Author: hafizsteen
The Cat, armed with all its super senses, does not just use them to catch its daily meals. They allow it to enjoy a rich social life, communicating with other cats and humans using body language, vocalization and scent. We can with little observation, understand some of the cat’s body language and interpret the meanings of its calls, miaows and purrs. The third medium, that of scent, is all but lost to us – unless we are ‘lucky’ enough to get a whiff of good old tomcat spray! But it is the sense of smell which is the most powerful of all the cat’s senses and an integral part of every moment of its life.
Cats are known for their independence and their solitary hunting techniques. Unlike dogs, they do not co-operate to hunt or group together for protection and therefore don’t have the social skills of a group. However, they do mix with the other cats, for the purpose of mating, raising kittens and for what we could call more ‘sociable’ interaction. They have a complex body language – scientists have noted twenty-five different visual signals used in sixteen combinations; no doubt many of the cats more subtle nuances past unnoted. But if we can recognize and translate a cat’s basic expressions, then we are on the way to understanding what our cats are feeling and trying to say to us
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Most encounters between strange cats occur outside, and in high-density suburban or urban environment cats will meet many others within a small area. The most dramatic body language occurs during encounters between and rival males and the most obvious are between cats during courtship. In most cases, cats which share a home get on well together and interactions between them are friendly and calm. Pet cats are also neutered and we rarely watch them outdoors, we can only observe the less extreme interactions between cats, cats and other animals, and cats with ourselves. But when there is a fight, you have a better chance to see the cat’s entire repertoire!
Most feline confrontations do not end in fights – even when they are between rival toms. The objective is to put a message across, to avoid confrontation and to prevent injury. An aggressor will put on a full display to try to make the other cat get the message and run away without resort to using his tooth and claw. Quite often cats will simply have a long staring match (with a few vocal insults thrown in), which is sufficient for them to decide who comes out on top. The dominant aggressor may merely walk away from the loser, sit down, and look in a different direction or even groom, and human observers will be totally unaware that anything has gone on at all.
Cat body language has initially been divided into head (eyes, ears, whisker and mouth) and body (tail, position, size and angle). As regards positions, however, since some expressions of fear and anger body must be taken into account. Isolating one feature may also be misleading because signals often change as the cat’s mood and mind alters.
Click here to learn everything about Cat care and Cat training
Looking at head position, ears, eyes and whiskers can tell us a lot about what the cat is feeling. The many muscles of the cat’s face give it the ability to display a wide range of expressions, while the position of the head itself can give some clue as to whether the cat is trying to invite contact or attempting to become invisible. When the head is stretched forward, the cat is trying to encourage touch or to see another cat’s or it’s owners facial expressions – the best example of this is when you come home and your cat wants to greet you and to be fed! If in conflict, an assertive animal may raise its head, but an aggressive one may lower it. An inferior cat may also lower his head but if fearful and defensively aggressive, it may raise it! A lack of interest is indicated by keeping the head down, pulling in the chin and turning sideways to prevent eye contact. Obviously it is very difficult, if not highly confusing, to try to guess the cat’s mood by looking only at the position of its head, but by considering its body at the same time we can gain enough clues to guess his mood at that time.
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_248824_54.html
Introducing a New Kitten to Your Older Cat...
Author: Larry Chamberlain
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your existing cat, for companionship. And you remember how much fun your cat was when she was a new kitten, and you would love to re-live those days.
It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. But before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible.
Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat, avoid holidays, for example, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.
Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked and vaccinated, kittens have weak immune systems and are likely to pick up something at the shelter or cattery. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems. For a number of reasons all your cats must be spayed/neutered.
If possible arrange to bath your new kitten at a friends house before you take it home, this will neutralize kitty's odor, and go some way to prevent unsettling your cat.
A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the new kitten, your new little pet will need her own litter box, and food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide out under furniture for some days, more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home almost straight away. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.
Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten's blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together until they get on. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.
The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems. The key is in making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best tip of all is to give your older cat just as much attention and affection as you give the newcomer.
