Author: Terra S.
Many cats need a good amount of stimulation in order to keep them from becoming board, and we all know what a board cat is capable of! Cat trees provide that type of stimulation.
Most people wonder what to look for in a cat tree. As a cat tree manufacturer and a cat breeder, I would like to point out what is important to me.
Safety first:
All cat breeders know what mischief our cats are capable of. If there's danger in your house, your cats are going to find it. Not only is the cat tree manufacturer responsible for making a well built, safe cat tree but the cat owner is responsible for using good judgement in the selection and use of it..
First, make sure the design of the cat tree does not compromise safety. Only purchase stable, well built cat trees. Beware of cat trees that are cheaply made and can collapse under the weight of your cats. You also want to purchase a cat tree that will not tip over when your cat , who has invisible wings it seems, takes a flying leap and lands on top or on the side of the tree. You have to take into account that smaller, lighter cat trees will not be as stable when used by a big, heavy cat, but even if you buy a small cat tree there are ways to test for stability. You can test your cat tree before purchase by taking it through the tip test. Tip the cat tree a bit and see if it falls over or if it rights itself (be careful if it's a large tree, you don't want a large tree falling on you and the store might not appreciate you knocking over all of the large trees in the place). Rock it a bit to see if it stays upright. It's ok if the tree sways some with the movement of the cat, that's normal, but it is not OK if the cat tree tips over easily.
If you purchase your tree from an internet website you won't be able to put it through the tip test, but you can always ask for customer testimonials to see how other customers feel about the stability of the products you intend to buy. Be sure that there is a return policy in case the tree does not meet stability requirements, however, also be sure to read and agree to the store's return policy before you make the purchase. Many stores will not let you return a used product so be sure to take the tip test before you let your cats use the tree.
Your cat tree should be sturdy enough to surface clean and sanitize. There are a large number of cats trees on the market that are made with cardboard tubing as the core of the structure. I don't recommend cat trees made with cardboard because cardboard may not hold up well, especially if you surface clean your cat tree regularly with anything moist. If you have a cat tree with cardboard tubing as the main supportive structure, be sure to inspect it regularly for any weakness.
Many cat trees use toxic chemicals, dyes, and glues in the manufacturing process. It is not a good idea to use a cat tree with any of these items, particularly for cats that tend to bite at the carpeting and materials used on cat trees.
Be sure to buy a tree suitable for it's purpose. Don't buy a carpeted cat tree for outside unless it will be in an area protected from rain and moisture. If you keep a carpet and wood cat tree outside, even under a covered patio, moisture may still cause mold to develop on or inside of your cat tree.
For outside cat furniture, make sure that the cat house is suitable for cats. Most outdoor houses on the market are designed for dogs and not for cats, so do your homework when looking for those type of items.
Accessability:
Make sure the cat tree you intend to purchase is accessible to your cats. There are all kinds of situations that call for a really accessible cat tree. Your cats may be old, overweight, declawed, or have health issues. If you have large cats, will your cat tree be large enough to accommodate them? Will they fit into the cubby holes or house(if the cat tree has holes or houses)?
The cats also need to be able to get up and down the tree easily or they probably wont use it.
A good idea is to get a cat tree that you can purchase additional parts in case your tree needs to be more accessible. If the cat tree looks like a cat tree, can your purchase extra branch steps? If it looks like a regular, multi level structure, can your purchase more steps? It's also a good idea to purchase some sort of ladder for cats who are declawed (I am not a supporter of declawing but should you end up with a declawed cat you need to be able to accommodate it too). Your cat trees are no good unless your cats like them and will use them, so be sure your cat tree is designed with your cat in mind. We've had take a second look and to improve the accessability of our cat trees over the years.
Durability:
Durability is not only an issue of getting your moneys worth but also of safety. Most mass manufactured cat trees on the market today are made with the cheapest materials possible. As stated previously, many use cardboard tubing as the main support structure. Cardboard is not very durable, especially if you clean your cat tree. All plywood has some amount of chemicals in it, however, press board and chipboard has a large amount of undesirable chemicals in it and is not as durable as plywood or solid wood.
Fabric is not as durable as carpeting, which is thicker and can stand up to cats scratching better. Of course, no carpeting is going to last forever, but you will get more bang for your buck if your cat tree is carpet covered rather then fabric covered.
