In Pain - Hug a Cat

By Hester-Lynne Murdoch
The Purr
It is no longer a new concept to use cats as therapy animals in retirement homes, nursing homes or convalescent hospitals, research had proven that it makes a real difference in the lives, and reduces blood pressure especially in older people. The benefit of the human-feline bond has been documented in many ways, not least the pleasure of holding a purring cat, some purr so strongly that their entire bodies vibrate. Purring is one of the most special unique qualities of a cat.
What if we go a step further and say that this is only the beginning, a cat can be of benefit to a human as a compact movable therapy unit? Intrigued; read on...
Cat owners and handlers know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats most definitely purr when they are stressed, afraid and in pain, in short when they are experiencing any trauma. Even a cat near death or dying will purr, why? - Recent research has brought to light a new significance to this seeming anomaly.
The following Questions were asked:
• The ability to purr has survived through the entire development of the cat, countless generations, throughout the inception of different cat species developed and evolving in totally isolated areas over the entire world; for this to happen there has to be some very important reason for the purr, there has to be a survival mechanism to explain its continued existence. • Accepting that the purr evolved solely as a show of contentment goes against all we have come to understand about the basic rules of evolution and natural selection. • There would have to be a very good reason for an injured animal that needs all its reserve energy to survive to initiate a function that uses energy and does no good. The only explanation would have to be ... it is beneficial to the animal's survival. • Could it be possible that evolution and natural selection has blessed the cat with a natural healing mechanism? Researchers at Fauna Communications in the USA believe so. • Could the purr in any way be linked to the fact that vibration stimulation relieves suffering of persons and animals that have acute and chronic pain? Could the fact that vibration stimulation generates new tissue growth, increases wound tissue strength, improves local circulation and oxygenation, reduces swelling be linked to the purr?
The Healing Power of the Purr
Cat researchers now believe that self-healing is the purpose of the purr. In human and animal medical treatment low frequencies, at low intensity has been proven to be therapeutic.
In 1994 Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, in this work found that frequencies of 25 and 50 hertz improve bone strength by 20%, stimulate both the healing of fractures, and increases the speed at which the fractures heal. In a study done at the Cincinnati Zoo, by Fauna Communications, who recorded many cats' purrs; it was discovered that cat purrs create frequencies that fall directly in the range that is optimal for bone growth.
I think that this research will make it plain why cats purr, here are the results:
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment of Human and animals
Problem 1: Bone growth and Fractures, (Optimal Frequencies for best treatment): 25 Hz or 50 Hz;(Cats Purr Frequencies): The exact dominant and fundamental frequency of a cats purr.
Problem 2: Repair of tendons, (Optimal Frequencies for best treatment): 120 Hz; (Cats Purr Frequencies): All cats have frequencies of this range. Some even have 2 to 3 harmonics within this range.
Problem 3: Stimulation of joint mobility, (Optimal Frequencies for best treatment): 18 Hz to 35 Hz, (Cats Purr Frequencies): All cats have frequencies of this range and here again 2 to 3 harmonics within this range.
Problem 4: Generation of muscle strength, (Optimal Frequencies for best treatment): 2 Hz to 100 Hz, (Cats Purr Frequencies): All cats have at least 4 sets of strong harmonics in this range.
Problem 5: Therapeutic pain relief, (Optimal Frequencies for best treatment): 50 Hz to 150 Hz, (Cats Purr Frequencies): All cats have at least 5 sets of strong harmonics in this range.
With this information available it is not difficult to comprehend that a cat's purr is a genetically designed self healing device. It gives a cat an internal natural way to decrease healing time, and increase strength whilst sedentary. Meaning; muscles strengthen, while bones heal without any movement to endanger the knitting of bone, with the bonus of having a pain treatment while this is happening. This would explain why nature has developed an adoption like this and it has remained constant in all cats regardless of how remote or different they may be.
In Summery: Purring the Pain Away Vibrations between a the frequencies 20-150 Hz are therapeutic for bone growth/fracture healing, pain relief, reduction of swelling, wound healing, muscle growth, strength and repair, tendon repair, mobility of joints and the relief of breathlessness. Direct contact with a purring cat is definitely beneficial to your own health. As with any frequency wave forms, oscillations move between the animal and the human and can do wonders to a person with many different types of bone, muscle and pain problems.... In short put a kitty on your lap.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Shelley Adams, Dr. John Currey, Dr. Clinton Rubin,Dr. Terry Cook, Dr. Margerie Lindeke, Jacqui Roddick, Fauna Communications Research Institute (2001); The Felid Purr: A bio-mechanical healing mechanism; 12 International Conference on Low Frequency Noise and Vibration,Bristol UK, 2006;Buch F, Jonsson B, Mallmin H, Kalebo P. The quantification of bone tissue regeneration after electromagnetic stimulation,Orthopeaedic and Trauma Surgery, 1993; Chen LP, Han ZB, Yang XZ. The effects of frequency of mechanical vibration on experimental fracture healing. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi (Chinese Journal of Surgery), 1994; Remmers JE, Gautier H. Neural and mechanical mechanisms of feline purring. Respiration 1972.For this article and more please visit my blog The Cats Whiskers
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Cat Insurance Explained

