I have a Maine Coon and her long hair definitely is a challenge to keep under control. My vet had a video running about a deshedding tool called, The Furminator. It’s available for dogs, cats, and even horses. The small version is for cats and after seeing my vet’s endorsement, I bought one. Although it’s expensive at over $30, it was some of the best money I’ve spent. This tool really, really works. I brushed her first – no hair. Then I used the Furminator and just as in the video, I quickly had piles of hair all around us. I had no idea that much har was waiting to fall out on my floors! The tool is a very thin-tined metal comb so you have to be careful not to be too rough. The instructions say it removes the lose hair from the undercoat. There is also a special shampoo to use with the tool, although I didn’t use it my first time. My kitty tolerated it well. Since that first combing over 2 weeks ago, I’ve used the comb again but there is very little loose hair yet. Way to go, Furminator! If you want more information, here’s the company website: http://www.furminatorcat.com/

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Thanks to Lauri for her opinions- our members are always encouraged to give feedback or write for us!
We look forward to more member postings from you.
~ Nikki
EverCats Staff

My little kitty got a skin irritation rash on his back leg, where the knee would be; if cats had knees that is.

The veterinarian said it was stress induced and the best thing I could do for him was try to love him a little more and keep him from biting at the area where it itched.

I went to a local pet store with my vet’s support and found a remedy, Petkin’s itchstick, which stops itch, pain, scratching, and chewing  - as advertised on the packaging.

Itch Stick

The container is an elongated oval shape, similar to a stick of deodorant and comes in size 1.5 ounces or 42 grams. The label assures this product is veterinarian approved, easy to use and has eco-benefits. When the red cap is removed, a green substance is revealed which is gelatinous but firm.

The directions indicate to turn the dial on the underside of the stick to raise the medicated section. Then part the cat’s hair and rub stick on affected area of skin.  After watching for possible allergic reaction or irritation, apply three to four times a day as needed.

This product is recommended for both dogs and cats over the age of six weeks with caution being used on sick or elderly pets. The stick cools the itch and eases pain while encouraging healing of the skin irritation although it should not be used on open skin sores.

The medicated stick is made of ingredients: Benzocaine, Pure Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera Gel, Oatmeal, Comfrey, Vitamins A, B, & E, Salicyclic Acid, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Bitter Taste. The last ingredient being important for your kitty to not lick or bite at the affected area while it heals.

It took a few applications for my kitty to hold still while I was applying the medicated stick to his leg, but after a few attempts, he would lie still and allow me to rub the affected area with the stick. The bitter taste worked well, after an initial attempt to lick the medication off, he did not try again.

He also did not try to itch his leg as he did before the stick was applied. I felt like I was helping my cat and easing his discomfort with this itchstick; I would highly recommend this product to any kitty owners who may be looking to ease itching and pain of their cat’s skin condition. I am also glad to report my cat’s rash disappeared after a week of use and has not come back.

Pounce Moist Treats are my cat’s favorite treats!

All I have to do is shake the jar and she comes running! When I get done giving her one she cries for more.

I switch from Whiskers Lickin Treats, she didn’t go crazy for those. These delicious cat treats are made with real chicken and other ingredients.

They have a rating of 5.0 againist other kitty treats! Pounce Moist Treats have their treats shaped in hearts for the health of your kitty’s heart, and to show that you care for your cat.

Trust me my cat goes pyshico crazy for these!

You can find Pounce Moist Treats at Amazon.

Beef-Flavored Toothpaste for Cats

I tried this 3 ounce tube of Hartz Dental Beef-Flavored Toothpaste for Cats to help my cat’s bad breath. The directions read to first introduce your cat to the solution, which is a thick, white, tacky cream kind of gel.

It has a scent of meat that attracts animals, and an easy texture to lick clean. Putting the gel on your finger and allowing your cat to taste the gel on their own is the best way to start.

You will then want to introduce brushing their teeth with the instrument you plan on using; your finger, a finger-cuff or baby toothbrush. Let the cat smell and taste the instrument as well. Use the instrument to rub against their teeth and test the process. This may take repeated tries but once you are able to successfully “brush” their teeth, you can start to use the gel with the instrument and get some cleaning done.

Place the gel on the end of the instrument of choice and go inside your cat’s cheek; using a back and forth motion, rub the gel over your cat’s teeth. Their own saliva will mix with the gel to activate and cleanse the teeth. The gel paste is also safe to swallow.

This is the second paste I have tried and prefer this toothpaste to the other. My cats liked the flavor and it was easy to use; this paste did not drip and stayed on the brush I used.

I didn’t notice if my cat’s teeth were cleaner or whiter after repeated use, but their breath certainly was more pleasant. Most owners go to a vetrinarian to have their cat’s teeth cleaned, but if you make it a part of your regular grooming process, you can easily have this bonding time with your cat while cleaning their teeth.

You can find Hartz Dental Beef-Flavored Toothpaste at Amazon.