Appeal:
Appeal is more important then most people think. Not only should the tree appeal to your cats but it should appeal to you and your visitors. The cat tree should be designed in a way that is attractive to your cats. If a cat tree is designed with cats in mind, usually cats will take to it instantly. Many cats are territorial, so if you have a large number of cats or territorial, cats it is recommended that you buy a large cat tree with multiple, separate spaces for each cat to claim as it's own.
There are certain materials that most cats are attracted to. Cats like warmth and softness when sleeping and they like things they can really dig their claws into when playing. Having a cat tree that provides spaces where you can put soft, warm cat beds is always a plus, as is having a cat tree that can withstand rough play.
Next we want a cat tree that will appeal to our design and style. It does no good to spend $2000.00 on a new leather sofa and thousands on decor if you're going to have a big, ugly, rickety cat tree sitting in the middle of your livingroom! The idea is not to detract from your decor, but to add to it. There's no reason you should compromise your style because you have cats to please (although your cats would tell you different). If that is the case, you might as well pick up the 70's checkerboard sofa sitting on your street corner and throw that into the living room for your cats to use as a scratching post. Of course, different people have different styles, likes and dislikes, so my idea of attractive might not be yours, but im sure you get the drift.
Finally, we come to PRICE::
It's not true that 100% of the time if you spend less you'll get less and if you spend more you get more, but generally speaking, you get what you pay for.
I'll let you in on a not so secret, secret. I'm a penny pincher. I drive my family crazy. Let me tell you a story about my uh - hmmm..."penny pinching abilities". When I was in school my father would take us to a restaurant every morning to eat breakfast before school. I'd buy the heaviest meal, and eat well every morning because I knew he'd give me $2.00 for lunch everyday. I never used the $2.00 to buy lunch. Instead, I would starve myself all day to be able to save the $2.00.
I would go home famished but never broke. I saved so much money that way that when my other family members needed to borrow money they knew I always had some to lend them. Sure, I lent them the money, but I always charged interest! So what's the moral of my story? If you can save a buck or two, please do. That being said, I never, ever, will compromise quality to save money. I feel that if you're compromising quality to save money, then you really haven't saved anything, in fact, you've lost money because it will be just that much faster that you'll have to replace the item. I also, never buy anything im not 100% happy with buying. I won't settle for second best because to me, second best is money not well spent. I don't mind getting used items, but I have to be sure that those are of good quality as well. When it comes to cat trees, it's not a good idea to get a used cat tree unless you know the person who your getting the cat tree from and know that the cats who used the tree are disease free. There are a terrible amount of diseases and parasites that can hide in cat trees.
If you're anything like me, and I suspect that you are since I've done business with probably thousands of cat breeders and pet owners, you spend inordinate amounts on your cats but nothing on yourself. I'll wear the same pair of tennis shoes until they fall apart (husband has to sneak into the closet and get them and throw them away because he knows I will wear them till I'm waking on insole liners held together with shoelaces), but when it comes to my cats, I have to have the latest, greatest and cutest. So, if you're like me, I feel bad for you, but at least now you know how to find a perfect cat tree for your beloved furbabies.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/finding-the-perfect-cat-tree-furniture-for-your-cat-not-as-easy-as-you-might-think-138778.html
About the Author:
SittingPrettyKitty Cat Furniture and Cat Trees http://www.sittingprettykitty.com
Cat Behaviour Problems: The Most Common Problem And How To Deal With It
by: Paul Bicknell
Cats make excellent pets and have recently overtaken dogs as Britain’s favourite pet. There are many reasons for this shift but it may well be a reflection of the fact that our lifestyles have become busier and more hectic so we no longer have the time to devote to more demanding pets. Cats need less space, less food, don’t need to be walked twice a day and are generally easier to care for. However they can be prone to behaviour problems which may lead to extremely unpleasant ‘deposits’ around the home, ruined furniture and limbs covered in bites and scratches. Here is some information regarding the most common cat behaviour problem and some tips to help treat it…
Failure to use the litter box or house soiling is undoubtedly the most common cat behaviour problem. Cats may stop using their litter box/tray or even have trouble learning to use it in the first place. One thing to remember is that you should never punish the cat by ‘rubbing it’s nose in it’. This method of correction has never worked and will only serve to make the cat even more traumatised, thus adding to the problem.