By Oliver Turner
In order to protect your pet cat from sudden illness or accidents there are many pet insurance plans to give benefit to you as well as your pet. It pays a lump sum amount for your pets veterinary treatment needed in case of any accident, infection or any sort of serious disease and sometimes even on the death of the pet, under certain conditions.
Veterinary pet insurance company VPI is one of the insurance companies that provide affordable pet insurance for your pet cat. Their comprehensive coverage includes VPI Superior plan and Vaccination and Routine Care. If you want minimum coverage, then they have VPI Standard Plan for you.
The first one-VPI Superior plan and Vaccination and Routine Care-is meant to defend your pet cat from injuries, illness and other emergencies. It also includes doctors, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, x-rays, laboratory fees, and other related things. The Vaccination and Routine Care is actually a part of the first type that gets some more benefits like vaccination, heartworm protection, annual exam, prescription flea control, spay and neuter with many other things. Only VPI Superior plan will cost you over $200 but if you take Vaccination and Routine Care along then it will cost you $99 for every policy term year.
There is another type of pet plan insurance offered by VPI policies called VPI Cancer Rider, which provides protection from cancer to cats as it is seen that cats are very likely to get cancer.
Before you go for any sort of pet medical insurance you should consider and scrutinize the insurance policy very carefully, rather than getting attracted by the cheap price. Different pet insurance company has different covers and you have to be careful in choosing the right one for your pet.Find more about Pet Insurance from Experts on http://www.LeanderNet.com/Pet_insurance/Pet_insurance.php More useful content on LeanderNet - http://www.LeanderNet.com
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Tips To Start Your Cat Toilet Training

by Mike Selvon
You may have heard stories about cats that use a toilet to relieve themselves. Many people want to know how to potty train their cats to go on the toilet simply because they are sick and tired of handling and changing the litter box, and lugging home large sacks of expensive litter.
The process of cat toilet training can take anywhere from 3 or 4 weeks to 3 or 4 months, depending on the receptiveness of your cat. With patience, you too can banish the cat box forever.
To start potty training your kitty, go slowly. The transition from litter box to toilet should be accomplished in a series of stages. If at any time he has a setback and uses a rug instead of the potty, then you may be going too quickly. Just back up a stage or two and try again.
You have to gradually train your kitty to use the toilet properly. Start your cat toilet training off by placing the litter box next to the toilet bowl. Gradually, after a few days or a week, when you know he's used to the new arrangement, add newspapers or a phone book under the box to raise it a few inches at a time. Continue adding height until the bottom of the litter box is even with the top of the toilet seat.
Now, move the litter box over so that it is sitting directly over the toilet seat. Let your cat adjust to this for a few days. The next step in potty learning is a big one. Take away the box entirely.
Toilet training for cats is big business and many companies sell "kitty potty training" kits or a toilet training system online and at pet retailers, or you can purchase a metal mixing bowl or aluminum roasting pan for this next step. Place either container (measure the inside of the rim to make sure your bowl or pan is big enough) inside the toilet bowl and lower the seat.
Fill it with a few inches of scoop-able litter. You may need to tape it in place to prevent it from sliding around.
Begin reducing the litter in the container every few days. Go as fast as your cat will feel comfortable with. Make sure to flush the waste immediately to minimize both the smell and the possibility that your cat tries to cover it up and ends up tracking unpleasantness into the rest of the house.
By now, you should be down to a teaspoonful of litter in the bottom of the container. Start adding a little bit of water to the container. Increase the water level every few days. Remember that if your kitty isn't adjusting well, back up a step and try again more slowly.
Once the water in the bowl or pan is a couple of inches deep and your cat is comfortable with everything, take the container away, leaving the bare toilet. The task of potty training is now complete.
Cat toilet training timeframes are different for each cat. If your kitty is reluctant at any stage of training, then go back a step or two. Don't sweat it. Just slow down and just follow these potty training tips. You have to be patient.
About the Author
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Is Your Cat Sick? - How To Tell If Your Cat Is Ill

