By : Cassandra Mandello
Have you ever wondered about these two questions that have baffled cat lovers and others alike...?
1. Are cats capable of true emotional bonding with us humans?
2. What can we do, as (desperate) cat lovers, to actually encourage our cats to bond with us?
We're going to have a good detailed look in this article, at what could be possible answers to these deep-rooted questions that have been bugging cat lovers, and others alike, for decades!
Also, you'll also gain some rare hints into how to better connect with your cat today, not in tem years time!
Before we go into these techniques, let's peer into and examine your cat's souls, to give us some indications about these questions on cat psychology and cat behaviour.
When you have an animal that's been with humans for over 5000 years, there must be something profound that the humans, as well as the cats, are getting out of this relationship. Something that's keeping them together for so long, and no doubt for eons to come!
Imagine, in say the year 3000, we may have technology to travel through space in luxurious aircraft, and of course, one of the first things that people will want to bring with them is their favorite book, favorite music, and... their cat!
But why is this so? There must be a level of bonding between cats and humans that is beyond that of many other animals, that make us feel so attached to them, want to share our life experiences with them... because our feelings tell us that these feelings goes both ways.
But is this really the case? Do cats use us for food and warmth mainly? Or is there a level of feeling behind the cat behavior that's on a higher level than that, and resembles the feelings that we have for them?
These are valid questions. Let's first have a look at our human emotional responses to our cats.
When humans first met cats, it was presumed to be at a camp fire. This is not proven, though it is a strong possibility.
Why a camp fire?
Well cats love warmth and probably couldn't resist sitting around a man-made camp fire. So they sat, appreciating the warmth, and also may have found they don't have to hunt for. And then the humans were attracted to their cuteness. More likely, it was their kittens that may have clinched this bond. As when interacted, they would have shown cute playfulness, and when nursed, would snuggle up.
Now the question is whether a cat can have snuggling up and playfulness without the emotions of tenderness and enjoyment?
We'll come back to this in a moment. Let's take one more example from history.
It was documented 5000 years ago that cats were domesticated into both Egyptian culture as well as Indian culture at roughly the same time. In fact, for period of over 2000 years in Egypt, there was such respect and admiration for the cat, that the penalty for anyone killing a cat, was death.
During this period, a Roman soldier accidentally killed a cat and was nearly lynched by a crowd who witnessed this event. This became a political conflict, and is thought to be one of the events that led to the war between Egypt and Rome!
So, the humble cat has caused all this! An animal causing people to be irrational over them.
But, does the cat reciprocate our feelings?
One example that could help us with this question is from Jeffrey Masson, who wrote The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats. Among his many examples of bonding is where he discovers that his cats will put up with getting soaked, just to be with him:
"Like most cats, mine do not like rain. Yet when Leila, Ilan, Manu and I walk up the hill in the evening in the rain, such is the cats' devotion that they come with us... it is beyond question that the cats are doing something because they want to...
Moreover, since they walk in the rain only when we are there, never alone, the love of our companionship must be a strong component of their pleasure..."
It gets even better. The strength of our bond actually increases depending on the extent that our cat's range of behavior and emotional responses matches our emotional needs.
Some people who really love attention from their cat, and want the full gamut of personality, do find heaven, and so does the cat, when they have for example, a Siamese cat that is able to show a strong desire to lie on their laps for comfort every night, run around like crazy when they play with, and is also slightly neurotic and anxious when there is too much happening...
So there you have it!
You now have some unusual insight into how cats really feel about us, and perhaps how deep their feelings may go.
In part two of this article, you'll learn specific ways to arouse your cat's attention and affection naturally and spontaneously.
In the meantime, simply be aware of your emotions when you're about to interact or even just look at your cat. If you want to tell her something like "There you are, I'm glad to see you!", do so with feeling. When you do, your non verbal language will come out, and his is the crucial first step, as your cat is sensing your thoughts and feelings very acutely than you have previously thought.
This is where the bonding starts.
And once the bonding starts, you can't stop it…it just keeps getting better!
So with this knowledge, go out there and start the bonding process!
Author's Resource:
Cassandra Mandello helps you to go from cat novice, to bonding with and training your cat, quickly and easily. To get more "must have" tips and hints on how to bond and train your cat, go now to her site on understanding cat cat psychology and cat behavior
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
How to give a cat a bath
By : Angela Coyle
It is important to know how to bathe your cat. Cats generally to a fine job cleaning themselves, however, they my need a little help from time to time. In this case, it is important to know how to properly give you cat a bath.
Giving a cat a bath can be a little trick since most cats are not fond of water or getting wet.
There are dry bath products available on the market today to avoid the traditional bath altogether, however these products are better used to keep your cat clean and healthy rather than get them clean after a roll in the mud.
The dry bath products are generally a leave in treatments great for eliminating odor. A dry bath is a great idea for keeping you cat clean. It will usually not effect their current flea treatment because no water should be needed to wash it away. Always read the labels before using these products. They are safe to use on cats, but may contain different ingredients that you or your cat could be allergic to.
Dry bath products are great, but what do you do when your cat homes home late at night, covered in mud, paint, or something incredible messy and possible toxic? Lets face it, cats get into trouble sometimes.
You probably won't want to let them come in the house and lay on your floor or furniture, and, unless you know what your cat is covered in, probably should not let them sit in the mess all night, or try and clean it themselves. You should never let your cat ingest a foreign substance if possible.
When this happens, hopefully on a rare occasion, you will want to know how to give your cat a bath.
If you're very lucky, this may not be much trouble. Your cat might like the water. But if you have a normal cat like the rest of us, things could get pretty interesting.
When you've decided to give your cat a bath, you should get them a special kitty shampoo. The regular shampoo you use everyday may have harsh perfumes or chemicals that could be harmful to your cat. If this is not available, try and do the best you can with just water in an emergency. It may not be as easy, but this should get most of the muck out of your cat's fur.
By this time you should be well aware of your cats temperament. You will know if your cat will fight you and how hard he or she will fight to get away from bath time. So take every precaution necessary to protect yourself and your cat. After all, most cats are equipped with an effective defense. Claws!
If you have a leather jumpsuit or bird handling gloves, then you're set. Of course, most of us don't have these types of armor and they are not necessary to get the job done. Rubber gloves are suggested, but long sleeves are a must! Personally, I've found that a thick, durable fabric like denim or even a thick cotton work just fine. Just make sure, what ever you wear, that it can't be penetrated too easily by your cat's claws.
The size of your cat, and intensity of his or her frenzy, should determine your bath space needed. You may be able to get away with using your sink for small cats and kittens. If not, use your bathtub and keep all doors closed. If you have a glass shower door, it's not a bad idea to climb into the tub with your cat and keep that door closed too.
Stop! Before you throw you cat into tub of water, remember they will, most likely, be frightened.
When you attempt to give your cat a bath, chances are, your cat will know that something's up even before you begin. Your cat may be frightened by the sound of running water, or the splashing sounds in the tub or sink. It's usually not the best idea to run the water over your cat like a shower. This could startle your cat and cause him or her to spring into action and try to run away from it.
The best way I've found is to draw a shallow bath and have a cup handy to pour water, slowly onto your cat in order to wet him.
Maintain control! You are the master of your domain and don't let your cat think otherwise in this situation. While hogtying your cat is not recommended, you will need to restrict his movement somewhat. This might take the effort of two people for unruly cats and may take some force. Whatever you do, please don't hurt your cat!
Once you have control of your beast, and the water is ready, complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
Wet your cats coat thoroughly and lather him up with his own special shampoo. Do the best job you can; don't forget the feet, tail and stomach. Always use extra special care when washing your cats face! Shampoo may not be needed in this area, and be very careful around his eyes.
Once your cat is soapy, start to rinse. Using the same, gentle pouring motion with your handy cup and the water in the tub rinse your cats fur. You may want to have a reserve of fresh, clean water for rinsing. Try and use your fingers to break up any matting and wok through thick coated areas. Rinse well, drain the tub, and you are almost done.
Now it's time to dry your cat. Drying your cat should not take as much effort as it seems. You will not be able to get him completely dry, so do your best and your cat, and time, will gladly finish the job.
When you let your cat out of the sink or bathtub, keep him in the area. Your cat will most likely want to shake first, just like dogs, and then gently, but with enthusiasm, rub your cat with a towel to rid him of excess water.
Your cat will begin to lick himself dry. You can them leave your cat in the bathroom until he's dry, or let him out whenever you feel is best you, your home, your furniture, and your cat.
In order to simplify this process, here is a step by step guide on How to give a cat a bath:
Get cat shampoo
Suit up! Protect your body from potential injury.
Draw a shallow bath (warm, not hot or cold)
Restrain your cat
Wet
Lather
Rinse
and Dry
The last thing you should know before giving a cat a bath is not to be intimidated. It may not be as simple as one, two, thee, but it's not impossible and you'll both feel better when it's over.
Author's Resource:
Angela Coyle is an avid cat lover, and owner of Hercules the cat, Murteza Abyssinian, Mango, and many others throughout the years. She is also currently an editor at www.cat-care-cat-information.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Your New Cat Why Are the First 24 Hours So Important? Part 2
By : John Young
The family brought Tiger home, but hadn’t prepared their house for him. When he saw their dog, he bolted, found a dark place and hid.
His new owner searched the house but couldn’t find him. That night he came out of his hiding place and found an open window with a torn screen....
His would-be owner knew there were predators in the area. She called Animal Control and posted signs around the neighborhood, but she knew there wasn't much chance.
She was right.
PREPARATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
This situation could have been avoided, and Tiger could have been integrated quickly and easily into his new home if the people who adopted him had made some preparations and taken precautions.
What are some of these preparations? What should you do before you bring a new cat home?
• Prepare the house to receive your new cat.
• Make sure your new cat’s medical needs are completely taken care of.
• Make sure your other cats are adequately protected from disease.
• Make sure you have on hand the things your cat will need.
• Know how to introduce your new cat to your live-in companions, children and other pets.
And perhaps most importantly:
• Prepare yourself beforehand for a good relationship with your new cat.
People who have never owned cats before don’t really realize what a cat is: A highly intelligent, independent animal which needs love and affection daily – but is not a dog.
BONDING WITH YOU
Cats will bond with people, just as dogs do, but they don’t always bond with the person who has adopted them. They will choose whom they like, much to the consternation of the person who “picked them up” hoping to have acquired a new friend.
This is one very good reason why the first 24 hours is so important. It is during that period that your cat will decide whom she wants to bond with.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Adequate preparation of the home is vitally important. If your new cat panics when she is first introduced and finds a way to exit your house, she will do so. Remember, she does not know where she is and has no motivation to return.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
In addition, there may be serious medical consequences to adopting a stray, both to your new kitty and to your existing cats. Inadequate medical examination and vaccination can be tragic for the new addition to your family...and have serious consequences to your existing cats.
Unless you know what you are doing, your attempt to bring home a new kitty could result in tragedy.
EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT
The bottom line is that no matter how many cats you have adopted, you still may not know what you are doing with THIS one.
In Part 3 we’ll discuss five things you need to consider before you adopt a new cat.
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
The family brought Tiger home, but hadn’t prepared their house for him. When he saw their dog, he bolted, found a dark place and hid.
His new owner searched the house but couldn’t find him. That night he came out of his hiding place and found an open window with a torn screen....
His would-be owner knew there were predators in the area. She called Animal Control and posted signs around the neighborhood, but she knew there wasn't much chance.
She was right.
PREPARATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
This situation could have been avoided, and Tiger could have been integrated quickly and easily into his new home if the people who adopted him had made some preparations and taken precautions.
What are some of these preparations? What should you do before you bring a new cat home?
• Prepare the house to receive your new cat.
• Make sure your new cat’s medical needs are completely taken care of.
• Make sure your other cats are adequately protected from disease.
• Make sure you have on hand the things your cat will need.
• Know how to introduce your new cat to your live-in companions, children and other pets.
And perhaps most importantly:
• Prepare yourself beforehand for a good relationship with your new cat.
People who have never owned cats before don’t really realize what a cat is: A highly intelligent, independent animal which needs love and affection daily – but is not a dog.
BONDING WITH YOU
Cats will bond with people, just as dogs do, but they don’t always bond with the person who has adopted them. They will choose whom they like, much to the consternation of the person who “picked them up” hoping to have acquired a new friend.
This is one very good reason why the first 24 hours is so important. It is during that period that your cat will decide whom she wants to bond with.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Adequate preparation of the home is vitally important. If your new cat panics when she is first introduced and finds a way to exit your house, she will do so. Remember, she does not know where she is and has no motivation to return.
MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES
In addition, there may be serious medical consequences to adopting a stray, both to your new kitty and to your existing cats. Inadequate medical examination and vaccination can be tragic for the new addition to your family...and have serious consequences to your existing cats.
Unless you know what you are doing, your attempt to bring home a new kitty could result in tragedy.
EVERY CAT IS DIFFERENT
The bottom line is that no matter how many cats you have adopted, you still may not know what you are doing with THIS one.
In Part 3 we’ll discuss five things you need to consider before you adopt a new cat.
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Your New Cat Why Are the First 24 Hours So Important? Part 1
By : John Young
The cage was small, but the people were nice and Tiger felt safe. He was fed, petted and regularly groomed. Still, it wasn’t home. Tiger had been ‘home’, and still had vague memories of the woman who had cared for him and the other cats who lived with her.
