By Luke Blaise
Cats almost always seem bored. The older a cat gets, the more boring its life seems to become. Well there is a way to help prevent this from happening.
Think about this for a moment, if you had the same five toys to play with everyday wouldn't you become bored too? Well instead of giving your cat access to all the same toys everyday, what you need to do is create a toy rotation.
It is easy and simple to create a toy rotation. Just take away a few toys and only let your cat have access to one or two toys a day. Then the next day, take those toys away and give back some of the other ones.
By only giving your cat access to one or two toys a day and then switching them on a daily basis you are adding variety to your cat's life. Novelty in an animal's environment stimulates learning and activity.
Some cats won't play with toys at all. So in order to help get your cat more exercise, you need to get down and play with your cat 15 minutes or so a day. Nothing better stimulates your cat's interest more than human interaction.
This daily interaction can be enhanced with toy rotation. Also this is good for you as well, because it forces you to come up with new ways to play with the toy of the day.
By incorporating a toy rotation into your schedule you can help stimulate your cat and help to keep your cat in shape. Also you will get some exercise out of it too and even more quality time with your cat.Get this great report NOW:
Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems
Easy (and Cheap) Ways to Exercise Your Cat
By Dr. R.J. Peters
It's probably one of those old wives' tales that cats sleep 20 hours a day (mine sure don't), but what else has a housecat to do anyway? Sometimes we force them to live up, or down, to our expectations. The truth is, cats need a fair amount of exercise to maintain their health, too.
The easiest way to make sure your cat gets enough exercise is to simply play with her!
Take advantage of what your cat likes to do. If she likes chasing something, as most cats do, make your own "fishing pole" cat toy, using found objects around the house. Start by finding a "stick."
It could be an old spring tension curtain rod you no longer use, about 18-24 inches long, or an actual stick or branch from your yard. Plastic works best, as it's sturdy, light weight, won't wear out as quickly, and is pretty hard to break. To one end of this "stick" attach a strong piece of string or very light rope, about 24-36 inches long. Then tie something to the loose end that will serve as an interesting toy for the cat... perhaps a crocheted ball with a bell inside it, or a tuft of feathers, or the cut-off toe of an old sock, into which a little catnip has been sewn.
Now you can exercise your cat while you sit down. Just swish the toy around and watch kitty chase it! Or, if you could use a little exercise yourself, get up outta that chair and move around so you're giving kitty more territory to run through.
If you don't have the materials or ability to make this toy, they are available at most pet stores. And if you can't get to the store, simply walk through your home and let kitty follow you!
Generally, they like to be where you are and will follow your movements through the house. They just won't be very athletic about it, so this might be the best way to offer "low impact" exercise to an older cat so they don't spend all day just sleeping out of boredom.
If you have two cats, tie a very light leash to one's collar and let the other one chase her as she drags it behind her. Then switch, so they can take turns. This gives them plenty of exercise while you can sit in a chair and work on your belly muscles from laughing!
Cats are very curious, as everyone knows, so you can use that interest as the motivation for another low impact exercise: hide-n-seek. Simply hide something inside something and let kitty figure out how to find and then extract it.
You can make your own "hidey toy" with found materials, too, such as a shoe box that you've taped shut. Put a toy inside that makes some noise, such as a crochet ball with a bell inside it. Or, you can put cat treats into the box. Cut holes, about 2 inches wide, in the top and maybe one or two sides of the box, and let kitty work it out.
This toy is a good way to help kitty be active while you're absent, perhaps at work all day. It provides some physical activity and some mental stimulation.
Other easy toys include wadded up balls of paper, paper towel rolls cut into 2-4 inch lengths, and again, the good old crocheted yarn balls. Hang one by a very strong string from a doorknob for self-motivated playtime.
And never leave string, yarn, or string style toys around the house when you're not there. If kitty were to choke on one while you're gone, you might not get back in time to prevent a tragedy.
Another "home alone" style play activity is a homemade jungle gym, made of boxes. Just stack them about 3-4 high and kitty will have them all toppled within minutes. Then she'll be darting in and around them for hours, if she gets excited about it. Beware, however... some cats really love chewing up cardboard, so don't be surprised to find a room full of cardboard shreddies when you get back.
You can either smile and vacuum up the mess, knowing your kitty had a great time, or you can take this game off your list. Hey, at least it's not the couch, right?Dr. RJ Peters helps cat owners find answers to questions and problems at The Problem Cat.
It's probably one of those old wives' tales that cats sleep 20 hours a day (mine sure don't), but what else has a housecat to do anyway? Sometimes we force them to live up, or down, to our expectations. The truth is, cats need a fair amount of exercise to maintain their health, too.
The easiest way to make sure your cat gets enough exercise is to simply play with her!
Take advantage of what your cat likes to do. If she likes chasing something, as most cats do, make your own "fishing pole" cat toy, using found objects around the house. Start by finding a "stick."
It could be an old spring tension curtain rod you no longer use, about 18-24 inches long, or an actual stick or branch from your yard. Plastic works best, as it's sturdy, light weight, won't wear out as quickly, and is pretty hard to break. To one end of this "stick" attach a strong piece of string or very light rope, about 24-36 inches long. Then tie something to the loose end that will serve as an interesting toy for the cat... perhaps a crocheted ball with a bell inside it, or a tuft of feathers, or the cut-off toe of an old sock, into which a little catnip has been sewn.
Now you can exercise your cat while you sit down. Just swish the toy around and watch kitty chase it! Or, if you could use a little exercise yourself, get up outta that chair and move around so you're giving kitty more territory to run through.
If you don't have the materials or ability to make this toy, they are available at most pet stores. And if you can't get to the store, simply walk through your home and let kitty follow you!
Generally, they like to be where you are and will follow your movements through the house. They just won't be very athletic about it, so this might be the best way to offer "low impact" exercise to an older cat so they don't spend all day just sleeping out of boredom.
If you have two cats, tie a very light leash to one's collar and let the other one chase her as she drags it behind her. Then switch, so they can take turns. This gives them plenty of exercise while you can sit in a chair and work on your belly muscles from laughing!
Cats are very curious, as everyone knows, so you can use that interest as the motivation for another low impact exercise: hide-n-seek. Simply hide something inside something and let kitty figure out how to find and then extract it.
You can make your own "hidey toy" with found materials, too, such as a shoe box that you've taped shut. Put a toy inside that makes some noise, such as a crochet ball with a bell inside it. Or, you can put cat treats into the box. Cut holes, about 2 inches wide, in the top and maybe one or two sides of the box, and let kitty work it out.
This toy is a good way to help kitty be active while you're absent, perhaps at work all day. It provides some physical activity and some mental stimulation.
Other easy toys include wadded up balls of paper, paper towel rolls cut into 2-4 inch lengths, and again, the good old crocheted yarn balls. Hang one by a very strong string from a doorknob for self-motivated playtime.
And never leave string, yarn, or string style toys around the house when you're not there. If kitty were to choke on one while you're gone, you might not get back in time to prevent a tragedy.
Another "home alone" style play activity is a homemade jungle gym, made of boxes. Just stack them about 3-4 high and kitty will have them all toppled within minutes. Then she'll be darting in and around them for hours, if she gets excited about it. Beware, however... some cats really love chewing up cardboard, so don't be surprised to find a room full of cardboard shreddies when you get back.
You can either smile and vacuum up the mess, knowing your kitty had a great time, or you can take this game off your list. Hey, at least it's not the couch, right?Dr. RJ Peters helps cat owners find answers to questions and problems at The Problem Cat.
A Handy Cat Owners Manual
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
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