By : Chris Robertson
There's no question that our cats are full-fledged family members. Their loyalty, their love, and their ability to comfort us are unparalleled. Sometimes, though, their hair or odors can leave an unwelcome footprint in our homes. Just as we clean up the spills made by our kids (or our spouses!), it's up to us to clean up after our cats. Luckily, there are any number of products that make pet care a breeze.
Cat Litter Boxes
Cats are generally low maintenance pets, but their litter boxes often contribute little to you home decor, and can become a smelly nuisance. Today's litter boxes, though, can bring a touch of whimsy to your interior design, while their functionality can put an end to messes and odors.
One line of litter boxes comes in an assortment of patterns and colors, from solid silver and solid black, to polka dot, leopard print and wood grain. The litter tray door pulls out, and a metal sifter rake pulls and lifts litter out of the tray for easy cleaning. Another ingenious design has a triangular shape so that you can easily place it otherwise used corner space.
If you want to make cat care even easier, self-cleaning litter boxes are the answer. One style has an internal grill that traps used litter. You simply roll the enclosed litter box on its side and remove the waste tray. Another type takes self-cleaning to the next level by having a slowly but rotating system that quietly but continuously scoops used cat litter into a receptacle. The ultimate litter box is one that automatically flushes cat waste down your toilet. Instead of cat litter, this box uses permanent granules that are washable. After your cat uses the box, the granules are automatically washed, disinfected, and dried. Liquid and any solid waste are flushed down the toilet with fresh water.
Kitty Litter
When it comes to kitty litter, many cats have a preference for one brand over another. But if you start with the right litter or are persistent, you can find kitty litter that can help eliminate odors while keep your cat healthy. One brand of kitty litter on the market not only neutralizes litter box odors, but also changes color if your cat has a urinary tract infection. Given that urinary tract infections can quickly become life threatening, early detection is key. It's also helpful to have information about a potential infection to give to your veterinarian.
Shedding Tools
Many people who love cats are troubled by allergies, or by the cat hair that clings to furniture and clothes. Products that help with shedding take one of two approaches: either they work at the source of the problem (your furry feline) or they make it a snap to clean up hair off of furniture.
Cats typically shed their undercoat (rather than the hair you see), so a product that helps you remove hair from your pet - a "furminator" of sorts - means you'll never see it on your couch. These products brush out the dead hair from the undercoat (but don't cut it), while bringing your cat's natural oils to the surface. Because this type of product also helps stops over zealous self-cleaning, your cat may be less likely to be bothered by hairballs.
Cat care isn't difficult, and the great litter boxes, kitty litter, and shedding tools make it even easier!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: cat care
Visit Majon's Pets and Supplies directory.
Cats - How to Keep Them off Your Garden Safely
By : Liz Canham
You may be the biggest cat lover in the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you want them digging in your flower beds. Here are some tips to keep them off your garden safely.
It is unfortunate that not only will stray cats come and use your garden for their toilet and raid your rubbish bin for extra snacks, but those of your neighbours will too. In fact, if you're a cat owner, you will probably have noticed that your own cat rarely soils in YOUR garden - after all, why would they want to mess up their own territory?
However, cat lover or not, if you want to keep cats off your garden, please don't put down poison or any other substance that will actually harm the cat. After all, the point is to keep them away, not kill them off.
There are a variety of products available which will repel cats without hurting them at all.
Powder
You can just sprinkle powder where you don't want cats to go. Some of these powders are referred to as "cat pepper" which will actually make the cat sneeze and others contain a scent which imitates that of another animal. Either way, they'll stay away in future.
The powder is not harmful to plants.
High Frequency Sound Producer
Because of the difference between what cats can hear and what humans can hear, the sound that this machine makes will deter cats from coming into your garden while you won't be able to hear a thing.
Liquid Repellent
This is not of much use for flower beds, etc. but if you want to keep cats away from garden furniture, it can be effective because the cat will pick it up on its paws and when the cat grooms itself, it will taste awful.
Scent Neutraliser
The scent neutraliser will do what it says on the tin, which is to neutralise the scent of other cats. The odour that cats leave behind them often attract other cats, so the scent neutraliser should be applied to the normal route that feline visitors take in your garden.
Water and Air Sprayers
These work in much the same way in that they each have a sensor which detects movement. The air sprayer is a stand-alone alone device which emits a blast of air when it senses movement. Cats find this frightening and will hastily remove themselves. The water sprayer needs to be attached to a hose pipe but the end result is the same.
Electrically Charged Mats
These mats are powered by batteries and deliver a small electric shock which a cat will find most uncomfortable. However, this should be reserved for the most persistent of offenders as it doesn't entirely fit the term "harmless".
All these simple devices should ensure that your garden is free of unwanted cats without harming them at all.
Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover.
You may be the biggest cat lover in the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you want them digging in your flower beds. Here are some tips to keep them off your garden safely.