Then he had been taken to this place, and had been here so long he had almost forgotten ‘home’, and the woman.
There was uneasiness here, though, and Tiger felt it. Something was about to happen. Something bad.
Then two humans came in. He was put in a cage with them. He jumped up in the woman’s lap. He was put in a dark place that bumped and jostled. He heard strange, scary noises. He howled, and a male voice answered with noises he couldn’t understand.
Then there was light. And TERROR!
A small hand reached for him and tried to grab him. There were people he didn’t know; they all approached him. There was another cat that arched and spat.
Then, horror of horrors…
There was a dog!
Tiger fled. He fled down a long corridor and bolted through the first open door he found. He hid in the darkest place he could find…among soft and hard things he didn’t recognize. He heard voices. He heard the dog bark, and he shuddered. He heard the child’s high pitched voice, and a woman’s voice…which were easier to bear.
He hunkered down and remained as invisible and silent as he could.
ADOPTION IN HASTE
The staff of animal shelters greet people looking for new pets with both joy and misgiving. People walk between the cages, looking over each cat, and the staff hope they will select a cat that has been there for a long time.
But they know what the people are looking for; they are looking for kittens, not adult cats.
If there are no kittens, the customers will sometimes reluctantly choose an adult cat as a “consolation prize”, pay the adoption fees and cart him or her off…
Only to return the cat two or three days later.
“I’m sorry, but this cat just didn’t work out. We couldn’t fit it into the family.”
Or…
“This cat is just too wild. We need something tamer, something that will fit in.”
“What happened?” The staff member asks.
“The cat bolted and hid. It took us three days to find it, and when we finally did, we had to chase it all over the house before we caught it. We need something tamer; something that will fit in better.”
So go the sad tales of the returnees… but wait, it can be worse for cats adopted in other ways.
“The landlord won’t let me keep her, could you please take her in?”
People who adopt strays off the street, or a friend’s cat, many times don’t realize the full extent of the things they need to do for their new cat…
In Part 2 We’ll discuss those things. Adequate preparation would have saved Tiger -- by safely and easily introducing him to a happy home…
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
The cage was small, but the people were nice and Tiger felt safe. He was fed, petted and regularly groomed. Still, it wasn’t home. Tiger had been ‘home’, and still had vague memories of the woman who had cared for him and the other cats who lived with her.
Then he had been taken to this place, and had been here so long he had almost forgotten ‘home’, and the woman.
There was uneasiness here, though, and Tiger felt it. Something was about to happen. Something bad.
Then two humans came in. He was put in a cage with them. He jumped up in the woman’s lap. He was put in a dark place that bumped and jostled. He heard strange, scary noises. He howled, and a male voice answered with noises he couldn’t understand.
Then there was light. And TERROR!
A small hand reached for him and tried to grab him. There were people he didn’t know; they all approached him. There was another cat that arched and spat.
Then, horror of horrors…
There was a dog!
Tiger fled. He fled down a long corridor and bolted through the first open door he found. He hid in the darkest place he could find…among soft and hard things he didn’t recognize. He heard voices. He heard the dog bark, and he shuddered. He heard the child’s high pitched voice, and a woman’s voice…which were easier to bear.
He hunkered down and remained as invisible and silent as he could.
ADOPTION IN HASTE
The staff of animal shelters greet people looking for new pets with both joy and misgiving. People walk between the cages, looking over each cat, and the staff hope they will select a cat that has been there for a long time.
But they know what the people are looking for; they are looking for kittens, not adult cats.
If there are no kittens, the customers will sometimes reluctantly choose an adult cat as a “consolation prize”, pay the adoption fees and cart him or her off…
Only to return the cat two or three days later.
“I’m sorry, but this cat just didn’t work out. We couldn’t fit it into the family.”
Or…
“This cat is just too wild. We need something tamer, something that will fit in.”
“What happened?” The staff member asks.
“The cat bolted and hid. It took us three days to find it, and when we finally did, we had to chase it all over the house before we caught it. We need something tamer; something that will fit in better.”
So go the sad tales of the returnees… but wait, it can be worse for cats adopted in other ways.
“The landlord won’t let me keep her, could you please take her in?”
People who adopt strays off the street, or a friend’s cat, many times don’t realize the full extent of the things they need to do for their new cat…
In Part 2 We’ll discuss those things. Adequate preparation would have saved Tiger -- by safely and easily introducing him to a happy home…
Author's Resource:
John Young is a writer and cat lover who has owned one cat or another ever since he was four (or, maybe they owned him). His book "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", www.yourcatsecrets.com , is written for new and veteran cat owners who want to smoothly introduce a new cat to their household and care for her thereafter
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cat Magic - Good Luck Spells
By : Beate Spear
Once in a while we all need a little good luck and what is better to have a 4-legged purring good luck charm in the house, or maybe two? Diablo, my pitch black good luck charm is my companion for nearly 13 years now and never has my life been more pleasant since he is around. Is this cat magic? I do believe it is. One of my favorite books is Cat Spells by Claire Nahmad and I want to let you participate in Cat Magic for a moment.
Cats are traditional luck-bringers, although their goodwill must be fostered and respected. The reason whey they are so revered as omens of good fortune has been lost in the mist of pre-history. However fantastic claims have been made for cat’s origins, not least that they came to earth long ago from another planet and another dimension.
In some places, fear of cats persists, however, and the idea of them having their genesis in the dark bowels of the earth, might linger to influence miners and seamen, for both are superstitious about pronouncing the word “cat” when underground or at sea. Sailors favor them as luck-bringers, even so, and to throw one overboard is said to raise a witch-storm at sea. Actors believe that to kick a cat, or to abuse it verbally, brings bad luck to their performance. They are happy to have an established theatre-cat, and for it to run about behind stage, but if it actually crosses the stage, dire misfortune will be visited on the theatrical production.
It was once thought unlucky to “flit a cat”, or to remove it with the rest of the family when they moved house. Such a superstition seems to be connected with the idea of avoiding the anger of domestic spirits and hearth brownies, which often became attached to the household cat, sometimes using their body as a vehicle. This tradition still seems to be honored today in some cases, although the custom would certainly seem to be an abusive one.
Although the magical powers on the cat can be uses for good or ill according to human purposes, people once held the belief that cats could be intrinsically evil. Attitudes seemed to sway between desiring them as household companions because of their luck-brining properties and visiting cruelty on them because they were associated with the Devil. They were thought to harbour evil spirits, and if a cat fell ill, however harmless the disease to human beings, they were put outside in the belief that the demons of their sickness would pursue the entire family. These unkind customs have almost died out, prevailing only in a few rural communities today.
The cat, however, with its nine lives, is a resilient creature. These good-luck spells honor its dignity and its appeal, and obviate those superstitious practices which arose from penalizing the unfortunate cat for human failings.
Author's Resource:
www.PurrfectPetHealth.com Please visit us and find everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. We provide you with a wide variety of information, products, and also some fun videos just for simple pleasure. Come enjoy the health and livelihood of your pets together with us!
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Why Use a Cat Barrier?
By : rayter
Like dogs, letting your kitties roam in the neighborhood unattended could cause some disturbances, damages and troubles. To avoid these problems, a cat barrier is the best solution to let your kitty enjoy the great outdoors safely.
Depending on what type of cat barrier you choose, you and your cat can benefit a lot from using it. Here are some good reasons for you to buy a barrier for your cat.
• The primary purpose of using a cat barrier is to keep your kitty safe while being happy and contented. These barriers will keep your cat away from dogs and other stray animals.
• Barrier in a form of cat door will provide your kitty a great way to enter and leave the house safely. Cat doors will allow your pet to roam freely whenever he pleases.
• Cats are territorial by nature. They love to go inside and outside of the house. Cat flaps will give them freedom to go out to enjoy the cool breeze and come inside for warmth and food.
• Cat doors make your life a bit easier. No need for you to open the main door to let your cat out or in. Therefore, you can have peace of mind knowing that your cat can leave or enter the house in a convenient and safe manner.
• Door for windows is a specially designed cat barrier that lets your kitty enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the comfort of your home. With protective screen that keeps your beloved pet safe and sound.
• Cat enclosures, on the other hand, are the ideal cat barriers used to contain your kitties outside. This is the perfect way to let your indoor cats enjoy the outdoors.
• Enclosure for cats is more than a cage. It serves as an outdoor cat barrier where your kitties can play and rest safely while enjoying the scenery.
• Cat barriers such as cat enclosures keep your pet safe and away from stray animals. In addition, outdoor cat play enclosure is a room for exercise and relaxation of your pet.
• If you want to contain your cat inside in the house, cat playpens are a great choice. This roomy cat barrier provides a wide space for your cat to stretch out, move around and play.
• Cat playpen is the ideal product to use when you are planning to leave your cat home alone for a short period of time. This will not cause boredom since the space between the wires lets your cat see the view outside.
Author's Resource:
The author is a dog owner and writer connected to a company that offers a huge selection of effective cat barrier, patio pet door and other pet containment systems at lowest possible prices.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Best Gifts for Cats -- the Easy Way to Pick Them
By: Ron King
Do you have a gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat owner is more simple than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available on the web. Before you purchase the first kitty-themed item, stop to consider the following idea. The best gifts for cat lovers are unique and specific to their cat.
Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, think about the following:
What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient like or own? Many potential offerings given to cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, purchase a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite pussy cat.
If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out the sex of the cat. Many cat-themed gifts are gender-specific, so you should know what sex your recipient's cat is.
Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are buying a gift for someone who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of apparel, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the receiver dresses their cat, however.
Now that you've taken a few moments to ponder on your recipient's cat, here are the top 6 gifts that any cat lover would be happy to get.
1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to show your love for your animal than putting the feline's picture on display? Anyone looking for gifts for cat lovers would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to show their pride and joy. You may desire to ensure your intended recipient doesn't already own a lot of cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it is not uncommon for avid cat lovers to have more than one cat picture frame.
2. Cat-themed jewelry. It may be common to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a lovely piece of jewelry. If you have a close friend who you think would enjoy this type of present, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to offerings for cat lovers that carry a great selection of cat-related jewelry. For an even more personal touch, you can additionally have these type of gifts inscribed with a message as well.
3. Cat-related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully-designed calendars are put on the market for purchase. The selection can be astounding with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is a fabulous choice that any cat owner would enjoy receiving, particularly if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you desire to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another superior choice is to locate a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.
Gifts for cat lovers may include a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like. Consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most cat lovers will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.
4. Cat themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can frequently find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.
5. A work of kitty art. Cat lovers abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely cat sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat owner, you can even commission a local artist to do a portrait of your friend's cat!
6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For people looking for gifts for cat lovers, the die-hard cat fanatic will love a subscription to a cat themed magazine. If you can't locate cat-related magazines at your local newsstand, go to your local pet supplies store. You'll see other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can enjoy to be receiving for many issues to come.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/best-gifts-for-cats-the-easy-way-to-pick-them-290660.htm
About the Author:
For more info, see Best Gifts For Cats and The Best Gifts For Cats. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cat Fanciers.
Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Important Cat Care News
By: Jim Moore
You've brought your kitten home. You've got her set up with all her needs. Now, you're faced with some of the more puzzling aspects of cat care. You're wondering about declawing. And that's just for starters. Not to worry.
First and foremost, realize that the first step to successful cat ownership is to love your cat. Filling in the blanks on the information you don't know yet will come. And here's some information and knowledge to get you started. Of course homeopathic care for cat is something that is all over the news right now, but there's actually a lot more to know then that.
Yes, cats shed. And the shedding of a long-haired cat is more noticeable than that of a short haired feline. Expect your cat only to shed at the change of the seasons. That's not so. Because of his exposure to a constant temperature and continual artificial light, your indoor cat sheds year round. But it's not nearly as bad as it sounds.
Here's a good piece of important cat care information, cats take care of a lot of their shedding on their own. They are fastidiously clean animals. You'll discover they are constantly cleaning themselves with their rough, sandpaper-like tongues. The very mechanism, though, that helps them to control shedding also contributes to one of their health problems, hairballs. Hairballs are a very real threat to your cat's digestion. They can block the food that's already been digested from traveling through his intestines.
So how can you tell when your cat is experiencing hairballs? You'll be able to recognize them if he coughs them up - as cats are prone to do. If you find cigar-shaped masses of some indistinguishable matter on the floor or on your furniture, you've discovered a hairball.
Sometimes, though, a cat will expel them along with his feces in the litter box. If you find that your cat's bowel movements have hair on them, that means he's got hairballs. Another symptom your feline may exhibit is dry coughing or a hacking. This will especially occur after he's eaten. In fact, if your cat has a sudden, unexpected loss of appetite, you may suspect a hairball is at the root cause.
So how do you prevent hairballs? Take matters in your own hands, literally! Brush! Brush! Brush! Groom you kitty often. Most cats find it most enjoyable and it builds a marvelous bond between you and your feline.
If you discover that your kitten may need more aid than this, there are many effective hairball remedies on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, from granules you sprinkle inconspicuously on his food to gels.
Thinking about declawing?
If you haven't heard, declawing your cat so he doesn't ruin your furniture or accidentally seriously scratch an individual is controversial. A generation ago, this operation was routine, many times performed at the same time the kitten got spayed or neutered.
