could do is help with the fitted sheet.

9. Best Cat Breeds For Apartments

While most any cat breed is domesticated enough for apartment dwelling, there are some cat breeds that are more suited for the small space life than others.

For allergy sufferers, there are hypoallergenic cats, like Sphynx cat (imagine the cat from Austin Powers, Mr. Bigglesworth) is a hairless cat that is both friendly and playful and of course easy to clean – just remember to keep it warm in the winter months!

Siamese cats are playful and have a doglike personality. They love to follow their owners around and engage in playtime.

Russian Blue cats have a very docile demeanor and are more reserved than other cat breeds. Some cat experts believe this breed is of higher intelligence and are empathetic to human emotions and also easier to train.

Persian cats are one of the most quiet breeds. They have a mild temperament in addition to other positive traits for an apartment: social with strangers, affectionate towards owners, and are very into taking care of their hygiene – aka clean freaks.

In Catclusion

How many cats are too many for an apartment is entirely up to the owner (and of course any restrictions from your landlord). In addition to how much space you may have for extra pets in your apartment, owners have to take into consideration financial costs, long-term stability, time you can spend caring for them and quality of life you can give your cats.

Cats are by nature independent and do not need as much personal attention as dogs do, however they do need constant care when it comes to keeping their space tidy and well kept. Apartment lease terms average one year so cat owners may need to keep in mind how often they plan on moving with multiple cats.

Cats get settled and are not fond of being moved around from place to place, especially when it comes to carriers and cars. However cats are great company, even if you choose to have just one or two cats in your apartment, there will be lots of joy with lots of added cat hair.

READ NEXT: 25 Best Cat Training Tricks

The post 9 Things to Consider Before Adopting a House Cat appeared first on Cats PhD.

So why do cats love boxes so much? Are they hiding? Or, are they simply enjoying the delights of a box? It might be both, and more. Scientists believe that cats use boxes as an instinctual means of protection from predators. Most especially when they want to curl up and sleep. Covered on all sides, they would have felt secure and less stressed. They would also use such spaces for pouncing on their hunt.

Similarly, cats have the same affinity for their cat houses. To put it in layman’s terms, your cats loves their cat caves because of security it provides. Why not treat them to a more permanent one, such as a proper cat house, for all times? There are plenty to choose from on the market, so let’s have a look at what they offer and how to pick one.

ALSO READ: 25 Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

7 Types of Houses for Cats Your Feline Would Love to Have

1. Stairway to Cat Heaven

If you have plenty of room in your home, then you could consider installing a stairway, made by “Feline Furniture.” This is great for an indoor-only cat, or if you have many cats. It consists of self assembly modules, that build up to create a great climbing frame for your cats.

Spread throughout the levels, are platforms for sleeping in, or to perch and watch as the world passing by. Right at the top is the cat condo, where your cat can hide and chill. The cat stairway is a great way to ensure your cat gets plenty of exercise, while doing what cats do best, climbing.

2. Cat Condos

Another larger version of cat houses, made by the company, Go Pet Club. This is similar to a cat tree house, with cat condos situated throughout. If you have more than one cat, this is ideal. There can be up to 5 separate cat condos, for every cat to to climb up to. They spread out over 5 different levels.

In the middle is a small ladder leading from one level to another, if they prefer the easy way up. Covered in a soft faux fur, along with various posts covered by extra strong rope, for those claws. There are even small tunnels for those hideaway moments. At 5 inches in height, there’s plenty of climbing to be had for your cat. This structure is tall, rather than wide or slim, so you don’t need lots of floor space.

3. Mobile Cat Homes

For those with limited space, then you can choose a cat house that simply folds up and stores away when not in use. The Trixie Miguel Fold and Store Tower is ideal. The frame is covered in various fabrics, with a soft hammock sprawled across the top.

Hanging balls on strings will entertain your cat, and the condo on the floor level is a cosy den, for sleeping or hiding. There’s a Sisal scratching surface, for your cat to flex their claws.

4. Cubed Cat Houses

Exactly as the title describes, the MidWest Cube Cat House offers a cubed cat house. It folds down too, so ideal if space is limited. Covered in faux suede and synthetic sheepskin, it feels soft and warm.

On top is a soft cushioned surface, for your cat to lounge around in style. There’s also a swinging ball on a string, for your cat’s entertainment. This house does not have a scratching post. Stands at 16.5 inches tall, and 15.5 inches squared.

5. Home from Home

If you want your cat house to look like a human house, then consider the Trixie Natura Katzenhaus Cat’s Home. They have many different designs, but one of the most popular is a wooden house, for your cat. It has 3 floors, and a roof for perching on. To enter, your cat can go through a flap at the side on the bottom floor.

There are square holes that also allow the cat to climb through. The roof is flat, so your cat can happily perch on top. It has a weatherproof finish, so you could place it indoors or outside. With a raised first floor, it sits on 4 small feet. Stands at 37inches tall, and there is approx 22inch square in each floor space.

6. Soft Cat Houses

If you want a more simple, washable cat house, there are fabric ones made from soft sponge that allow your cat to sleep inside. When they need cleaning, you can pop them in the washing machine. Soft and durable so you can move them about the house.

