How To Clean Up Cat Urine

By Idham Effendi
Cats are naturally territorial animals. This becomes a problem when your cat decides to mark it's territory on your curtains, carpet and couches. It can be a difficult situation to deal with, especially in multi-cat households, where cats tend to return to the "scene of the crime."
There are a lot of people who deal with the bad habits of their cats, because these cats are not house trained. On the other hand, cat owners may be having no alternative and they must leave their cats home alone for longer periods of time. This may stress the animals. Stress often leads them toward leaving their urine outside their litter box, on the carpets, furniture and even more awkward places, like cupboards and flower pots.
Pour cold water directly over the area and blot the wet area again with paper towels. You can also use a moist sponge, a towel, or whatever you want to use for a blotter. White is the best color for because you can see when there is no more yellow urine being absorbed. Also, make sure you “blot”, rather than “scrub” the carpet in the early stages. This will help remove the cat urine rather than grind it deeper into the carpet fibers. Keep blotting until the yellow urine is no longer visible on the white blotter.
Next, you’ll want to add some soda water to the area. Soda water is great because the carbonation penetrates the carpet fibers thoroughly. Add approximately 1/2 cup of soda water to the urine soaked area (use more or less depending on the amount of urine). After pouring the water on the affected area, repeat the blotting for several minutes.
If you prefer to use a commercial carpet cleaner, add it to the soiled area and follow the directions on the product. Alternatively you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup tap water (hot), and 1/4 cup of vinegar into a measuring cup. our 1/2 the mixture over the area and scrub it with a brush (an old dish washing brush will work) Add the remainder of the vinegar and water mixture and let it sit for several minutes. Then blot the area again until it’s almost dry.
Finally, pour a generous amount of baking soda over the damp area and scrub it in with the brush. Let the soiled area sit for several hours until dry. Once dry, sweep up the baking soda with a broom and dustpan. Lastly, vacuum up the baking soda. Get More:http://cat-world.50webs.com


Idham Effendi Email: chip_arm@yahoo.com Website: http://cat-world.50webs.com

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Pets: How To Care For Persian Cats

By Nicholas Tan
These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They are great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.

Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they are divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they are best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.

Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You’ll need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you’ll need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.

The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They are very playful, yet they don’t require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They aren’t destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.

Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside. To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t get out of control.

When you compare Persians to other breeds, you’ll notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like jumping or climbing, as Persians don’t like to do either. All you’ll need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy an beautiful Persian cat.

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Pets: Cats And Ring Worm

By Nicholas Tan
Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

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Giving Your Cat the Safest Place to Come Back To

By Jeremy Vedder
When one thinks about cats as pets, the image that comes to mind is of a big furry cat lying down in his cat bed with a big plate of milk by his side. Cats have been known to be lazy, aristocratic interior house pets but that is not necessarily a rule. Most cats are very active, natural born hunters, who like to wander freely. For those, you might want to consider acquiring outdoor cat houses. Many owners, when they have the habitation facilities for it, choose to give their cats the liberty to live outside and enjoy the freedom of having somewhere safe and comfortable to come back to when they feel tired of wandering. A great way to keep your cat coming back after his adventures is by providing them with comfortable outdoor cat houses. If you own a big house with a spacious garden, outdoor cat houses might be the way to provide with cat with proper housing in a safe environment.

Outdoor cat houses should be very sturdy and safe; preferably made of durable non toxic materials. They should protect your cat from rain, cold, wind and snow if it comes to that. On the other hand, they should not be excessively warm and they should be able to adapt to warmer weather. Remember that the cat should always feel conformable inside his own house, so he won’t need to wander outside in order to find a comfortable place to stay. Most outdoor cat houses are made of isolated wood, which should have received a specific treatment to make them water and wind proof. They usually contain vinyl doors, in order to make it easy for your cat to go in and out and still keep the outdoor cat house warm and protected. The floor should also be taken care of in a proper way, in order to isolate the complete house. If you really want to add a special treat to your cat, you will be amazed at the amount of outdoor cat house toys you can find, to put inside your new cat house and give your cat another good reason to keep coming back to his safe place.

Other popular outdoor cat houses include models made of synthetic materials that are specifically fabricated to withstand very cold or very warm weather. When buying synthetic outdoor cat houses make sure they are not made of toxic materials and that they are actually safe for your cat. There are several outdoor cat houses available in the market today, and by doing a market research you will see you can find the perfect one within your budget as they come in all sizes and types of finishing’s. You can go for a more modest version or, if you have the financial means, there are several luxury outdoor cat house models available.

Cats are free and independent animals. They are feline hunters by nature and they were not made to be kept inside the house at all times. Keep your cat happy by providing him the opportunity to be free and safe at the same time. If he knows that by coming back he will find a perfect and safe place to be, he won’t need to go wondering for comfort. Outdoor cat houses are a great choice for the true cat lovers.

Anthony Hutch is an author and animal lover that purchases and reviews insulated cat houses, cedar dog houses and outdoor cat houses. For more of his information and reviews please visit cedarwoodfurniture.com.

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Pets: Dealing With Cat Allergies

By Nicholas Tan
Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world, no question about it. More than 50% of all households in the United States own dogs and cats. Although cats are loved animals, cat allergies are one of the common forms of allergies. Statistics in the past have shown that over 10 million people in the U.S. alone have allergic reactions to cats - especially their fur.

The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine, and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them from grooming.

Normally, when someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens, meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats, but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of your cat.

Getting rid of a cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own - although cat allergies are something we could all live without.

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What Kind of Turtle Food is Bad for Your Pet

By Ispas Marin
When it comes to your turtle care then you can never be to careful. If you take good care of your turtle then she will live for many years under your happy eyes. i think that the most important problem in the turtle care process is the turtle feeding. You must be very careful what you feed you turtle because there are turtle foods that can harm them very bad. you should always consult speciality books referring straight to you kind of turtle.

When a man will search some information on turtle feeding he will probably find a lot of lists with food that you can give to your turtle. But if there aren't specified some important details then one could think that an aliment that is much alike one that is recommended is good for the turtle to. This is a big mistake. There are many differences starting from the way the food is served(cooked) to what substances it contains. So, for making your turtle care easier ,i will try to present in this article some turtle foods that you should never feed.

Forbidden foods

- If your turtle is a vegetarian one then you shouldn't feed meat. This would be very bad for their metabolism.

- It's usually recommend to feed any vegetarian food that it's not toxic for the human. Spinach is one of the plants that you shouldn't feed. The spinach has a high concentration of oxalic acid which prevents calcium absorption. So i recommend you not to feed or to feed very rarely. The same problem appears for rhubarb and chard. Also never feed rhubarb leafs because they are poisonous.

- When you cook something for you i don't advise you to give it to your turtle because they are to salty and fatty.

- Any processed meat like pork, bacon, sausages is bad for your turtle feeding.

- Never feed raw chicken or turkey because there are many chances for the salmonela to appear.

There are also some food that you can feed to your turtle but rearely.

- Canned cat or dog food it's good but it's too fat and it contains to much protein.

- you can feed Lettuce and celery but i can tell you that they don't have any nutritional value.

- you can include in your turtle feeding some beef, chicken or other meats that humane eat but give them only cooked.

The best way for you and you turtle is to find an exact food mix that will provide the pet the resources she need without harming them. If you won't feed the foods i have listed than you shouldn't have any turtle care problems when it comes to feeding.

About the author:
If you want to find out great turtle care information check out http://www.turtle-care.com . Also for information on different types of turtles visit http://www.turtle-care.com/types_of_turtles.htm

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Pets: Common Health Problems Of Cats

By Nicholas Tan
If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

We provide grooming for dogs and cats, and free pet grooming consultation services and free grooming tips by breeds! Our pet products include fashionable carriers, embroidered shirts, reversible raincoats, pet shoes, cotton dresses, pet food, pet carrier, dog ribbons, and other related pet products.

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Unsightly Litter Box- Love Your Cat with Cat Litter Furniture

By David Lee
Anyone who has a pet cat also has at least one litter box. However, the standard litter box, even one with a cover, leaves a lot to be desired in the way of fashion. If someone loves his or her cat, he or she has to tolerate its litter box, there is just no other choice. However, thanks to the cleverness and fashion sense of a few, everyone can benefit from the advent of cat litter furniture. Never heard of it? Keep reading - you may be pleasantly surprised.

You may have the cat litter box in a far away corner, down in the laundry room or even in the basement. Although the main reason for putting it out of the way may be to hide it, it also provides a useful purpose, a place of privacy for you kitty. In some large homes this may be easy to do. But many cat owners today live in smaller, modest homes that can not quite support the needs of both the cat and the owner.

