Have you noticed that your cat is starting to limp or hesitates to leap up on your lap. This could very well be the onset of feline arthritis. As you look for a feline arthritis treatment, talk to your vet about traditional options as well as more holistic methods. When a feline arthritis treatment is started in the early stages you may be able to slow or even stop future damage. It is even possible to reverse the condition a bit. Arthritis isn't an enjoyable disease to experience, especially if nothing is done to manage the pain or treat the symptoms.

The more observant you are, the faster symptoms will be noticed. Here are some typical symptoms:

1. Your cat suddenly starts limping
2. She is stiff when she wakes up or is less agile than before
3. She may lick a joint area excessively

The faster you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start a feline arthritis treatment and stop osteoarthritis from becoming worse.

The goal is to keep things from progressing and to keep her joints lubricated. Your vet will ask you about your cat's symptoms, give her a thorough examination and observe her as she moves as well as while she rests. The vet will move the joints around to see which ones are painful or hurt more than others.

Once the specific joint or multiple joints have been identified, the vet will mostly like take tests like x-rays or fluid analysis of the joints. This will give the doctor a better idea of what the best course of action is. Treatment is going to depend on what's causing the arthritis and how bad it's affecting the cat.

If a cat suddenly develops traumatic arthritis through a simple strain, then resting it for several days and a short version of anti-lamasery medicine will help. If it's extreme, then support dressings may also be used.

If a cat is struggling with osteoarthritis, then several things will be included in the feline arthritis treatment program. One is anti-inflammatory medications that are usually only used for the short term, and it's usually to encourage the cat's movement. It won't be a miracle cure, especially since the stiffness will disappear only when the cat's on them. They mainly work as a painkiller and should only be used along with a good exercise program and weight control.

Keeping your cat under a strict diet will be necessary if your cat is overweight. Weight control is an important aspect of any kind of feline arthritis treatment. When there's excess weight, it's going to put more pressure on the joints and cause more pain. It's also going to benefit if an exercise plan is developed, especially if the cat's struggling with osteoarthritis. Even a small amount is going to be effective. It's important you don't allow it to sleep in one spot at a time.

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About the Author:
Work to help your cat maintain his optimal weight and play simple games with her to keep her  moving. Exercise keeps her joints lubricated when in use. Finally, consider this natural option as an arthritis in cats treatment. Find out how to qualify for product when you visit http://ArthritisCatsTreatment.com .
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If you want to build a cat tree, using do it yourself cat tree plans is a fantastic way to save money and get the satisfaction of doing something with your own two hands.  How creative you want to get, how much money you want to spend, and how much time you want to put into your project is totally up to you.  That's the do it yourselfer advantage!

When you build your own cat tree, your cat will love it to.  And your reward?  Countless hours of getting to watch your kitty play, climb, and do acrobatics to make you smile and laugh.

Simple cat trees can be broken down into two basic components: platforms (also called shelves) and posts. A single platform creates the base and additional platforms create each level of the tree and serve as places for your cat to sit, lounge, and play. For the do it yourselfer, these are most often made from 5/8" plywood and covered with carpet. Plywood provides the strength and weight needed for sturdy construction.

Platforms can be modified by adjusting their shape or cutting out holes inside of them. This gives your cat places to crawl through and peep holes they can reach through to swat toys or fellow felines. Be sure to round or cut off corners to remove sharp points that can injure you or your cat. For added fun, attach and dangle feather toys to the underside of platforms for your kitty to bat around.

Posts offer structural support for the platforms. They can be modified to double as scratching posts using sisal rope so your kitty won't destroy your furniture. Posts are often made of wood 2 x 4's or 3" PVC pipe. PVC pipe requires more time but offers more options for construction and greater flexibility in design.

Posts can be designed to detach so each level of the cat tree can easily be moved and/or stored if needed. Detachment also allows for the mixing and matching of levels to create unique varieties of cat trees so your cat never gets bored.

With a good set of do it yourself cat tree plans, you'll be able to finish assembly in just a few days or less. You can get by using simple hand tools, although power saws and drills can help you get the job done quicker and easier. All the supplies you'll need are readily available at local hardware stores.

