by randall
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides keeping her claws in top shape, the stretching involved in a good scratch keeps her upper body strong and loose. Also, every time a cat scratches a surface, scent glands between her toes leave her signature smell for others to find. In this way, she marks her territory, even if that happens to be in your living room.
Just because a cat must scratch doesn't mean she must destroy your furniture. Redirecting a cat's scratching to an appropriate object simply requires patience, flexibiity and time. To keep your cat from grooming her claws on your couch, you must give her some furniture of her own.
Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures. If your cat doesn't use the scratching post you have purchased, observe what she does scratch. Most cats have a preference as to the texture they scratch on. Experts discourage providing carpet-covered posts, especially if you have carpeting in your house. Your cat won't understand the difference between the carpet on the scratching post and that on the floor. They both feel good to her.
Some cats like to extend their entire bodies when they stretch to scratch. Others just work their shoulder muscles. If your cat is one of the former, you'll need to provide a tall, sturdy scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use, be sure the scratching surface is stable. If your cat begins scratching and the post or board falls, it will frighten her and she will likely not use it again.
Another important factor to consider when providing scratching surfaces is their location. If you watch your cat, you'll notice she will tend to look for a scratching spot wherever you spend a lot of time. That is why so many cats ruin their owner's easy chair or couch. She is marking your spot as part of her territory, claiming ownership over you just in case some other cat comes in and gets the wrong idea. Putting a scratching post beside your favorite relaxing place will let her do her job without annoying you.
Remember, too, that your entire home is her territory. For that reason, it is a good idea to place scratching surfaces throughout the house, in places where you tend to linger. Bedrooms, kitchens, home offices are all places that are important to your cat because that is where you are likely to be.
If your cat persists in scratching furniture instead of the appropriate surface, you will have to retrain her. When you catch her about to scratch inappropriately, say "no" in a loud voice. Pick her up and carry her to her scratching surface. Some experts suggest gently taking her paw and simulating scratching to give her the right idea. If your cat only attacks the furniture when you are out of sight, it might be best to confine her to one room when you can't supervise her. Be sure to put food, water, a litter box and, of course, a scratching surface in the room with her. Once she seems to have gotten the hang of only using her scratching posts, she can have free run of the house again.
About the Author
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of MyPetAnimals.com - www.mypetanimals.com - a large and growing pet website featuring articles, tips, advice and shopping for popular pet supplies, toys and accessories. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.
How To Know What Your Cat Wants When It Talks To You - Cat Communication
by randall
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they are very social animals. They bond with other cats in their house or neighborhood, their owners, even other pets like dogs and birds. They communicate to each other and us a variety of ways.
A keen sense of smell is important in cat communication. When her human returns home, a cat carefully sniffs then proceeds to rub her face against the owner's legs. She is placing her scent on you, marking you as her territory. As you have gone through your day, scent molecules have attached to your clothing. Your cat must mark you again to cover up those other smells.
Cats also communicate through body language. Your cat's posture, gestures, facial expressions, tail, ear and whisker position can all be aan indication of how your cat is feeling.
A bristling tail held straight up, or one that thrashes back and forth are warnings. If a cat is feeling defensive, the tail is usually arched. Hissing and backing away with ears flat against the head are other defensive poses. You can tell a lot about a cat's state of being from its eyes. Wide, dilated eyes communicate anger or fear. A contented cat slowly blinks its eyes, or keeps them half-closed.
There are probably many more movements that send signals, but they are so subtle, only another cat can notice and interpret them. This explains why cats seem to "read one another's minds." Two cats might gaze at each other without moving for a very long time, then suddenly erupt into action. What was the signal? A twitch of lip, lift of a lip, tilt of the head? Only the cats know.
Did You know there are at least nineteen different types of "miaow"?
When it comes to sound, cats say more than meow. Their vocalizations fall into three groups, murmurs, open/closed mouth and intensity sounds. Murmured sounds include the low sound cats make when treats are coming, as well as the famous purr. Purring is usually interpreted as a sound of contentment, but it is really more a vocalization of intense emotion. In fact, an injured cat, or one being handled by a stranger - like a vet - often purr.
Open/closed mouth vocalizations include all the variations and intonations of "meow" that a cat uses to greet you, or ask for food, or otherwise demand attention. Intensity vocalizations are created when the cat holds her mouth open the entire time she is making sound. These are the highly emotional vocalization of fear, anger, and extreme pain.
Some cats are more talkative than others. Many owners notice a difference in the types of noises their cats make for them as opposed to strangers or other cats. A few owners believe their cats have learned to mimic the syntax and pitch of some human words. Whether that is true or not, it is certain that the more time you spend with your cat, the more she'll communicate with you.
About the Author
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they are very social animals. They bond with other cats in their house or neighborhood, their owners, even other pets like dogs and birds. They communicate to each other and us a variety of ways.
