Cat Parasite A parasite obtains its nutrition from your pet and gives nothing in return except possible illness. This one-sided relationship has been under attack by concerned pet owners, veterinarians, pet-food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. As a concerned pet owner, you must be aware of whether your cat has a parasite problem, whether you can treat it at home or need to visit your veterinarian, and how to prevent the parasite from finding a home on or in your pet’s body. First, let me dispel a few old wives’ tales: Garlic does not cure worms. Cats do not transmit pinworms to children. Candy does not cause worms. Worms do not always cause disease (many pets live nicely with their parasites). Thinness or constant hunger does not always indicate worm problems. The worm medicine sold in pet stores and grocery stores should not be used unless your pet has roundworms and your veterinarian has advised you to use it.

Information about Cat Odors Cat Odors One of the most frustrating issues of owning a cat. When you open your front door, do you smell cats or freshness? Here are five natural ways to freshen and rejuvenate your home. First, though, the best start is a clean home. Luckily, you have two gentle, nontoxic cleaners right at your fingertips: baking soda and vinegar. Mildly acidic vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills mold, mildew, germs, and viruses, and dissolves stains, including soap scum and hard-water schmutz. “Vinegar actually removes the sources of the odor, and once everything dries, it smells very fresh,” says Jill Potvin Schoff of Wallingford, Conn., author of “Green Up Your Cleanup” (Creative Homeowner, March 2008). Baking soda removes the source of the odor by neutralizing its pH and makes a gentle, effective scouring-powder and stain remover. For urine, vomit or other smelly stains, clean with vinegar or club soda.  Or spray a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar on just about any spill or stain.