Before you know it you will have two cats that thrive on each others company.
Larry Chamberlain lives in London, England, and has had a lifelong fascination with domestic cats. His web site - Best Cat Art provides information about all that is best in cat art. Also pages about cat and kitten care and information on cat breeds and types.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_11294_54.html
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your existing cat, for companionship. And you remember how much fun your cat was when she was a new kitten, and you would love to re-live those days.
It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. But before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible.
Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat, avoid holidays, for example, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.
Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked and vaccinated, kittens have weak immune systems and are likely to pick up something at the shelter or cattery. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems. For a number of reasons all your cats must be spayed/neutered.
If possible arrange to bath your new kitten at a friends house before you take it home, this will neutralize kitty's odor, and go some way to prevent unsettling your cat.
A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the new kitten, your new little pet will need her own litter box, and food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide out under furniture for some days, more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home almost straight away. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.
Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten's blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together until they get on. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.
The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems. The key is in making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best tip of all is to give your older cat just as much attention and affection as you give the newcomer.
Before you know it you will have two cats that thrive on each others company.
Larry Chamberlain lives in London, England, and has had a lifelong fascination with domestic cats. His web site - Best Cat Art provides information about all that is best in cat art. Also pages about cat and kitten care and information on cat breeds and types.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_11294_54.html
7 Good Reasons to Have Your Cat Spayed or Neutered.
Author: Larry Chamberlain
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat spayed or neutered.This decision is made for several different reasons, all of which illustrate why it is such a good idea.
The many problems caused by un-spayed or un-neutered pets each year are part of what has prompted numerous humane societies to require that any adopted animals be promptly spayed or neutered as a condition of adoption. Many of the problems that are listed below would be alleviated if more people took the time to get their pets spayed or neutered.
With that kept in mind, here are the top seven reasons to have your cat spayed or neutered.
1. The most important reason is simply that there are too many unwanted litters of kittens. Millions of cats are euthanized each year. 90% of these animals would be acceptable for adoption into families, unfortunately, there simply are not enough families looking for cats to give these animals a good home. A single un-spayed female cat can produce three litters per year, with an average of four to six kittens per litter.
2. Unwanted cats that are not euthanized or adopted are often abandoned and become feral. It is estimated that the feral cat population is as large as the current number of cats that have homes. Feral cats can carry diseases as well as harm the populations of wild rodents and birds. As a result, a large feral cat population can have a damaging effect on the environment. By having your own cat spayed or neutered, you can ensure that your pet will not contribute to the growing problem.
3. Un-spayed female cats go into heat several times a year. By spaying your cat, you can prevent several unwanted behaviors, including spraying, hours of yowling, and you will not have to confine your cat for several weeks out of the year.
4. Male cats that have not been altered are also more difficult to care for. Sexually mature male cats often feel a need to mark their territory. Also, the mating instincts in un-neutered cats cannot be curbed or controlled, and often these male cats will wander far and wide, for days at a time in search of a female that is in heat. Sometimes when male cats roam they get lost and do not come home. By neutering your cat, you can prevent this.
5. It is better for your cat's health to be sterilized or neutered. For example, female cats that are spayed before their first heat will have a reduced chance of mammary cancer, and will be unable to develop pyometra, which is a serious uterine condition that can cause death. Also, an
unwanted pregnancy in an already ill or aging cat can be fatal. Male cats which have been neutered have less chance of being injured in fights over females, or of developing prostate problems
6. Spayed or neutered cats are often more friendly with their owners than they would usually be. Not only are the cats more amiable, but as has been mentioned before, there are fewer unwanted behaviors for their owners to contend with. It's much easier to have a good relationship with your cat when you don't have to worry about all of the unfortunate situations that come up after your pet has reached sexual maturity.
7. Getting your cat spayed or neutered will save you expense in the long run. First, it can save you money by eliminating the need to replace furniture that has been damaged by a female cat in heat, or a male cat marking its territory. Next, since the procedure is fairly inexpensive, it may save you a lot of money by preventing health problems in your pet.
