Protect cats' health with knowledge

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 for the cat if not properly addressed.

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

Additionally, a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that animal shelters took in nearly 20 percent more cats and had to euthanize almost 14 percent more cats than previously reported from 1996 to 2004.

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 formulated for bladder health issues. Additionally, 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 provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.