It’s a fact, cats like heights! Whether it's for better observation, dominance over other cats or to get away from stresses, we don't really know. If you’ve ever watched a cat you realize that there’s two places they want to be, perched high above or sitting on a window ledge.
With wall mounted ramps and perches you can make their favorite spots more comfortable and introduce new spots. A couple strategically placed ramps and your cats will visit and explore parts of your home unreachable before. In fact, three 'Kitty Ramps' and a 'Corner Perch' will transform your living room into a feline sanctuary.
The benefits don't stop there. Ramps encourage natural exercise making your pets happier and healthier. "Exercise benefits felines with increased overall health, including a longer lifespan," says veterinarian Carol Tice, DVM of the Cat Clinic of Cary, North Carolina. "It relieves stress, reduces aggression and keeps cats alert. Exercise just makes cats feel better."
Ramps also provide relief to cats after they've been de-clawed. Climbing comes second nature to cats but when a de-clawed cat tries to climb he slips, slides and tumbles down. He doesn't understand why he can't climb and this damages his mental well being. Ramps and perches counter balance this disorder. De-clawed cats can easily grip the carpet and climb to their favorite spot, jump from ledge to ledge and act like a cat which restores confidence.
Is floor space limited at your house? Ramps and perches take up no floor space unlike traditional cat trees that have massive bases and poles. Ramps also have a beautiful pine finish. This keeps them looking new compared to traditional trees that are covered in carpet and show wear after little use.
You don't have to start big, you can purchase a ramp or two and grow from there. Follow these links for more information on the Kitty Run ( WallCats.com ) and this one for the Corner Perch ( WallCats.com/corner.php ).
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A Overview of the Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon cat is a very interesting breed of cat. What make’s it such a interesting breed is it’s history. There is no set in stone history of the breed. There are many theories and stories of it’s origin.
Some people believe the breed came about when New England domestic cats breed with Raccoons. The Maine Coon sometimes makes a chirp sound that somewhat sounds like the same sound a young Raccoon makes, not to mention that it’s bushy ring tail resembles that of the ring tail of a Raccoon. However we now know that it is genetically impossible for domestic cats to breed with Raccoons.
Another theory is that the ancestors came from Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings. This is also very hard to track down and provide proof of.
Some people believe that instead of breeding with raccoons, that the Maine Coon was interbreed with the American Bobcat. Here again we know that this is genetically impossible.
However there is a record showing the Maine Coon is listed in a program of a show held in Boston. This show was held in 1878.
Some people believe that the Maine Coon can be traced back to France. The story goes that Maria Antoinette was going to be smuggled out of France and a ship was loaded with her belongings, including some of her favorite cats. She was captured before she could get to this ship and the ship sailed without her. The ship came to America and her cats breed with American cats and the Maine Coon came from that breeding.
Another theory was that a English Ship Captain and his name was Captain Coon, he was fond of cats and had cats aboard his ship. Since he traded goods on the Eastern Seaboard, the theory goes some of his cats might have jumped shipped and breed with local cats. Hence the Maine Coon came about.
All these could be true but, no one can be sure. We can rule out that they did not come from Raccoons or American Bobcats. Most likely they are descended from shorthair cats that Americans owned that probably breed with longhair cats that where brought over in sailing ships. During the 1860’s Maine farmers began having a cat show at the Skowhegan Fair and people would bring their Maine Coons to the show. They would compete for the title of “Maine State Champion Coon Cat”. This breed also probably developed as it did to deal with the harsh climate.
A very big show was held in New York in 1895. The show was won by a Maine cat called “Cosey”.
A real interesting fact about the Maine Coon was that it was declared extinct in the late 1950’s. However history shows that this was an exaggeration and in the early 1950’s the Central Maine Cat Club was formed. In 1968 a plan was proposed to create a universal Maine Coon Cat Club. In 1969-70 the first attempt was made to get the Maine Coon to a provisional status however, it was not given provisional status until May 1, 1975. After that championship status occurred May 1, 1976. The breed has been going strong ever since.
