“For years, I’ve talked about the importance of parasite control,” said Becker. “Like a number of companion animal health organizations, I endorse the recommendations of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) to administer year-round heartworm, flea and tick preventives for the life of your dog or cat no matter where you live.”

The nonprofit CAPC is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.

“We’re thrilled to have Marty Becker — ‘America’s best-loved family doctor for pets’ — on board,” said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of CAPC. “Marty is an internationally recognized pet health advocate who believes like we do in the power of parasite prevention.”

Despite the availability of effective treatments to prevent them, parasites — some deadly — remain a common fact of life for dogs and cats. Most companion animals have the potential for contact with parasites multiple times a day, all year long. Experts agree there is a year-round threat in all regions of the country, even those that experience below-freezing temperatures, since parasites such as fleas and ticks thrive inside homes regardless of weather conditions outdoors.

Millions of dogs and cats in the United States are treated for fleas and ticks each year. Flea, tick and mite infestations cause great discomfort, transmit disease to pets and humans and significantly interfere with the relationship between people and their pets.

Dogs and cats also are commonly infected with intestinal parasites, some of which may be transmitted to people. Such “zoonotic” diseases, those that are passed from pets to people, jeopardize the health of pets and create a significant risk to the public. Three to six million people in the United States are infected with parasites each year. Some (like Toxocara sp. which can lead to systemic illness in humans including visual losses) can cause very serious disease.

“Parasite control today is simple, safe and effective — so different from the chemical warfare nature it used to be with dips, bombs, sprays, powders and collars,” Becker said. “Treating your dog or cat for parasites with a monthly product is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give your pet a long, happy, healthy life and eliminate related health risks to your family.”

For more information about the CAPC guidelines and easy tips to keep your canine and human family safe from parasites and the diseases they cause, visit www.petsandparasites.org. This CAPC Web site provides general information about 10 of the most common internal and external parasites of dogs and cats. The site, which is divided into “Dog Owner” and “Cat Owner” sections, provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pets, parasites and their effects on human and animal health. Pet owners can also find information about the behavioral changes and other symptoms that indicate their dog or cat may be infected by parasites.

All the best for cat health care,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

Calabash, NC (PRWEB) In the U.S., over 44% of dogs and 57% of cats are now estimated to be overweight or obese according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). The annual National Pet Obesity Day Study showed that the number of overweight dogs and cats increased by 1% and 4%, respectively.

“Pet obesity continues to emerge as a leading cause of preventable disease and death in dogs and cats. Our pets are in real danger of not living as long as previous generations and developing serious and costly diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and other largely avoidable conditions,” states lead researcher Dr. Ernie Ward.

Obesity rates in cats were highest at 17.8%; dogs were slightly better with 9.6% classified as obese. Approximately 39.6% of all cats and 34.7% of dogs were classified as overweight by a veterinary healthcare provider.

According to the study, 7.2 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 26 million overweight. The number in cats is higher, with 15.7 million estimated to be obese and 35 million overweight.

“These numbers, 33 million dogs and 51 million cats that are overweight, represent a huge problem for everyone. Excess weight causes or contributes to many painful and debilitating conditions. Just as we’ve become a nation of couch potatoes, our pets have become a nation of lap potatoes–and that’s not good for anyone,” replies Dr. Ward.

Older animals had a higher incidence of being overweight; 52.1% of dogs and 55% of cats over age seven were found to be overweight or obese.

“This is a particularly concerning discovery for veterinarians. Extra pounds in older pets amplify any pre-existing conditions and complicate treatment. We’re seeing more and more diabetes, respiratory, and arthritic conditions in older pets as a direct result of obesity. These are often chronic, incurable, and generally preventable diseases. Pet owners need to understand that a few extra pounds on a dog or cat is similar to a person being 30 to 50 pounds overweight,” says Dr. Ward.

Pet owners with heavy pets accurately reported their pet’s weight status when asked by veterinary healthcare providers; 71.5% of owners with overweight or obese cats identified their cat as overweight or obese, and 60% of dog owners agreed with their veterinarian’s assessment of their dog’s weight.

“This tells me pet owners know their pet is too heavy. It’s up to veterinarians to help pet lovers get their pet back to a healthy weight,” responds Dr. Ward.

Smaller breeds of dogs had more trouble with their weight than larger breeds. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire terriers were more likely to be classified as overweight than Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, or German shepherds.

