By Thomas Kellerman
As every cat lover knows, a cat owners manual is no substitute for experience. But, saying that, it is handy to know the basics - how to care for your kitty, what he needs and how to make him happy. Whether you have a new kitten or you have one or more cats in your home already, a cat owners manual is the best way to make sure you are looking after all your kitty's requirements and to make sure you understand how your cat thinks and why he does what he does.
Here are some cat owners manual basic tips:
* Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your cat is feed him well. Cats are natural hunters and outdoor cats often hunt small rodents and birds. Not only can these lead to worms but do not provide a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet for your cat. There are many types of cat food on the market. You can choose from dry biscuit type cat food and wet cat food in cans in a multitude of flavors. Different cats have different tastes. Some cats dislike tuna and some dislike beef, for example. Fresh fish, meat or poultry (check for bones!) can make a good, occasional treat for your feline friend, but does not constitute a complete, nutritionally balanced diet.
* Another very important topic in a cat owners manual is the litter box. Cats can be trained to use the litter box with relative ease. Placing kitty in the litter box after each meal gives a clear indication of what it is for, because cats think about elimination after eating. Make sure the litter is clean, the litter box is large enough and the litter box is placed in a quiet area - not next to a noisy appliance.
* All cats like to play, no matter how young or old they are. You might buy an expensive cat toy, only to find your cat prefers playing with the box it came in! You can actually make some cat toys yourself. Try dragging a shoelace across the floor or making tinfoil balls with a small cat treat hidden inside. Cats will chase anything that moves and will appreciate the attention from you. Playing with your cat is a great bonding experience.
* It is important to find a good veterinarian. Kitty will need vaccinations and boosters and you might choose to get your cat neutered or spayed. Make sure you have a 24 hour telephone number for your veterinarian in case your cat ever gets in an accident and needs emergency treatment. You can ask family and friends with pets for veterinary recommendations.
* You will need a cat comb or brush, no matter whether your furry friend has long, short or medium length fur. Brushing gets rid of loose fur, which can lead to hairballs. It is also a relaxing, enjoyable experience for most cats and a great bonding experience for the pair of you.
These are the cat owners manual basics but there is plenty more to cat ownership. Perhaps the most important things are love and patience. If you are new to cat ownership, you will find out plenty along the way about what your cat likes and dislikes. If you are patient with your cat and spend time with him, your bond will become strong and the relationship will definitely be very rewarding.Thomas Kellerman an expert in the field of cat care and training. For a more in depth Cat owners Manual or for a free 10 part mini-course you can visit the site below: http://www.ourcatsecrets.com/what-you-need-to-be-a-cat-owner.html
Love Your Kitty With These 10 Awesome Games for Your Cat
By Kimberly Mission
Feline behavior problems such as neurotic chewing, obsessive grooming, over eating, and aggression can sometimes be caused by boredom.
You can improve your cat's mental health and physical prowess with as little as 15 minutes of quality playtime each day. Even this much consistent playtime will do wonders to strengthen a satisfying bond between you and your cat.
Once you start having fun daily with your cat, there will be no shortage of play ideas. But, just to get you started, here are some fun ideas to avoid a boring routine and to add excitement to liven up your cat's world.
Brown Paper Bag Game
Cats enjoy hiding immensely. Find a large paper bag and observe the fun you cat has. They relish popping in and out of it. Cut some holes in the bag and put one of his favorite toys inside. This game will keep your cat busy having tons of fun for both of you.
Hidden Treasure Game
Hide one of your cat's toys in between the furniture cushions, or under a pillow. This will convert the toy into a hunting game for your kitty. Each time he finds the "treasure", try a new hiding place.
Swat the Mouse
Create a cat toy or a play mouse that you can dangle in front of your cat. Tie yarn or string to the mouse and attach the other end to a short stick - like a pencil or chopstick. You and your kitty will have a blast as you dangle the mouse in front of him and he tries to swat it.
Fun With the Toilet Paper Roll
Find an old toilet paper roll with no paper on it. Kitty will love batting it around. Once he has had enough of this game, try putting an object inside, such as a small ball. Then tape the two ends of the roll. This addition makes the roll wobble each time he hits it and the fun starts all over again.
Kleenex Game
Kitty will love pulling out the tissues one at a time from a box of Kleenex. It could make a big mess, but its worth it seeing you cat having such fun.