Sometimes the only alternative for cat owners with small houses or apartments is to put the box in plain view. Generally, this placement will not make the cat, the owner or guests comfortable. Thankfully, now the litter box can be hidden inside of cat litter furniture. That's right, furniture that is made specifically to house the litter box in plain view. These fashionable and clever pieces of furniture completely solve the problem of litter box placement in small areas, leaving everyone, including the cat, happy.

Cat litter furniture is available in a wide variety of styles and colors to match any home décor. One of the more popular styles of this type of furniture is the cabinet. This is because of its ease of entry for the cat, ease of accessibility to the litter box and its multi usefulness for the owner. With this type of cat litter furniture, the litter box is placed inside the cabinet, a cat door is provided and the top is hinged for easy access. The size of the cabinet will depend on the size the litter box required. The nice thing about this unit is that it can be placed anywhere that any other table would be placed.

The best time to introduce cat litter box furniture to your cat is when it is still a kitten and still learning the rules of the house, but an older cat can learn to use it as well. With an older cat it is important to go slow, prop the cat door on the furniture open, this will provide the cat the opportunity to check it out without feeling trapped. Don't take the established litter box away, rather slowly move it over a couple of days toward the unit, finally putting it inside. Praise the cat when he uses it and, as always, keep it clean.

The most important thing about your cat litter furniture is that it is a barometer of your cats health. If you notice your kitty is not making his regular visits to the box then something is up! You may notice that you cat has a case of diarrhea. This would indicate a definite problem is at hand. Sometimes a cat will even lay down in it's cat box, this is a sign of possible serious sickness or other problems as cats usually have very clean habits. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms you should be sure to contact your vet.

Now, go shopping for a great new piece of cat litter furniture!

David Lee is owner and designer of http://www.AceCatFurniture.com and http://www.AceCatHealth.com web sites. See his sites for information on health and comfort of your kitties.

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How much do you know about cats?

By Guido Nussbaum
There are several things that you might not know about your cat. Why is your cat behaving in a certain way? Why is your cat always sleeping? There are so many question coming up if you are a new cat-holder.

Cats are wonderful animals and they are even healthy for us humans. Research shows that having cats as pets could really lighten up a person’s physiological, emotional and psychological side.

These benefits can heal the wounds of solitude, age, stress and depression. In addition, cats are affectionate but less demanding, low maintenance and it would surely be very suitable for those who have a modern lifestyle.

According to the Society for Companion Animal Studies, patients recover or live longer through animals. It has been discovered that having pets would definitely ease the cases of physiological or psychological impairment in people.

Some more facts acts about cats:

- Cats have been associated with humans for more than 9000 years

- Cats can be trained to obey simple commands

- Grown pet cats weight between 2 and 8 kg, but some breeds like the Maine Coon can reach up to 20 kg.

- Cats usually live between 14 and 20 years, but there are cats older than 30 years

- Cats can move each ear independently of the other

- It's in a cat's nature to scratch vertical surfaces. They do so to clean the claws and to strech their muscles

- Cats as pets do also relieve you from stress

- Cats need to sleep very long. They sleep 16 hours or longer

- There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world

- A cat's heart beats twice as fast as a human heart

- Cats can "read" peoples mood.

- An cat has 1 up to 8 kittens per litter and up to 3 litters per year.

- 21% of the U.S. households have a cat

- Cats need five times more protein than dogs do

- The fastest land animal is a cat, the cheetah can reach 60 mph

It can be very enjoyable to have a cat. They sometimes do funny things or thy help us to relax. Having a cat means having a good friend. Cats are very intelligent, they notice if you are feeling good or stressed.

Having a cat also means that you will have some extra work to do. You need to feed your cat, play with it, take care about the litter box... There are many things you need to take care of to provide your cat a nice home to stay. If your cat does not feel comfortable it will get sick or even leave you.

There are certain things that you should never do to a cat:

- declawing: Don't even think about that, it is like amputating your toes! In Germany and other European countries declawing is forbidden by the law.

- never punsh or kick your cat, don't be crual to your cat in any way. They won't forget...

- never leave little children alone with cats

- don't bath or shower your cat, they can clean themselves

- don't annoy your cat with loud music, their ears are much more sensitive than ours

If you are uncertain about things go to your veterinarian, he has the answers to your questions.

Learn more about cats here: http://www.caturine-cleaner.com

Guido Nussbaum, a 28 year old cat friend from Germany Funny cat videos, funny cat pictures, cat urine cleaner and remover products, cat articles and more can be found at: http://www.caturine-cleaner.com

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Help Your Pet with Dog & Cat Stairs

By Lauren Brehm
Pet stairs or dog stairs, as they are often referred to, are a great way to help your pet get on and off furniture. They can be used for both large and small dogs, as well as young and old dogs. Pet stairs can be used for a variety of reasons.

There are many benefits to purchasing dog stairs. The most obvious reason is that it helps to reduce the amount of jumping your dog does. This is great for older dogs that may suffer from arthritis and have some difficulty getting on and off of things. Or perhaps your dog is recovering from an injury and you do not want him jumping up on the bed. Many larger dogs suffer from hip dysplasia. Dog stairs will help to ease their pain and suffering by reducing the risk of further injuring themselves. Dog stairs can help to promote healing by lowering the risk of re-injury.

Even the healthiest dogs are subject to spinal or joint injuries from jumping up and down. Many breeds with short legs, long spines, sensitive joints or bones or those who are overweight are at a higher risk for injuries. The dog steps help to cushion the impact associated with jumping up and down from beds, furniture, etc.

The dog steps are great for pet owners. They eliminate the need for you to constantly lift your dog on and off of things. If you have some type of physical limitation yourself, you will really appreciate dog stairs. Dog stairs are easy to move around. They are lightweight and most are easy to store and assemble.

They come in various sizes to accommodate the special needs of your dog. Many dog steps are equipped with non-skid pads that help the stairs to not slide or scratch floors.

With the versatility of dog stairs, they are a must have for anyone who owns a dog. No matter what type of dog you have, you will benefit from purchasing a set of dog stairs. Even healthy, young dogs can use pet stairs. So whether you have a large, older dog or a small healthy dog, pet steps are a great investment.

HelpYourPets.com has been in the pet steps business for over three years. Specializing in quality, sturdy dog stairs www.helpyourpets.com is the place to go to ensure the safety of your pet. Have more questions? Call 1 888 842 5230 for more information.

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Cat Sensations2

By: Bradley Mashburn
Taste

Compared to humans, the cat's sense of taste is weak. Where we have 9,000 taste buds, cats have only 473. Therefore, most of a cat’s sense of taste is really his sense of smell. Cats use their sense of taste to determine which foods are good for them. As they are true carnivores, their sense of taste is geared towards identifying protein and fat. Cats are also not very sensitive to the taste of salt or sweet. Food straight from the refrigerator doesn't appeal to a cat; whose wild ancestors ate freshly killed prey. Try heating Kitty's food to intensify the aroma if he is not eating well. SEE THE COMPANION ARTICLE ON FEEDING YOUR CAT

Touch

Like their human companions, cats have touch receptors all over their body. The Sense of Touch is especially keen on the foot pads and at the whiskers. These nerve cells transfer sensations of pressure, temperature and pain from any point to the brain. The most sensitive places on the cat's body are the face and the front paws. The cat's whiskers are the most sensitive of all. The special hairs, called vibrissae, are set deep within the skin and provide the cat with sensory information about the slightest air movement around it - a valuable tool for a nocturnal hunter.

What makes Quality Cat Resources different? Knowledgeable and original writing on cat health, behavior and grooming tips, hairball remedies, cat nutrition, litter options, cat humor, wonderful cat toys and so much more.

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Cat Sensations1

By Bradley Mashburn
We understand the world around us through our five senses and so do our cats. Using sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, we observe, learn, navigate, and experience. Your cat's senses evolved from those of the wild cat, a long line of hunters and predators, and are designed for the purpose of stalking, hunting and killing.

Almost all of your cat's five senses have heightened ability when compared to humans. So, how do we stack up, sense wise, to our feline companions? A cat's vision is superior at night to ours but inferior in daylight. Cats have a slightly larger field of view than humans. We have a similar range of hearing at low frequencies, but cats can hear much higher-pitched sounds. A cat's sense of smell is about fourteen times better ours. Cat’s tastes are specialized, as a carnivore, preferring meat and fat. They are lacking a gene that allows them to taste, or enjoy sweet - which might help with dieting ;-).

Sight

Cats have excellent night vision. They can distinguish objects well even in a badly lit environment, though they cannot see in total darkness. The cat's retina has two types of cells: one to perceive vertical objects and one to perceive horizontal ones. Cat’s vision is especially well tuned to detecting motion; they can see movements that are too fast for our eyes, yet find it hard to focus on very slow movement. This capability in addition to the night vision makes him a successful noctural hunter. A unique feature a domestic cat’s eyes are the slit shaped pupils. He can see in the dimmest of lights because his pupils can open about three times as wide as the human pupil. Cats also have an inner eyelid that helps clean and protect the eye. This third eyelid is called the palpebra terria. It is a fold of tissue covered by a specialized mucous membrane. We don't know for sure what kind of colors cats can see, but scientific tests indicate that cats can recognize at least some of the colors that we do.

