How To Cut Your Cat's Claws Without Losing Your Skin In The Process

By: Gregg Hall

Cat lovers are known to pamper their pets and you are probably no different. Your kitty has all the latest toys and comforts including self-cleaning litter box, a treat dispenser, cat grass, every cat toy known to the pet shop owner, and a variety of scratching posts but kitty wants to use the sofa instead.

Nothing you have done to try to deter her from scratching as worked and you are at your wits end. You have tried all the sprays and even the double sided tape that is supposed to scare her away due to the stickiness but all she does is walk over a little and continue to sharpen her claws on a different spot. So what are you to do? Does the concept of trimming your cat's claws scare you to death? Let me show you how to make it easier.

First off, don't try to rush the process of trimming your cat's nails, all you will get out of that is a ticked off cat and lots of bites and scratches! Take the time to let her get used to having her claws touched and rubbed. You should do this often and not just went you want to cut her nails, if not the cat will associate the touching with getting her nails cut and you do not want that. Do a little research on the technique so that you are comfortable with it. You probably know that there is a blood vessel that runs in the claws that not only hurts if nicked, but will also bleed badly. A wound in that area is highly susceptible to infection as well due to her digging in the bacteria filled litter box.

Before you begin to actually do the clipping, make sure that you have all the things you think you will need. Of course, the most important part of your tool kit will be the clippers. You need a good quality pair that are only for the cat. Get some guillotine style surgical steel clippers from a pet specialty store and try to get some that have an extra blade. Practice a little with them before the live event so that you are comfortable using them.

Next you need a large towel to wrap your cat in case she doesn't chill out and calm down. This way you can keep her wrapped up and work on one paw at a time. You may need to draft a friend or roommate into helping you if you have particularly unruly kitty. Finally, you want to be sure that you have a good light source so that you can see the blood vessel in the claw and avoid cutting it. It is best to leave them a little long than to cut them to the quick.

I am not giving you a guarantee that following my advice will make you successful in getting your cat's claws trimmed, if you have one of those arrogant kitties that have a mind of their own it may take you several tries over a period of days to get them all trimmed. Just remember, there is no law that says you have to get them all done in one sitting, if you get one done that's a step in the right direction. If you insist on trying to cut the claws and your cat is freaking out she will run from you the next time she sees you with the clippers.

Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info


Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find out more about pets and Discount Pet Supplies at

Some Tips To Help You Recognize Common Cat Ailments

By: Gregg Hall

Cats are a favorite choice of pet among animal lovers and the reasons for this are obvious. They are cuddly and playful, bringing joy to whoever owns them. They are also independent, so they require less attention than other animals. They don't have to be walked, a simple litter box will do and they thrive indoors as well as outdoors. They are fastidiously neat and take care of much of their own grooming and are fun to watch as they play with the toys that are given to them.

Despite their independence, cats still require health maintenance and should be taken to see a veterinarian on a regular basis. Many potential health issues can be avoided by keeping them up to date on their vaccinations. There are still health problems that need to be watched for, even if you take your cat for its annual physical and shots.

One of the things that even healthy cats can suffer from is hairballs. Cats are constantly cleaning their coats by licking them. Because of this, they are subject to ingesting the fur that sheds from their coats. This fur can begin to accumulate in the stomach and can become stuck in their digestive systems and forming balls. Cats usually handle this problem themselves by coughing up the accumulated fur balls. Although it is uncommon, fur balls can block the intestinal tract of a cat and if this occurs, immediate medical attention will be necessary. Signs of this problem are poor appetite, dull looking fur and constipation. You should brush your cat several times during the week, to prevent large quantities of loose fur from being swallowed. There are also products to dissolve the fur in their stomachs, as well as food created to aid in the prevention of fur balls.

Another common issue that you cat may face is a urinary tract infection. This problem can affect both male and female cats, but male cats that have not been neutered are more likely to suffer from it. There are clear signs of a urinary tract infection, the biggest of which is that your cat will stop urinating or will urinate in areas other than the litter box. They may do this to let you know something is wrong. Another sign is if the urine takes on a strong smell. Medication prescribed by your cat's vet will usually cure the infection.

One of the most dangerous threats that a cat faces is feline leukemia. This disease can greatly shorten your cat's life and can be prevented by making sure your cat is vaccinated against it. It is easily spread between cats, so caution should be taken to keep your cat away from those who may be infected. On the same token, if your cat suffers from this disease, make sure that you protect other cats in your area by keeping it inside.

Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info


Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as pet medication at www.petmedicationandsupplies.com

Cool Gift Giving Ideas For Every Cat Lover

By: Gregg Hall

Most cat lovers also love items that feature cats so when you are looking for a gift for a cat lover you can't go wrong with a gift that has a cat theme. You can choose from items like pictures, posters, calendar, scrapbooks, greeting cards and more. Buying a subscription to cat magazines or a gift certificate at a pet store is also a good idea.