It is very important for you to be close to your cat. Know what their normal everyday habits are. Pay attention to how much they eat and how often.
It is important to know these things, because if you don't know them you will not be able to realize if something is wrong and they are acting differently.
If you have a cat that is normally overactive and even somewhat hyper and then one day they just lie around and do nothing there is a good chance that there is something bothering your pet.
Do You Know The Symptoms?Knowing the symptoms of certain feline illness is also a deciding factor of getting your cat help in time or losing them to a possible disease.
For example knowing that weight loss, frequent vomiting, and increased thirst and urination are all symptoms of feline diabetes would enable you to get them the help they need before it is too late.
Your cat can not tell you that something is wrong. They can't walk up to you and say “I am just not feeling right today.” It is your responsibility to take care of them and to know when they are not feeling like they should be.
Pay attention to your cat's liter box, if you ever see that your cat is having problems relieving themselves, than you know there is something wrong.
Checking The Litter BoxIf you see that your cat is in the litter box more or less often these are also signs of possible illness. When it is painful for your cat to use his box he will become irritated and his personality will change for the worse. All of these are subtle little changes and it takes a watchful eye to pick up on them.
A cat's coat, nose or eyes are also telling symptoms of problems. A cat’s fur is just a reflection of what is going on, on the inside. Their fur should be healthy looking and thick. If you notice that your cat is losing a lot of hair at once or suddenly has bald spots then you need to take them to the VET immediately as these can be signs of almost every problem a cat can have.
If your cat has more eye or nose draining than normal there is something wrong also. If the cat looks like he has been crying have the vet check out his sinus. It is just a mild problem as opposed to kidney failure which also shows through the leaking eyes and runny nose symptoms.
When brushing your cat make a special point out of feeling along the cat's limbs. Any new bumps or lumps could indicate cancer. If there are changes like these then it is better to let your vet determine how serious they are and what risk it inflicts on your cat.
It is very important that you are not too embarrassed to talk to your vet. Never feel like you are over reacting, your vet is there to help you and your pet. They understand that it is better to be safe than sorry. If you live by that motto, than your cat should live a long healthy life.
No matter how old your cat is they are still like newborn babies. If you had any reason at all to think your new baby was sick you wouldn't hesitate to take it to the doctor at every little cough or sneeze.
By thinking like this you create the difference between whether a sick cat recovers or dies. Taking the time to connect with your cat, and paying attention to it will not only build a strong unbreakable bond between the two of you, it could also save a life.
By: John Sommer
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Find out how you can easily tell when your cat is sick by visiting www.petinsurancepro.com where you will find little tricks that will help you get your www.petinsurancepro.com/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-sick/">sick cat the proper treatment before the condition evolves.

Basic House Cat Information

If you own a housecat, there is certain house cat information you are going to want to be aware of. Starting from cat breeding information to cat pregnancy information, by making yourself more educated on this house cat information you will not only feel more comfortable owning a cat but as well ensure that you cat lives as long and healthy a life as possible.
The Basics
There is a bit of basic house cat information that you should learn first. For one, domestic cats have intrigued humans for thousands of years, and are used as symbols of beauty, grace, mystery and power, and are favored as pets all around the world today. The domestic cat is actually second only to the dog in terms of popularity as a house pet, which is the main reason that house cat information is so useful to know.
Grooming
Grooming is very important, regardless of the breed of cat you are dealing with. Whether purebred or a mixed breed, one of the key rules to good grooming lies in the length of a cat’s coat. This is because a cat with a shorter coat will generally not require as much grooming as a cat with a longer coat.
There are dense-coated shorthaired cats such as the American shorthairs which require a monthly grooming session, and longer haired breeds such as the Tabby cat which require much more frequent grooming.
You should comb their fur while they are in the bathtub if it is longer and tends to get knotted and tangled easily, because this will keep it from getting matted as it dries. Make sure that you are using a proper shampoo, and you should never use a human shampoo on your cat.
Also, if your cat is younger this will be much easier because then you can get them used to bathing and other grooming techniques by performing these tasks as they grow up and they will not dread them.
There are also a few other issues that need to be taken seriously when it comes to house cat information, namely diet and exercise.
No matter what breed of cat you have, it is important that you learn how to take proper care of them so that you can get them in an optimal state of health and maintain it. Especially if your cat has certain health problems you are going to need to ensure that you are taking the best possible care of them.
By: Ajith Guptha
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Make A Scratch Post For Your Cat

Cats are generally lovable animals until the time when they ruin your sofa and your carpet, no thanks to their scratching talent. How does one get rid of this irritating hobby called cat scratching?
Well, there is no remedy for your cats scratching mannerisms. In fact, cat experts discourage human from interfering with their scratching because it is already second nature to cats.
Scratching is inherent in cats as they were made to scratch. The rear paws of a cat were made for scratching. As your cat grows, their claws also grow. Cats have to remove the sheath on their claws by scratching, so they can expose their new claws.
Remember that maxim "if you can't lick them, then join them"? This is especially true for cats. If you do not want further damage to your furniture, draperies or carpets, then encourage your cats to scratch - but not on your things. Instead, buy him his own scratching post.
Buying a scratching post for your cat will give them an outlet for their scratching urge. It will not only save your precious furniture but will also keep your cats happy.
Why do cats use a scratching post
A scratching post is used for: 1. Scratching to remove an outer layer of the cat's nails. 2. Cats also need to exercise and move their muscles by climbing on the post 3. The post is not only used for scratching but also for stretching because while trying to scratch himself, the cat will stretch his whole body towards the post. 4. Marking the post for territorial purposes. 5. Just for the fun of it.
Outdoor cats usually use wooden fences or objects for scratching, so a good scratching post would be one made of wood. A cat owner can get firewood or a log and convert it into a scratching post. Others who are still training their cats make do with the less expensive cardboard posts.
Since the primary use of the post is for the cats to sharpen their claws, the scratching post must be upright and steady. It should also be tall enough, or a half size more than the cat, to make sure your cat can stretch his whole body on the post. Much care should be placed in choosing the right post because if the cat feels it is not steady enough for him, then he might not use it and will revert to scratching your furniture.
By: Jay Schindler
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Cat: The 10 Dog-mandments: 100percentile

