Three Major Factors of Cat Dandruff:

1. Cats may be infected with parasites leading to the flakiness of the skin. During a hot summer, overexposure to the heat may result in the cat’s skin becoming extremely dry.
2. Obesity is also another factor causing dandruff in cats. The dry, flaky skin is evident in the base of the tail or in the lower back because overweight cats find it hard to reach these areas when they clean their furs.
3. The third contributing factor to this health condition is the use of cat dandruff shampoo. Cats produce natural oils in their skin which, when bathed too often, is removed, causing the dryness of their skin. If the cat’s fur and skin is not rinsed well, the small amount of shampoo that is left on their skin forms into white specks of dandruff.

While most treatments and medications will address the cause of the dandruff, the itching and discomfort caused by it will not go away until the cause of the dandruff is completely eliminated, and that could take some time. There are also several things that you should take note of because these will make the dandruff worse:

1. Raise the humidity in the house. Dry air will aggravate the cat’s dandruff, and it is also a cause for brittle and dry hair on your cat. During this period when your cat has dandruff, and he needs grooming, do not use a blow dryer because the added heat will irritate the skin more.
2. Do not let the cat out in the heat, for the same reasons stated above. Wait until the late afternoon to let him out, when the sun’s heat has already dissipated.
3. If the cat has not yet been de-clawed, have it done as soon as it is advisable. It will prevent him from gouging wounds on his skin when he scratches. It is better to have dandruff than have dandruff plus skin wounds.
4. Keep the cat comfortable with topical applications that will get rid of the itchiness. It will relieve his discomfort and lessen the chance that he will scratch.

These are just a few things to keep in mind while taking care of your cat when he has dandruff. If the veterinarian has prescribed medication to get rid of the cause of dandruff, make sure that you follow his instructions exactly, in order to give your cat the best chance for a speedy recovery. You may also want to ask your veterinarian for something that will help make the cat more comfortable.

Cat dandruff may not be a serious disorder, but that doesn’t mean that it should not be addressed. Every responsible pet owner knows that anything that could cause your pet harm and discomfort has a way of getting worse if you do not address it properly.
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Lush Frozen Carrot Coolers

• 32oz. of plain yogurt
• 2 cups of cooked carrots, pureed and cooled.

Directions:
1. Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
2. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays.
3. Freeze overnight.

Yummy Peanut Butter Balls

• 1 Cup of milk
• 2 Eggs
• 4 Tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 Tablespoons of water
• 1/2 Teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 Cup of flour

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well with your     hands.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freeze any unused treats for optimum freshness.

Delicious Doggy Chips

• 1 large sweet potato

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Peel sweet potato and slice into 1/3 inch thick pieces.
3. Lay slices out on baking greased baking tray.
4. Bake for 2 hours.

Tip: If you cut them 1/3 inch thick the middle will be slightly chewy, but you can also try slicing them thinner to turn them into chip-like crispy treats.

Tasty Beef Balls

• 1 lb. of ground beef
• 4 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 cup of bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients together and mix well, then roll into meatballs.
3. Place on a well greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are brown and firm.
5. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. Any unused treats can be frozen for optimum freshness.

Easy Cheesy Homemade Dog Treats

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 3/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 stick of margarine

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Blend cheese, margarine and flour.
3. Shape into 2 logs about 2 inches wide.
4. Chill in the refrigerator.
5. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slices and place on greased cookie sheet. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until brown and firm.
7. Allow them to completely cool before serving.

 

 

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When to Feed
Feed more often at times of peak energy demand, such as during temperature extremes, nesting season, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are the most depleted.

Where to Feed
Birds are most likely to eat where they feel safe. Make sure that there is nearby cover to which birds can quickly escape from predators, such as free-roaming cats or more aggressive and larger birds. Place ground-level feeders in spots where predators cannot hide easily, and set up a loose mesh fence around the feeder if you can.
If the feeders are near a window, alter the appearance of the glass to help reduce window collisions. It is common for birds to fly into windows, as it is sometimes difficult for them to distinguish between glass and no glass. Try covering windows with a fine plastic garden netting, placing hawk silhouettes about four inches apart on the outside of the window, or painting a scene on the window’s exterior with soap.

Many birds will feed at more than one level, but they do have their preferences.

• Ground level – mourning doves, sparrows, towhees, juncos
• Table level – cardinals, finches, and jays Hanging feeders: titmice, goldfinches, chickadees
• Tree trunks – woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens

Selecting a Feeder
Plastic, steel, or glass feeders are best because they are easy to clean. Feeders with porous surfaces, such as wood or clay, can be difficult to clean and may grow dangerous algae and fungi. Smaller feeders empty out more quickly, so there’s less chance of wet, spoiled seeds. Rain can be a problem too, so make sure the feeder has drainage holes, and consider placing a plastic dome on top to prevent water from collecting in the seed.

Proper Feeder Maintenance
Regular upkeep is necessary to keep your feeder free from contamination by disease-causing bacteria:

• Set up more than one feeder and allow ample space between feeders.
• Choose feeders that have no sharp edges or points. To help keep food cleaner
• Use feeders that allow birds to perch away from the food.
• Clean feeders often. Immerse them in a 5–10 percent solution of chlorine bleach and warm water for two or three minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush or a scouring pad, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely before refilling. Clean feeders designed for ground-feeding birds every two days.
• Rake up spilled seeds, hulls, and feces at least once a week.
• Keep seed dry, free of mold, and safe from squirrels by storing it in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid, such as a clean garbage can. Always discard damp seed.
• In wet weather, put out only enough seed to last several hours.
• If you notice dead birds or obviously sick birds (they’re less active and less alert) near your feeding station, stop feeding immediately. Discard all seed; then clean and disinfect all feeders and the ground below them. Wait a week before resuming feeding.

Water For Birds
Birds need water year-round for drinking and bathing. Set up at least one birdbath. The surface should be easy to clean, and there should be a gently sloping shallow end. Place the birdbath away from the feeders to keep the water from being contaminated. Rinse the birdbath daily before refilling it, and clean it once a week, using a 5-10 percent solution of chlorine bleach. You can use a birdbath heater that has a built-in thermostat to warm up the water just enough to keep it from freezing. Never add antifreeze or other chemicals to the water to keep it from freezing!

While You’re Away
Keep your feeding schedule consistent, but don’t worry if you must stop feeding briefly while traveling, or on vacation. Wild birds will find other food in your absence, especially in suburban areas, where other bird feeders are just a short flight away. If you live in a rural or isolated area, if possible, try to arrange to have a neighbor maintain the feeders in your absence, just as you would have someone look after your pets or houseplants.
Providing food for wild birds will help the winter pass more comfortably for them, while adding interest and activity to your winter days. Come spring, as the nesting season unfolds, you’ll have the added pleasure of recognizing many of the birds as individuals.
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