Cat - Identifying a Nickel Allergy

While we have all heard of people having a dust mite allergy, dog or cat allergy, peanut allergy, gluten allergy, and so on, very few of us have heard of the people living with a nickel allergy. Even so, the number of people living with a nickel allergy is actually on the rise, partly due to the ever-increasing popularity with body piercing in which nickel is a common metal. In fact, experts estimate that people with a nickel allergy has risen by as much as 40% over the past 10 years, specific to piercing. With a nickel allergy, the symptoms can strike people of all ages and both genders. While some people will have immediate reaction, most will have a reaction caused by prolonged exposure to the nickel. If you have a nickel allergy and like piercings, then you might consider using stainless steel, gold, or silver instead. Other people who have a nickel allergy include those working with various chemicals or machinery that involves nickel such as hairdressers, hospital staff, or those working with cleaning chemicals. The problem is that for alloy to be produced, nickel is added to other metals. Therefore, nickel could easily be a component of many things we use throughout our daily lives without us even knowing it. For example, eyeglasses, watches, belt buckles, and even zippers all have nickel. For the person with the nickel allergy, this would be a problem. Other items commonly made from with degree of nickel include pens, razors, scissors, handles on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, cigarette lighters, catches on purses, toasters, needles, and so on. If you have a bad nickel allergy, you can actually purchase a testing kit that can help you identify the things you handle daily that might be a contributing factor. Although avoiding everything with nickel would be difficult, at least you would know some of the items to avoid. Just as nickel should be avoided by touch, there is also concern about food consumption. Generally, if someone has a serious nickel allergy, his or her doctor would prescribe a nickel-restricted diet in which foods high in nickel would be eliminated. Some of the foods would include: Beans Buckwheat Chocolate Dried Fruit Figs Lettuce Licorice Linseed Millet Multigrain Breads Nuts Oats Onions Peas Pineapple Prunes Raspberries Salmon Shellfish Soy Powder Spinach Tea Tomato Wheat Bran or Wheat Bran Products...and more Generally a person with a nickel allergy will experience skin rash and irritation. This dermatologic effect can be magnified by humidity and sweat. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to desensitize the person living with a nickel allergy using pills, shots, or other forms of treatment. Therefore, the best method of treatment is avoidance. If a rash does develop from the nickel allergy, usually cortisone cream will help. Grant Segall RPh is the webmaster of http://www.allergy-allergy.com a website dedicated to helping those suffering from allergy and allergy symptoms. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grant_Segall Cat - How to Solve Common House Cat Problems Cats have always become popular pets in households stretching about the globe. The charming ball of fur that lies across your lap and purrs in the middle of the night is a companion that often asserts its independence more than the beloved canine. With a relaxing softness, some believe that cats can do no wrong. When you speak to someone with torn furniture and scratches on his or her arms, they will tell you different. Cats do possess behavioral issues, but the good news is - none come without a remedy when approached with patience and consistency. Before you enter the world of cat discipline and training, you should take your feline to the vet. Sometimes, cats act out when they are stressed or have undergone a sudden change in their life, such as a move or new baby in the house. Cats may use the furniture as a scratching pole, ignore the litter box, and spray items in the household. Also, when cats are sick, they tend to face difficulties making it in time to the litter box. Not Using the Litter Box Cats are quite particular when it comes to their litter box. When their litter isn't kept up to their standards, they simply won't use it. Cleaning the litter box twice per day is highly recommended. Many cats also bypass a litter box that is dirty. When you are able, scrubbing the box out and letting it air dry once a week will do wonders. You should also know that the litter you select may turn off your cat - unscented, clumping selections are best. Litter Box Pickiness Some cats prefer urinating and defecating separate from one another, which may call for multiple litter boxes. This is also a wise move when you own more than one cat. Some felines absolutely avoid a litter box that another cat has used. Felines are generally picky when it comes to their litter box activity. Cat Urine A cat that urinates on the carpet, curtains, or pieces of furniture can become a real nuisance. Cleaning the affected areas with an enzymatic cleaner is a must. This will assist in removing the smells and stains left behind. Products to repel, as well as clean cat urine can be found at the local pet store, as well as over the Internet (sometimes for a discount). Spaying and Neutering Not only does spaying and neutering help lessen the cat overpopulation problem, but also makes a healthier, happier, safer feline. About 90% of all cats will cease spraying on the furniture or curtains when they have been spayed or neutered. Also, male cats that show a tendency to become aggressive respond well to this procedure. Reduce Clawing Some cats are natural clawers, which makes it important to keep their nails trimmed with the use of a claw clipper. The proper way to trim their nails is to gently press on the footpad to extend the claw. The tip of the nail should be snipped without cutting into the pink portion of the nail. When the pink part becomes compromised, the nail will bleed, often spooking your cat into running away. To satisfy the clawing in your cat, you may give them a designated place to do so, such as a scratching post or tree trunk. Rubbing catnip on the place you have selected is a good way to encourage them to accept your suggestion. Cats Don't Like Foul Smells A nasty smelling product can be used to deter cats from scratching, spraying, clawing, and marking their territory.