The public today, though, is more widely educated on exactly what surgery for declawing entails. It's not just a matter of pulling the claws out of the kitty. To remove a cat's claws, a veterinarian must actually amputate the cat's paws at the first joint. This would be the equivalent you getting your knuckles amputated right below your finger nails. Ouch!
In order to perform the surgery, your veterinarian will anesthetized your cat as well as give him pain medication. He will literally cut the first section of your cat's paw off, since the claws are intricately intertwined in the first "knuckle."
Following the surgery, your cat's paws are carefully bandaged. Your cat will undoubtedly spend the night at the animal hospital. The following day you'll be able to bring her home.
Be prepared! Your cat - understandably - will be distinctly uncomfortable for several days following the surgery. (Actually, she'll probably be in great pain. But felines are wonderful actors. Cats hate to show that they're in any type of pain.)
Considering, though, the extent of the surgery, your cat heals quite quickly. You'll notice that your pet walks around the house rather gingerly. That'll last for about a week. After that she'll back to her old self.
To help prevent infection, you should replace her litter with some shredded paper. This avoids getting granules of litter in his already very tender paws.
Declawing your cat does more than just eliminate the problem of scratching. Her claws -and that portion of the toes that are removed, are valuable to her in another vital way. Removing her claws may throw her entire system of natural balance off.
A cat, you see, is classified as a "digitigrade." It's a strange label, but essentially it means that she walks on her toes. But, a cats toes are used for so much more! Her entire balance and form are based on the length of her digits. Nature, it seems, designed the cat's body - including her back, shoulders, paws, leg joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and even her nerves! - based on walking on her toes. Because of this, her weight is distributed across its toes as it walks, runs and climbs.
That means a cat's claws are absolutely essential for her balance as well as for her ability to exercise effectively. Not only that, her toes - and especially her claws are vital aspects of her stretching. Notice when your cat scratches at a post (or, yes, your furniture!). We all assume she's just sharpening her claws. Not so! She is really stretching her entire body. When you declaw your kitten, it throws her entire body alignment off.
Hairballs and declawing. Not usually subjects that come up in everyday conversations, now are they? But these are only two of the important bits of information that every cat owner needs to know in order to give Fluffy the best of care. That, and your love, will help your kitten live a long and healthy life.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/important-cat-care-news-363545.html
About the Author:
From experience Jim Moore knows all to well that your cat is one of the family and as such deserves all the care and loving attention you can give to them. Jim owns and maintains A Purrfect Cat at: http://www.apurrfectcat.com .
Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More
By : John E. Miller
Meow! That is the sound you hear when you meet your cat walking down the doorway. It will move with his head and tail held high, looking directly at your eyes and emitting a faint sound summoning you to follow wherever it goes. That is your cat? Right? The fluffy little mass, whose behavior seems quite odd at times, and leaves you baffling with a variety of questions.
Have you ever thought that your cat is an aloof creature to you? Then it is because you do not understand it. Your cat is always trying to communicate to you through its gestures and body language, so to know your cat more, you need to know more about the cat’s body language. The sweeping of the tail or rubbing of the cheeks, pricking of the ears or purring under breath - each has a significance of its own. Your cat will often rub its cheeks against you or against the cheeks of another cat. Through this it actually tries to pick up or leave scent markers so that it can again create a future physical contact.
Importance of tail movement
The tail is the most important part of your cat’s body, to indicate a variety of actions and reactions. The tail often denotes its mood and intention. If your cat is sweeping its tail in broad gestures, then it symbolizes annoyance or impatience at your excessive petting. If you continue to cuddle the cat might result in growling softly or giving you a “bat” with its paws. A rapid sweeping of tail back and forth, right from the center shows an extreme agitation in your cat.
If you find your cat turning its body fully sideways and extending its bristled tail upwards, then be sure that your cat is heralding a conflict with the fellow cats. When your cat is busy trapping a prey, you will find it to be more cautious, involved in subtle movements and inflating its tummy while all the time intently aiming at the prey. Often you will find your cat lowering its tail to tuck it between her legs, which show her complete obedience. A raised tail also indicates that your cat wants to be friendly, and a twitching of the tail will confirm its anticipation to be with you after the whole day of outing.
Movement of other body parts
Along with the tail, the cat’s body gestures speak volumes about its mood and behavior. While bent legs denote defending of self, outstretched legs will denote self-confidence and self-assurance. If the cat’s ears are back and the body low, it will impart its shame or remorse; pricked ears will denote interest in the happenings around it. If you find your cat with the head completely lowered then it will show boredom and sneaking subtly with its head lowered on the ground should make you aware of full-fledged assault on the victim ahead.
Knowledge about these kitty-cat behaviors will definitely strengthen the bond between you and your cat.
Author's Resource:
John operates a handful of websites, many devoted to his primary hobby "pets" (See: Cat training, Horse training)
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Meow! That is the sound you hear when you meet your cat walking down the doorway. It will move with his head and tail held high, looking directly at your eyes and emitting a faint sound summoning you to follow wherever it goes. That is your cat? Right? The fluffy little mass, whose behavior seems quite odd at times, and leaves you baffling with a variety of questions.
Have you ever thought that your cat is an aloof creature to you? Then it is because you do not understand it. Your cat is always trying to communicate to you through its gestures and body language, so to know your cat more, you need to know more about the cat’s body language. The sweeping of the tail or rubbing of the cheeks, pricking of the ears or purring under breath - each has a significance of its own. Your cat will often rub its cheeks against you or against the cheeks of another cat. Through this it actually tries to pick up or leave scent markers so that it can again create a future physical contact.
Importance of tail movement
The tail is the most important part of your cat’s body, to indicate a variety of actions and reactions. The tail often denotes its mood and intention. If your cat is sweeping its tail in broad gestures, then it symbolizes annoyance or impatience at your excessive petting. If you continue to cuddle the cat might result in growling softly or giving you a “bat” with its paws. A rapid sweeping of tail back and forth, right from the center shows an extreme agitation in your cat.
If you find your cat turning its body fully sideways and extending its bristled tail upwards, then be sure that your cat is heralding a conflict with the fellow cats. When your cat is busy trapping a prey, you will find it to be more cautious, involved in subtle movements and inflating its tummy while all the time intently aiming at the prey. Often you will find your cat lowering its tail to tuck it between her legs, which show her complete obedience. A raised tail also indicates that your cat wants to be friendly, and a twitching of the tail will confirm its anticipation to be with you after the whole day of outing.
Movement of other body parts
Along with the tail, the cat’s body gestures speak volumes about its mood and behavior. While bent legs denote defending of self, outstretched legs will denote self-confidence and self-assurance. If the cat’s ears are back and the body low, it will impart its shame or remorse; pricked ears will denote interest in the happenings around it. If you find your cat with the head completely lowered then it will show boredom and sneaking subtly with its head lowered on the ground should make you aware of full-fledged assault on the victim ahead.
Knowledge about these kitty-cat behaviors will definitely strengthen the bond between you and your cat.
Author's Resource:
John operates a handful of websites, many devoted to his primary hobby "pets" (See: Cat training, Horse training)
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
What Cat Allergies Really Are and How to Control Them
By : Bill Weaver
According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that's approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat.
A cat's saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called "Fel d 1." It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. "Fel d 1" is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, "Fel d 1" has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. "Fel d 1" can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.
Like pollen and mold spores, "Fel d 1" are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, "Fel d 1" allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.
Symptoms
Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.
The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:
- Red, itchy, or swollen eyes
- Reddened areas on the skin
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Ears that become stuffed up or itchy
- Post nasal drip
- Itching and hoarseness in the throat
- Frequent bronchitis
- Coughing and wheezing
How to Control Cat Allergy
Always the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:
- Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home
- Since "Fel d 1" allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.
- Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.
If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it's time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.
Author's Resource:
FREE information on Allergens -- Every topic is listed! It's FREE! Click here: www.g4service.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that's approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat.
A cat's saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called "Fel d 1." It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. "Fel d 1" is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, "Fel d 1" has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. "Fel d 1" can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.
Like pollen and mold spores, "Fel d 1" are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, "Fel d 1" allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.
Symptoms
Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.
The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:
- Red, itchy, or swollen eyes
- Reddened areas on the skin
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Ears that become stuffed up or itchy
- Post nasal drip
- Itching and hoarseness in the throat
- Frequent bronchitis
- Coughing and wheezing
How to Control Cat Allergy
Always the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:
- Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home
- Since "Fel d 1" allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.
- Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.
If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it's time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.
Author's Resource:
FREE information on Allergens -- Every topic is listed! It's FREE! Click here: www.g4service.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Adopting A Cat
By : Christopher Thomas
Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be.
Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will have to take care of a cat until its death, which could be in 15 to 20 years. In addition, you should be ready to spend a large amount of your time feeding the cat, grooming it, and playing with it on a daily basis.
Keep the following points in mind before deciding to adopt a cat:
1. Prior to bringing a cat home, it is essential to know if any member of your household is allergic to cats. Having to get rid of your new pet would be cruel.
2. Cats are social animals and need regular attention and care. They must not be left alone for extended periods, nor be handled roughly, as this will make them aggressive and nervous.
3. Cat care can take a financial toll. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of your cat's food, toys, medication, and so on.
4. Decide whether you want to adopt a kitten or an adult cat. The only advantage of getting a kitten is that kittens are cute. On the other hand, an adult cat has a well defined personality. Moreover, adult cats are more likely to be litter-box trained and less likely to scratch every bit of furniture in your house.
5. Children and cats can prove to be a bad combination, especially if the child is very young. He or she may mistreat the cat (knowingly or unknowingly) and get a nasty bite in return.
6. A cat requires proper care and medical treatment. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, and prescription medication for any health problems that could occur.
7. It does not really matter whether you get a female cat or male cat; both genders are equally affable. However, always have your cat spayed or neutered. This helps avoid the unhealthy effects of the mating season in female cats and curb aggression in males.
8. Cat adoption is the most humane way to get a cat, due to the large number of homeless felines. However, it helps to remember that sometimes cats from the animal shelter can be prone to stress. Moving a cat to a home environment allows it to relax and show its true personality. Cats are creatures of habit -- they don't like change. It may take them a month or more to adjust to your home.
Keeping these points in mind when choosing to adopt a cat can help you find the feline that is right for you. It's a big decision, don't leave it to chance!
Author's Resource:
Christopher Thomas contributes to several web sites, on home and family topics.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be.
Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will have to take care of a cat until its death, which could be in 15 to 20 years. In addition, you should be ready to spend a large amount of your time feeding the cat, grooming it, and playing with it on a daily basis.
Keep the following points in mind before deciding to adopt a cat:
1. Prior to bringing a cat home, it is essential to know if any member of your household is allergic to cats. Having to get rid of your new pet would be cruel.
2. Cats are social animals and need regular attention and care. They must not be left alone for extended periods, nor be handled roughly, as this will make them aggressive and nervous.
3. Cat care can take a financial toll. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of your cat's food, toys, medication, and so on.
4. Decide whether you want to adopt a kitten or an adult cat. The only advantage of getting a kitten is that kittens are cute. On the other hand, an adult cat has a well defined personality. Moreover, adult cats are more likely to be litter-box trained and less likely to scratch every bit of furniture in your house.
5. Children and cats can prove to be a bad combination, especially if the child is very young. He or she may mistreat the cat (knowingly or unknowingly) and get a nasty bite in return.
6. A cat requires proper care and medical treatment. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, and prescription medication for any health problems that could occur.
7. It does not really matter whether you get a female cat or male cat; both genders are equally affable. However, always have your cat spayed or neutered. This helps avoid the unhealthy effects of the mating season in female cats and curb aggression in males.
8. Cat adoption is the most humane way to get a cat, due to the large number of homeless felines. However, it helps to remember that sometimes cats from the animal shelter can be prone to stress. Moving a cat to a home environment allows it to relax and show its true personality. Cats are creatures of habit -- they don't like change. It may take them a month or more to adjust to your home.
Keeping these points in mind when choosing to adopt a cat can help you find the feline that is right for you. It's a big decision, don't leave it to chance!
Author's Resource:
Christopher Thomas contributes to several web sites, on home and family topics.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cat Teeth Care Tips
By : Dalvin Rumsey
No matter the breed, cats can get a lot of teeth and gums problems. These sort of diseases are not harmless or isolated at all, eventually leading to serious systemic problems for your cat. The figures have shown that over 70% of all cats older than two years are suffering from some form of dental disease.
There are two main methods of helping your cats’ teeth and gums stay healthy. First of all, cats must have a dental cleaning, under anesthesia, every six months. But the most important thing is home care, thus leading to less frequent veterinary cleanings, meaning less discomfort for the cat.
Veterinary dental care includes annual examining of the cats’ teeth and gums, in order to discover any illness that can occur. Should the cat have bad breath, reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, this means it has gingivitis. When severe, this illness will make cats of any breed refuse eating. Most older cats have a dental problem called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, for short FORL. So pay attention to signs like excessive salivation, bleeding from the mouth and reluctance to chew food! The veterinary dental care aims to be both preventive and therapeutic and goes hand in hand with the home dental care.