The three main reasons for failing to use the litter box/tray are: -
1. Medical Problems such as:
· Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
· Bacterial Infections
· Tumours
· Kidney Disease
· Liver Disease
Treatment
· Always take the cat to a reputable vet in the first instance in order to rule out the possibility of any medical problems.
· If there is more than one cat in the household, all will need to be examined.
Once all medical problems have been ruled out, you can consider the following: -
2. Problems with the litter box/tray itself:
· Not emptied often enough
· Not clean
· Too many cats using the same box
· Overuse of deodorizers
· Changing the type or brand of the litter
· Changing the location
· Too near to ‘frightening’ domestic appliances e.g. the washing machine
Treatment
· Change the litter at least once every 3 days or as often as daily for some cats
· Ensure deposits are removed on a daily basis
· Clean the box with an odourless disinfectant – there are many brands available designed especially for litter boxes
· If there is more than one cat in the household, make sure, where possible, each has it’s own litter box
· Introduce any new brand/type of litter a little at a time, mixing it with the old brand/type. Do this until eventually you are using only the new brand. If this doesn’t work, you may have to consider returning to the old brand/type.
· If the box has been moved put it back to where it was previously. If this is not possible, put the box on the spot that the cat is choosing to use and then move it towards the desired new location at a rate of one foot per day
· Move the box away from the ‘frightening’ noise or move the appliance that’s causing the problem
· Consider a covered litter box/tray. This gives the cat more privacy, which many prefer and it also helps with odour control and prevents litter being kicked out of the box.
3. Stress/Trauma:
· New cats introduced to the household
· Visitors, especially large gatherings e.g. a party
· Workmen carrying out work in the household
· Moving house
· A change in routine e.g. new working hours
· Problems with other cats in the neighbourhood
· A new baby
Treatment
· Try to give each cat it’s ‘own space’ within the household and introduce them gradually spending a little more time together each day. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that if the soiling continues to be persistent, then it may be advisable not to keep the second cat
· Remove the cat to another area of the house along with it’s bed, litter box, food and water when visitors are present
· The above point can be used when workmen are in the house as well but if it is likely to be for more than a couple of days or very noisy then you should consider placing the cat in a cattery until the work is finished
· Tranquillisers prescribed by your vet may be effective or consider products like Feliway also available from your vet as a spray or in a diffuser
· A new baby sometimes means the cat can become jealous. Give your cat plenty of attention to reassure it that you still love him/her
Above all, remember that punishing the cat using pain or fear will completely destroy any relationship you may have with him/her. At the very least, discipline in this way is likely to escalate the problem and will very likely result in the cat leaving the household altogether to escape the ‘abusive human behaviour’.
About The Author
Paul Bicknell recommends Solutions To Cat Behaviour Problems. See more at http://www.cat-answers.com.
Cats make excellent pets and have recently overtaken dogs as Britain’s favourite pet. There are many reasons for this shift but it may well be a reflection of the fact that our lifestyles have become busier and more hectic so we no longer have the time to devote to more demanding pets. Cats need less space, less food, don’t need to be walked twice a day and are generally easier to care for. However they can be prone to behaviour problems which may lead to extremely unpleasant ‘deposits’ around the home, ruined furniture and limbs covered in bites and scratches. Here is some information regarding the most common cat behaviour problem and some tips to help treat it…
Failure to use the litter box or house soiling is undoubtedly the most common cat behaviour problem. Cats may stop using their litter box/tray or even have trouble learning to use it in the first place. One thing to remember is that you should never punish the cat by ‘rubbing it’s nose in it’. This method of correction has never worked and will only serve to make the cat even more traumatised, thus adding to the problem.
The three main reasons for failing to use the litter box/tray are: -
1. Medical Problems such as:
· Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
· Bacterial Infections
· Tumours
· Kidney Disease
· Liver Disease
Treatment
· Always take the cat to a reputable vet in the first instance in order to rule out the possibility of any medical problems.
· If there is more than one cat in the household, all will need to be examined.