Something to remember: You should still get your cat spayed or neutered, even if you don't think that you can afford the procedure. Look around in your area for low cost or even free services.
---------------------------------------
If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to:
http://www.best-cat-art.com
Information about your favorite cat breed.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_16525_54.html
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat spayed or neutered.This decision is made for several different reasons, all of which illustrate why it is such a good idea.
The many problems caused by un-spayed or un-neutered pets each year are part of what has prompted numerous humane societies to require that any adopted animals be promptly spayed or neutered as a condition of adoption. Many of the problems that are listed below would be alleviated if more people took the time to get their pets spayed or neutered.
With that kept in mind, here are the top seven reasons to have your cat spayed or neutered.
1. The most important reason is simply that there are too many unwanted litters of kittens. Millions of cats are euthanized each year. 90% of these animals would be acceptable for adoption into families, unfortunately, there simply are not enough families looking for cats to give these animals a good home. A single un-spayed female cat can produce three litters per year, with an average of four to six kittens per litter.
2. Unwanted cats that are not euthanized or adopted are often abandoned and become feral. It is estimated that the feral cat population is as large as the current number of cats that have homes. Feral cats can carry diseases as well as harm the populations of wild rodents and birds. As a result, a large feral cat population can have a damaging effect on the environment. By having your own cat spayed or neutered, you can ensure that your pet will not contribute to the growing problem.
3. Un-spayed female cats go into heat several times a year. By spaying your cat, you can prevent several unwanted behaviors, including spraying, hours of yowling, and you will not have to confine your cat for several weeks out of the year.
4. Male cats that have not been altered are also more difficult to care for. Sexually mature male cats often feel a need to mark their territory. Also, the mating instincts in un-neutered cats cannot be curbed or controlled, and often these male cats will wander far and wide, for days at a time in search of a female that is in heat. Sometimes when male cats roam they get lost and do not come home. By neutering your cat, you can prevent this.
5. It is better for your cat's health to be sterilized or neutered. For example, female cats that are spayed before their first heat will have a reduced chance of mammary cancer, and will be unable to develop pyometra, which is a serious uterine condition that can cause death. Also, an
unwanted pregnancy in an already ill or aging cat can be fatal. Male cats which have been neutered have less chance of being injured in fights over females, or of developing prostate problems
6. Spayed or neutered cats are often more friendly with their owners than they would usually be. Not only are the cats more amiable, but as has been mentioned before, there are fewer unwanted behaviors for their owners to contend with. It's much easier to have a good relationship with your cat when you don't have to worry about all of the unfortunate situations that come up after your pet has reached sexual maturity.
7. Getting your cat spayed or neutered will save you expense in the long run. First, it can save you money by eliminating the need to replace furniture that has been damaged by a female cat in heat, or a male cat marking its territory. Next, since the procedure is fairly inexpensive, it may save you a lot of money by preventing health problems in your pet.
Something to remember: You should still get your cat spayed or neutered, even if you don't think that you can afford the procedure. Look around in your area for low cost or even free services.
---------------------------------------
If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to:
http://www.best-cat-art.com
Information about your favorite cat breed.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_16525_54.html
Know more about your Cat's Diabetes
Author: www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
Introduction- Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which in cats may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Pathology - Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body's glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Symptoms:
* Weight loss (more likely in type 1 diabetes)
* Thirst, excessive drinking (polydipsia)
* Increased urination (polyuria)
* Increased appetite
* Increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia)
* Blindness
* Weakness
* Depression
Causes:
* Obesity
* Chronic Pancreatitis
* Stress (cortisol, one of the stress hormones, makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin)
* Genetic predisposition - it affects cats of all ages, sexes and breeds, but is commoner in older, castrated male cats, especially Burmese cats Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on a urine test followed by a confirmatory blood test for glucose levels.
