By: Jacqui Odell
So you're having kittens! Well, your mama cat, or "Queen", as a pregnant cat is referred to, is. Our cat recently had kittens, and after extensive research on the net for tips on what to expect, I found that experience is the best teacher. With that said, hopefully these tips of our cats' birth will help with your own experience.
The Basics:
As mentioned, a pregnant cat is called a Queen. The gestation period for a Queen is approximately 56-63 days. A queen typically will have anywhere from two to six kittens, sometimes more. Our cat had three. Several factors determine the litter size including age of the Queen, body size, how many male cats mated with her, and heredity.
Provided your Queen has a normal pregnancy, caring for her should be as normal. Ensure she always has access to fresh water and plenty of food. It's recommended that she be offered kitten food as that has a higher calorie count and extra nutrition her body will need. As well, continue to offer kitten food while she is nursing.
Allow her plenty of space to exercise, especially outside, if possible. Keep her moving and in shape for the birth and nursing period.
If she has a favorite area of the house, prepare it beforehand with towels, old clothes and similiar. Her birthing area is subject to change, though, the closer she comes to beginning labor. With our cat, she chose her spot mere minutes before her first kitten was born. I'd prepared a space in my closet, and in a big box, but she chose under my bed and would not have her kittens elsewhere. Keep her litter box nearby and her food and water, if possible. Mother cats who are attentive and interested in their kittens will not be away from them for very long.
Pre-Labor:
Within a few days before active labor begins, your Queen's behavior may change. She may do a total one-eighty. If she seemed aloof and independant, she may become especially loving, clingy and needy, wanting to be held and be near you. If she was the cuddly type beforehand, she may become distant and want to be alone. You'll know birth is but a few days away if she changes her behaviors. Her appetite may decrease. This is perfectly normal. Continue to offer food and fresh water.
Labor and Delivery:
The day of labor, you likely will see marked changes in your Queen's behavior. She may meow, or speak loudly and frequently, and may act a bit frantic. She'll also likely be searching for her nest. It's best to allow her to birth where she chooses, unless that area is not safe. Wherever she chooses, she'll likely keep the kittens there for several days to weeks, although, if she's like our cat, she may move them a few times.
Right before the birth of the first kitten, you'll see greenish liquid. This is normal, and she'll clean it up. When you see this, you'll know birth is but minutes or a few hours away. You'll know what she needs- if she wants to be left alone, or if she wants you near.
With our cat, I allowed her to give birth to the first kitten on my bed, with plenty of towels. She loved it when I gently stroked her belly. I talked to her and helped her if she needed it.
Prepare to be very excited if you've never witnessed a live birth before! Don't be away too long if you wish to see it, because once labor is in full force, the baby will come out fast! First you'll see a dark and wet ball. That is the kitten in the sac. Once the kitten is out, there's nothing you can do but watch. Mama will cut the sac open, eat it and lick the baby to stimulate it to breathe. Don't be alarmed when you don't see the baby breathing in the first few minutes. If more than 4-5 minutes pass and the baby is not responsive, immediately contact your vet.
The mother will sever the umbilical cord and deliver the placenta, which she will eat. It's rich in nutrients and there is nothing for you to do until she delivers her litter. Then, you can quietly clean up and let her be provided all is well.
After her litter is delivered, and you are certain kittens and mother are doing well, you can leave her be. The kittens will nurse on their own and mama will continue to make sure they remain alert and well. Stay nearby if possible for the first day or so, and keep her food and water close by.
Enjoy your new family and expect many changes in the coming weeks!
LifeWriter is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Cat Health
By: Paul Hegarty
Paul offers some very good tips here on keeping your indoor cat healthy, and happy.
Keeping your cat healthy is the key to extending your cats life. Although cats are independent by nature they really do need a good caretaker. As an owner of a cat you take on the responsibility of caring for your cat and making sure its needs are met.
Your cat needs access to fresh water daily. The water bowl should be cleaned out regularly. Feed your cat good quality cat food. Ask your veterinarian whether the brand you feed meets your cats requirements for his lifestyle and age. Obesity in cats is common in indoor cats. If you have an indoor cat and he has free access to food all day, you may try a light variety to slim him down. If you have a senior indoor cat he may need more nutrients than the light food offers, so once again it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian.
Exercise is very important for your cat. An indoor cat will often eat out of pure boredom. Provide a selection of cat toys and cat furniture such as a cat tree, to entertain your cat. Even an outdoor cat can benefit from this. Taking time at the end of the day to play with your cat will help keep it active.