Cat - How to Solve Common House Cat Problems

Save 5% on orders over $75 at Only Natural Pet Store! Use coupon code CJ75. Cats have always become popular pets in households stretching about the globe. The charming ball of fur that lies across your lap and purrs in the middle of the night is a companion that often asserts its independence more than the beloved canine. With a relaxing softness, some believe that cats can do no wrong. When you speak to someone with torn furniture and scratches on his or her arms, they will tell you different. Cats do possess behavioral issues, but the good news is - none come without a remedy when approached with patience and consistency. Before you enter the world of cat discipline and training, you should take your feline to the vet. Sometimes, cats act out when they are stressed or have undergone a sudden change in their life, such as a move or new baby in the house. Cats may use the furniture as a scratching pole, ignore the litter box, and spray items in the household. Also, when cats are sick, they tend to face difficulties making it in time to the litter box. Not Using the Litter Box Cats are quite particular when it comes to their litter box. When their litter isn't kept up to their standards, they simply won't use it. Cleaning the litter box twice per day is highly recommended. Many cats also bypass a litter box that is dirty. When you are able, scrubbing the box out and letting it air dry once a week will do wonders. You should also know that the litter you select may turn off your cat - unscented, clumping selections are best. Litter Box Pickiness Some cats prefer urinating and defecating separate from one another, which may call for multiple litter boxes. This is also a wise move when you own more than one cat. Some felines absolutely avoid a litter box that another cat has used. Felines are generally picky when it comes to their litter box activity. Cat Urine A cat that urinates on the carpet, curtains, or pieces of furniture can become a real nuisance. Cleaning the affected areas with an enzymatic cleaner is a must. This will assist in removing the smells and stains left behind. Products to repel, as well as clean cat urine can be found at the local pet store, as well as over the Internet (sometimes for a discount). Spaying and Neutering Not only does spaying and neutering help lessen the cat overpopulation problem, but also makes a healthier, happier, safer feline. About 90% of all cats will cease spraying on the furniture or curtains when they have been spayed or neutered. Also, male cats that show a tendency to become aggressive respond well to this procedure. Reduce Clawing Some cats are natural clawers, which makes it important to keep their nails trimmed with the use of a claw clipper. The proper way to trim their nails is to gently press on the footpad to extend the claw. The tip of the nail should be snipped without cutting into the pink portion of the nail. When the pink part becomes compromised, the nail will bleed, often spooking your cat into running away. To satisfy the clawing in your cat, you may give them a designated place to do so, such as a scratching post or tree trunk. Rubbing catnip on the place you have selected is a good way to encourage them to accept your suggestion. Cats Don't Like Foul Smells A nasty smelling product can be used to deter cats from scratching, spraying, clawing, and marking their territory. Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, you'll want to visit secretsofcats.com today to find out how to train your cat and eliminate bad cat behavior quickly. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Camden Cat - A Healthy Diet - The Most Important Aspect Of Caring For A Diabetic Cat There are a wide variety of cat foods made especially for cat with diabetes on the market. Most of them are sold through your local veterinary, while some of the more uncommon ones may need to be pre-ordered before hand. Feeding is a very important aspect of caring for cats with diabetes, cat owners are advised to consult their veterinary for advices and ask them to keep a record of what you are feeding as careful diet record including insulin treatment, and exercise regime are useful in your diabetic cat health management. With the advancement research of animal health, there are many proprietary cat food type and brands suitable for diabetic cats. Some of the common diabetic cat food type includes weight-loss, low carbohydrate, and high protein diets. While some of these commercial diabetic cat foods are widely available, some of them have been reported by owners and veterinary to cause urinary problems for cats. Therefore, it's always safer to seek your veterinary advice on what food to feed your cat. Listed below is an introduction