Sound

Cats have sharp ears, adapted especially for the high sounds. The ears are fairly large relatively to their head and have the ability to move sideways so that sound can be captured more accurately. Cats' ears are uniquely designed to draw sound into the ear canal, which enables them to hear sounds like a mouse rustling in the brush 30 feet away. Cats can rotate their ears up to 180 degrees. They also can detect the tiniest variances in sound, distinguishing differences of as little as one-tenth of a tone. This discrimination capability helps them identify the type and size of the prey emitting the noise or quickly find a mewing kitten.

Smell

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. A cat will always sniff its food before eating and scent marks are an essential part of feline communication. A cat’s sense of smell is far better than a human’s, but not quite as good as a dog’s. A cat uses scent to find food, mates, enemies, and to seek out his own territory. Cats also have a unique mechanism at the top of their mouth, which enables them to make a special analysis of air molecules. A pair of organs, called Jacobson's organs, allow the cat to analyze air that is inhaled through the mouth rather than the nose. There are several hypotheses about how the cat uses his Jacobson’s organs including: finding food, helping predict unusual occurrences, e.g., earthquake, and perceiving sexual odors or pheromones.

What makes Quality Cat Resources different? Knowledgeable and original writing on cat health, behavior and grooming tips, hairball remedies, cat nutrition, litter options, cat humor, wonderful cat toys and so much more.

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How to keep your cat purring into advanced old age

By Mike Ray
Cats can live longer than many people think... 18 to 20 years is common.

Here's how to keep your cat purring into advanced old age.

Steps:

1. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding preventive health-care measures. Preventing disease and maintaining optimum health are the first steps toward a long, healthy life.

2. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Having kittens, especially repeated litters, is stressful and will contribute to premature aging.

3. Keep your cat inside at all times to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights or disease. (Some research suggests inside cats live twice as long as outdoor cats!)

4. Feed your cat high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.

5. Prevent obesity at all costs by controlling your cat's diet and engaging him in play activities.

6. Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your cat's diet.

7. Have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally. Good dental health will add years to his life.

8. Groom your cat daily, checking for abnormalities, and seek medical help promptly when you discover anything suspicious

9. Make sure no harmful chemicals such as pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto your cat's fur, since cats groom themselves with their tongues constantly. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals on their bodies can have adverse effects if consumed over many years.

10. Protect your cat from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke.

11. Help your cat avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by providing a quiet place for undisturbed catnaps.

12. Provide your older cat with a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, since cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. You'll notice a difference in his attitude and activity level.

13. Give your cat daily full-body massages and lots of love. Despite their aloof demeanor, cats thrive on affection.

14. Protect your cat from dangerous plants such as cactus and poinsettia.

Find a veterinarian with a special interest in aging who keeps abreast of advancements in this rapidly developing area of pet care.

Be sure to call your veterinarian before giving your cat any product not specifically approved for cats. Some products, such as acetaminophen, commonly consumed safely by people or dogs, are poisonous to cats.

Here's a quick way to treat your cat...Instead of a heating pad, fold up your down comforter on the end of the bed. Your aging cat will sink into its own warm cocoon for all its naps.

Remeber cats are like people... when they feel loved and happy their health is affected. So be sure to give your cat as much attention as you can.

Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more. Sign up for free now at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com

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Cat Spraying: A Medical Or Behavioral Problem?

By Paul Proctor
In the last few years, cat spraying has become more recognized as a treatable problem. Many cats spray for a variety of physical and behavioral reasons, so take your cat to the veterinarian to determine which is the problem in your cat's case. While cat spraying is a simple behavior, it can lead to serious problems in cat owners' homes unless it is stopped.

Neutering cats is the most common way to ensure that they will not breed and produce unwanted baby kittens. In addition, neutered cats will not spray around the house and foul the owner's furniture. However, this is not an option for all cat owners.

There are people who do not believe in the neutering of their cats. Some of them feel that it is not the owners right to subject their pet to this surgery while others feel that it is the cats right to reproduce while others are actually planning on breeding additional kittens. Other options are available to those individuals who do not want to neuter their cute little kittens.

In some instances, owners do not wish to neuter their male cats because of certain concerns or other issues. For example, some people may want to use their pets in a breeding program when the kittens reach reproductive maturity and therefore do not intend to neuter any of the kittens.

Behavioral modifications must be considered when neutering is not an option because the pet owner is considering breeding of their male cat with a female cat.

Cat spraying can be an enormous problem in your household. Cat spraying results in an offensive smell and difficult to remove stains, making your home very unpleasant. The damage to your furnishings and other belongings can be expensive to remedy. If you are unable to neuter your cat as a solution to its spraying problem, you can take advantage of other solutions to prevent this behavior from continuing.

Cat Spraying can be a real unpleasant and destructive problem for a cat owner. It may well top the list of cat problems. Both the stains and strong odor are very difficult to remove. Neutering is the most common solution. Neutering usually solves the problem. Neutering may not be an option.

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Cat Hairballs - Information And Suggestions

By Ron King
One may often encounter hairball problems with cats. Undigested hair that builds up inside a cats body are called "cat hairballs". There are only 2 ways for a cat to get rid of the hair caught inside - with the aid of the digestive system or coughing it out. Since cats have rough tongues which they use vigorously to clean their fur, their stomach collects dead hair in large quantities. It is common for hair to be processed through their digestive system and find its way out with other materials that "flows down the drain". From time to time too much hair will pile up inside the body, blocking the paths in such a way that an alternative path must be used.

Cats with long fur many times develop more hairballs than other cats. If a cat is not able to rid itself of cat hairballs through vomiting or through the digestive system, it may suffer from a blockage in the intestine or stomach. Left untreated for too long, it can be life-threatening. Without surgery, that blockage caused by a hairball may be deadly. Cat hairballs are wide spread in felines and seem to be harmless, yet that is a false view. Cats and hairballs may seem to go together, yet some times complications happen. To minimize hairballs you can assist your cat with taking care of dead hair. First, brush your cat to strengthen the hair. Secondly, improve your cats eating habits. Feed it healthy food containing minerals that strengthen the hair and assist the digestive system with getting rid of the hair. Research different manufactures that produces such kind of food.

Special treats for your cats containing petroleum products may also help fighting cat hairballs. These petroleum-based treats help coat the tummy and digestive system for smooth passage through the body. There are several possibilities to administer these petroleum-based treats. Some cats may be fed simply by spoon. With others, try putting some food on their snout and maybe they will lick it off. If these methods fail, put some on their paws and watch them lick the treats off that way. If you follow this advice you will encounter the cats and hairballs phenomenon less and less.

When a blockage caused by cat hairballs will happen is impossible to predict, yet once it happens you must look for complication symptoms. If the cat coughs for 24 hours with no relief, if it lacks appetite, and can not release his bowel movements you must act immediately. Take it to a vet for surgery, because this may be the only way to remove the blockage. Keep a close eye on your cat and take preventive measures.

For more info, see Cats And Hairballs and Cat Hairballs. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cats. Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

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Cat Allergies? Some things which might help.

By Judith Allison
Being allergic to cats can be very distressing to a lover of cats. Wheezing, tearing eyes, nose running, sinus headache, hives, and other symptoms can be very mild and annoying or extreme and life threatening. In actuality, if the symptoms are very severe and the reason is tested and found to be cats, finding the cat a new place to live just might turn out to be the only solution. However if the symptoms are mild, there is cause for hope. There are processes to at least minimize the discomforts of cat allergies and live with a cat, and immunotherapy offers desensitization from an allergen.

Various symptoms of allergies can take on a number of forms. There are many widespread nasal symptoms which can include itching, sneezing and congestion. Eye symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling and watering. Throat symptoms include post-nasal drip, itching or hoarseness and the need to clear the throat often. Skin symptoms can involve an itchy rash or hives. Ear symptoms can include itching, plugging or popping in the ear. There can be more serious symptoms which involve the lungs. Symptoms with the lungs can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent bronchitis and shortness of breath.

Cat allergen, the allergy causing material from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the cat dander and saliva. These allergens get to be airborne as microscopic particles, which when inhaled into the nose or lungs can produce allergic reactions.

The main reason why folks can get a new pet and not develop any of these allergies until much later is because of the amount of time required to produce these antibodies. It can take from three weeks to three years for a person's body to build up sufficient amounts of the specific antibody so that an allergen can cross-link two identical antigens. This cross-linkage is the signal to mast cells to spill their contents, which results in the typical allergy symptoms.