When we have been away from home and our cat has been indoors the entire day, we help him unwind his excess energy with a bouncing ball. As a kitten he learned to jump in the air and catch a bouncing ball and we keep him entertained for half an hour with his attempts. Our other cat prefers to play 'fetch', where we throw a toy mouse for her to run and find. She does not always bring it back, but as soon as I say "are you ready?" She jumps behind our bedroom door and gets prepared to stalk her prey.
Providing a good scratching post is a wise investment. It may well limit the damage to your furniture and it satisfies your cats need to scratch. Keeping your indoor cats nails trimmed is important to keep them in good condition and so that they do not get too long. If you notice your outdoor cat getting his claws stuck in carpet or fabric he may be in need of a trim too. Most outdoor cats are able to keep their claws worn to a reasonable length.
Grooming your cat regularly helps reduce shedding and prevents matted hair. Both long and short haired cats will benefit from a groom. A brush is often a better suited grooming tool than a comb as it does not pull the hair. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks.
A healthy cat is a happy cat. Taking time to meet your cats needs will keep your cat comfortable and content. You are rewarded with a purring companion cuddled up in your lap.
Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.
Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.
Paul offers some very good tips here on keeping your indoor cat healthy, and happy.
Keeping your cat healthy is the key to extending your cats life. Although cats are independent by nature they really do need a good caretaker. As an owner of a cat you take on the responsibility of caring for your cat and making sure its needs are met.
Your cat needs access to fresh water daily. The water bowl should be cleaned out regularly. Feed your cat good quality cat food. Ask your veterinarian whether the brand you feed meets your cats requirements for his lifestyle and age. Obesity in cats is common in indoor cats. If you have an indoor cat and he has free access to food all day, you may try a light variety to slim him down. If you have a senior indoor cat he may need more nutrients than the light food offers, so once again it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian.
Exercise is very important for your cat. An indoor cat will often eat out of pure boredom. Provide a selection of cat toys and cat furniture such as a cat tree, to entertain your cat. Even an outdoor cat can benefit from this. Taking time at the end of the day to play with your cat will help keep it active.
When we have been away from home and our cat has been indoors the entire day, we help him unwind his excess energy with a bouncing ball. As a kitten he learned to jump in the air and catch a bouncing ball and we keep him entertained for half an hour with his attempts. Our other cat prefers to play 'fetch', where we throw a toy mouse for her to run and find. She does not always bring it back, but as soon as I say "are you ready?" She jumps behind our bedroom door and gets prepared to stalk her prey.
Providing a good scratching post is a wise investment. It may well limit the damage to your furniture and it satisfies your cats need to scratch. Keeping your indoor cats nails trimmed is important to keep them in good condition and so that they do not get too long. If you notice your outdoor cat getting his claws stuck in carpet or fabric he may be in need of a trim too. Most outdoor cats are able to keep their claws worn to a reasonable length.
Grooming your cat regularly helps reduce shedding and prevents matted hair. Both long and short haired cats will benefit from a groom. A brush is often a better suited grooming tool than a comb as it does not pull the hair. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks.
A healthy cat is a happy cat. Taking time to meet your cats needs will keep your cat comfortable and content. You are rewarded with a purring companion cuddled up in your lap.
Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.
Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Are You At Risk Of Misusing Dog Treats
By: Joseph Then
I really liked the part about the doogie bad breath.
You might disagree, but hear me out on this.
Dog treats are not something that you give as bait for better behavior of your dog. Dog treats are not something that is cheap to come by.
When you think of dog treats you are probable thinking of doggie bones and snacks. There are a lot more different kinds of dog treats out there that you can choose from for your family pet. You are able to purchase many different items such as soft chew treats so that you dog is not going to be able to eat up their treat right away. When you are purchasing a dog treat that is a soft chew treat you know that you are not going to need to purchase a new different treat right away in most cases.
No matter if your dog is just a family protector for the long night or if they are part of the family, because you spoil them you are going to want to get your dog some kind of a treat every now and then. If you notice that the dog has bad breath then you may want to even check out the dog treats that will help them out with bad breath. That could be a good lifesaver if your dog is one that likes to make sure that you are up in the morning so that you do not end up running late. Just think if you are getting them one of the dog treats that will help with bad breath then you are not going to be knocked out in the morning when they are trying to get you moving.
No matter what kind of a dog treat you are looking for there is so many different ones out there that you can purchase for your dog. There are even ones that you are going to be able to make in the privacy of your own home so that you are going to be able to save a little money in the long run. Plus you may end up feeling better if you are making the dog treats for them instead of buying them all the time. At least when you make them you are going to know what all is in the dog treat that you made them.
In conclusion, never make a dog treat like bait. Use them wisely and you can reap the benefits of giving your dog the treats they deserve.
Depending on you, dog treats can have a positive or negative effect on your beloved dog. Know more about dog treats for FREE by visiting this website: http://www.1-dog-treats.info
I really liked the part about the doogie bad breath.