Once all medical problems have been ruled out, you can consider the following: -
2. Problems with the litter box/tray itself:
· Not emptied often enough
· Not clean
· Too many cats using the same box
· Overuse of deodorizers
· Changing the type or brand of the litter
· Changing the location
· Too near to ‘frightening’ domestic appliances e.g. the washing machine
Treatment
· Change the litter at least once every 3 days or as often as daily for some cats
· Ensure deposits are removed on a daily basis
· Clean the box with an odourless disinfectant – there are many brands available designed especially for litter boxes
· If there is more than one cat in the household, make sure, where possible, each has it’s own litter box
· Introduce any new brand/type of litter a little at a time, mixing it with the old brand/type. Do this until eventually you are using only the new brand. If this doesn’t work, you may have to consider returning to the old brand/type.
· If the box has been moved put it back to where it was previously. If this is not possible, put the box on the spot that the cat is choosing to use and then move it towards the desired new location at a rate of one foot per day
· Move the box away from the ‘frightening’ noise or move the appliance that’s causing the problem
· Consider a covered litter box/tray. This gives the cat more privacy, which many prefer and it also helps with odour control and prevents litter being kicked out of the box.
3. Stress/Trauma:
· New cats introduced to the household
· Visitors, especially large gatherings e.g. a party
· Workmen carrying out work in the household
· Moving house
· A change in routine e.g. new working hours
· Problems with other cats in the neighbourhood
· A new baby
Treatment
· Try to give each cat it’s ‘own space’ within the household and introduce them gradually spending a little more time together each day. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that if the soiling continues to be persistent, then it may be advisable not to keep the second cat
· Remove the cat to another area of the house along with it’s bed, litter box, food and water when visitors are present
· The above point can be used when workmen are in the house as well but if it is likely to be for more than a couple of days or very noisy then you should consider placing the cat in a cattery until the work is finished
· Tranquillisers prescribed by your vet may be effective or consider products like Feliway also available from your vet as a spray or in a diffuser
· A new baby sometimes means the cat can become jealous. Give your cat plenty of attention to reassure it that you still love him/her
Above all, remember that punishing the cat using pain or fear will completely destroy any relationship you may have with him/her. At the very least, discipline in this way is likely to escalate the problem and will very likely result in the cat leaving the household altogether to escape the ‘abusive human behaviour’.
About The Author
Paul Bicknell recommends Solutions To Cat Behaviour Problems. See more at http://www.cat-answers.com.
Elderly Cat Care
by: David Beart
Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.
Feeding Time
Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.
Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.
Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.
Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.
Grooming Elderly Cats
Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.
It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.
Vet Visits and Medication
When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.
Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.
Pet Insurance
Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.
The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.
Activities of the Elderly Cat
The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.
Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.
About The Author
David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/cats/cats.aspx cat information, and household issues.
Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.
Feeding Time
Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.
Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.
Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.
Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.
Grooming Elderly Cats
Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.
It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.
Vet Visits and Medication
When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.
Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.
Pet Insurance
Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.
The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.
Activities of the Elderly Cat
The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.
Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.
About The Author
David Beart is owner of the http://www.professorshouse.com Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/cats/cats.aspx cat information, and household issues.
Glass Doorknobs – Eye-catching Fixtures That Will Be Sure To Please
by: Jesse Akre
You have just remodeled the bathrooms in your home and are looking to put a nice finishing touch on the project. Something that will make the room stands out from the others in your home. Well, glass doorknobs are a great way to do just that.
Okay, you might be wondering, what makes glass doorknobs such a fabulous choice? It is because they have a very decorative appearance, which is the result of the many eye-catching styles that they can come in. For example, you can get one that features a simple round design in a clear color, but in the middle of it is a glistening mirror, which will reflect of the light in a gorgeous way. Or, you can get one that has a spiraling design and is a stunning shade of blue. There are also ones that are rosette shaped, are in the shape of a mushroom, and some that are oval shaped while other color options include rose, pink, lavender, emerald green, and amber.
What also adds to the beauty of glass doorknobs are the different materials that they are mounted on. For instance, the round one mentioned earlier might be supported by a base made from brass that has a polished finish. Or, the one that has a spiraling design could be supported by a base that is made from bronze that is hand rubbed.
