When It Comes To Litter – Think Inside The Box

Periodic Newsletter from The IAMS Company:
From: “Eukanuba Cat”
To: hart (at) petlvr.com
Subject: When It Comes To Litter, Think Inside The Box

Helping Eliminate Those Elimination Problems

Cats are territorial by nature, which can pose special challenges with the litter box in multi-cat households. The species follows a strict hierarchical order and often a cat won’t use a litter box that has been “marked” by another more dominant cat. Others simply won’t share their litter box at all.

There is a straightforward solution to the problem however. Simply provide each cat with her own litter box in her own location. As a rule, you should have one litter box for every cat in the household. Also it is advisable to keep an extra box in a separate location in the event there is a dispute over one of them.

Overcrowding is another factor that contributes to litter accidents. It can cause anxiety in cats, which in-turn might cause them to go astray. For cats to feel secure, they must have an area they can call their own, an oasis to retreat to when they feel threatened. Make sure each of your cats has their own enclosure, cat condo, hideout or window perch that is reserved exclusively for them.

If you have an older cat, his accidents may be more the result of age or a medical condition. A thorough check-up by your veterinarian can help identify whether he may have a urinary tract or bladder infection. Your vet can then prescribe the right course of treatment for your cat.

In case of an accident, use non-ammonia based cleaner to treat the urine stained areas. There are many products available that contain special enzymes or bacteria that works specifically on pet odors. It is important to thoroughly clean the area because cats have an inherently strong sense of smell and may be confused by a scent that is not associated with the litter box. It is also a good idea to keep the area off limits for a while.

If you suspect a medical condition could be at the root of your cat’s littering problems, the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian.

With these helpful tips and some everyday common sense, soon you will be well on your way to eliminating your cat’s elimination problems.

The Dish – Eukanuba® Pouches and Cans. Good to the last nutrient

Even the fussiest, most incorrigible cat can’t resist the taste of Eukanuba® Pouches and Cans. The moist and meaty texture will appeal to your senior cat’s refined senses. And the Savory Chicken or Select Tuna flavors will appeal to her sophisticated sense of taste. But more importantly, Eukanuba® Pouches and Cans contain a unique balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are part of the Eukanuba Vital Health System.™ Every tender bite delivers key nutrients when and where they’re needed for total body health.

Health Watch – Hospice Care—Making end-of-life decisions with compassion

Unfortunately, as cats get older they become more susceptible to life threatening diseases such as cancer, kidney and heart failure or neurological disorders. There may come a time when you are faced with the decision to continue treatments, which can be both costly and have serious side effects, or to stop and let your pet end her life in the most compassionate way possible.

Modeled after the practice begun by human medicine in the 1960’s, Hospice care is not a specific place but rather a philosophy that promotes an alternative to death in an impersonal, clinical environment. The goal of hospice is not geared towards curing a cat’s disease, but rather to provide pain control and physical and emotional comfort for the pet in your own home. In conjunction with your veterinarian, hospice will give you step-by-step instructions on monitoring and managing your cat’s comfort level, administering pain medications and what symptoms to look for, such as agitation or vocalization of pain that might signal a need to change treatment options.

Though a troubling decision for all caretakers to make, there is a point where your cat’s quality of life may be so compromised that Euthanasia may be the best alternative. Most veterinarians will tell you that if the pet is no longer able to stand or walk, can’t control his elimination, becomes disoriented, agitated or cries out in pain, that euthanasia may be a more humane choice. Knowing these symptoms in advance can help prepare you for that decision. Today, in keeping with the hospice philosophy, many veterinarians will agree to euthanize pets at home, allowing them, and their owners to experience death in a familiar, caring environment.

Facts and Felines – Keep your indoor cat from climbing the walls

Indoor cats tend to live substantially longer and healthier lives than their counterparts in the great outdoors. But as cats settle-in to this sedentary lifestyle, they tend to become more vulnerable to certain diseases and behavioral problems. It is important to provide them with mental stimulation and one of the best prescriptions for both their mental and physical health is exercise.

Why exercise?

Because movement increases her metabolism, heart rate and circulation. Plus it helps prevent behavioral problems associated with boredom. It also prevents obesity. And because cats are naturally inquisitive, playful and social creatures, exercise gives them an outlet to express these lovable personality traits. Be sure to give them plenty of supervised playtime which is also a terrific way for the two of you to bond.

Whether for your cat’s physical or mental health, exercise will help them from “climbing the walls” and is the key to a happy, healthy cat.

Copyright© 2005 The Iams Company. All rights reserved.

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