It is unfortunate that not only will stray cats come and use your garden for their toilet and raid your rubbish bin for extra snacks, but those of your neighbours will too. In fact, if you're a cat owner, you will probably have noticed that your own cat rarely soils in YOUR garden - after all, why would they want to mess up their own territory?
However, cat lover or not, if you want to keep cats off your garden, please don't put down poison or any other substance that will actually harm the cat. After all, the point is to keep them away, not kill them off.
There are a variety of products available which will repel cats without hurting them at all.
Powder
You can just sprinkle powder where you don't want cats to go. Some of these powders are referred to as "cat pepper" which will actually make the cat sneeze and others contain a scent which imitates that of another animal. Either way, they'll stay away in future.
The powder is not harmful to plants.
High Frequency Sound Producer
Because of the difference between what cats can hear and what humans can hear, the sound that this machine makes will deter cats from coming into your garden while you won't be able to hear a thing.
Liquid Repellent
This is not of much use for flower beds, etc. but if you want to keep cats away from garden furniture, it can be effective because the cat will pick it up on its paws and when the cat grooms itself, it will taste awful.
Scent Neutraliser
The scent neutraliser will do what it says on the tin, which is to neutralise the scent of other cats. The odour that cats leave behind them often attract other cats, so the scent neutraliser should be applied to the normal route that feline visitors take in your garden.
Water and Air Sprayers
These work in much the same way in that they each have a sensor which detects movement. The air sprayer is a stand-alone alone device which emits a blast of air when it senses movement. Cats find this frightening and will hastily remove themselves. The water sprayer needs to be attached to a hose pipe but the end result is the same.
Electrically Charged Mats
These mats are powered by batteries and deliver a small electric shock which a cat will find most uncomfortable. However, this should be reserved for the most persistent of offenders as it doesn't entirely fit the term "harmless".
All these simple devices should ensure that your garden is free of unwanted cats without harming them at all.
Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover.
Hairballs: A Common Cat Health Problem
By : Matthew Paolini
If you're a cat lover like me, few things are more important than the continued good health of your favorite feline. It goes without saying that part of being a cat lover is accepting responsibility for your pet's health. That means finding and building a good relationship with a local veterinarian in the event of an emergency. It also means learning enough about common medical issues to be able to identify them and take the required action to ensure your cat's good health.
One of the most common medical conditions in cats is the hairball. Hairballs are the unintended consequence of a cat's preoccupation with grooming. Because cats clean themselves quite frequently by licking their fur, they invariably ingest some of their own hair. While most of the hair a cat swallows passes through the digestive tract unimpeded, hair can collect in the stomach, where, much like a ball of string, it becomes entwined.
The simple act of vomiting is a natural reaction that almost always allows a cat to take care of hairballs on its own. If a hairball becomes large enough, however, your cat may not be able to pass or vomit it. A serious or even life-threating blockage of the digestive tract may be the result. If you notice symptoms like unproductive drive heaves, a change in your cat's eating habits or a swollen abdomen, take your cat to see the vet as soon as possible.
A good ballpark estimate is that about 25 percent of all digestive blockages in cats are the result of unpassed hairballs. Fortunately, serious problems can often be avoided by taking a proactive approach that emphasizes prevention. If your cat seems to have an abnormally high incidence of hairballs, a prophylactic chat with your vet is in order. He or she may recommend a high fiber diet or prescribe medication that will lubricate your cat's digestive track. Cats like the taste of the flavored meds, which can prevent hairballs from forming at all.
Because hairballs can seriously impact your cat's health, it's important to have a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian should your cat require professional care. Remember, too, that regular checkups can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. If you need a vet, try asking a fellow cat lover for their personal recommendation. If you're new to the neighborhood or have no one to ask, you can find a qualified vet in your area by checking your local or online yellow pages.
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of Citybook.com, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook.com's online yellow pages.
If you're a cat lover like me, few things are more important than the continued good health of your favorite feline. It goes without saying that part of being a cat lover is accepting responsibility for your pet's health. That means finding and building a good relationship with a local veterinarian in the event of an emergency. It also means learning enough about common medical issues to be able to identify them and take the required action to ensure your cat's good health.
One of the most common medical conditions in cats is the hairball. Hairballs are the unintended consequence of a cat's preoccupation with grooming. Because cats clean themselves quite frequently by licking their fur, they invariably ingest some of their own hair. While most of the hair a cat swallows passes through the digestive tract unimpeded, hair can collect in the stomach, where, much like a ball of string, it becomes entwined.
The simple act of vomiting is a natural reaction that almost always allows a cat to take care of hairballs on its own. If a hairball becomes large enough, however, your cat may not be able to pass or vomit it. A serious or even life-threating blockage of the digestive tract may be the result. If you notice symptoms like unproductive drive heaves, a change in your cat's eating habits or a swollen abdomen, take your cat to see the vet as soon as possible.