An allergy desensitization regimen is the obvious and very effective method to work around a cat allergy. Immunotherapy gradually makes a person more and more resistant to the allergens. The goal of immunotherapy is to increase a person's tolerance by at least ten times. This is one of the most effective remedies as it treats the root cause and doesn't just mask the symptoms.

It is dangerous and unfair for any indoor cat to be put out. As well as the diseases and illnesses that can be caught out of doors, the indoor cat has no experience with outdoor life and so many times it is unable to protect against cars, animals, and other hazards or to effectively search for food.

Judith Brandy writes a number of articles and blog posts for different websites including Just Cute Cats.

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Halloween Treats - Dirt & Cats

By Jill Seader
Dirt Cake
20 ounce package of Oreo cookies
8 ounce package of cream cheese
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 packages (3 ounces) chocolate pudding
12 ounce package of whipped topping

Crush the cookies in a food processor. You can also put the cookies in a couple of large bags and crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet. Prepare the pudding according to the package directions. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, margarine, and sugar together. Add in the pudding and mix well. Add in the whipped topping. In a square 8 x 8-inch pan, layer the cookie crumbs and the pudding mixture, making sure to end with the cookie crumbs on top. Push some gummy worms into the cake mixture partway and put others on top of the cake. For added Halloween fun, you can put small plastic black spiders and other plastic bugs on the cake. If you do this, just make sure to warn your guests that the bugs are not edible! If you want to make it into a Halloween graveyard cake, break a graham cracker into fourths and frost the pieces with white or gray icing. With black icing, write "RIP", the names of some of your party guests, etc onto the frosted graham crackers. Push the finished "gravestones" partway into the cake. Candy pumpkins can also make easy and fun decorative accents for this Halloween cake. (Be sure to store this cake in the refrigerator.)

Black Cat Cookies
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
1 package chocolate cake mix
M & M’s or candy corn
Red hots

In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, eggs, and water together. Slowly add in the cake mix and mix well. Roll the dough into1-inch balls and flatten them. Pinch two ears into the top of each cookie. Add the M&M’s or the candy corn for the eyes and use a red hot for the nose. Press a fork into the dough on each side of the cat’s "face" to form the whiskers. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. A tasty and fun Halloween treat.

Jill Seader shares her favorite baking recipes along with her stories at http://www.YourBakingStory.com. She also invites you to share your own baking recipes and stories. Happy Baking!

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Why Cat's Claw May Be One Of Nature's Most Powerful Healers2

By: Steve Smith
The many potential benefits of cat's claw make it a hugely exciting prospect for advocates of herbal remedies. But there is an important caveat in that most of the research so far has been conducted in the laboratory rather than on live human subjects. Against that, however, must be set the many centuries of use of the herb amongst older civilisations.

Orthodox medicine, moreover, is always keen to stress, quite correctly, that the mere fact that a remedy is described as "natural" or "herbal" does not mean it is necessarily free of potential side effects. Herbal remedies, after all, often provide the raw materials for the manufacture of conventional drugs, and are highly active biochemical compounds in their own right. They could not be of any benefit if they were not.

But in the case of cat's claw the only contraindications for its use appear to for pregnant women and those suffering from disorders of the immune system. For all others, the herb appears to be completely safe, although very rare cases of minor gastric upsets and headaches have been reported.

The inner bark of the plant is the source of cat's claw's active alkaloid compounds, but the bark itself is indigestible and poorly absorbed, if at all, by the human digestive system. Fortunately, however, cat's claw is now readily available in the form of easily absorbed teas, tinctures and capsules, but it's probably best to start with low doses to ensure freedom from any possible side effects. And as recommended therapeutic doses vary between 750 and 3,000 mg per day, it's always worth talking things over with your physician or a reputable herbal practitioner before beginning any program of supplementation. But the potential benefits of cat's claw appear so promising that this is not a herb you should ignore.

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

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Why Cat's Claw May Be One Of Nature's Most Powerful Healers1

By Steve Smith
Cat's claw, known as una de gato in Spanish, is a herb derived from a vine-type plant which grows widely in the countries of Central and South America, and is particularly common in the Amazon rainforests and Peru. So vast and botanically rich are the wilds of the Amazon rain forest that many herbal practitioners still look to it as a potential source of powerful, but as yet undiscovered, herbal remedies. Although this hope might seem to some like wishful thinking, the example of cat's claw suggests that it may not be entirely fanciful; because although the herb has only very recently become known in the West, it has been used as health tonic and treatment by the indigenous peoples of the region for many centuries. But the claims made for the benefits of cat's claw need to be treated with some caution, because there are those who would have you regard it as something akin to a miracle herb or universal panacea; and orthodox medicine, as always, is rightly sceptical of the wilder claims of the herbal or "natural" remedy lobby.

Rendered into liquid form, however, extracts of cat's claw have been found to have potent adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and these are therefore used by herbal therapists to tackle a wide variety of common ailments. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the herb indicate potential benefits in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis; as well as digestive problems and ulcers, whilst as an adaptogen and anti-oxidant cat's claw is believed to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help in the fight against cancer.

Serious research into the benefits of cat's claw has been underway in Europe since the 1970s, and although, as noted above, conventional medicine remains reluctant to confirm the herb's therapeutic value, the fact that cat's claw is only available on prescription in certain countries is a clear indication of its biochemical potency. Cat's claw's power as an immune system booster appears to be related to unique properties in the alkaloids derived from it, certain of which appear directly to enhance the ability of the body's white blood cells to destroy potentially harmful foreign matter. These alkaloids also seem to stimulate the production of the vital T4 lymphocyte and leucocyte immune system cells which are crucial in fighting viral infections.

One particular such alkaloid, rynchophylline, is also believed to be of great benefit to the cardio-vascular system in preventing blood "stickiness", or the potentially catastrophic formation of clots in circulating blood in the heart and brain. Like other anti-oxidants, cat's claw may also help to prevent the oxidation of low density lipids (LDL), or "bad cholesterol", and the consequent build up of deposits inside the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Recent research also suggests that the anti-oxidant action of cat's claw may also help to prevent the deposit of the plaques within brain tissue which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm

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Diabetes in Cats and Dogs2

By: Michelle Reynolds
The most common form of treatment for diabetes in dogs and cats is injectable insulin. The treatment regimen may be slightly different between the species, but the basics are the same. For cats the usual course of treatment includes two doses of long acting insulin given throughout the day combined with a low carbohydrate diet. It is not recommended to only inject them once a day because their metabolism is so fast. For example, if the medication will last 12 hours in a human, it will only last 6 hours in their cat. This means you have to go with double the doses to have the same effect.

Dogs can be on the same regimen with their high fiber and moderate carbohydrate, or it can vary slightly. Some dogs seem to do better with long acting injections either once or twice a day with a short acting agent given before meals. In both species you may have to try a few different brands before you find the right fit. Just like with humans, you have to find what works best with their individual body chemistry in order to achieve success.

Now that we have covered the more common prescription treatment methods, it is important to point out that more and more pet owners are finding real success in natural treatment methods. With a condition like diabetes it is very important to exhaust all your options before making a final treatment decision, this cannot be done with out first considering natural cures. Some pet owners have even managed to put their pet’s diabetes into remission using nothing more than a healthy diet and natural supplements. Long-term exposure to any chemical can have negative results in both pets and humans. If it is possible to minimize this exposure or even eliminate it completely then it is worth at least looking into.

Finding out that your dog or cat has diabetes can be a scary thing, but it is not the end of the world. Find a vet that you trust and like and then work with them on your pet’s treatment. If you can get control of the disease early then chances are very good that your pet can still live a full life with you. You just have to be willing to take the time to learn about what it is that they need.

I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com

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Diabetes in Cats and Dogs1

By Michelle Reynolds
While most of us commonly associate diabetes as being a human problem, it is becoming more and more common in dogs and cats. In fact, the most recent numbers show that as many as 1 in every 400 cats has the disease, and that figure is growing all the time. With the numbers for dogs being very similar, it seems as that diabetes is now a worry in our vet’s office as well as our doctor’s office. If you are in the dark about this increasingly common issue, then read on while we shed some light on the subject.

Our cats and dogs can develop the very same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that we can. Most dogs are affected by Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes, and generally have an earlier onset of the disease. While cats can be diagnosed with Type 1 they are much more likely to have the Type 2 form of diabetes. This is the type most commonly associated with obesity in humans. It is rare for a cat to develop diabetes any younger than the age of seven, but, like we pointed out, the disease tends to manifest earlier in dogs.

Overall the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are very similar to those found in human patients. You are watching for a sudden change in weight or appetite, either increased or decreased. The animal might start drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating frequently. If it is a cat, they tend to become obsessed with water, hanging around faucets or sinks. Cats sometimes develop weakness in their back legs, and may start walking much slower. Dogs develop vision problems. This can range from blurred vision, to cataracts, to a sudden onset of blindness.

