Cat Behavior and Training

Dangers in Your Cat's Home

2011-06-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Our homes are full of dangers for the cat, is an environment designed for humans, of course, then here is some simple steps to make the house safe-proof cat.

The cat, especially if puppy is very curious, likes to discover every corner of the house. When you decide to adopt a cat, you must prepare to welcome him home eliminates all the dangers therein.

E 'everyday hold furniture plant, in this you should be careful not to belong to many species that can cause poisoning the cat, as this is usually bite or chew the leaves to play with or remove. You can find here at buffogatto, an article dedicated to his plants are harmful to our cats, see the list before bringing home a plant potentially harmful.

The cat in the kitchen should be used as a child not to climb on the furniture, the company is not easy, but if you strongly discouraged since the early days, you can get a good result. On the furniture of the kitchen there are stove too, hot pots, knives or contentori glass and ceramics. The cat, perhaps frightened by a sudden noise, may be hurt or burn when it hit one of these objects, uncontrolled or jumping on the stove. Council to take dangerous objects as possible in the storage of furniture when not in use, and never leave the stove unattended.

A danger is not to underestimate the power line. Any appliance you have at home, should have the cables are well protected, because the cat is usually biting, if specialemnte puppy. The cables should then be behind the furniture in place inaccessible to the cat, or protected by special cable cover to prevent the cat chew awestruck.

In our case there are many cleaning products, potentially harmful to the cat, is a good idea to store these products in the lockers or storage spaces that are inaccessible to the cat.

Finally we talk about the dangers of bathroom kittens could jump in the tub full of water or a toilet (in this case I had a personal experience). As an adult cat gets along with a leap and a bit of fear, the puppies may not be able to get out on their own. Never leave the tank unattended full or open the toilet in the presence of cubs in the house. Likewise, the washing machine door open, can be a temptation must for the cat to avoid the risk that this will stay locked in, Take heed to leave the door closed if the machine is idle, and the cat will not come without your knowledge, when you put the clothes to be washed inside.

Vaccinate Your Cat

2011-05-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Adopt a cat is an important decision that carries responsibilities regarding the protection of human health. For this reason it is important to vaccinate the cat.

Breast milk has a high immunological and antibodies remain in the kittens for about a week after weaning.
This "protection" from the mother begins to crumble around the seventh week of age. And since cats usually come into our homes right around the eighth-ninth week of life, that is when protection from the mother begins to be insufficient, we must immediately go to the vet for an adequate vaccine protection.
It 'should also avoid putting the cat into contact with other similar non-vaccinated until the completion of the vaccination program.

Vaccinations are carried to the vet and let the cat immunized against serious diseases, sometimes even incurable.
The veterinarian performs the first vaccination of the cat, after a comprehensive review and provide the owner the health card on which are recorded all vaccinations and from year to year, the calls.

E 'wrong to think that vaccinations are not required for cats who live at home and have no contact with the outside, after a visit to the veterinarian to evaluate which vaccines your cat needs according to lifestyle, environment where residence (city or countryside), age and general health.
In fact, the lifestyle of a city cat and an animal that lives in the country are very different, and of course expose cats differently to different risks of infection.

Poisonous Plants for Cats

2011-04-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Anyone living with one or more cats, knows how the cat may be attracted to plants or dried flowers. But be careful, because eating the leaves of some plants, could result in a serious poisoning, and sometimes even death.

Even certain pesticides to plants, to be sprayed on the leaves, sometimes can have a pleasant smell to the cat, which attracted a lick, can come across easily imaginable consequences.

LIST OF POISONOUS PLANTS TO CATS

* Plant sap or latex which can irritate or burn eyes and / or skin

Araceae: Dieffenbachia, Alocasia / Colocasia / Xanthosoma (com: elephant ear, various sizes and species), Anthurium (com: Flamingo plant), arisaema, caladium, monster (climbing), philodendron (philodendron), Zantedeschia (calla lily) .

Euphorbiaceae: poinsettia (com: Christmas star), croton, Pedilanthus (com: Christmas star in Japan).

Ficacee: hevea (com: rubber tree), ficus.

* Plants which causes contact dermatitis

Amarillidacee: allamanda, narcissus, jonquil, Clive, crinum (spider lily), hippeasthum (com: amaryllis).

Tiliacee: sparmannia, Linden apartment.

Compounds: chrysanthemum.

Primulacee: primrose.

Liliaceae: tulip, Chlorophytum (Com: Green spider plant), hyacinth, sansevieria (com: mother-in-law's tongue).

* Plants whose ingestion causes indigestion

Araceae - Liliaceae - Amarillidacee - aucuba (com: Aoki, gold dust) - mimosa Japan - Allamanda - Euphorbiaceae - cyclamen - ficus - Mistletoe - Holly - Rhododendron - Azalea - grass Morella.

* Plants whose ingestion causes other disorders

Severe kidney disease: philodendron - ficus

Cardiovascular: cyclamen - mistletoe - rhododendron

Nerve disorders: Amarillidacee - mistletoe - villucchio - mimosa Japan - philodendron - grass morella

How To Examine Your Cat

2011-03-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

To find out what the problem is affecting your cat, you have to examine it. To make a thorough visit, you must be able to hold it. It is usually an easy task, but in some cases the cat may be frightened or in pain, so reluctant to grasp and even touch. Try to hold it gently and decision: do not risk you bite or scratch.
Cats get used to the controls

From the earliest days accustom your cat to pay a check. Exercise by entering part of the visit in games daily. While you exercise to examine it, do not try to practice a full tour now: it would be too annoying. Performed partial checks instead, for example head and neck or skin and coat. Give your cat time to get used to being handled and transported, awarding it with strong-smelling foods, like chopped liver heated in the microwave, shrimp and other delicacies that can tickle the taste buds.
Contain a quiet cat

Grab a hand with the cat's head under her chin, gently but firmly. Apply gentle pressure on the cat's body with his elbow on the side of the hand with which to visit.
Hold a frightened cat

Try to use as little as possible of physical restraints. This fact irritates the cats, making them even more recalcitrant. As you approach, talk to the cat so reassuring. Do not fix it in your eyes, your eyes because it could be interpreted as a threat. Observe the movements of the animal to understand its intentions. Do not risk a bite or scratch you. If you are unsure whether to accept the card, use a towel to lift it.

Place the cat on a towel, blanket, sheet, or folded towel any. Hold it firmly grasping the scruff of the neck.
Carefully wrap the cat in the towel, making sure that it is unable to bite or scratch.
Make sure the cat's head is clear and well-wrapped body. Hold the cloth around the neck so that it does not slip. Visit the cat until he calmed down.

How to Choose a Cat for You

2011-02-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Adopt a cat means an infinite number of discoveries and pleasures, but also responsibility and commitment.
Let us always remember that it is a creature, and that it needs our care and our love, so when you decide to adopt a cat you must be ready to take responsibility with all that it entails.

This is not intended to scare you, life together with a small furry friend reserves so much happiness and sweetness, if you win the heart of your kitty, you do it forever and this will give you unconditional love.

The choice between male or female is irrelevant, even if you are led to believe that females are sweeter, but the difference is purely theoretical. The only choice is the one that follows the heart, when you are in front of the possible candidates Scocchera love at first sight and you'll know which to choose.

The choice you have to decide whether to refer you to a puppy or an adult cat: If you opt for the puppy, whose naturalness and clumsiness are an endless source of fun, you can follow the development and character education each day, the adult cat instead seen immediately its nature and is more suitable for the elderly, because they are less turbulent.

In the first year of growth of the puppy you should expect that it can cause damage in the apartment, but these behaviors are easily correctable if you dedicate the proper attention, bearing in mind that the cat includes only the language of sweetness, so it Beat him, especially if now the deed is done. If the surprise rebuke her harshly, and the fact that you will gradually learn what behaviors should not be taken.

Cat behavior by age and sex

2011-01-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

The disorders that can affect your cat depend on age and sex also. All cats like pranks, but the puppies tend to do things that prevent people with more experience. Accidents such as poisoning and trauma are typical of young subjects. In the estrus period, the cats may behave in very strange: try to understand what is normal behavior before coming to the conclusion that your cat has a medical problem.
Behavioral changes due to age

The cats now live longer than before. In fact, among the specialties of veterinary medicine today also includes the elderly. Aging your cat can become slower, reserved and demanding, and to experience a change in the taste buds.

However, if your pet has a certain age, do not think that all the behavioral changes are the consequence of aging. Changes in appetite and habits can also be caused by diseases such as hyperthyroidism or kidney problems.

It is often difficult to distinguish age-related changes from those related to health problems.

For example, a different aspect of the eye may be caused by the physiological accumulation of connective tissue (sclerosis, a problem linked to age.), Or by a virus. If you have an older cat who does not behave normally and can not figure out what is the problem, consult your veterinarian. It 'a good idea to visit the older cats twice a year.
The sex of your cat

It 'important to know the behaviors associated with the sex of your cat and to distinguish them from the signals of a pathological condition. A female in heat may surprise the inexperienced owner: can moan, complain and drag around the house as if she had wounds to the back, details that can be easily mistaken for signs of disease or injury. Maybe drink more, it becomes dumb and picky eating habits of hygiene, urinating more frequently and outside the litter box. There are normal changes related to sex hormones, but the lack of appetite, increased thirst and depression can also be symptoms of life-threatening infection in her uterus. If your cat is not sterilized, you will become familiar with normal variations in behavior during periods of hormonal activity, in order to understand when, in fact, the cat shows signs of disease. The presence of a female in heat can have noticeable effects on male cats neutered. When it smells a female in estrus period the male often takes unusual behavior. For example, a perfect''home''cat may start spraying urine everywhere pungent smell. If you go out, probably will fight with other males. It can also happen to stop eating.

Basic Care Of A Ragdoll Cat

2010-12-27T22:36:00.000-08:00

The ragdoll cat is a large breed of cat, best known for its easygoing and mellow nature. They have long, thick fur coats and markings that resemble a siamese. Caring for your ragdoll cat should involve a regular feeding and grooming schedule, along with regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and vaccinations. If you take good care of your ragdoll cat, they will be healthy, happy, and a better active pet for you to enjoy.

Feeding

Fresh food and water is an absolute necessity for your ragdoll. It is recommended that you always have a bowl full of dry food available for your cat, as well as a bowl of clean water. Wet food is probably not necessary on a daily basis, but it is really up to you, and what your ragdoll prefers. You may need to experiment with different brands and flavors of wet food. It can provide extra nutrients and add variety to your ragdoll's diet. We recommend feeding your ragdoll one of the premium brands of food, as the quality is usually better. Usually kittens should have a special formula of food, so check with your veterinarian or local pet store if your not sure.

You should try to clean the water bowl daily, and the food bowl as much as possible to prevent germs and bacteria from building up.

Grooming

Ragdoll coats can vary in thickness and hair type. The average ragdoll hair is fairly thick, and very soft to the touch. The length of the fur can be medium to long.

They usually do a good job of grooming themselves, and don't require excessive brushing. It is a good idea to brush them strenuously a couple of times a week to prevent matting of the fur. The other reason for brushing on a regular schedule, is if you happen to find a knot forming, you can easily brush it out before it gets out of control.

Ragdolls tend to enjoy grooming and make it easy for you to brush away!

Bathing

Bathing is not really necessary if regular grooming is done. It may be beneficial to give your ragdoll a bath a couple of times a year, to clean the coat if really dirty or if they have gotten into something that can not be brushed out.

Make sure that you use a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated especially for cats, as regular human products may be harmful to your ragdoll.

Claws

Declawing a cat is a controversial subject, and one that brings many different opinions. We generally don't recommend declawing a ragdoll unless it will help with the safety within a household, specifically with children. Clipping the claws can be done on a regular basis to avoid damage to your furniture or other items in the house, so if that is your only reason for declawing the cat, your decision should be weighed carefully because it is not reversible.

Keep in mind that if a ragdoll cat is declawed, it should be limited in it's exposure to the outside world. Without front claws, a ragdoll doesn't have much of a defense against other animals or threats that it might encounter.

Litterbox

The litterbox should be kept in a fairly secluded area to allow for privacy, but not so out of the way that it is difficult to access for cleaning. Usually a laundry room or other spare room serves as a good location.

We recommend scooping out the inside of the box at least once a day, and actually replacing the litter weekly. If you have more than one cat, then it may be necessary to clean the box twice daily, morning and night for example.

There are many different brands and types of litter out there, it is just a matter of preference. The main thing is to find something that your cat will use, is easy to keep clean and affordable for your budget.

Veterinarian

You should take your ragdoll to a veterinarian on a regular basis according to what they recommend. You will want to get vaccination shots and any other treatments that will keep your cat healthy and safe.

There may be special considerations if your ragdoll spends more time outside, such as pest control and a higher susceptibility to disease. Make sure you discuss this with your vet and work out a plan that makes sense.

About the Author
For tips on hampshire pigs and pygmy pigs, visit the Types Of Pigs website.

The Right Cat Bed

2010-11-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

When you own a cat you will want it to be as comfortable s possible and ensure that it feels loved and part of your family. Although many people feel that cats don't need cat beds they are wrong, cats need a place where they can go to relax away from everything else. Beds for cats are available in many different styles and sizes and which one you decide on will depend on your taste and budget. You will need to decide where you are aiming to place the bed to decide how big it can be.

Cats do take a lot of training for them to sleep in one place as they tend to use any comfortable surface to sleep on. Cats do appreciate a certain place for them to sleep on where they can enjoy a nice long sleep without being disturbed. Cat beds will need to be very comfortable and enjoy sleeping in the bed that you have chosen for it. Although they might not sleep in the cat beds every day they will use it as one of their preferred places to sleep.

Your cat is very territorial so you need to ensure that your beds for cats are away from your other pet beds. Cats do spend a great deal of time sleeping and they love to feel safe and secure when they do so, it is about the only time when they are not on guard. You will need to place the cat bed somewhere where they can feel in charge and be able to move quickly if needed. Beds for cats come in many different designs and the ones with a raised area are ideal for your cat. They can climb up into the cat beds and feel secure and above everything else which may be a threat.

You will need to observe what type of cat you own some prefer to be up high and others will prefer to hide when they sleep. Knowing your cat and its habits will help you to purchase the right cat beds for your cat. If you purchase the correct beds for cats then they are more likely to use the bed and enjoy sleeping in it. You also need to ensure that you buy the correct size bed for your cat if you have a large cat then you will need a big cat beds. Cats hate to feel squashed and won't use the bed if it is too small.

Whatever beds for cats you decide on you will need to ensure that they have removable covers so you can easily wash them. Cats can have fleas and will shed hair which you will need to remove from the cat beds easily. If your cat becomes ill you don't want to throw the whole bed away if you can wash and clean it. Cats are very hygienic animals and they will not sleep somewhere that is dirty so you need to keep the whole area around your cat beds clean. Also if you have more than one cat you should not expect them to share beds for cats you should buy separate ones for each cat.

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Simple Steps to Eliminating Cat Behavior Problems

2010-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Integrating a new cat into a household often takes time and patience. Cat behavior problems such as missing the litterbox, frequent meowing or destructive scratching can be corrected by simply looking for and eliminating possible physical causes and implementing a program of informed training.

It can sometimes be frustrating but the first step to correcting them is actually understanding where they came from. You have to learn the meaning of the cat's body language, meows and cat's play to fully understand their actions.

Some undesirable behaviors would mean that they are trying to seek attention from their owners. The reasons for these behaviors can either be emotional, physical or sometimes both. But others, such as peeing outside the box may be a sign of a serious illness. Before punishing your cat, do some homework on possible causes.

Training to Solve Cat Behavior Problems

To train a cat, you should know that it is a very independent animal and this is why it is such a comfortable companion in the house. Unlike dogs, cats are not as demanding which means that you can focus on training it to have good manners such as performing normal and natural cat behaviors in places and times that satisfies it and the owner as well. It is best to own the cat while it is still young for you to properly guide and train it as it grows. So the best method to follow is: never show encouragement for any behavior that you don't want to see happening again, and always try to discourage any behaviors you want to eliminate.

Here are some of the behaviors that cats usually do:

· Biting and scratching. Problem biting and scratching is usually a habit which has been learned, or a form of miscommunication which can be fixed with time and proper training.
· Cat's aggression toward people can be caused by poor training as a kitten, fear or other factors.
· Cats sharing a household will sometimes fight and it is but normal, but once it becomes an active aggressive behavior, human intervention is necessary.
· Destructive chewing and scratching is a source of disruption in households being occupied by cats. It is not advisable nor recommended to cut your cat's paws. Better buy a scratching post and train the cat to use it instead of damaging your living room set and other furniture inside the house. This is doable for as long as you train your cat during its early years.

The most successful and lasting way to discipline cats is through positive reinforcement. The other method to solve cat behavior problems, called negative reinforcement, isn't as effective and works by punishing the animal for exhibiting a particular behavior that they don't want to see.

For more information on cat behavior problems, as well as a huge selection of scratching posts, climbing posts and other great buys which can help in eliminating problem behaviors in your cat, go to http://aloveforcats.com

How to Stop the Cat From Peeing on Your Bed

2010-09-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite as disheartening as finding that dreaded damp spot on your bed and realizing the cat has done it again. It's a painful reality for many cat owners and many don't know how to find the solution to stop the cat peeing on the bed.

The good news is that there is a solution. It took me a long time and many quilts and mattresses to find the solution to stop my cat peeing on my bed but I eventually found it and I'll tell you how you can too.

First I'll tell you just how bad the situation was with my cat.

The bed wasn't the only place that my cat was peeing. He was peeing on the carpet too.

In fact, he peed so often on the carpet that it rotted the floorboards and ended up costing my wife and I thousands of dollars in repair bills. We were at our wit's end and decided that we would either have to give our beloved cat up or find a solution.

The secret to stopping your cat peeing on the bed depends on your situation but this one tip will almost certainly start you in the right direction.

Add another litter box. To be specific, you should have one more litter box than you have cats.

Cats are very clean animals and they are very picky about their surroundings. It doesn't take much to make them decide to forgo the litter box and pick somewhere like your bed to urinate. By adding more litter boxes, you are giving them more options.

My wife and I ended up keeping our cat and he hasn't peed on our bed (or our carpet for that matter!) in years. We took it upon ourselves to find a solution when we were finally at our wit's end.

We did a lot of reading about how to stop our cat peeing outside the litter box on the Internet and weren't entirely satisfied with what we found. We spent the next several months compiling all the most relevant information and also interviewing veterinarians in our area and around the world.

The results of our research can now be found at StopCatPeeing.com where we have many articles relating to inappropriate urination in cats.

A cat that pees outside the litter box is a frustrating problem and one that could prove fatal to your cat if you don't know what to do. Do your homework and help your cat before it's too late.

About the Author

Mike Whyte is a cat owner and author with over 35 years experience. He lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia and has helped hundreds of frustrated cat owners overcome their cat's inappropriate urination.

Cat Behavior Problems - Scratching Furniture

2010-09-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Understanding more about your cat's basic nature will often help you solve cat behavior problems. Domestic cats are descendants of wild relatives and therefore many instinctive traits carry over as part of their nature. This can become quite frustrating when you are trying to raise a well-behaved domestic cat!

Consider that cats are hunters by nature. In the wild, most of the smaller cat species subside on hunting small rodents. They are typically solitary, nocturnal animals that catch their own food to feed only themselves. Therefore, stalking and pouncing on small prey is a common behavior of cats in the wild.

Stalking and pouncing on your furniture is one of the many downsides of a domestic cats natural behavior! Your cat may be sharpening his claws, "hunting" a small thread, or marking his territory on your sofa. To solve this behavior problem, you can start by providing your cat with a designated scratch post.

Often times your cat will still prefer to use the sofa instead of the scratch post. There are many things you should try in order to direct your cat's predatory behavior away from your furniture. First, try using a towel or blanket to cover the piece of furniture they are attacking. If they are still going after your furniture, make a loud noise by shaking an aluminum can full of coins.

You can also try putting your cat in an area of the house where there is no furniture that they like to scratch. Put your scratch post in this area where it can be the only choice for scratching. Keep this up for several days if necessary. When it's time for your cat to come back to the rest of the house, put the scratch post near or in front of the piece of furniture that he scratches.

From time to time, your cat will likely revert back to scratching your piece of furniture. You will want to continue disciplining your cat with the noisy aluminum can or one of several other methods. Air Cans and water bottles can be used to create a condition your cat will want to avoid. Air cans make a disturbing noise, and cats hate to be sprayed by water. To be effective, you need to catch your cat in the act of scratching.

When your cat uses the scratch post, offer them rewards such as praise, treats, or brushing. When your cat uses the furniture, use your disciplinary methods. Positive and negative reinforcement are a major key to changing problem cat behavior. You must however, use behavior reinforcement by catching your cat in the act.

Remember that many cat behavior problems are the result of a cat's instinctive nature. Although you can't change a cat's nature, you can often change their behavior problems. If you implement the correct strategies, your wild cat will be well on the way to becoming a model catizen!

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Cat Behavior Problems - A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course

2010-08-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

As a cat owner, you already know that there is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable furballs we all know. Sometimes your cute cat can be a huge problem to the household too; Scratching furniture, breaking knick-knacks and ornaments, and ruining your stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do.

There are reasons for cat behavior problems and by being aware of these reasons, you can be capable of helping your cat behave. Here are some things about cats which cause behavior problems, together with tips on how to help your cat behave.

1. Cats misbehave when they are bored.

When cats don't have much to do, they have a habit of doing obnoxious things around the house. This may be caused by them looking for attention, or they may just need something to do to get rid of some pent up energy. Whatever the case may be, these behaviors can be solved by setting aside specific time periods for you and your cat to play. Remember not to play immediately after your cat has been misbehaving because your cat will associate its misbehavior with you giving it more attention.