A good ballpark estimate is that about 25 percent of all digestive blockages in cats are the result of unpassed hairballs. Fortunately, serious problems can often be avoided by taking a proactive approach that emphasizes prevention. If your cat seems to have an abnormally high incidence of hairballs, a prophylactic chat with your vet is in order. He or she may recommend a high fiber diet or prescribe medication that will lubricate your cat's digestive track. Cats like the taste of the flavored meds, which can prevent hairballs from forming at all.
Because hairballs can seriously impact your cat's health, it's important to have a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian should your cat require professional care. Remember, too, that regular checkups can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. If you need a vet, try asking a fellow cat lover for their personal recommendation. If you're new to the neighborhood or have no one to ask, you can find a qualified vet in your area by checking your local or online yellow pages.
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of Citybook.com, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook.com's online yellow pages.
Cat Training Is An Adventure
By : Loretta Bristow
He doesn't understand Engish (although he certainly acts like he does sometimes).
I thought he knew extactly what I was saying. He actually learns by experience. He learned to jump up on the coffee table because "Daddy" rewarded him with what he really craves: love and attention.
We all love our cat for who he is. He has his likes, dislikes and personality. He is unique! Most of his behavior we enjoy: he is affectionate, loves to play and adores us. He becomes a part of the family and we couldn't imagine our lives without him.
I have a neurotic kitty. I thought I was the only one until I started doing some research to help him and I live in the same house. I found out alot of cat-owners have the same problems. Cats are independent and aloof. Some are high-strung and most just want to do their own thing, which may include jumping on the kitchen table during dinner, climbing the drapes, and hiding under the furniture when he's scared.
Smokey Joe is my cat's name. He is a 3yr old siamese (who are famous for their independence and constant meowing for attention). Of course, Smokey does these things, being an tried and true Siamese, he could act no other way. He also wants to play ALL the time and when he plays he turns into a "wild cat"- all teeth and claws! He has been known to attack without warning. This kind of behavior I would like to discourage.
Of more importance, I want to make Smokey Joe's surroundings comfortable for him. I want him to feel safe in his home.
Smokey and I have a loving, mutually soothing relationship. He's learned loving comes from "Mom" and playtime?-that's "Dad"-time. After all, dads are for rough-housing and he has the scratches to prove it!
Smokey is a territorial cat and he is constantly on guard for intruders. He's and indoor cat who used to be an outdoor cat. He watches mostly for other cats. He's also a predator, a hunter and I think that sometimes when he's staring out the window he's chasing birds in his imagination.
What I find works well for us is positive reinforcement. I give him love and pets when he's doing what is acceptable. I use a loud rough voice when I see him acting bad. It seems to work for us.
Of course, it's not exactly that simple and I needed help. Learning how my cat thinks and reacts to me and others helped alot. I learned about stressors, aggression and numerous other things that can affect my cat's mood and how to deal with it. Kitty and I now live
Loretta found a great website tomake quick money online
He doesn't understand Engish (although he certainly acts like he does sometimes).
I thought he knew extactly what I was saying. He actually learns by experience. He learned to jump up on the coffee table because "Daddy" rewarded him with what he really craves: love and attention.
We all love our cat for who he is. He has his likes, dislikes and personality. He is unique! Most of his behavior we enjoy: he is affectionate, loves to play and adores us. He becomes a part of the family and we couldn't imagine our lives without him.
I have a neurotic kitty. I thought I was the only one until I started doing some research to help him and I live in the same house. I found out alot of cat-owners have the same problems. Cats are independent and aloof. Some are high-strung and most just want to do their own thing, which may include jumping on the kitchen table during dinner, climbing the drapes, and hiding under the furniture when he's scared.
Smokey Joe is my cat's name. He is a 3yr old siamese (who are famous for their independence and constant meowing for attention). Of course, Smokey does these things, being an tried and true Siamese, he could act no other way. He also wants to play ALL the time and when he plays he turns into a "wild cat"- all teeth and claws! He has been known to attack without warning. This kind of behavior I would like to discourage.
Of more importance, I want to make Smokey Joe's surroundings comfortable for him. I want him to feel safe in his home.
Smokey and I have a loving, mutually soothing relationship. He's learned loving comes from "Mom" and playtime?-that's "Dad"-time. After all, dads are for rough-housing and he has the scratches to prove it!
Smokey is a territorial cat and he is constantly on guard for intruders. He's and indoor cat who used to be an outdoor cat. He watches mostly for other cats. He's also a predator, a hunter and I think that sometimes when he's staring out the window he's chasing birds in his imagination.
What I find works well for us is positive reinforcement. I give him love and pets when he's doing what is acceptable. I use a loud rough voice when I see him acting bad. It seems to work for us.
