This article will outline steps you can take to prevent kitty's pain from feline Urinary Tract Infection and damage done to your home from her urine.

Possibly single biggest cause of cats not using litter box is a medical condition called Feline Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It used to be called Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS), but you don't often see that term anymore.

Feline UTI can be sneaky and hidden, because your cat often may not display outward symptons of discomfort and pain early on. It's only after your kitty feels significant pain, time and time again, that she stops using her litter box because she associates her urinary pain with cat litter box.

This is when you sit up and take notice, since there's nothing like a smelly puddle of cat urine on your beautiful floor or furniture to get your attention!

However, there are a few signs you should be on lookout for. While none of us really want to watch our kitty use litter box, it's a good idea to observe her a couple times a week. This way, you can separate normal litter box behavior and habits from those that indicate something is not quite right.

By knowing what is normal for your kitty, you can stop health problems before they manifest themselves into cat urine odor puddles and stains around your home, create immense frustration for you trying to figure out what's wrong, and spend needless time spent cleaning your house after every episode.

And what are we looking for?

First, we are looking to see if our cat cries or howls in obvious pain while she's urinating. If this is case, run, don't walk to phone, and call your vet immediately!

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on breed and what type of activities dog is involved in. It’s best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose – that tell tale doggy smell will let you know it’s time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dog’s skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Where’s best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. It’s a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With proper equipment set up you’ll be able to save your back and control water temperature of your dog’s bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to valve assembly and run it outside to bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating water temperature shouldn’t be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, bigger your dog is bigger potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?