Well, other than checking one’s proficiency in language, reasoning skills and quantitative aptitude, CAT tests the aspirant’s managerial capabilities in handling pressure, managing time, strategizing, decision-making and managing change. The MBA course will not inject these qualities into you; it will only polish those that you already possess. In fact as one IIM graduate so succinctly said, cracking the CAT is 90% attitude and 10% aptitudeSo, how does one go about doing well in or to use the much more common term – “cracking” the CAT?
DOG-mandments to bell the CAT!Because dogs can tame cats, here are some dog-mandments to dispel pessimism.
1. B+veWe are not talking of your blood group but your approach towards the test and life! Read this story.There was a hunter who owned a special bird dog, which could walk on water. One day, the hunter invited a friend to go hunting with him so that he could show off his prized possession. After some time, they shot a bird, which fell into the river. The man ordered his dog to run and fetch the bird. The dog ran on water to fetch the bird.The man was expecting a compliment about the amazing dog, but in vain. Curious, he asked his silent friend if he had noticed anything unusual about the dog. The friend replied, “Yes, I did see something unusual about your dog. Your dog can’t even swim!”
This friend belongs to the category of “your-dog-can’t-even-swim” people. These are the people who will keep telling you, “CAT is not for you”. They may not be able to tell the difference between “KATE” and “CAT”, but will definitely dampen your spirits. These are the people who cannot pull you out of your present situation. They can only push you down. Never listen to people who have the tendency to be negative or pessimistic. They will take away your most wonderful dreams and wishes. Learn to recognize them; do not waste your time with them.
2. Keep Practicing“Practice is more important than the games, and I will practice when I’m hurt, when 95 percent of the players in this league would sit out. I expect all of you to do the same thing. You will follow my lead,” said Michael Jordan to his Chicago Bulls teammates. This, when he had come out of retirement, with a dodgy knee to lead his team to another NBA final!That’s the rule! Keep on working on all areas till the end, revise your vocabulary, browse the rules of grammar, read religiously, keep on doing mental maths, work out new ways of answering questions, keep working on your strong as well as grey areas and keep doing all these till the end.Michael Jordan said something even more memorable: “I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying.”
3. Is Your Attitude Worth Catching?Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down. ………………Anonymous
At the end of the day, it’s your career, your life. You got to have strong self-belief, and the examination in question is open to people from all backgrounds. So, it all boils down to your ability to manage confidence and tell yourself everyday, “I can”. Competition is here to stay and the best person will reach the top.“It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.” Somerset Maugham
4. Think about your performance“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it.” -Henry FordCAT may or may not change colour, but be mentally prepared for it. The various patterns you get to see in the practice tests are meant to make you trust your fundamentals rather than worry about the pattern. One thing is clear, that change or no change, this is one CAT you must tame. So, why worry?
5. PrioritizeTime has come for the serious CAT-taker to know what is most important at this time. Put maximum effort and time in revising, analysing and taking tests. When you revisit this phase of your life after 10 years, this period will appear to the strongest building block of your career.
6. AnalyzeAnalysis of past CAT papers will give an insight into the psyche of CAT, the kind of questions, proportion of easy and tough questions, the twists etc. If you analyse theses papers, you will concur with me that CAT is not really technically tough.
7. StrategizeThe right strategy is to find the shortest distance between two points. What clicks for you in the three sections? Start your paper with the section in which you have the best command. It will boost your confidence!
8. Passion and energyHave the passion and the energy to succeed. It is a force that is a part of us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It should never subside. Physical energy comes from the strength of the body, fuelled by our intake of nourishment. It is, therefore, important that we feed our engine premium fuel (good, nutritious food), not low grade fuel (junk food).
9. RelaxThere are exams, other than CAT, which will lead you to great opportunities and colleges that offer fantastic education and placements alike. So, for SNAP, JMET, XAT and the like, you get extra 20 to 40 days of preparation. By that time, exam nervousness will also evaporate, as you would have appeared for many tests by then.
10. Finally…Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine your career and your life, if you land in your dream college. Now imagine the same situation, if you do not get the college you want. This comparison should give you the strength, determination and passion required to exceed your potential.That’s the ultimate aim. Exceed your potential and stretch your abilities in the last few days.May you succeed in achieving goals that you once thought were impossible!
Source: 100percentile offers online exam preparation tools and Online IITJEE Test Series , MBA , CAT and AIPMT , PMT curriculums. Experts and toppers are available to give guidance and answer questions in forums for all IITJEE, AIPMT and all medical & MBA aspirants.
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Why Does A Cat Purr?

