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Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a viral disease that cats of any age can acquire. Your cat can get this through:

• Bites
• Birth (mother to offspring transmission)
• Cat to cat transmission through saliva, feces, and urine

When an infected cat comes in contact with healthy one, he could transmit it to the other.

Cure: none at this time. Feline Leukemia can trigger the onset of other deadly diseases such as blood disorders, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Anemia and bone complications will eventually take place, and these conditions lead to a cat's death. Take note too that a cat with FeLV may die within 3 years, as is the case for 80% of all FeLV-infected cats.

While there is no known cure, we can do something to prevent our cats from getting FeLV. Here are some things you can do.

• The first and foremost thing you need to do is to have your new pet tested for this condition. If results show he has LeLV, you have two options: keep him apart from other cats, or you many decide not to keep him at all.
• Second, as much as possible, keep you cat inside your house. If you let him free to mingle with neighborhood cats, chances are he will acquire FeLV from them.
• Third, make sure to give your cat FeLV shots. You can check with your cat's vet regarding this. However you need to remember that vaccines for FeLV may not be as effective for all cats. For some reason, there are cats that do not become immune to the disease even after vaccination.

What to Do If Your Cat has FeLV

Once you discover your cat has FeLV, you need to have the rest of the cats tested too. Then, separate the infected ones from the healthy ones so as not to have all of them infected.

You will not become infected to FeLV so no need for you to worry, however, if you pet infected cats, make sure to wash your hands with soap before spending time with those who are not infected. Utensils should also be kept separated. If you only have one cat at home, then you should not have to face this problem.

Another important thing you need to do is to ensure your infected cat has a healthy diet, because when he has leukemia, his immune system is compromised.

In the instance that your cat dies from the condition and you decide to adopt a new cat, see to it that you have your house cleaned and sanitized, especially the areas that your sick cat frequented. Though the virus dies in just a matter of hours, you can never be too sure of secondary diseases.

Mary Mathews is pet owner who wants nothing more but the best of her cat's welfare. She found out a lot of things that would benefit every cat lover in the country. The 12 part audio program she came up adheres to taking care of your pets in a non-violent way and making sure that you have a great time together. Here is the Ultimate Cat Secrets.

Click Here For Mary Mathews Ultimate Cat Secrets Review Instant Access!

Ultimate Cat Secrets would initially take you to know what type of cat is best for you. Whether you need a female or a male companion and what type of breed you are attracted to. It also presents some steps you need to consider in keeping your cat safe around the home.

Cats  have a different way of taking care of themselves and how they communicate with other people and with themselves. Ultimate Cat Secrets reveals a more about cats' eating habits, preferences and allergies. It also explains the meaning of different cat gestures and purring. How your cat grooms himself and keeps clean is also mentioned in this audio series.

Training also is an option, but you do not need call in a professional trainer to do the work for you. With Ultimate Cat Secrets, you can easily teach your cat simple tricks and keep him well behaved most of the time. Teach your pet to undo different bad habits and replace them with new ones without having to hurt them in the process.

Your cat's well-being is also a major concern. Which is why Ultimate Cat secrets helps you through proper care and medication or therapy for your pet. It also introduces ways on how to avoid sickness by taking precautions around the house. This is indeed a great deal to invest in. I'm sure you would want to have the best for your beloved pet.

Feline immune deficiency can be a serious problem, especially for pets that are not exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis.  For concerned owners, it is important to make sure your cat has regular veterinary checkups and that you are providing all the necessary nutrients which keep a cat’s body functioning properly.   Now there are natural solutions available which make that job much easier.

In order to maintain proper feline immune health, cats must get the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals, much like their human counterparts.  Most popular brands of cat food fall short when it comes to good nutrition and they are particularly insufficient for older cats and kittens.  For all cats, the use of a daily natural supplement can help to fill in the blanks left by packaged cat food.

Cats that do not go outside on a regular basis may not only be lacking in the amount of exercise they are getting, they can also suffer from not being exposed to plants and herbs which provide natural healing.  Cats in the wild will instinctively use certain plants to help them when they feel sick and these plants have been proven to aid in preventing feline immune deficiency.  Supplements made from these natural fighters can help house bound cats get the same advantages that wild cats do.

