Protecting kitty's health

According to the new cat behavior survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 75 percent of cat owners are not familiar with important bladder health issues that may affect their companions.

This lack of knowledge can often leave cat owners mistaking warning signs of the disease as "behavior problems," which can ultimately lead to serious consequences.

Cat bladder health issues are actually reported as the No. 1 behavioral reason owners relinquish their cats to animal shelters.

Cat owners can help keep their cats healthy by familiarizing themselves with the warning signs of bladder conditions and speaking with their veterinarian about therapeutic pet foods.

Owners can help manage bladder conditions by implementing the following changes:

•Have one more litter box in the home than the number of cats.

•Scoop litter after each use.

•Clean litter box with warm water and mild detergent every two weeks.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.