If you think your pet is affected by this condition then head to your vets office. Just like in humans a simple blood or urine test can determine whether or not your pet has diabetes. The blood test measures the amount of sugar in your pet’s blood, while the urine test looks for glucose. If the sugar is high in either scenario, your pet has diabetes. Luckily if you catch it early and follow the treatment set up by your vet, then your pet still has a great shot at leading a full life.

The first step in treating diabetes in dogs and cats is to set up a proper diet. For cats this means going low carb. Since most cats develop Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that a strict low carbohydrate diet can put the disease into remission. Dogs are usually put on a high fiber diet with a moderate level of carbohydrates. However, some dogs are left on a regular healthy diet but given a short acting oral insulin at meal times. This is called an insulin bolus supplement.

There are oral medications out there, but they are not commonly used in today’s environment. Mostly because studies are showing that these medications may actually do more harm to the pancreas then has already taken place. Since dogs are generally Type 1, pills are not usually an option for them. And since it is easier to give a cat an injection than it is to give them a pill, it makes more sense to go with the more reliable form of medication.

I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com

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Pet Health Insurance For Your Cats - Worth The Small Monthly Fee

By Madonna Jeffries
I am an animal lover and have been since I was a child. Today I own a couple of dogs as well as four cats. As other pet owners would know you take on a huge responsibility when you decide that you want to own a domestic animal. Not only do you have to feed them good nutritious food you also need to provide them with regular exercise so that you can ensure that they remain healthy and free of ailments.

I am quite astonished that many pet owners ignore the opportunity to buy pet health insurance for cats. Statistics show that people who own dogs as well as cats are more inclined to insure their dog rather than their cat. I am not sure as to why they decide this, perhaps it is because they have the belief that because dogs are more active they are more likely to get injuries requiring veterinary treatment, rather than cats who are considered to be more homely and less likely to sustain injuries. In reality cats, even those that remain mostly indoors, are just as likely to require treatment for health problems as dogs.

In some cases it is cats who are more prone to having health related problems than dogs. Cats are inclined to suffer in silence, meaning that although they may have a serious health problem you may not necessarily realize because they don’t jump about complaining as is the case with most dogs.

Furthermore, cats are known to have an incredibly high threshold for pain and suffering. It is because of their ability to mask the fact that they have serious health problems that your cat may suffer right before your eyes and you may never even know it. A cat could well be suffering a life-threatening ailment for many years but if you don’t take it to the vet for regular checkups the problem may never be discovered.

In the case of pet owners who have more than one cat, if one gets sick it is highly likely to pass on the problem to your other cats resulting in you incurring quite sizable vet fees and ongoing treatment costs. So rather than insure your dog and ignore your cat you should go out and buy pet health insurance for cats as well. When you talk to the average pet owner you get a variety of different responses when you mention something as important as taking your cat for regular veterinary check ups. Often, people will say things like "Well, if there is nothing wrong with my cat then I usually don’t bother taking them to the vet’. This response shows that the cat owner is somewhat irresponsible.

Like humans our pets should be subjected to frequent check-up so as to maintain good health and identify any potential problems. Taking preventative measures for our animals is a much better option than having to source a cure. The cost of preventative animal health is also much cheaper than having to fix up a particular problem. With the peace of mind offered by pet health insurance for cats you will be able to control the cost of providing regular health checks for your much adored pet. Check out the prices for pet health insurance online for all your domestic animals - you will be pleasantly surprised at the small amount you need to pay for peace of mind.

For further details about pet health insurance for cats and general pet insurance information visit Family Pet Health Insurance.

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Keep Your Cat Off of the Counter

By Lauren Ashley
Disciplining a cat has long been known as an exercise in futility. These proud creatures will happily ignore scolding's and other methods to do just what they want. Kitchen counters are like magnets to cats. Cats love high surfaces, and, as a bonus, the kitchen counter smells delicious. Your counter is often full of good things to eat, or at least, still smelling of them, and any self-respecting cat is required to investigate. It may seem impossible to keep your pet from "counter-surfing." Before kitty drives you to your wits' end, try a few simple tricks to discourage him.

Cats hate the sticky feeling of tape, so try applying some sticky-side up to the edge of the counter. The sensation of stickiness on your cat's paws may be enough to keep him off the counter. The disadvantage to this method is that you will have to keep applying the tape as long as you want to repel the cat, and cleaning the adhesive off your counter later can be a chore. Strips of aluminum foil are also suggested, as some cats hate not only the feel of it on their toes, but also the crackling noise. Be careful, though. Some cats find aluminum foil highly attractive and will pull it down for a toy. Make sure that your cat does not ingest any foil if this happens.

Another method of repelling your cat from the counter is to employ a loud noise that will upset your cat when he has done something wrong. A few pennies in an empty aluminum can, shaken when the cat is on the counter, can make him learn that the counter is off limits. If you place a few of these cans along the edge of the counter where the cat will be sure to knock them off when he jumps up, the resulting racket will bring down the cat. Other loud noise methods include a popped balloon, or slapping noisemakers based on mousetraps. The traditional water spray method can also work, though it is important to make sure that the cat connects the discomfort of being wet with the counter, and not with you.

It is also important to make sure that temptations that entice your cat to jump on the counter are reduced. Keep good smelling food off of the counter top, make sure that there are other high places that your cat can sit, and make sure your cat has ample space to roam. These steps, combined with the above preventatives, can help keep your cat off of the counter.

Lauren has been the proud owner of a European Shorthair cat named Pumpkin for 12 years and an Australian Shepherd dog named Mollie for 8 years. She loves cats and dogs and is happy to provide pet owners with wonderful kitty condos, scratching posts, and dog stairs found at www.luckycatfurniture.com.

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The Sacred Cat

By Terry Kubiak
Important both as a domestic pet and as a symbol of deities such as Bastet and RA the "Great Cat of Heliopolis". There were two indigenous feline species in ancient Egypt, the jungle cat and the African wild cat, the former being found only in Egypt and southeastern Asia. The earliest Egyptian remains of a cat were found in a tomb at the Predynastic site of Mostagedda, near modern Asyut, suggesting that the Egyptians were already keeping cats as pets in the late fourth millennium BC.

The Egyptian word for cat was the onomatopoeic term miw, which, although not mentioned in the Pyramid Texts, found its way into various personal names from the Old Kingdom onwards, including 22nd Dynasty pharaoh known as Pamiu or Pimay, literally "the tomcat" 773-767 BC. The earliest Egyptian depiction of the cat took the form of three hieroglyphic symbols, each representing seated cats. This formed part of the phrase "Lord of the City of Cats" inscribed on a stone block from El-Lisht, which may date as early as the reign of Pepy II 2278-2184 BC. From the 12th Dynasty onwards, cats were increasingly depicted in the painted decoration of private tombs, either participating in the scenes of hunting and fowling in the marshes or seated beneath the chair of the owner.

It was in the funerary texts of the New Kingdom that the cat achieved full apotheosis, in the Amuduat it is portrait as a demon decapitating bound captives and in the Litany of RA it appears to be a personification of the Sun-god himself, battling with the evil serpent-god Apophis. Because of its connection with the Sun god, the cat was depicted on a number of Rames side steles found in the Theban region. From the Late Period onwards, large numbers of sacred cats were mummified and deposited in underground galleries at such sites as Bubastis and Speos Artemidos, and numerous bronze votive statuettes have survived, including the "Gayer-Anderson cat" in the collection of the British Museum.

The ancient Egyptians practiced a belief system that was par totemism, part polytheism, and part ancestor worship. There were numerous gods, but rather than living on an isolated mountain or in an unreachable heaven, many of them lived invisibly in the mortal world, acting through scared sites, animals or even chosen people. Furthermore, the spirits of the deceased, if remembered and honored, could aid and guide the living from the Afterlife.

Unearth authentic age-old works of art antiquities, uncover genuine artifacts, reveal ancient archaeological finds, Large selecton of antiquites to chose from. http://www.worldwidestore.com/

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Dog and Cat Party Fun

By Gail Leino
"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to - la la, la la la. Okay, so I don't know the words to the song but I do know bringing a dog or cat to a party needs to be approved first by the party host. Double check the front of the party invitation, who was it addressed to? Did it include your pets name? If not, then a friendly chat with the host should be done before bringing your animal. It can be an easy oversight, even if the party invitation was imprinted, to forget inviting a pet. So use kindness when speaking with the host. It is not recommended asking the host if your pet can come to a few types of events like a wedding, Bachelor party, baby shower, baby naming party or bridal shower. These types of parties have lots of activities and party games such as baby shower games or bridal shower games where animals could be a distraction. Once the host agrees to your pet coming to the party, there is a few simple rules of etiquette to follow.