Other elements in every day life, including artificial colorings and preservatives in packaged cat food and exposure to household toxins and even prescription medicines can all have a detrimental effect on feline immune health.  For this reason, it is suggested that cat owners use natural daily supplements to provide the health boost so vital to their pets.

Used once a day, along with ensuring that your cat gets plenty of exercise and has continual access to a clean water source, natural supplements can provide the full range of support your cat needs to avoid feline immune deficiency.  Since the breakdown of the immune system can leave your cat open to any number of serious ailments, ensuring good immune system health is of utmost importance.

There are many different natural products on the market today, but the most effective products for feline immune deficiency contain a range of plant based ingredients to target all areas of your cat’s health.  Most important for feline immune health are herbs such as Milk Thistle, Echinacea and Huang Qi.  Huang Qi, which works as a whole body tonic, can boost the immune system, improve appetite and promote healthy circulation, giving your cat the best of all worlds.   

Milk Thistle stimulates bile production and repairs damage to the liver, making it extremely important to overall health as the liver has a domino effect on all of the other organs.  Echinacea focuses on the lymphatic system, staving off various forms of cancer and also working to prevent feline immune deficiency.   Supplements which contain ingredients like these will work with your cat’s body to heal from the inside out for lasting results.

We all want what’s best for our pets, so why not consider giving them the best that nature has to offer?   Consult with your vet today and find an all natural supplement which can help to boost the function of your cat’s immune system and leave you both breathing easier for years to come!

Its Origin Clouded In Intrigue And Controversy

The fact that this breed of cat has beautiful blue eyes and highly recognizable color point coat is no accident or result of evolution.  
If we believe the breeder, Ann Baker, the original Ragdoll cats were the consequence of a government experiment back in the 1960's. It seems that one of her neighbor’s cats named Josephine, got into an accident involving a car, and for some reason was taken to a laboratory at the University of California. There was nothing special about Josephine. She was a non pedigreed Persian/Angora mix, white domestic long-haired cat, who by that time already had provided her owners with several litters, that was nothing special. Sired by several unknown Burmese-like cats, one of which had the Siamese point coloration, her litters tended typically to be playfully aggressive.   

The next litter following her surgery however, produced a litter of  
unusually docile and friendly cats. Mrs. Baker claimed that it was all part of a secret government genetic experiment. Genetic experts have rejected this theory and of course the government denied any such project. None the less when Josephine’s subsequent litter produced more of the “ragdoll” type kittens, Baker knew she was on to something. The name “Ragdoll” was coined because these original kittens, and all that have followed, have the tendency to go limp and completely relaxed when being picked up. Already a savvy breeder Mrs. Baker, believing she was on to something new and wonderful, bought several of the kittens and set out to create the new breed known as The Ragdoll cat.

In a brilliant move Mrs. Baker shunned the established cat registry, trademarked the name Ragdoll and started her own registry, International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) in 1971. Her strict breeding guidelines led to several riffs within the organization, until in 1975 Denny and Laura Dayton, began breeding what is now widely accepted as to days Ragdoll standard. The IRCA dissipated over the years, and after Baker’s death in 1997 other factions emerged which eventually brought us the Ragamuffin line. If you are considering getting involved or you would like more in depth history, the largest international Ragdoll association is the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI)

Disposition And Health
The Breed For You

Remember how this breed of cat got its name. Unlike the Maine Coon, a large cuddly cat whose origins are that of a hunter, the Ragdoll is docile, non aggressive, and a people lover. It is a very striking cat with those beautiful blue eyes, and long-haired Persian-like appearance, without posing the grooming problems usually associated the typical Persian. They get along wonderfully in a mufti pet environment, and kids just adore them.