“Smaller, indoor-only dogs tend to have more trouble maintaining a healthy weight because they don’t get adequate exercise. Unfortunately, these are also the dogs we’re seeing a high number of weight-related disorders in,” says Ward.

The second National Pet Obesity Awareness Day study was conducted using data collected by 95 U.S. veterinary clinics in October, 2008. In all, 669 dogs aged 1 to 16 and 202 cats aged 1 to 19 were evaluated. Approximately 10% of dogs were classified as obese and 35% as overweight. Approximately 18% of all cats were rated as obese and 40% as overweight.

For additional information on the study, please contact Dr. Ernie Ward or visit www.PetObesityPrevention.com.

About the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP):

APOP was founded in 2005 by Dr. Ernie Ward to promote awareness of the dangers of pet obesity to veterinary healthcare providers and pet owners. APOP is not affiliated with any pet or veterinary company or corporation.

Contact

Dr. Ernie Ward, President Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

DrWard (at) SeasideVet (dot) com

910-579-5550

http://www.PetObesityPrevention.com

Best cat health care for all cat breeds,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

Find More Cat Breeds Press Releases

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Whitewater, WI (PRWEB) Each year, thousands of cats are diagnosed with Feline AIDS, also known as the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV. Well-meaning veterinarians often tell pet owners this disease is untreatable, but hope and help are now available. Possibilities for great cat health care have never been better.

Feline AIDS: A Pet Owner’s Guide by Thomas Hapka outlines simple, affordable treatment plans, which often require little more than a trip to your local health food store. The book is meant to address an important need.

“When my own cat was diagnosed, I was shocked to learn there were no books or useful articles available on this subject,” Hapka said during a recent presentation at the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville, Wisconsin. “By publishing this book, I hope to provide pet owners the information they need to assure prompt, effective treatment for their FIV+ cats.”

According to Lita Radford, professional homeopath and owner-operator of pets4homeopathy.com, “…Thomas Hapka has written this book in such a way that in one hour or less you will have enough information to get your cat on the road to recovery. Briefly, but ever so thoroughly, you will have sound knowledge of this disease, and better still, be equipped with the tools you need to do something about it.”

FIV is a virus that attacks the infected cat’s immune system, leaving the animal vulnerable to a broad range of infections. Although the disease behaves similarly to HIV, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

“Many people panic when they hear the word AIDS,” Hapka said. “I recently received a heartbreaking email from a woman in Australia who euthanized her beloved family cat, mistakenly believing the animal could give AIDS to her grandchildren. Cases like this are especially tragic because Feline AIDS is exclusively a feline disease. It is NOT possible for humans to catch AIDS from a cat.”

Another misconception is that a diagnosis of FIV is an automatic death sentence. Hapka, however, contends that cats receiving natural therapies and proper medical care can live for extended periods with few or no symptoms.

“By using the treatment strategies in this book, pet owners can strengthen their cats’ immune systems, helping to protect these animals from common infections that can otherwise prove life threatening for FIV+ cats,” says Hapka.

Feline AIDS: A Pet Owner’s Guide explains how to:

recognize the early symptoms of FIV

choose appropriate conventional treatments

use natural treatment strategies

find useful resources, including holistic

practitioners and supplement companies

Thomas Hapka is a freelance writer and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He learned of FIV in 1995 when his cat, Jac, was diagnosed. Since then, he has consulted with hundreds of pet owners. His clients have spanned nine countries and included two American zoos. Hapka has been featured in the magazine Australian National Cat, and his web site has received more than 80,000 visitors.

Feline AIDS: A Pet Owner’s Guide, published by Kitter House Press, is now available through amazon.com and felineaids.org.

For good cat health care,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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Catpert – positioning itself as The Cat Expert – provides hundreds of articles on topics like cat health, grooming, training, behavior and history of cats. It also features a gallery of pictures of cats where cat owners can submit photos of their cats. Cat owners can ask specific cat-related questions directly from top cap experts and veterinarians.

Catpert Founder Peep Laja says: “At Catpert we take the needs of cat owners very seriously: we talk to cat owners and take their views on board. Over the next year, we will conduct a series of informal research programs and the results will influence the future developments of the website.”

Peep Laja added: “I am a cat lover myself and when I searched the internet for information on cats, I was dissappointed by the resources available, not only in content but also in usability and design. So I decided to make Catpert.com to save people the pain.”

About Catpert

Catpert is a one-stop portal for cat owners that provides information about cat health, care, breeds, advice and cat-related articles.