Not quite feeling glass doorknobs, well, don’t fret because there are still a lot of other gorgeous options to choose from made from other materials as well. Like, you can get one that is crafted from entirely brass that feature a polished finish and has a round shape. Or, you can get one that also has a round shape, but this time around it is made from stainless steel and has a brushed finish. Some of the other options these fixtures can also be made from include other metals like bronze and regular steel, plastic, and you can even get ones crafted from ceramic that have lovely patterns painted on them.
Want to check out the different glass doorknobs, or the other options, that you could purchase for your home? First off, forget about going down to the local hardware store. Instead, just take a short walk to your family computer and do some online shopping. You can browse all the online stores and their offerings in no time at all. When you do finally make a decision on simply, it will generally be at a very reasonable price and it will even be shipped right to you. Shopping has never been so convenient because you don’t have to leave the comforts of your home to do it.
So, if you want to put a nice finishing touch on a new remodeling project or just want to spruce up the look of your home, choose glass doorknobs to do it. They have a beautiful appearance and will really add some personality to that bathroom door of yours. You can even put them on other doors throughout your home as well, something that will leave an impression of elegance and style.
About The Author
Jesse Akre, owner of a wide variety of online stores specializing in niche products, shares information on how to furnish and decorate your indoor and outdoor space so that it is both comfortable and appealing to the eye. Make things exceptional – Click today: http://www.shopdoorknobs.com
You have just remodeled the bathrooms in your home and are looking to put a nice finishing touch on the project. Something that will make the room stands out from the others in your home. Well, glass doorknobs are a great way to do just that.
Okay, you might be wondering, what makes glass doorknobs such a fabulous choice? It is because they have a very decorative appearance, which is the result of the many eye-catching styles that they can come in. For example, you can get one that features a simple round design in a clear color, but in the middle of it is a glistening mirror, which will reflect of the light in a gorgeous way. Or, you can get one that has a spiraling design and is a stunning shade of blue. There are also ones that are rosette shaped, are in the shape of a mushroom, and some that are oval shaped while other color options include rose, pink, lavender, emerald green, and amber.
What also adds to the beauty of glass doorknobs are the different materials that they are mounted on. For instance, the round one mentioned earlier might be supported by a base made from brass that has a polished finish. Or, the one that has a spiraling design could be supported by a base that is made from bronze that is hand rubbed.
Not quite feeling glass doorknobs, well, don’t fret because there are still a lot of other gorgeous options to choose from made from other materials as well. Like, you can get one that is crafted from entirely brass that feature a polished finish and has a round shape. Or, you can get one that also has a round shape, but this time around it is made from stainless steel and has a brushed finish. Some of the other options these fixtures can also be made from include other metals like bronze and regular steel, plastic, and you can even get ones crafted from ceramic that have lovely patterns painted on them.
Want to check out the different glass doorknobs, or the other options, that you could purchase for your home? First off, forget about going down to the local hardware store. Instead, just take a short walk to your family computer and do some online shopping. You can browse all the online stores and their offerings in no time at all. When you do finally make a decision on simply, it will generally be at a very reasonable price and it will even be shipped right to you. Shopping has never been so convenient because you don’t have to leave the comforts of your home to do it.
So, if you want to put a nice finishing touch on a new remodeling project or just want to spruce up the look of your home, choose glass doorknobs to do it. They have a beautiful appearance and will really add some personality to that bathroom door of yours. You can even put them on other doors throughout your home as well, something that will leave an impression of elegance and style.
About The Author
Jesse Akre, owner of a wide variety of online stores specializing in niche products, shares information on how to furnish and decorate your indoor and outdoor space so that it is both comfortable and appealing to the eye. Make things exceptional – Click today: http://www.shopdoorknobs.com
Raising Cats
by Julianne Harju
The association of man and cat goes back approximately 5,000 years. Originally found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, the origin of the domesticated cat is controversial. Early associations of man and cat are cloaked in legend and myth. Every country has references to the cat in their literature, describing the qualities of the cat in several ways. Sayings, known as cat proverbs, are common. The following are a few that you may be familiar with: Curiosity killed the cat; While the cat's away, the mouse will play; There's more than one way to skin a cat; Fight like cats and dogs; He born of a cat, begets mice (meaning certain dishonest traits are inherited); and The frenetic cat gives birth to blind cats (things done too quickly come out badly). Wherever the origin, cats remain superb companions for humans, young and old alike.