Laser Chase Game
Those little lasers used to point to a screen for public speakers make great toys for cats. Please, however, use caution when using laser light. Never shine it in your kitty's eyes. If you don't have access to one of these laser pointers, a flashlight with a focused beam works well too. Your cat will love chasing the light around the floor and walls. It's a super challenge for kitty - not to mention great exercise.
Bouncing Ball Fun
Bouncing balls are small, but they can be big fun for you and your cat!
Sock Game
Your cat will love playing with a stuffed sock. Here's how to do it. Fill a sock with another sock or with cotton balls. Spice it up a bit with some catnip. Then watch your cat go bonkers.
The Ice Cube Game
On a smooth floor, such as in the kitchen, slide an ice cube across the floor. It's like cat ice hockey and your cat is sure to win!
Bathtub Ping Pong
Just drop some ping pong balls into a dry, empty bathtub and watch your cat have a blast!I hope you see from this list how easy it is to come up with games that you and your cat will love. If you need more ideas I can provide you with many here. Try 2 or 3 playtimes a day when your cat seems most active. Both you and kitty will be happy and fit!
Kimberly Mission is a pet lover with a special affection for cats. If you are thinking about becoming a cat owner and would like a great resource for choosing, caring for, and understanding your new pet, you will not want to miss her guide for loving your kitty.
Drop by her for more tips on caring for, training, and even communicating with your cat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Mission
Feline behavior problems such as neurotic chewing, obsessive grooming, over eating, and aggression can sometimes be caused by boredom.
You can improve your cat's mental health and physical prowess with as little as 15 minutes of quality playtime each day. Even this much consistent playtime will do wonders to strengthen a satisfying bond between you and your cat.
Once you start having fun daily with your cat, there will be no shortage of play ideas. But, just to get you started, here are some fun ideas to avoid a boring routine and to add excitement to liven up your cat's world.
Brown Paper Bag Game
Cats enjoy hiding immensely. Find a large paper bag and observe the fun you cat has. They relish popping in and out of it. Cut some holes in the bag and put one of his favorite toys inside. This game will keep your cat busy having tons of fun for both of you.
Hidden Treasure Game
Hide one of your cat's toys in between the furniture cushions, or under a pillow. This will convert the toy into a hunting game for your kitty. Each time he finds the "treasure", try a new hiding place.
Swat the Mouse
Create a cat toy or a play mouse that you can dangle in front of your cat. Tie yarn or string to the mouse and attach the other end to a short stick - like a pencil or chopstick. You and your kitty will have a blast as you dangle the mouse in front of him and he tries to swat it.
Fun With the Toilet Paper Roll
Find an old toilet paper roll with no paper on it. Kitty will love batting it around. Once he has had enough of this game, try putting an object inside, such as a small ball. Then tape the two ends of the roll. This addition makes the roll wobble each time he hits it and the fun starts all over again.
Kleenex Game
Kitty will love pulling out the tissues one at a time from a box of Kleenex. It could make a big mess, but its worth it seeing you cat having such fun.
Laser Chase Game
Those little lasers used to point to a screen for public speakers make great toys for cats. Please, however, use caution when using laser light. Never shine it in your kitty's eyes. If you don't have access to one of these laser pointers, a flashlight with a focused beam works well too. Your cat will love chasing the light around the floor and walls. It's a super challenge for kitty - not to mention great exercise.
Bouncing Ball Fun
Bouncing balls are small, but they can be big fun for you and your cat!
Sock Game
Your cat will love playing with a stuffed sock. Here's how to do it. Fill a sock with another sock or with cotton balls. Spice it up a bit with some catnip. Then watch your cat go bonkers.
The Ice Cube Game
On a smooth floor, such as in the kitchen, slide an ice cube across the floor. It's like cat ice hockey and your cat is sure to win!
Bathtub Ping Pong
Just drop some ping pong balls into a dry, empty bathtub and watch your cat have a blast!I hope you see from this list how easy it is to come up with games that you and your cat will love. If you need more ideas I can provide you with many here. Try 2 or 3 playtimes a day when your cat seems most active. Both you and kitty will be happy and fit!
Kimberly Mission is a pet lover with a special affection for cats. If you are thinking about becoming a cat owner and would like a great resource for choosing, caring for, and understanding your new pet, you will not want to miss her guide for loving your kitty.