to some of the more popular diabetic cat food available in the market: - Brand Wellness offers a wide variety of quality cat food that is known for not relying on fillers and bulk. - Purina diabetic cat food offers a range of gourmet options. They choose to provide the link between obesity and high carbohydrate diet. One of their latest product is Fancy Feast. It contains very little in fillers and non-fish and meat ingredients. - Lams and Eukanuba offer high quality, animal protein-rich and calorie-light kibbled diets helpful in reducing obesity. Using only healthy ingredients like vegetables and premium meat. - Hill's Science Diet manufacture both kibbled and canned food, and has a low calorie, high fiber option as an aid to weight management. Their range of products is popular for catering to all cat ages. - Royal Canin (formerly Waltham) manufactures a range of kibbled food, and their Fit range diet is useful for cats with diabetes. One of the best ways to feed a cat with diabetes recommended by most veterinary and animal diet specialists is the homemade diet as it will be able to cater best to your cat's specific needs best and is consider far better than most commercial cat food. If you are preparing your own homemade natural and balance food, make sure you seek your veterinary advice on how to prepare the healthiest food that your cat might need.

Cat - A Healthy Diet - The Most Important Aspect Of Caring For A Diabetic Cat

Save 5% on orders over $75 at Only Natural Pet Store! Use coupon code CJ75. There are a wide variety of cat foods made especially for cat with diabetes on the market. Most of them are sold through your local veterinary, while some of the more uncommon ones may need to be pre-ordered before hand. Feeding is a very important aspect of caring for cats with diabetes, cat owners are advised to consult their veterinary for advices and ask them to keep a record of what you are feeding as careful diet record including insulin treatment, and exercise regime are useful in your diabetic cat health management. With the advancement research of animal health, there are many proprietary cat food type and brands suitable for diabetic cats. Some of the common diabetic cat food type includes weight-loss, low carbohydrate, and high protein diets. While some of these commercial diabetic cat foods are widely available, some of them have been reported by owners and veterinary to cause urinary problems for cats. Therefore, it's always safer to seek your veterinary advice on what food to feed your cat. Listed below is an introduction to some of the more popular diabetic cat food available in the market: - Brand Wellness offers a wide variety of quality cat food that is known for not relying on fillers and bulk. - Purina diabetic cat food offers a range of gourmet options. They choose to provide the link between obesity and high carbohydrate diet. One of their latest product is Fancy Feast. It contains very little in fillers and non-fish and meat ingredients. - Lams and Eukanuba offer high quality, animal protein-rich and calorie-light kibbled diets helpful in reducing obesity. Using only healthy ingredients like vegetables and premium meat. - Hill's Science Diet manufacture both kibbled and canned food, and has a low calorie, high fiber option as an aid to weight management. Their range of products is popular for catering to all cat ages. - Royal Canin (formerly Waltham) manufactures a range of kibbled food, and their Fit range diet is useful for cats with diabetes. One of the best ways to feed a cat with diabetes recommended by most veterinary and animal diet specialists is the homemade diet as it will be able to cater best to your cat's specific needs best and is consider far better than most commercial cat food. If you are preparing your own homemade natural and balance food, make sure you seek your veterinary advice on how to prepare the healthiest food that your cat might need. Moses Wright is a webmaster and he provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Illnesses Symptoms on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright Cat - Why Does My Cat Do That? Cats are truly fascinating creatures. They have a variety of interesting habits, which some people find baffling, but there is a reason for just about everything a cat does. Purring Why do cats make that strange sound? Purring is a form of feline communication. A mother cat and kittens purr as a sign of comfort and cats will continue this behavior throughout their lives. A cat normally purrs when it is happy about something or feeling contented and relaxed but it might also purr when anxious or even close to death. Nobody is completely sure how purring happens. Some people think it is caused by blood moving turbulently through the blood