2. Cats are nocturnal animals.

Cats are more active during the night hours because they can do more exciting activities at this time. Knowing that your cat is more active at night, play with your cat and keep her busy in the morning hours. By doing this, your cat will be too exhausted to do things when it is time for you to sleep.

3. Cats misbehave more if they are not spayed or neutered.

You can expect more cat behavior problems when your cat goes into heat. Expect a lot of misbehavior for cats who are confined inside their homes when this happens! Get your cat spayed or neutered to alleviate these types of problems.

4. Cats mistake your reaction to its misbehavior.

Owners usually get upset when their pets misbehave, but they are not real clear in showing their pets that they do not approve of the bad behavior. When owners are not real clear when they reprimand their cats for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them. You must be clear with your reactions to bad behavior. If your cat misbehaves, you need to make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game.

Remember that cats seek rewards and they will avoid punishment. Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when she is misbehaving. By associating punishment with misbehaving, cats learn what behavior is not acceptable.

5. Cats enjoy playing with certain items in your house.

There are certain objects that cats love around the house. It may be a curtain, a pillow, a couch, or any object they take a liking to. The good thing is they hate certain smells too. You can buy a spray with an unpleasant smell on those things to keep cats away.

By being aware of what causes cat behavior problems, owners have more chances to correct these bad habits and behaviors!

Free 10 Day MiniCourse for all cat owners and lovers to help strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

Jane has owned cats for over 30 years. She has become an unofficial "cat expert" in her neighborhood and among her circle of friends. She loves to share and exchange information with other cat lovers.

For more information on cat ownership, health, and training Visit Jane's Website [http://www.catcarecentral.com]

Cat Behavior Problems? How to Find Qualified Help For Your Confused Cat

2010-07-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Are you a cat whisperer? This is a question I get asked at least a dozen times a day. My answer is always No.

With the increase in popularity of the study of animal behavior and the immense popularity of the TV show The Dog Whisperer, more and more people are calling themselves cat whisperers, cat behavior experts, and cat psychology professionals. The problem is that in this unregulated field anyone can claim to be an expert or whisperer. Anyone can put up a website and make claims about their expertise or post testimonials that may or may not even be legitimate. How do you know which expert to choose? The problem is you don't know unless you do your homework and find out more about them. If you're having a behavior problem with your pet and your family life is in crisis because of it you may be enticed by claims of "guaranteed results" but if you don't choose wisely you might be putting your cat's health and welfare at risk.

How do you find the right expert?

If you're in a position where you feel you need professional help with a cat behavior problem, where do you begin? First, start with your veterinarian. Many behavior problems can be the result of an underlying medical problem so an examination by your veterinarian should be your first step. You'd be surprised how many times a litter box problem is due to lower urinary tract disease, renal failure or diabetes, just to name a few. I've seen lots of cases of aggression as well where the cause turned out to be medical such as periodontal disease, spinal pain, abscess, arthritis, and so on. So don't skip this step even if you're convinced the problem is behavioral.

When you visit your veterinarian, be specific and honest about the behavior the cat has been displaying. Sometimes when the veterinarian asks how often the litter box is cleaned the client may be embarrassed and not tell the truth. That doesn't help the cat so when the veterinarian asks questions be honest and give as much detail as possible.

If your veterinarian advises you to seek professional help, he/she can usually direct you to a certified behavior expert. You can also contact the nearest veterinary school for a referral.

Behavior modification vs "whispering" or "animal communicating"

Behavior modification is a powerful tool and if done correctly, is an effective way to change unwanted behavior. Behavior modification is science-based and there's no magic about it. A certified expert can explain to you how and why the process works and the science behind it. A certified expert will not "guarantee" results because much of the success of behavior modification depends on client compliance and the specifics of the case.

When evaluating a behavior expert, in addition to being careful about people who refer to themselves as whisperers, be wary of so-called animal communicators. Cats repeat behaviors because they serve a function. They don't misbehave because they're mad at you or they don't like the color you painted your walls. A qualified, certified expert can determine the true underlying cause of the behavior and map out a behavior modification plan that provides an alternative for the cat that is more rewarding. For example, Fluffy isn't peeing on the carpet because she's angry at you. She's peeing on the carpet for practical (from a cat's point of view) reasons: 1) she may have a medical problem; 2) the litter box condition and/or location may be unappealing; or 3) there's something going on within the environment that is causing her to feel the litter box is not a safe place. Once the cause is identified then appropriate behavior modification can be started to encourage the cat to return to the litter box.

Check an expert's credentials

The best way to protect yourself from the multitude of so-called experts and self-proclaimed cat whisperers is to ask your veterinarian for a referral to a certified behavior expert. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists are certified through the Animal Behavior Society. Veterinary Behaviorists are certified through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Certified Animal Behavior Consultants are certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. You can visit their websites for more information and for the location of a certified professional nearest you. If there isn't one in your area, many certified professionals will do telephone consultations.

Am I saying that all cat behavior experts who aren't certified are no good? Certainly not, but since anyone can put up a sign or a website, the best way to protect yourself is to choose someone who has proven that they have met the educational requirements as well as having documented experience in their field.

The behavior consultation

When you book a consultation with a certified behavior expert or behaviorist you will be given a detailed behavior history form to fill out. This will provide the behaviorist with important background information, specifics surrounding the particular behavior and medical history.

During an in-home consultation the behaviorist or certified expert will go over the history form with you, visit with the cat, tour the environment and then provide insight into the behavior cause. You will then be given a behavior plan customized for your specific situation. A follow-up schedule is established and you'll be ready to begin working with your cat on correcting the unwanted behavior.

If you schedule a telephone consultation the behaviorist may request pictures of the cat and the environment. Many of my clients provide video as well and that's especially helpful when they can capture the actual unwanted behavior.

Remember, the first step is to visit your veterinarian. If you have any questions, visit the websites above to learn more about professional animal behavior consulting.

Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC, PCBC is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and author of seven best-selling books on cat behavior. She is the former Vice-President of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and currently heads up that organization's cat division. She is also a Professional Member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. Pam is the resident behavior expert for Friskies. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Tree House Humane Society. In addition to her private veterinarian-referral behavior practice, Pam is a sought-after speaker for veterinary conferences and animal welfare organizations. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN and Fox News Channel. Previously, Pam was the behavior columnist for Cats Magazine, Yahoo, iVillage, Cat Channel and the Daily Cat. For more information visit our website at http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com

There Are No Bad Cats! (Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them)

2010-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, there are no bad cats. Cats are just unique. They live in a cat world and do what cats do, no matter what you try to say or do to convince them to adjust to your world. The most important thing for you as a cat parent is to understand why your cat does what it does. Cats do not go to obedience school. If they had their way, you as a pet parent would go to obedience school to learn how to deal with your pet.

A cat is not a dog; a cat does not act like a dog, think like a dog or behave like a dog. If you want a pet that behaves as a dog, get a dog not a cat. That said, let's get to the point of understanding cat behavior. Punishing a cat for wrong behavior is like trying to empty the ocean one-cup at a time. Try as you may, you will never empty the ocean or get your cat to understand why you are punishing him/her.

Punishment will never cure bad behavior; it will only make your cat frightened and leery of you. Cats are smart enough to know that once punished for a misdeed they will not do it again, in front of you. They will wait until your back is turned or you are out the door. Though you may believe your cat understands what you are saying, or rather yelling about, it will pay you no heed except to run away, ignore you or wait to do it again later.

A perfect example is our male cat Smokey, he dislikes our female cat Tiger and every chance he gets he will chase her. However, if he starts out to chase her and then sees me he stops, looks at me and then will turn away as if he was just out taking a walk. He knows I will say "No" quite loudly and scold him. Of course, it doesn't do any good to scold him, but it makes me feel better.

There are several good reasons why your cat does what it does to annoy you. First of all, cats really don't have a good grasp of the English language; they are not furry little people. However, they do understand positive and negative responses to their actions. Cats love praise, pets and treats and this is our secret weapon. Screaming, yelling, spanking or throwing (heaven forbid) will only traumatize your cat and make it fearful of you.

Stop for a moment and think about the life your cat is leading (okay, you wish you could lead that life) take into consideration its day. You are at work all day and may get home late and tired. Your fur ball has been sleeping all day and wants to play.

You want to sit, eat and watch TV. You give your cat a few pets and while you are doing that he/she gives you a little nip on your hand. You react by jumping up and possibly yelling and chasing him/her. Hey, this is fun your cat got your attention and you are "playing." We humans sometimes reward our cats for their bad behavior by giving them the attention they want.

In our house I am the perfect example of what not to do. Our Smokey is a night eater. Why? Cause he sleeps all day while I am at work. He started at a young age to come into our bedroom and nudge me with his head when he wanted to be fed, even though I would feed him before I went to sleep. Knowing what he wanted I would get up and feed him. This would happen several times a night and I would get up (truthfully this has been going on for years.)

However, since I started doing research for this book I suddenly came to realize that this is silly, the cat is not starving and I do not have to get up at all hours. I gradually started to push him away (nicely) whenever he nudged me and quietly said "No" as a result he moved over to the nightstand where he likes to sleep and laid down. It has been several weeks and he will once in a while nudge me and I say "no" and he goes away and waits until he sees me stir. Most cats when they are doing "wrong behavior" are really doing exactly what a cat should be doing.

Cats need to scratch and stretch their claws. It is a natural thing to do and it feels good. It is up to you as the pet parent to provide scratching material, whether it is the couch or a scratching post, it is immaterial to the cat. Cats learn by experience, if they do something and it turns out to be a good experience in their eyes, they will do it again, a bad experience may eliminate, the behavior or they just might try it again to see if something good happens.

One important thing to remember, if your cat suddenly starts doing things that he/she never attempted before and the behavior is not to your liking, observe the current situation in your household. Have there been sudden and unusual changes in the household routine, new furniture, new people or a new pet? Has there been a change in your cat's bathroom routine; is kitty eating, do you notice any changes in your cat's grooming habits?

It does not take much to disturb the serenity of a cat's world as cats like routine and changes can cause reactions, which are not always to their liking. Also, consider medical problems, your cat may not feeling well and this too can cause behavioral problems. Since cats cannot talk they may misbehave in order to show their concern or displeasure to the changes that have occurred.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind while you are trying to reform kitty.

First of all stop all reprimands and punishment-- they seldom do any good anyway. Make life with your cat fun and rewarding. Create an environment for yourself and your cat that satisfies you both. Remember a cat does not read minds and has little knowledge of English.

Help your cat understand what you want it to do by making the "yes" experiences rewarding and finding ways to eliminate most of the "no" experiences. We are going to list below some typical behavioral problems and possible solutions. It is important should you have any questions about your cat's behavior that you consult your vet to discuss it.

Aggressive behavior: Can be caused by fear, being disturbed when napping, injury or sickness, or being in a bad mood.

Solution: Should the cat nip or scratch you while petting, say NO and stop petting. Do not play rough with your cat as it does not know nice from not nice. Were you petting or scratching in
a sensitive area of the cat's body? If your cat hisses or its ears are flattened back, leave the cat alone. Check for injury.

Begging: Can be caused by the cat being hungry or just wanting attention.

Solution: Feed the cat just before your sit down to eat or if the begging is for attention take a minute or two to pet and talk to your cat a little quality attention will go a long ways.

Constant meowing: Females that are not spayed will meow constantly while looking for a "fellow." Or your cat may need some quality time with you, remember just a few minute of undivided attention will do wonders. Another thought is your cat may be ill or hurt.

Solution: Spay or neuter your cat (really should anyway), give your cat some quality time, cats need to know that they are loved, or your cat maybe sick or hurt, especially if the crying occurs when kitty is trying to go to the bathroom. If so, take a quick trip to the vet or call for advice.

Jumping on the counters and/or furniture: Cats love high places and cats are generally nosey, exploring is part of a cat's nature.

Solution: When it comes to the counters, stove and the dining table in our house, a consistent NO and placing the cat on the floor worked fine. It took several tries at this, but it worked. Another solution is put double sticky tape on the counter for a day or two, the cat will walk on it and get stuck, not a good experience and will stop, as it is no fun. Also keep food and other attractive smells off the counter or table. Things that make noise and may fall off the counter also work, as it will scare the cat. Cats do not like to be scared.

If your cat is getting on the furniture and you do not want that, provide a comfortable nesting place high up if possible. There are window seats that you can fasten to a window sill. We have a small bed on top of a section of our entertainment center where our female can escape.

If you have a particular piece of furniture you do not want the cat on, put foil, plastic or some inexpensive netting that you can buy at a fabric store over it when you are not at home. Cats do not like the feel of that and will stay off it and soon will ignore it. There are also things called "scat mats" which can be purchased on the Internet or at major pet stores.

Fighting with other cats: Cats are inclined to protect their habitat, they might be looking to mate, and some cats just want to show who is boss.

Solution: First of all spay or neuter your cat as they make much better pets and are less inclined to fight. Never break up a cat fight with your hands. Use a hose to spray them, throw a towel on them or make a loud noise to scare them. If your resident cats are having a dispute, separate them by putting them in separate rooms for a while. Usually they will simmer down and become tolerant of each other again.

In our household a sharp "No" works for a while with our male and female. Be certain to give each one plenty of affection, out of sight of each other. Some cats are like people and they just don't like each other no matter what you try to do.

In our household our female is wise enough to stay out of Smokey's reach. Smokey doesn't want to fight with her, he just wants to chase her.

Spraying: A cat operates on smell and spraying is a natural way to mark its territory. Also a cat will spray if it feels threatened, stressed or anxious.

Solution: Spay or neuter your pet to decrease the need to be overly territorial. Give your pet a lot of pets and attention, as it may feel stressed and/or unloved.

Provide a safe haven preferably high up (off the ground) if you pet feels threatened by another household pet.

If your cat is spraying near or on a window your pet may be marking its territory because of an outside cat. Keep curtains or drapes closed.

Do not punish your cat for spraying as it may increase his/her anxiety. Using a citrus-based cleaner will remove the scent and keep kitty hopefully from doing it again. We have found that the male cats usually do spraying, we have not seen our females do it, though they might. Interestingly, when our one male cat sprayed there was no odor after we had him neutered. However, the spraying left an oily substance that had to be cleaned up. There is a spray you can buy that has a calming effect on cats and has helped in stopping the spraying it is called "Feliway" and it can be purchased at major pet stores and on the Internet.

Scratching and tearing furniture: Scratching is a natural instinct of a cat. Boredom or a lack of a scratching post can cause the problem.

Solution: Scratching is part of a cat's life it provides exercise, an opportunity to stretch, relieves stress and allows them to shed their claws. If your cat is a house cat and does not have the opportunity to find a tree or post to scratch, it is up to you the pet parent to provide one. Cats are not overly particular about what they scratch as long as it fulfills its criteria.

Couches and stereo speakers fit the bill nicely. Providing a good scratching post (actually several are better) is a great alternative to your couch. You can make your own with a little effort or buy one at your favorite pet store. A good scratching post should be at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall, be sturdy enough so it won't fall over and scare the cat and be covered with either hemp rope or the reverse side of some leftover carpet.

Do not use the right side of the carpet for a post; use the backside as it provides the proper grabbing material. Actually you can make a post that lies on the floor, as long as it is long enough for the cat to stretch out on. There are some inexpensive ones made of cardboard that have a catnip scent that cats enjoy.

When teaching your cat to use the post it is a good idea to rub some catnip on it to attract the kitty. Whenever you see your cat using its post, praise the cat and give it a small treat, this conditions the cat into thinking this is a great thing to do. If you cat is scratching the furniture punishing will not help the matter. Remember that a cat knows better than to do something it has been reprimanded for in front of you.

If kitty is still going back to his/her old tricks the solution is to make the article of choice unacceptable. Cover it with a piece of plastic, foil, double-sided sticky tape or netting you can buy at a fabric store when you are not home. Continue to show kitty the scratching post, give praise and treats for using it, persistence pays on your part and soon kitty will leave your stuff alone.

Some people resort to having their pets declawed. We have a chapter on Declawing in this book. We do not recommend doing that, as there are other alternatives such as clipping your cat's nails or using the nail covers that are sold in pet stores and glue on the claws.

There are also spray repellents sold in pet stores to use on furniture that make the furniture unattractive to your cat. Scat mats are also available at major pet stores and on the Internet, they give a "static" type shock to the pet that climbs on it (it is not harmful, just annoying.) We have covered what we feel are the most common bad habits of cats in this chapter.

Cats really do not have any bad habits; the things they do are the things that, as one of nature's critters are natural to them. Climbing, hunting, spraying, biting, fighting, and clawing are all things the natural cat does. We have brought this magnificent creature in from the wild, domesticated it and demanded that it live by our rules. "We'll see," says the kitty as it settles down for a nap.

If this article has been of benefit, you might enjoy reading my book "So! You Want to Get a Cat" available on Amozon.com and please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

Cat Behavior Problems Can Relate To Instincts

2010-05-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

There are more cats in American homes these days than there are dogs. People have found that cats make unique little pets, each with their own little personality making them funny, mysterious, cuddly, and always puzzling. A cat owner who understands cat behavior problems will find it easier living with the little wildcat they've brought into their home.

Although cats have been considered domesticated animals for centuries, the bottom line is that domestic feline behavior remains similar in many ways to the behavior of cats in the wilds, such as lions and tigers. Our generally-docile house pets still have instinctive predator behaviors buried deep down inside. Many behaviors humans consider cat behavior problems are just some of these intrinsic behaviors surfacing even though they're no longer needed.

If you have previously raised kittens, you will know that they begin aggressive play as soon as they can walk. This aggression is natural as the skills they learn by this early play would help them be prepared to catch prey and feed themselves in the wild. You should channel this aggressive behavior into outlets that you find appropriate so that they do not see you toes as potential prey.

Remember to provide appealing toys for your kitten, especially tools that are tempting to bite and chase. Kittens offend grasp a toy with their front paws and use their back legs to scratch the toy, which puts on an entertaining display for observers as well as gives the kitten vigorous exercise. Toy mice with a furry texture entice kittens to jump and chew them. Nearly grown kittens and adult cats may respond more actively to toys containing catnip; however, not all cats are affected by catnip and some kittens may require a few weeks of exposure to feel the effects.

While your cat is at play, it's up to you to set limits for his behavior. Teach him not to bite, scratch, or chew on humans. Help him learn which of his behaviors aren't acceptable. In so doing, however, never strike your cat. Instead of stopping cat behavior problems, hitting may well cause more. With one slap you can destroy the trust your pet has in you making him angrier and more aggressive. When kitty is misbehaving, tell him "No" sharply and move him away from the problem area. Offer him another, more appropriate activity, or reward good behavior by saying "Good kitty!" or with an occasional treat.

Scratching trees and other rough surfaces is the natural way for cats to control the growth of their claws. Their instincts drive them to do this. To avert having your cat scratch your furniture or other indoor valuables, provide a cat scratcher. A cat scratcher can be purchased at a pet store. A cat scratcher can also be made at home. To make a traditional cat scratcher, attach carpet scraps to scrap wood. If you do not have wood, you can use strips of cardboard in a box. If you do not have room for a traditional cat scratcher, you can buy a cat scratcher that hangs from a doorknob. You can entice your cat to use use the cat scratcher by spraying it with catnip spray.

Even though cats have been domesticated for ages, their feline behavior has remained much like that of a lion or a tiger. Cat behavior problems only reflect their genetic brain formation for the life they were originally meant to lead. Kittens begin aggressive play as soon as they can walk. Provide toys for your kitten that are tempting to bite and chase. You need to teach the cat not to bite things that are off limits while it is playing. Cats limit the growth of their claws by scratching trees. You need to provide cat scratchers to keep cats from using your furniture for the same purpose.

Cat Behavior Problems - How To End Cat Behavior Problems

2010-05-13T19:32:00.001-07:00

The modern lifestyle of today has brought new possibilities for many animal lovers to achieve the role of being responsible cat owners. However, the path of responsible pet rearing is not as simple as it may seem. This is because in the course of your pet ownership, you will come across several cat behavior problems that you may find too challenging to deal with. This may actually be surprising for some because they don't know that behind the cat's cuddly image and harmless demeanor, they can turn into the one of the most temperamental creatures they've ever seen.

The occurrence of these cat behavior problems may be rooted to the personality of your pet. Contrary to the beliefs of many, each cat is different from the other. This means that there is no single way in dealing with these problems. Each case may have a different solution and the cure for one problem may solve or worsen another. Experts have found that cat behavior problems are most likely triggered by some things or events that your cat does not like. The following are some of the most common cat behavior problems and some tips to deal with them.

One of the most common cat behavior problems is the cat's being either overly aggressive or overly shy to the point that the cat refuses to do anything with anyone. In the case of excessive energy or aggression, such unwanted cat behavior problems can be fixed by means of training your cat to channel its aggression on to other harmless things.

These unwanted cat behavior problems can be resolved with proper training. You can teach your cat to channel his aggression on other things and not furniture or people. You can buy your cat a scratching post. This medium will help your cat release the tension and excess energy. Experts also say that scratching posts are very helpful for health of the cat. .

Extreme Shyness of cats- Some cats have a case of extreme awkwardness whenever they are in the company of people it does not know. This aloofness is observable when in the presence of visitors it doesn't recognize. The reason for this is that some cats are not comfortable to be around things or people that are not familiar to them. However, with some exposure training it can get over this kind of behavior problem.