Drop by her for more tips on caring for, training, and even communicating with your cat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Mission
Cat Trees - the Answer For Feline Fun
By Jennifer Akre
If your cat could talk, what would she say? You might think leave me alone would be a good guess, but what she is crying out for is some stimulation. And cat trees can give her what she wants and save on the wear and tear to your furniture.
Available in several shapes and sizes, cat trees are a great way to entertain both you and your cat. They usually consist of a tower or tree with several platforms or limbs. All are covered in carpet perfect for scratching and some limps might hold cubbies or hammocks for your furry friend. They will love exploring their new toy and observing the world around them from on high. Some have hanging toys they can bat at and others are just for climbing and resting. Yet traditionally this well loved design does not necessarily garner the same praise from cat owners. In fact some cat lovers have gone without while others have endured what some call eyesores pushed to the corner of the room.
Now, though several new designs have appeared that merge clean lines with molded pine and pressed cardboard in lieu of plywood covered in carpet remnants. You can choose from a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired house for your furry friend or perhaps a snail shell shaped cardboard cocoon would appeal to both you and your cat. Do you go for European style? Well then try an elliptical shaped cubby for your pet on a steel pedestal. One designer has pared down the cat tree to its essence; a wall mounted platform with inset mohair and even carpet.
While these new designs may appeal to some, others are still just as happy with the regular styled cat trees in their living rooms. And your cat? Well he or she would probably be just as happy with the box these things came in. But cats are very adaptable and will most likely be content with anything you give them. So if you want a cat toy that is more modern and aesthetically pleasing to the eye your cat will like it too.
Most cats love to get into anything, so any type of furniture will protect your furniture from excess fur and scratch marks. So surprisingly you don't have to decide between a happy cat and a stylish pad. Modern cat trees and other cat furniture are almost sculptures or art, for your home. No more shoving them in the corner to hopefully get them out of site. You'll want to proudly display these pieces.
So indulge your furry friends with furniture like cat trees that you both can love and you won't be seen as a crazy cat lady with fur constantly flying in the room, a bad smell coming from the litter box are and your living room cluttered with more ghastly cat furniture than furniture for yourself. Instead you will just be a person who has a swanky pad who also has a cat or two to keep you company.Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous pet area by using aesthetically pleasing cat furniture and cozy cat houses to accomodate your feline friends.
If your cat could talk, what would she say? You might think leave me alone would be a good guess, but what she is crying out for is some stimulation. And cat trees can give her what she wants and save on the wear and tear to your furniture.
Available in several shapes and sizes, cat trees are a great way to entertain both you and your cat. They usually consist of a tower or tree with several platforms or limbs. All are covered in carpet perfect for scratching and some limps might hold cubbies or hammocks for your furry friend. They will love exploring their new toy and observing the world around them from on high. Some have hanging toys they can bat at and others are just for climbing and resting. Yet traditionally this well loved design does not necessarily garner the same praise from cat owners. In fact some cat lovers have gone without while others have endured what some call eyesores pushed to the corner of the room.
Now, though several new designs have appeared that merge clean lines with molded pine and pressed cardboard in lieu of plywood covered in carpet remnants. You can choose from a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired house for your furry friend or perhaps a snail shell shaped cardboard cocoon would appeal to both you and your cat. Do you go for European style? Well then try an elliptical shaped cubby for your pet on a steel pedestal. One designer has pared down the cat tree to its essence; a wall mounted platform with inset mohair and even carpet.
While these new designs may appeal to some, others are still just as happy with the regular styled cat trees in their living rooms. And your cat? Well he or she would probably be just as happy with the box these things came in. But cats are very adaptable and will most likely be content with anything you give them. So if you want a cat toy that is more modern and aesthetically pleasing to the eye your cat will like it too.
Most cats love to get into anything, so any type of furniture will protect your furniture from excess fur and scratch marks. So surprisingly you don't have to decide between a happy cat and a stylish pad. Modern cat trees and other cat furniture are almost sculptures or art, for your home. No more shoving them in the corner to hopefully get them out of site. You'll want to proudly display these pieces.
So indulge your furry friends with furniture like cat trees that you both can love and you won't be seen as a crazy cat lady with fur constantly flying in the room, a bad smell coming from the litter box are and your living room cluttered with more ghastly cat furniture than furniture for yourself. Instead you will just be a person who has a swanky pad who also has a cat or two to keep you company.Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous pet area by using aesthetically pleasing cat furniture and cozy cat houses to accomodate your feline friends.