7. Eco-friendly Cat Houses

If you want to stay eco-friendly, you could consider the Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave. These are hand made from 100% Merino wool, so are soft and warm by nature. Merino wool repels odors and dirt, so will not need cleaning often. Shaped like a cocoon, your cat feels safe and secure once inside.

In Catclusion

Whatever type of cat house you are looking for, there are many choices to be had, for both indoor and outdoor cats. Some can be very elaborate, with electrical heating systems. Others can be more fun, with climbing frames for the younger kittens. Cat trees offer everything, from condo cat boxes, to scratching poles, to perching platforms.

There are even cat house perches that can fit onto the walls. Cats are naturally curious creatures. They love nothing more than discovering what might be inside all the nooks and crannies that a cat tree can hide.

Your cat will love to hideaway, when it’s time for his nap. It’s worth investing in some form of Cat House, so he can feel safe and warm while he enters the land of nod.

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Has your cat been diagnosed with FIV? If so, you’re not alone. Cornell University estimates that in the United States alone up to 3% of healthy cats have the virus. The number is much higher when it comes to cats who are sick. About 15% of cats who are not considered healthy have acquired FIV.

There isn’t a known cure for FIV. Thankfully there are ways to keep a cat who is positive for the virus comfortable. As well as options to protect the cat’s immune system from further damage.

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FIV in Cats (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
What Cat Owners Must Know

How Does a Cat Get FIV?

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is commonly spread through the saliva. The most common way for a cat to get FIV is through a bite. But, the virus may also be spread through scratches. In some cases it’s been reported that it may also passed down during birth.

As stated above, FIV is like human’s HIV. But, cats can NOT give humans FIV. You’ll find this virus only in cats. But, once infected, the cat will have the virus for the rest of their life.

FIV Symptoms in Cats

Once a cat is infected with FIV, it may take years for any symptoms to appear. An enlarged lymph node is often the first sign of a cat who is carrying the virus. Fever usually accompanies the swelling. Enlarged lymph nodes may be the first sign of FIV in cats. But, they often go unnoticed. Thankfully there are other signs cat owners can look for. Signs that are a bit more noticeable.

• Dull coat. Cats who suffer from FIV may have a coat that doesn’t look as great as it once did. Their hair may even begin to fall out.
• Gingivitis and stomatitis. Both gingivitis and stomatitis is common in cats who have FIV. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth. Both of these can cause severe dental and overall mouth discomfort.
• Decrease in appetite. A cat who suffers from FIV may also have a noticeable decrease in their appetite. Some cats may even lose their appetite all together.
• Chronic skin infections. In addition to a frail coat, cat’s who have this virus may also suffer from skin infections on a regular basis.
• If a cat is infected with FIV, it’s quite possible they will have diarrhea often.
• Behavior changes. Another change you may experience with this virus is a difference in the cat’s behavior. These changes can range from timid to aggression.
• Seizures and Neurological Changes. Due to the nature of this virus, a cat who has it may suffer from neurological changes. Changes such as seizures and altered awareness.
• Eye problems. Eye problems are common in cats that have FIV. One common issue is inflammation of the cornea.

According to PetMD at least 30 percent of cats with FIV suffer from upper respiratory tract disease. While as many as 50 percent of cases will suffer from gingivitis.

Diagnosis FIV In Cats

The only way to see if a cat has FIV is by obtaining a blood sample. Once the blood sample is obtained, a veterinarian will use a special test for antibodies. These test are rapid tests. So, you should be able to receive the results shortly after the blood is drawn.

In the event of a positive test, your veterinarian will discuss a treatment plan with you. If the test is negative, it may still be recommended that your cat has a retest done. The test used to test for FIV is extremely accurate. But, depending on the stage of the virus, false negatives are possible.

Treating Feline Immunodeficiency Virus In Cats

As stated above, there is absolutely no cure for FIV. Unfortunately, there is also no antiviral available at the moment. The treatment a cat receives focuses on keeping the immune system boosted. It also focuses on treating any symptoms that are caused by the virus.

According to veterinarians, it is quite common for FIV positive cats to acquire some type of fungal or bacterial infection. This is when a veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication to control the infection.

Due to the nature of FIV, regular veterinarian visits are recommended. During these visits your veterinarian may recommend a urinalysis and possible blood work. This is to ensure that your cat is comfortable even with what they’re going through.

Preventing The Spread of FIV

Fortunately, the Feline Immunocompromised Virus cannot live long outside of a cat’s body. You can also easily kill the virus by using common disinfectants. The virus is easy to kill. But, you should still take preventive methods.

Keep your cat indoors.

A lot of cats enjoy the ray of the sunshine. In a way, that’s where the issue lies. We all know how territorial cats can be. Also how unfriendly they can be towards unfamiliar faces. The last thing you want to experience is a FIV positive cat fighting with your cat.

Test all cats in the household.