When it comes to home dental care for any cat breed, you should start by training cat to accept daily brushing or wiping of the teeth. The easiest way to do that is by starting the training while the cat is very small. With the aid of a cats specially made toothbrush, apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, reaching both the tooth surface and the area just beneath the gum margin. The toothpaste for humans is not good for cats, as it can be harmful if swallowed. There are many types of toothpaste for all cat breeds, so always use them, as they are flavored appropriately for your cat and is harmless if swallowed. In order to remove plaque, pet toothpastes contain enzymes and, most importantly, do not require rinsing. Sometimes you can use nothing and simply allow the mechanical action of brushing to remove the plaque. The motions must be circular, paying attention so that you get the bristles under the gum lines. The main idea is to keep in mind the fact that dental home care does not have the goal of removing plaque, but preventing it form accumulating and turning into calculus.
So, try making it pleasant to your cat, and maybe it will eventually even get to enjoying teeth brushing. It is the only way of having a healthy cat from the teeth’ point of view at least!
Author's Resource:
Visit this great site for all the information you need on all Breeds of Cats . The Bengal Cat is a relatively new breed of domestic housecat. Visit this site for more information.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
No matter the breed, cats can get a lot of teeth and gums problems. These sort of diseases are not harmless or isolated at all, eventually leading to serious systemic problems for your cat. The figures have shown that over 70% of all cats older than two years are suffering from some form of dental disease.
There are two main methods of helping your cats’ teeth and gums stay healthy. First of all, cats must have a dental cleaning, under anesthesia, every six months. But the most important thing is home care, thus leading to less frequent veterinary cleanings, meaning less discomfort for the cat.
Veterinary dental care includes annual examining of the cats’ teeth and gums, in order to discover any illness that can occur. Should the cat have bad breath, reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, this means it has gingivitis. When severe, this illness will make cats of any breed refuse eating. Most older cats have a dental problem called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, for short FORL. So pay attention to signs like excessive salivation, bleeding from the mouth and reluctance to chew food! The veterinary dental care aims to be both preventive and therapeutic and goes hand in hand with the home dental care.
When it comes to home dental care for any cat breed, you should start by training cat to accept daily brushing or wiping of the teeth. The easiest way to do that is by starting the training while the cat is very small. With the aid of a cats specially made toothbrush, apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, reaching both the tooth surface and the area just beneath the gum margin. The toothpaste for humans is not good for cats, as it can be harmful if swallowed. There are many types of toothpaste for all cat breeds, so always use them, as they are flavored appropriately for your cat and is harmless if swallowed. In order to remove plaque, pet toothpastes contain enzymes and, most importantly, do not require rinsing. Sometimes you can use nothing and simply allow the mechanical action of brushing to remove the plaque. The motions must be circular, paying attention so that you get the bristles under the gum lines. The main idea is to keep in mind the fact that dental home care does not have the goal of removing plaque, but preventing it form accumulating and turning into calculus.
So, try making it pleasant to your cat, and maybe it will eventually even get to enjoying teeth brushing. It is the only way of having a healthy cat from the teeth’ point of view at least!
Author's Resource:
Visit this great site for all the information you need on all Breeds of Cats . The Bengal Cat is a relatively new breed of domestic housecat. Visit this site for more information.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Why does my cat drink dirty water?
By : Larry Chamberlain
You know that cats should always have a supply of water, especially if you are feeding them dried food. There on your nice clean kitchen floor is a bowl of nice clean fresh water, in a nice clean bowl.
What does your cat do? Maybe gives the bowl a sniff and walks away from it, or just ignores the bowl completely, as if water were the last thing a self respecting cat would consider drinking.
"Okay", you think to yourself, "Kitty just isn't thirsty at the moment". But then later, you happen to spy your cat busily lapping up stale water from a puddle in your garden as if it was nectar.
Cats are self-reliant, independent creatures, but surely your cat is not going to turn its nose up at the nice clean water you provide, just to let you know it can survive without you? After all, kitty does not reject the food you provide even though it is perfectly capable of catching mice.
No, the answer is not your mouser's independence. Tap water is usually treated with chemicals, often chlorinated strongly enough for a cat to smell it. Cats noses are far more sensitive than human noses and many cats find this chemical odor very offensive. Stale water in puddles and pools has a far more attractive smell are far as a cat is concerned. Puddles may be full of rotten vegetation and microbes, but cats find this organic soup very tasty.
As well as the off-putting odor of chemicals in tap water, cats find the smell of detergents repugnant. So, because you diligently clean your cat's water bowl in the interest of hygiene, the detergent that you use deters your cat from drinking from it. You use the same detergent to wash your cat's food bowl, why then, does your feline friend eat heartily from the bowl, and not be repelled by the smell of the detergent? This is because the aroma of the fish or meat is stronger than the smell of the detergent.
With the water bowl, the combination of the two unpleasant smells, the chemicals in the tap water and the detergent, means that your cat will only quench its thirst from the water bowl if there is no better smelling option to be had.
So, what can you do? You need to rinse your cat's bowl more thoroughly than you would a plate for a human. Remember feline noses are far more sensitive than ours, every trace of detergent needs to be rinsed off. Secondly, let the water from the tap stand for a while before putting the bowl down for your cat, this will allow the chemicals to dissipate.
These two things should have kitty drinking happily from the dish, unless, of course, kitty has got so used to drinking from puddles it just can't kick the organic water habit!
Author's Resource:
If you would like to reprint this article on your cat or pet related web site please go right ahead. Please remember to keep all links as hyperlinks and keep the article intact (including this resource box.) Thank you. Cat Art - and a whole lot more about cats. Cat Figurines
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
You know that cats should always have a supply of water, especially if you are feeding them dried food. There on your nice clean kitchen floor is a bowl of nice clean fresh water, in a nice clean bowl.
What does your cat do? Maybe gives the bowl a sniff and walks away from it, or just ignores the bowl completely, as if water were the last thing a self respecting cat would consider drinking.
"Okay", you think to yourself, "Kitty just isn't thirsty at the moment". But then later, you happen to spy your cat busily lapping up stale water from a puddle in your garden as if it was nectar.
Cats are self-reliant, independent creatures, but surely your cat is not going to turn its nose up at the nice clean water you provide, just to let you know it can survive without you? After all, kitty does not reject the food you provide even though it is perfectly capable of catching mice.
No, the answer is not your mouser's independence. Tap water is usually treated with chemicals, often chlorinated strongly enough for a cat to smell it. Cats noses are far more sensitive than human noses and many cats find this chemical odor very offensive. Stale water in puddles and pools has a far more attractive smell are far as a cat is concerned. Puddles may be full of rotten vegetation and microbes, but cats find this organic soup very tasty.
As well as the off-putting odor of chemicals in tap water, cats find the smell of detergents repugnant. So, because you diligently clean your cat's water bowl in the interest of hygiene, the detergent that you use deters your cat from drinking from it. You use the same detergent to wash your cat's food bowl, why then, does your feline friend eat heartily from the bowl, and not be repelled by the smell of the detergent? This is because the aroma of the fish or meat is stronger than the smell of the detergent.
With the water bowl, the combination of the two unpleasant smells, the chemicals in the tap water and the detergent, means that your cat will only quench its thirst from the water bowl if there is no better smelling option to be had.
So, what can you do? You need to rinse your cat's bowl more thoroughly than you would a plate for a human. Remember feline noses are far more sensitive than ours, every trace of detergent needs to be rinsed off. Secondly, let the water from the tap stand for a while before putting the bowl down for your cat, this will allow the chemicals to dissipate.
These two things should have kitty drinking happily from the dish, unless, of course, kitty has got so used to drinking from puddles it just can't kick the organic water habit!
Author's Resource:
If you would like to reprint this article on your cat or pet related web site please go right ahead. Please remember to keep all links as hyperlinks and keep the article intact (including this resource box.) Thank you. Cat Art - and a whole lot more about cats. Cat Figurines
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
How To Help Your Cat With Arthritis
By : Jean Morgan
Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments. Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life. On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers - their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities. Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.
Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation. However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing. For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)
• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump
• Noticeable Pain
• Different Gait than Usual
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Depression
If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.
Causes
Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.
Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic Arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.
The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.
What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet
Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.
Treatments
If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too. These include:
Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)
Dysplasia
Bacterial Arthritis
Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertabral Disc Disease
Hyperparathyroidism
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!
Author's Resource:
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!
For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments. Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life. On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers - their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities. Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.
Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation. However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing. For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)
• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump
• Noticeable Pain
• Different Gait than Usual
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Depression
If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.
Causes
Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.
Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic Arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.
The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.
What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet
Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.
Treatments
If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too. These include:
Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)
Dysplasia
Bacterial Arthritis
Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertabral Disc Disease
Hyperparathyroidism
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!
Author's Resource:
Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!
For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Understanding Kidney Disease In Cats
By : Jean Morgan
Kidney disease in older cats is especially worrisome. It is also known as chronic renal failure and is a common problem in older cats. It is seen in cats of all ages, but mostly older cats.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats
Your cat is drinking much more water than usual
Your cat is urinating much more than usual
These will be the most noticeable symptoms for you and your cat. When the kidney is not functioning properly, it can’t concentrate your cat’s urine. However, your veterinarian will probably conduct some blood tests just to rule out any other illness, as this can be a sign of another illness.
Unfortunately, the symptoms don’t usually become apparent until about three quarters of the kidney is already in failure. Just as unfortunate is the fact that kidney disease (chronic renal failure) in cats has no cure or way of reversing the damage. The disease will continue, but there are ways you can make your cat more comfortable in the years she has left.
Treatment can include the following –
1. Diet: You might hear or read things that suggest certain special diets for your cat. However, the most important thing is that your cat is eating. If your cat doesn’t like the diet and refuses to eat the food, it doesn’t do much good. Feed your cat the foods she likes to eat, staying with nutritional, healthy foods. Don’t feed your cat just dry food. They will need the moisture from other foods to help keep them hydrated.
2. Nutrition: Your veterinarian might suggest a special food called Renafood, which can help better your cat’s kidney function. You might need to crush it into your cat’s regular food, but most cats actually like it.
3. Supplemental Fluids: Your veterinarian can give your cat supplemental fluids at their office or teach you how to do it at home. This is one of the best ways to keep your cat hydrated.
There are many ways to help you help your cat live out a happier and healthier life and the most important part of that is keeping them hydrated. Your cat’s kidneys can no longer keep the water because of the damage that is already there and it can’t be reversed. Ask your veterinarian what else you can do to keep her hydrated, because this will in turn keep her more comfortable. Your vet might suggest some homeopathy, herbs, flower essences and/or acupuncture to help make your cat feel better.
Your vet may also suggest some medicines to help. There are some that can help, just make sure you have all of the information on them (including side effects) in case you find your cat may have some unwanted effects from them.
Author's Resource:
For more information on pet health visit www.natureshealthypet.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Kidney disease in older cats is especially worrisome. It is also known as chronic renal failure and is a common problem in older cats. It is seen in cats of all ages, but mostly older cats.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats
Your cat is drinking much more water than usual
Your cat is urinating much more than usual
These will be the most noticeable symptoms for you and your cat. When the kidney is not functioning properly, it can’t concentrate your cat’s urine. However, your veterinarian will probably conduct some blood tests just to rule out any other illness, as this can be a sign of another illness.
Unfortunately, the symptoms don’t usually become apparent until about three quarters of the kidney is already in failure. Just as unfortunate is the fact that kidney disease (chronic renal failure) in cats has no cure or way of reversing the damage. The disease will continue, but there are ways you can make your cat more comfortable in the years she has left.
Treatment can include the following –
1. Diet: You might hear or read things that suggest certain special diets for your cat. However, the most important thing is that your cat is eating. If your cat doesn’t like the diet and refuses to eat the food, it doesn’t do much good. Feed your cat the foods she likes to eat, staying with nutritional, healthy foods. Don’t feed your cat just dry food. They will need the moisture from other foods to help keep them hydrated.
2. Nutrition: Your veterinarian might suggest a special food called Renafood, which can help better your cat’s kidney function. You might need to crush it into your cat’s regular food, but most cats actually like it.
3. Supplemental Fluids: Your veterinarian can give your cat supplemental fluids at their office or teach you how to do it at home. This is one of the best ways to keep your cat hydrated.
There are many ways to help you help your cat live out a happier and healthier life and the most important part of that is keeping them hydrated. Your cat’s kidneys can no longer keep the water because of the damage that is already there and it can’t be reversed. Ask your veterinarian what else you can do to keep her hydrated, because this will in turn keep her more comfortable. Your vet might suggest some homeopathy, herbs, flower essences and/or acupuncture to help make your cat feel better.
Your vet may also suggest some medicines to help. There are some that can help, just make sure you have all of the information on them (including side effects) in case you find your cat may have some unwanted effects from them.
Author's Resource:
For more information on pet health visit www.natureshealthypet.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
All About Traveling With Cats
By: Tristan Andrews
If you are planning to travel with your cat, first ask yourself these questions: Are cats allowed at my destination? If so, will my cat adjust to conforming to regulations concerning pets and really be happy away from home? Cats tend to be creatures of habit and it is important that your cat can adapt to change.
The pets who travel best are those who have been trained to ride in a car. If you would like to include your cat in your travel plans, accustom it to riding in the car. Ideally this training begins in kittenhood and it should be a happy experience for the kitten. Dont make the kittens first car ride a trip to the veterinarian. Begin by allowing the kitten to sit in the car to become familiar with the surroundings. Then take it for a short drive each day, even if it is only around the block.