vessels. Others think it is because of soft palate vibrations. Purring in cats has been examined by electromyographic tests to indicate a level of electrical activity in the cat's muscles. This might mean that purring is caused by the larynx muscles being activated. The vocal chords are in the larynx. Partial closure of the larynx, or glottis, might be responsible for the purring sounds. Face rubbing Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub his face on everything? Cats like to rub their cheeks, chins and bodies on nearly anything. Whether or not it feels nice to them, this is not the main reason for doing it. Around their mouths, foreheads, lips and chins, cats have scent glands. When a cat rubs itself on a person, it might be taken as a form of greeting. Cats living in a group frequently rub up against each other to exchange scents. In this way a 'colony scent' is created. This is a quick way of identifying any intruders. A cat coming back from the veterinarian might make the other cats hiss and be unfriendly because of the strange scents it brings back from there. Recognition between cats has a lot to do with smell and their sense of smell is very strong. Scratching things Scratching is mainly to sharpen and condition a cat's claws. It removes loose parts of the nail sheath which covers the growing nail. Cats also have scent glands in their paws and scratching leaves the cat's scent on the item being scratched. This marks it as the cat's territory. Cats continue to try and scratch even if declawed, showing that scratching is part of their integral behavior, whether or not they have claws to sharpen. It is either habit or the cat wanting to leave its scent on the item it is trying to scratch. Cat furniture can be a great way to allow your cat to scratch but not destroy your furniture. Kneading Cats often knead your lap before they will lie down. In fact, they often knead any surface they plan to lie down on. Kneading is when a cat extends the claws on its front two paws and digs them into the surface which an alternating rhythmic motion. Kneading (also known as milk tread) is first used in kittenhood. When a kitten is sucking at its mother's teats, it extends its legs and kneads the area around the teat. This makes the milk flow out faster. Perhaps as adults, a cat continues this behavior because it feels happy and safe and associates the comfort and joy of lying on your lap with the happiness he shared with his mother.

Cat - Why Does My Cat Do That?

Quality Cat Supplies available at Low Prices and Free Shipping! Cats are truly fascinating creatures. They have a variety of interesting habits, which some people find baffling, but there is a reason for just about everything a cat does. Purring Why do cats make that strange sound? Purring is a form of feline communication. A mother cat and kittens purr as a sign of comfort and cats will continue this behavior throughout their lives. A cat normally purrs when it is happy about something or feeling contented and relaxed but it might also purr when anxious or even close to death. Nobody is completely sure how purring happens. Some people think it is caused by blood moving turbulently through the blood vessels. Others think it is because of soft palate vibrations. Purring in cats has been examined by electromyographic tests to indicate a level of electrical activity in the cat's muscles. This might mean that purring is caused by the larynx muscles being activated. The vocal chords are in the larynx. Partial closure of the larynx, or glottis, might be responsible for the purring sounds. Face rubbing Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub his face on everything? Cats like to rub their cheeks, chins and bodies on nearly anything. Whether or not it feels nice to them, this is not the main reason for doing it. Around their mouths, foreheads, lips and chins, cats have scent glands. When a cat rubs itself on a person, it might be taken as a form of greeting. Cats living in a group frequently rub up against each other to exchange scents. In this way a 'colony scent' is created. This is a quick way of identifying any intruders. A cat coming back from the veterinarian might make the other cats hiss and be unfriendly because of the strange scents it brings back from there. Recognition between cats has a lot to do with smell and their sense of smell is very strong. Scratching things Scratching is mainly to sharpen and condition a cat's claws. It removes loose parts of the nail sheath which covers the growing nail. Cats also have scent glands in their paws and scratching leaves the cat's scent on the item being scratched. This marks it as the cat's territory. Cats continue to try and scratch even if declawed, showing that scratching is part of their