When you acquire a cat, ask if they were tested for FIV. If they do not have a recent test, make sure your veterinarian tests them right away. Then, as a precaution, your veterinarian may recommend retesting in 6 months. What if one of your cats test positive for the virus? If this happens, you’ll want to have all cats tested right away. You’ll want to repeat the testing again in about 6 months.

Consider the vaccine for FIV.

If your cat enjoys roaming outdoors your veterinarian may recommend they get the vaccine available to prevent FIV. The same is true if a cat in your home has this virus. You may want to consider having all other cats in the home vaccinated for FIV.

FIV and Other Cats

Nothing is more heartbreaking than finding out your cat has FIV. This is especially true if you have other cats in your home. You may wonder how this is going to impact your current situation. With a close eye on your part, FIV positive and negative cats can live together in harmony.

As long as your two cats are a friendly, bonded pair there shouldn’t be an issue. This may not be the case if your crew is more of the aggressive, playful type. Then you may need to consider some rearranging.

FIV is spread through a cat’s saliva. You should consider this if you have a crew that likes to bite, scratch, and roughhouse. In that case, you’ll unfortunately want to separate your feline friends. This is to ensure that your other cat’s are not infected by the virus.

Cats Most Likely to Acquire FIV

The FIV virus isn’t cat gender, age, or breed specific. It is possible for any cat to catch the virus. There are some cat groups that are more likely to acquire and spread the virus though.

Unneutered male cats are the most common type of cat to test positive for FIV. This is most likely due to their high testosterone levels. As most cat owners know, an unneutered male cat can be quite territorial.

Outside cats are the other group most likely to acquire FIV. Let’s face it, cats who go outside tend to roam. They like to explore their surroundings. But, that journey can change if another cat comes into their territory. As well as if your cat enters another cat’s territory.

The Prognosis For FIV in Cats

In most cases, cats who are positive for FIV live long lives. They hardly have any complications from their diagnosis. This is usually the case if the virus is caught early. As well as if a proper treatment plan happens as soon as possible after diagnosis.

There is an unfortunate reality behind FIV though. As a general rule, cats who test positive for this virus have a life expectancy of about 5 years. This being most likely if a cat is showing symptoms. The same applies if the cat isn’t in good overall health.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is NOT a Death Sentence

As you know, there isn’t a cure for FIV. Just because your cat is diagnosed with the virus doesn’t mean an automatic death sentence. Like you read above, may FIV positive cats go on to live long lives. Despite the virus, the majority of their lives they are healthy.

The most important things you need to remember in regards to FIV is: prevention, symptoms, and treatment. You’ll need to educate yourself on the vaccine available for prevention. It’s also important that you learn more about the symptoms associated with this virus. Symptoms of FIV can mock your common virus. Plus, remember most of the time cats who test positive do not show any symptoms.

You also now know that unaltered male cats are the most prone to becoming infected. Male cats, especially those who aren’t altered, should stay inside. Just like all cats, they should also undergo regular FIV testing done by a veterinarian.

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus doesn’t automatically have a poor prognosis. But, the symptoms can come on quickly. As a result, you may end up with a very sick kitty. If you are unsure about your cat’s status — make sure to get them tested as soon as possible! If the end result is positive, make sure you start a treatment plan with your veterinarian right away.

Remember it’s important to follow through with all recommendations made by veterinarians. There’s no exception when it comes to FIV. Whatever your veterinarian recommends, it’s important to follow through. You should also make sure to complete any routine blood work that needs to be done. This is also true for any other lab work that may need to be completed.

All you need is a little time and patience. It’s important that you dedicate these traits to your cat. If you do this, you’ll be able to continue living, and loving, life with your feline best friend.

READ NEXT: 25 Most Common Cat Diseases and How to Prevent Them

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Though they can still suffer from many life threatening illnesses, and hereditary diseases. So it does not necessarily mean that your cat will live to a ripe old age. But, we can do plenty to help prolong their lives.

Here are some of the tips that may potentially extend your cat’s lifespan.

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9 Ways to Increase Cat’s Lifespan

1. Traffic Accidents

One of the major causes of death in younger cats is trauma. Many free-roaming cats will be prone to traffic accidents. The National Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 5.4 million cats are in traffic accidents in the USA alone. Of which, 97% will be fatal.

An indoor-only cat will not succumb to the many injuries that a cat allowed outdoors can sustain.

2. Feline Diseases

Feline diseases are part of another of those indoor vs outdoor statistics. The Humane Society of America states that there are 22,000 cat deaths daily just from these disease alone.

An outdoor cat is more likely to pick it up, as it spreads from an infected cat’s body fluids. This can include such things as saliva during grooming, mating, or even a bite or scratch whilst fighting. You can reduce this risk by ensuring your cat has the non-core vaccination, for feline leukemia.

If your cat is always updated with the core vaccinations, you are helping to protect your feline friend against terrible diseases. These can include can include feline distemper and rabies, FIV as well as other common simpler diseases a cat is susceptible to. The non-core vaccinations are for cats allowed to roam outdoors. They must be protected against feline leukemia. All vaccinations will need updating, so keep going for those boosters when advised to do so. Vaccinations are one of the reasons cats’ longevity is so good.