The answer seems obvious enough. A purring cat is a contented cat. This surely must be true. But it is not. Repeated observation has revealed that cats in great pain, injured, in labor and even dying often purr loud and long. These can hardly be called contented cats. It is true, of course, that contented cats do also purr, but contentment is by no means the sole condition for purring. A more precise explanation, which fits all cases, is that purring signals a friendly social mood, and it can be given as a signal to, say, a vet from an injured cat indicating the need for friendship, or as a signal to an owner, saying thank you for friendship given.
Purring first occurs when kittens are only a week old and its primary use is when they are being suckled by their mother. It acts then as a signal to her that all is well and that the milk supply is successfully reaching its destination. She can lie there, listening to the grateful purrs, and know without looking up that nothing has gone amiss. She in turn purrs to her kittens as they feed, telling them that she too is in a relaxed, co-operative mood. The use of purring among adult cats (and between adult cats and humans) is almost certainly secondary and is derived from this primal parent-offspring context.
An important distinction between small cats, like our domestic species, and the big cats, like lions and tigers, is that the latter cannot purr properly. The tiger will greet you with a friendly 'one-way purr'...a sort of juddering splutter...but it cannot produce the two-way purr of the domestic cat, which makes its whirring noise not only with each outward breath (like a tiger) but also with each inward breath. The exhalation/inhalation rythm of feline purring can be performed with the mouth firmly shut and may be continued for hours on end. In this respect small cats are one up on their giant relatives, but big cats have another feature which compensates for it. They can roar, which is something small cats can never do.
By: Lamar Deane
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Lamar Deane offers free tips and information How to Choose The Right Pet For You

If Your Cat Have Bad Breath, Fix It

Cat owners know for a fact that bad cat breath can be downright awful. It isn't that much different from bad human breath, as both are caused by bacteria found in the mouth that breaks protein down and releases the sulfur compounds out into the air. Sulfur smells really bad on its own, which is why breath containing it smells bad as well. The bacterium that causes bad breath with cats is normally associated with a buildup of tartar around the teeth. Tartar is yellow in color, known as a coating of bacteria, food, and minerals.
To cure your cat from bad breath, you'll need to remove the buildup of tartar. There are several cat foods out there that are designed to reduce the buildup of tartar, many containing enzymes that will literally dissolve it. You can also give your cat treats as well, as many of them will help eliminate and prevent tartar. If the buildup of tartar is bad, you may need to have your cat's teeth professionally cleaned. Once the tartar has been removed, the bad breath will go away.
You may be able to clean the tartar off your cat's teeth at home. There are several toothpastes available for pets, available in several different flavors. You'll need to get a mechanical toothbrush, as the motion is very important for removing tartar buildup. Toothpastes that contain enzymes will dissolve tartar, helping to cure bad breath. If you start early with brushing your cat's teeth, you can virtually eliminate any type of tartar buildup that will ultimately lead to bad breath.
Some bacteria that lead to tartar can be found in your cat's diet. When you feed him, you should always make sure that the food he consumes doesn't contain a lot of bacteria. If you shop healthy and feed him only healthy foods, it can help his bad breath a great deal. When you give your pet a treat, make sure that the treat is designed to help with tartar. After your cat has finished eating, you can brush his teeth or rinse his mouth out. This way, you'll get the bacteria out of his mouth before it has time to build up on his teeth.
Sometimes, cats may have a bad odor in their mouth that doesn't come from tartar or bad breath in general. In these rare cases, it can be either liver or kidney disease. If you notice bad breath and it isn't tartar, you should take your cat to the vet. Even though it may be something to do with tartar, it's better to be safe than sorry. Your veterinarian can pinpoint the problem, let you know what the cause is - and how you should go about fixing it.
By: Jay Schindler
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Porcelain Cat Figurines

Porcelain cat figurines range from those that are very popular today and valued such as Lladro and Lomonosov and Lenox to those that were valued in the past such as Lefton. Some of the most valued of porcelain cat figurines are those that were used as carnival presents long ago in the 1950s and 60s. These vintage porcelain cat figurines can be found on auction sites.
The Jim Shore collection of porcelain cat figurines is one that a lot of people are collecting. These are more whimsical than other cat figures that try to depict the cat as it really look. The Jim Shore collection paints the in various shades and makes them very artistic.
One of the older makers of porcelain cat figurines, Lefton, made many other figures out of porcelain china. They were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s but then gradually lost favor with the public and went out of business. Today, Lefton is a collectible. You can tell if you have Lefton porcelain cat figurines if you look at the bottom and there is a red or green tag.
Lladro is one of the most pricey of all of the porcelain cat figurines today. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for porcelain cat figurines from this company. Next comes Lenox. For years, Lenox has been making exquisite china. Lenox makes porcelain cat figurines that are very prized among collectors.
You can also look for regular porcelain cat figurines from other companies that are not as well known as the others and expect to pay a lot less money. Cat figurines, unlike cat statues, are often smaller than 6 inches in height and are kept in a curio cabinet if the owner is smart. This will prevent them from getting dusty or damaged.
The Franklin Mint came out with a collection of cat figurines a few years ago that is not retired. A few of the cat figurines were made from porcelain and are very well prized among collectors. If you know someone who collects cat figures or is just starting this collection, you can look for the Franklin Mint cat figurine collection on some of the online auction sites.
Cat figurines come in all sorts of materials in addition to porcelain. The porcelain cat figurines are very well prized among collectors because of the fine attention the artist can make to detail. Some of them look very much like the real cats. The porcelain cat collection by Lomonosov is ideal for collectors because the cat figures are not very expensive as they are under $50 and they look like actual cats. The crystal cats, however, do not resemble actual cats. Those who want a figure that actually looks like a real cat will prefer the porcelain cat figurines that are available, especially those by Lomonosov.
Make sure, when buying these figurines, that they are wholly intact and are not chipped or broken in any way. Porcelain cat figurines that are chipped or have been repaired are usually without any value.
By: Paul J Easton
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www.CatfigurinesOnline.com/ has largest amount of collections of Cat Figurines plus links to many other site which other the biggest range and lowest prices.