A keen sense of smell is important in cat communication. When her human returns home, a cat carefully sniffs then proceeds to rub her face against the owner's legs. She is placing her scent on you, marking you as her territory. As you have gone through your day, scent molecules have attached to your clothing. Your cat must mark you again to cover up those other smells.
Cats also communicate through body language. Your cat's posture, gestures, facial expressions, tail, ear and whisker position can all be aan indication of how your cat is feeling.
A bristling tail held straight up, or one that thrashes back and forth are warnings. If a cat is feeling defensive, the tail is usually arched. Hissing and backing away with ears flat against the head are other defensive poses. You can tell a lot about a cat's state of being from its eyes. Wide, dilated eyes communicate anger or fear. A contented cat slowly blinks its eyes, or keeps them half-closed.
There are probably many more movements that send signals, but they are so subtle, only another cat can notice and interpret them. This explains why cats seem to "read one another's minds." Two cats might gaze at each other without moving for a very long time, then suddenly erupt into action. What was the signal? A twitch of lip, lift of a lip, tilt of the head? Only the cats know.
Did You know there are at least nineteen different types of "miaow"?
When it comes to sound, cats say more than meow. Their vocalizations fall into three groups, murmurs, open/closed mouth and intensity sounds. Murmured sounds include the low sound cats make when treats are coming, as well as the famous purr. Purring is usually interpreted as a sound of contentment, but it is really more a vocalization of intense emotion. In fact, an injured cat, or one being handled by a stranger - like a vet - often purr.
Open/closed mouth vocalizations include all the variations and intonations of "meow" that a cat uses to greet you, or ask for food, or otherwise demand attention. Intensity vocalizations are created when the cat holds her mouth open the entire time she is making sound. These are the highly emotional vocalization of fear, anger, and extreme pain.
Some cats are more talkative than others. Many owners notice a difference in the types of noises their cats make for them as opposed to strangers or other cats. A few owners believe their cats have learned to mimic the syntax and pitch of some human words. Whether that is true or not, it is certain that the more time you spend with your cat, the more she'll communicate with you.
About the Author
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
History of the Abyssinian Cat Breed
by thedogman
An exact history of the Abyssinian is still really an open debate. However there are a few theories about the Abyssinian history.
One of the most popular theory is that the Abyssinian came from Egypt. It is well known the Egyptians thought highly of cats and they where a very important part of Egyptian life. Images that resemble Abyssinians have been found in Egyptian’s tombs. There is a report of a cat named “Zulu” brought back to England from Egypt in 1868 that closely resembles the Abyssinian breed. Abyssinia (which is today modern day Ethiopia ) has many rivers and streams that connect to the Nile, which would further explain the breeds attachment to Egypt. It would be very easy for this breed to travel up and down the Nile. References to Abyssinian maidens who owned this breed, where supposedly highly desirable marriage partners.
There is another theory that the breed originated in England. The theory is that the British started the breed by selective breeding. This would make sense if the breed brought to Britain from Egypt was not a true Abyssinian but, a similar breed. Did the British take this similar breed and create the Abyssinian breed? The British created the pedigreed cat registries and the earliest Abyssinian was registered in 1896. However many of these early Abyssinian had both parents listed as “unknown”.
Abyssinian first came to the United States in the early 1900’s. In Boston they show up in 1909 and where exhibited at a show. National Geographic pictured the breed in a 1938 issue of a magazine. The breed has been going strong ever since.
The breed has come a very long way since 1930. The breed is now one of 5 most popular, with the most popular color variety of ruddy, with red, or cinnamon a very close second. The blue an fawn are also accepted colors world over. The Governing Council of Cats registers the breed in 23 colors. They have become a very popular breed and have appeared on US Postal Stamps. One of the most known Abyssinians was the cat that starred in Walt Disney’s movie “The Cat from Outer Space”.
Abyssinian’s history might be hard to track but, the breed has become a favorite. Some of the reasons are they have a inquisitive personality, they are intelligent, Abyssinians retain kittenish behavior well into middle age, and basically they just bring joy to their owners.
Article by: Cats Only Store - Where you can find everything your cat will ever need and more. From cat products, breed information, helpful articles, we have it all.
An exact history of the Abyssinian is still really an open debate. However there are a few theories about the Abyssinian history.
One of the most popular theory is that the Abyssinian came from Egypt. It is well known the Egyptians thought highly of cats and they where a very important part of Egyptian life. Images that resemble Abyssinians have been found in Egyptian’s tombs. There is a report of a cat named “Zulu” brought back to England from Egypt in 1868 that closely resembles the Abyssinian breed. Abyssinia (which is today modern day Ethiopia ) has many rivers and streams that connect to the Nile, which would further explain the breeds attachment to Egypt. It would be very easy for this breed to travel up and down the Nile. References to Abyssinian maidens who owned this breed, where supposedly highly desirable marriage partners.