For the most part the Ragdoll is a hearty, and healthy cat. A healthy Ragdoll with proper diet and exercise can live to be twenty years old. I don’t want to scare you with big medical terms, so I will just say that Ragdolls can suffer from certain heart conditions. They also have a tendency to eat to fast which can stir up their sensitive stomachs and on occasion lead to vomiting. Of course like most cats, they can get upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Should We Bother To Train A Ragdoll    
All They do Is Lay Around

It is the between time that you might have to worry about. There are Ragdoll cats that go about their business using the litter box properly every day, get along with their house mates, and leave your furniture alone. Then there are Ragdoll cats that are prone to litter box mishaps, have fits of aggressive behavior, and sink their claws into every piece of furniture you own on a daily basis. If you are considering getting a Ragdoll for the first time or your cat falls into problem type, or you just want to learn everything you can about this magnificent breed than there is help for you. If you continue to surf the net you will be able to find a lot of information on cats, but very few breed specific total information on Ragdolls. For about what it might cost for bag of fancy cat food, a real Ragdoll owner and trainer  has written just such a book. You will learn the secrets and tips on how to guarantee that your cat is healthy, happy, and well mannered.  Please go to: My RecomMANNdations

When clicking on Pet Lovers you will also find other pet related information like how to get rid of fleas once and for all.

Australia is a nation of pet lovers. This adoration is most apparent when you take a look at the Pet Products and Pet Supply industry. The KraMar Pet Company, an Australian owned and operated pet supplies manufacturing company, has seen a lot change in their fifty plus years in the pet product industry. Most obviously is the amount of money pet owners spend on their dogs and cats annually- recent research shows that Aussies spend more on their dogs than any other pet, totaling $2.7 billion annually, which works out at $732 per dog every year.

Along with the pampering of pets it is important that pets are taught how to behave correctly, to the benefit of owners, neighbours and other animals. Celebrity dog trainer, Steve Austin, from the Kramar Pet Company, recommends a range of pet products that can help you during the training process. These pet products include dog collars, cat collars, cat leads, dog leads, KraMar’s Supa Naturals Pet Treats, Wagwear dog apparel, and a large range of fun pet toys. KraMar manufacture and sell over 2 million collars and leads per annum, so they are the pet suppliers you can rely on as they know what they’re talking about. Also, all KraMar products are backed with a 100% unconditional guarantee.

All these pet products will help in your effort to train your furry friends to stop some of their worst habits, such as jumping up, barking, scratching, digging and more. Distract your dog with pet toys that are mentally stimulating, as most bad behaviors stem from boredom, says Steve Austin. At the first sign of scratching direct your cat to a scratching post so they know this is the spot for scratching. If they persist to claw the family furniture consider covering their main scratching spots with aluminium foil or double sided tape, as cats hate the feeling of both.

We all love our cats and making sure they are healthy is one of the most important things that we do. You need to be aware of that there are warning signs when your cat is not feeling well. If your cat is not eating the way it normally used to this can be a good sign that your cat may have some type of issue. When you see this happening the most important thing you wanted to is take your cat to your vet and have them checked out thoroughly. If your cat is having an issue you want to catch it early enough so that your veterinarian can treat them.

Get Free: Cat Health Tips

It is always a good idea to have a great relationship with your veterinarian. This is mainly because if you have an issue you want to be able to call them at any time to find out what is wrong. There are other issues that can happen such as bringing a new cat into the home that can cause your first cat to have problems as well. Of course this does not mean that they are sick it just means they may not be accepting the new animal very well. you may find that they are marking their territory with urine and this is really common with bringing in a new cat.

How to Improve: Your Cats Health

Remember the you need to always watch your cat to make sure they do not have some kind of ailment.  In many cases you will see a change of behavior and this will tip you off that something is wrong. The most important thing you do is take your cat to your veterinarian so that they can treat them.

A cat carrier is a very important thing to have when you get your first cat. It is essentially one of the first things you should buy because you will need it to bring your cat home. Besides bringing your cat home, there are other reasons why cat carriers are important to have.