Selection
Cats come in several colors and sizes, shorthaired, longhaired, and even no hair, with many breeds to choose from. After you decide what you are looking for, you must decide if you are going to purchase it as a pet, or if you are going to be a breeder. When making the decision to be a breeder, analyze your facilities, your market, your costs, and your time. These factors work together so you can perform an adequate job. Whether you breed, or just buy a pet, you must be a responsible cat owner. A pet-quality kitten should be spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough. Responsible breeders should not breed their females too often, just for economic gain. The responsible breeder will sell their kittens with a Spay/Neuter contract, withholding the kitten's registration papers until the new owner gets it spayed or neutered. Animal shelters that place kittens up for adoption also encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their kitten by covering one-half of the cost of the procedure.
When choosing your kitten, be sure its health is optimal. Remember to ask the breeder or owner what the kitten eats, if it is litter trained, and whether it has had any shots. It is recommended that you keep the kitten on the food that it is eating or, if you are going to change the brand, do it gradually by combining the old food with the new food until the kitten is eating only the new food. If the food doesn't agree with the cat, diarrhea may result.
One of our Ragdoll cats.
Bringing Home a New Kitten
When you get home, make the kitten comfortable by providing it a safe environment, its own bed in a quiet place, and a litter box. To soothe the kitten during the first days at home, you may want to place in its bed a hot water bottle for warmth and a wind-up clock to substitute for its mother's heartbeat. Keep the litter box nearby, but away from the cat's food and water. Although kittens sleep for two-thirds of the day, toys and a scratching post should be provided to occupy its time when it is not sleeping. Slowly introduce the kitten to your other pets. Your kitten will quickly adapt and will become an irreplaceable friend in no time.
Age
A cat will live for an average of 15 years, which is approximately equivalent to 74 human years. How you care for the cat, its sex and its lifestyle all affect its longevity. To maintain its health, your cat needs to be regularly vaccinated and wormed. Some owners have their cats declawed, an amputation of each digit at the second joint, thus altering the personality of the cat resulting in the cat biting more.
Breeding
There are many unwanted litters of kittens born every day, and becoming a breeder is a very serious commitment. Female cats can whelp three or four times per year if made pregnant. The female is fertile beginning on the third day of her heat. The male should remain with the female for one day and one night. Gestation for a cat is approximately 63-66 days. During the pregnancy of your female, be sure that she receives highly nutritious food, to provide for the demands of producing the kittens.
Prepare a bed for the birth, selecting a quiet place for her to have her kittens. Place a blanket or towel in the bottom of a box that is about two feet square and two feet high, with a section on the side cut out for a door through which the kittens can get in and out. Be sure to place this box in a warm place.
A few days prior to whelping, the female will start to pull the hair from around her teats in preparation for nursing and her appetite will subside. Birthing begins and within fifteen minutes the first kitten will appear in a placental sac. The mother will immediately free the kitten from the sac and will clean the kitten up, and may also eat the placenta. She will deliver another kitten every 15-30 minutes, until all are born. An average litter size is four kittens.
Allow the female to rest after the birth. Be sure to remove wet bedding from the box, replacing it with clean, dry bedding. The kittens will naturally nurse. If the mother cannot feed all, you may have to supplement the kitten with a commercially prepared milk substitute. Kittens will nurse for 6-8 weeks and will double their birth weight in eight days. Newborn kittens are blind, deaf, and do not have teeth. The eyes should open between the eighth and tenth day. In approximately two weeks, the kitten will begin to walk around, playing and coordinating its movements. The mother generally cleans up after her offspring while they are wandering about. As they mature, you can supplement the kittens with evaporated milk and a little bit of Gerber Rice Cereal for babies. This will aid in the weaning of the kittens when they are 5-6 weeks old. If a kitten remains with a mother too long, its growth will be stunted, as the mother may not be able to produce the required amount of milk. Gradually introduce kitten food. When the kittens are eating on their own, they are ready to be weaned from their mother. Kittens may be sold between the ages of 10-12 weeks old. If kept until 12 weeks, the kittens learn valuable social skills while interacting with their siblings.