There is another theory that the breed originated in England. The theory is that the British started the breed by selective breeding. This would make sense if the breed brought to Britain from Egypt was not a true Abyssinian but, a similar breed. Did the British take this similar breed and create the Abyssinian breed? The British created the pedigreed cat registries and the earliest Abyssinian was registered in 1896. However many of these early Abyssinian had both parents listed as “unknown”.
Abyssinian first came to the United States in the early 1900’s. In Boston they show up in 1909 and where exhibited at a show. National Geographic pictured the breed in a 1938 issue of a magazine. The breed has been going strong ever since.
The breed has come a very long way since 1930. The breed is now one of 5 most popular, with the most popular color variety of ruddy, with red, or cinnamon a very close second. The blue an fawn are also accepted colors world over. The Governing Council of Cats registers the breed in 23 colors. They have become a very popular breed and have appeared on US Postal Stamps. One of the most known Abyssinians was the cat that starred in Walt Disney’s movie “The Cat from Outer Space”.
Abyssinian’s history might be hard to track but, the breed has become a favorite. Some of the reasons are they have a inquisitive personality, they are intelligent, Abyssinians retain kittenish behavior well into middle age, and basically they just bring joy to their owners.
Article by: Cats Only Store - Where you can find everything your cat will ever need and more. From cat products, breed information, helpful articles, we have it all.
The Cat and the Evil Mower
by Janette
“A coward dies a thousand deaths; a brave man dies but once.” Our cat Der Doc proved that this applies to cats as well.
Caution was the watchword in Der Doc’s life. He was a grey cat, striped like a tiger but decidedly without the tiger’s courage. Daddy said, “He’s the original scaredy-cat.”
Der Doc had the run of our farm in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, and the farm had multitudes of opportunities for a diligent cat. The chief opportunities lay with barn mice during the winter and field mice in the summer. Der Doc regularly partook of these opportunities. Cautiously, of course.
How ironic it was that his most searing experience took place when he was cautiously minding his own business. His business being a field mouse in our hayfield, as Daddy drove the John Deere tractor into the field and began mowing the alfalfa.
We children were never allowed in the field when Daddy was mowing hay, because the sickle on the mower extended out eight feet from the tractor. You couldn’t see that sickle coming, as the uncut alfalfa in front of it hid it. “Cut your little feeties right off, and you’d never know what hit you!” said Daddy. He would have given Der Doc the same warning if Der Doc had understood English. For on that sad day the uncut alfalfa hid Der Doc as well as the sickle.
Fortunately the worst did not happen. Der Doc did not have his little feeties cut right off, but he did lose the last two inches of his tail as he belatedly fled.
Bleeding profusely, Der Doc ran to the safest place he knew, the inside of our house. Everyone was tremendously sympathetic. My little brother asked, “Is it all right to pray for a cat?” Learning that it was, he prayed fervently. Daddy probably did too. He felt terrible about what happened.
I was away at camp that week, but when Der Doc decided my bed with its snowy white bedspread was the best place to convalesce, everyone was sure I would want him to sleep there, so he did.
I came home to a bloody bedspread and a traumatized cat. For the rest of his life, Der Doc felt that only vast distance could protect him from a John Deere tractor. As soon as he heard the distinctive put-put-put of its engine, he put not one but several fields between him and the tractor and did not return until the tractor was through with its day’s work.
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Enjoy our cat mystery sleuth and find gifts and stories for cat lovers, at Janette Blackwell’s Cats and Flowers, catsandflowers.com -- or visit her at Food and Fiction, foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html
“A coward dies a thousand deaths; a brave man dies but once.” Our cat Der Doc proved that this applies to cats as well.
Caution was the watchword in Der Doc’s life. He was a grey cat, striped like a tiger but decidedly without the tiger’s courage. Daddy said, “He’s the original scaredy-cat.”
Der Doc had the run of our farm in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, and the farm had multitudes of opportunities for a diligent cat. The chief opportunities lay with barn mice during the winter and field mice in the summer. Der Doc regularly partook of these opportunities. Cautiously, of course.
How ironic it was that his most searing experience took place when he was cautiously minding his own business. His business being a field mouse in our hayfield, as Daddy drove the John Deere tractor into the field and began mowing the alfalfa.
We children were never allowed in the field when Daddy was mowing hay, because the sickle on the mower extended out eight feet from the tractor. You couldn’t see that sickle coming, as the uncut alfalfa in front of it hid it. “Cut your little feeties right off, and you’d never know what hit you!” said Daddy. He would have given Der Doc the same warning if Der Doc had understood English. For on that sad day the uncut alfalfa hid Der Doc as well as the sickle.