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About the Author:
Next, now is the time to spoil your cat and learn how to make a cat tree easily and affordably: Make A Cat Tree
If you really want to create your own kitty funland that will provide both you and your cat with years of fun and enjoyment while saving you tons of money, get the best do it yourself cat tree instruction plans by visiting: How To Make A Cat Tree Plans
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Simply put, bladder infections in cats result from anything that may obstruct or decrease the natural flow of urine through the cat's system. This can be due to a number of factors which will be outlined below. This is not an infection you ignore as it is very painful and can lead to other illnesses like kidney disease. There are some very good preventative remedies available also that I will discuss later.

One of the most common reasons why a cat will be more prone to bladder infections could be as simple as your cat's sex. Being a female cat means that its urethra is often shorter and wider than a male's urethra, and therefore females suffer from bladder infections more often than their male counterparts. Generally speaking, the bladder has a pocket-like design that is made up of many tiny, elastic-type membranes. It can stretch when there is urine present and contract back when it is empty.

When the urethra is scraped or damaged due to your cat being catheterized, perhaps due to surgery, it can increase the chances of bladder infections in cats. The urethra is made up of a very delicate lining and scraping it accidentally when inserting or removing a catheter can result in damage and an infection ensuing. Cat's that have had a bladder infection are prone to future infections in the bladder.

Just as in humans, cats can suffer from kidney stones. They block the urine and it builds up in your cat's bladder. Any disruption to the flow will cause an infection. Always seek veterinary advice when you notice you cat having difficulty urinating. Often a urine analysis test will be undertaken and the infection will be determined. Your veterinarian will most often prescribe a course of antibiotics and this can be taken for a period of around two weeks. Many times, however, the diagnosis of bladder infections in cats leads to other problems being detected within your cat's body. Often tumors in the renal system lead to a bladder infection in your cat.

Looking at all of the causes and some of the treatments that can be involved with bladder infections in cats, the best advice is always that prevention is the best cure. Sometimes, this can be simply a matter of changing the cat's diet from a mostly dry menu to a wetter option, including perhaps a high-quality canned food. There are also many very good herbal remedies that can easily be incorporated into your cat's diet.

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About the Author:
Look for natural methods to reduce vet bills and prevent bladder infections in cats. Start protecting your best 4-legged friend today at http://Cat-Bladder-Problems.com.
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Caring for a cat or a dog is a lot of work. You have to make sure you give it plenty of attention, feed it, clean up after it, and monitor its health. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that you feel like you've adopted a child, not an animal.

But the thing about being a pet owner is that you get back far more than you put in. For every ounce of affection you show your dog or cat you will get a pound of love back in return. They're always happy to see you. They'll never judge you if you are having a bad day. They'll always be there for you. In the end it works out to be a great tradeoff.

The one part about owning a dog or a cat that can be the most intimidating is making sure they stay healthy. Even after you've taken them to the vet for a checkup, or to diagnose some symptoms, you may have to start them on a medication regiment in order to keep them healthy.

This can involve anything from getting them to swallow a pill to just rubbing an ointment on their paws. It isn't always easy to administer your pet's medication, but it certainly is necessary. By far the hardest part can often be the supposedly simple act of getting your dog or cat to swallow a pill. Here are a few tips on how to get the medicine down quickly and painlessly, for both of you.

The easiest way to get your pet to take their medicine is to try to trick them into it by wrapping it up in some food. But this isn't always as simple as it sounds.

For example, there is a medication out there called clomipramine that treats separation anxiety in dogs. This is so your dog isn't freaking out all day and tearing up the house when you are at work. Obviously, this is a useful drug if you pet suffers from that affliction.

The nice thing about clomipramine is that it can be given with food. Normally cheese is the best way to sneak in some medicine, but for some reason the chemical makeup of the drug makes it so that you can't use cheese. Instead, you can try slathering some peanut butter onto the pill and then wrapping a piece of bread around it. Nine times out of ten your dog will think this is a treat and scarf it right down.

Your dog is smart though. After you think you've given them the medicine, check the floor to make sure they didn't just eat the snacks and spit out the pill. Dogs are as tricky as you are. This could take a few tries.

