Author: Robert Wilson Alexander
My cat Spike is very laid back . He’s a lover, not a fighter, so it was with surprise that one morning as I was feeding him his daily ration of cat food, I saw two scratches on his nose. He ate the food like he was famished, instead of taking a few bites then going somewhere to think the situation over. Normally he would then come back to his bowl and begin to eat again. At the time I didn't know there were raccoons eating his food at night.
Spike sleeps in the garage. He has a cat door to the outside, so he comes and goes as he pleases. Only on the coldest winter nights does he sleep in the house, preferring the solitude of his own kingdom where there is always silence after dark. His quiet time was shattered one night a couple of hours after dinner. I heard a noise in the garage that sounded like something falling from a shelf. I opened the door to the garage and saw a large raccoon scurrying from the cat’s bowl to the opening in the pet door. He scooted through the door to the outside, then turned around and stuck his head back through the door, staring at me as if I should be sorry for interrupting his dinner.
The next day surveying the damage to my exterior door, where the raccon had scratched and torn at the pet door to get inside the garage, I did some studying about the subject of raccoon removal. I found out that they are nocturnal animals, sleeping all day and feeding and roaming at night. I also learned that there are ways to remove raccoons without shooting them. They are as follows:
Remove their food supply! This sounded like such a good idea that I tried it and it worked. I brought the cat’s dish into the house. That didn’t deter the raccoon in the least. He chewed the lids off the five gallon containers that held the cat food, scattering it all over the garage. This dampened my spirits somewhat, but I was determined to drive him from our house forever!
Play the radio loudly in the areas the raccoon has invaded! They will think someone is talking and stay away! I turned the radio in the garage to a station that played rap music all night rap station and turned up the volume. If that didn’t do the trick nothing would. It didn’t work! Somehow he climbed up a bookshelf onto the top of a refrigerator where I had stored the cat food. He pushed it off onto the floor, dry cat food bouncing on the concrete floor like raindrops on a roof.
Trap the animals. I called the city animal control people and they brought me a trap. This was a big cage that would catch the raccoon without hurting it. The theory is that the raccoons would enter the trap, stepping on the trip mechanism as they ate the bait, (cat food), thus tripping the trap door. The raccoons would be caught, the city would then remove the animal to a safe place, miles away from my house and all would be peaceful again. Wrong! The only thing I caught was my cat Spike! Twice!
I learned that those traps do work, but raccoons are very intelligent. You have to put concrete blocks or some kind of barrier around the sides of the trap so they won’t put their paws into the cage and grab the food without springing the trap. Raccoons have paws with fingers that enable them to grasp food and stuff it into their mouths.
By this time I realized I had a family of raccooons. By now I had seen five; two adults and three young ones. The young ones let me take their pictures while munching on Spike's cat food. I reward them for allowing me a photo shoot. The older ones wait patiently outside the door until I finish shooting. They’ll finish up the food when I go back into the house. Spike the cat is sprawled in an old chair, yawning at the raccoons.
My wife thinks I’m nuts to have fallen under the spell of the adolescent raccoons. Since one of the young raccoons tries to get into the house every time the Maybe I am, but they are a lot of fun. I’ve ordered a sure-fire raccoon repellant that I know will work. It’s coyote urine. Sprinkled around the area the raccoons frequent, it will scare them away. They’re afraid of coyotes because they are one of the natural predators of raccoons. If this doesn't work, I'll order wolf urine.
About The Author
Robert Wilson Alexander is the author and sole owner of this article.
Bob Alexander is greatly experienced in the art of southern barbequing and leisure activity.
Learn to enjoy yourself with more of Bob's ideas.
Visit: http://www.bluefishbob.com
Visit: http://www.homeandgardenbob.com
Toys For Your Cat
Author: Daniel Moore
Is your cat getting fat, lazy, and bored?
Cat toys are a great way to keep your cats occupied and entertained. They arouse the cat's curiosity and the cat spends considerable time chasing, mangling, twisting, and playing with the toys. The toys that excite them most are usually those that make sounds, swing on strings, or are easy to catch. Cats have a limited attention span, however. It therefore makes sense to rotate out the toys on a weekly to monthly basis. Otherwise your cat will lose interest.
Toys need not be bought from the pet stores alone. You can create an endless number of cat toys at home. There are a number of household objects that may appeal to your cat's fancy; these include toilet paper rolls, plastic milk bottle rings, plastic drinking straws, aluminum foil balls, Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, cardboard boxes and even walnuts!
You should, however, carefully examine each item, and reject the ones that have sharp edges. You should also avoid small objects that could be swallowed, objects that tear easily, or those which could stain. These can sometimes cause injuries to your cat.