Cat Spray: An Appeal To Be Fair To Yourself And Your Cat - How To Stop Cat Spraying Problems

Nothing smells worse than cat spray. Together with cat pee outside the litter box, cat spraying is one of the leading causes of cats being given away, abandoned or put down. Marriages have come under enormous strain, when one spouse puts down their foot to stop the cat's spraying problem or give up the cat. Tenants have been forced by landlords to either move out or get rid of the spraying cat.
This is very sad, because cat spraying problems can be solved or greatly reduced in many cases. First, though, we need to tell the difference between cat spray and cat urine. Spray is actually a bit of urine mixed with pheromones secreted by glands in your cat. The positions your cat takes for spraying is also different from peeing - they stand straight up and lift their bottoms high up in the air to spray instead of squatting to urinate.
Both male and female cats spray. Unneutered males are the most likely to have this problem, neutered female the least likely. Although spraying is considered a problem by people, it is a perfectly natural behavior for cats.
Do be aware that your cat may suddenly start spraying when he is sick. For example, inflammations of the bladder are known to cause cats to spray. If your cat is neutered and he suddenly develops this behavior, you should take him for a check-up at the vet before doing anything else.
On major reason for cats spraying is to attract mates. Female cats in heat spray to advertise that they are ready. Male cats spray to mark their territory - they are saying "Keep out! Females here are mine!". This is one reason why you should always neuter your cats. Unneutered tomcats are very likely to spray. Once he develops this behavior, it is very difficult to stop even after you neuter him. Many vets are willing to neuter your male cat as long as he is at least 6 months old. Some prefer to wait until he is 9 months old while others are willing to do it even earlier. You should also spay female cats when they reach 6 months of age, before their first heat.
When you bring a new pet or new family member home, this can also cause your cat to spray. Whether you explain it as stress and insecurity or territoriality or dominance behavior, it does not really matter. The point is to make kitty feel safe and secure again. Once you successfully make him feel that he is still Numero Uno, he will stop spraying. While your vet can help you to investigate why your cat is spraying, you know kitty best. You are the best person to figure out why he is spraying. Asking your vet to play private investigator can take quite a long time - he will take a step-by-step methodical approach to the problem. Cases have been published in journals for veterinarians where it took years to resolve the problem. If you really love your cat, you are still the best person to make him stop spraying.
Once your cat has sprayed a particular location, he is likely to go back and spray it again. One way to stop this is to thoroughly clean the area he sprayed. Normal soap and water will not do the job. Just because you cannot smell anything does not mean your cat cannot smell anything. The best solution is to use a blacklight (UV lamp) in the dark to find the spots and clean it with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle.
Cat spray is a very smelly problem which has caused many cats to be abandoned by their owners. However, this is a problem which can be solved. If you love your cat, you have an obligation to him and to yourself to stop him from spraying.
By: Katherin Towers
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Does your cat spray? Click here to learn more about cat behavior problems and how to stop your cat spraying.

Different Ways To Name Your Cat

When T.S. Elliot wrote in a poem (The naming of cats) the lines "(when) I tell you, a cat must have three different names', he must have owned a cat. Many cat owners would have to agree that finding a cat's name is both a serious and a fun thing to do and that a cat's name barely lasts a whole year before they find a new, better and apt name for their pets.

Most cats start out with simple and uncreative names. A black cat given to you by a friend is unsurprisingly called Blacky, much like what you will expect from a fluffy cat named (surprise, surprise) Fluffy. These names (along with the likes of Smokey and Tiger) are given by previous owners who really do not want to be attached to the cat because they are giving it to some other friend. They sort of expect you to change the names of these cats as you take them to your house.


When you give a different name to a cat, you are welcoming him to your family. Most names come from favorite things, like characters from a book, movie or television show. Other names crop up from famous (and infamous) celebrities such as Britney, Saddam or Osama.

Aside from giving your cat a name that first popped into your mind, there's one fun way that a certain website mentioned. It's acrophonology - it is the analysis of a name through the qualities of the letters. Before giving your cat or any pet just any moniker, it won't hurt to give acrophonology a try, right? You can even find online analysis of your cat's name. Sites that offer this kind of service often deliver a brief summary of the hidden meanings that are within your cat's name. Sure sounds fun and quite rewarding, right?

Other ideas can come up from cartoons, mythology, ancient historical figures and even from common names of people. There are plenty of names out there and if you can't think of any, just type 'cat names' in your favorite search engine and you'll find great names that you might have not thought of.

These names though, however good they are, tend to change after certain circumstances. Imagine a cat you named Fatso because he was fat when he was a kitten. All of a sudden, after 1 year he went from a kitten who always slept to a cat that prowls the night. This will build up his body and the once fat kitten is no more. So what about his name of Fatso? It sounds ridiculous introducing him to your friends as Fatso when he is not fat at all, so you are bound to change her name after that.