Be sure to register your litter if they are purebreds. Draw up a contract that will cover the sale of the kittens. Kittens can be sold as show cats, breeders, or pet-quality. Include a stipulation to have the cat spayed or neutered if it is not going to be a breeder. When the new owner fulfills the contract obligation and provides the breeder with written verification, the registration paper for that kitten can be signed and released.
My Favorite Breed
My favorite breed of cat is the Ragdoll. Currently I own four Ragdolls, a Himalayan, and a domestic longhair. They all get along fine with each other, as well as with our three Boxers. The Ragdoll breed was the result of the combination of a female Persian, a male Birman, and a female Burmese. It is a firm and muscular cat, well-balanced physically and temperamentally loving and gentle to handle. Males can weigh up to 20 pounds and females up to 15 pounds. These cats grow for four years before reaching their full size and weight. The coat of a Ragdoll is medium to long and is plush and silky, similar to rabbit fur. The breed comes in four colors: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Frost; and in three patterns: Color Point (a pale body with darker points,) Mitted (white chest, bib, chin and paw mittens,) and Bi-color (a pale body with dark ears, tail and a mask, with a white inverted-V, and a white chest, stomach, and legs.) Full color is not reached until the cat is two years old. All Ragdolls have blue eyes. The breed is affectionate and very intelligent. If you like cats, I guarantee that you will love the Ragdoll breed.
Author Bio
Julianne Harju lives with her husband, Ted, at Wintery Winds Farm in Bessemer, Michigan, located in the western area of the Upper Peninsula. They have raised llamas for seven years, cats for five years and Boxers for a few years. Julianne works full-time as a computer technician for the State of Michigan and has temporarily ceased raising Ragdolls because of the demands of her job.
All Animals owns all rights to this article and the photos. You may link to the article (not the photos), but you may *not* copy it, nor reprint it anywhere else. You may print the URL which is www.all-animals.com/ragdoll.html
The association of man and cat goes back approximately 5,000 years. Originally found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, the origin of the domesticated cat is controversial. Early associations of man and cat are cloaked in legend and myth. Every country has references to the cat in their literature, describing the qualities of the cat in several ways. Sayings, known as cat proverbs, are common. The following are a few that you may be familiar with: Curiosity killed the cat; While the cat's away, the mouse will play; There's more than one way to skin a cat; Fight like cats and dogs; He born of a cat, begets mice (meaning certain dishonest traits are inherited); and The frenetic cat gives birth to blind cats (things done too quickly come out badly). Wherever the origin, cats remain superb companions for humans, young and old alike.
Selection
Cats come in several colors and sizes, shorthaired, longhaired, and even no hair, with many breeds to choose from. After you decide what you are looking for, you must decide if you are going to purchase it as a pet, or if you are going to be a breeder. When making the decision to be a breeder, analyze your facilities, your market, your costs, and your time. These factors work together so you can perform an adequate job. Whether you breed, or just buy a pet, you must be a responsible cat owner. A pet-quality kitten should be spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough. Responsible breeders should not breed their females too often, just for economic gain. The responsible breeder will sell their kittens with a Spay/Neuter contract, withholding the kitten's registration papers until the new owner gets it spayed or neutered. Animal shelters that place kittens up for adoption also encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their kitten by covering one-half of the cost of the procedure.
When choosing your kitten, be sure its health is optimal. Remember to ask the breeder or owner what the kitten eats, if it is litter trained, and whether it has had any shots. It is recommended that you keep the kitten on the food that it is eating or, if you are going to change the brand, do it gradually by combining the old food with the new food until the kitten is eating only the new food. If the food doesn't agree with the cat, diarrhea may result.
One of our Ragdoll cats.
Bringing Home a New Kitten
When you get home, make the kitten comfortable by providing it a safe environment, its own bed in a quiet place, and a litter box. To soothe the kitten during the first days at home, you may want to place in its bed a hot water bottle for warmth and a wind-up clock to substitute for its mother's heartbeat. Keep the litter box nearby, but away from the cat's food and water. Although kittens sleep for two-thirds of the day, toys and a scratching post should be provided to occupy its time when it is not sleeping. Slowly introduce the kitten to your other pets. Your kitten will quickly adapt and will become an irreplaceable friend in no time.