Effects of Diabetes - There is an increased incidence of:
* Cataracts
* Premature death
* Problems in pregnancy
* Infections, especially bladder
* Pancreatitis
Current Western Treatments
* Insulin
* Diet
* Exercise
* Neutering of diabetic female cats
Insulin - The discovery of insulin in 1921 ( see www.discoveryofinsulin.com) was pivotal in changing diabetes mellitus from disease that was fatal within weeks to a chronic and not necessarily life-threatening condition.
Insulin is the most important treatment in many cats, although some cats, once stabilised, can be managed with diet alone. Diet
Diet needs to be specific and timed correctly. Glucose control is easier to obtain if you feed a fixed formula feed, low in fat and high in slowly digested complex carbohydrates. However, if your cat's routine is to eat several times per day, your vet is unlikely to change this.
If your cat is overweight, getting his/ her weight down to normal is essential over the first 3-4 months after diagnosis.
Exercise - Your cat should be allowed to take exercise as normal. Other considerations
A diabetic cat will take up a lot of your time and finances over the years, but will reward you with years of companionship.
Complementary Therapies - Stress Reduction by whatever means will help with glucose control, and can be helped by:
* Spiritual Healing
* Reiki
* Crystal Healing with crystals such as amethyst
* Massage
* T-touch technique
Herbal remedies
* Stinging nettles - for fatigue, poor appetite
* Garlic - for digestive problems
* Fenugreek - for fatigue and weight loss
* olive leaves - for blood pressure and glucose control
Bach Flower Remedies tend to be favoured over aromatics by cats. Your choice of remedy will depend on your cat's personality and current circumstances.
Conclusion - With Diabetes it is very important that you work closely with your vet in order to get the best glucose control. The triad of insulin (where needed), diet and exercise is pivotal. Other measures can be used to help support your cat's management.
------
Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer with a website that helps to inform the public about complementary animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_265319_54.html
Introduction- Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which in cats may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Pathology - Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body's glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Symptoms:
* Weight loss (more likely in type 1 diabetes)
* Thirst, excessive drinking (polydipsia)
* Increased urination (polyuria)
* Increased appetite
* Increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia)
* Blindness
* Weakness
* Depression
Causes:
* Obesity
* Chronic Pancreatitis
* Stress (cortisol, one of the stress hormones, makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin)
* Genetic predisposition - it affects cats of all ages, sexes and breeds, but is commoner in older, castrated male cats, especially Burmese cats Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on a urine test followed by a confirmatory blood test for glucose levels.
Effects of Diabetes - There is an increased incidence of:
* Cataracts
* Premature death
* Problems in pregnancy
* Infections, especially bladder
* Pancreatitis
Current Western Treatments
* Insulin
* Diet
* Exercise
* Neutering of diabetic female cats
Insulin - The discovery of insulin in 1921 ( see www.discoveryofinsulin.com) was pivotal in changing diabetes mellitus from disease that was fatal within weeks to a chronic and not necessarily life-threatening condition.
Insulin is the most important treatment in many cats, although some cats, once stabilised, can be managed with diet alone. Diet
Diet needs to be specific and timed correctly. Glucose control is easier to obtain if you feed a fixed formula feed, low in fat and high in slowly digested complex carbohydrates. However, if your cat's routine is to eat several times per day, your vet is unlikely to change this.
If your cat is overweight, getting his/ her weight down to normal is essential over the first 3-4 months after diagnosis.
Exercise - Your cat should be allowed to take exercise as normal. Other considerations
A diabetic cat will take up a lot of your time and finances over the years, but will reward you with years of companionship.
Complementary Therapies - Stress Reduction by whatever means will help with glucose control, and can be helped by:
* Spiritual Healing
* Reiki
* Crystal Healing with crystals such as amethyst
* Massage
* T-touch technique
Herbal remedies
* Stinging nettles - for fatigue, poor appetite
* Garlic - for digestive problems
* Fenugreek - for fatigue and weight loss
* olive leaves - for blood pressure and glucose control
Bach Flower Remedies tend to be favoured over aromatics by cats. Your choice of remedy will depend on your cat's personality and current circumstances.