Cat behavior problems such as shyness can be cured by gradually increasing the size of its social environment. By getting it involved in activities with other people it will soon develop tolerance and familiarity. Litter Training The most challenging cat behavior problems you can come across is litter training. It is very irritating to have your cat unload just about anywhere in the house. This should be corrected as soon as possible because the longer you wait to take action; the harder it will be in breaking its bad habit. .

However, like all cat behavior problems this one is also treatable. Just situate a comfy litter area and lead your cat into it whenever it litters. You can also use the trusty reward system and give it a treat whenever it uses the litter box. This method will help your cat develop better potty habits.

Melissa Filden works as a zoo keeper and simply loves cats. To get more helpful information about cat behavior problems like cat aggression or cat biting visit her website at www.CatBehaviorProblems.info

Go For A Cat Instead

2010-03-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

I know many who are considering getting a pet for themselves or for family members of friends. When I ask people what kind of animal they are considering what kind of laugh and say that "the only considers dogs, of course. I'm not sure what causes this response in humans, but I have done my best in the last couple of months, and begun to speak up to get a cat instead of a dog.

It is true that I am a bit biased about the benefits of owning a cat than a dog. After all, I have been a cat owner since I was three years old and I'm now a cat breeder by trade. I will try to keep all my bias away that I share with you some good reasons why you should at least consider choosing a cat than a dog for the next pet.

First out is a cat the perfect pet for many people because they require much less work than dogs. Think about it. Get a dog needs someone to be home almost all the time, at least for the first few months of owning the dog. With a cat you do not need to potty train them, take them out, move them or use endless hours playing with them. A cat is definitely a more independent animals and the perfect pet for more independent individuals. Who really wants to be tied down with a beast that takes so much time and attention?

Another good reason to get a cat than a dog is to have a quiet and constant companion. One of my least favorite thing about dogs is how loud and noisy they can. Of course, sometimes a cat meow, but nowhere near as much noise as a dog. Cats pretty much to keep the peace and is the perfect companion for most people. They are also good because they usually love to be around people, so if you're looking for a pet to be quiet, but will be close to you, so the cat is the perfect choice for you.

Cats generally takes much less work than dogs. Talk to most cat owners, and you will hear good stories about people who love to own a cat. So if you're thinking of getting a pet, take the time to check out the benefits of getting a cat. See how great to have a cat can be stressful and busy
lifestyle.

How To Keep Cat Healthy

2010-02-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Our pet cats are often so close to us as members of our family. In fact, they are almost members of our family! Therefore, cat owners learn as much as they can about cat health. Here are the most important things to know about caring for your cat in a loving way:

Grooming: long-haired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less frequently than once a week.

Diet: Cat health is strongly influenced by what your cat eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly when the cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat is right for his age, but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed cat.

Adult cats: Some diseases occur because your cat gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and vision fails, and they need special diets.

LITTER: The litter box can be dangerous to both cat health and health if not cleaned regularly. Change your pet's litter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

Scratch: Scratching is a large cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching a particular area often try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

DECLAWING: Declawing your cat can be an important factor in Cat health. If you choose to Declaw your pet, it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems associated with difficult or unusual behavior. Laxity can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression are sometimes caused by hormone imbalance.

STRESS: Your cat can easily get stressed out. Stressful situations such as relocation, travel, natural disasters or changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effect of stress on your pet, buy a tranquilizer for distance travel and have a seat in the house where the cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

Poison: Make sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze can not be reached by your pet. Some plants are deadly to cats, so be sure to raise plants and lock the toxins.

Parasites: Parasites like ring worms, heart worms and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in cat's stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

MOUTH: Cats often have mouth diseases and this can affect the cat's health. Cats are just as prone to gingivitis as humans. For problems like rodents sores or bad breath, brush your cat teeth with a small child's toothbrush.

Indoor / OUTDOORS: One of the biggest factors in determining cat health is whether your pet goes outdoors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are hazardous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Take care of your cat is critical to the cats health. Hopefully this article has given you information that will make your pet's life a lot safer, healthier, happier and longer.

Dogs, Cats, And Horses… We Love Them All!

2010-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

We have a long history of livestock and even no Sayers can not deny their roll in society past and present.

There is evidence that as long as 10,000 years ago the Indians had domesticated dogs as shown at the beginning of the cave paintings. Apparently, the dogs in the painting looks remarkably like Carolina dogs today.

It has been well documented that dogs and horses have ever been bred to help us in different ways whether it be pack dog, work horse, hunter or Herder. There is no doubt that they have value and have contributed to society in many ways.

The cat is a very interesting animal indeed. I have yet to see a cat that can herd, or help with the hunt or carry supplies on their backs to us. The cat is strictly a companion to us, that's if they choose to allow yourself to be graced with their presence. Most of the cats still have that strong hunting urge as evidenced by the cats offer that bird he just caught or mouse he brings to you. Most cats get attached to an area which they claim as their own. Some cats are very attached to people who love them, but as a rule, I think the cat feels that he is the one who rules and he is so you can take care of him. Yet we love them.

Horses are a special breed, and has a tremendous ability to help us in ways that only the horse can. Horses have been our mode of transportation much longer than our current ways of getting around. They are for me such a beauty, grace and power, and I always think of them that way much more than an animal that works for us. They are spectacular.

Dogs are however far the most domesticated of all animals. They not only help us, but they are so genuinely attached to people and their antics are a constant source of joy for us. Just look at children or elderly people in an old folks home. If a child finds a stray dog they will surely beg you to allow them to keep the dog. If you take a dog in an old folks home you can see the dog respond happily around them and smiles on people's faces is a joy to watch.

I had a springer spaniel when I was younger and he was the funniest, most easy-going dog around. It was unusual that he had a very special relationship with our guinea pig. We had the best time to see these two on the game. It was the same every day. The guinea pig would wait in the hallway entrance and would stay there until the dog noticed. So the hunt was on! The dog would bark and chase him all the way down the hall. Guinea pig at the last minute would turn left and drive into the bedroom and go under the bed. The dog was big and a little clumsy, and would never be able to diminish with time, and he had crashed into the wall, stand up and then stuck his nose under the bed and bark. They would do this four or five times in a row, and curl up and sleep. The two made us laugh. It was great!

As animal lovers, we also can adorn our walls with prints and motivational posters of them. They also make great gifts.

We love our animals, as it should be. Be kind and take good care of them.

Cat Furniture

2009-12-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

I remember dreading the day I found the perfect couch to go in our apartment. Binx was not much of what he liked scratching at, and I realized that if I bought this couch, it would end up looking like a pincushion shreaded in a matter of hours not days!

Just moving into a new apartment (or have been there a long time) introducing your kitty to her new surroundings can be quite tough, and you want to keep him a week to three weeks before you are sure that he is glad to know at home, and he is settled before they decide to let him outside. While he is in for those one to three weeks, if you happen kroner for not being able to stay home and watch your kitty 24 / 7, you will probably come home and find the couch has been attacked or worse, I used to come home and see the bottom of my bed had been attacked!

Now, declawing is definitely out of the election, the only other option left was to check on the cat furniture for your kitty. First a cat Scratcher especially if you have an indoor kitty! Now I was very warey how Binx would take the new carpeted object sitting in the lounge, and it was pretty lucky I had bought him a Cat Nip plant!

Your kitten will probably go nutty over Cat Nip, but not all cats react the same way to it. If the kitten does not take any notice of his new scratching pole, and is still using the couch, break a couple of leaves of Cat Nip plant and continue to rub the entire carpeted rod. It took a few days of sniffing for Binx to actually have some interest in the rod, but when your kitty is an idea, or if necessary, show kitten how to use it first, and praise him every time he uses it right!

Make sure the rod is secured properly because it can upset the kitten while he uses it, and it will only scare him with a cane for good! I had our wedged under the TV Cabnet, and now coffee table and removed the clock attached to the top of the pole that seemed to scare Binx everything rattled behind him! And guess what - he has not touched our new couch, ONCE!

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

2009-10-01T21:29:00.001-07:00

The first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure you have your own secure borders. If there are any gaps in the fence, you must ensure that it locks to prevent any low access. The Cats are very agile and can jump very high. Normally you can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in a string or wire stretched high.

If a cat has made its way into your garden can be difficult to pull him out. Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are different breeds of dog out there that completely dislike cats, such as pit bulls and Dobermans. Cats are completely afraid of these breeds, and will flee if they see around.

All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, the water is almost always out. All you need is a bucket of water or a sketch and face with a garden hose to make it run. After hitting the cat with water several times, you should get the hint not to come back. If he comes back, just spray him or throw more water on him until you get the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats do not like the smell. You can use mothballs around the plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are other repellents that can be used also as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, the oil and citronella.

If you visit the local hardware store or lawn, you can find motion activated sprinklers. They have a great job of keeping the cats from your garden. Once installed the irrigation system and a cat into the area, the detector will pick up the cat's presence and immediately shoot a jet of water off the cat. In most cases, all you need is a couple of times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that have high frequencies are also a great way to scare the cats, even if they are annoying to humans. You can find several different models, such as those that remain in all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, you must ensure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you use the model is strong enough to cover your entire garden, should be enough to scare all the unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents. Repellents for commercial use scents to ward off cats, and should not be used near food crops. Because of their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at a local department store, with different varieties to choose from, many of whom reject the other animals from your garden.

If you have a garden, can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you Stick To Your Guns do your part, you can prevent them from worrying about your garden or your crops. Once you've got your border around the garden, you should try using water first. If the water does not seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Helping Your Cat Stay Healthy

2009-10-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

To keep your cat healthy most of the time, all you have to do is give him good shelter, food, and plenty of water. Like other forms of life, however, cats can get sick from time to time, no matter what you do.

As the owner of a cat, you'll want to ensure that feed your cat only the best. Premium cat food is ideal for cats, as food is designed to keep your pet healthy and happy. You also need to pay attention to his behavior, so you'll know when you are ill and when to take him to the vet. Most of the more common diseases and illnesses are minor, although there are some cases where a veterinarian may be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

The behavior of your cat will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine if you are under the weather. As lazy, that all the time, lack of energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to the vet immediately. The jacket is also a good thing to look further. If you notice his coat dull and patchy or notice him shedding abnormally, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes common, even with the underlying disease. On the other hand, if your cat seems to make one or two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Cough is also common, simply because coughing will cats dislodge hairballs. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have it checked as soon as possible.

To ensure that your cat is not subjected to various diseases, you should always make sure that he's doing with his date of vaccination. There are many diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of the most devastating diseases a cat can get, but it is also one of the easiest to prevent as well. The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you as its own little time for treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly, but it may soon be prevented with proper vaccinations. Although the disease is not possible for humans to contract, it can spread quickly among cats. There are vaccines that can treat the disease these days, although you'll still be careful and not expose other cats around a cat you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms. Cats that have worms usually have a dull coat and little or no appetite. There are several types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm. Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which then mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. If you feed your cat garlic frequently during feedings, can help to protect against worms.

If you take care of your cat, chances are that you keep it healthy for years to come. You should always make sure that the food quality, and not lose any of his medical plan with your veterinarian. If you get the proper vaccinations when it is necessary to achieve them, should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Take the proper steps with your cat now prevents anything from happening in future.

Litter Cleaning For Cats

2009-08-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone, adults and kids alike have a natural fondness for cats. They are loving, quiet, and very playful pets that can provide you with years of entertainment. Although most of us have a fondness for cats, that fondness can rapidly diminish when it comes to the litter box. Even the most hardened cat lover may get tired of litter box duty, especially when it comes down to scooping “you know what” from the litter box.

Cats are very intelligent, instinctively knowing how they should use the litter box. After the cat has finished using the litter box, someone in the family will need to scoop the waste from the litter box. This can be a very dirty and somewhat smelly job, one that is often overlooked during the day when the workload gets heavy. Cleaning up the litter box doesn’t take but a few minutes, although most would prefer not to do it at all. Although the litter box will need to be scooped out daily, it will also need to be changed once a week as well, by throwing the current bag out and replacing the box with a new bag and fresh litter.

Those who don’t like to scoop out the litter box should invest in one of the best inventions ever – the self cleaning litter box. These litter boxes are easy to use, and will keep the area clean. After the cat has used it, the self cleaning litter box will automatically clean the litter either by sifting or using a device that resembles a rake.

Self cleaning boxes that use shifting will often times have a round design. Once the cat leaves the covered box, the dome on top will revolve for the box to clean. The litter in the box will be shifted with the waste being put below the litter where it is discarded. Once the waste is properly disposed of, the litter will be returned to its normal position in the box for the cat to use again.

Boxes that have raking systems will often times sport a rectangular design. Once the cat leaves the box, the rake will automatically come out and clean the litter. The rake will clean all of the litter in the box, including the clumps of waste as well. Rakes are popular, although the shifting litter boxes are by far more popular and more common.

Those who are often times away from home could greatly benefit from a self cleaning litter box. They are great to have for cats that spend a lot of time by themselves, as they virtually eliminate any scooping of litter on your part. You can find them at your local pet or department store, even online as well. They are very affordable – and ideal for anyone who doesn’t like scooping waste from their litter box.

The Toys Cats Will Love

2009-08-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Do you walk through the pet store, see the many toys available for your cat, and wonder if the expense will be worth it? Cats can be fickle creatures, but a good time can be found with almost any toy. Cats are like children they go through stages and sometimes need age appropriate toys and can get bored very easily. Some suggestions for toys include the cat towers, stuffed mice, small amounts of catnip, stuffed animals, ribbons, and plastic balls.

From an early age, kittens learn to pick up things in their mouths. It is an instinct, just like using their claws. When a cat plays, they like to grab and bit their toys. Let us look at the toys listed above. A cat tower is a great way to teach you cat where it is appropriate to climb. It will keep them off the blinds or curtains while giving them hours of fun. There are many styles of cat towers from the two story towers to the ones rising to the ceiling. The answer to your question is, the more levels they have the more fun and enjoyment they will receive out of a cat tower. A cat will use the tower for play as well as sleep. They like to bat at ropes and other items dangling off the tower as well as going through little tunnels up to the next level. If you have two cats you will have fun watching them give chase to the top often trying to knock the other off. A cat tower can be practical because they will scratch at it rather than your couch.

Stuffed mice are also important to any kitty’s playtime. Not all mice are the same; most cats prefer the small leather mice with the multi colored fur and long tails. These mice come in twelve packs or three packs, and believe me if they are anything like my kitty they will tear them apart. Cloth mice are typically second during playtime. If you find your kitty to be uninterested in mice you might want to check the type of mouse you have bought them.

Catnip toys are very popular. Catnip will cause your cat to be more rowdy, which can be a plus because they wear down faster. Catnip before bedtime is a great way to get your cat to sleep for quite a while and leave you to slumber. Catnip should be given out sparingly. You do not want to give your cat catnip everyday because it can have adverse affects to their behavior. They can start to depend on it and have mood swings.

I have found the best toy may just be your old stuffed animal lying around the house. My kitty, Spooky, will bring me a stuffed animal when she is ready to play and she has stuffed animals in her toy basket. There is nothing more amusing than watching my kitty brings me a stuffed animal bigger than she is and proceeds to toss it in the air and pounce. Cats like the feel of certain things in their mouths that is why they chew on paper, plastic and even your blankets. The feel of the material in their mouths allows them to clean their teeth or when they are teething help reduce the pain. The stuffed animal can work in much the same way and keep them away from harmful products.

To answer my above question you do not have to go to great expense to entertain your cat, however when you spend a little on toys you keep your kitty from getting bored. You may even decide to hide a few toys and reintroduce them after a few months to keep from purchasing new ones all the time. Just make sure it is not the favorite toy of your pet or they may find other ways to entertain themselves that you do not find amusing.

Heartworm Treatment For Cats

2009-08-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

As most pet owners already know, heartworm treatment for cats and dogs isn’t the same. Never, under any circumstances, should you give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog – or vice versa. Even though you may own both dogs and cats, you should always give them medicine that is designed for their species.

No matter how you look at it, heartworm treatment isn’t easy. Your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, although there are several factors that you’ll need to consider. The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet, as he will be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your pet has. He can also find out how the worms are affecting your cat and if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.

Heartworms are a very serious condition, as the worms will feast on the vital areas around your cat’s heart. Treatment can be serious as well, especially if something goes wrong. Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms though, in both cats and dogs. Even though you may be able to buy treatment medicine at your local department store, you should always consult with your vet before you give anything to your pet.

Treating your cat for heartworms may indeed be no treatment at all, as cats are extremely difficult to treat. The dying worms have side effects as well, often times causing more than 1/3 of the treated cats to end up with serious problems. Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the worms being there. When a lodged worm starts to decompose, it can lead to very serious problems. Pets that have a serious infestation with heartworms may need to spend some time at the hospital, to ensure that they are properly treated.

Some cats may not be able to take a certain type of heartworm treatment medicine. Depending on the side affects and how the medicine affects the cat, some breeds may not be able to take some of the better medicines. To determine the best treatment options for your cat, your vet will need to run several tests. Once the tests have concluded, your vet will be able to tell you the best options available for treatment.

With all diseases, prevention is a lot better and safer than treatment. Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use. Your vet can tell you what you need to get, and how to use it. This way, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms – and the serious side effects and life threatening issues that go along with them.

Common Health Problems Of Cats

2009-07-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?

2009-06-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy.

Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood and urine tests showed that Zac was in the early stages of acute kidney disease. But Zac was lucky. Because his problem was caught early, Julie’s veterinarian was able to treat the disease successfully and Zac made a complete recovery.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Briefly, kidneys filter and remove waste material from the blood stream. They also regulate the volume and composition of your pet’s body fluids.

There are two types of kidney disease:

Acute – a sudden loss of kidney functioning which is sometimes reversible, and

Chronic – a loss of kidney function that occurs gradually over time. Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, but, depending on the underlying cause and with careful management, animals often live comfortable lives for many years.

The causes of kidney disease can include inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and simply aging. Although the cause of kidney disease can be difficult to determine, with careful testing by your veterinarian, the disease can often be managed. Most treatments are aimed at decreasing the workload of the kidneys, reducing the severity of symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease.

What Are Its Symptoms?

If kidney disease has undermined the kidney’s ability to perform properly, waste materials accumulate in the blood. Signs that could indicate a potential kidney problem include:

Loss of appetite
Increased thirst
Frequent urination or increased volume
Poor hair coat
Depression and/or vomiting

What You Can Do To Prevent Kidney Disease?

While kidney disease is most often found in older dogs and cats, even young animals can be affected. And while the disease is not always preventable, there ARE things you can do to help minimize the chances of your dog or cat developing the disease, such as:

Feeding the best quality dog or cat food you can
Providing continual access to clean, fresh water
Eliminating toxic materials from the home
Maintaining a low stress lifestyle
Regular veterinary care to detect potential problems as soon as possible

You are your animal’s daily detective and advocate. You are your animal’s best chance for receiving medical treatment when the problem is still at an early stage and treatment is most successful. It is always better to prevent a disease, or to treat it early, than to have to treat it after it has become advanced.

Cat Carriers For Safety

2009-06-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

While some people may consider it cruel to cage up your cat it's actually a matter of safety for both you and your cat. For example if you were driving and your cat suddenly jumped on to you, or it got trapped underneath your feet and the brake this could cause a serious accident. Pets can sometimes be unpredictable and for reasons like those mentioned above and more it is always safer to use a cat carrier when transporting your cat to another destination such as the vet.

When choosing a cat carrier you will find there are hundreds of different ones on the market to choose from. Pick one that is suitable for both you and your cat and remember you will need a place to store it when it is not in use. A good cat carrier should be both safe and comfortable for your cat, it should have enough room inside for a fully grown cat to have some freedom of movement, and your cat should be able to both stand up and turn around in side its cage. Air holes on all sides are also needed as this allows the air to fully circulate and your cat to look out.

To make your cat feel comfortable and safe in its carrier it's a good idea to put a blanket in side of it, if your cat has its own blanket on its bedding then that is ideal as the cat will be able to recognize the smell, this should help your cat to feel a little bit safer. The first time you use your cat carrier it is also a good idea to put down some newspaper in side just incase your cat has any "accidents".

It can be awkward getting a fully grown adult cat into its carrier but you can sometimes trick them with food or treats, kittens on the other hand are much easier to get in to one as you can generally just pick them up and place them in side with out to much hassle.

Dog Identification Tips

2009-06-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs in shelters ever find their way home again. Thankfully, these loved pooches had identification, enabling shelter personnel to contact and return them to their owners. With such discouraging statistics, it becomes clear how important it is to tag or identify your new puppy.

Even if your dog doesn’t go outside much or is always in your company, you must identify him or her. Windows and doors can be left open, offering your pup a too-tempting escape to the outside world. What should you do to keep your pup safe at home?

There are several ways to ID your pet to prevent against loss or theft. Ideally, implement at least two methods to ensure a safe return should your dog go missing.

Tattoos and microchips provide permanent ways to identify your dog. Shelters, veterinarians, and research laboratories know to look for these keys when animals are brought to their facilities.

• Tattoos: this permanent identification system involves tattooing a code onto the dog’s skin, often inside the outer ear or on the inside of its leg. Veterinarians or trained specialists will ink the code for you. You will need to list your dog with one of the many tattoo registry programs around the country.

• Microchips: these minuscule electronic chips are embedded under your dog’s skin. Because special scanners are needed to read the information located on the chip, most veterinarians, shelters, and research laboratories have these on hand to scan all strays for identification. Several registries offer membership for dogs with microchips.

While tattoos and microchips offer excellent safety measurements at a reasonable cost, the fact is most people don’t know to look for a tattoo or have the means available to scan for microchips. As a result, it’s essential you provide your pup with an ID tag worn on its collar. ID tags are often the first thing searched for when a stray is found by someone.