3. Well Balanced Diet

A domesticated cat has the luxury of knowing where its next meal is coming from. This alone is not sufficient if that meal is unhealthy. You need to ensure you feed your cat a good diet. Domesticated cats are more prone to obesity, especially indoor felines. As in people, being overweight can lead to many other health problems, such as diabetes. A well balanced diet is a must.

Picking between dry and wet cat food is an important decision. Familiarize yourself with the differences between the two. Should you choose a dry diet, it is vital that water is always available to avoid your cat suffering from dehydration. Similarly, different age stages and diseases should be addressed with proper diet. For example, kittens should be fed specific kitten food brands, senior cats should get senior cat food, cats with health problems or things like sensitive stomach must have their diets adjusted too.

Do not give too many treats as they are high in calories. A cat needs very few carbs, as it is a obligate carnivore, which means its main source of nutrition is from meat. Cats will eat vegetables, and other food stuffs, but their core need is a meat diet. If this is not given, you may shorten your cat’s lifespan.

4. Constant Water Supply

It may seem obvious that a cat is going to need water at some point in the day. Dehydration can bring about kidney problems. Ensure your cat has access to water at all times. Some cats will drink from a running tap, or even share a bowl of water with other pets, such as dogs. Ensure there is a bowl of clean water always available, most particularly if your cat eats a lot of dried foods.

5. Hairballs

These disgusting and smelly balls of yuk are an inevitability with a cat. The more they groom, the more they are to coughing up hairballs. If your cat suffers from them often, then some suggest a pet laxative to ease the problem. That’s a matter of personal choice.

As with people, there is no harm to this, if only given occasionally. Too often and the digestive system can come to rely on them. The best treatment to combat this problem is with regular human grooming. If you have your cat from a kitten, this should become a part of their daily lives. Indeed, most cats love pampering.

6. Indoors vs Outdoors

Many house cats live long lives, even though they roam outdoors. Without a doubt, it could reduce their chances. As in the statistics for traffic accidents, and the cat leukemia virus. Farm cats can be domesticated, or feral. City cats are more at risk with traffic accidents, and territorial fighting incidents.

Some people believe a cat should not be allowed to roam. Not only are they predators, but they can be a nuisance to other people. Indoors will give them a better chance of a long life. Though others may argue that it is not nature’s way to keep animals locked up. There are no laws or legal guidance to cover this, it’s really a personal choice. If you own a pedigree cat, then you will want to protect your investment against possible theft.

7. Spaying and Neutering

It is better to get your cat neutered, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cat. Being spayed leads to better behaviour, as it will not produce the hormones for mating. Nothing makes a male cats more aggressive than a female on heat.

Neutered cats are not as territorial, so when outdoors they will be less inclined to fight. The Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge report that a neutered male will live 62% longer than an un-neutered male cat. A female, 39% longer than an un-spayed female cat.

8. Regular Vet Checkups

This is not only for vaccination boosters, but let the experts check your cat’s other things, such as cat’s teeth and bones, ensuring your cat is in tip top condition, without any underlying conditions. Once a year should be adequate. It does add to the cost of owning a cat, but it serves to increase their longevity. This way, any health problems will be caught early.

9. Entertain the Cat

This is more so for an indoor cat, cat toys must be a necessity. As most cat owners will learn, cats are curious creatures. Give them a box, and they are like children, finding it a most amusing toy. Keep your cat’s mind occupied, and it will not become bored. There are associated problems that come with a bored cat, such as overeating, or being aggressive with other pets, or even people. Things like catnip may stimulate your cat, and providing them with a cat tree is a good idea too.

Lots of different cat toys not only helps alleviate boredom, but can provide a means of exercise. A cat needs a good balance of exercise and entertainment, even as it ages. Sure, cat’s love to sleep, dozing off anywhere between 16-20 hours a day. This makes it more important to exercise their minds and their bodies while they are awake. Plus, they still have that feral instinct to hunt, so use that as a means to create play, and therefore exercise.

Of course, how long your cat lives also depends on the breed, and if outdoors, the geographical area you live in. All you can do as a responsible owner, is to ensure the basics are taken care of. Give your cat as long a life as is possible.

READ NEXT: 12 Tips to Choosing the Best Cat Food for Your Feline

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Today, domesticated cats often prefer indoors, and most other cats will adapt to an indoor lifestyle, given time. Especially if they have been indoors since a kitten. There are though, specific  breeds of cats, that are perfectly happy to spend all their life indoors. Let’s have a look at which cat breeds will live a happy life, as an indoor pet.

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4 Best House Cats for Apartments

1. Persian Cat

If you want fluffy bundle of fur in your life, then Persian cat breed might be the right one for you. They are an attractive breed with a cute stubby face, and big round eyes. If that doesn’t stir your heart, their true affection towards their humans most certainly will.

This ancient breed originates from Persia, in the 17th century. Brought to Europe by an Italian nobleman. Descendants of Persians were from either Khorasan, or Angora (now Ankara). Their natural color was either grey (Khorasan ), or white (Ankara). Later, these breeds would become classified as separate types.