Another secret with cats names is that you have to be creative. Sometimes you don't even have to think of a word as cats provide them to you with their actions.

Other cats names change after certain incidents. These incidents include accidents such as your cat breaking a big bottle of strawberry jam (so you named her Strawberry) or like when she cries too much and you can't sleep for several nights (so she is named Banshee).

The value of your cats name does not only extend to that term of endearment that you would like your lovely feline companion to be regarded with, but your cats name is also important when it's time for you to train it. If you are planning to make your pet one of the most well-trained, making your cats name easy to say and quite unique will make it easier for you to say it when you have to issue a command. One tip is use your cats name in positive commands such as "come". When your cat gets accustomed to hearing its name in only positive commands it will learn to love its name.

Truly, naming your cat can be a very rewarding and fun endeavor. It doesn't have to be a mind-boggling feat. If you really are quite passionate with your feline friend, chances are giving it a name would be a cinch.

By: Jay Schindler

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com


Find tips about panda facts and turtle facts at the Animals Facts website.

Feline Health Tips - Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose A Few Pounds

Feline obesity is a threat to the health and lifespan of your cat. This article will help you work with your cat to lose the needed weight with minimal struggle.
Feline health is, in many ways, common sense. Since cats are mammals like us, many of the same basic premises apply.
When a cat is overweight, he or she is at risk for heart problems, diabetes, and the exact same complications obese humans experience. Good feline health practices for reducing obesity are the same tactics used for people who need to shed a few excess pounds.
Essentially your cat needs to take in fewer calories and get a little more exercise. That's all there is to it unless there is some genetic setback causing the feline obesity.
You might think it's hard to get your cat on a diet and exercise program, but in truth it's quite easy. Where you lead, your feline friend will follow.
The first step is to ask your vet what your cat's target weight should be. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a good range to shoot for with a basic physical exam.
Fewer Calories In Your Cat's Diet
Once you have a target weight goal, you'll need to start by adjusting your cat's caloric intake. Your vet can recommend a good food with fewer calories.
Also you can adjust the current feeding schedule. If you're leaving food in the bowl all day long, start feeding your cat twice a day instead.
Take the bowls up after your cat eats in the morning and set them out again for the evening meal. Again, once the cat has had a good meal, take the food up again until the next morning.
Clearly if you have multiple cats it might not be as easy to manage your obese feline's diet. If you don't want to put all cats on a reduced schedule just find a food with fewer calories and eliminate treats until the target weight is reached.
And certainly stop giving your cat people food! Especially in cases of feline obesity it is counterproductive to share people food with your cat.
Feline Exercise Program
Chance are your cat is already somewhat active. Even cats who "sleep all day" have at least one activity period during the day.
Felines are polyphasic, meaning they have multiple periods of sleep and activity during the day. You may simply be unaware of when your cat is running and playing.
Your job is to get your cat involved in a period of exercise and brisk physical activity for about ten minutes each day. And you can do this by simply playing with him or her.
Drag a string, throw a catnip ball, or do something else to intrigue your cat into motion. Keep him/her running, jumping, and swatting for ten minutes or longer without stopping.
You can use catnip to stimulate your cat if needed. Many felines get a rush from this herb and will become more active for several minutes after rolling in or eating it.
It takes a little focus on your part to correct a feline obesity problem. But you owe it to your cat to put forth the effort on this because after all, you are the parental figure in this relationship.
By: Timothy Aaron Whiston
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For more easy, practical tips on keeping your cats in an optimal state of feline health be sure to visit the author's cat health care site now.

100percentile: Cat 2008: All About Cat 2008 Entrance Exam

Getting ready for CAT 2008 and aiming at a high percentile? Planning to write CAT entrance examinations or beginning your CAT Preparation for CAT 2009 ?
Know more about this here..
Common Admission Test - popularly known as CAT, is one of the toughest management entrance examinations in India, conducted by the elite Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to 2-year full time Post Graduate Programs in Management. Apart from IIMs, there are other premier B-Schools in the country accepting CAT scores for admission to their respective management programs.
CAT is an aptitude test which examines a student’s managerial skills through questions based on Math’s and English. The level of questions is generally of 10th or 11th standard which include areas viz. Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Ability.
CAT is usually held on the third Sunday of November every year for which the notification is published during the second week of July. For the year 2008, CAT entrance has been scheduled to be held on November 16. Click Here to Read the full Article ,
By: Exam Preparation India
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100percentile offers online exam preparation tools and Online IITJEE Test Series , MBA , CAT and AIPMT , PMT curriculums. Experts and toppers are available to give guidance and answer questions in forums for all IITJEE, AIPMT and all medical & MBA aspirants