The Maine Coon is a very special cat and they make for wonderful companions.
==================================
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Cats Only Store- Where you can find everything your cat will ever need and more. From cat products, breed information, helpful articles, we have it all. www.catsonlystore.com
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Some people believe the breed came about when New England domestic cats breed with Raccoons. The Maine Coon sometimes makes a chirp sound that somewhat sounds like the same sound a young Raccoon makes, not to mention that it’s bushy ring tail resembles that of the ring tail of a Raccoon. However we now know that it is genetically impossible for domestic cats to breed with Raccoons.
Another theory is that the ancestors came from Norwegian Skogkatts brought over by the Vikings. This is also very hard to track down and provide proof of.
Some people believe that instead of breeding with raccoons, that the Maine Coon was interbreed with the American Bobcat. Here again we know that this is genetically impossible.
However there is a record showing the Maine Coon is listed in a program of a show held in Boston. This show was held in 1878.
Some people believe that the Maine Coon can be traced back to France. The story goes that Maria Antoinette was going to be smuggled out of France and a ship was loaded with her belongings, including some of her favorite cats. She was captured before she could get to this ship and the ship sailed without her. The ship came to America and her cats breed with American cats and the Maine Coon came from that breeding.
Another theory was that a English Ship Captain and his name was Captain Coon, he was fond of cats and had cats aboard his ship. Since he traded goods on the Eastern Seaboard, the theory goes some of his cats might have jumped shipped and breed with local cats. Hence the Maine Coon came about.
All these could be true but, no one can be sure. We can rule out that they did not come from Raccoons or American Bobcats. Most likely they are descended from shorthair cats that Americans owned that probably breed with longhair cats that where brought over in sailing ships. During the 1860’s Maine farmers began having a cat show at the Skowhegan Fair and people would bring their Maine Coons to the show. They would compete for the title of “Maine State Champion Coon Cat”. This breed also probably developed as it did to deal with the harsh climate.
A very big show was held in New York in 1895. The show was won by a Maine cat called “Cosey”.
A real interesting fact about the Maine Coon was that it was declared extinct in the late 1950’s. However history shows that this was an exaggeration and in the early 1950’s the Central Maine Cat Club was formed. In 1968 a plan was proposed to create a universal Maine Coon Cat Club. In 1969-70 the first attempt was made to get the Maine Coon to a provisional status however, it was not given provisional status until May 1, 1975. After that championship status occurred May 1, 1976. The breed has been going strong ever since.
The Maine Coon is a very special cat and they make for wonderful companions.
==================================
Article by:
Cats Only Store- Where you can find everything your cat will ever need and more. From cat products, breed information, helpful articles, we have it all. www.catsonlystore.com
This article comes from Article Avenue - free articles and downloads
http://www.articleavenue.com
The URL for this story is:
http://www.articleavenue.com/article12794.html
How to Ensure that Your Cat is Healthy and Lives a Long and Happy Life
Submitted by randall
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for cats to live longer, healthier lives than ever before. The quality of your cat's health is the result of a partnership between you and your veterinarian. You must be confident that the vet you have chosen will take good care of your cats.
When you first get your cat, be sure to have your veterinarian examine her within 10 days. In addition to getting baseline weights and measurements on her, your vet will want to check her blood and stools for illness and parasites. If you have never had a cat before, the first visit is a good time to get a demonstration in cleaning your pet's ears and clipping her toenails properly.
A proper diet and sufficient exercise are key factors in keeping your cat healthy. You must make sure the food you give your cat is of good quality to provide her with the correct amounts of nutrients to keep her systems running. If you are confused by the variety of brands of cat food available, ask your veterinarian for some help. Don't be embarrassed to tell him how much you are able/willing to spend for pet food. There are some excellent brands that are not very expensive, and some expensive brands that are not very good.
Exercise not only keeps your cat's weight under control, it strengthens her muscles and enhances her immune system. Some cats are naturally active. Others need anywhere from a little to a lot of encouragement from you to get moving. Set aside some dedicated playtime each day with your cat, and she'll be more inclined to get physical.