You might disagree, but hear me out on this.
Dog treats are not something that you give as bait for better behavior of your dog. Dog treats are not something that is cheap to come by.
When you think of dog treats you are probable thinking of doggie bones and snacks. There are a lot more different kinds of dog treats out there that you can choose from for your family pet. You are able to purchase many different items such as soft chew treats so that you dog is not going to be able to eat up their treat right away. When you are purchasing a dog treat that is a soft chew treat you know that you are not going to need to purchase a new different treat right away in most cases.
No matter if your dog is just a family protector for the long night or if they are part of the family, because you spoil them you are going to want to get your dog some kind of a treat every now and then. If you notice that the dog has bad breath then you may want to even check out the dog treats that will help them out with bad breath. That could be a good lifesaver if your dog is one that likes to make sure that you are up in the morning so that you do not end up running late. Just think if you are getting them one of the dog treats that will help with bad breath then you are not going to be knocked out in the morning when they are trying to get you moving.
No matter what kind of a dog treat you are looking for there is so many different ones out there that you can purchase for your dog. There are even ones that you are going to be able to make in the privacy of your own home so that you are going to be able to save a little money in the long run. Plus you may end up feeling better if you are making the dog treats for them instead of buying them all the time. At least when you make them you are going to know what all is in the dog treat that you made them.
In conclusion, never make a dog treat like bait. Use them wisely and you can reap the benefits of giving your dog the treats they deserve.
Depending on you, dog treats can have a positive or negative effect on your beloved dog. Know more about dog treats for FREE by visiting this website: http://www.1-dog-treats.info
All Dogs Go To Heaven And So Do The People That Love Them
By: Marcus Engel
I ran across this touching article, and thought I would pass it on.
"Sacrifice is a part of life. It is supposed to be. It's not something to regret - it's something to aspire to."
This quote comes from a conversation between an old soldier and his former captain in Mitch Album's book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Now deceased, they meet in heaven which, strangely enough, looks identical to the foreign soil on which they fought together.
As the two souls talk, the soldier, who died some 60 years after the war, learns that his captain sacrificed his own life to save those of his men during a battle. The former soldier learns from the captain, as well as the four other individuals he meets in heaven, just how much his existence affected those around him.
Very few of us will ever experience the ultimate sacrifice of giving our lives for another person. Yet, this part of the book stuck out so much due to some recent events.
We all make sacrifices every day. Some are big, some aren't, but each decision means turning away from another possibility. Maybe it is something as small as giving up a fun activity with friends in order to fulfill an obligation to a job, or maybe its something much, much larger.
Perhaps you or someone you know has given up a portion of their life to help care for an aged relative in the twilight of life. Privacy and freedom are moved to the back burner in order to assist a loved one nearing the end. The trade-off comes in the knowledge that someone is benefiting from that sacrifice.
From its inception, The Marcus Engel Newsletter has been a forum where each month I share a positive experience from which everyone can learn. If there's a little humor thrown in or you have an "ah-ha!" moment, all the better! This month, for the first time, I'm not sure thats going to happen.
If we've been acquainted for less than two years, you probably never had the pleasure of meeting my first Seeing Eye dog, Dasher, other than as a character in my autobiography.
I want to share a little history on the black lab that helped change my life.
Dasher and I were paired together when I was 19, less than a year and a half after losing my sight. Still fumbling through darkness and insecurity, Dasher helped reclaim more of the life I had prior to blindness than any other single element of my recovery. Through our seven years together, Dasher was the introduction to nearly every friend I met and every social interaction I had. As I began speaking professionally, Dasher shared the platform and broke down the barriers between the audience and me - something that is easier for a dog than any human!
In August of 2002 Dasher retired his leather harness and was lovingly adopted into "the good life" by my friends, Tempe and David. Knowing full well their new family member was in his golden years, Tempe and David still took on Dasher with all the enthusiasm and affection one would shower onto a new puppy. Handing over Dasher's leash was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but my heart and mind were put at ease with the knowledge that Dasher was going to a family he loved and who loved him.
Six weeks ago, Tempe and David lost a member of their family when Dasher breathed his last breath. Those of you who've experienced the death of a pet know how traumatic that loss can be. The inevitable passing of a pet is always unique and tragic in its own way.
Dasher's adoptive family made a HUGE sacrifice when they welcomed him into their home. After all, how many people really want to take on an animal in its later years knowing their time with that pet is governed by the laws of life expectancy. Practically no one. This is why I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifice made by Tempe and David.
Friends, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have Dasher's final years spent under loving care and watchful eyes. That, faithful reader, is one of the truest definitions of sacrifice.