Fortunately the worst did not happen. Der Doc did not have his little feeties cut right off, but he did lose the last two inches of his tail as he belatedly fled.
Bleeding profusely, Der Doc ran to the safest place he knew, the inside of our house. Everyone was tremendously sympathetic. My little brother asked, “Is it all right to pray for a cat?” Learning that it was, he prayed fervently. Daddy probably did too. He felt terrible about what happened.
I was away at camp that week, but when Der Doc decided my bed with its snowy white bedspread was the best place to convalesce, everyone was sure I would want him to sleep there, so he did.
I came home to a bloody bedspread and a traumatized cat. For the rest of his life, Der Doc felt that only vast distance could protect him from a John Deere tractor. As soon as he heard the distinctive put-put-put of its engine, he put not one but several fields between him and the tractor and did not return until the tractor was through with its day’s work.
-----------
Enjoy our cat mystery sleuth and find gifts and stories for cat lovers, at Janette Blackwell’s Cats and Flowers, catsandflowers.com -- or visit her at Food and Fiction, foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html
THERE ARE OVER 50 CAT BREEDS. WHAT BREED MAKES THE BEST PET?
by randall
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first.
Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company. The have minimal maintenance needs but they satisfy any pet owner's need to cuddle.
There are many different domestic cat breeds, but less than one percent of all cats have pedigrees or are pure breeds. All in all there are about 70-odd breeds. The rest of the cats fall into two main groups: domestic longhair and domestic shorthair. Cats that have a long slender build, almond-shaped eyes and sleek fur are often characterized as Oriental.
For potential cat owners there are many breeds to chose from ranging from a pure cat breed to your standard non-purebred breed, often called an alley-cat.
Exotic cat breeds include the Bengal (a relatively new breed; a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic shorthair), Scottish Fold (its ears are folded forward and down), Egyptian Mau (resembles ancient Egyptian cats) and the California Spangled Cat. The most popular longhair variety is the Persian. In fact, Persians are probably the most well-known of all cat breeds, probably because of its long coat. Potential buyers should know that their coat demands a daily program of grooming. But they'll make up for that with their gentle temperament.
The most popular shorthair variety is the Siamese. The Siamese has blue eyes and colored ears, face, tail and paws in contrast to the rest of the body. This breed has a long and slender body.
How to choose the breed you want?
Although all kittens and cats can have very different personalities, breed specific characteristics can aid in making your decision. Attending a cat show is an excellent way to get a real life idea of what you may expect and to find out what you are really looking for.
Consider the length of the coat, the size of the adult cat, what some of the breed traits are. Does this breed of cat generally need a lot of grooming, are they a family oriented breed or do they bond better with one person? Is the breed more active as an adult or more of a lap cat?
Every different breed of cat has its own personal needs, but generally they are flexible and can be accommodated in various homes and apartments and don't mind being left alone. That's what makes cat the all-time favorite pet for people with demanding lifestyles and long work hours.
About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of www.cat-breeds-directory.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first.
Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company. The have minimal maintenance needs but they satisfy any pet owner's need to cuddle.
There are many different domestic cat breeds, but less than one percent of all cats have pedigrees or are pure breeds. All in all there are about 70-odd breeds. The rest of the cats fall into two main groups: domestic longhair and domestic shorthair. Cats that have a long slender build, almond-shaped eyes and sleek fur are often characterized as Oriental.
For potential cat owners there are many breeds to chose from ranging from a pure cat breed to your standard non-purebred breed, often called an alley-cat.
Exotic cat breeds include the Bengal (a relatively new breed; a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic shorthair), Scottish Fold (its ears are folded forward and down), Egyptian Mau (resembles ancient Egyptian cats) and the California Spangled Cat. The most popular longhair variety is the Persian. In fact, Persians are probably the most well-known of all cat breeds, probably because of its long coat. Potential buyers should know that their coat demands a daily program of grooming. But they'll make up for that with their gentle temperament.
The most popular shorthair variety is the Siamese. The Siamese has blue eyes and colored ears, face, tail and paws in contrast to the rest of the body. This breed has a long and slender body.
How to choose the breed you want?
Although all kittens and cats can have very different personalities, breed specific characteristics can aid in making your decision. Attending a cat show is an excellent way to get a real life idea of what you may expect and to find out what you are really looking for.
Consider the length of the coat, the size of the adult cat, what some of the breed traits are. Does this breed of cat generally need a lot of grooming, are they a family oriented breed or do they bond better with one person? Is the breed more active as an adult or more of a lap cat?
Every different breed of cat has its own personal needs, but generally they are flexible and can be accommodated in various homes and apartments and don't mind being left alone. That's what makes cat the all-time favorite pet for people with demanding lifestyles and long work hours.
About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of www.cat-breeds-directory.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.