Persians hate noise, so a quiet indoor apartment is the perfect setting for them. Don’t do so well with boisterous children either. With their regal poise, they can be a little picky on who they allow to pet them. Once they trust you, then you have a friend for life. Their litter tray must stay meticulously clean, or they may go elsewhere for poop time. Not great climbers, so very happy to live at sofa level. Will be comfortable left alone for long periods.

They shed a lot of that long coat, so need regular grooming, which they love. Also prone to wet eye conditions, and can be noisy breathers with that flat nose.

2. British Shorthair Cat

A pure breed version of the domestic cat. It has a great temperament that’s similar to Abyssinian cat breed, and makes a very loyal and affectionate pet. Its descendants came to the British isles, by the Romans. Most popular is the British Blue, but other colors of British Shorthairs have been bred.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a cute teddy bear appearance? Short thick coats make them appear chunky and solid in build. Considered an intelligent cat, full of curiosity, because they love to get involved in whatever you are doing.

Their higher intelligence means they need lots of stimulation. Great around children and other pets, even dogs. Known to mature later, means they will be playful for a long time. Love their food, and are prone to put on too much weight. Don’t like a change in routine, so settle well as indoor cats.

3. Sphynx Cat

If you are looking for something a little different, the Sphynx should fit the bill. Similar to the Siamese cat breed, this cat has no fur coat. Sometimes, even no whiskers or eyelashes either. You should not suffer any nuisance shedding of a fur coat, around your home.

It is covered though, in a downing of fine hairs, giving it a super soft texture. Energetic, loving, and loyal, as a breed. Good with children. A great attention seeker. Bounces around in high places, so if he’s got lost, just look upwards to find him. Loves company, so great if you have another cat. Enjoys plenty of attention. This cat was bred using selective breeding, in the 1960’s. Making it a  relatively new thorough breed.

Despite their lack of hair, Sphinx need regular grooming to remove dry skin. Because they have no fur to absorb natural oils, they can leave oil spots around your furniture. Bathing regularly will help combat this. If you do take your cat out for walks on a lead, in cold weather, he will need a coat to protect him from the elements, and suncream in summer. Another breed that does not like a dirty litter tray, or he may go elsewhere in the home. He will come into the world all wrinkled, but his skin will smooth out a little as he grows.

4. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue cat breed are prefers of a quiet home, as they are calm by nature and similar to the Exotic Shorthair breed. Friendly, intelligent, and curious. Some believe they are sensitive to human emotions, and they will only bond with few people. Will most likely hide away when strangers enter your home. They are not destructive by nature, and happy left alone.

Originate from the Archangel (Arkhangelsk) Isles, when sailors introduced them to Europe in the 19th century. Short haired and blue or grey eyed, with a two-layered short thick coat. One of the better breeds for those who may have a mild allergy to cat hairs. No inbred health problems, making them quite robust and low maintenance.

Whilst the breeds we have mentioned are popular as indoor cats, there are many other breeds and crossbreeds, that will also make ideal indoor pets. If you bring your cat up to be an indoor feline, then there should be no reason why you cannot keep any cat indoors

Consider getting your cat from an animal trust, even if you want a kitten. Though there are plenty of older cats too, who could do with a loving safe home to spend the rest of their days in comfort and shelter. There are plenty of kittens taken in by animal welfare organisations, so you will have both options. How you raise your pet, is how it will adjust to its surrounding.

Even an outdoor cat, can be trained to become an indoor pet. It may take a bit of patience and time, but taking in a stray cat does not mean it has to return to the out doors. Plus, it cuts down on parasites, outdoor injuries, and the birds and mice will love you for it.

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You may have read many articles on the dietary needs of cats. This will give you an idea on what the best foods are that we can give to our feline friends? Let’s not forget that a cat is a meat eater, an obligate carnivore not an omnivore, like us. Like it, or not, this means your cat gains its nutrition almost exclusively from the flesh of other animals. A cat needs very few carbs in its diet.

ALSO READ: How Much to Feed a Cat and How Often Should You Feed Your Cat

12 Tips to Choosing the Best Cat Food for Your Feline

What foodstuffs are best for your pet cat? Let’s start at the top of the range, and work our way down with tips on how to choose the best cat food for your feline.

1. Homemade cat food meals should consist of meat, either raw or cooked.

If feeding homemade cat food meals that are raw, then it should be fresh. Cat’s can suffer from bacterial infection of bad meat, as easily as we can. Rule of thumb, if it’s bad for you, then it’s bad for kitty too.

2. With homemade meals, meat should be lean cuts of beef, or chicken and turkey. You could even use mince.

Cooking for your cat means paying extra attention to the type of nutrition you provide her with. While homemade cat food may be healthier at times, you must follow directions carefully to avoid having a malnourished feline.

3. If you wish you can add a small amount of whole grains, such as a little cornmeal or polenta, to your home cooked meat.

Don’t give your cat human cereals to bulk out their feed. These contain sugar and salt, not meant for a cat’s digestive system. Other grains, such as couscous, should be cooked, for easy digestion. Brown rice mashed up, is a great filler with the meat.