Pet shops, of course, have a variety of toys, and these are generally safer. These include line-based toys (which have an object dangling from a rod or a string for your cat to chase), and wire-based toys (based on the principle that cats love to chase birds). These flying toys make for good fun. Also popular are 'bat and swat' toys, which come in an array of shapes, colors, sizes, and patterns. You can choose from a fluffy pom-pom to a simple Ping-Pong ball. A major advantage with the bat and swat toys is that your cat can use it on its own; you don't have to be around to entertain it.
Catnip toys can also be highly entertaining to cats. However, these toys should never be given to a kittens less than four weeks of age, as catnip can have a hallucinatory effect. Always ensure that the catnip you buy is fresh, otherwise it could lead to serious health complications for your cat. Fresh organic catnip toys can frequently be found at arts-and-craft shows and cat shows.
Some of the most popular toys among cats are those shaped like rats, insects, birds, or other small creatures; these add a hint of realism to the sport and can stimulate even the laziest cat into action.
About The Author
Daniel Moore contributes to several online magazines, including http://sufup.com and http://kydel.com.
Is your cat getting fat, lazy, and bored?
Cat toys are a great way to keep your cats occupied and entertained. They arouse the cat's curiosity and the cat spends considerable time chasing, mangling, twisting, and playing with the toys. The toys that excite them most are usually those that make sounds, swing on strings, or are easy to catch. Cats have a limited attention span, however. It therefore makes sense to rotate out the toys on a weekly to monthly basis. Otherwise your cat will lose interest.
Toys need not be bought from the pet stores alone. You can create an endless number of cat toys at home. There are a number of household objects that may appeal to your cat's fancy; these include toilet paper rolls, plastic milk bottle rings, plastic drinking straws, aluminum foil balls, Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, cardboard boxes and even walnuts!
You should, however, carefully examine each item, and reject the ones that have sharp edges. You should also avoid small objects that could be swallowed, objects that tear easily, or those which could stain. These can sometimes cause injuries to your cat.
Pet shops, of course, have a variety of toys, and these are generally safer. These include line-based toys (which have an object dangling from a rod or a string for your cat to chase), and wire-based toys (based on the principle that cats love to chase birds). These flying toys make for good fun. Also popular are 'bat and swat' toys, which come in an array of shapes, colors, sizes, and patterns. You can choose from a fluffy pom-pom to a simple Ping-Pong ball. A major advantage with the bat and swat toys is that your cat can use it on its own; you don't have to be around to entertain it.
Catnip toys can also be highly entertaining to cats. However, these toys should never be given to a kittens less than four weeks of age, as catnip can have a hallucinatory effect. Always ensure that the catnip you buy is fresh, otherwise it could lead to serious health complications for your cat. Fresh organic catnip toys can frequently be found at arts-and-craft shows and cat shows.
Some of the most popular toys among cats are those shaped like rats, insects, birds, or other small creatures; these add a hint of realism to the sport and can stimulate even the laziest cat into action.
About The Author
Daniel Moore contributes to several online magazines, including http://sufup.com and http://kydel.com.
What Are The Characteristics Of The Siamese Cats?
Author: George Adams
Almost everyone knows about the Siamese cat. Even those who are not particularly fond of cats have heard about this breed. Producers of mystery movies and TV series have used a Siamese cat as a character in their productions.
The Siamese cat appeared in Thailand before the sixteen hundreds. At that time Thailand was known as Siam. In the eighteen hundreds, a number of these cats were brought to Great Britain by a British ambassador. The Siamese became an immediate hit with the Brits. Although not as popular today, the Siamese cat was considered to be one of the most popular breed of cats in the nineteen fifties.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a cat, the following description of the Siamese is provided to help you to identify the breed. The body of a Siamese is long, graceful and rectangular shaped with large ears on a wedge shaped head. The tail is long and graceful and the legs are thin. The eyes are large, almond shaped with a stunning blue color. The coat of the Siamese cat is short and comes in Chocolate, Seal, Lilac or Blue Point colors. All other variations of color in the Siamese breed are considered to be a wholly different breed.
A Siamese cat is not recommended for anyone who spends a great deal of time away from home. This breed loves attention and if left alone for long periods will become lonely and bored. A lonely and bored Siamese can get into more trouble than your average cat, spending much of its time planning an escape. If you are away from home much of the time you might want to get a second Siamese kitten. The two will keep each other company while you are away.
This breed is an excellent choice for retirees and families. Siamese cats are very affectionate and playful. They soak up attention like a sponge and are very clingy and devoted. They will follow you from room to room inspecting everything you do and curl up on your lap or perch on your shoulder when you sit.
The Siamese cat has keen intelligence and is highly trainable. They sometimes have a mind of their own but are easily taught to fetch, or come when they are called. They make up their own games such as pouncing on people from atop a high objects or playing hide and seek.
If an attention loving, clinging and devoted cat that has a mind of its own is what you’re looking for, then the Siamese might be the breed for you.
About The Author
George Adams is a staff writer at http://www.pets-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.recreation-digest.com.