If your cat seems unable to adjust to travel, you may decide that you and your cat will be happier if it stays home. Search out a responsible sitter or a boarding facility. If you choose to board your cat, make reservations well in advance of the trip, particularly during summer months and around major holidays.
The policy regarding cats varies with motels and hotels. Contact the reservations department in advance of your trip to determine if your cat will be welcome. Do not leave a cat unattended in a room. If a maid were to enter, the cat could become frightened and might run from the room. If, for any reason, you must leave the cat alone in the room for a short period of time, place it in its carrier or post a do not disturb sign on the door. If your cat is not in a carrier or in a secure location at your travel destination, keeping it on a leash is recommended.
When you travel with a cat, a change in its environment and routine may be a jolt to its feeling of security. Your love and understanding are needed to reassure your cat and to help it become a good travel companion.
Preparing for the Trip: If you plan to take your cat with you, be certain its vaccination shots are up-to-date. Your veterinarian will also issue health and rabies certificates which may be needed if you fly and will certainly be needed if you cross international borders. Carrying these certificate with you is a good idea. If you should have to board your cat during the trip, the kennel may require proof of immunization.
Your cat will also need its grooming equipment and its regular grooming schedule should be maintained. This is particularly true for longhaired cats to avoid tangled and matted hair which can lead to skin infections.
Do not feed your cat for at least three hours before leaving on a trip. Feed it shortly after arriving at your destination unless the trip is a long one. In that case, provide a snack and water during the trip. If the cats usual diet is not available at your destination, take a supply with you so no digestive upsets will be caused by a sudden diet change.
If your cat is accustomed to wearing a collar (a stretch collar designed for cats) be certain an identification tag is attached to the collar. The ID tag should give the cats name, your name, home address and telephone number including the area code, and, if possible, your vacation address and telephone number. Take pictures of your cat and write a description of your cat, including its height, weight, color, and any distinguishing marks to take with you. If your cat should become lost, these identification aids could make the difference in finding it.
Traveling By Air With Your Cat: If you are traveling by air with your cat, ask about what health certificates are needed. They vary with airline and your destination. There are usually two basic options for air travel. Some airlines allow cats to travel (generally for a fee) with their owners if a carry-on carrier fits under the passenger seat. The other option is to rent or purchase a flight crate which meets airline regulations and the cat is transported in the crate in the baggage compartment.
Because some airlines have limited space to accommodate pets, always make reservation well in advance.
On the day of the flight bring a cushion or blanket to put on the crate floor. Check to see if the water cup is attached to the crate door. The cup should be deep and not too full of water to avoid spilling. On a short flight, you may wish to detach the cup and store it with your luggage and provide water for drinking at the end of the flight.
To reduce the risk of air travel for your cat, try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer. Traveling in extreme cold or hot weather could be dangerous if your cat must wait very long before loading and unloading. Plan the trip with as few stops and transfers as possible. Pets in transit tend to sleep the hours away, but during stops and transfers they may become frightened. Airport facilities vary and, as a result, pets may be left in the sun or rain without adequate protection or inadequate food or water during long waits between flights. At the end of your trip, pick up your cat promptly.
Plane travel is the fastest way to reach your destination, but some risk is involved for kittens, older cats or cats with health problems. If you have doubts, consult your veterinarian.
International Travel: If you are planning on international travel or relocation or a trip to Hawaii, keep in mind that certain countries require a quarantine at the owner's expense. When you return, a quarantine office at customs will check documents and inspect your pet. The official may require confinement of any pet you have purchased abroad. Normally this is in your home rather than in official quarantine. Pets purchased abroad all require proof of immunization, certificates of good health, and payment of import duty.
Traveling By Car With Your Cat: If you are traveling by car, a carrier is a must. It should be strong, well-ventilated and one the cat cannot escape from. Before traveling, place the carrier where the cat can become acquainted with it. Placing a favorite toy or blanket in the carrier may help accustom the cat to the carrier. Take the cat for several rides around town in the carrier before attempting a longer trip.
While you are driving, always keep the cat confined in the carrier. This ensures safe, comfortable driving for you and your cat. Place a soft mat or cushion on the carrier floor. During hot weather never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where it will become overheated.
One of the greatest dangers to a cat is leaving it in a closed car, even for a few minutes during hot weather. Cars heat quickly and leaving windows open a few inches does not always provide sufficient circulating air to keep you cat cool and comfortable. Insufficient air can lead to heat stress, suffocation and death.
If it is necessary to leave your cat in the car for a short period of time, choose a shaded area. Leave the windows open as far as safely possible to provide air circulation. Keep the cat in the carrier. Check the car frequently and never leave your cat for an extended time. Motion sickness may be a problem with your cat. If this occurs and if taking your cat with you is essential, discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.
If the drive is eight hours or longer, give the cat an opportunity to use a litter pan every three or four hours. If the cat is inclined to have accidents along the way, put newspapers on the bottom of the carrier and sprinkle cat litter on them. The newspaper and soiled litter can be removed as needed.
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/all-about-traveling-with-cats-93848.html
About the Author:
Tristan Andrews writes useful articles about cats and kittens. Discover and explore the feline world. Find out how to better care for, train and live with your cat at the cat forums at http://www.i-love-cats.com
If you are planning to travel with your cat, first ask yourself these questions: Are cats allowed at my destination? If so, will my cat adjust to conforming to regulations concerning pets and really be happy away from home? Cats tend to be creatures of habit and it is important that your cat can adapt to change.
The pets who travel best are those who have been trained to ride in a car. If you would like to include your cat in your travel plans, accustom it to riding in the car. Ideally this training begins in kittenhood and it should be a happy experience for the kitten. Dont make the kittens first car ride a trip to the veterinarian. Begin by allowing the kitten to sit in the car to become familiar with the surroundings. Then take it for a short drive each day, even if it is only around the block.
If your cat seems unable to adjust to travel, you may decide that you and your cat will be happier if it stays home. Search out a responsible sitter or a boarding facility. If you choose to board your cat, make reservations well in advance of the trip, particularly during summer months and around major holidays.
The policy regarding cats varies with motels and hotels. Contact the reservations department in advance of your trip to determine if your cat will be welcome. Do not leave a cat unattended in a room. If a maid were to enter, the cat could become frightened and might run from the room. If, for any reason, you must leave the cat alone in the room for a short period of time, place it in its carrier or post a do not disturb sign on the door. If your cat is not in a carrier or in a secure location at your travel destination, keeping it on a leash is recommended.
When you travel with a cat, a change in its environment and routine may be a jolt to its feeling of security. Your love and understanding are needed to reassure your cat and to help it become a good travel companion.
Preparing for the Trip: If you plan to take your cat with you, be certain its vaccination shots are up-to-date. Your veterinarian will also issue health and rabies certificates which may be needed if you fly and will certainly be needed if you cross international borders. Carrying these certificate with you is a good idea. If you should have to board your cat during the trip, the kennel may require proof of immunization.
Your cat will also need its grooming equipment and its regular grooming schedule should be maintained. This is particularly true for longhaired cats to avoid tangled and matted hair which can lead to skin infections.
Do not feed your cat for at least three hours before leaving on a trip. Feed it shortly after arriving at your destination unless the trip is a long one. In that case, provide a snack and water during the trip. If the cats usual diet is not available at your destination, take a supply with you so no digestive upsets will be caused by a sudden diet change.
If your cat is accustomed to wearing a collar (a stretch collar designed for cats) be certain an identification tag is attached to the collar. The ID tag should give the cats name, your name, home address and telephone number including the area code, and, if possible, your vacation address and telephone number. Take pictures of your cat and write a description of your cat, including its height, weight, color, and any distinguishing marks to take with you. If your cat should become lost, these identification aids could make the difference in finding it.
Traveling By Air With Your Cat: If you are traveling by air with your cat, ask about what health certificates are needed. They vary with airline and your destination. There are usually two basic options for air travel. Some airlines allow cats to travel (generally for a fee) with their owners if a carry-on carrier fits under the passenger seat. The other option is to rent or purchase a flight crate which meets airline regulations and the cat is transported in the crate in the baggage compartment.
Because some airlines have limited space to accommodate pets, always make reservation well in advance.
On the day of the flight bring a cushion or blanket to put on the crate floor. Check to see if the water cup is attached to the crate door. The cup should be deep and not too full of water to avoid spilling. On a short flight, you may wish to detach the cup and store it with your luggage and provide water for drinking at the end of the flight.
To reduce the risk of air travel for your cat, try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer. Traveling in extreme cold or hot weather could be dangerous if your cat must wait very long before loading and unloading. Plan the trip with as few stops and transfers as possible. Pets in transit tend to sleep the hours away, but during stops and transfers they may become frightened. Airport facilities vary and, as a result, pets may be left in the sun or rain without adequate protection or inadequate food or water during long waits between flights. At the end of your trip, pick up your cat promptly.
Plane travel is the fastest way to reach your destination, but some risk is involved for kittens, older cats or cats with health problems. If you have doubts, consult your veterinarian.
International Travel: If you are planning on international travel or relocation or a trip to Hawaii, keep in mind that certain countries require a quarantine at the owner's expense. When you return, a quarantine office at customs will check documents and inspect your pet. The official may require confinement of any pet you have purchased abroad. Normally this is in your home rather than in official quarantine. Pets purchased abroad all require proof of immunization, certificates of good health, and payment of import duty.
Traveling By Car With Your Cat: If you are traveling by car, a carrier is a must. It should be strong, well-ventilated and one the cat cannot escape from. Before traveling, place the carrier where the cat can become acquainted with it. Placing a favorite toy or blanket in the carrier may help accustom the cat to the carrier. Take the cat for several rides around town in the carrier before attempting a longer trip.
While you are driving, always keep the cat confined in the carrier. This ensures safe, comfortable driving for you and your cat. Place a soft mat or cushion on the carrier floor. During hot weather never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where it will become overheated.
One of the greatest dangers to a cat is leaving it in a closed car, even for a few minutes during hot weather. Cars heat quickly and leaving windows open a few inches does not always provide sufficient circulating air to keep you cat cool and comfortable. Insufficient air can lead to heat stress, suffocation and death.
If it is necessary to leave your cat in the car for a short period of time, choose a shaded area. Leave the windows open as far as safely possible to provide air circulation. Keep the cat in the carrier. Check the car frequently and never leave your cat for an extended time. Motion sickness may be a problem with your cat. If this occurs and if taking your cat with you is essential, discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian.
If the drive is eight hours or longer, give the cat an opportunity to use a litter pan every three or four hours. If the cat is inclined to have accidents along the way, put newspapers on the bottom of the carrier and sprinkle cat litter on them. The newspaper and soiled litter can be removed as needed.
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/all-about-traveling-with-cats-93848.html
About the Author:
Tristan Andrews writes useful articles about cats and kittens. Discover and explore the feline world. Find out how to better care for, train and live with your cat at the cat forums at http://www.i-love-cats.com
Cat Furniture - Your Royal Kitty Needs A Castle
By: David P Lee
You have a true friend if you own a cat. Your kitty will love you know matter what you might do to him. Your kitty may have been your companion now for many years. Considering this, a cat is dependant on you for each and every thing he needs. Sometimes a cat can seem pretty independent but at the end of the day, they will always come purring back to you.
Cats do so much to enhance our lives; it is good to know that we can make their lives more comfortable. Cat furniture was designed for the sole comfort of our beloved pets. Cats come in many shapes and sizes and there are many different styles of cat furniture to accommodate them.
The cat litter box is on of the most important items you can get for your cat. Cat boxes are made in several varieties of shapes and have many colors. Because of the private nature of you cat, cat boxes often have a lid and a door to go in and out of. The best litter box you can get your kitty is a cat litter cabinet. This cat litter furniture is a cat box hidden in a cabinet. It looks just like an end table so no one knows it realy for your cat!
Beside the litter box the first piece of furniture you should think of is a scratching post or cat tree. This allows your cat to sharpen their claws without tearing your furniture apart. If you cat is de-clawed, you will find that your cat will use it out of instinct.
These types of cat furniture are usually constructed out of wood that is covered with carpet and cats of all shapes and sizes go wild playing on them. A scratching post can be horizontal or vertical and if you are really creative, you can design one for yourself.
Another function of a cat tree is to provide a cat or kitten with a place to play. This is great for people who go to work everyday and leave their cat home alone. A cat gym is a piece of cat furniture that is similar to a cat tree, only is has more for a cat to play with. It has multiple tiers for your cat to frolicking on and often has toys or feathers to play with.
You might also be interested in a cat house. This type of cat furniture can come in many different configurations as well. Some cat trees have a house at the bottom or at the tip top. Others have a cat litter box concealed at the bottom with the cat house up on top. Some take the shape of a round cat condo. The main reason for the cat house is to give your kitty a suite, private place to rest and relax.
If you have a cat up in years cat furniture can be a big help to him. While some may have special needs or are handicapped cat furniture can assist them in different ways. An older cat can benefit from Pet steps or a quiet cat house to rest up in. A small cat tree or scratching post can give needed exercise to a kitty that does not get out much.