Yearly "well-cat" appointments with your veterinarian help track your cat's health. A thorough going-over under the vet's expert eye can catch early skin or eye conditions and other physical changes that you might not notice on a day-to-day basis. Blood and stool samples allows your vet to diagnose and treat disease and parasites before they reach a critical state.
The yearly vet visit is also a good time to mention any "strange habits" your cat may have developed over the last year. Often, these have simple explanations, but some behaviors, such as licking paint or eating strange substances can indicate a medical condition.
One of the most important aspects of the yearly vet visit is updating your cat's vaccinations. Even if you keep your cat strictly indoors, it is important to have her vaccinated against diseases such as rabies, panleukopenia, calcivirus, Chlamydia and feline leukemia virus. If your cat were to get out of the house and wander, she has protection against some of the diseases that cost less fortunate cats their lives.
How Do You Find a Veterinarian?
* Get recommendations from other cat owners in your area.
* Ask cat groomers or emergency clinics for recommendations.
* Neighbors or your local pet supply store may be able to make suggestions.
* If you’ve just moved to the area, ask your former veterinarian if he/she could recommend a veterinarian in your new hometown
The process for selecting a veterinarian is very much like choosing your own personal physician. You want to find a doctor that you feel comfortable talking with, someone who encourages all of your questions and supports you in all the health care choices you make on your cat's behalf.
About the Author
Pet Medication Supplies [http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net] can help you get the best possible protection for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for cats to live longer, healthier lives than ever before. The quality of your cat's health is the result of a partnership between you and your veterinarian. You must be confident that the vet you have chosen will take good care of your cats.
When you first get your cat, be sure to have your veterinarian examine her within 10 days. In addition to getting baseline weights and measurements on her, your vet will want to check her blood and stools for illness and parasites. If you have never had a cat before, the first visit is a good time to get a demonstration in cleaning your pet's ears and clipping her toenails properly.
A proper diet and sufficient exercise are key factors in keeping your cat healthy. You must make sure the food you give your cat is of good quality to provide her with the correct amounts of nutrients to keep her systems running. If you are confused by the variety of brands of cat food available, ask your veterinarian for some help. Don't be embarrassed to tell him how much you are able/willing to spend for pet food. There are some excellent brands that are not very expensive, and some expensive brands that are not very good.
Exercise not only keeps your cat's weight under control, it strengthens her muscles and enhances her immune system. Some cats are naturally active. Others need anywhere from a little to a lot of encouragement from you to get moving. Set aside some dedicated playtime each day with your cat, and she'll be more inclined to get physical.
Yearly "well-cat" appointments with your veterinarian help track your cat's health. A thorough going-over under the vet's expert eye can catch early skin or eye conditions and other physical changes that you might not notice on a day-to-day basis. Blood and stool samples allows your vet to diagnose and treat disease and parasites before they reach a critical state.
The yearly vet visit is also a good time to mention any "strange habits" your cat may have developed over the last year. Often, these have simple explanations, but some behaviors, such as licking paint or eating strange substances can indicate a medical condition.
One of the most important aspects of the yearly vet visit is updating your cat's vaccinations. Even if you keep your cat strictly indoors, it is important to have her vaccinated against diseases such as rabies, panleukopenia, calcivirus, Chlamydia and feline leukemia virus. If your cat were to get out of the house and wander, she has protection against some of the diseases that cost less fortunate cats their lives.
How Do You Find a Veterinarian?
* Get recommendations from other cat owners in your area.
* Ask cat groomers or emergency clinics for recommendations.
* Neighbors or your local pet supply store may be able to make suggestions.
* If you’ve just moved to the area, ask your former veterinarian if he/she could recommend a veterinarian in your new hometown
The process for selecting a veterinarian is very much like choosing your own personal physician. You want to find a doctor that you feel comfortable talking with, someone who encourages all of your questions and supports you in all the health care choices you make on your cat's behalf.
About the Author
Pet Medication Supplies [http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net] can help you get the best possible protection for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.