A must do is to have your pet bring the hostess a present/host gift like a gift basket, an engraved gift or flowers. In addition, bring the hostesses pets presents or little surprizes. Next, bring along an extra pooper scoopers. Have your pet dressed appropriately like wearing a bandana or Halloween costume. If it is a theme party like luau, Mardi Gras, Super Bowl, Christmas party or other holiday party choose a festive matching pet outfit. Animals tend to have different diets, so bringing along pet food and bottled water is a good idea, too. Be thoughtful by bringing your own bowls and placemat for when your pet dines. Your pet should not rely on the hostess for any special requirements. So, don't expect the hostess to provide your pet with any party favors. Although the hostess might invite your pet, not all hostesses will think ahead of time about having party supplies for your pet, too. Thus, prepare your pet for any possible disappointment. Remember, glow sticks are not pet friendly party favors. "

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Holiday party supplies and fun party themes. Over 100 adorable Themes with Holiday Party Supplies to fit your party.

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A Review of Different Types of Cats

By Jack Moundon
Over the past thousands of days, cats have pretty often cared their breeding themselves. In the brand, they were used for one reason - search and downing rodents. As the days progressed, we began to cover cats many to our liking. Now years, there are some other breeds of cats - which you can say if you search close.

More than 70 different cat breeds in these years, which are recognized during cat registries. There are some registries that will identify about 40 breeds or then, as they keep out the more home breeds much as tigers. There are too more variations equally good, including dangerous cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds that have solutions getting backward rather a number in account. Several Japanese breeds, greatly as the Japanese Bobtail can be lined backward more than 1,000 days in the past. These cats were real standard and good known all the way through Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

Long haired cat, Persian cat, and the alley cat are the cat breeds that are known in North America. In addition, Siamese cats are well known to be harmful and to have despicable anger. Cats are very attractive and to be proving loving companions like the Persian cats.
These Persian cats can be very high rate, depending on what types of Persian cat it is and where you get it.

The mainly common cats in North America are the alley cats. Alley cats are actually some unlike breeds, though most of the owners just call to them as alley cats. Cats are recognized to breed more than any other pet, and cats will maintain their breed until they are stopped. A hundred of thousands of cats that you can see are homeless or in the streets and just breed when they have nothing to do.

It is easy to tell the cats what breed it look likes. Most people easily identify the cats by its color, although color is not easy to recognize. All types of cats are incomparable, such as the Persian cats and Siamese cats. Siamese cats are simply to recognize by their color and their eyes, they are mostly always black. Persian cats are easily recognized by their hair and body type.

Cats are most admired and one of the original pets that have been quite a many breeds comes along in the era. Around the globe, millions of people had their own cats and they choose cats over any other pets such as dogs. No matter what type of cat you get, make sure to get a pet that make for a great

Actually, there has been a few breeds appear more over the years. Cats were one of the most well-liked and first pets. All over the globes millions of people own cats and many people not prefer any other pets such as dogs. No matter what type of cat you get, be sure to find a pet that make us a great friend for years and years to come.

About the author:
Jack Moundon is the owner of Cat Central , Helpul information about cats health problems and meanings about their common behavior. Great gift for cat lovers and helping you cat stay healthy.

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Feral Cat

By Omer Ashraf
A feral creature is referred to as a wild, untamed, savage animal that has gone from a state of domestication to a wild presence. Feral cats are typically kittens of domestic cats that were left, disowned, discarded by their owners. Un-habituated to humans, they live in colonies in urban areas...in alleys, malls, garbage disposal areas etc. If they manage to stave off starvation and death from other predators like coyotes, foxes, dogs, they thrive and breed at a prodigious rate - producing over half a million offsprings in their lifespan. A burden on resources, millions are spent annually to control them.

There are two approaches commonly advocated to deal with this problem. One is merciless euthanasia of every captured feral. The other, which is more sensible and what I also advocate, is TNR i.e. Trap, Neuter and Return - this involves capturing the stray cats, neutering them and returning them to the area. This approach, apart from being more humane, is also more successful and cost-effective than repeated attempts at extermination since the area of killed cats is soon taken over by other ferals. During TNR, cats are also frequently immunized and one of their ears nicked to identify them as being inoculated and neutered.

Whilst feral cats have had devastating ecological influences on biodiversity of certain species like the extinction of huitas from the Caribbean and the Guadalupe Storm-petrel from Pacific Mexico, they are also believed to be of use in controlling over growth of populations of certain animal species.

About the author:
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on feral cats.


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Dogs and Cats in Cold Weather

By Elyse Grau
In the summer we worry about keeping our pets cool, come winter and it's time to think about keeping them warm and dry. Here are some simple ways you can protect your pets this winter.

The easiest, safest way to keep your pets warm is to keep them indoors, especially overnight. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should never be kept outside. All cats should remain indoors.

Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Some dogs can take cold better than others, such as Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. Short -haired and toy dogs will have a particularly hard time in the cold.

Snow and ice can pose problems for dogs. Snow can get packed between dog's toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid this problem, keep the hair between the toes cut short.

Keeping nails cut short also helps. Shorter nails allow for better traction. If a dog is slipping on ice it tends to splay the toes, which causes more snow to pack between them.

If you are walking your dog on sidewalks or streets that have been salted to melt ice, be sure to wash his paws when you return. The salt can be drying and irritating to the paws.

If a dog must be kept outside during the day, be sure to provide proper shelter. An oversized dog house or shed will not retain enough heat. The house should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Do not use blankets for bedding. These will just get wet and freeze. Clean straw or hay is preferable.

Position the house on the south or east side of the house if possible, out of the wind. Raising it up off the ground helps, too.

Remember that the dog's water may freeze if left outside. Putting the water in a deep container helps keep it from freezing. Also plastic is a better choice in this case, as metal conducts the cold quicker. Dark colored dishes will absorb more heat than lighter ones, slowing the freezing action. Be sure to break up any ice on the surface of the water each morning.

Are you aware of the dangers of antifreeze? Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs! Be sure to keep containers tightly capped and out of reach. Wipe up any spills immediately. For the safest bet, use one of the alternative products made with propylene glycol instead.

Outdoor cats will look for warm spots to curl up. Some cats have learned that cars and trucks offer nice warm nooks. They will crawl up into the wheel-wells or engine compartments. Banging on the hood before you get in your car is a good idea in case you have a stowaway.

Indoors, pets will often curl up next to heaters or under wood stoves. Watch out for tails and fur getting too close to heating elements! Make sure your cat does not overheat.

Some extra vigilance may be needed if you will have a Christmas tree. Anchoring the tree to the wall is a good precaution. Tinsel can be dangerous to pets if ingested, so either don't use it, or place it well out of reach of cats and dogs. Start hanging decorations a few feet from the bottom of the tree.

If you have a puppy, don't leave gifts unattended under the tree. Don't use string or dangling ribbons on packages if you have a cat. Cover the base of the tree to keep animals from drinking the water.

There is debate over the toxicity of Poinsettias. Even if they are not deadly, the sap is an irritant and will probably make the animal sick. Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous; so keep them out of reach of pets.

Elyse is the founder of The Original Dog Biscuit Company. She has extended knowledge of pet nutrition and feeding, as well as practical experience in the raising of cats, dogs and other animals. She is a herbalist, specializing in animals. Read more of her articles at: http://www.pethealthresource.com

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Taking Care Of Your Pet Cat

By Michael Colucci
Before purchasing for yourself a Siamese cat or a rag doll as your pet, make sure that one, you’re not allergic to cats and secondly, your place of living allows house owners to have pets. If you have a problem with any of the two options, you might have to reconsider your decision to own a pet after all.

But if there’s no problem with any of those, here are our general tips to help you take good care of your pet cat.

There’s a reason why cats are said to have nine lives so if you’re planning to own a pet cat, be aware that the normal lifespan of a pet cat kept indoors could reach up to 17 years or so. If that’s okay with you then great, proceed with your purchase of a pet cat.

When you do finally own a pet cat, do keep in mind that your pet cat has to be neutered or spayed before he reaches maturity. This is a necessity if you don’t want your house to be reeking of your pet cat’s urine. The best possible time for spaying would be before your pet cat is seven to eight months old.

With pet cats, you must have dry food ready for their consumption at all times. Letting your pet cat live on a daily and regular canned food diet will only result to having a malnourished pet cat and surely you don’t want that? And although dogs can certainly consume and stay healthy with cat food, this is not a vice versa thing with pet cats.

With pet cats, a vaccination is necessary to prevent and minimize the chances of your pet cat experiencing respiratory problems later on. It’s better to have your pet cat vaccinated as early as possible. In fact, your pet kitten must be vaccinated several times just to make sure that your pet cat will experience the desired outcome.