Cat Care Symptoms That You Need To Know

When we feel pain in our bodies, we can easily tell someone that there is something wrong and that person will be able to take you to the infirmary. Pets cannot do that merely observing them can tell you a lot of things. which is why owners should employ cat care and be aware of the symptoms.
Discussed beneath are a few diseases and their symptoms you should look out for.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most feared disease by cat owners. It is a acknowledged fact, that it is the leading cause of death amongst cats. It is caused by a coronavirus infection and what is yet worse, is that the symptoms are very much like other diseases so it is really hard to diagnose.
There is also Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) that is similar to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Just like the human variant, it is a life long infection that progresses slowly and kills the cat.
Cats can as well be infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is a retrovirus that causes fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. Fortuitously, it can be treated using some household detergents and bleach as well as warmth and drying. It is carried through the saliva, tears, urine and feces of infected cats. Unlike the other two, it is unable to survive that long in the environment so it is only transmissible when the infected cat stays with some other cat for a long period of time.
Worms are also another threat to cats and this is caused by a fungal infection that is spread through spores. Since it is a self-limiting disease, you do not need to do anything to make it go away. It will in time clear up but it may just take a few months.
If you have a overweight cat, then the prospects are it will already have feline diabetes. The symptoms of this disease are pretty easy to see and are excessive urination and thirst as well as weight loss or gain. Veterinaries are of yet uncertain what is the cause of this, but recent research studies that have been done, have indicated that there is a link between pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalance and particular medications.
The symptoms of most of the above diseases mentioned are very similar. These include diarrhea, vomiting, lameness lasting for more than 5 days in one leg, a reduction in vision, excessive panting, a seizure, blood in the stool or urine, hair loss, persistent coughing or gagging and breathing heavily or rapidly while at rest. In order to find the answer, your cat will have to undergo some tests, at your local veterinary surgeons.
Your veterinarian will take some blood, urine and feces samples and ask for input from you, about any observation you have made. When the tests results come back, only then will the proper treatment be administered to your cat as each case is different, so what worked for another cat may not have the identical positive effect with yours.
Your cat will always be healthy if you give it constant attention. This is done by giving it leading quality natural food, giving it fresh water daily, allowing it to exercise, proper grooming, making sure it stays indoors and taking it for frequent visits to your veterinary surgeon.
If you miss any of these simple steps, then something wrong is certain to happen to your cat and you will soon notice a change in the behavior of your cat and if you do nothing about it, it is just going to make matters far worse. So you require to observe proper cat care and watch out for any symptoms.
By: G D Williams
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming authority on Pet Health. Did you find this article on Long Term Cat Care helpful? You can find out a lot more Free information and help about Cat Care by going to Caring For Your Cat.

Vaccinations For Cats

The debate on giving annual vaccinations to ensure good cat health versus the unhealthy implications of inoculation on the pet health has been going on for years. Many veterinarians believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that annual vaccine shots for deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, is unnecessary and even harmful in some cases.
There is no doubt vaccinations (immunizations, "shots") have saved the lives of millions of cats. Before the days of effective vaccines, cats routinely died from panleukopenia ("feline distemper") and complications of upper respiratory (herpesvirus, calicivirus) infections. Newer vaccines are available to protect against feline leukemia virus infection, feline infectious peritonitis virus and other infections (chlamydia, feline bordetella, ringworm). Current vaccination programs protect our cats (and us) from the threat of rabies.
Cat health related vaccines that have been licensed by the federal government are tested to make sure that they protect pet health against diseases for one year. But, because these vaccines are not tested for long-term pet health side effects nor do they measure the time for which the vaccine will be effective, some studies at universities have suggested that cat health can be protected by these vaccines for many years negating the requirement of annual shots. This also means that pet owners don’t have to waste money on annual inoculations for better pet health and cat health.
What Studies Tell About Pet Health VaccinesTypically, rabies is the only pet health disease that can pose a threat to people; most vaccines aren’t statutory by law. However, vets recommend annual boosters to guard cat health against those potential diseases that can be life threatening (parvovirus in dogs, distemper, herpes in cats etc). In advent of this new and scientific data that cites annual booster shots leading to certain health risks such as hyperthyroidism in cats, more and more vets are now making changes in their practices. According to a poll, it has been found that the vaccination count has fallen down by 49% than the figure 5 years ago.
It’s safe to assume that no one, including vets, scientists etc, knows the duration of protection cat health vaccines offer. Moreover, vaccine makers don’t wish to spend millions of pounds on proving the duration of their vaccines nor do they wish to test it.
Health Problems Related to Cat Health VaccinesMore studies, off late, are beginning to link many chronic pet health problems to inoculations. Cat health skin related problems such as hair loss, ulcers, lesions, indurations and serious problems such as indurations or hard lumps at and around the site of the injection have often been related to vaccines. While these adverse reactions to pet health vaccines may not pose the threat of an epidemic, it definitely rings an alarm bell and warrants a re-examination of the conventional beliefs related to vaccination practices.
Adverse Reactions to Pet Health VaccinesAdverse reactions to pet health vaccines include fever, stiffness of joints, lethargy, abdominal tenderness, anaphylactic shock, kidney and liver problems among others. In some cases, vets believe that those cats/dogs that have a pre-existing health problem may suffer a much faster decline in their health when given annual booster shots.
By: Thierry Babineaux
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
If you need further information on pet health, including discussion groups visit our pet forum. We also have a great directory of pet issues on cat health with hundreds of related subjects.