Almost everyone knows about the Siamese cat. Even those who are not particularly fond of cats have heard about this breed. Producers of mystery movies and TV series have used a Siamese cat as a character in their productions.
The Siamese cat appeared in Thailand before the sixteen hundreds. At that time Thailand was known as Siam. In the eighteen hundreds, a number of these cats were brought to Great Britain by a British ambassador. The Siamese became an immediate hit with the Brits. Although not as popular today, the Siamese cat was considered to be one of the most popular breed of cats in the nineteen fifties.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a cat, the following description of the Siamese is provided to help you to identify the breed. The body of a Siamese is long, graceful and rectangular shaped with large ears on a wedge shaped head. The tail is long and graceful and the legs are thin. The eyes are large, almond shaped with a stunning blue color. The coat of the Siamese cat is short and comes in Chocolate, Seal, Lilac or Blue Point colors. All other variations of color in the Siamese breed are considered to be a wholly different breed.
A Siamese cat is not recommended for anyone who spends a great deal of time away from home. This breed loves attention and if left alone for long periods will become lonely and bored. A lonely and bored Siamese can get into more trouble than your average cat, spending much of its time planning an escape. If you are away from home much of the time you might want to get a second Siamese kitten. The two will keep each other company while you are away.
This breed is an excellent choice for retirees and families. Siamese cats are very affectionate and playful. They soak up attention like a sponge and are very clingy and devoted. They will follow you from room to room inspecting everything you do and curl up on your lap or perch on your shoulder when you sit.
The Siamese cat has keen intelligence and is highly trainable. They sometimes have a mind of their own but are easily taught to fetch, or come when they are called. They make up their own games such as pouncing on people from atop a high objects or playing hide and seek.
If an attention loving, clinging and devoted cat that has a mind of its own is what you’re looking for, then the Siamese might be the breed for you.
About The Author
George Adams is a staff writer at http://www.pets-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.recreation-digest.com.
Russian Blue - The Facts Every Owner Of This Cat Breed Should Know
Author: Robert Benjamin
Little is known about the true origins of the Russian Blue cat. Some think Russian Blues are a natural breed originating in the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. It is thought Russian Blues were brought to England and northern Europe in the 1860s. What is known is that Russian Blues were first shown at the Crystal Palace in England in 1875 in competition, but were not recognized as a separate class of cat until 1912. Though Russian Blues were brought to American in the early 1900s, interest in the breed did not develop until after World War II.
Russian Blues have striking green eyes and an expression that makes it look as if they are always smiling. They have a solid slivery blue coat that is short and thick and feels silky. In fact, it is this legendary silkiness that caused Russian Blues to be hunted for the fur at one point. Some Russian Blues are born with 'ghost stripes' that fade by adulthood.
Their coats do not require much grooming, though Russian Blues do enjoy being groomed by their human companions. Described as shy (especially around strangers), Russian Blues are still excellent pets especially for people and families with busy lifestyles. Russian Blues do not require or crave much human contact and are able to entertain themselves for hours at a time. However, they are affectionate and loyal towards their families. In fact, Russian Blues have been described as sensitive to their families and will try to lighten up the mood of the house by entertaining those around if necessary. They are good with children and other family pets, but do startle easily and prefer to be handle gently. Russian Blues are prone to obesity so it is important to monitor their diet.
There is a website that has great information on Russian Blue and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:
http://www.dogandcatfacts.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
About The Author
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25 years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.
RB59.COM Software
http://www.rb59.com/software
Little is known about the true origins of the Russian Blue cat. Some think Russian Blues are a natural breed originating in the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. It is thought Russian Blues were brought to England and northern Europe in the 1860s. What is known is that Russian Blues were first shown at the Crystal Palace in England in 1875 in competition, but were not recognized as a separate class of cat until 1912. Though Russian Blues were brought to American in the early 1900s, interest in the breed did not develop until after World War II.
Russian Blues have striking green eyes and an expression that makes it look as if they are always smiling. They have a solid slivery blue coat that is short and thick and feels silky. In fact, it is this legendary silkiness that caused Russian Blues to be hunted for the fur at one point. Some Russian Blues are born with 'ghost stripes' that fade by adulthood.
Their coats do not require much grooming, though Russian Blues do enjoy being groomed by their human companions. Described as shy (especially around strangers), Russian Blues are still excellent pets especially for people and families with busy lifestyles. Russian Blues do not require or crave much human contact and are able to entertain themselves for hours at a time. However, they are affectionate and loyal towards their families. In fact, Russian Blues have been described as sensitive to their families and will try to lighten up the mood of the house by entertaining those around if necessary. They are good with children and other family pets, but do startle easily and prefer to be handle gently. Russian Blues are prone to obesity so it is important to monitor their diet.
There is a website that has great information on Russian Blue and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:
http://www.dogandcatfacts.com
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
About The Author
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25 years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.
RB59.COM Software
http://www.rb59.com/software