Conclusion - With Diabetes it is very important that you work closely with your vet in order to get the best glucose control. The triad of insulin (where needed), diet and exercise is pivotal. Other measures can be used to help support your cat's management.
------
Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer with a website that helps to inform the public about complementary animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_265319_54.html
How to take care cat at various ages?
Author: Kendy Smith
You loves pets. Especially, you love cat so much. Cat is a lovely pet, it is always affectionate towards you. Step by step, it becomes a good friend. Cats are the most lovable among all pets. But, though pets are lovable, it is often found that due to sheer ignorance we become unable to take due care of them. We expect them to be our lifelong companion, so we must do the right thing at the right moment in order to look after our cherished pets. This means being aware of some of the needs of the cat or kitten at various ages and stages of development.
When you have a kitten. It seems difficuly. Do not worry! With these information below, you can be easy in taking care kitten. From birth to 16 weeks they are learning their way around. The kittens may be playful and adventurous but some may also be a bit timid and shy. Be aware that they need correct feeding for growth and nutrition and that they are unaware of danger and potential harm. They are small and often playful which means they can get in to all nooks and crannies to come to harm. Watch out for them. From 16 weeks to 1 year the kitten will likely still be very playful and courageous and a handful for their owners! They are still learning their way around in life.
When about six months old, you should consider an operation to neuter the cats. That is, if you are not planning to breed of course. This will protect them from unnecessary attention from other cats and prevent unwanted litters. From 1 to 8 years the young cat is in his or her prime. At this juncture make it a regular habit to be in touch with your veterinarian medical practitioner – he will be able to get to know your pet and detect disease at an early stage. He will also advise on correct vaccination and other health promotion issues. From 8 to 12 years. the pre-geriatric cat may begin to slow down and after it has crossed the age of 12 years it is entering the stage of old age and you should consider starting to take care of the cat in his or her senility.
A cat has changing needs and wants at various ages. By knowing this you can begin to get a feel for the correct way to look after and support you cat.You will meet intial hard problem in cat care at various. However, if you love cat, you will feel easy. And some information above, you can have more knowledge in cat care.
Find your pet care and more useful information about pet at this pet directory.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_266298_54.html
You loves pets. Especially, you love cat so much. Cat is a lovely pet, it is always affectionate towards you. Step by step, it becomes a good friend. Cats are the most lovable among all pets. But, though pets are lovable, it is often found that due to sheer ignorance we become unable to take due care of them. We expect them to be our lifelong companion, so we must do the right thing at the right moment in order to look after our cherished pets. This means being aware of some of the needs of the cat or kitten at various ages and stages of development.
When you have a kitten. It seems difficuly. Do not worry! With these information below, you can be easy in taking care kitten. From birth to 16 weeks they are learning their way around. The kittens may be playful and adventurous but some may also be a bit timid and shy. Be aware that they need correct feeding for growth and nutrition and that they are unaware of danger and potential harm. They are small and often playful which means they can get in to all nooks and crannies to come to harm. Watch out for them. From 16 weeks to 1 year the kitten will likely still be very playful and courageous and a handful for their owners! They are still learning their way around in life.
When about six months old, you should consider an operation to neuter the cats. That is, if you are not planning to breed of course. This will protect them from unnecessary attention from other cats and prevent unwanted litters. From 1 to 8 years the young cat is in his or her prime. At this juncture make it a regular habit to be in touch with your veterinarian medical practitioner – he will be able to get to know your pet and detect disease at an early stage. He will also advise on correct vaccination and other health promotion issues. From 8 to 12 years. the pre-geriatric cat may begin to slow down and after it has crossed the age of 12 years it is entering the stage of old age and you should consider starting to take care of the cat in his or her senility.
A cat has changing needs and wants at various ages. By knowing this you can begin to get a feel for the correct way to look after and support you cat.You will meet intial hard problem in cat care at various. However, if you love cat, you will feel easy. And some information above, you can have more knowledge in cat care.
Find your pet care and more useful information about pet at this pet directory.
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_266298_54.html