So remember every kitty is special and needs a castle to call home. With all the choices out there, you can find that special
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-furniture-your-royal-kitty-needs-a-castle-105873.html
About the Author:
David Lee is the owner and designer of http://www.AceCatFurniture.com and http://www.AceCatHealth.com
You have a true friend if you own a cat. Your kitty will love you know matter what you might do to him. Your kitty may have been your companion now for many years. Considering this, a cat is dependant on you for each and every thing he needs. Sometimes a cat can seem pretty independent but at the end of the day, they will always come purring back to you.
Cats do so much to enhance our lives; it is good to know that we can make their lives more comfortable. Cat furniture was designed for the sole comfort of our beloved pets. Cats come in many shapes and sizes and there are many different styles of cat furniture to accommodate them.
The cat litter box is on of the most important items you can get for your cat. Cat boxes are made in several varieties of shapes and have many colors. Because of the private nature of you cat, cat boxes often have a lid and a door to go in and out of. The best litter box you can get your kitty is a cat litter cabinet. This cat litter furniture is a cat box hidden in a cabinet. It looks just like an end table so no one knows it realy for your cat!
Beside the litter box the first piece of furniture you should think of is a scratching post or cat tree. This allows your cat to sharpen their claws without tearing your furniture apart. If you cat is de-clawed, you will find that your cat will use it out of instinct.
These types of cat furniture are usually constructed out of wood that is covered with carpet and cats of all shapes and sizes go wild playing on them. A scratching post can be horizontal or vertical and if you are really creative, you can design one for yourself.
Another function of a cat tree is to provide a cat or kitten with a place to play. This is great for people who go to work everyday and leave their cat home alone. A cat gym is a piece of cat furniture that is similar to a cat tree, only is has more for a cat to play with. It has multiple tiers for your cat to frolicking on and often has toys or feathers to play with.
You might also be interested in a cat house. This type of cat furniture can come in many different configurations as well. Some cat trees have a house at the bottom or at the tip top. Others have a cat litter box concealed at the bottom with the cat house up on top. Some take the shape of a round cat condo. The main reason for the cat house is to give your kitty a suite, private place to rest and relax.
If you have a cat up in years cat furniture can be a big help to him. While some may have special needs or are handicapped cat furniture can assist them in different ways. An older cat can benefit from Pet steps or a quiet cat house to rest up in. A small cat tree or scratching post can give needed exercise to a kitty that does not get out much.
So remember every kitty is special and needs a castle to call home. With all the choices out there, you can find that special
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-furniture-your-royal-kitty-needs-a-castle-105873.html
About the Author:
David Lee is the owner and designer of http://www.AceCatFurniture.com and http://www.AceCatHealth.com
Feral Cats Can Make Good Pets
By: Angela Ralano
Many people feel that feral cats cannot be kept indoors as pets. This is not true. In fact, feral cats are happy being kept as indoor only pets if you don't attempt to treat them exactly like tame cats.
What are Feral Cats?
Feral cats are cats that haven't been properly socialized. What this means behaviorally is that feral cats are not tame toward humans. Very often, feral cats result from the offspring of cats that were once owned and then abandoned. As a result, the kittens are not properly socialized to humans and become feral.
There is a critical period during kitten development in which kittens must be exposed to human caretakers, otherwise they will be feral or at least semi-feral. This critical developmental period is generally from birth to 8 weeks old. If the first human exposure occurs past the age of 8 weeks this usually results in a feral or semi-feral cat. Sometimes older feral kittens can be tamed toward one or two human caretakers.
What to do if You Find a Feral Cat or Kitten
Many well meaning cat lovers will find feral kittens and take them to their local animal shelter. Unfortunately, feral kittens aren't very adoptable and most of the time animal shelters will destroy the feral kittens to make room for tame kittens that are more likely to be adopted.
Fortunately, there are some shelters that will spay or neuter the kittens and then return the kittens to their natural environment. This at least gives the feral cat a chance to live without the ability of producing more feral cats. This program is called Trap-Neuter-Return, and it is being implemented in many areas to control the outdoor cat population without having to kill the cats. It generally works like this: The kittens are caught in a humane trap, such as Havahart live animal traps. The animal is unharmed. Then the cat is taken to the vet or the shelter that participates in Trap-Neuter-Return and the animal is spayed or neutered and is usually given some vaccines. When the cat has recovered from the spay or neuter surgery the cat is returned outdoors in the same location where it was found. Trap-Neuter-Return is a much more humane way of dealing with feral cats and kittens than euthanasia.
Feral Kittens Can Also Make Very Rewarding Pets
Some people who find feral kittens take them into their homes as pets. This can be a very rewarding experience as you gain the trust of these special cats. It is also the best option for the well-being of the feral cat or kitten. Taking them into your home as a pet is even better than Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Taking them in as pets generally works best if you catch them when they are relatively young. The younger the better, although some people have taken older feral cats into their homes as pets and they have been fine.
It is also best to take in two feral kittens or cats from the same litter if possible. If this isn't possible it is best to have at least one other cat in the household because feral kittens and cats really enjoy the company of other cats.
Feral cats need to be kept as indoor only cats. Cats sometimes behave differently once they get outside. Because feral kittens and cats don't trust humans very much they may be fearful of approaching your house once they are outside and they may get lost. In general, they are very fearful of any humans other than the human caretakers that they have grown to trust.
I have four feral cats that have lived with me for about 2 years now and they have been very happy indoors. Three were caught when they were 10 weeks old and the fourth cat was caught when she was 12 weeks old.
For the first few weeks after I brought them in the house, all of the kittens used to hiss when I walked by them. Eventually they came to trust me and stopped hissing when they saw me. In fact, now they greet me at the door after work. When I wake up in the morning they come up on the bed to greet me the very first thing. They love playing with toys and with each other. They are still semi-feral, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing how happy they are and knowing that they are indoors where it is warm and safe.
However, they aren't exactly like other cats. For the most part you can't pick them up. One of the kittens lets me pick her up and kiss her on top of her little head, but the other kittens don't allow it (Actually, they are no longer kittens, but they still seem like babies to me). However, they do like to play toys with me, and except for one of them, they do like to be petted and to have their fur brushed.
Feral cats and kittens would not make good pets for children. Basically feral cats that live indoors with humans like to do their own thing most of the time. They don't want to be held and will usually only let you pet them on a limited basis. Because of this they are likely to scratch a child that attempts to have more contact with them than the cat wants. The key to making a feral cat happy is to only have as much contact with the cat as it wants.
Also, you need to give the shy ones extra space when they are using the litter or eating. Sometimes it is best to keep their litter and food bowls in low human traffic areas so that they can feel safe while eating or using the litter box.
Vet trips can be difficult because they don't always allow you to pick them up to put them into the pet carrier. However, there are ways to do it. Sometimes you can throw their favorite toy into the carrier and they will run in to get it and then all you have to do is shut the cat carrier door.
Feral cats are well worth the extra work and they are the best pets ever! Also, because they only want limited contact with humans you generally don't have to worry about them walking on your keyboard while you are typing or laying across you newspaper or book while you are reading.
In my opinion there is nothing more rewarding then gaining the trust of these cats, especially if you don't mind taking their special needs into consideration. The reward comes in knowing that you are providing a loving, warm, happy home with plenty of food, water, toys, and veterinary care for these special cats.
For more information about feral cats and cat and kitten information please visit About Cats Online.com
About the Author:
ngela has a master's degree in psychology and is currently working on her doctorate. She is a fitness enthusiast and cat lover. She also maintains the Web sites Official Fitness and Health.com and About Cats Online.com
Many people feel that feral cats cannot be kept indoors as pets. This is not true. In fact, feral cats are happy being kept as indoor only pets if you don't attempt to treat them exactly like tame cats.
What are Feral Cats?
Feral cats are cats that haven't been properly socialized. What this means behaviorally is that feral cats are not tame toward humans. Very often, feral cats result from the offspring of cats that were once owned and then abandoned. As a result, the kittens are not properly socialized to humans and become feral.
There is a critical period during kitten development in which kittens must be exposed to human caretakers, otherwise they will be feral or at least semi-feral. This critical developmental period is generally from birth to 8 weeks old. If the first human exposure occurs past the age of 8 weeks this usually results in a feral or semi-feral cat. Sometimes older feral kittens can be tamed toward one or two human caretakers.
What to do if You Find a Feral Cat or Kitten
Many well meaning cat lovers will find feral kittens and take them to their local animal shelter. Unfortunately, feral kittens aren't very adoptable and most of the time animal shelters will destroy the feral kittens to make room for tame kittens that are more likely to be adopted.
Fortunately, there are some shelters that will spay or neuter the kittens and then return the kittens to their natural environment. This at least gives the feral cat a chance to live without the ability of producing more feral cats. This program is called Trap-Neuter-Return, and it is being implemented in many areas to control the outdoor cat population without having to kill the cats. It generally works like this: The kittens are caught in a humane trap, such as Havahart live animal traps. The animal is unharmed. Then the cat is taken to the vet or the shelter that participates in Trap-Neuter-Return and the animal is spayed or neutered and is usually given some vaccines. When the cat has recovered from the spay or neuter surgery the cat is returned outdoors in the same location where it was found. Trap-Neuter-Return is a much more humane way of dealing with feral cats and kittens than euthanasia.
Feral Kittens Can Also Make Very Rewarding Pets
Some people who find feral kittens take them into their homes as pets. This can be a very rewarding experience as you gain the trust of these special cats. It is also the best option for the well-being of the feral cat or kitten. Taking them into your home as a pet is even better than Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Taking them in as pets generally works best if you catch them when they are relatively young. The younger the better, although some people have taken older feral cats into their homes as pets and they have been fine.
It is also best to take in two feral kittens or cats from the same litter if possible. If this isn't possible it is best to have at least one other cat in the household because feral kittens and cats really enjoy the company of other cats.
Feral cats need to be kept as indoor only cats. Cats sometimes behave differently once they get outside. Because feral kittens and cats don't trust humans very much they may be fearful of approaching your house once they are outside and they may get lost. In general, they are very fearful of any humans other than the human caretakers that they have grown to trust.
I have four feral cats that have lived with me for about 2 years now and they have been very happy indoors. Three were caught when they were 10 weeks old and the fourth cat was caught when she was 12 weeks old.
For the first few weeks after I brought them in the house, all of the kittens used to hiss when I walked by them. Eventually they came to trust me and stopped hissing when they saw me. In fact, now they greet me at the door after work. When I wake up in the morning they come up on the bed to greet me the very first thing. They love playing with toys and with each other. They are still semi-feral, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing how happy they are and knowing that they are indoors where it is warm and safe.
However, they aren't exactly like other cats. For the most part you can't pick them up. One of the kittens lets me pick her up and kiss her on top of her little head, but the other kittens don't allow it (Actually, they are no longer kittens, but they still seem like babies to me). However, they do like to play toys with me, and except for one of them, they do like to be petted and to have their fur brushed.
Feral cats and kittens would not make good pets for children. Basically feral cats that live indoors with humans like to do their own thing most of the time. They don't want to be held and will usually only let you pet them on a limited basis. Because of this they are likely to scratch a child that attempts to have more contact with them than the cat wants. The key to making a feral cat happy is to only have as much contact with the cat as it wants.
Also, you need to give the shy ones extra space when they are using the litter or eating. Sometimes it is best to keep their litter and food bowls in low human traffic areas so that they can feel safe while eating or using the litter box.
Vet trips can be difficult because they don't always allow you to pick them up to put them into the pet carrier. However, there are ways to do it. Sometimes you can throw their favorite toy into the carrier and they will run in to get it and then all you have to do is shut the cat carrier door.
Feral cats are well worth the extra work and they are the best pets ever! Also, because they only want limited contact with humans you generally don't have to worry about them walking on your keyboard while you are typing or laying across you newspaper or book while you are reading.
In my opinion there is nothing more rewarding then gaining the trust of these cats, especially if you don't mind taking their special needs into consideration. The reward comes in knowing that you are providing a loving, warm, happy home with plenty of food, water, toys, and veterinary care for these special cats.
For more information about feral cats and cat and kitten information please visit About Cats Online.com
About the Author:
ngela has a master's degree in psychology and is currently working on her doctorate. She is a fitness enthusiast and cat lover. She also maintains the Web sites Official Fitness and Health.com and About Cats Online.com
Cats And Feline Diabetes
Cats are one of the most popular pets in America. They are very loving animals that are capable of giving you years of friendship. Just like any other pet (or human being), your cat may become sick. You care very much about the health and well being of your cat and so, of course, you worry about it when it feels badly. There are many different ailments that can affect your cat's health so it is advisable that you take your pet to a veterinarian whenever it seems to be sick. Quick treatment is always the best and the good people at the Vet Clinics have your pets health and well-being in mind.
Diabetes is much more common among people than it is with cats or other animals but, cats can sometimes be affected by it. Although feline diabetes is a very serious condition it can be treated by proper care and the help of a good veterinarian. Diabetes is caused when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for controlling and maintaining the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood.
In order to safeguard your cat you should always be attentive to it's actions so that you will be able to notice changes right away. Symptoms that may indicate that your cat is suffering from feline diabetes may vary. The most common symptom will be an increase in urination and thirst. This should be easy to recognize if you pay close to attention to your cat. Other symptoms your cat may experience with feline diabetes are weight loss and a decrease in appetite. If your cat suddenly begins to lose interest in eating to the point where it starts losing weight feline diabetes may be the culprit.