Age
A cat will live for an average of 15 years, which is approximately equivalent to 74 human years. How you care for the cat, its sex and its lifestyle all affect its longevity. To maintain its health, your cat needs to be regularly vaccinated and wormed. Some owners have their cats declawed, an amputation of each digit at the second joint, thus altering the personality of the cat resulting in the cat biting more.
Breeding
There are many unwanted litters of kittens born every day, and becoming a breeder is a very serious commitment. Female cats can whelp three or four times per year if made pregnant. The female is fertile beginning on the third day of her heat. The male should remain with the female for one day and one night. Gestation for a cat is approximately 63-66 days. During the pregnancy of your female, be sure that she receives highly nutritious food, to provide for the demands of producing the kittens.
Prepare a bed for the birth, selecting a quiet place for her to have her kittens. Place a blanket or towel in the bottom of a box that is about two feet square and two feet high, with a section on the side cut out for a door through which the kittens can get in and out. Be sure to place this box in a warm place.
A few days prior to whelping, the female will start to pull the hair from around her teats in preparation for nursing and her appetite will subside. Birthing begins and within fifteen minutes the first kitten will appear in a placental sac. The mother will immediately free the kitten from the sac and will clean the kitten up, and may also eat the placenta. She will deliver another kitten every 15-30 minutes, until all are born. An average litter size is four kittens.
Allow the female to rest after the birth. Be sure to remove wet bedding from the box, replacing it with clean, dry bedding. The kittens will naturally nurse. If the mother cannot feed all, you may have to supplement the kitten with a commercially prepared milk substitute. Kittens will nurse for 6-8 weeks and will double their birth weight in eight days. Newborn kittens are blind, deaf, and do not have teeth. The eyes should open between the eighth and tenth day. In approximately two weeks, the kitten will begin to walk around, playing and coordinating its movements. The mother generally cleans up after her offspring while they are wandering about. As they mature, you can supplement the kittens with evaporated milk and a little bit of Gerber Rice Cereal for babies. This will aid in the weaning of the kittens when they are 5-6 weeks old. If a kitten remains with a mother too long, its growth will be stunted, as the mother may not be able to produce the required amount of milk. Gradually introduce kitten food. When the kittens are eating on their own, they are ready to be weaned from their mother. Kittens may be sold between the ages of 10-12 weeks old. If kept until 12 weeks, the kittens learn valuable social skills while interacting with their siblings.
Be sure to register your litter if they are purebreds. Draw up a contract that will cover the sale of the kittens. Kittens can be sold as show cats, breeders, or pet-quality. Include a stipulation to have the cat spayed or neutered if it is not going to be a breeder. When the new owner fulfills the contract obligation and provides the breeder with written verification, the registration paper for that kitten can be signed and released.
My Favorite Breed
My favorite breed of cat is the Ragdoll. Currently I own four Ragdolls, a Himalayan, and a domestic longhair. They all get along fine with each other, as well as with our three Boxers. The Ragdoll breed was the result of the combination of a female Persian, a male Birman, and a female Burmese. It is a firm and muscular cat, well-balanced physically and temperamentally loving and gentle to handle. Males can weigh up to 20 pounds and females up to 15 pounds. These cats grow for four years before reaching their full size and weight. The coat of a Ragdoll is medium to long and is plush and silky, similar to rabbit fur. The breed comes in four colors: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Frost; and in three patterns: Color Point (a pale body with darker points,) Mitted (white chest, bib, chin and paw mittens,) and Bi-color (a pale body with dark ears, tail and a mask, with a white inverted-V, and a white chest, stomach, and legs.) Full color is not reached until the cat is two years old. All Ragdolls have blue eyes. The breed is affectionate and very intelligent. If you like cats, I guarantee that you will love the Ragdoll breed.
Author Bio
Julianne Harju lives with her husband, Ted, at Wintery Winds Farm in Bessemer, Michigan, located in the western area of the Upper Peninsula. They have raised llamas for seven years, cats for five years and Boxers for a few years. Julianne works full-time as a computer technician for the State of Michigan and has temporarily ceased raising Ragdolls because of the demands of her job.
All Animals owns all rights to this article and the photos. You may link to the article (not the photos), but you may *not* copy it, nor reprint it anywhere else. You may print the URL which is www.all-animals.com/ragdoll.html