As I read the story of the captain's voluntary loss of life for his men, and especially the lessons he taught his former soldier, I couldn't help but think of what my friends gave up by adopting an old dog, and what they lost when Dasher died. Yet, what the captain said next helped ease that pain: "Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not losing it, you're just passing it on to someone else."
I'm not sure truer words have ever been spoken. If you are one of the thousands whose life was touched by Dasher, thank you. Your acceptance and love gave him one of the best lives a dog could ever ask for. I'm sorry if this newsletter is a bit of an emotional downer, but I wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of Tempe and David.
Plus, after giving the majority of his life to my needs, Dasher deserves a fitting epitaph. In my humble notions of heaven, all things are perfect and all things are possible - including the presence of animals. So, to Dasher Thanks buddy, for seven great years. You helped me more than you'll ever know.
The article did not come with a link, so if any one knows of a link to Marcus's site I will be glad to add it.
"Sacrifice is a part of life. It is supposed to be. It's not something to regret - it's something to aspire to."
This quote comes from a conversation between an old soldier and his former captain in Mitch Album's book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Now deceased, they meet in heaven which, strangely enough, looks identical to the foreign soil on which they fought together.
As the two souls talk, the soldier, who died some 60 years after the war, learns that his captain sacrificed his own life to save those of his men during a battle. The former soldier learns from the captain, as well as the four other individuals he meets in heaven, just how much his existence affected those around him.
Very few of us will ever experience the ultimate sacrifice of giving our lives for another person. Yet, this part of the book stuck out so much due to some recent events.
We all make sacrifices every day. Some are big, some aren't, but each decision means turning away from another possibility. Maybe it is something as small as giving up a fun activity with friends in order to fulfill an obligation to a job, or maybe its something much, much larger.
Perhaps you or someone you know has given up a portion of their life to help care for an aged relative in the twilight of life. Privacy and freedom are moved to the back burner in order to assist a loved one nearing the end. The trade-off comes in the knowledge that someone is benefiting from that sacrifice.
From its inception, The Marcus Engel Newsletter has been a forum where each month I share a positive experience from which everyone can learn. If there's a little humor thrown in or you have an "ah-ha!" moment, all the better! This month, for the first time, I'm not sure thats going to happen.
If we've been acquainted for less than two years, you probably never had the pleasure of meeting my first Seeing Eye dog, Dasher, other than as a character in my autobiography.
I want to share a little history on the black lab that helped change my life.
Dasher and I were paired together when I was 19, less than a year and a half after losing my sight. Still fumbling through darkness and insecurity, Dasher helped reclaim more of the life I had prior to blindness than any other single element of my recovery. Through our seven years together, Dasher was the introduction to nearly every friend I met and every social interaction I had. As I began speaking professionally, Dasher shared the platform and broke down the barriers between the audience and me - something that is easier for a dog than any human!
In August of 2002 Dasher retired his leather harness and was lovingly adopted into "the good life" by my friends, Tempe and David. Knowing full well their new family member was in his golden years, Tempe and David still took on Dasher with all the enthusiasm and affection one would shower onto a new puppy. Handing over Dasher's leash was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but my heart and mind were put at ease with the knowledge that Dasher was going to a family he loved and who loved him.
Six weeks ago, Tempe and David lost a member of their family when Dasher breathed his last breath. Those of you who've experienced the death of a pet know how traumatic that loss can be. The inevitable passing of a pet is always unique and tragic in its own way.
Dasher's adoptive family made a HUGE sacrifice when they welcomed him into their home. After all, how many people really want to take on an animal in its later years knowing their time with that pet is governed by the laws of life expectancy. Practically no one. This is why I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifice made by Tempe and David.
Friends, I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have Dasher's final years spent under loving care and watchful eyes. That, faithful reader, is one of the truest definitions of sacrifice.
As I read the story of the captain's voluntary loss of life for his men, and especially the lessons he taught his former soldier, I couldn't help but think of what my friends gave up by adopting an old dog, and what they lost when Dasher died. Yet, what the captain said next helped ease that pain: "Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not losing it, you're just passing it on to someone else."
I'm not sure truer words have ever been spoken. If you are one of the thousands whose life was touched by Dasher, thank you. Your acceptance and love gave him one of the best lives a dog could ever ask for. I'm sorry if this newsletter is a bit of an emotional downer, but I wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of Tempe and David.
Plus, after giving the majority of his life to my needs, Dasher deserves a fitting epitaph. In my humble notions of heaven, all things are perfect and all things are possible - including the presence of animals. So, to Dasher Thanks buddy, for seven great years. You helped me more than you'll ever know.
The article did not come with a link, so if any one knows of a link to Marcus's site I will be glad to add it.
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