At a minimum, the tag should list a current phone number. Because people move and phone numbers change often, a second phone number of a trusted friend or family member is also recommended. If space is available, additional information to include is: your puppy’s name, your address, and any medical conditions.

Luckily, dog ID tags are not expensive to purchase, so it should be one of the first things you get your dog, once you’ve chosen a name. You can usually find just the right tag, too, that fits your lifestyle and your pet’s personality. Tags come in different materials, such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel or plastic, and in a variety of shapes and colors. Today’s glamour pooch can even have his or her own tag made of Swarovski crystals! When it comes to choosing a fun dog ID tag, the choices are limitless.

Whatever methods you use when protecting your pet against loss or theft, please remember to keep the contact information current. Just a few minutes of your time to update registry information or purchase a new dog tag can make all the difference in the world in your beloved dog’s life.

Cat Litter Box Problems: 7 Essential Keys To Solve The Problem Quickly!

2009-05-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Has this ever happened to you? Your cat's peeing outside the litter box, and you're desperately trying to clean up after your cat, wondering if you're actually doing anything to stop it from happening in the first place!

Well, if you're like me, you probably want some quick solutions to the problem, or at least a list of checkpoints that you know you must, like a detective on a trail, work through, to get the litter box behavior problem under control.

By the time you finish this article, you will have learnt the 7 most important steps you must know, when it comes to this problem of the cat peeing outside the litter box.

Firstly, let's have a look at the reasons why this happens. The reasons for peeing outside the litter box are:

1. A medical problem.

2. The cat that has never been properly house trained to use the litter box in the first place.

3. Problems with the litter tray itself.

4. An unpleasant event that occurred while the cat was at the litter box.

5. A temporary physical or emotional stress, or change in the household causing the cat to urinate in an area outside the box, which is perpetuated by the urine smell reminding the cat to return to the same area over and over again.

6. Old age causing a cat to not be easily able to get to the litter box.

Now, keep these causes in mind, when checking out the 7 action steps:

1. If there's a change in toilet behavior with no obvious cause, it may be caused by illnesses such as urinary tract infections, blocked anal glands, worms and parasites, diabetes and tumors. These illnesses may have no other obvious signs, apart from this urination problem. So you must consider a visit to the vet. In other cases you may see symptoms such as lethargy, blood in the urine, diarrhea, or constant licking in the anal area. If you see this, then your first stop is the vet!

2. Look at the litter box itself. Ensure you're cleaning out the waste once or twice a day, and changing the litter every 3-4 days for non-clumping litter (2-3 weeks for clumping litter). Clean the tray with hot water and mild detergent, without any strong odors such as citrus or ammonia, which will repel the cat from the box. If you have multiple cats, remember - the number of trays should equal number of cats, plus one or two. If you've changed brands of litter, this may have caused the problem as many cats dislike this change, especially to scented litter. Return to the older litter. If you want to change, introduce unscented litter gradually by mixing the old with the new over 2 weeks. And ensure that the location of the box is acceptable: no loud noises, has some privacy, and is not in view of other cats.

3. Consider adding in 1 more litter box to another suitable private location of the house. This is because sometimes it's not the litter box that's the problem, but a negative experience there. For example, if your kids played with the cat while she was on the litter box, or if the cat had pain when urinating, such as during a urine infection, after having kittens, or had a procedure done on the bladder or urethra at the vet, then the cat would associate pain with that litter box. Even if the pain is gone, the association and is still there.

4. Thoroughly clean the area that has been peed on. This is important because no matter what the cause, the fact that the urine remains on the bed, carpet, or sofa is a reminder for the cat to return to pee there. The cat's sense of smell is more acute than ours, so ensure you clean with a solution such as Brampton's Simple Solution. If you have remaining urine smell together with a bad association at the box, then you have 2 forces causing the problem to continue. So get rid of both!

5. Next, if possible, deny the cat access to the area that is peed on, especially if it's an area that is repeatedly used. Many people forget to do this, and their problem is prolonged. By stopping access, the cycle of repeated urination is stopped. Will the cat pee somewhere else? Possible, though less likely if you provide a second litter box, show him where it is a few times, and also do the step 7 below.

6. If you can't stop the cat from accessing the area, make the area less attractive for peeing instead. You can do this by either placing a scent, or, by placing a bowl of dried cat food there. If using a scent, try citrus or eucalyptus. If using dried food, which often works better, ensure that you top up the food bowl during the day. Either way, once you have success, continue for another 1-2 weeks to ensure it stays that way.

7. If you're at home when the cat is, then you have this step up your sleeve as well: the startle technique. Only do this method if you actually catch the cat about to urinate because if you do it at any other time, that cat will not be able to associate that urinating in the area with the unpleasant startle. Startle the cat with a loud "No!" or clap of the hands. Wait 5 minutes, then bring the cat to the litter tray, and if she toilets at the tray, reward her with praise and a food treat. As long as the length and enjoyment of the reward if far greater than the startle, this will be unlikely to cause stress. Use this method carefully as some cats may experience stress with it. Make sure that the cat seems relaxed after the food treat, and that it's actually improving the situation.

If you follow the above steps, most problems of peeing outside the litter box will be solved within days or gradually improve over 1-2 weeks.

Remember in all cases, you'll be even more effective if you reduce stress at the same time. This means more play time and attention.

In conclusion, it does take some effort and detective work to see what has caused the litter box behavior problem in the first place. And you now know how to apply 7 essential steps to help you solve this issue, as quickly and effectively as possible.

If you'd like to learn more advanced tips on solving your cat's litter box behavior problem, go to the website described in the resource box below.

Choosing a Cat Litter For Your Aging Cat

2009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

As cats grow older, a host of feline health concerns can arise, including diabetes.

"Diabetes is a common problem in older cats," said Dr. Kenton Beard, a licensed veterinarian. "They produce a larger volume of urine, and it does tend to have a stronger smell. That's due to the fact that cats, compared to humans, can't regulate their glucose levels as well."

Therefore, senior cats with diabetes need to have their litter box cleaned more frequently. For this reason, some owners of older cats are realizing they need a more effective litter - one that stops the strongest odors, handles a high volume of urine and can be easily scooped and cleaned.

One alternative is a natural cat litter such as Swheat Scoop, a clumping litter that's made from naturally processed wheat. Through a patented process, its natural enzymes work to eliminate, rather than mask, litter box odors - even the extra offensive odors associated with diabetic cats.

The natural wheat starches in Swheat Scoop form firm clumps to make cleanups easy. And since each granule absorbs liquid like a sponge, the litter stays drier longer.

Because Swheat Scoop is clay-free, the clumps can be easily flushed down the toilet without harming sewer or septic systems, eliminating the unpleasant task of disposing litter waste in the trash daily.

And for older cats who may have more sensitive respiratory systems, it's also 100 percent fragrance-free and chemical-free.

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures

2009-05-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

“Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?”- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.

Jean Burden, beautifully defines the feline beauty. “A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem.” Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember ‘Snowbell’ - the cat of “Stuart Little”.

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet. Cat supplies can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.

Cat supplies is a general term that covers a variety of important cat care products. These topics could be used when undertaking an online Internet search for good value cat supply products for your pets - cat-grooming supplies, cat pet supplies, cat training supplies and discount cat supplies.

Cat Grooming:

Cat grooming is in fact a long program of cat health care that covers the entire life span a cat. It includes feline care, feline health care, feline diabetes care etc. It also includes practices like kitten care, giving a hygiene bath, general cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas and insects and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. Cat owners should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Like children, infant cats, known as kittens, require some extra special attention. A kitten is delicate and should be handled with care. It also needs to be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Cat Grooming Supplies:

Cat grooming supplies play a key role in the process of maintaining a happy and healthy cat. Supplies for your pet may include a special cat home or house, cat doors, cat furniture, cat carrier, cat beds, heated cat beds, cat toys, cat collars, designer cat collars, jeweled or jingling cat collars, cat odor removers, cat clothes, special cat jewelry, cat food, cat tonics & supplements and cat medication.

Cat Beds:

A cat bed is a bed specially designed for the sleeping comfort of a cat. It should be the most pleasurable place for a cat where it retires to take sweet dreams. Good cat beds are actually quite important for maintaining good cat health. An improper sleep may very much affect the general health of your cat - thus the masters of cats should be very careful when buying cat beds. A cat bed and cat bedding should include a cat bed mattress, cat bed sheet, cat pillows, cat throw pillows, cat blankets and cat quilt or duvets.

Cat beds are available in numerous styles and include designer cat beds, heated cat beds, luxury cat beds, wicker cat beds, leather cat beds, etc.

There are number of designer cat pet beds available on the market for purchase, both in physical pet stores, and also online. Many pet bed manufacturers now sell their cat beds online, through their official company websites.

Cats – The Purrfect Companion?

2009-05-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

"You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." - Colonial proverb

Fancy having a cat at home? It will depend on you throughout its life – around 15 years with proper care – so properly budget for visits to the vets and other costs before making a decision to get a cat.

You have to budget for cat food, cat litter and scoops and other accessories to make the cat’s life comfortable at your home.

Kitten or adult? A difficult choice since the kitten of today is going to be a member of your household for a long time. Perhaps it is better to get an adult cat since it has already developed a personality and you will know what you are getting. Adult cats easily adapt to a new home and get attached to the new owner as easily as a kitten. It does not matter whether you get a male or female because their behaviour is not dependent on their gender. Neutered and spayed cats make pleasant companions.

Any good animal shelter will have healthy cats available. Remember a cat you picked up from the shelter is actually saved from death by you. To convey a proper image, choose a name for the cat from Abby, Achilles to Zummo. There are lots and lots of fancy names to choose from.

OK, you got your cat – so now what? Open up your purse so that your cat can feel pampered. You can get elegant and lavishly designed dining bowls with a price range of ฃ8 to ฃ80. To promote their health and well being encourage your cat to drink more water. Drinking fountains for cats which re-circulate water and provide fresh tasting filtered water are a great idea. Like humans, pets require water as a vital element for survival. Water constitutes approximately 70% of a cat's or dog's body.

Apart from feeding the cat we have to provide mental and physical stimulation and keep them active and happy. A ball dispensing cat nip or any other small treat once in 2 to 4 hours (preset – depending upon the need of your cat) is one of the accessories which are fun to watch when the cat plays and eat.

Colorful place mats for the cat with some hilarious or funny drawing make a great gift and liven up the cat pen.

To make your cat enjoy the outdoors along with you buy a pet stroller which costs from ฃ40 to ฃ 150 or a cat harness. Vaccinations, also known as kitten shots will help protect the cat from various diseases. Remember to keep your cat healthy by changing the litter box frequently.

The Cat Whisperer

2009-02-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

A cat whisper is somewhat similar to a dog or horse whisperer, although cat whisperers relate quite well with cats. These types of people are unusually lucky and very successfully with cats. In most cases, a cat will be abandoned or just show up at someone’s door. In this event, the cat will adopt this individual as the cat whisperer.

Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes. This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind. Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.

A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats. Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally. These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want. Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer. Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid. In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound. This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have. A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets. Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.

Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do. Like humans, cats feel pain. Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed. Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck. Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.

Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats. Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with. Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before. Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.

Taking Care Of Cats

2009-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.

Great Gifts For Cat Lovers

2009-02-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of great gifts that you can give to cat lovers, although photo frames are among the most popular. Photo frames are very affordable, and make a great gift for anyone who owns a cat or other pet. Those who own more than one cat will truly appreciate photo frames – as it gives them a chance to show off their pet. Cat lovers can also frame pictures of their pet for memories as well – and keep them forever and ever.

Before you give a cat lover a gift, you should take into consideration what type of cat the person owns. There are several breeds out there, including tabby, pure breeds, calico, Persian, and of course the infamous Siamese breeds. Someone may own several cats as well, which is why you should know a little bit about the breed or breeds someone owns before you get them a gift.

You should take into consideration whether or not the cat lover has an outdoor or indoor cat. Cats, unlike dogs, are more than happy to spend all of their time outdoors. Outdoor cats can be a lot of fun, especially if the owner spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats have a natural urge to go outside, even if the owner has an indoor cat.

Cats who reside indoors are less exposed to sicknesses and common health problems that outdoor cats are exposed to. Indoor cats are almost always trained to use the litter box, which makes them easy to maintain for their owners. Nearly all gifts that you can get for a cat lover are designed for those who keep their pet indoors.

If you’re looking for a humorous yet exciting gift, you can always give the gift of catnip. Catnip is one of the most popular treats for cats, as it’s a naturally occurring plant that has a unique affect on a cat. Catnip gives off aromatic oils that will often make cats appear to be drunk and very hyper – which is always great entertainment for both owners and guests. Catnip is completely safe for cats to consume, often times being included with gifts such as chew toys and play balls.

Other great gifts for cat lovers include decorative mats with cat pictures, which you can get personalized for the owner if you prefer. You can also give cat videos, musical cat dolls, cat shaped mail boxes, toys and treats, and various other goodies that are directed towards cat lovers. If you do your shopping on the Internet, you’ll find that the possibilities are endless. Cats are very popular pets – meaning that you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life.

Health Care for Older Cats

2009-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

It may be hard for a pet owner to notice a pet cat getting older. Outside, pet cats may show the same things- playing with toys around the home, taking naps sprawled on a favorite spot inside the home, snuggle up with you on the sofa. But inside, it might be a whole different thing. And health care for cats as they get old may change a little bit.

When caring your an aging cat, there are some things that a concerned pet owner should know about. When a cat approaches somewhere between the ages of eight or twelve years, this is the equivalent of a human being approaching middle age. This will be the time that your pet cat may be needing a bit of extra attention.

Most veterinarian generally estimate that cats start their geriatric years when they reach twelve years. This will be the time that caring for your pet cat would have to change to accommodate the needs that aging brings.

A major part of caring for older pet cats involve feeding them. As cats get older, their digestive systems do not function as efficiently as before. Aging cats may need to eat smaller and easily digestible meals in a day rather than just two square meals. Try also to make sure that you give your cat a variety of food to eat to ensure that it gets a well balanced diet.

There are also a number of cat food now available as food for the different life stages of your pet cat. There is cat food that is specially formulated for older cats as well as for the less active ones. The best advice in feeding your aging pet cat would be to ask your vet about the nutritional needs of your cat.

When cats age, they also start to lead a less active lifestyle. Whereas cats enjoy playing around and hunting during their younger years, older cats seem to prefer spending more time quietly around the home. This would be a benefit for some pet owners since they no longer have to worry about their once playful cat overturning and breaking things around the house. But this sedentary lifestyle would not be good for the cat.

Even though your pet cat would you may still need to keep them active since the exercise would help keep them healthy. Try to have them active as often as possible to keep them active. As they age, cats may also need to have their vaccinations up to date. Older cats have a less efficient immune system and may need vaccinations to keep them protected from diseases.

Dental problems may also become a concern for old cats when they become prone to having loose teeth, tartar buildup, and sore gums. This can have a big effect on your pet cat's well-being. Dental problems may be the reason why they are not eating well. A regular dental check up might be needed as part of health care for old cats.

How to Take Care of Your Cat

2009-01-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Cats are cute creatures that can take care of themselves. But if you were to have one as a pet, you should know certain things about how to take care of your cat. It is different when you got this as a kitten to a full grown feline.

If you got this as a kitten, it will easily be able to adapt itself to the environment because it will allow itself to be ruled by other pets. This means there will be fewer incidents of fighting among themselves.

Lucky for you, kittens that often sold to owners are already litter trained. The only thing you have to do now is teach it where to go when nature calls.

Your kitten will follow you wherever you go and at times jump or climb up to the kitchen counter or table. This isn’t good if you have food there so discourage this habit by having a bottle full of water around so you can squirt it into their face.

It will also be a good idea to install a scratching post since this is their way of sharpening their nails. If they do this elsewhere, spray them again in the face.

Apart from working on the scratch pad, you should trim their nails before it gets too sharp that it could hurt someone or damage the furniture in the house. You do this by pressing down on each toe which makes the claws extend. This should be inspected regularly so they also get used to it as they grow older.

Kittens do not shed that much hair compared to bigger cats. But you should comb them anyway so they get used to it regardless if your pet is a short or long haired cat.

Don’t just give your cat anything to eat. They must be of good quality that can be found in the pet store. If you are not sure about which brand has the highest vitamins and minerals, go ask your vet for some recommendations. There must be a clean bowl of water as well so they don’t get dehydrated.

Aside from feeding the kitten, he or she should be brought to the vet for shots. They usually get a few while they are young but get a regular one annually as they get bigger. Be sure to keep a record of the shots so this can be shown to the doctor.

If you have a big cat, give them room to adapt to the new environment on their own. If your pets quarrel, don’t worry or get in between them because this is normal. But if things are really bad, then you have to separate them by confining both in different rooms.

An older cat also needs to be disciplined so they know what they can and cannot do. This is why you need to keep the squirt bottle handy as this is the best way to tell them it is wrong without physically hurting them.

House cats should always be kept indoors. Studies have shown that this extends their life for over ten years since going outside puts them at risk of being hit by a car or contaminated with a virus from stray animals. Just so you know strays cats that live outdoors only live for a couple of years.

It doesn’t take much to know how to take care of a cat. Do some research and practice so both of you will enjoy each other’s company.

Cats Bonding With Their Owners

2009-01-20T18:44:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

How Important is Cat Teeth Care

2009-01-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

You do not have to wait for the month of February to remember about cat teeth care. It is a part of your responsibility as a pet owner to be mindful about cleaning your pet's oral hygiene.

Why February, you may ask. The American Veterinary Medicine Association or the AVMA and the American Veterinary Dental Society or the AVDS join forces each February to give this month a different meaning. Yes, it is still about love. But now it is love for pets and their teeth.

These two groups tagged what used to be the love month as the Pet Dental Health Month. They both aim and do steps in educating pet owners like you about how to care for the dental needs of your pets every day.

But these groups know how important this is for the pets and their owners. They actually would want all those who are caring for any pets to consider each month as the dental health month for pets.

Did You Know?

Did you know that about 85 percent of the old pets have dental diseases? Did you know that this is one of the most common causes of health related problems with cats? And did you know that if you didn't pay any attention to those periodontal diseases, more problems may surface?

If such conditions will not be properly treated, such may cause harmful elements like bacteria from the dental cavity spreading all through the bloodstream. And as a result, this will infect other major organs that will cause more complications that may lead to your pet's death.

How to Care for the Teeth

As a pet owner, you have the responsibility to clean your cat's teeth every day. This could be tasking if you will imagine about it. But you can use some help from other household members to open kitty's mouth for you while you complete the task.

Your feline friend may not like the process at first. But it is for its own good. For this reason, you both need to get accustomed with it. You can try toothpaste that has a fish flavor for the experience to be more fun for your cat.

You must also have a regular appointment with your vet regarding the dental health of your pets. Aside from this, you have to check on your cat's teeth as well as the gums every day to see if they are clean. If you want, you can also floss your cat's teeth.

You have already provided a lot for your cat. Don't let it all go to waste. Take care of your cat's teeth as soon as you have them. You don't want further complications as they grow old. If you have experienced what it's like to experience pain because of your teeth. You can only imagine how a helpless cat can cope with it.

If you will not do something about it soon, your cats will be prone to diseases like in the heart, even their lungs and liver, as well as the kidneys.

Be mindful about cat teeth care. Just following the abovementioned simple rules will keep your cats smiling all the way into adult age. By doing the necessary actions, you are preparing your pets to have an easy life as it grows older.

Cat Diabetes and how to Care for them

2009-01-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Cat care and diabetes go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can live an otherwise more normal life than usual. It may be unfortunate for pet cats to have their own version of diabetes, also a serious affliction among humans. It is also important for pet owners to know how feline diabetes affects cats and how they can help make life better for their pets by learning how to better care for them.

There are two types of feline diabetes that may affect your pet cats. Type 1 is caused by an insufficient production of insulin while type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the cat's body to process insulin more effectively. And just like in humans, diabetes can also strike cats at any age but is more likely to affect older cats.

There is also a secondary feline diabetes that can be caused by drugs or by some diseases that may impair the natural processing of insulin in the body.

Cats also display symptoms that may tell veterinarians or pet owners of the onset of diabetes. These symptoms also have similarities with what humans with diabetes develop as the disease progresses. Cats may show frequent thirst and urination. With the body's inability to process or handle glucose, diabetic cats may also experience weight loss.

Other symptoms that may be associated with feline diabetes include vomiting, loss of appetite and general weakness. Diabetic cats may also have poor skin and coat condition as well as breathing abnormalities.

When a pet cat displays the symptoms mentioned above, it might be wise for pet owners to have their cats tested for sugar levels in the blood as well as in their urine. The reason why both tests might be required is that cats under stress may experience a temporary spike of their blood sugar levels. The two tests will help confirm if your pet cat really has diabetes.

Just like diabetes in humans, the feline version also has no cure yet available. Instead, feline diabetes can be controlled through a number of means. And for cats, it can be done through diet and weight control. A diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates would be ideal for diabetic cats, especially the obese ones.

This type of diet is maintained not only to control the cat's weight but also to control the cat's blood sugar levels. There are also oral medications available that can help your diabetic pet cat maintain a suitable blood sugar level.

Pet owners of diabetic cats may also need to carefully monitor their pet's glucose and insulin levels. For those pet owners who resort to giving their diabetic cats insulin injections for their diabetes, care to avoid overdose should always be maintained. An overdose of insulin can be a very fatal condition in cats. There are also some dietary supplements that can be used to help diabetic cats deal with their condition.