Media Contact:

Peep Laja

Director

Catpert. The Cat Expert

pr(@)catpert.com

http://www.catpert.com

Best of cat health care,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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In the ad, De Rossi declares herself an “Alley Cat Ally,” and a supporter of Alley Cat Allies’ major campaign to raise awareness about the millions of Americans who care for stray and feral cats in their communities.

“We are delighted to have Portia de Rossi on board to represent the individuals from all walks of life who share compassion for these cats,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies, the recognized authority on feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return.

“I’m very happy to be involved with Alley Cat Allies and their efforts to help stray and feral cats,” said De Rossi. “The Trap-Neuter-Return approach is the only way to help contain the populations and save their lives.”

“Millions of Americans have opened their hearts and wallets to stray and feral cats. A national survey by the respected research organization Harris Interactive found that over 40 percent of Americans have fed a stray cat in their lives, and one out of five has done so in the past year,” Robinson said.

Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats, but they are not socialized to people and prefer to live in family groups called colonies. Because they are not adoptable, they are almost always killed in animal shelters.

Robinson noted that many progressive communities across the country have adopted a lifesaving program called Trap-Neuter-Return, in which feral cats are humanely trapped, brought to a veterinarian to be neutered and vaccinated and returned to their outdoor home. Trap-Neuter-Return is the best course of action for feral cats because it ends the breeding cycle, stabilizes populations and improves the cats’ health, Robinson said.

For more information about the “Alley Cat Ally” campaign, visit www.alleycat.org/PSA.

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is the nation’s leading advocate for stray and feral cats. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.

About Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi recently starred as a fifth season series regular on the FX popular original drama series “Nip/Tuck,” and starred as ‘Lindsay Bluth Funke’ in the critically acclaimed Fox comedy “Arrested Development.” De Rossi is best known for her portrayal of the enigmatic lawyer ‘Nelle Porter’ on Fox’s hugely successful “Ally McBeal.”

Feral cat breeds update,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

Find More Cat Breeds Press Releases

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Websites that show pictures of cats and kittens are nothing new. But KittySpotlight.com is not your average cat photo website. It is one of a handful of websites where cat owners can share pictures of their cats, but there are two things that make this particular website unique:

1. The website showcases one cat or kitten at a time, making that cat the spotlight superstar. Photos are showcased with a description and a few notes about what makes the cat special.

2. The Kitty Spotlight is also operated entirely by cats — the only website of its kind.

The website also has a “Kitty Library” with information on cat care, cat health and more.

The premise of Kitty Spotlight is to “shine a spotlight on the world’s feline population, one cat or kitten at a time.” Cat owners simply email their cat pictures to the all-kitty staff that operates the website. Most, if not all, cat pictures will make it onto the spotlighted “stage.”

According to Sassy, a Persian cat who manages public relations for the site, the mission is one of pride:

“We firmly believe that all cats are special,” said Sassy. “Look at me for example. Can you deny that I’m one special kitty? Well, there are lots of special kitties out there, and that’s why we launched the site. We are using KittySpotlight.com to showcase all the special cats in the world … or as many as possible without having to work late.”

Dexter, a domestic long hair cat who is also editor-in-chief of KittySpotlight.com, echoed Sassy’s sentiments:

“In some respects, I have a really tough job,” said Dexter. “I’m in charge of the Spotlight Selection Committee that chooses which cat pictures to showcase on the site. Right now, it’s not a big deal. But as the website grows and we get dozens of pictures a day, it’s going to be hard to select two or three kitties for that day’s spotlight. All cats are special, so how does one go about choosing? We shall do our best.”

How to send cat pictures to KittySpotlight.com:

If you’re a cat owner and you’d like to share pictures of your kitten or cat with other cat lovers worldwide — or if you’re a cat who has learned how to operate a computer — here’s how you can join in the fun. Visit KittySpotlight.com and look for the link in the upper-right corner that says “Send us your kitty pics.” Then just follow the instructions listed on the page. Just send your cat or kitten pictures to the email address listed on the website, and the all-kitty staff will take care of the rest.

About Kitty Spotlight

KittySpotlight.com is the only website operated entirely by cats. The website spotlights and showcases pictures of cats and kittens sent in from all over the world. Cat owners can participate simply by emailing pictures of their cat or kitten to the all-kitty staff listed on the website. Learn more by visiting www.kittyspotlight.com.