Feline diabetes needs to be treated as soon as possible if your cat is to survive. That is why it is so important that you keep a close watch on your pet. As most any cat owner can testify cats will definitely let you know when they feel badly if you are close to them. They have many ways of communicating with their 'owners'. When treated promptly a cat with feline diabetes will most often be able to live a healthy and relatively normal life. If left untreated for too long a cat with feline diabetes will eventually go into a coma and die. It is such a shame when this happens to a beautiful cat as it could have been avoided with only a little knowledge and care. Many people have lost a loved cat to feline diabetes because they didn't understand what was happening to their pet and they failed to seek out the help of a veterinarian in time. Don't let this happen to your cat.
Cats affected with feline diabetes need to be fed regularly. That means you will feed them on a schedule at the same time every day. Diabetic cats need to be kept indoors as well. The treatment will require that you give your cat insulin shots once or twice each day depending upon what your veterinarian advises you. It will seem awkward at first, but your veterinarian will help teach you how to go about administering the shots and soon you, and your cat, will become accustomed to it.
Before giving your cat the insulin injection it is important to be sure that it has eaten first. If you give your cat insulin on an empty stomach it is possible for it to suffer from hypoglycemic shock. If too much insulin is administered the same result could occur. Hypoglycemic shock can be very life threatening to your cat so exercise extreme care and thought.
Remember that with proper care and attention a cat with feline diabetes will be able to live a long and otherwise happy and healthy life. Cats understand much more than they are usually given credit for. You cat will know that you love it after a period of time it will actually come to accept the shots. The most important thing is that your cat is able to feel well and enjoy it's life.
Copyright © 2007 David Slone all rights reserved. No part of this article may be used or published by any means without my express, written permission.
Top notch health advice is also available for yourself! Learn the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and get some tips on how to deal with living with diabetes. Get all of the latest health information today.
Diabetes is much more common among people than it is with cats or other animals but, cats can sometimes be affected by it. Although feline diabetes is a very serious condition it can be treated by proper care and the help of a good veterinarian. Diabetes is caused when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for controlling and maintaining the level of sugar, or glucose, in the blood.
In order to safeguard your cat you should always be attentive to it's actions so that you will be able to notice changes right away. Symptoms that may indicate that your cat is suffering from feline diabetes may vary. The most common symptom will be an increase in urination and thirst. This should be easy to recognize if you pay close to attention to your cat. Other symptoms your cat may experience with feline diabetes are weight loss and a decrease in appetite. If your cat suddenly begins to lose interest in eating to the point where it starts losing weight feline diabetes may be the culprit.
Feline diabetes needs to be treated as soon as possible if your cat is to survive. That is why it is so important that you keep a close watch on your pet. As most any cat owner can testify cats will definitely let you know when they feel badly if you are close to them. They have many ways of communicating with their 'owners'. When treated promptly a cat with feline diabetes will most often be able to live a healthy and relatively normal life. If left untreated for too long a cat with feline diabetes will eventually go into a coma and die. It is such a shame when this happens to a beautiful cat as it could have been avoided with only a little knowledge and care. Many people have lost a loved cat to feline diabetes because they didn't understand what was happening to their pet and they failed to seek out the help of a veterinarian in time. Don't let this happen to your cat.
Cats affected with feline diabetes need to be fed regularly. That means you will feed them on a schedule at the same time every day. Diabetic cats need to be kept indoors as well. The treatment will require that you give your cat insulin shots once or twice each day depending upon what your veterinarian advises you. It will seem awkward at first, but your veterinarian will help teach you how to go about administering the shots and soon you, and your cat, will become accustomed to it.
Before giving your cat the insulin injection it is important to be sure that it has eaten first. If you give your cat insulin on an empty stomach it is possible for it to suffer from hypoglycemic shock. If too much insulin is administered the same result could occur. Hypoglycemic shock can be very life threatening to your cat so exercise extreme care and thought.
Remember that with proper care and attention a cat with feline diabetes will be able to live a long and otherwise happy and healthy life. Cats understand much more than they are usually given credit for. You cat will know that you love it after a period of time it will actually come to accept the shots. The most important thing is that your cat is able to feel well and enjoy it's life.
Copyright © 2007 David Slone all rights reserved. No part of this article may be used or published by any means without my express, written permission.
Top notch health advice is also available for yourself! Learn the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and get some tips on how to deal with living with diabetes. Get all of the latest health information today.
How to Train a Cat to Use a Toilet
Cats are adorable creatures - all cat lovers will agree with that. They make excellent human companions and, like dogs, are also considered by many as man's best friend. Cute, cuddly, and companionable, these domesticated felines can easily melt anybody's heart. They can entertain you with their sweet little tricks and make you laugh out loud with their crazy antics. Yes, cats are absolutely charming, but not all the time. You have to admit, endearing as they are, cats also do things that can annoy you out of your wits such as scratching you wood furniture, biting your curtain tassels, and, at worst, pooping on your brand new carpet.
The good news is that cats are smart and curious animals. For this reason, they can be trained to do several things that could make your life easier. Just one of the things you can teach your little feline friend to do is to use the toilet. If you want your cat to be like Jack Byrnes' Himalayan cat in "Meet the Parents" then you should start thinking about training your kitty to use the toilet now. As opposed to what some people think, potty training cats is not hard to do. All you need is plenty of patience and a strong determination. And oh, you will also need a litter box and a roll of wax paper.
If your cat already knows how to use the litter box, then that makes the task of getting them to use the toilet 50% easier. Since cats are clean creatures by nature, chances are that they will find pooping in the toilet more desirable than what they were initially accustomed to. The trick in potty training a cat is to do it gradually. Depending on your cat's personality, the process of toilet training can take several days to a few weeks. There's no point in hastening the training because cats take time to learn and get used to the new pooping system.
Start the potty training by moving your cat's litter box near a toilet. After you do this, make sure your cat knows where to find its litter box. Let your cat become familiar with the new location of its litter box. After you have done this, the next thing to do is to move the litter box inch by inch towards the toilet bowl for the subsequent days until it ends up right next to the bowl. While inching the litter box towards the toilet bowl, you should also reduce the amount of litter used bit by bit.
The next goal is to get the cat to sit on the toilet bowl. You can do this by progressively adding a book under a litter box until it's already elevated to the same height as the toilet bowl. When you've already done this, raise the toilet seat and tape a sheet of wax paper over it. The wax paper should be big enough to cover the hole. Then, lower the seat and gradually move the litter box an inch towards the seat over the following days. Do this until the litter box is right over the toilet seat. Don't forget to reduce the amount of litter every time you move the litter box towards the seat until there's already none left. When you've done this, discard the box and cut an inch-wide hole in the middle of the wax paper. In the succeeding days, gradually widen the wax paper's hole until it becomes as big as that of the toilet seat. By the time you are done with this last step, congratulations, you now have a toilet-trained cat.
Copyright © 2007 David Slone all rights reserved. No part of this article may be used or published by any means without my express, written permission.
Now that you've given your cat some useful training, why not look into some online universities for yourself? Getting your Online MBA has never been easier. You can explore options ranging from becoming a social worker to six sigma online training. Want even more training? Look into getting your Online PhD today!
The good news is that cats are smart and curious animals. For this reason, they can be trained to do several things that could make your life easier. Just one of the things you can teach your little feline friend to do is to use the toilet. If you want your cat to be like Jack Byrnes' Himalayan cat in "Meet the Parents" then you should start thinking about training your kitty to use the toilet now. As opposed to what some people think, potty training cats is not hard to do. All you need is plenty of patience and a strong determination. And oh, you will also need a litter box and a roll of wax paper.
If your cat already knows how to use the litter box, then that makes the task of getting them to use the toilet 50% easier. Since cats are clean creatures by nature, chances are that they will find pooping in the toilet more desirable than what they were initially accustomed to. The trick in potty training a cat is to do it gradually. Depending on your cat's personality, the process of toilet training can take several days to a few weeks. There's no point in hastening the training because cats take time to learn and get used to the new pooping system.
Start the potty training by moving your cat's litter box near a toilet. After you do this, make sure your cat knows where to find its litter box. Let your cat become familiar with the new location of its litter box. After you have done this, the next thing to do is to move the litter box inch by inch towards the toilet bowl for the subsequent days until it ends up right next to the bowl. While inching the litter box towards the toilet bowl, you should also reduce the amount of litter used bit by bit.
The next goal is to get the cat to sit on the toilet bowl. You can do this by progressively adding a book under a litter box until it's already elevated to the same height as the toilet bowl. When you've already done this, raise the toilet seat and tape a sheet of wax paper over it. The wax paper should be big enough to cover the hole. Then, lower the seat and gradually move the litter box an inch towards the seat over the following days. Do this until the litter box is right over the toilet seat. Don't forget to reduce the amount of litter every time you move the litter box towards the seat until there's already none left. When you've done this, discard the box and cut an inch-wide hole in the middle of the wax paper. In the succeeding days, gradually widen the wax paper's hole until it becomes as big as that of the toilet seat. By the time you are done with this last step, congratulations, you now have a toilet-trained cat.
Copyright © 2007 David Slone all rights reserved. No part of this article may be used or published by any means without my express, written permission.
Now that you've given your cat some useful training, why not look into some online universities for yourself? Getting your Online MBA has never been easier. You can explore options ranging from becoming a social worker to six sigma online training. Want even more training? Look into getting your Online PhD today!
How to stop spraying of cats
By: Alitsa Neuyo
If you observe that you cat gets into an agitated state, with its tail lifted and is backing himself towards the door or any other thing and urinates, it means it is suffering from some problem. This is a common problem in cats that are not allowed to go out of the house and is referred to as “spraying”. It is no doubts, a problem which can annoy you and the cat both, but it can be easily treated.
As a lot many of you think, the spraying problem is not related to the litter box; in fact it is related to the habit of ‘marking’. Pheromones, present in the spray of the cat urine is something which these animals use to communicate with each other. They are almost like the fingerprints of the human beings, which identify them. Similarly, cats can be identified through pheromones, to the other animals.
As cats are known to be territorial, they have a habit of marking their territory, and they do so by spraying, which is also a sign for others that this territory belongs to the cat. This may be quite annoying but the problem would not be resolved by getting angry by the cat. Raising your voice or showing anger to the cat would only result in frequent repetitions.
The smell of urine tends to attract cats in heat and for them spraying is kind of an attraction, a signal for love. You may even notice that a cat that has been spraying during heat gives birth to kittens after some months. It is not necessary that cats spray only in heat; they may also do so following some stress or interaction with other cats.
Spraying might be a way of the cats to communicate but for the humans, the smell is quite annoying and irritating. In general, most of the times the cats spray when they are out of the house, but in case your cat remains inside the house all the time, this means trouble. In case you notice spraying inside the house, take necessary measures to prevent and stop it.
The simplest and the most convenient methods to restrict spraying are to get the cat spayed or neutered, which is based on the sex of the cat. Spraying usually stops in male cats, on the very day, the surgery is performed. This option may not be suitable for you, if you wish to breed the cat sometime in future. In such case, you can not get the cat spayed or neutered, but you can choose other ways of preventing it.
Immediately consult the veterinary doctor if you face such a situation. He may be the right person to talk to and can guide you some ways to handle the situation without surgery too. This can be caused due to some medical reason as well which can be determined by the veterinary doctor. But make sure to take the necessary action as soon as you observe spraying because apart from carrying a horrible smell, the spraying may also leave stains in different areas of the house.
Author's Resource:
Article written by : Alitsa Neuyo. To read articles about pets, please visit our websites, Catbreedstory.com & Petsza.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
If you observe that you cat gets into an agitated state, with its tail lifted and is backing himself towards the door or any other thing and urinates, it means it is suffering from some problem. This is a common problem in cats that are not allowed to go out of the house and is referred to as “spraying”. It is no doubts, a problem which can annoy you and the cat both, but it can be easily treated.
As a lot many of you think, the spraying problem is not related to the litter box; in fact it is related to the habit of ‘marking’. Pheromones, present in the spray of the cat urine is something which these animals use to communicate with each other. They are almost like the fingerprints of the human beings, which identify them. Similarly, cats can be identified through pheromones, to the other animals.
As cats are known to be territorial, they have a habit of marking their territory, and they do so by spraying, which is also a sign for others that this territory belongs to the cat. This may be quite annoying but the problem would not be resolved by getting angry by the cat. Raising your voice or showing anger to the cat would only result in frequent repetitions.
The smell of urine tends to attract cats in heat and for them spraying is kind of an attraction, a signal for love. You may even notice that a cat that has been spraying during heat gives birth to kittens after some months. It is not necessary that cats spray only in heat; they may also do so following some stress or interaction with other cats.
Spraying might be a way of the cats to communicate but for the humans, the smell is quite annoying and irritating. In general, most of the times the cats spray when they are out of the house, but in case your cat remains inside the house all the time, this means trouble. In case you notice spraying inside the house, take necessary measures to prevent and stop it.
The simplest and the most convenient methods to restrict spraying are to get the cat spayed or neutered, which is based on the sex of the cat. Spraying usually stops in male cats, on the very day, the surgery is performed. This option may not be suitable for you, if you wish to breed the cat sometime in future. In such case, you can not get the cat spayed or neutered, but you can choose other ways of preventing it.