Cat care and diabetes always go hand in hand to ensure that your pet cat can lead a normal life. Providing the right care for diabetic pet cats can make sure that pet cat owners can enjoy the company of their pet for as long as possible.

The genuine concern that is shared through the care given to diabetic pet cats can show the love that pet owners may have on their dear animal companions.

Why Does My Cat Bite My Hand When I Stroke Her?

2008-12-30T03:07:00.000-08:00

You have settled into your favorite armchair, perhaps reading the final chapters of a gripping novel. Suddenly you are aware of the imploring stare of your cat sitting at your feet. You invite her onto your lap. Gently you begin to stroke her and your cat signals her appreciation with an audible purr.

One hand holding your book the other hand continuing to pet your mouser, you again get lost in your novel. All is well in the world with you and with your cat.

Suddenly your cat bites your hand!

Why did kitty do that? Why did she bite the hand that strokes her?

The experts don't agree on exactly why it is that some cats enjoy being petted, but end up biting. One thing that they do agree on is that when kitty bites at you, it's a sure sign that she has decided that she's had enough stroking.

Cats differ in the amount of petting they will accept, and not all cats respond by biting when they have had enough. Some cats simply jump from your lap and saunter off to investigate interests anew. But many cats will nip you and your animal is one of them.

Could you have known that a bite was on its way? Yes, there are often signs that cats give before biting. And, if you had not been so wrapped up in reading your novel, you may have paid heed to your little pets warning.

If kitty's tail begins to twitch, in a rolling flick, watch out! She's getting ready to chomp at your hand.

If your cats ears start turning towards the back of her head, or flatten against her head, that's a warning a bite is coming.

If your cat suddenly becomes restless, or stiffens and stares at your hand, she could be about to nip you.

If you noticed any of these signals, simply stop stroking your cat. Your pet will either stay on your lap or jump down and walk off, whichever happens you don't get bitten.

What you should not do is punish your cat for biting your hand. That simply does not work. Cats are more likely to identify the punishment with you rather than with their bad cat behavior. If you miss a warning sign and kitty manages to get her jaws around your hand, try to resist the temptation to pull your hand away or push your cat away. Simply freeze. Chances are that your cat will not sink her teeth in, she has got her message across, and you have stopped petting her.

If you try and push your cat away it is likely that she will fight with your hand resulting in skin punctures for you. (An animal bite can become infected quite easily, if your cat does draw blood clean up the wound scrupulously and seek the advice of your doctor.)

Why do some cats behave in this aggressive way? The degree of tolerance to petting may be genetic, or it may be learned behavior. If when your cat was a kitten you allowed her to chew on your hand in play, she learned that biting human hands was an OK thing to do. So, when she feels that she has had enough stroking (she's the boss remember,) she will bite at your hand to let you know - if you ignore her warning signals.

Some experts recommend the use of healthy tidbits, as a reward, in order to increase the time your cat will tolerate stroking. At the first warning signal offer kitty a treat, continue to stroke your cat gently for a time and offer her another reward. It is said that your cat will learn to connect petting with the tidbits and may, with patience, allow you to pet her for longer periods.

Three Tips to Successfully Moving With Your Cat

2008-12-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

In 2004, my wife and I moved from Washington to Arizona. Although the 1,500-mile drive looked to be uneventful, one catch was that we were taking our domestic longhaired cat, My Lenaptalf, along for the ride. Now that the experience is behind us, I’m able to offer these three tips to making your cat move a success.

Sedate – We mentioned our moving plans to a vet, and he recommended sedatives for the cat. Though she wasn’t too keen on taking the pills, I highly recommend them. With just one small pill a day, our cat was able to quietly sleep on the floor of the back seat in the car for the entire day.

Be Steady – Provide a consistent environment for the cat each day and night. We made a small, dark, cave-like environment for the cat in the back seat that seemed to help reduce her normal fear of the car and reduce the sense of being in motion. When we stopped in motels, we gave her the same food and a small litter box with the same litter she was used to.

Speak Softly – Especially at the beginning and end of the day’s car ride, speak softly to the cat and reassure her with your voice that everything is okay. Don’t make sudden movements or startle her. Allow her to explore a new motel room for a few minutes before doing anything else. Bring a familiar blanket that smells like home for her to sleep on.

I’m sure there are other success stories out there as well, so take the tips to heart that apply to your cat and your move, and good luck!

Cat Care & Health

2008-12-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

Owning a pet has certain responsibilities. You have to feed and groom it as well as keep them away from various diseases. This is what cat care and health is all about and by doing it correctly, they can live for 10 years or even longer.

Cat vaccinations are the most effective means of fighting a disease. This also prevents the cat from ever becoming a carrier. Some of the common vaccinations given are for cat flu, feline leukemia or FeLV, Feline Chlamydophilosis and Feline Infectious Enteritis or FIE.

If your cat is given a vaccination, be aware that they may experience some side effects. This goes away shortly even if they develop flu like symptoms or fatigue in the next dew days. In rare cases, the cat may develop cancer where the injection has inserted that may develop in weeks, months or even years.

Cats just like humans experience allergies. This may come from pollen, dust, disinfectants and others. If you notice your cat experiencing any symptoms, you should stop using such products, keep them away from plants and make sure your house is clean.

Another problem that your cat may face is fleas and ticks. You will know they are there if they scratch more often than usual. You should check around the neck to see if there are any black dots using a special flea comb to look deeper into the fur.

Treatment against fleas and ticks is done by dabbing a small amount of liquid on to the back of their necks once a month. As for those that are already present, you can pluck them out one by one using a pair of tweezers or applying Vaseline over the affected area. Always wear rubber gloves when you are doing this so the bacterium does not transfer to your fingers.

Unlike fleas and ticks that you can see, cat worms are inside their digestive system. There are three of them namely hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms. If left untreated, they will have an upset stomach that at times can be fatal.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to give them worming tablets annually. But if it is already there, then you have to get a prescribed medicine from your doctor. Another option is to use a tick remover spray that is available in pet stores. You will notice a wound when the tick or flea is removed. This must be treated by bathing the area with salt water afterwards so no infection develops.

Cats can cause damage and hurt people. You can prevent this from happening by providing them a scratch pad to play with and trimming their nails on a regular basis.

Ever heard the line curiosity killed the cat? Well this also happens if they roam freely around your house. To prevent this from happening, make sure all cabinets are closed, the windows are shut, medicine and rat poison are hidden. You must never given them chocolate as a snack as this can be fatal.

Proper cat care is the most effective means of keeping them healthy. Studies have shown that cats that are kept indoors and loved by their owners live 5 times longer than those you see on the street. Since you decided to own one, you should cherish it.

Caring For Cats

2008-12-10T03:08:00.000-08:00

Cat lovers need not feel down in the mouth about protecting their pets from serious disease. In fact, their cat's mouth is a good place to start. A recent study shows that cats with common forms of oral disease have a higher rate of testing positive for more serious diseases.

The good news is that with early detection and proper veterinary care, cats with serious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline version of HIV, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can live long and healthy lives. Having cats tested is a key factor in slowing the spread of these diseases.

An estimated 31 million cats in the U.S. are at risk for FIV and FeLV. These diseases are spread from cat to cat (they cannot be spread to people) and are highly contagious. Since cats with FIV and FeLV often have no visible symptoms and many cat owners are not aware their cat has been exposed, it's vitally important to have cats tested. Treatment usually consists of a nutritional diet, closer monitoring and more frequent visits to the vet.

The study, conducted by veterinary clinics around the country, found one in every eight cats that had some type of oral disease also tested positive for FIV, FeLV or both. Cats with oral diseases are four times more likely to have those conditions than cats without.

"This study encourages testing cats that have gingivitis and other oral diseases for FIV and FeLV infection. This gives veterinarians valuable new information in their efforts to fight these contagious viruses," said Dr. Jan Bellows, a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Cat owners should work with their veterinarian to establish a regular schedule of comprehensive wellness exams, including dental screenings and FIV/FeLV testing.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners says a cat should also be tested for FIV/FeLV:

• When sick, regardless of previous negative results. Signs of illness may include changes in behavior, grooming and eating habits.

• When cats and kittens, regardless of age, are newly adopted.

• When cats live in households with unknown infection status. Infected cats who don't have symptoms can still transmit the viruses to uninfected cats.

• When cats have had potential exposure, whether they snuck outdoors or got in a fight with a cat of unknown infection status.

• Annually, especially for cats that fight or live with infected cats.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends cat owners visit their veterinarians for a wellness exam twice a year.

Allergic To Your Dog Or Cat?

2008-11-30T03:08:00.000-08:00

Pets definitely help us live longer and healthier lives. This is especially true of the elderly and those of us who live alone. Pets make wonderful and faithful companions. They are always there for us. However, this relationship can become strained, and sometimes even be broken when someone in the household develops an allergy to a beloved pet.

Studies show that approximately 15% of the population suffers from an allergy to a dog or cat, and about one third of those with an allergy to cats choose to live in a household with a cat despite the allergy. Some allergy suffers live happily with a pet for a year or two before an allergy starts.

There are sometimes long term health ramifications of repeated allergy flair up's, especially for children. Repeated flair-up's can cause permanent lung damage in children. This should be carefully and thoroughly discussed with your physician. One of the ways to live happily with an animal you are allergic to is to decrease your exposure to the animal. Keep the animal outside if possible.

If the allergy sufferer only has a mild reaction to the animal there are ways for the two of them to live together in harmony, but it takes work. The animal should not be allowed in the allergy sufferers bedroom or on the bed. Keep the animal off of any upholstered furniture in the house as dander can be transferred to upholstered furniture. Use a room purifier to remove airborne animal dander. Remove carpets from the home if possible and replace with wood floors. Wash area rugs on a regular basis with warm water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to trap dander. The allergy sufferer should wash his or her face and hands after handling the animal. The animal can be bathed weekly in specially formulated shampoo that removes dander.

In some cases where the above methods and the use of over the counter antihistamines and decongestants do not help, the allergy sufferer may need to seek the help of an allergist. Immunotherapy can be thought of like a vaccination against your allergies. Given on a regular basis as shots, immunotherapy helps your body build up a natural tolerance to specific allergens.

With the use of the above methods you'll be able to live a long and healthy life with your pet!

Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat

2008-11-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

Learning cat behaviors before you start training them would be an good idea for anyone that is going to train a cat's behavior.

A cat can jump and land on its feet as this is a natural instinct for a cat. When a kitten is born the cushion in its paws are not developed with the cushion to land on its feet. It takes about 7 weeks to develop the cushion in a kittens paw for landing. A cats bone structure is unique to other animals as the bones are flexible, cats have no collar bone, which enables them to twist and bend their bones. A cat can jump a great distance without sustaining any injuries.

With this behavior, you will want to teach the cat to jump hoops, sticks, or off the scratching tree. Letting a cat jump from extreme heights will cause injury to the cat.

Cats have a unique hearing ability; they are able to hear high tones and pitches, like opening a door or a can of food. Cats also have unique smelling abilities. The reason a cat will scratch or urinate on the floor , rub its self up against a door or furniture, is the cat is leaving their scent in those areas so they will be able to come back and know they were there, in other words marking its territory. In addition, if another cat or animal comes along in the area a cat will know this. Cats can also smell with their mouths. There is a gland called Jacobson's organ, it is a sac in the cats upper mouth filled with blood, as the cat smells the scent and the slightly opens their mouth and upper lip, this allows the scent to be carried in and to the sac, which it will carry the scent goes to the cat brain. This mostly happen to male cats when a female has urinated.

Knowing these natural instincts and behaviors can give you some insight training your cat. With behavior training you will want to make sure that you allow your cat the ability in some way to play out its natural instincts and behaviors.

When training a cat for behaviors there are some things you need to take into consideration. Aggression, especially in older cats, can be caused from illness or other cats in the home. You may want to contact your vet to have your cat checked out to see if it's alright at this time to train a cat.

Depression and anxiety can play another part in trying to train your cat. If a cat is separated by a recent owner the cat can become depressed. Stress is not uncommon for a cat. If you think that your cat has depression or high anxiety, this would be a good time to take him to the vet. Vets can talk to you about some of the things that may be causing this. There are also medications that a vet can prescribe for the cat to help with depression and anxiety.

Never hit a cat for punishment, he will learn to fear you, and fearing will be a behavior you will not be able to control or retrain. When they do something that is not right, ignore the problem unless you catch them in the act, you can associate a noise with that behavior you don't like, or in a stern voice tell them “NO”.

If a behavior is becoming impossible, you may have to resort to the baby proof home, all containers that have food in them have a lid on it. Make sure that the counters are clean and have nothing that a cat would want to play with.

You will want to start training your cat or kitten almost immediately after you get them. This will stop many unwanted behaviors and hopefully not let any new bad behaviors to start.

Healthy cats need healthy relationships with their owners. Good Luck!

Cheap Cat Playthings You can Find Around Your Home

2008-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

It’s fun to play with your cat! And how much more fun if it doesn’t cost you a thing?

Buying toys from your local pet shop can be expensive, and after the money you spend on it, your cat either tears the toy to pieces in a couple of hours or turns its nose up completely!

Why not save your money and entertain your cat with the following things you can find around your own home?

String!

I guarantee all cats love string. As it wiggles along the ground, moving fast and slow, it triggers your cat’s hunting mechanism and makes a great plaything.

A great idea is to tie a long piece of string to a stick, so you can drag it along the ground and tease your pet while sitting comfortable in a chair.

Paper!

Other than the sound of pet food, nothing perks my cats ears up like the sound of paper being rolled into a ball. A ball of paper about the size of a ping-pong ball is ideal for your cat to chase around the house. They absolute love it.

Similar thing to use for ball pet toys are rolled up sweet wrappers and small balls of foil.

Rope!

One of the most versatile products you can use to make different cat toys and activities.

It’s great to wrap around a post to make your very own cat scratch post and can be pined to pieces of board to make scratch boards that can be mounted on a wall inside or out.

These are just some of the things you can find inside your home to entertain your pet, without having to spend a lot of money in pet shops on toys and pet accessories.

Cat Owners' Cat Training Books

2008-11-06T03:06:00.001-08:00

This article seeks to give you a solid knowledge base regarding the subject matter, no matter what your previous experience on the topic. Cats are wonderful animals! It is remarkable how well these animals have adapted to domesticity. It has been estimated that they have been living in close contact with human beings for approximately 3,500 years.

Not only are they good for pets, but they are also very useful to humans. The ancient Egyptians took care of them to get rid of the mice in their homes. No wonder there have been hundreds and hundreds of books written that are devoted to the subject of these animals. Most of these books have to do with cat training.

Since cats are predatory creatures by instinct; they still exhibit some behaviors that are best suited in the wilderness. This sometimes becomes a problem for people who have cats living in their households. That is why there are a lot of training books that have been written to address various issues concerning cat training.

Different types of training books:

There are various different types of training books that are available in the market. Some deal with the issue of cats' health and their behavior. Some are reference books written by veterinarians. They offer insights and tips on how to properly take care of cats. These types of books can be used as a resource by owners when training their cats.

While other cat training books are categorized according to breed, some give those readers who are seeking to gain more knowledge on a specific breed of cats more extensive, and helpful information.

Where to get these books:

These books can be purchased in local bookstores. They can even be borrowed in libraries. But the most convenient place to get them would be online. There's a wide range of cat training books to choose from in the internet. Rates and reviews of these books are also available. This gives the buyer some insight about the book, helping them decide and pick out exactly the type of cat training book they are looking for.

Who buys these books?

Books on how to train cats are perfect for first time cat owners. These books will offer them the much needed information they need in order to take care of their cats. A lot of cat lovers also have a collection of cat books. Ranging in topics from: breed books, photography, fiction, cat care, training, nutrition, etc.

Cat training books are a perfect companion for any cat owner. Every cat owner should at least have one on their book shelf.

Here are some of the best-selling and truly amazing cat training books that can have one's pet cat do more than meowing and scratching:

1. "Guide to Well-Behaved Cat: A Sound Approach to Cat Training"

The book says it all. It aims to train the cat to behave. Written by Phil Maggiti, this book is packed with rich information and divided into four parts. The first chapter tackles the cat's evolution, while the second is all about its domestication. Design and function of an ordinary cat is discussed in chapter three, while chapter four talks about human-pet relationship topics such as why does a kitty disobey the owner when it is called?

2. "Understanding or Training Your Cat or Kitten"

This acclaimed book is from H. Ellen Whiteley, a veterinarian who understands cats more than an average person does. This book contains 292 pages of important information that can truly make you understand, train and appreciate one's pet cat.

3. "Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat"

This book is a collaboration of Gary M. Landsberg, W. Hunthausen and L. Ackerman. Published by Elvesier Health Sciences, this is one of the most reputable books in cat training. Okay, so it is dual purpose - it is about cats and dogs, but it doesn't matter. It is as informative as any other cat training book out there.

From discussing kitten development to suggesting therapy for behavior and diet-related problems, from approaching feline agression to finding out what the "European approach to behavior counseling" is, this book is indeed helpful.

4. "Cat Training in 10 Minutes"

The "Cat Training in 10 Minutes" is 142 pages of quirky information on how to communicate effectively with cats. Written by Miriam Fields-Banineau, a certified cat lover, this guide is easy to read and highly effective. Every cat owner can toilet-train his kitty in just a few reading sessions! It will not be long before the cat also follows the owner's commands! The photographs in the book are very attractive as well.

Nobody says cat training is going to be easy. That's why cat training books are available online so one can get the gist and be the best cat owner in town. We hope that you have found this article interesting and eye catching to say the least. It’s objective is to entertain and inform.

Common Cat Skin Diseases – How To Care For Your Cat’s Skin

2008-09-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

The cat skin, unlike human, is very tough. Make up of numerous layers of cell tissues and skin structures like the hair follicles, sensory cells, and sebaceous glands, it has very good blood supply and has three main functions - to act as a sensory layer around the entire body, to regulate body temperature and to act as a protective layer covering for the internal structures and organs.

It is important to take note and check up on your cat’s skin regularly because most of the cat breeds’ skin is covered in fur. It is not uncommon for cat owner to discover that their cat has develop some skin diseases until there is hair loss or development of sores.

In order to prevent your cat from developing any serious skin conditions, you can make a little more effort during grooming to check up on your cat’s skin. Run your hand gently over his body and explore the skin for any unusual patches, if you found any, part the fur by brushing it slightly, so that you can see beneath the fur and have a better look at the skin. If you do this often enough and understand your cat’s body, you would be able to spot any irregularity easily.

It is common for cats to develop skin related conditions and illnesses. And listed below are the main one that affect most cat breeds.

Cheyletiellosis in cats is caused by skin mites and is particularly contagious between cats as well as humans. In cats, the symptoms are itching and it usually results in heavy scaling and flaking of the skin, which is why Cheyletiellosis in cats is popular known as “walking dandruff”. This skin condition is usually not deadly and can be easily treated with the right medication once the condition has been diagnosed and confirm.

Alopecia in cats will cause hair loss due to endocrine disturbances, localized infections, or generalized illnesses. The condition can also be a result of stress. The symptoms included bald patches on the skin and can be accompanied by reddened or inflamed skin. Not a deadly skin disease, and with proper treatment, the fur would most likely grow back.

Acne in cats is a common condition and can be easily treated. Nevertheless, there are other skin conditions such as ringworm and mange whose symptoms are closely related to cat acne. Therefore it is still important to seek veterinary advice whenever you spot any cat skin problems and is unsure.

While most skin conditions are cause by allergies to food and pesticides bite, and can be easily managed and treated, early detection is still vital to ensure that your cat skin is always healthy, beautiful and prevented from suffering any serious skin conditions.

Moses Wright is a webmaster of http://www.Catcustomer.com and he provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Illnesses Symptoms on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques

2008-09-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you are done with potty training. If you want more detailed information than you'll find here on potty training, try a library or book store. In the mean time, I'll give you enough of a basic overview of cat toilet training that you probably won't need one of these books to successfully undertake potty training. The main thing you need to keep in mind as you go about cat toilet training is that cats require a lot of patience, with punishments being a very ineffective training method.

You will need to have a litter box, flushable cat litter, a bowl that fits inside your toilet,and a stool that stands approximately even with toilet. You will want to have your current litter box next to the toilet where you want your cat to potty for several days before you begin the process. This way she will get used to the location before you begin with potty training.

When you notice that your cat is consistently comfortably using the new box location, you can begin toilet training. To do this, simply move the litter box up about two inches by placing it on a phone book or other solid object, and start using the flushable litter at this point. After the cat has used the new location a few times, you can continue toilet training by putting the litter box on the stool up against the toilet. Make sure it is easy for the cat to get to this location and that the litter box is very firmly placed. Also, make sure the lid on the toilet seat is down. If the litter box ever dumps the cat during cat toilet training or she ever falls in the toilet, you may do irreversible damage to your cause.

After the cat has successfully used the new box location, your are again ready to proceed to the next step in the cat toilet training process. For this step, you want to place flushable litter in the bowl and put the bowl in the toilet. This is the trickiest part of the procedure, so be patient with your little friend at this point. You will want to leave this bowl here until your cat has reached the point in its cat toilet training that it is comfortable enough to use the bowl without having to step down into it. This will probably take the longest time of any of the procedures.

When the cat looks comfortable using the cat bowl inside the toilet, you're ready to proceed with potty training your cat once again. This time, you will remove the bowl so she will have only two choices: Continue going in the toilet or find a new place in the house to go. In most cases she will finish the cat toilet training process successfully by continuing to use the toilet. If not, you may want to put the bowl back in the toilet for a couple of days. Then, when you again remove the bowl, put the cat on the toilet five minutes after each meal and lock it in the bathroom for up to ten minutes. This should give your cat the general idea.