Remember you are only giving this grain to balance out the meal, so keep the grain portions small. Some grains can cause allergies. For a cat diagnosed with allergies, the first foodstuff to be omitted from its diet should be the grains and there are plenty of grain free cat food brands out there.

3. Fish is a bone of contention.

It’s a little bit like the myth of cat’s love milk, when in fact dairy products are not good for a cat’s digestive system. Same goes with raw fish. Fish should only be an occasional treat, and it should be cooked. Tinned fish such as tuna, is fine, so long as it’s not too often. Cats do benefit from the omega-3 fats.

4. Some dairy products that are safe to give your cat to eat.

As we’ve mentioned this, cooked eggs are a great source of protein. Scrambled is best, with no salt or milk. A little cottage cheese is also safe. Never give dairy products in large doses, or very often, unless prescribed by your vet. The odd lump of mild cheese might be accepted as a tasty treat, or it might get tossed around as a play thing, and ignored. Either way it is safe, in small amounts.

5. Fruits and vegetables.

Cats, unlike most mammals, do not have the taste buds necessary to taste anything sweet. They are unlikely to take any interest in fruit. In the wild, a cat would eat the digested vegetables in the gut of their prey.

Cooked vegetables are an added bonus for your cat. It won’t want a large portion, but you could pop in some cooked carrots with the home cooked meal. Vegetables are good source of antioxidants and certain vitamins, so again, small portions are okay.

6. Tinned cat meat.

Canned/wet cat food is often most recommended. If you can, buy the higher quality tinned cat meat instead. A good label to look for is the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Though this does not guarantee a quality product, but it will be a safe one.

7. When looking for tinned food, one way to find the best, is to read those listed ingredients.

Check that protein level is high, and that it is one of the first ingredients mentioned. Grain should be very low down on the list of ingredients, as we have already mentioned. A cat needs very few carbs in it diet, in the wild they make up around 5-10%. Unless your cat has kidney problems and requires low protein cat food, it’s best to stick to highest protein.

8. Some good labels of tinned food are:

• Tiki Cat. This is a high quality cooked meat or fish based product. Claiming to be high in protein and moisture. Their food has no artificial ingredients and zero grains or carbs.
• According to their blurb, they use top quality muscle meat, such as chicken breast and good cuts of beef.
• Natures Logic Cat food. Another product name that promises 70% human-graded meat. Grain and gluten free. No sugars or fillers and no artificial anything.
• Other similar products are: Bravo, Hound and Gatos, Ziwi, Merrick and there are many others you can try. Remember, read the label, and then you know what you are getting in the tin.

9. Dry cat foods.

Not all cat owners are happy with feeding dry ingredients all the time. Indeed, dry food has been related to obesity in cats, as it contains too many carbs. Also, the fact that dried food is always available to kitty, so they can eat freely with no set timetable. This can lead to over eating.

It does have some benefits in that it is a good source of extra calories and vitamins, that some tinned foods don’t provide. A balance mixture of dry and wet food could prove right for your cat, under your close supervision.

10. Ideally your cat should have access to water all the time.

If he does have his own bowl, then do remember to give it a daily clean. Some cats prefer running water, so may hang around the tap for you to turn it on.

11. Age related dietary needs.

A kitten will need a lot more nutrition than an elderly cat or adult cat. That’s why there are lots of pet foods on the market that are graded by age, or particular conditions, such as kitten food brands, adult cat foods or senior cat food brands.

12. Disease related cat foods.

There are also cat foods for specific diseases in cats. These could be anything from obesity, to arthritic, to sensitive stomach cat food. Even dental treats are widely available, meant to be good to chew on to take away excess plaque.

What you feed your cat is a personal choice. What one cat likes, another may dislike. Cats can be fussy eaters, but meat is always the better option, as it is closer to its natural diet.

READ NEXT: How to Feed a Cat with Liver Disease

The post 12 Tips to Choosing the Best Cat Food for Your Feline appeared first on Cats PhD.

More often than not, it turns out to be some tummy upset, a fighting wound, or something not too serious. We get home, fuss our moggy and breathe a sigh of relief. It’s those times though, when it turns out to be more serious, that we wished we’d gone to the vet sooner.

Given the seriousness of the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), it pays to learn something in advance. If you can spot some of the common symptoms, it might just be enough to save your cat’s life. FeLV is passed on from cat to cat, and it can be fatal. Let’s have a look at some of the facts on this terrible illness. If we know what we’re looking for, it makes us more responsible and caring cat owners.

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13 Facts About Feline Leukemia Virus

1. Here are some of the symptoms of Feline Leukemia:

• Weight loss.
• Lack of appetite.
• Anaemic pale gums, dull coat.
• Poor, dull coat.
• Weakness, such as becoming unable to jump in places your cat has managed before.
• Poor teeth condition.
• Yellowed whites of the eyes.

2. A cat can catch feline leukemia from another infected cat, through body fluids, such as saliva, nasal fluids, feces and urine.