Cats work pretty much the same when it comes to sneaking them their medication. Say your cat has allergies and has been prescribed a drug called clemastine. The nice thing about this drug is that it can be used with cheese. Find a cheese that is not too soft and not too hard and just slip that pill right in there. Once you've wrapped it all up your cat should take it down no problem. Cat pills are usually a lot smaller than dog pills so it won't be too intimidating for either of you.

In the case of some medications, however, you aren't supposed to serve it with food. These times you might have to force it down.

There is an anti-seizure medication out there for cats called gabapentin that can't be taken with food. If you have to administer this, start by calmly approaching your cat. Try picking your cat up and wrapping them in a blanket so that just their head is sticking out. Now they can't fight you as easily.

Now work quickly to get it down the hatch.  Put the pill between your thumb and index finger and use your other hand to hold open its jaw hinge. Tilt its head back and push down between the bottom canine teeth. Toss the pill in and hold their mouth closed. Now softly rub, or even blow on, your cats nose. This will stimulate swallowing.

To give a dog an antibiotic like amoxicillin you want to start by positioning your pet's hindquarters up against a wall. Now they can't squirm away. Grab the pill between thumb and index finger and with your other hand lift the top of their snout from right behind their upper canines. When you tilt back push down between the lower canines with one finger and toss that pill in there. Just like with a cat, you now close their mouth and use the nose-rubbing trick to help them swallow.

The first thing you always do right after you have gotten your pet to take their meds is to reward them. You want to provide positive reinforcement for what can occasionally be a traumatic experience. So right afterwards shower them with affection. Stroke your cat for a while. Take your dog for an extra special walk. Give them a delicious snack.

No matter how you end up administering your pet's medications, be sure you stick to the prescribed schedule. This will keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.

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About the Author:
Jamie Arehart is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and dog medicine
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The word feline is synonymous with grace, agility, beauty, and aloofness. A perfect description of the beautiful cat. Why are we so drawn to them? Is it because we admire their qualities? I believe we are intrigued with them and willing to put up with any cat problems they bring because, though they may enjoy our company, the truth is, we are not their first priority! They are their first priority, and we find that quality admirable is an odd sort of way. Maybe because we humans are called selfish when we put ourselves first, but we secretly always want to!

Well the truth is we love our cats and we are their servants, at least in their minds, and I don't think we're going to change it any time soon, so best to just surrender!

So as the servant of the cat we must pay attention to all of their needs. First and foremost any feline health problems that arise.

*Urinary problems

*Feline breathing problems, causes and solutions

*Feline skin problems

*Canine problems - just kidding! However dogs can be a problem for cats!

Besides common health issues, you may find instances of cat problems arising such as biting or scratching, the desire to bring dead rodents or birds into the house, and the sometimes demanding not stop loud meowing, and complaining that some feline fuzzys engage in. It helps in each instance to try to peer into the cats psyche and see why they would do what they're doing.

A cat who is complaining loudly and following you around to do it, has an issue. Perhaps he hates his food and is hungry. Perhaps he feels neglected and needs pets. Cat's are not like dogs, who will just put up with it. Remember, in their brains we are here to serve them!

House cat problems can be a real challenge, but when understood, perhaps you can begin to feel the love. When your house cat becomes an "out" cat and brings you a prize, that juicy dead mouse or bird...well, to us it's gross! To him, it's probably the greatest gift he could give you and you should feel honored.

Biting and scratching must be looked at closely. Is he biting our of fear or is he playing? These are very different reactions and must be handled in a careful and understanding way. Playing? Squirt bottle. Fear? Rehabilitation.

Feline problems are most always solvable, don't despair! Just remember...Cats are NOT dogs!

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About the Author:
Cat problems may pop up when your beloved feline is experiencing a sudden health issue. Cats are very sensitive animals and any cat behavior problem has a reason.
Visit me at:
http://www.squidoo.com/feline-problems
Or Fix cat problems quick at:
http://www.fixcatbehaviorproblems.com
Email:
Kristin@ireviewebooks.com
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