Amazing technics to train your cat and lots of secret information on how to make your cat experience a huge success. Brigit Hulsing is a cat behaviour researcher and helps cat owners with practical tips and advice on cat toilet training and cat training

Improving Cat Food Taste – How To Make Your Cat Like Her Healthy Food

2008-09-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

In order to own a healthier cat, you have decided to change your cat’s food diet after much pondering and discussion with your veterinary. But knowing that you own a finicky and choosy cat, you wonder if there is anything you can do to help your cat likes its new diet.

First, you should introduce the food slowly and steadily, sudden and abrupt changes can force even the most easy to please cat reject her food for a day or two even when she is hungry. This is the last thing you want because experts feel that a starved cat is at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, and the fatter the cat, the higher the risk.

Apart some a gradual change of food, here are a list of things you can do to improve the taste of your cat’s new food:

1. Add a dash of salt.

2. Food with a strong odor is enticing. Mix a little odiferous cat food or some meat baby food (no onions!).

3. Add some moistened cat treats.

4. Change the texture slightly, if it is ground, add some meat chunks, raw meat, or fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna).

5. Mix a teaspoon of old food, or change out old food, food left out loses preferred odor and texture.

6. Add warm water, homemade beef or chicken broth and warm the dish in the microwave or by steaming.

8. Try adding a different flavor or formula or add a little canned food with beef tallow in it. Mix different consistencies - wet and dry, canned pumpkin, minced sardines, tuna or clam juice.

9. Dab a little on his paw to get him accustomed to the taste as he cleans it off.

10. Top dress with cottage cheese.

Food aside, you can try changing the feeding dishes. Some cats prefer eating from a flat dish (don’t ask me why!), some don’t like plastic or metal material and prefer ceramic, others might just like heavier dishes that stay put on the floor as they eat.

If your cat is usually not a picky eater, there could be some other reasons why she is not eating as much or showing little interest. She could just be sick – down with a mouth disorder problem which makes eating painful and difficult or maybe a troubled digestive system.

The above cat food taste improvement tips should work fine if your healthy cat is refusing her food. Visit your veterinarian if she refuses to eat the new diet for a day, try not to go beyond 48 hours. The worse possible situation is to go back to her old diet food and change her diet from there gradually.

Moses Wright is the founder of http://www.FelineDiet.net. More helpful information on Feline Cat Diet, Natural Cat Food and Homemade Cat Food can be found on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live link are keep intact.

Top Five Tips For A Healthy Cat

2008-09-25T00:09:00.001-07:00

While you've certainly come across many a stray cat who seem to be making it on their own, the truth is that cats are meant to be pets, cared for by humans. In fact, if you think about it, you'll realize that the majority of those stray cats you've encountered have likely appeared thin, weak, hungry, dirty, unkempt, and ill-looking.

If you have just acquired your first cat or are thinking about buying or adopting one-or even if you've been a cat owner for awhile now-you'll need to become aware of proper cat-care techniques and tips and acquire a general understanding of how to best look after your kitty in order for him to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Each individual cat does not come with its own instruction manual; however, there are a few basics of proper cat care that are generally inclusive of all cats, regardless of sex, age, breed, and temperament.

Here are the top five tips for properly and thoroughly caring for your cat on a regular and everyday basis in order to maintain his health and keep him happy in your home:

1. Cat essentials

After you've decided to give your new feline friend a permanent home in your abode, you'll quickly discover that cats can become quite expensive, particularly, at first, with the sheer amount of "stuff" they require. While you don't have to buy your kitty everything, and while you certainly don't need to buy the most expensive products around, you will want to make sure your cat has the essentials. These include a food dish, water dish, cat food, water (which you don't need to pay for), a litter box, litter, a litter scoop, a cat bed, a few basic toys (need not be expensive and you won't need a lot of them), a scratching post if your cat has his nails and you want to protect your upholstery, and perhaps an ID collar and a cat carrier.

2. Feeding and watering

Feeding your cat is a major component of proper and complete cat care. Don't look for the cheapest option-look for good-quality cat food that offers the nutritional and health benefits your cat needs, and purchase the appropriate cat food based on your cat's age and weight. For example, buy kitten food for kittens, adult cat food for adults, hairball control food for a cat prone to hairballs, picky-eater cat food for finicky cats, weight-control cat food for indoor, overweight cats, and so on. Ask your cat's veterinarian if you're not sure, as well as for information on how much and how often to feed your cat. Generally speaking, adult cats of normal size and activity level require two small feedings or one large feeding per day.

It's also better to stick with dry cat food rather than wet (canned food). Dry food offers dental benefits not found in canned food, is cheaper, and lasts longer.

Don't forget to provide plenty of fresh water to your cat on a daily basis. It's not enough to simply wait until his water dish is empty to refill it; you'll want to empty it and refill it daily so he has continual access to fresh water.

3. Litter box duty

Easily the least enjoyable aspect of proper cat care, litter box duty is nonetheless an essential part of it, and is simply one of those got-to-dos if you want to own a cat and keep him clean and healthy-as well as your home! Keep your cat's litter box area away from the kitchen and bedrooms but make it accessible for your cat. If you can, try to clean out your cat's waste every day or every other day. On a weekly or biweekly basis, clean the actual litter box itself (empty and toss its contents, and then wash it). To simplify things for you, consider buying litter box liners as well as litter that "clumps"-making it easier to identify waste and scoop it out.

4. Proper grooming

One great thing about cats is that while some pet owners claim cats are very high-maintenance, they are really quite clean animals and are fairly adept at grooming themselves on a regular basis. This is one reason why many cats make great indoor pet choices. However, cats can't do everything on their own, and it is very important for their owners to step up and do the rest of the grooming for them.

First, while cats don't require daily, weekly, or even monthly baths, they will require a bath at least every once in awhile. Use warm water and a mild cat or baby shampoo so as not to irritate his eyes or coat. It's more important, though, to brush your cat's fur on a regular basis. Depending on your cat's coat, he might require this every day, every other day, or once a week. Brushing your cat will keep his coat clean and also prevent hairballs-a big problem for many cats.

5. Veterinarian checkups and shots

In order to keep your cat healthy, you will need to find a good veterinarian for him. Your cat will require regular checkups, shots, vaccinations, and to be either neutered or spayed. Although this can get quite pricey (unless you have pet insurance, which may be worthwhile pursuing or at the very least investigating), it's all a part of the owning-a-cat complete package.

Craig Elliott is a writer for VetRx Direct. VetRx Direct is a leading supplier of http://www.vetrxdirect.com Pet Medicine

Diet Tips For A Healthy Cat

2008-09-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

Most of us know that feeding our cat is not really a chore at all. Dump the food in a big bowl or dish, and the cat will eat when it's ready. Unlike a dog, cats tend to not overeat and therefore are more easily manageable than most other house pets. However, we need to be careful when assuming that the food that we are feeding our cat, and the manner by which we feed our cat, are the best choices for our cat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy diet for your kitty.

Feed your cat based on their activity.

Is your cat an active cat or does it to lay around the house all day waiting for its next meal? If your cat is overweight and not very active at all, leaving a bowl full of food is probably not the best idea. It is at this point that you should begin to manage how much you feed your cat, what you feed your cat, and how often. By taking charge of your cat's feeding habits, you will be able to increase the life and longevity of your cat by making this simple and easy choice. A simple "Here kitty kitty kitty" will make your overweight and hungry feline run for the bowl to eat your rationed healthy amount of cat food.

Watch the weather!

Simply put, the environment in which your animal lives directly affects and influences their energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet's energy needs and drinking habits. Make sure that on hot days water is readily available and that you feed your cat more canned food then dry. The water content within the canned food will help the cat retain water if it is not able to get to the water dish on a regular basis. If the weather is cold, make sure that you are feeding your cat very nutritional cat food that is not full of filler so that your cat will have more of the necessary nutrients to digest to ensure that it stays healthy.

Cat feeding times

Although discussed previously, there is much more to say about having a specific feeding time for your cat. Not only does this allow you to feed your cat nutritional canned food, you will also know that it will not be left in the open. Preservatives are nice, but let’s not take any chances with the food left out.

Also, by having specific feeding times, this allows you to monitor your cat's diet by providing the food at regular times. It is a kind of portion-control feeding, however, most cats will simply eat until they have what they need.

Bottom line: keep a bowl full of a regular dry cat food and monitor the intake of canned food to ensure that your cat does not get overweight and is as healthy as it can be.

Buy the best

Though this sounds economically wrong, the truth of the matter is this: cheap cat food usually is cheap because of the added fillers that are put into the food.

As a general rule, cats need a daily regimen of protein found in meat, fish, or poultry. They also need an essential amino acid called Taurine and various other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

If you have looked at a label for cat food, you will notice that wheat, rice, and even corn is used as filler for both canned and dry cat foods. Make sure that the cat food that you choose has the proper amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals and not as much filler. The price of the cat food usually justifies its quality. And, as an added benefit, cats usually only eat as much as their bodies need. Therefore, your cat will probably eat less of the expensive of cat food because it contains more of the nutrients that it needs and not as much filler.

Avoid food addictions

Cats are said to be finicky animals. Whether this is true or not, cats have been known to develop a certain affinity toward particular brands and types of food. This could become a problem, especially if your cat develops a food allergy to certain ingredients and preservatives that may be contained within that cat food.

In order to avoid this, it is recommended that early in a cat's life that it gets used to having different varieties of cat food and different flavors. This way, the cat is less likely to develop an affinity for a particular brand which may inevitably lead to the cat developing a food allergy because of the lack of variety in its daily diet.

Overall, by avoiding cat food products that have chemical preservatives like BHA, cornmeal, and other carbohydrate fillers, you should be able to maintain your cat's health at an optimal level.

Nick Bulka operates a network of pet-related sites. For more great advice on cats, visit The Cat Tree Store and The Pet Guide

Tips On How To Look After Your Persian Cat

2008-09-25T00:07:00.001-07:00

These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They are great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.

Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well.

During competitions, they are divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan.

No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they are best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.

Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat.

They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You’ll need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it.

Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own,

Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you’ll need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.

The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear.

Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They are very playful, yet they don’t require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired.

Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They aren’t destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around.

A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.

Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house.

Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.

To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years.

One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean.

This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t get out of control.

When you compare Persians to other breeds, you’ll notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep.

You don’t have to worry about things like jumping or climbing, as Persians don’t like to do either. All you’ll need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis.

Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy an beautiful Persian cat.

Cat Care Secrets is an excellent place to find cat links, articles and resource. For more information on Cats visit: himalayan cat care

Some Tips To Help In Training Your Cat

2008-09-25T00:06:00.002-07:00

There are a number of cat behaviors that may indicate your cat has a problem that could require a trip to the veterinarian, or they may just mean the cat needs some training.

A kitten that grinds its teeth could have an improper bite, while an older cat that has started teeth-grinding behavior would likely need to go to the vet to be examined for a medical problem in its mouth, teeth, or gums. It may also help to change the cat’s diet, since older cats often have problems chewing dry food. You can switch to a softer or wet type of cat food. Whenever you change your cat’s diet by adding wet food, be careful and do it in small steps. Begin by mixing small amounts of the new food with the usual food. Leave the dry food for the rest of the meal, and let the cat eat the mixed food you prepared first. Repeat this procedure until the cat has changed over to the new food. Be sure to take the cat to the vet if you suspect an underlying health problem.

If your cat is rubbing its hind end along the floor, it may not have worms. You should examine its diet and physiology. If the cat is eating its own hair, for example, it will pass through the digestive tract and become uncomfortable to pass. If there is long hair hanging out its bottom, the cat will scoot long the floor to remove it. If the cat does really have worms, you should take it to the vet for a de-worming and an examination. It’s important to keep any cat well-groomed, but this is essential for long-haired cats. Grooming will help with the "floor-scooting" problem.

Cats that are too clingy and want attention all the time can be very annoying. You can train your cat to stop this behavior, however. Whenever its behavior annoys you, put it in a room by itself. When it meows, spend a short time with the cat, playing. When the cat no longer cries out at being left alone in the room, reward it with a treat to let it know that this is appropriate behavior.

If you get a new kitten, you must name it, of course. You should train your cat to come when its name is called. Use a simple name, and teach the cat to come when called by using a clicker. It makes a sound that gets the cat’s attention. Clickers can be found in pet stores and on the Internet. To teach the cat to respond to its name, put the cat on your lap and say its name, then click the clicker. The cat will respond to the click. Keep repeating this, and give the cat a treat whenever it responds. Bite-sized liver treats are good for this training. Once the cat realizes that the name, the click, and the treat are related, the next step is to reward the cat when it responds to its name without the click. Soon the cat will associate the treat with its name, and come when you call.

Whatever problem you may have with your cat, it can usually be resolved with time, caring, and patience. Be sure to hug your cat often. This ensures that both of you enjoy the relationship.

Discover more articles about pets and animals by visiting http://www.petsize.com

Tips On How To Groom Your Cat

2008-09-25T00:06:00.001-07:00

Before we begin to give you additional information on this topic, take a moment to think about what you already know.

Cats are basically very tidy creatures. They are in the habit of grooming themselves by licking every part of their body clean with their tongue.

This habit of tongue-bathing has several benefits to your pet cat:

- promotes better circulation of the blood
- gets rid of dead skin cells
- removes excess/dead hair on their coat
- tones their muscles
- keeps the fur soft and clean

Although your feline friends groom on their own, you should still do your part in keeping your cat clean and well-groomed.

Here are several ways to keep your cat well-groomed:

1. Brushing

Depending on the breed, your cat can either have long or short hair. Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat well enough to promote proper grooming.

-For cats with short hair, use a brush with soft bristles so that the skin will not be scratched or hurt in the grooming process.

Use soft, gentle strokes while brushing. This should make them purr in pleasure and you will have an easier job of grooming your pet cat.

After brushing the coat with a comb, you can finish the job by wiping the fur with a dry, soft and clean piece of cloth. This should maintain the shine on your cat’s coat.

-As compared to cats with shorter hair, long-haired cats would require more brushing time.

For this, use a comb with wide-teeth that is specially designed for cats. This should initially remove the knots and tangles on their fur.

Afterwards, you can use a fine-toothed comb to work the smaller knots on the fur and eliminate the more stubborn knots.

Do not forget to brush the hair around the face with a smaller comb or a toothbrush.

Avoid the eye and whisker area when brushing.

Brushing your cats fur on a regular basis will help keep their coat shiny and healthy, and will also give the owner and the pet some bonding time together.

2. Bathing

Cats do not often require bathing because they basically take good care of themselves when it comes to grooming.

However, there are some cases wherein you need to give them a bath no matter how you – and your pet – dread the chore.

You need to bath your cat if the coat has excessive dirt.

Sometimes, a substance that can possibly poison them sticks on the fur and it is vital to give them a bath in this case.

Another instance where you need to bath your cat is in case of fleas, ticks and lice clinging to their skin.

3. Cleaning the eyes and ears.

For the eyes and ears which are the most sensitive areas in your cat’s body, there are solutions that you may use.

Choose one which is specifically designed to prevent cats with light-colored eyes to develop stains.

For the ears, cats collect a considerable amount or wax so you have to take care of it when grooming.

Removing this would maintain your cat’s health and help prevent infections.

There are also cat wipes that you can use for the ears, eyes and teeth.

4. Keeping the paws clean.

Cats are in the habit of scratching surfaces so it is better to keep them away from the furniture items in the house. It would also help if you keep those paws clean and trim their nails.

You can go to a pet store and buy a nail trimmer specially designed for cats.

Ask your veterinarian for the proper way to trim your cats nails so as not to hurt them in the process.

If you find that your cat exhibits a not-so-healthy clawing habit, you may go for the option of declawing your cat.

This is a surgical procedure where the nails are permanently removed so that it will not grow back.

However, you should still ask your vets advice if you want to go for declawing because with this, cats will lose a natural defense mechanism.

A better and kinder option is to regularly trim the cat’s nails, have them use a wooden post for scratching, or crate-training to prevent them from clawing at your most-treasured possessions.

By following these tips and making time in your busy schedule to groom your cat, you would have a healthy and happy cat and be a happy owner as well.

Ken Charnely is webmaster at two of Internet's popular article directories. For more articles on this topic and for free content for your website visit ArticleTeller.com and ContentWOW.com

How To Clean Cat Urine, And A Few Tips For Removing Cat Urine Odours From Around The House

2008-09-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

If you are a cat owner then you will probably be aware of the problem of how to clean cat urine and removing cat urine odours. It’s not just a question of mopping it up and going over it with some warm soapy water, this may seem to clean it up but it is just a quick fix and you will soon have that cat urine smell coming through again.

The main problem of removing cat urine odours and the cat urine itself (especially on soft furnishings and carpets) is that it is usually not detected right away.

If you do not find any places where your cat has urinated straight away then this is when the problem of that awful cat urine smell begins. If cat urine is allowed to dry it starts to form into crystals, these crystals are what makes the removal of the cat urine smell so difficult. You may think that you have done a good clean up job, but as soon as these crystals become damp or moist then they start to release that smell again. This is why it is so important to know how to clean cat urine thoroughly.

For one way of how to remove cat urine from small or light patches you can make an effective potion using one part distilled white vinegar mixed with two parts warm water. After blotting up as much of the cat urine as possible with paper towels, scrub the affected area with this mixture. Once it has dried go over it again this time with just warm water and then allow to dry thoroughly.

For cleaning old or heavily stained areas where your cat has urinated more than once, (this is very likely, as cats can smell where they have messed before even when you think you have done a good job cleaning it up, and they will urinate there again and again.) I would recommend renting a wet-vac machine from a tool hire store. These machines work like a vacuum cleaner, they force clean water through the carpet and then suck up the dirty stained water back into the machine.

When it comes to how to clean cat urine from upholstery you will have to be a bit more gentle. Dab the affected area with paper towels or a soft cloth to remove as much of the urine as possible. Using another soft cloth go over the area with your vinegar water mix gently rubbing in a circular motion working from the outside inwards. Again rinse with plain warm water and then dry gently with a hand held hairdryer.

Once any soiled area has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, I would recommend using a good quality pet odour neutralizer which you can buy from your local pet store. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any damage to your carpets or furniture.

These are just a few easy steps to take on how to remove cat urine, and removing cat urine odours. A lot of these accidents could be avoided by potty training your cat, this may sound an obvious answer but you will be surprised just how effective and easy cat potty training can be. Just following a few simple training techniques could save you a fortune on cleaning materials, and of course you will no longer have to put up with that lovely cat urine smell.

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Cat Training And Cat Behavior – Will Cat Problems Be Solved

2008-09-25T00:02:00.001-07:00

The cat's probable social behavior varies extremely from ferociously self-determining to compatibly outgoing with other felines. According to a few professionals a cat's social qualities are “in evolution” from self-dependent to mutually dependent.

In reality, a cat's behavior and resultant societal relations with other cats are dependent on factors such as population density of neighborhood cats, premature knowledge and the amount of food available in the vicinity.

Variation In The Population Density And Grouping Dynamics:

The family cat is a solitary seeker. It requires a large area to catch adequate prey, while scrounging for itself and it will protect that area from other cats too. From a study, it is revealed that a vicinity of sq mile (1 sq km) will sustain nearly five cats in the agricultural areas of Europe, North America and Australasia.

Altering circumstances such as new felines, absence of few cats or new people greatly affects the social dynamics of cats. Social acquaintances generally develop between females and kittens, and rarely by adult males in a characteristic assembly of tamed cats, who stay with humans. Cats settle differences normally by visual contact or occasionally by a swipe of its paw once, there is friendliness amongst cats residing in the same place.

When two cats meet up suddenly, the cat that has a higher status is generally the superior at that time. However, it might not be the same during the next meeting. Odor and well-being also affects the status of a cat. When a cat comes home after undergoing treatment at a hospital for some medical issue, sometimes a healthy household cat attacks it. Once a status is formed in a multi cat home, however differences are rare.

Behavioral Changes Caused By Food:

When food is available in plenty, social relations increase because the reasons for fighting decrease. Sparsely distributed hunting cats exhibit defensive gestures rather than social while well-fed cats in neighborhood areas usually exhibit outgoing social interactions. Household cats are the friendliest, since food is aplenty at home.

The Importance Of Family And Matriarchy:

One should not expect a household cat to be pleased with the arrival of a new feline just because it gets plentiful food and it has a very easy life. It is nearly impossible. Cats can get along with one another only, if they share a blood relationship.

The other important thing is early castration. Although untamed male cats make very less social relations than females, neutered male cats make the same number of social contacts as neutered female cats. Neutering improves male feline relationships considerably.

The cat family is mostly matriarchal. Untamed cat population generally contains four or more blood-related feline generations. The most frequent social communication amongst females is licking rather than rubbing.

The mother, grandmother, sisters and other female members remove the male kittens from the colony as soon as they mature and exhibit rough play behavior. These males accompany other males, who generally hover around and prevent any unrelated male from coming near.

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens , Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Cat Health And Cat Care Of Cat Skin And Cat Organs

2008-09-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

Cats have a dry skin just like humans. The fur on their body protects them from exposure to elements such as dirt. For pet cats that have dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing or soap-free products. Cats normally develop skin problems such as Seborrhea. The best way to treat this disorder is to use medicated shampoo.

Sensory Organs:

Cats have the great qualities. They are better than human beings in seeing things and hearing sounds around them. They smell and feel the nature very well. Due to these abilities, cats were often mistaken to possess black magic. The current era does not suspect cats of having an influence over the supernatural powers. It is necessary to know cats' sense, which may help in understanding their behavior much better.