Always check and feel your pet cat for scratches, burns, wounds and other things that could result to infection or pain for your pet cat. If your children are fond of playing with your pet cat, there could be times that they’ve left a rubber band around the neck of your pet cat for a long time, long enough to form a bruise.

And that’s the end of our article on pet cats. Hope you have fun with your pet cat!


About the author:

Michael Colucci is a writer for a cat training website at http://www.cat-training.knowledgesearch.net which is part of http://www.knowledgesearch.net


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Loving Your Cat

By Bob Taylor Taylor
If you really love your cat – what you certainly do, should learn more about cat health. It would require a little effort from your part.
Cats are very vulnerable creatures and do not have nine lives, contrary to what we common hear that a cat has nine lives.
If your cat is sick, then he or she could die from such illness and would never come back. There is not such thing as cats having nine lives so if you have cat, you should know about cat health and learn to take care of your cat.
If you really love your cat and would like to keep it healthy, you should spend some time learning how to take care of it.

Now, where does one find literatures and reading materials about cat health? There are many books about cats that you can easily find in the libraries and bookstores. Most of these books would give some practical ideas about your cat’s needs.
You can also find many write-ups online on how to take care of your cat. There are even websites that are devoted solely on the topic of cats and how to take care of them. Most of these websites are really very informative and useful.

What are the things that you should focus on when learning about cat health? If you have the luxury of time to read and learn about cats, you can finish the whole book about cats but if you are pressed for time and would like to get back to work, you can just focus on the most important things that you should know about cats namely, their diet, their habits and their need for exercise.
You should make sure that you learn a lot about what cats should eat since good diet contributes much to the well-being of your cat. Learning about their habits could also help co-exist harmoniously with your cat.

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About the author:
Believing in good balanced diet, taking vitamins and minerals. Daily exercise, yoga, stretching, breathing exercises, drinking enough water, meditation, relaxation, positive thinking, and trying to be happy.

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The "Lovecat" Way to Networking

By Diana Long
Albert Schweitzer was quoted to have said: "One thing I know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." I find these words to ring very true for me. I feel most "alive" and connected when I'm coming from a place of giving and sharing with others.

All of us have tons of opportunities to socialize and connect with different circles of people on a regular basis. If you are like most, you receive invitations to an assortment of gatherings hosted by family, friends, church, school, work, community and civic organizations every week, right? Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Maybe yes. Maybe no! Depends on your attitude.

These extra social dates can be viewed as a fantastic opportunity to meet and embrace new people into your growing network OR they may conjure up feelings of dread and visions of stale chips and stale conversation. I've got good news! Networking doesn't need to be anything but a positive win-win situation for you and those you meet. All it takes is a shift in your mindset from the "Old Business Philosophy" to the more human and attractive way of conducting business and managing your personal life.

Instead of buying into the concepts of winning at all costs, striving to get ahead, and learning how to "swim with the sharks", I challenge you to adopt a more comprehensive, authentic and potent approach. Learn specific success strategies that will provide you with a new way of interacting in the business world and reap the benefits of doing so. The "old" definition of networking defines networking as a random process of meeting people, remembering names and aggressively collecting business cards. The "new" definition is much more dynamic than that!

I recently came across an incredible resource on this subject, which I highly recommend. A book by Tim Sanders called," Love is the Killer App". I'm a big fan of Tim's work and after you read his invaluable book; I know you will be, too! Tim Sander's calls his business and life success philosophy, The "Love Cat Way". The Love Cat's path to wild success is based on these 3 guiding strategies:

KNOWLEDGE ~ we should all be sharing our knowledge with one another without regard to our personal gain. We give to give. Simple as that.

NETWORK, Network, Network! ~ Connect others to your Rolodex. Share your valuable connections freely and widen your circles of influence exponentially.

COMPASSION ~ Be the best human being you can be. Be kind. Be caring. Be compassionate. Do good deeds! We are all in this together and our relationships with one another are the key. It truly is who we know and who knows us. Our willingness to authentically connect with others and help them achieve their goals can impact all aspects of our lives, our businesses and yes, even our love life!

This week's coaching challenge? Be a "Love-Cat" and touch base with your inner circle of connections and also make it a point to meet some new people and see how you might be of service to them.

Learn more about Diana and receive your FREE Report, "3 Huge Mistakes People Like You Make to Sabotage Their Success & How You Can Completely Avoid Them!" and FREE subscription to "Life & Work Design Secrets" e-newsletter, please visit http://www.DianaLong.com .

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Cat health insurance is all that your cat needs

By Robert Scott
Since veterinary costs are rising day-by-day, insurance policies have become the biggest necessity of all pet owners. In fact, these policies are helpful in lightening the financial burden of the pet owner; perhaps, this is the reason why most of the pet owners are buying health insurance policies for their pets. Such health insurance can be a topic of debate among pet owners but the fact is that all pet owners, who care for their pet's requirements and want to provide them with quality medical facilities, buy these policies to secure their pet's life. People, who are concerned about their pet's health, know that a health insurance can save their pet's life during serious illness or injury. These insurance policies cover a wide range of healthcare requirements of a pet, so that the pet owner may get relief from the burdensome medical bills of his or her pet. Owning a cat is the biggest pleasure of the world but one may feel really very bad when he or she is not able to take care of this sweet little creature just because of financial shortage. Cat health insurance is the only one solution that may help a cat owner in providing his or her cat with the best healthcare benefits.

Cat health insurance policies are just like human insurance policies and they also carry equal healthcare benefits. These policies cover all unexpected health expenses of a cat, so that the owner may not face sudden financial burden at the time of her injury or illness. There are people, who believe that paying premiums of their cat's insurance just increases their financial burden, as their cat hardly requires medical check-ups and treatments. However, life is unpredictable and no cat owner can predict that his or her cat will stay healthy forever; therefore, they should not deny the benefits of a cat health insurance.

However, it is wise to analyze every aspect of cat health insurance polices but it does not mean that these policies are not useful. Analyzing these policies can help a pet owner in getting a clear idea about the processing of these policies. With this, the cat owner can know whether the selected insurance policy covers pre-existing health problems of his or her cat or not. Since there are some policies that do not cover pre-existing conditions, it is always advisable to select a policy that covers unexpected and pre-existing conditions of the insured cat.

There are various factors that determine the benefits of your cat health insurance. Age and physical condition are one of those key factors that decide on the benefit level of a cat insurance policy. These factors also helps the insurance company in setting the premium amount, as older your cat will be the higher premium amount you will have to pay for her policy. However, this premium amount never goes out of the budget of the cat owner, as the cat owner gets the privilege to choose the cat health insurance policy as per his or her capacity.

About the author:
Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Pet Insurance, Cat insurance, Pet insurance Online,Veterinary pet insurance, Cat health insurance.you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

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How to stop your cat chewing on electrical cords and other objects2

By: Mike Ray
You should also know that problem behavior in cats is often a sign of stress, boredom or bad socializing when they were a kitten. To deal with stress and boredom provide lots toys, perches and places she can get away and relax and remember that love is the best medicine so give her plenty of attention.

If your cat is out of control due to bad socializing when she was a kitten, you can fix her behavior, though it may take longer. For example, giving her attention needs to be on HER terms...you may only be able to pat her for a small amount of time in one go, though over a few months she'll gradually allow you to pat her more and more as she gets used to it.

It's better to give her some attention and leave her wanting more then over doing it and only stopping when she scratches you and runs away.

Cats are amazing creatures, and once you understand their psychology, you'll get along with them like never before, enjoying perfect behavior from them and an even deeper bond.

Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more.

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How to stop your cat chewing on electrical cords and other objects1

By Mike Ray
Chewing on electrical cords can burn or shock your cat, causing respiratory problems, cardiac arrest and even death. Cat's sharp teeth and their inquisitive nature can put your cat at high risk. This is especially an issue with kittens.

Here's what to do to:

1. Tape cords to the wall with electrical tape to help prevent your pet from gaining access to them.

2. Stow excess lengths of cord behind furniture or appliances, hidden from your cat's view. Cats are attracted to dangling cords and may think they are toys.

3. Block access to visible cords by wrapping flexible safety cable (available at hardware stores) around them. Tin foil works well too, or even a thicker model or extension cord (that is too big for a cat to chew on)

4. Place contact paper, sticky side up, in the general area of electrical cords to discourage your pet from approaching them.

5. Apply unpleasant-tasting substances to exposed cords. These could include bitter apple spray, menthol, toothpaste, mouthwash or lemon juice. Experiment with different flavors, since cats' taste aversions vary. You can also use Crittercord... It's a cord cover with a deterrent infused in it. Be sure to use a product for Cats though- similar products are available for killing rats so be careful what you buy!

6. Have favorite toys available to distract your pet from the cords, and rotate toys every few days to prevent boredom.

7. Keep your pet out of any room with exposed electrical cords until your furry friend loses interest in chewing on them.