3. The virus develops in 6 stages:

• Once the bloodstream has become infected, the virus makes its way into the immune system, via the white blood cells. It begins to replicate, in the lymph nodes.
• The lymph nodes become infected, spreading the virus even further through the bloodstream.
• Immunosuppression takes place, as the virus attacks the cat’s immune system. This is a crucial stage in the development of the disease. If it fails to fight off the virus, it then leads to more complicated symptoms.
• In the later stages, bone marrow can become infected. When this happens, the cat will have FeLV for the rest of its life.
• From hereon the cat’s health deteriorates.

4. A cat may not necessarily contract the virus from an infected cat.

This is because the disease is not highly contagious. It takes constant contact, such as grooming, eating from the same bowl, sharing a litter tray, and even a bite from an infected cat. Kittens can be born with feline leukemia virus, having contracted it from the mother in womb.

5. FeLV is only harmful to cats, it is not transmitted to any other pet, or to humans.

6. FeLV can cause Lymphoma, cancer of the blood cells.

Feline leukemia virus is often a pathway to many other common diseases in cats.

7. Another serious effect of the virus, is that it weakens the immune system.

A cat with feline leukemia virus can become more susceptible to other viruses and infections. It will begin to suffer secondary infections, such as eye problems, as the defense mechanism weakens. Its digestive system could also become inflamed, leading to constant and chronic diarrhea. Prolonged infection can affect the nervous system, which could lead to seizures.

8. 30% of cats that contract feline leukemia will fight off the infection and survive.

These cats though will be prone to develop illnesses as they grow older. For cats that are persistently infected, the mortality rate is around 80-90%.

9. FeLV is diagnosed through blood tests, carried out by a veterinary expert.

Bloods go off to a lab, where they will look to see if excessive proteins are present. Such a test can also pick up the infection at its early stages.

10. A cats best chance of surviving FeLV, is to fight off the infection itself.

If it is unable to do this, there is no cure for the disease. There are ways to decrease the amount of the feline leukemia virus in the bloodstream. These can have serious side effects though, and are not suitable for all cats.

11. There are treatments for the secondary infections and illnesses that may occur, such as antibiotics.

This will help to keep the infected cat as healthy as possible, for its remaining lifespan. Secondary infections are often the cause of death, with their already weakened immune system.

12. If your cat is diagnosed positive, to prolong its life, it is imperative that he has regular check ups.

Make sure they are always clear of fleas and worms. Ideally, have them neutered, and then keep them indoors. Not only will this protect them from picking up other illnesses, but it will also stop them from spreading the disease.

13. There is a vaccination to help ensure your cat does not catch FeLV, but it is not 100% effective.

Despite the injection, some cats will go on to catch feline leukemia. Before administrating the vaccine, cats are tested for feline leukemia. Only those who are free of the infection, should be vaccinated.

Ideally, kittens should receive the vaccination at around 8 weeks of age. With a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Older cats should receive two doses, at around three or four weeks apart.

If you know or suspect your cat has not been regularly injected for feline Leukemia, be a responsible owner. Ask your vet about a course of vaccinations for your cat. Hopefully, it is not too late.

READ NEXT: How to Feed a Cat with Liver Disease

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What cat doesn’t like catnip? It turns out that while majority of them do, about 33% of cats will have no reaction to catnip whatsoever. For the uninitiated, catnip for cats is a type of hallucinogenic that through its main compound Nepetalactone (essential oil) affects cats in very odd ways.

Most cat owners are already familiar with the magic of catnip. We know what catnip for cats is and does, and why it’s often a good idea to have some on hand. There are many uses for this substance, and tricks pet owners can employ to train cats, entertain them, make them exercise and more.

But how much do you actually know about the famous feline drug? Here an infographic and a full list below of 20 things you probably didn’t know about catnip for cats.

20 Things You Didn’t Know About Catnip

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20 Things You Didn’t Know About Catnip for Cats

1. It’s also known as

• Catmint
• Cats’ plant
• Cat cocaine
• Kitty crack

It’s an herb that most cats cannot resist. It’s not just our domesticated cats that are attracted to catnip, either. Many wild cats, such as lions, tigers, cougars and leopards love the effect of catnip.

Once a cat gets a sense of the potent herb, it will usually roll in it, rub on it, purr or even growl at it. They generally tend to go a little crazy for a short while. After about 15 minutes, they seem to lose interest.

2. Its three most popular uses are

• In a crate to help calm down a cat during a journey
• In cat toys to spike cat’s interest and excitement
• On scratching posts to encourage their use

That said, it’s not a good idea to use catnip in your cat’s litter box. It might cause your feline to get over excited and roll about in the tray. Not only will this cause a mess everywhere, there is also a risk of the cat digesting the litter. That’s an unhygienic substance and could lead to serious medical problems. If you want to encourage your cat to use the litter tray, then maybe a few drops of catnip close to the tray may be useful.

3. Humans used catnip for centuries

Catnip has been used for human consumption for years. Most commonly it’s been used in teas, herbal cigarettes and as a cooking herb. It was once believed that catnip has medicinal properties, but due to lack of evidence it’s not as common today.