1. Sight: Cats have a good night vision. Where there is no enough light, cats see much better than humans. However, they are not able see in complete darkness. This ability comes at the cost of daytime vision, which is beneficial for nocturnal predators. Actually, cats fail to see distant objects at daytime. People know little about the colors that cats see visibly. Science says that, they can identify some of the colors than humans do. With their eyes, cats detect faster movement of things in their surroundings. On the other hand, it is hard for them to pay attention on slow moving objects.

2. Sound: Cats have very sharp ears. Even when fast asleep, cats trace the noisy sounds of small rodents. Their ability to hear sounds is three times as high as that of human beings. Cats move their large ears sideways to capture the sound more accurately. For this, they first locate the place from where the sound actually comes. While chasing the target, they sometimes pause to listen and determine the location of their prey.

3. Smell: Cats largely depend on their sense of smell. They always sniff their food before eating. Smelling things is the essential part of feline communication. There is a mechanism at the top of their mouth, which makes possible for them to analyze smell. With the help of this mechanism, cats twist their lips, open their mouth, and express disgust over certain things.

4. Taste: Cats use this sense to decide the foods good for them. They are truly carnivores. As such, their sense of taste best lies in recognizing fat and protein. Unlike dogs, cats prefer to stay away from sweets. In addition, cats do not respond well to the taste of salt. Experts suggest the reason behind this as, cats get enough salt from the meat food.

5. Touch: Cats have touch receptors all over their body. These receptors are nerve cells that transfer sensations of pain, pressure and temperature from any point to the brain. The nerve cells are concentrated mainly on their front paws and face. The hair, covering body of cats, help them to stay alert even on the slightest touch of air passing by.

What You Should Know: Before Training Your Cat

2008-09-24T23:57:00.002-07:00

Cats make great pets. They are loving, affectionate, cute, and are greatly independent making them easy to maintain. Plus, cats are also easy amused, making it easy to entertain them. Of course all this can only happen if your cat is properly trained. It's always fun at the beginning when your cat is just a little kitten. Everything they do is cute and fun to watch. Anything from pouncing to climbing to biting can be amusing. However, when they get older these cute behaviors aren't so cute and now possibly even painful when your the target of all this energetic behavior. Even worse, if they have been doing these behaviors for most of there young lives, their bad behavior has now become a bad habit. Training your cat is simple if you know what you need to do.

Before you try training your beloved pet, first you must know a few things. Your cat is a domesticated animal which means at one point they were wild animals. While your cat lives and acts like a domesticated pet, there are many wild instincts they still have embedded into them. One of these instincts is to be independent, and territorial. They think of your household as a family pack. Like they would have in the wild. There are hunter, and leaders. There are also certain behaviors that happen to let them know who the leader of the pack is, and if you don't establish yourself as a leader it can be very hard to make your cat obey your wishes. Making them seem stubborn, and at times arrogant.

Though cats can be stubborn just like we can be stubborn at times, it helps greatly if you start a routine training program as soon as possible. Don't wait until your cat is so far out of control that you feel hopeless. Plus, cats are creatures of habit and if you wait until their behavior becomes a habit, it can be that much harder to convince them that your way is the better way.

This means that when you get your cat, it is best to train it as early as you can. Of course wait a little while so that your cat can get used to its surroundings and the members of the family. Once the cat seems to be settled, you have to show the cat that you are the master and that it has to listen to you. If you train your cat correctly, you will have the best relationship imaginable.

Think of it this way if you don't start early it would be like jumping into your child's life when they are 8 yrs old asking them to unlearn everything they've become accustomed to doing. That would be hard for them and waiting to train kitty is hard for your cat too.

The most important thing about training your cat is timing and knowing your cat. First, you don't want to train your cat years after you've had it. Start early, that was bad behaviors don't become habits. Also, know that you can't spend hours a day training your cat. Trust me, it will get very boring for the cat and yourself, which makes training that much more frustrating.

It is also important that you get to know your cat. Understand your cat's personality. Besides understanding personality, you have to realize the instinctual behaviors of all cats. Remember, never scream at or scold your cat if it does something wrong. This makes training an unpleasant time for both of you.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.

Top Four Reasons Your Cat Might be Spraying

2008-09-24T23:57:00.001-07:00

It doesn't matter if you have a young kitten or a full grown cat, it's still just as frustrating when they are not using their litter box, as they should. However, it is NEVER OK to discipline your feline friend. This is not how cats learn, and will just make them fear you. Before you make any attempt to repair the situation consider the following 4 tips:

1. New Surroundings

When you are bringing your cat home for the first time, or you're moving to a new place, your cat may be confused to where it is OK to do their business. There is a quick fix. Put your cat in the litter box a few times, just so they know where it is and that it has litter they can dig and bury their business in. Then, leave them in the room with their litter box alone. Close the door behind you. Their instincts will kick in, and if that's the only place available to them they will have no choice. Little by little let them roam further out of the room. This way they don't get overwhelmed with too much space, losing where their litter box is.

2. Aggression or Territorial Marking

Many unaltered males spray to mark their territory. So, in most instances if you have an unaltered male, the way to fix the problem is to neuter them. You may also, want to start keeping the window shut so your cat doesn't catch the scent of another male roaming in your yard. This could cause a battle between that cat and your cat. Leaving your cat spraying around your house to keep the other cat out.

3. Illness

Spraying or not using the litter box can be because of an illness. If your cat is experiencing pain while using the litter box, they associate the pain with the litter box. Making them not want to use it anymore. Then, they have to find an alternative around your house. The pain could be caused by a urinary infection, or maybe your cat is so ill they are too weak to go and find the litter box. Either way when your cat has stopped using their litter box it is crucial that you take them to a vet to rule out an illnesses first. You don't want the illness to spread or for the problem to become a habit.

4. Stressed Out

You'll find that cats are creatures of habit. When things change, or when their environment changes it stresses them out. When a cat gets stressed out or afraid they act out. Usually in an aggressive nature, hiding and acting fearful of everything, or doing their business in different parts of the house. If your cat is showing any of these signs, you may want to take a second and see if something in your house has changed to cause them to be overwhelmed or scared. This may include moving to a different house, someone moving out, or in to your home, or even just a different arrangement of furniture could do the trick. Leave familiar objects, like toys, or their blanket around the house to make them feet safe and secure.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.

7 Typical Cat Behaviors

2008-09-24T23:55:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered why your feline friends acts they way they do? What makes them want to stalk, scratch, greet you, purr, or at times be a complete loner? What makes them so independent? They really only require humans to fulfill a couple of needs then from there they can mostly take care of themselves. Knowing the reasoning behind what they do, will make it easier for you live in harmony with your beloved kitty.

1. Purring:

We all know that cats purr at times when being pet to demonstrate their pleasure or satisfaction. Did you also know that cats purr when they are sad or in pain. A female cat purrs while giving birth to kittens. Purring shows that they require some help or attention.

2. Greeting:

Greeting is a part of cat's behavior, which is expressed by rubbing its body or face against your body. Cats show their love and trust in you by lying down, turning over, yawning or stretching and retracting their claws.

3. Privacy:

After a cat uses their litter box, they bury their business. Most people believe this habit is because they are a clean animal. The real reason for this is to hide it from more domineering animals. In the environment they live in now this domineering creature would be you, their master.

4. Grooming:

Licking their front paw after each feeding session even though they have not touched the food with it is a basic behavior of cats. They are very clean animals and will groom themselves after every meal. They sponge down with their tongue, which has uneven surfaces that untangle and remove the muck. The tongue does not reach all parts of their body; hence they simply moisten the front paw by licking and then scrubbing the dampness from the foot onto the region to be cleaned.

5. Kitty Tails:

Most people tend to think that if a cat wags their tail that they are angry. However this is not always true. Have you ever noticed a time when you are using a flashlight or laser light and getting the cat to chase it how their tail wags? They are stalking and they are not mad or angry. Instead they are perplexed as to how to catch the elusive beam of light. Stalking is in a cat's nature and a very enjoyable past time. The cats attacks, battles and has fun with its victim, whether it be a bug a bird or a light.

6. Catnaps:

Everyone's heard the term "catnap". However, this term didn't come out of thin air. Cats do nap a lot. In fact they spend more than half their lives sleeping. On average a cat will sleep 13-18 hours a day. How much just depends on what age your cat is or what type of exhausting activities they had participating in that day.

7. Food Habits:

A strange meal time ritual is when a cat removes their food from their bowl and puts it on the floor. Well, after knowing why they do this it's not so strange. This helps them grind down their food into small pieces and makes it visible to which pieces are ready to be consumed. Another strange eating habit is when a cat eats grass, or some of your favorite houseplants. This isn't to annoy you. Your cat eats these things when they have indigestion. After eating these things your cat will vomit making them feel much better.

Cats are multifarious creatures. Their behavior mainly depends on natural factors as well as on the genes and the atmosphere in which the cat develops. To really understand a cat and their behavior could take a lifetime and a fun and love filled lifetime it would be.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.

Top Cat Secrets Revealed

2008-09-24T23:55:00.001-07:00

If you love your cats the way I do, then you're going to want to know all the Secrets.How to communicate with your cat, quickly bonding with your cat or kitten and much more.

Cat's can be trained to do just about anything, and it's easy to bond with them in new, deeper ways if you know how. Cats are wonderful friends and companions and are a lot of fun to have around. Cats think very differently from dogs and once you understand how a cat thinks, then you are half way there.

Cat's are independent and affectionate by nature... understand what they are saying and you'll have a much happier, deeper relationship, a cats body language you ask?, Yes you can learn what your cat is trying to say. Cat body language explains what their ears mean about their emotions, what their different pupil dilation's mean and much more.

Before we worry about training our cat we need the proper training on how to train our cats in a way that is best for us and our kitty. Discover the secrets to keeping your cat happy, healthy and disease-free. Always remember that you can increase the relationship and coordination between you two through training

Why your cat's natural instincts play a crucial role in training and behavior modification.The best part is once you crack the code on their "outta control" behavior, training them to do what you want becomes easier than you ever imagined.You do this by respecting their natural instincts, instead of trying to stifle them, as most training methods teach.

Why some training methods you use in a single cat home must be applied differently with multi cats. Most people try to use dog training methods to train their cat and that is why most fail. Cat training is especially vital if you're having behavioral difficulties with your cat. Behavior problems in cats are not a rare occurrence and can happen with cats of all ages.

The truth is any cat's behavior can be changed. You can start correcting unwanted behavior in a matter of minutes instead of simply hoping things will get better soon.It's never too early or too late to work on your cat's behavior issues

Often, your cat's bad behavior comes from his innate curiosity. Sadly, most people don't know how to fix behavior problems and think their cat is "just born that way". Misbehavior from your cat often arises from being bored. So it is definitely far easier to reward your cat when you see it performing a right behavior.

With the right tools and a little patience, you can work through behavioral problems like shredding your furniture or missing the litter box. If a cat can be trained to use a litter tray then there is absolutely no reason why you cannot start potty training your cat to use a toilet.

The truth is, "toilet training" your cat doesn't have to be difficult at all. Before you start potty training your cat, you must make sure that it is using its litter tray every time it needs to do its business. Training a cat to use the toilet is becoming more common then you might realize.

Another helpful point in cat potty training is the fact that quite a few houses have two bathrooms, so try and 'reserve' one just for the cat during the training period and don't forget to leave the toilet lid up and the seat down.

Another tip, when you find your cat pulling out it's hair, we examine the means available to stop the pulling out hair, we find that there are two major approaches to this; through medication and through behavioral therapy. This behavior is triggered by negative feelings of stress, anger, anxiety, fear, and other stressful types of external stimuli.

As time goes, you will come to realize your cat's behavior triggers and such, thus forming your own personal communication. When armed with the very best strategies and advice, you deal with stressful behavior challenges without one ounce of humiliation or harm to you cat.

If you love your cat as much as I do, or you are just starting out with your new kitten, and want to learn the best methods then Click Here! P.S. you can get 3 bonus gifts Valued at$98.52, I have been enjoying my cat for 16 years, and have used these methods and he is the best friend I have ever had!

Automatic Cat Litter: 5 Tips To Save Time When You Litter Train A Cat To Use Automatic Litter Boxes

2008-09-24T23:54:00.001-07:00

An automatic cat litter offers great convenience to cat owners. It will automatically scoop up the used litter after your cat uses the litter box. A good point is the wide range of modern designs available. There are many different sizes of automatic cat litter boxes. Some are open, while others are enclosed.

1. Open tray, or enclosed box? This is an important point to consider when litter training your cat to use the new automatic cat litter box. If his old litter box was an enclosed type, the new box should also be enclosed. Otherwise you may need more time to retrain him. This brings up another point - many cat owners find that they need to litter train their cats again when they change the litter box.

2. Noise factor. Some automatic cat litter are more noisy than others. If your cat is sensitive to noise, you will have to look for a quiet model. On the other hand, some cats like it loud - they are attracted to use the litter box because it is noisy. Some cats are fascinated by the mechanism of the box. You may have to experiment with several different models before you find a box which your cat likes.

3. Litter box placement is another important factor. Automatic litter boxes need to be plugged into a source of electricity - for some people, this means they have to move kitty's litter box out of the bathroom, which means more retraining. Some models are also quite noisy. You may want to place the new litter box somewhere it won't wake you up if kitty goes potty in the middle of the night.

4. What type of cat litter? Many automatic litter boxes use clumping litter. Some new models use crystal cat litter. Before you buy the new litter box, make sure it can use the same brand of litter which your cat likes. So far, no one makes a self cleaning litter box using biodegradable litter, so too bad for cat owners who use World's Best Cat Litter. Replacing the litter can be expensive. However, most manufacturers claim that a fresh tray of litter can last anywhere from two weeks to one month.

5. Attracting kitty to use the new litter box - If you can get catnip easily and cheaply, this can help to attract your cat to use the new automatic litter box. If this doesn't work, Dr. Elsey's makes an additive which claims to attract cats to use their litter boxes. You can add this additive to the litter you put in the automatic litter. Your local petshop can also recommend other solutions.

Except for the 5 factors above, litter training your cat to use automatic cat litter is no different from litter training your cat to use a normal manual litter box.

Do you want to learn more about cat litter training? Click here to learn more about cat litter training.

Kitten Care and Training: How To Prevent Future Bad Cat Behavior

2008-09-24T23:52:00.002-07:00

You have a cuddly new kitten and you want to learn more about kitten care and training. Let us look at a few cases:

1. You own mother cat and the kittens belong to her

This can be the best situation or the worst situation. If mother cat is well trained and well behaved, her kittens will follow her lead and you will have no trouble. If not...

Still, all is not lost. As long as you successfully train mother cat, her kittens will fall in line. You just have to be patient, that's all. And keep a bottle of aspirin handy to deal with the inevitable headaches.

2. You have a nursing mother cat and an orphaned kitten

This is very similar to point #1. Except that you first need to get your cat to accept the kitten. Just rub the orphan with mother cat's own kittens to get their scent on the orphan. Then place the orphan with the other kittens and supervise to make sure everything goes well.

Another way to get mother cat's scent on the orphan is to put a little drop of soft, unsalted butter (not margarine) on the orphan. Rub a little dollop on its head and sides, so that mother cat will give it a good lick.

While there is no guarantee, many cat breeders have found that mother cats do accept orphaned kittens.

3. You only have the kitten

In this case, you will have to hand-raise the kitten. The first thing is to get her to a vet for a thorough check-up. Ask him for specific advice on raising your particular kitten. If you cannot afford a trip to the vet, check with your local animal shelter or SPCA for advice.

In general, you will need to feed your kitten KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement) before slowly weaning it to solid food. Do not use cow's milk, as many kittens are lactose-intolerant.

You will want to train your kitten in these 3 areas to prevent future problem behavior:

Litter training to use the litter box
Socialization so they do not bite and scratch you during playtime
Do not scratch your furniture

Kitten litter training is almost the same as litter training an adult cat. However, here are a few things to beware of:

Get a shallow litter box - avoid automatic cat litter boxes.
Do not use clumping cat litter or crystal cat litter.
Sand is usually the safest litter. Some brands of clay or biodegradable litter may also be suitable. Check the label.

Cat biting/scratching often occur because kittens are not properly socialized. A kitten in a litter quickly learns not to bite or scratch too hard during playtime. Over-aggressive kittens quickly find themselves without playmates. When you play with your kitten, you should be careful to do the same - if she bites or scratches too much or too hard, you should immediately stop playing and ignore her.

Training your kitten to use the scratching post is also very important. Before she forms the habit of going after your furniture, you should get her used to the scratching post. This kind of scratching is a part of her nature and necessary exercise for her claws and spine. It is also a way of marking her territory. Like her litter box, her scratching post should not be moved around your house.

If you properly care for and bond with your kitten, you will have an excellent companion for a good many years. Train her right, and she will never give you any trouble.

Do you want to learn more about kitten care and litter training? Click here to learn more about kitten litter training.

Feline Urinary Tract Infection - 3 Must-Know Facts about Cat Urinary Tract Infection

2008-09-24T23:52:00.001-07:00

If you suspect your cat has a feline urinary tract infection (UTI), you are not alone. This is one of the most common infections in cats, dogs and even humans. In this article, you'll learn 3 essential facts about UTI in cats: what causes it, how to treat it and how to prevent it in the future.

What Is a Cat Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is an infection of the bladder system which is made up of the urethra, bladder and kidneys. What makes this infection so dangerous is that if it goes unnoticed, it can spread to the kidneys and shut them down. An infection that is not responding to drugs can have disabling effects, causing your cat great pain. Although dogs are prone to UTI's, cats are more susceptible.

What Causes UTI

One of the most common causes of UTI is a chronically full bladder. If your cat is left alone for long periods each day without access to a litter box, the sugar held in the bladder can cause bacteria to grow and proliferate.

How Is Cat Urinary Infection Treated?

If you take your cat to a vet, you will probably be given antibiotics. Although antibiotics can be effective, they also have side effects. You should also be aware that drugs work to suppress symptoms, rather than healing the urinary tract.

Alternative treatments for feline urinary tract infection contain herbs that work synergistically to restore health and balance to the urinary tract. Since the ingredients themselves are natural antibiotics, they clear the infection and heal the inflammation, but have no side effects.

Even better, the remedy used for treatment can also be used for prevention. Best of all, administering a daily dose is easy--all you do is put a pinch of granules into your cat's mouth.

Since cat urinary tract infections are as common as office visits are expensive, it makes sense to make prevention part of your cat's routine care. Apart from saving money, your cat will be happy and healthy taking a supplement that supports healthy bladder function and you'll know you're doing your best for your beloved feline friend.

To learn more about natural remedies that support bladder health, go to www.pet-ut-health.com.

Laura Ramirez is the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting. She is the publisher of Family Matters Parenting Magazine and has been a pet lover all her life.

Cat Health – How To Keep Your Cat Healthy

2008-09-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

For the most part, the only basic things you need to do to keep your cat healthy is provide shelter, healthy and nutritious food, and plenty of water. Of course, like all living things, cats will get sick sometimes no matter what.

As a cat owner, you’ll you need to make sure you provide your beloved feline with only the best food.
Premium cat food is ideal, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years.

You also need to pay attention to your cat's behavior, so you'll recognize symptoms of sickness and can take her to the veterinarian immediately. Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not she is feeling under the weather. Acting sluggish, laying around, lack of energy and refusing to eat are all signs that you must rush her to the vet immediately. Her coat is a good thing to keep an eye on also. If you notice that her coat is dull and patchy, or if you notice abnormal shedding, you need to contact your vet as soon as possible.

Diarrhea and vomiting are fairly common, even with basic sickness. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is also pretty common, as most cats have hairballs from time to time. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have her checked out as soon as you can..

To ensure that your cat isn’t exposed to various diseases, you need to make sure that she stays up to date with her vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent. The disease strikes cats very quickly, and leaves you as an owner very little time to find treatment.

Feline leukemia is another fatal disease, but can also prevented early on with the proper vaccinations. Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread very quickly among cats. There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful to not expose other cats around a cat with feline leukemia.

Another problem that is most common with outdoor cats, is worms. A cat with worms will typically have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite. There are many different kinds of worms, including hookworm, tapeworm, and ringworm.

Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the intestinal walls.

If you take proper care of your cat, chances are she'll be healthy for years to come. You should always make sure she has high quality food, and never misses any scheduled checkups with the vet. If she gets the proper vaccinations when she is required to get them, she should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Take the proper steps with your cat now to prevent anything from happening in the future.

To learn more about cat health and how to choose pet health insurance, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com/pet-health-insurance.html today.

What Is Cat Behavior?

2008-09-24T00:58:00.000-07:00

Cat behavior is often misunderstood because of our inability to read their body language correctly. Cats are just like humans, use body language to communicate and broadcast information about their feelings and moods, desires, likes and dislikes. Cat behavior is not an area where mere humans can exercise a great deal of control. Cat behavior is, I think, every bit as complicated as human behavior, with the drawback that cats don't express themselves verbally, so all we have to go on is body language. Ears that are beginning to press down means the cat is getting annoyed. If the ears are so flat against the head that you cannot see them, the cat is ready to attack. Early socialization, then, becomes very important in a kitten's development.

Humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, and there are now more cats kept in Western households than any other animal. Cherished as companions and valued as rodent catchers, their rather strange behavior has intrigued and amused us for generations. Humans have spent generations selecting just the right cats that aren't scared of humans and that we associate with pleasure and family.

With cat behavior, when a cat is purring that can be a sign of pleasure or pain; usually it is the former. Scientists have not yet been able to discover how purring works, but it is suspected that it is caused by minute vibrations in their voice box. Many people assume that a purring cat is content and happy which is what purring generally indicates. Hissing, spitting, and snarling are expressions of fear, anger, or dissatisfaction. Purring therefore can be a sign of pleasure or pain; usually it is pleasure.