My favorite solution is rubbing the cords with a bar of soap.

Moisten the soap, it makes application easier. The soap will last longer than the Bitter Apple sprays and is more effective than hot sauce (even habanero, which incidentally can get in the cat's eyes and be really painful). This works so well that you will probably see a reluctance to even reach for untreated cords, like a mouse or keyboard cord, where the same cat consistently would bite these before.

You need to understand that cats are smart creatures though they are also creatures of instinct. If you have something dangling around, such as a cord for a fan, your cat will naturally want to swat at it. She may even chew on it as it moves (literally moving your cat around like in old cartoons, just a bit slower).

Every interaction with your cat trains her. If she does something you don't like, and you pick her up and tell her she's naughty and put her in another room etc she's actually learning that if she does that bad behavior, she'll get attention from you! Which means she'll do the bad behavior more and more.

It's far better to ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior. To stop bad behavior interrupt her pattern with a squirt of water or use the above methods to make the experience not as pleasant as she thought it would be. (For example, chewing on cords might look like fun, but if they taste terrible, she'll soon learn that it's better to chew other things).

Find out much more about everything cat related with our free newsletter at http://UltimateCatSecrets.com We cover health issues, behavior and training, cat selection and even non verbal cat communication, cat massage and more.

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Useful Advice for Cats: How to Care for your Human

By Martine Carlsen
For us cats there are several sweet advantages in having a human as a pet. However, remember you are taking on a big responsibility when you adopt one or more humans. Humans are demanding pets that need daily care and attention.
With responsibility come both advantages and disadvantages. If you adopt a human, you must get used to spending time at home. Your human does not deal well with being left alone - they will get into all sorts of mischief. For example, if you are gone just two or three days you run the risk of seeing posters put up all over the neighborhood. Your human will put out an APB on you ! Often with an embarrassing text that reveals all sorts of personal details - and usually accompanied by an unflattering photo of you - with morning fur and crumpled whiskers. Exactly the kind of thing that attracts ridicule from all the neighbor cats.
So please consider carefully if you are ready for a life with humans. In addition, remember humans generally grow very old, so there is a big chance that you will spend the rest of your life with your human.

Entertaining your Human
The litter box provides a great opportunity for entertaining your human. Naturally there is all the fun your human can have cleaning and scooping out the box. A lot of human time can also be used getting fresh litter - going to the pet store, transporting it home etc. However many humans like new challenges. Utilize your litter box time in the best possible way. Make interesting and artistic renderings of countries or well-known islands. Your human will have lots of fun guessing which one you made. Humans like game shows - so this should be a popular activity. When your human increases in skill, you can also make portraits of family and friends. Start with profile portraits - this will make it easer for your human.

Shedding
Make it a priority to shed indoors on appropriate surfaces. Fleece is a particularly suitable material to shred on. All you need to do is pass close by your human when he or she is wearing fleece. All cat hair within a radius of 2 feet from the fabric will immediately be transferred to your human. No brushing necessary for several days ! Another good solution is to get access to a filled clothes hamper. Jump in and give all contents a good work over. An extra bonus with this method is that most cat hairs will survive a trip to the washing machine. Your human will be stylishly accessorized with cat hair on all outfits.

Extra Food
All chances for a bit of extra food must and should be taken advantage of. Whenever your human is in the kitchen, you have a prime opportunity of getting an extra snack. When your human is busy at the kitchen counter place yourself in your humans blind angle (just behind the ankle is usually a good spot). And the second your human moves one or both feet you jump back screaming your most heart-wrenching cry. Your human will automatically assume that he/she stepped on you. When your human looks back scared to see what is happening look up at him/her with a painful expression on your face (practice this before hand in front of a mirror). Your human's bad conscience will often result an edible apology.

Grass Etiquette
Before you eat grass, make sure that you are close to a suitable place to throw up. Delicate furniture fabrics, precious carpets, and shoes are all good places. If you choose furniture: aim for the part that has non-removable fabric. When you are getting down to business, make sure you back up a step or two so that you cover the largest area possible. Another technique is to do several items with pauses in-between. Persian carpets will give a good camouflage effect and your little gift will often not be discovered until somebody steps in it.

Preventing your human from wasting valuable time
One of the most important tasks we cats have is to prevent humans from wasting their time. Humans love to spend their time on things with no relevance for cats. For example watching TV, reading, talking on the phone - and many other things that have no entertainment value for us cats what so ever. Many methods are available to prevent human time waste - use your imagination. Some especially effective techniques will be mentioned here.

Watching TV; make sure that you always position yourself between the TV and your human. On the coffee table for example. You can also lie on the TV and let you tail or paws swing down in front of the screen. This method is most effective with small screens where you can cover a large percentage of the screen. It is a bit trickier with a flat screen - and only recommended for the agile kitty. A variation can be used with a computer screen. Flat screens often leave a lot of empty space on the desk - so just get up in front - remind your human of how wonderful you are.
Cleaning; stalk the vacuum cleaner and attack when it passes by. You can also pretend that you want to attack the vacuum cleaner but "accidentally" catch a foot instead.
Garden work; jump repeatedly up-and-down and scatter any leaves that your human has raked together. Attack gardening tools - especially while they are in use. Immediately dig up any newly planted seeds, plants and flowers.

Closed Doors
Under no circumstances accept closed doors that separate you from your human. At all times you have a right to know what your human is doing. If by accident you have been placed on the wrong side of a door you need to make your human aware of this ASAP so he/she can remedy the situation immediately. Loud meows and scratching on the door should be sufficient to get your humans attention. If this is ignored you need to take more drastic measures: Make a sound as if you are going to throw up. All humans in a 50 feet radius can hear this sound. This sound can also be heard through closed doors. The "puke sound" will always result in your human's immediate presence.

Sleeping Time
It is important for us cats to prioritize our sleeping time. The objective is to get as much sleep done as possible while your human is awake. You will then be especially well rested and bushy-tailed at night when it is your job to keep your human awake. There is the classical "play with toes" approach: attack everything that moves under the duvet. You can also reenact highlights from last year's Grand National Steeplechase by repeatedly galloping across the bed. A couple of loud meows will give it an extra exiting dimension for your human

Houseguests
Houseguests require special attention and handling. The following procedures should be followed:
Houseguests that either do not like us or are allergic to us: As soon as they sit down - jump onto their lap.
Noisy children that run after you and/or pull your tail: It is your duty to punish them - it can be necessary to use both claws and teeth. However, be prepared that this can result in noise that is even more annoying and of an even louder decibel level.
Guests that try to get in contact with you by ingratiating themselves and speaking in a sweet voice: Should just be ignored. If they try to approach you, back away 5-6 feet – but never further away than they feel encouraged to try again. With a bit of practice this game can he kept going for hours.

Bad Weather
Even in bad weather, it can be necessary to go outside. The rain and wet ground will result in an unpleasant layer of dirt and mud on your paws. However, this can easily be dried off on certain appropriate indoor spots. Find a light carpet, a duvet cover or nice piece of furniture and walk over it a couple of times. When your paw tracks are almost invisible, your paws are clean and you are ready to go outside again.

Training your Human
Sometimes it can be necessary to discipline even the most well trained human. However, do remember never to hit a human. At the most, mark with a soft paw on the human's arm or hands. Try first to make your human understand what it has done wrong. And most importantly: be patient! The human intellect is relatively limited and it can be difficult for them to understand our wishes and needs.

Even after approximately 5000 years of domestication, the human species still has primitive instincts and it does take time to train your human completely.

Door Training
One of the first things you need to teach your human is to open the front door, the garden door and backdoor when required. This is done by walking up to a door and making an impatient and very loud meow. Make some tripping steps with your back paws obviously indicating that you need to go to the outdoor litter box. When your human has gotten up from the couch and opened the door you decide that you do not really need to go outside right now. Just for appearances, you can stand in the open door and pretend that you are thinking about the situation for a few seconds before you turn around to go inside again. Repeat this procedure several times a day. This will keep your human in good door opening form.

Inspection of the House
A house usually has unlimited possibilities for suitable sleeping spots. Every possibility no matter how theoretical should be investigated and tested. Cardboard boxes, cupboards, drawers, couches and beds are obvious localities, but places such as old slippers (size 11 or higher) open gym bags or kitchen cupboards should not be overlooked.
The house should further be investigated for all possible toys. An old sock can represent several hours of entertainment if you get your claw on a loose end and unravel a couple of miles worth of yarn. You human will love to tidy up after your play.

About the author:
Martine Carlsen is owned by two wonderful silver abyssinian cats, Sonny and Cher. She is also a web designer and the proud owner and creator of http://www.carlsencards.com. And as you can tell from her website, cats play a big part in both her life and her work.

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