Of course, it's not exactly that simple and I needed help. Learning how my cat thinks and reacts to me and others helped alot. I learned about stressors, aggression and numerous other things that can affect my cat's mood and how to deal with it. Kitty and I now live
Loretta found a great website tomake quick money online
Give your loved cat the best medical benefits with cat insurance
By : Robert Scott
It is widely observed that now people have started taking much interest in various insurance policies. Since insurance policies are proving their worth in securing human lives, many people are also buying life insurance policies for their pets. In fact, a life insurance policy is highly beneficial for your pet, as there are many risks associated with your pet’s health and life. People, who own any pet, can undoubtedly go for these insurance policies to give their pet a secured life; with these policies, one can be rest assured that his or her pet will get the best medical and other benefits. When it comes to cat insurance, there are various insurance service providers that are involved in providing this sweet little creature with the best insurance benefits.
There were many times, when our cat has been injured or has fallen ill; however, we have done everything to make her feel better but what do we do, if the injury is major and demands intensive care and costly treatment. Since we can never see this sweet creature in pain, we will anyhow try to arrange money to provide her with the best care and treatment. Usually, most cat owners do not insure their cat and bear very high cost of their treatment but if analyzed sensibly, buying an insurance policy is much cheaper and beneficial. Avoiding insurance of your cat can prove to be risky, as your loved cat can suffer a lot due to the lack of sufficient money. Buying a cat insurance policy is extremely cheap; one can experience its benefits at the time of need, as it covers every major and minor healthcare expenses of the insured cat.
For instance, treating your cat’s major injury can cost very high, this can be the price for which you may struggle a lot. In fact, with these insurance policies, you can meet all these expenses without any worry. With it, you will never have to pester about the arrangement of money for your cat’s medical treatments. These cat insurance policies cover a wide range of services including vaccination, hygiene procedures and regular health checkup. Definitely, with it you can gift your sweet little cat a healthier and happier life; moreover, you can take her to the best doctor and hospital during illness or injury, so that she may get well as soon as possible.
Since a cat is a sweet but naughty creature, many risks and uncertainties are associated with her life; however, at home you can keep an eye on her but as she steps out, there is no one to take her out from dangers. It is quite true that you cannot keep her in the home for the whole day; therefore, the only possible thing that you can do to secure her is buying an insurance policy. If you are worried about high valued premiums then throw your all worries aside as these policies do not include unaffordable premiums. There is no hidden cost or charges that are associated with cat insurance; the only thing you will get with these policies is security and assurance.
Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Cat insurance , Pet insurance Online, Cat insurance you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net
It is widely observed that now people have started taking much interest in various insurance policies. Since insurance policies are proving their worth in securing human lives, many people are also buying life insurance policies for their pets. In fact, a life insurance policy is highly beneficial for your pet, as there are many risks associated with your pet’s health and life. People, who own any pet, can undoubtedly go for these insurance policies to give their pet a secured life; with these policies, one can be rest assured that his or her pet will get the best medical and other benefits. When it comes to cat insurance, there are various insurance service providers that are involved in providing this sweet little creature with the best insurance benefits.
There were many times, when our cat has been injured or has fallen ill; however, we have done everything to make her feel better but what do we do, if the injury is major and demands intensive care and costly treatment. Since we can never see this sweet creature in pain, we will anyhow try to arrange money to provide her with the best care and treatment. Usually, most cat owners do not insure their cat and bear very high cost of their treatment but if analyzed sensibly, buying an insurance policy is much cheaper and beneficial. Avoiding insurance of your cat can prove to be risky, as your loved cat can suffer a lot due to the lack of sufficient money. Buying a cat insurance policy is extremely cheap; one can experience its benefits at the time of need, as it covers every major and minor healthcare expenses of the insured cat.
For instance, treating your cat’s major injury can cost very high, this can be the price for which you may struggle a lot. In fact, with these insurance policies, you can meet all these expenses without any worry. With it, you will never have to pester about the arrangement of money for your cat’s medical treatments. These cat insurance policies cover a wide range of services including vaccination, hygiene procedures and regular health checkup. Definitely, with it you can gift your sweet little cat a healthier and happier life; moreover, you can take her to the best doctor and hospital during illness or injury, so that she may get well as soon as possible.
Since a cat is a sweet but naughty creature, many risks and uncertainties are associated with her life; however, at home you can keep an eye on her but as she steps out, there is no one to take her out from dangers. It is quite true that you cannot keep her in the home for the whole day; therefore, the only possible thing that you can do to secure her is buying an insurance policy. If you are worried about high valued premiums then throw your all worries aside as these policies do not include unaffordable premiums. There is no hidden cost or charges that are associated with cat insurance; the only thing you will get with these policies is security and assurance.
Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Cat insurance , Pet insurance Online, Cat insurance you can visit www.insuranceforpets.net