Immediately consult the veterinary doctor if you face such a situation. He may be the right person to talk to and can guide you some ways to handle the situation without surgery too. This can be caused due to some medical reason as well which can be determined by the veterinary doctor. But make sure to take the necessary action as soon as you observe spraying because apart from carrying a horrible smell, the spraying may also leave stains in different areas of the house.
Author's Resource:
Article written by : Alitsa Neuyo. To read articles about pets, please visit our websites, Catbreedstory.com & Petsza.com
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Successful Cat Training – 3 Rules To Follow
By: Liz Barton
Cat training is not always easy, but it is possible. Though your cat may seem too independent and stubborn to change its behavior, you can get the job done if you make a commitment to the right strategies.
There are a few basic tents of successful training about whichever cat owner should be aware. Let us look at three of those cat training fundamentals:
The Need for Immediacy
Cats are incredibly smart animals, but they do not necessarily make the same kind of connections people do with respect to cause and effect. That is why it is essential to take action immediately when you observe inappropriate behavior. If your response is delayed by even a few seconds, it will lose a great deal of its effectiveness.
Never assume that your cat will remember what it did earlier in a day or that the cat will make any connection between your discipline and past behavior. Rarely, if ever, will that happen. If you correct your pet for something it did earlier, it will have no idea of why it is being corrected and may incorrectly link your actions to the behavior displayed immediately before you took action.
Encouraging Alternative Behaviors
One of the best ways to teach your cat not to engage in an undesirable behavior is to encourage the animal to do something else instead. This strategy works even better when the encouraged behavior is completely incompatible with the undesired action. This technique works because cats, like all animals, are more responsive to positive reinforcement.
You will have greater success encouraging and rewarding what you would like to see than you will by trying to stop what you do not. Instead of discouraging your cat from scratching a table leg, encourage your pet to exercise that instinct on its scratching post!
Avoiding Physical Discipline
Physical punishment will not contribute to successful cat training. Negative reinforcements do not work well for cats and hitting or otherwise physically reprimanding your pet will only make your relationship more difficult while inspiring unnecessary fear in the animal.
Cats are not always the easiest animals to train, but if one approaches the project with the right attitude and strategies, it is possible to direct a cat’s behavior. The three elements of cat training we’ve discussed all share features common to all successful techniques--they are all based on the understanding that positive reinforcement offers the greatest chance of success and that cat owners should always use the least aggressive means of correcting behavior.
Those three rules of thumb are at the very core of smart cat training.
Author's Resource:
This article was written by Liz Barton. Learn more about how to solve your cat behavior problems - you'll find another cat training article by visiting www.secretsofcats.com/training_cats.html
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cat training is not always easy, but it is possible. Though your cat may seem too independent and stubborn to change its behavior, you can get the job done if you make a commitment to the right strategies.
There are a few basic tents of successful training about whichever cat owner should be aware. Let us look at three of those cat training fundamentals:
The Need for Immediacy
Cats are incredibly smart animals, but they do not necessarily make the same kind of connections people do with respect to cause and effect. That is why it is essential to take action immediately when you observe inappropriate behavior. If your response is delayed by even a few seconds, it will lose a great deal of its effectiveness.
Never assume that your cat will remember what it did earlier in a day or that the cat will make any connection between your discipline and past behavior. Rarely, if ever, will that happen. If you correct your pet for something it did earlier, it will have no idea of why it is being corrected and may incorrectly link your actions to the behavior displayed immediately before you took action.
Encouraging Alternative Behaviors
One of the best ways to teach your cat not to engage in an undesirable behavior is to encourage the animal to do something else instead. This strategy works even better when the encouraged behavior is completely incompatible with the undesired action. This technique works because cats, like all animals, are more responsive to positive reinforcement.
You will have greater success encouraging and rewarding what you would like to see than you will by trying to stop what you do not. Instead of discouraging your cat from scratching a table leg, encourage your pet to exercise that instinct on its scratching post!
Avoiding Physical Discipline
Physical punishment will not contribute to successful cat training. Negative reinforcements do not work well for cats and hitting or otherwise physically reprimanding your pet will only make your relationship more difficult while inspiring unnecessary fear in the animal.
Cats are not always the easiest animals to train, but if one approaches the project with the right attitude and strategies, it is possible to direct a cat’s behavior. The three elements of cat training we’ve discussed all share features common to all successful techniques--they are all based on the understanding that positive reinforcement offers the greatest chance of success and that cat owners should always use the least aggressive means of correcting behavior.
Those three rules of thumb are at the very core of smart cat training.
Author's Resource:
This article was written by Liz Barton. Learn more about how to solve your cat behavior problems - you'll find another cat training article by visiting www.secretsofcats.com/training_cats.html
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cat Leukemia - What You Need To Know About This Deadly Cat Disease
By: David Lee
Cats, just like any other animal and their caretakers, can get sick. If you love cats and own them, there are some things you should know about the illnesses that can affect your feline friend.
Leukemia
Even for humans, this word is one you never hope to hear. For Felines, it's a virus, that works by producing an enzyme that it then inserts into healthy cells infecting them. Just like a retrovirus. Because of this, it is a particularly nasty illness.
Cats who have the feline leukemia virus are found all over the world. The likelihood of a cat becoming infected can depend a lot on the age of the cat, its health, environment and lifestyle. Cats who are very young or ill have an even greater chance of contracting the virus.
How Do Cats Become Infected?
Other cats are the main source of the infection being spread. The virus is
passed on in large amounts through saliva or nasal fluids. But it may also be passed on through urine, feces and milk from the cats that are infected. The virus is also passed on through cat-to-cat contact, such as fighting resulting in wounds, when cats groom each other and, sometimes, through sharing litter boxes.
What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?
Any cat is at risk of being infected, although some cats are at a greater risk than most. If a cat is living with other cats that are infected or it is unknown whether they are infected with feline leukemia virus, risks of the cat becoming infected are very high.
If you allow your cats to roam free out of doors then their chances of contracting this disease increases. They run a greater risk of coming in contact with infected cats and being bitten or scratched, allowing the virus to transfer itself. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother's milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.
Feline Leukemia: How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your feline
Feline Leukemia works very much like HIV in humans. It attacks the immune system of your cat, making it difficult for your cat to fight off even the most minor of illnesses. It can cause other health problems for your cat as well, such as blood disorders and has been linked as being a source of cancer in cats.
The main things to look for with feline leukemia is loss of appetite, weight loss and general loss of health for your cat. These may not be noticeable at first, since this virus can progress slowly. If you don't see any other sign see if you notice your cat becoming sick more often. Continual illness is a possible sign.
There are also other signs that usually show up a bit later in the diseases progression. These include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums or gums that are inflamed.
By paying attention to your cats health and following these tips, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.
Author's Resource:
Learn more about your pet from David's pet sites. Cat Feline Leukemia, Dog Disease, Dog Illness, Cat Furniture.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
Cats, just like any other animal and their caretakers, can get sick. If you love cats and own them, there are some things you should know about the illnesses that can affect your feline friend.
Leukemia
Even for humans, this word is one you never hope to hear. For Felines, it's a virus, that works by producing an enzyme that it then inserts into healthy cells infecting them. Just like a retrovirus. Because of this, it is a particularly nasty illness.
Cats who have the feline leukemia virus are found all over the world. The likelihood of a cat becoming infected can depend a lot on the age of the cat, its health, environment and lifestyle. Cats who are very young or ill have an even greater chance of contracting the virus.
How Do Cats Become Infected?
Other cats are the main source of the infection being spread. The virus is
passed on in large amounts through saliva or nasal fluids. But it may also be passed on through urine, feces and milk from the cats that are infected. The virus is also passed on through cat-to-cat contact, such as fighting resulting in wounds, when cats groom each other and, sometimes, through sharing litter boxes.
What type of cats have a greater risk of being infected?
Any cat is at risk of being infected, although some cats are at a greater risk than most. If a cat is living with other cats that are infected or it is unknown whether they are infected with feline leukemia virus, risks of the cat becoming infected are very high.
If you allow your cats to roam free out of doors then their chances of contracting this disease increases. They run a greater risk of coming in contact with infected cats and being bitten or scratched, allowing the virus to transfer itself. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother's milk. Also, they have weaker immune systems.
Feline Leukemia: How to spot the symptoms and what it does to your feline
Feline Leukemia works very much like HIV in humans. It attacks the immune system of your cat, making it difficult for your cat to fight off even the most minor of illnesses. It can cause other health problems for your cat as well, such as blood disorders and has been linked as being a source of cancer in cats.
The main things to look for with feline leukemia is loss of appetite, weight loss and general loss of health for your cat. These may not be noticeable at first, since this virus can progress slowly. If you don't see any other sign see if you notice your cat becoming sick more often. Continual illness is a possible sign.
There are also other signs that usually show up a bit later in the diseases progression. These include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums or gums that are inflamed.
By paying attention to your cats health and following these tips, you may be able to avoid this dangerous cat illness.
Author's Resource:
Learn more about your pet from David's pet sites. Cat Feline Leukemia, Dog Disease, Dog Illness, Cat Furniture.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
On Holiday With Your Cat
By: Laura Marsh
It’s that time of year again, your off on your family holiday, and second to booking your holiday, you ring the cattery and book a place for your cat. Think about the money and inconvenient this can cause, having to sort your cat out a few days before you go, paying extra if you are late back, the list is endless.
But did you know that you can take your cat with you, on your holiday? This doesn’t really apply for overseas holidays unless your cat has a pet passport. All over the country holiday accommodation owners are starting to realise there is a whole market of people that they’ve over looked – the pet owner.
If you use a travel agent, ask them to provide a list of accommodation that accepts pets. If you book your holiday online, there are plenty of websites out there that will list places in your country that will accept you cat. You’ll find these are no more expensive than your normal accommodation, simply because you don’t have to add the price of an extra room, just make sure you take your cats bed with you.
Before you on holiday make sure you take your cat to the vet and get it checked over. The last thing you want is to have an emergency with your cat while you’re away. Once you’re sure your cat is in good health, make sure you’ve got everything you need; make sure you cats travel box is clean and comfortable especially if you’ll be travelling for a long time. You may also find it useful to take an extra blanket and cover the travel box with a blanket while you travel, as this will calm your cat down and it will probably sleep most of the way.
Pack sufficient food and cat litter for the entire holiday, as if you run out you may not be able to get to a shop easily, and you’ll have a very upset cat.
When you arrive to your holiday destination, let your cat out and let it investigate the accommodation, once its done that it should settle in just fine. Show your cat where you are going to put its food and litter so there are no accidents. And if you are on a short break, say about 1 week, then keep your cat indoors, the last thing you want is to loose your cat when your on holiday. If your there for 2 or 3 weeks, that’s not so bad, and your cat should be fine roaming about in the garden (if there is one).
Not all cats will accept holidaying with the family. Elderly cats can find travel difficult and may get very upset when not in their own environment. The same goes for any sick cats. Some timid cats may find it hard to settle in to a new environment so quickly, and it may be disturbing for them. But for the average, boisterous, family cat they’ll enjoy the experience of exploring new places.
So next time you have to fork out for cattery fees, consider taking your cat on holiday with you.
Author's Resource:
www.caringforyourcat.info
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
It’s that time of year again, your off on your family holiday, and second to booking your holiday, you ring the cattery and book a place for your cat. Think about the money and inconvenient this can cause, having to sort your cat out a few days before you go, paying extra if you are late back, the list is endless.
But did you know that you can take your cat with you, on your holiday? This doesn’t really apply for overseas holidays unless your cat has a pet passport. All over the country holiday accommodation owners are starting to realise there is a whole market of people that they’ve over looked – the pet owner.
If you use a travel agent, ask them to provide a list of accommodation that accepts pets. If you book your holiday online, there are plenty of websites out there that will list places in your country that will accept you cat. You’ll find these are no more expensive than your normal accommodation, simply because you don’t have to add the price of an extra room, just make sure you take your cats bed with you.
Before you on holiday make sure you take your cat to the vet and get it checked over. The last thing you want is to have an emergency with your cat while you’re away. Once you’re sure your cat is in good health, make sure you’ve got everything you need; make sure you cats travel box is clean and comfortable especially if you’ll be travelling for a long time. You may also find it useful to take an extra blanket and cover the travel box with a blanket while you travel, as this will calm your cat down and it will probably sleep most of the way.
Pack sufficient food and cat litter for the entire holiday, as if you run out you may not be able to get to a shop easily, and you’ll have a very upset cat.
When you arrive to your holiday destination, let your cat out and let it investigate the accommodation, once its done that it should settle in just fine. Show your cat where you are going to put its food and litter so there are no accidents. And if you are on a short break, say about 1 week, then keep your cat indoors, the last thing you want is to loose your cat when your on holiday. If your there for 2 or 3 weeks, that’s not so bad, and your cat should be fine roaming about in the garden (if there is one).
Not all cats will accept holidaying with the family. Elderly cats can find travel difficult and may get very upset when not in their own environment. The same goes for any sick cats. Some timid cats may find it hard to settle in to a new environment so quickly, and it may be disturbing for them. But for the average, boisterous, family cat they’ll enjoy the experience of exploring new places.
So next time you have to fork out for cattery fees, consider taking your cat on holiday with you.
Author's Resource:
www.caringforyourcat.info
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.