Riding in the car
• For their safety it is best that cats ride in a carrier when you drive. If you were to get in an accident, without a carrier they would have nothing holding them back and the chances of them getting hurt are much greater.
• For your safety it is better that a cat is in a carrier instead of just free. This way you don’t have to worry about what they are doing. You also don’t have to worry about them getting into places they should be such as under your brake pedal.

Going to the veterinarian office
• You will need a cat travel carrier to transport your cat in when you go to the vet office.
• It is better for your cat’s safety to have a carrier so that they don’t get attacked by another cat or a dog that is at the vet office.
• If you cat is scared of new situations, a travel carrier may help them overcome this fear.

Going to a pet store
• Again you will need a cat carrier bag to take your cat with you in the car. This is for your and their safety.
• Many pet stores require your pet to be on a leash, since most cats don’t walk well on a leash, a soft cat carrier is your next best option. This allows you to still take them places and they can enjoy it because they are not fighting the leash and collar.

While cleaning out the litter box is not a wonderful chore that anyone enjoys, it is a necessity for your cat. This is, after all, your cat’s bathroom area and cats have a tendency to be very fastidious.  If your cat suddenly starts having litter box problems and using the bathroom elsewhere, this might be a sign that you need to be cleaning that box more often. However, it can also be a sign of other problems, including serious medical conditions.

Reason #1: Busy Location

Cats are private animals. While a dog will do its business outside with everyone in the world watching and think nothing of it, cats have to relax in order to get the job done. If the litter box is located in an area where people are always coming and going, that’s going to be upsetting to your cat and he or she is likely to go elsewhere in the house, usually some place quiet like a corner.

Now, if you haven’t moved the litter box and if the traffic in the area hasn’t increased lately, but your cat has suddenly stopped using it, there’s probably another good reason.

Reason #2: Cat Preferences

Cats seem to be a lot pickier than dogs about everything from toys to food to sleeping locations. They are also sometimes very picky about their litter boxes. Many cats like certain types of litter better than others, possibly because of the way it feels on their paws. Other cats have litter box type preferences. While some love to have the covered boxes for more privacy, others prefer something that is a little more open so they can what is going on around them.

As with the first reason, if you haven’t made any changes that might upset your cat’s preference but he or she has suddenly stopped using the litter box, there is probably a different reason as the root cause.

Reason #3: Medical Problems

In some cases, a urinary infection or some other health problem can cause cats to have litter box problems. They may have a hard time going to the bathroom or may associate the litter box itself with discomfort which makes the box undesirable. If the sanitary reasons and the first two reasons don’t seem to explain the sudden change in your cat’s behavior, you should seek advice from a veterinarian immediately. Your cat might have a very serious health problem.

If you cat is defecating outside the litter box, he or she may have worms, gas, or other intestinal distress so a vet visit is definitely recommended. Remember that once your cat starts using the bathroom outside of the litter box, cleaning it with a solution that will destroy the enzymes in the urine or feces is essential. Otherwise your cat is going to continue to view that spot as an appropriate choice for going to the bathroom.

Reason #4: Behavioral Problems

If you’ve ruled out all of the other reasons, you’ll have to start thinking like your cat and trying to pinpoint what may be the real problem. Anxiety can be one reason. A cat that doesn’t like to be left alone may use the bathroom outside the litter box as a sign of separation anxiety. A cat that's angry because a new family member or pet has come into the picture may also start protesting by not using the litter box correctly.

When emotional issues are involved, you may find it harder to pinpoint the cause. However, you may be able to work with your vet on figuring out the best way to solve the problem so your cat can start using the litter box again and you can cut down on cleaning the carpet and other areas of your home.

Unfortunately, it's very hard to fix a behavioral problem if you don't know the exact cause. However, with patience and love, you might be able to find the cause and fix the problem. Sometimes medication can help. Do your research before taking any drastic measures. Always remember that no matter what he or she does,  it's not done to spite you. Cats are not capable of those 'humanoid' feelings. If your cat is having litter box problems, he doesn't deserve to be punished or God forbid, euthanized, just because we don't understand his reasons.

If you want to read more stories and find very useful information about your cats and dogs, please visit me at http://www.yourpetsuniverse.com