For cat health care and other fun,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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While any cat breed can be plagued by accidents and illnesses that require expensive veterinary care, these are the five that required the highest cost of care, according to Trupanion databases.

1. Siamese – Siamese cats are one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. Claims for this breed total ,638.91, with 77% related to illnesses and 23% related to accidents. The average claim amount is 6.44.

2. Bengal – This breed is recognizable by its leopard-like appearance. Claims for Bengal cats equal ,408.67, with 96% associated with illnesses and 4% associated with accidents. The average claim amount is 4.95.

3. Himalayan – Himalayan cats are a cross-breed of a Siamese cat and a Persian cat. Trupanion policyholders have spent ,449.29 to date on this breed, 98% for illnesses and 2% for accidents. The average claim amount is 5.99.

4. Maine Coon – Maine Coon cats are a large breed with a heavy, luxurious coat. Claims for this breed equal ,683.01, with 90% associated with illnesses and 10% associated with accidents. The average claim amount is 3.81.

5. Ragdoll – Ragdoll cats are laidback and intelligent and are easily trainable. According to Trupanion databases, policyholders have spent ,442.41 on the Ragdoll breed, with 93% associated with illnesses and 7% associated with accidents. The average claim amount is 7.70.

According to the American Pet Products Association, veterinary care is the second highest spending category behind food, with .04 billion spent in 2009. Veterinary costs continue to rise and cat owners are continuing to pay to keep their cats safe and healthy.

About Trupanion™

Trupanion™ pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion™ is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion™ to offer a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Trupanion’s mission is to deliver fast, simple and user-friendly financial support to pet owners. For more information about Trupanion™, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://www.TrupanionPetInsurance.com.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association

Trupanion™ is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products. To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.

©Copyright 1997-2010, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Cat breeds and cat health insurance updates,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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“Quality cat care information is not easy to find. Our goal is to make expert information about cat health and cat care available to everybody. Having this goal in mind, we designed a page that provides free resources about all possible cat health and cat care topics. We want to provide an answer to every cat-related question,” said Peep Laja, Director of Catpert.

The resource page, available at http://www.catpert.com/pages/2.html , is open to everybody free of charge. Article database covers topics like cat vaccinations, nutrition, various cat diseases, tips for keeping cats healthy, cat behaviour and grooming.

“We are adding new articles every week. Cat lovers need to be updated with the latest cat information and we are committed to provide it,” added Laja.

About Catpert

Catpert is a one-stop portal for cat owners that provides expert information about cat health, care, breeds, advice and cat-related articles.

For better cat health,

TheCatGuy

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“Feral cats are domestic cats, but are not socialized to people and are therefore unadoptable,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies. “If a feral cat is brought to a shelter they are almost always killed. This is why so many communities have adopted Trap-Neuter-Return programs as a way to care for and manage feral cats.”

Trap-Neuter-Return improves the cats’ lives by ending the breeding cycle. The cats no longer undergo the stresses associated with mating and pregnancy and the population stabilizes because there are no new kittens.

Cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. While the cat is under anesthesia, a small portion of the left ear — called an “eartip” — is removed, signaling the cat has been neutered and vaccinated.

These cats have been living outside among people for 10,000 years — they are not a new phenomenon. Feral cats live healthy lives and thrive in any landscape, from rural to urban.

“Since the very first National Feral Cat Day, hundreds of thousands of supporters have signed on to help feral cats in their communities, and the movement continues to build,” said Robinson. “Americans want compassionate programs for cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return.”

Nearly 100 events are already scheduled nationwide to celebrate National Feral Cat Day. For a complete listing, or more information, visit www.alleycat.org/NFCD .

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is the nation’s leading advocate for stray and feral cats. Their website is www.alleycat.org.

Helping feral cat breeds,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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• Tracking Feral Cat Colonies (brighthub.com)

ARTICLE LINK:
Cats Urinary Tract Infection – Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection for Cats

Every cat owner should know their pet’s habits, so they have something to compare against when it seems their cat has changed its habits or is behaving strangely. Here are some signs that your cat might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). READ FULL ARTICLE

Great Info

Always get the best information that you can for helpful and cost-effective treatments. Cat urinary tract infection doesn’t have to become a disaster for your pet when you know what to do.

Helping with cat urinary tract infection,

TheCatGuy
(Dennis)

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• Treating Feline Urinary Tract An Infection Signs Naturally And Successfully (animaltopics.com)