If you are going to give a gift to a cat lover you know try to find out what kind of cat they have if you don't know already. This will help you to really personalize the gift by giving them one that is specific to their cat. You can also take pictures of their cat; you want to be sneaky about this though as not to let on what you are up to.

After you have taken the pictures use them to create things like scrapbooks or framed pictures. If you are computer savvy use them and create a screensaver for the cat lover. They would really love this and will greatly appreciate all the time and effort you took to create such a personalized gift.

Some other great cat lover gift ideas are clothing with a cat theme, personalized cat doormats, blankets, and figurines that are the exact breed and color of your friend's cat. Some of the figurines and stuffed animals on the market today look very real.

There are some really gifts that your friend would love in their kitchen as well such as customized hand painted or photo embossed coffee mugs and dinnerware. Another favorite is a kitchen rug with cat images and cat refrigerator magnets. I have seen a rug that has an image of a cat lying on it that looked so real I stepped over it as not to step on the cat!

Get your friend a license plate frame with a kitty on it or one that says something like "I brake for cats". You can also find bumper stickers and other emblems with the theme. I personally like the Garfield stuffed animal that hangs in the rear mirror on a suction cup.

There is practically no end to the varied quantity of cat lover gifts available for you to select from for any cat loving individual. In addition to that, is the fact that I guarantee you will be able an appropriate gift that is within your price range from among the many different gifts displayed online.

Article Source: http://www.petsadvice.info


Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find out more about pets and Online Pet Supplies at www.petsuppliesplusmore.com

Cat Health,Heat and Summer Weather

Submitted by Dennis Sperl
Hot Kitty! Cat Health in Heat

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your cat's health so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby--your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your cat does not get too hot.

When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever leave your cat inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your cat will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your cat could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your cat. If your cat will be going with you, make sure that cats are allowed wherever you will be.

When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the time won't know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat's health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.

As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make you sweat.


About the Author

Did you find these tips on Cat Health,Heat helpful?You can learn a lot more about cat health and how to make you cat live longer here http://dmsperl.kittycat.hop.clickbank.net/ Another good resource for cat health is http://dmsperl.chantalw.hop.clickbank.net/ They also offer a Kitty I.Q. Test.

Raising Siamese Cats

Submitted by Sven Ullmann
Of all breeds of cats, the Siamese cat is the ideal cat for the owner who wants a demonstrative and loving cat. Known to be extroverts, Siamese cats are outgoing and sociable. They know who their owners are and are frequently seen shadowing their owner wherever they go.

Siamese cats depend on human beings for their survival since they do not possess several traits typically seen in cats. The color of their hair may be good to look at but not good as camouflage. They cannot roam around during the night because they cannot see clearly in low lighted areas. And their hearing sense is less sensitive than those of other breeds of cats.

Siamese cats thrive on company. They love to be around people, which is the reason why it is not advisable to have a Siamese cat if you live alone and are often out. If you do plan to have a Siamese cat as a pet, then make sure there is someone to be with the cat. Or better yet, get another Siamese cat to pair up with your pet cat.

If there is no other Siamese cat available, you can get another feline since it there are other breeds that can be matched with your Siamese cat. You can pair your Siamese cat with another cat breed as long as they will get along. You may need to consult your veterinarian or a cat expert on which breed can be put together with a Siamese.

Make sure to provide them with toys or any activity that can occupy their time. It can be a toy mouse, a ball of string, or even a post for scratching. This will provide some entertainment for your Siamese cats as well as prevent them from using and destroying your own furniture for their play.

A woman would probably envy the metabolism of a Siamese cat since they eat big sized portions of food and yet do not grow fat. It is probably because these cats eat just the right amount of food that will make them full. Anything beyond it, they leave on their plates. So if you notice that there is always a bit of food left on their plates, it may mean that you are giving too much food and must be lessened on the subsequent meals. On the other hand, if they seem to be searching for more to eat, they may still be hungry. Try adding another portion of food whenever you give your Siamese cat a meal until you notice that they are quite satiated. And when they are, take note of the portion you need to feed your cat for their every meal.

A Siamese cat matures faster and earlier than the others in the cat family, some even as young as five months. Since spaying of your cat is recommended on the sixth month, you have at least a month to ensure that your cat does not get into trouble and get itself pregnant since it is at this time of the month that they are actively looking for a mate. You have to keep her indoors and check on where she is and what she is doing. If she manages to get out and find a male cat, chances are that you are going to be a grandparent to their kittens.

Siamese cats often are healthy in general, with a life span reaching up to twenty years. However, they are also prone to having tartar problems on their teeth and even gingivitis. If these conditions are not given attention, it may affect the health of your pet Siamese. They should have regular checkups with their veterinarian to be able to get their teeth clean. You can also do the brushing if your cat allows you to do it.

A Siamese cat is the perfect companion cat for those people who know how to handle its character, since their personalities are the ideal complement to the Siamese cat.

About the Author

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs My Lovely Cat - Useful information about cats. Read How to raise Siamese Cats.