4. Catnip is a mild hallucinogenic

What makes it a hallucinogenic is the way it affects the cat’s sensory system. The volatile oil called Nepetalactone goes through the feline’s nasal tissues, where it binds with the protein receptors and immediately stimulate’s the cat’s sensory neurons. The result of this is that your cat’s hypothalamus, which regulates emotions, is affected. Scientific American has a great article on the subject.

5. But it’s not addictive and is completely safe

Does this mean that we are, in effect, drugging our pet cats? Not really. Catnip has been shown to be completely safe for your cat. Whatever the effects of this odorous herb, it soon wears off. Catnip is not addictive for cats, and will not harm our feline friends.

6. It’s used elsewhere, too

Its main chemical, Nepetalactone, is also used as mosquito repellent. It is an essential oil, and is often used elsewhere, but mostly as fly repellent. Although it is not as effective as others, such as Veet, when used on the skin.

7. Cats never intend to eat it

Normally, cats brush against (and sometimes bite) the leaf which releases oils. When a cat bites into the leaf, they have no intention to eat it. By bruising the leaf, they release the oils of the herb, which are not poisonous or harmful in any way.

8. It doesn’t work for all cats

Studies show that not all cats are attracted to it. Those that do react to this chemical are momentarily in a state of happiness. Whether or not your cat responds to catnip could be genetically dependent.

Research shows that it could be a certain gene in the cat that reacts to the chemical. Though other studies have contested this. But, for whatever reason, around 33% of cats will not react to catnip at all.

9. Rarely, but it makes some cats aggressive

It’s been observed that some cats actually react to it in an aggressive manner and become aggregated. Much depends on their sensitivity to the chemical. Aggressiveness in cats due to catnip is rare and for most cats, it makes them playful.

10. Cat must be old enough to be affected

Cats that are not sexually active and under 6 months old do not respond to catnip. Some studies have seen kittens above 3 months to react to catnip, however, most felines will only be affected once they become sexually active (around the age of 6-12 months).

11. It works well as a training tool

Other than entertaining your cat, another great use of catnip is as a training tool. Sprinkle a little onto new bedding you have just introduced your feline to. As suggested earlier, rub it on the cat’s scratching post or onto your cat’s house to make your cat develop more interest in it instead of scratching your furniture.

12. It can make lazy or overweight cats exercise more

If your cat has become lethargic, lazy or overweight, then using catnip can spur them into activity. This will encourage some much needed exercise. Although if your cat is constantly lethargic, then skip the catnip and take a trip to the vet instead.

13. It can be bought in several forms

The most common form of catnip are just leaves, but you can get it in other forms too:

• Sprays made up of essential oil and distilled water
• Herb-like mixture of dried leaves and flower buds
• Pellets of dried leaves and flower buds
• As catnip-filled cat toys or even dental chews

14. Always determine catnip’s freshness when buying

Buying fresh catnip is imperative if you want the best desired effect from it. There are a few rules of thumb to follow:

Bright green color – fresh
Pale yellow color – old
Pungent smell – fresh
Faint smell – old

15. It can be stored in a freezer to extend its shelf life

Whether you buy catnip or grow and harvest your own, once you remove the moisture from catnip, you can store it in the freezer to extend its shelf life. Normally, dried catnip stored in a dark shelf will last a few months but the quality degrades. Freezing may be a good option for long-term storage.

16. There are other herbs with similar effect on cats

Turns out that catnip, while the most popular plant, isn’t the only one that affects cats in such a way. Other known cat cocaine options are:

• Valerian (roots)
• Silver vine (wiki family)
• …and 100 more other plant species that also contain Nepatelactone

17. Cats love many mint plants

Cats are attracted to almost any mint plant you may happen to have growing in your yard. Don’t be surprised if you find them rubbing up against the leaves. They’re unlikely to eat it, but may occasionally bite a leaf or two in an attempt to release those chemicals.

18. You can grow your own catnip

It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here’s how you do this:

• Begin in the Spring.
• Let it grow up a bamboo stick, so your cat cannot roll on the growing plant and crush it.
• You can grow it in a container.
• The plant needs plenty of light.
• If grown indoors, keep putting the plant pot outside every now and then, for that all important natural light.
• Harvest the leaves during the growing season.
• Dry the leaves out by cutting off a branch of leaves and flowers together. Then hang them upside down.
• Oven drying is not recommended as it dries out the oils.
• When the leaves and flower buds are dry, they will be ready to crumble. Now they are ready for use in cat pillows, or even in your own cooking pot.

19. Catnip is safe for dogs as well

However, while the effect on cats may be a stimulant, it has a sedative (opposite) effect on canines. This may be a blessing for owners of hyperactive dogs. It may also help with dogs of a nervous disposition. The essential oils and minerals in catnip are said to benefit a dogs digestive system.

20. Anise is the actual equivalent of catnip for dogs

Anise plant, which is also known as fennel, is what’s used to make licorice. Us humans are fond of this, but turns out that dogs may be as well and it will have a similar effect on them as catnip does on cats. Anise seed extract in particular is what causes dogs to be affected by it.

READ NEXT: 15 Ways to Understand Cat Body Language

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