integral behavior, whether or not they have claws to sharpen. It is either habit or the cat wanting to leave its scent on the item it is trying to scratch. Cat furniture can be a great way to allow your cat to scratch but not destroy your furniture. Kneading Cats often knead your lap before they will lie down. In fact, they often knead any surface they plan to lie down on. Kneading is when a cat extends the claws on its front two paws and digs them into the surface which an alternating rhythmic motion. Kneading (also known as milk tread) is first used in kittenhood. When a kitten is sucking at its mother's teats, it extends its legs and kneads the area around the teat. This makes the milk flow out faster. Perhaps as adults, a cat continues this behavior because it feels happy and safe and associates the comfort and joy of lying on your lap with the happiness he shared with his mother. Click on these links for more information on cat furniture, or cat health. You can also find great cat furniture, cat trees, pet carriers and pet steps for your cat. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_P._Lee Cat - Train a Cat to Listen Cats cannot be discipline as you would a dog. With a dog they are social dominant that can be trained to have you as the dominant one. The reason that cats will not react as a dog is that cats have social groups only by respect and social groups. Physical punishment on cat will only result in the cat fearing you. So never, hit your cat or any physical punishment. Train your cat to have appropriate behaviors and that they cannot do the inappropriate behaviors as you will not tolerate this type of behavior. Cats do not like surprises; an advantage that you will have on the cat, in order to be able to train by using surprise noises. Use clapping, firm voice "NO", hissing, or water bottle to have your cat stop the unwanted behaviors. For these to be effective you must do a surprising sound immediately when the unwanted behaviors are being done. Seconds later or even when you come home and find the unwanted behavior done is not going to be effective as doing it as soon as the cat starts the unwanted behavior. Never rub the nose of the cat. Use the face push method, pushing the palm of you hand in the cats face. This is a great way to let your cat know that biting is not acceptable, if you have a cat that is biting. Simply push the cats face back gently, do not hit the cat. Some behaviors will not be able to train. Childproofing might be the solution to that behavior. Small plastic container, keep the valuable breakables out of reach, find our of reach places for the dangerous items so your cat cannot reach and get into them. Make sure all items that the cat might be able to get on if there is a climbing or a jumping problem is secure. Pet stores do offer assorted sprays, creams, powders, scents, and other items to help with the training your cat. Catnip is available in different forms to help with having your cat know some of it territory. Scat mats are mats that have very little current that runs on a battery. These are great for on the counter, couch, or anything that the cat has been jumping on when your presents is not in that room. Scents in sprays and creams for furniture, litter boxes and other item that help deterrent your cat from. So they will use a scratching pole. Place fabric that is lose woven down, or netting cats does not like to have their nails snag. Rubbing lemon, bitters, cayenne pepper, orange peelings on items that the cat is not allow playing with. Put foil paper around plants so that your cat is not digging in the dirt. Cats do not like the feel or noise from the foil paper. Toys for actives are also import for you to help with behaviors. If you do not supply actives for the cat to do you will not be able to train your cat. Toys with catnip in them are great, scratching poles, ropes, and hoops for jumping through. You can be crafty and make items that the cat would like to play with. Starting to train a cat when it is young is the best way, this is the easiest with you and with the cat. Less stress, your cat will learn the good behaviors easier, and you can get a handle on the natural bad behaviors. Once of the best things to make sure that your cat is ready to train is take him to the vet for a check up and make sure he has had his shot. This is important; as if your cat is ill, you will not be able to train your cat. Also, for the groomer to maintain his fur and nails. Both of these are great to for the social part of training. Your cat will need to see these people on regular bases and if started right away, will help with the training. Most of all Patience, love and caring for your cat will be a great gift that you can do for the training. They will love you back.