Kittens purr to let their mother know they are nearby and everything is ok. In adult cat behavior, purring will let others know they are friendly and not a threat. Kittens, especially, needs other kittens for companionship. Like any young animal, they need stimulus, activity, play toys, and grooming. Kittens are born with closed eyes and folded down ears. It takes five to ten days before they first see the light of day. Kittens do seem to like to play in the litter pan. They usually grow out of it, but in the mean time, a higher sided litter pan is probably a good idea

Imagine your being a cat sitting home all day with the curtains closed with nothing to do and no one to play with. If you lived in the wild your natural cat behavior would lead you to watch birds and bugs, roam, chase, jump, hide, pounce and spend half a day happily looking for a mouse to eat. If you're relying on your visit to the vet to solve your problem, you can forget about it. Cat behavior is about the cat just being home with the curtains closed and nothing to do or with anyone to play or interact with, so it is necessary for them to have things to play with push around and pounce on and the like.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very intertaining and fun. Please visit our site for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - Best House Cat Care, or our blog Best House Cat Care.

Cat Communication: What is My Cat Trying to Say?

2008-09-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

If you are someone who loves and wants to figure out what your cat is trying to communicate, you'll find that you can learn a great deal simply by observing how your cat interacts with you. Through their body language and through their vocalizations, you'll find that cats are always trying to get their point across, whether they are looking for attention or are feeling scared and nervous and need to be left alone.

The first thing you need to realize, is that your cat has a different way of vocalizing a certain situation. You can actually learn the your cats language if you listen to them. Everyone is aware of a cat purring when it's happy, but did you know they also purr when they are in pain. Another common sound is hissing, or spitting. This means your cat needs some space, and is trying to express that to you, your family, or other pets in the home. They also make a kittenish mew when they need a little affection, or are feeling left out. If you take the time to listen you'll pick up on many other different sounds they make and what they mean. If there are no other cats in the home, you'll even notice them start to pick up on your tones, and other tones around the house.

If you are looking at your cat's tail, you'll find that it has a story of its own. For instance, when your cat is occupied or hunting, you'll find that only the tip of the tail is twitching. The more the tail is waving or lashing through the air, the more upset your cat is. You might also find that that a long sweep of the tail is a sign that your cat is getting fed up or getting ready to leave the room.

Now, when a cat is kneading something its another way of express what they feel. When they do it to you, they are showing they are comfortable, and it can even be a sign of affection. This can also be shown by lying in front of you and rolling around on their backs. You'll also notice that your cat will knead if they need to get comfortable on a bed, or blanket, but this type of kneading will be more aggressive. The gentle, comfortable sign of kneading can also be done to a favorite blanket or toy, and most likely only done on their favorite people.

Another sign that your cat is pleased is that they will butt his head onto your body. This is a gesture of friendliness and familiarity, as your cat is looking to mark you as their territory. This, along with your cat falling over on their side at your approach is a good sign that they trust you and is feeling pleased.

Take a little time and figure out your cat. This will come in handy when your training them, or trying to stop excessive meowing. The don't meow for no reason at all. They are trying to tell you something is NOT ok. Plus, it will connect you and further deepen your relationship with your cat.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.

Toilet-Training Your Cat

2008-09-24T00:49:00.001-07:00

We've all seen pictures or videos or cats using the toilet just like a person does. Though most will dismiss this as a trick or stunt, the truth of the matter is that it is just a matter of training. Anyone can train their cat to use the toilet with some patience and a few simple steps.

First, get your cat used to a homemade cardboard litter box. This works best if you can start them on this from when they are a kitten, but if it is too late for that you can add a piece of cardboard to the bottom of your cats litter box to acclimate them. You also need to stop using kitty litter and start using shredded newspaper, as you cannot bout kitty litter in the toilet. Once these things are done, you can start gradually moving the litter box towards the bathroom. You want to do this very slowly so that you do not confuse the cat. If they get confused, they may just go back to where the box used to be to do their business.

As you move the box to the bathroom start trimming down the sides of the box. Once you reach the bathroom, move gradually toward the toilet. After a few days, you should reach the toilet. Cut the corners of the box to tie the box in the toilet. At this point leave the box full of papers in the toilet doing nothing for a little over a week, or until you are sure your cat is comfortable with this new situation.

Then, cut a plum-sized hole in the bottom of the box. Soon enough, your cat will begin pushing their waste and shredded newspaper into the hole in an effort to cover it up. You'll be surprised at how quickly they will catch on. You may want to have a flat piece of cardboard with a small hole cut in it available just in case they have to go when you are cleaning. This can easily be placed under the seat to stabilize it.

Finally, cut down the sides of the box until there is nothing left but the base. This flat piece of cardboard can be placed under the toilet seat to keep it in place, but you still want to leave a tiny bit of newspaperenough that he will be familiar with it but not so much that it might make a mess. Soon enough, you will be able to eliminate the cardboard altogether. All in all, this process will probably take about three or four weeks, depending on your cat. As with all things concerning your cat, you have to have patience. Let them do his own thing at his own pace; if you don't you may disrupt the entire process. Make sure they are balanced and comfortable before you remove the cardboard from the equation, or you may have to start all over again. If you exercise some patience and judgment, you should have a toilet-using cat in no time.

Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.

How to Keep Your Cat Happy When a New Cat Moves In, or,

2008-09-24T00:45:00.003-07:00

Two years ago my cat and I moved from a 3 cat household to a one (my cat Luna) household. Luna was one happy cat and I was her hero. Her paradise only lasted 1 year.

Max needed a home and he moved in. She didnâ€™t mind him too much, he was older, 6 to her 7, and he was a gentleman. He didnâ€™t eat her food, nap in her bed, didnâ€™t take up any of her walking/grooming time, and every now and then he consented to play. She could live with him.

Six months after Max, her peaceful, comfortable way of life came to a screeching halt. Tiger became her new little brother. Tiger was 8 months old. He demanded attention from everyone. He jumped on everything and everyone, including dogs and other cats. He stole her food, slept in her favourite place and just generally sent her life into an upheaval. Sadly for Luna, Tiger is here to stay.

I have tried to make sure Luna does not feel too displaced by Tiger. She is, after all, my #1 girl, and will always have first place in my heart. These are a few of the things I have done to ease her transition from only cat to cat with a bratty little brother.

1. Keep Her Sleeping Place Sacrosanct
Lunaâ€™s bed is for her alone. Her sleeping place is not the same as her napping place. She tends to use different areas of the house for naps, as do the other cats. Those places are for whoever gets there first. Her bed is where she spends the night and no one else gets to take that place.

2. Luna Gets Her Food First
The 3 cats get both wet and dry food. They all eat at the same time, in the same area. In the morning and evening when I divide up the wet food between the 3 of them, Luna has her dish put in front of her first, then the other two get theirs. Because Tiger still gulps down his food as fast as possible and then tries to eat from the other catâ€™s plate, I stay in the room to stop him stealing their food.

3. Lunaâ€™s Routines Stay the Same
Cats have rituals, at least mine do. Every evening before bed, Luna would get groomed. Every morning after eating, Luna went for a walk. Sometimes, with Tiger flying around the room playing attack cat, it wasnâ€™t easy but we stuck to our grooming schedule. For her, the walk is the most important, not only is it about getting outside where there is grass to eat and things to see, but it is away from Tiger.

Eventually Tiger is going to calm down, he already has to some extent, and he will stop jumping on her, chasing her and nipping her bum, and she will learn to like him. I hope.

I live in a house with 5 cats and 2 dogs. Two of the cats belong to me. My cats are both leash and harness trained and love going outside for walks. My blog about cats, cat behaviours, my cats http://beautifulfelines.blogspot.com

Train your cat to walk on a leash http://www.catsread2.info

Keeping a Persian Cat as a Pet

2008-09-24T00:45:00.001-07:00

There are numerous breeds of cats for a cat-lover to choose from, but the most popular of all of the breeds is the Persian cat. The long fur and the regal persona of the Persian are the two main reasons why so many people seem to adore these affectionate and laid back cats.

The History of the Persian

Persians came to North America in the late 1800s and it didnâ€™t take long for them to become the favorite breed of cat lovers. At the same time, the cat was very popular in the UK and was the most commonly represented breed at the London Crystal Palace's first cat show. In the early 1900s, the Persian was already the most popular cat breed in the UK.

Before being introduced to North America and gaining popularity in the UK, however, the ancestors of the modern-day Persian were part of the Roman and Phoenician caravans that traveled to Europe. While traveling from Turkey and Persia, the cats were introduced to Europe in the late 1500s. These early ancestors later developed into the Persian and Angora breeds that are known to cat lovers today.

Recognizing the Persian Cat

Persians are one of the most easily recognizable of cat breeds, thanks to their long and full fur. The fur of the Persian tends to be quite thick and glossy, which helps it stand off from the cat's body and gives its body a rounded look. While many think of Persians as having white fur, the breed can actually be found in a variety of different colors.

One of the other distinctive features of the Persian is its face. The breed actually has two different facial types, but both include rounded ears that are small and set low on the cat's head. Persian's also have round, wide eyes and their chins are well-developed. The cheeks of Persian's are also full. Depending upon the face type, some Persians will also have a flattened look to their face. With these Persian's, the nose will be almost as high as the cat's eyes.

The Persian's Personality

Persian's have a very laid-back personality and are not as active as many other breeds. In fact, they tend to be lap cats that are very sweet-tempered and gentle. Still, they do enjoy playing for short periods of time. In addition, they crave attention and love to be cuddled and pet by their owners. They also tend to be very devoted, but demand a great deal of attention. For most pet owners, providing attention to these gentle cats is not a problem. Maintaining proper grooming, on the other hand, can be difficult!

Grooming the Persian

Persians have long and pretty fur that can be up to 8 inches long, which means it can easily become knotted and problematic if it is not properly cared for. If a pet owner neglects the Persian's fur, it can form into tight mats that need to be shaved. In order to prevent this, it is important to groom your Persian's fur for ten to fifteen minutes every day and to perform a more thorough grooming once a week.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

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Choosing To Get Your First Cat - Cat Or Kitten

2008-09-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on making the decision to get your first cat. Now the next decision is if you want an adult cat or kitten. As a new potential cat owner it is sometimes hard to decide not knowing what each cat or kitten will be like. I will say this that watching your cat’s new experiences is a total joy whether you have a cat or kitten.

Kittens will require a little more care in the beginning and will have to be taught to use the litter box and will require having early booster shots to keep them healthy. They are also fun to watch their personalities develop as they play and interact with you or other animals in the house. You will also have to keep a closer eye on them as they are a little more adventurous and will find whatever is appealing to them to play with or chew up.

Kittens also will not have some of the bad habits that an older cat may have; since you can train them to do the things that you would like them too…well to a point. I still found that they have a mind of their own, but at least you know their behavior and can almost predict what they will do.

Older cats can also be a good choice, as most are already house trained and will have most of their early boosters. They are also sometimes more laid back as they have grown out of the stage of curiosity, although they may be a little curious at first in their new surroundings.

Our first cat was a kitten named Tiggy. She was given to us by a friend who had found a litter of kittens that lost their mom; it was believed that she was probably hit by a car. We had Tiggy at such a young age that we had to feed her with an eye dropper until she was able to be weaned and feed on her own. She was so cute that we just loved her so much. I could hold her for hours and just snuggle with her.

About a month later we decided to get her sister, who was the last left of the litter. We wanted Tiggy to have a playmate, so we got Cuddles. We loved her just as much as Tiggy and watched them both grow and develop their own little personalities. We definitely picked the right name for Cuddles. She loved to cuddle up with us and purr her little heart out. Tiggy on the other hand had a little kitty attitude and only wants to give you her attention when she is good and ready to. Both of them never liked to be picked up and held, just wanted to jump up in your lap and get and give lots of love. We were also very fortunate that they both knew instinctively to use the litter box and very rarely had any messes to
clean up.

So, when you decide to get your first cat, it is totally up to you to get a cat or kitten. It is just a matter of preference and the choice is yours.

Sharon Cowherd maintains Caring for Your Cat, a blog about her experiences and knowledge of caring for her cats. You can read more about Sharon and her cats at http://www.caringforyourcat.com

Is Your Cat Under the Weather? Homemade Cat Food May Help!!

2008-09-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

When it comes to considering what is the right kind of food to feed your cat there are a number of different choices you have available to you. You can either feed it the cheap commercial foods that come in packs or tins, or you can go the commercial organic cat food route, which can prove to be a little more expensive. But if you really want to feed your cat good wholesome food then why not prepare homemade cat food instead.

Below we look at some of the benefits that can be gained from preparing your own cat food rather than buying the commercial type. It is important that if you are considering changing your pet’s diet you should include in its meals sufficient amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that its body needs. Cats must have meat to live, their bodies require it.

When deciding to make changes to your cat's dietary habits make these changes very slowly. The easiest way of doing this is by adding a small amount of the homemade cat food to what it is currently eating. Then each day you reduce the amount of its old dietary foods and replace with the new homemade ones.

One of the best benefits to be gained from you preparing the meals that your cat eats is that you have more control over its content. Therefore, because cats require a large amount of protein in their diet you will be able to ensure that sufficient amounts of this are included within their diet.

As well as controlling what goes into your cat's food you are also controlling just how much it eats. By ensuring that you prepare the food correctly, you can choose just how many calories your pet is consuming on a daily basis. If you have a cat, which is extremely active, then it will need more calories to provide the energy required, compared to a cat that is inactive.

Another benefit to be gained from you preparing homemade cat food for your pet rather than buying the commercial products is that it will contain all the essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins that its body needs. Plus it allows you to provide them with additional vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C that their bodies are unable to produce naturally unlike a dog's.

A time saving issue is that you can actually prepare your cat's food at the same time as you prepare your own. If you want to really save time, then prepare a batch of its food which you can then freeze or refrigerate and then defrost or bring up to room temperature when required.

I know sometimes its easier to grab a can of cat food from the shelf instead of making a fresh homemade batch. However, there are very easy recipes that don't take much time to prepare and are cheap as well.

The homemade cat food recipe you select should be easy for you to prepare 15 minutes or less, nutritionally balanced and delicious to your cat.

Cats are effected by what they eat just as humans are. Is your cat under the weather because of its food? Find out visit us.

Cat Health - Is It Poisonous To Your Cat?

2008-09-19T08:29:00.013-07:00

Cats are curious by nature. Everyone has heard “Curiosity killed the cat.” Well this can become a true a true statement if you are not careful. The following are a few ways to make sure your home is safe for your cat:

1. First of all, if your cat has a flea problem, before using any product on the market for fleas contact your veterinarian and find out what they recommend. Using products meant for other animals such as dogs is not a good idea. That is why they make separate products. If the flea infestation has spread past the cat to the house and you either purchase a product to get rid of fleas or have someone come in to spray, you should find somewhere else for your cat to stay until it is safe to return. Breathing fumes from these products in a closed up house can be very harmful.

2. It is recommended for your cat’s safety to keep them inside. If you are a plant lover be careful of what plants your cat can come in contact with. Several varieties of plants can be lethal to cats. Easter lilies are one. Oleander is another. DO NOT allow cats to chew on the leaves of these plants. If your cat does go outside, be aware that azaleas are another plant that can be harmful to cats. That is one of the reasons for recommending that your cat should stay inside where you can monitor what he has access to.

3. Mouse Traps and Bait

When using these items, take particular care to place the items where your cat does not have access, such areas may include in cabinets and under sinks. However, if your cat has mastered the art of opening the cabinet doors, you may consider the use of child safety locks for the cabinet doors, thereby keeping the cat from gaining access.

4. If your cat doesn’t seem to be feeling well, call your veterinarian or take him to see the vet. Never try to medicate the cat yourself. Medicines for humans are not meant to be used on cats. One such medicine is acetaminophen. One maximum strength tablet (500 mg) can be fatal to a cat weighing 7 lbs.

5. Just as with the acetaminophen, other drugs can be fatal to your cat. Keep all medicines in your bathroom medicine cabinet. This includes all your prescription medicines and anything that your cat may have access to. As previously said, cats are curious, and they will get into things they shouldn’t. Medicines you take on a daily basis or over the counter drugs that you keep in your home can all have toxic affects on cats.

6. Chocolate

Theobromine is a diuretic as well as a heart stimulant, found in chocolate. Humans have the ability to eliminate theobromine from their systems quickly, however a cat cannot. For this reason chocolate can be lethal to a cat.

7. While it is best for your cat to be inside, if he does go out with or without you, keep all chemicals such as antifreeze away from areas the cat has access to. Gasoline for your lawnmower, oil, or windshield washer should all be kept in your garage or storage building away from animals.

8. Lawn Products

Chemicals in lawn products are also toxic to a cat, such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. A cat should not have access to any area treated by chemicals until the chemicals are safely dry. Take particular care to close all containers tightly and store them out of reach.

9. Miscellaneous Items

Since a cat is so very curious and playful, they may be exposed harmful items, such as pennies. A penny contains zinc, and is harmful to your pet. The levels of iron are high in items such as foot and hand warmers. Other items, which might cause sickness or death for a cat, include alcoholic drinks, batteries, play dough, dryer sheets, cigarettes and mothballs. Many more items can be lethal to your cat. Keep anything away from your cat that you would keep away from a child.

10. Household Cleaners

These same rules apply to household cleaners as well. Cats should not be in an area, which is undergoing cleaning procedures. Put away your supplies before giving the cat access to any room where you have been working. Chemicals found in household cleaners can burn the mouth or stomach of a cat when ingested. Although, most cats in general would not consume household cleaners, it is best to take these precautions.

David Lee is an expert on pet care. See his site for more info on cat furniture , litter box cabinet s, German Shepherd training .

Cat Litter Box – Choosing The Right One For Your Cat

2008-09-19T08:29:00.012-07:00

Most cats will adapt to the litter tray that you have provided them with; however, there will be some cats that are extremely sensitive to the texture and smell or even the structure of the tray! If this is so, it will be up to you to try a few alternatives until you find what your cat is happy with.

Currently, on the market, there is a variety of litter box covers available which will help reduce the smell of ammonia, although you will need to train your cat to grow accustomed to the small space with pungent ammonia odors. You would have to take note if your cat is claustrophobic and dislikes dark, enclosed spaces. However, there are cats that would prefer covered litter boxes.

If you find the area around the litter boxes unsightly, there are special litter boxes available. Some companies have produced a version of the covered litter box by designing a range of litter trays which would blend in with most of the furnishings in your home and keeps the littler tray out of sight. Designed to resemble small cabinets with features such as double fronted doors and side access, the design prevents your cat kicking the cat litter about all over the floor.

You could consider the Littermaid cat litter box and the Litter-Robot. These are two examples of the self cleaning cat litter box that make use of sensors to determine the amount of waste and remove the waste with either a rake or by centrifugal motion. The sensors would not be activated while your cat is using the litter box. Self cleaning litter boxes claim to cut costs in the long run as only soiled litter is removed. They also reduce the hassle of having to use a cat litter scoop to get rid of waste matter.

Pine cat litter is a great alternative to many clay and granule brands on the market because it is more economical, has no dust associated problems and is completely biodegradable - you can even recycle pine cat litter as compost in your garden after removing waste solids. Pine cat litter provides nitrogen for your plants, an essential nutrient for healthy plants. It's highly absorbent and the natural pine resin in its composition reduces the odor of ammonia and is non-abrasive. Tidy Cat is a clay-based product that the manufacturers claim is ideal for the smaller household as it cuts down on the ammonia smell with its deodorant properties.

Whatever litter tray system you use, cat litter pans need to be spacious enough to hold your cat comfortably and contain a good solid 3" of litter. Regular cleaning is necessary and a good rinse down with boiling water after the initial cleaning is recommended so as not to subject your cat to the strong smell of disinfectants.

Finally, whatever brands you may eventually choose, remember that the best cat litter is one that suits your cat and your environment. Your cat may prefer high grade clumping clay or garden earth, or even the fresh mountain smell of pine - if your cat is happy with it and it doesn't cause him any allergy problems then that’s what you need to go for. The alternative involves you, hot water, disinfectant, a scrubbing brush and loads of elbow grease.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of http://www.CatCustomer.com. He provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Nutrition that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Cat Behavior Mystery: Does Your Cat Really Bond With You?

2008-09-19T08:29:00.011-07:00

Most of us cat owners have these two burning question in the back of our minds, that we can't seem to easily resolve:

1. Question one, are cats really capable of bonding with us humans?

2. Question two, what can we do, as desperate cat lovers, to encourage our cats to actually bond with us?

So in this article, let's have a detailed look at what could be possible answers to these two deep-rooted questions that have been bugging cat lovers, and others alike, for decades!

As an extra bonus, you'll also gain some rare hints into how to better connect with your cat on a day to day basis.

Before we get into any techniques, we really need to examine the very nature of a cat's essence, their souls if you will, to give us some clues to answer these questions on cat psychology and their relationship to us humans.

When you have an animal that's been with humans for over 5000 years, there must be something profound that the humans, as well as the cats, are getting out of this relationship. Something that's keeping them together for so long, and no doubt for eons to come!

Imagine, in say the year 3000, we may have technology to travel through space in luxurious aircraft, and of course, one of the first things that people will want to bring with them is their favorite book, favorite music, and... their cat!

But why is this so? There must be a level of bonding between cats and humans that is beyond that of many other animals, that make us feel so attached to them, want to share our life experiences with them... because our feelings tell us that these feelings goes both ways.

But is this really the case? Do cats use us for food and warmth mainly? Or is there a level of feeling behind the cat behavior that's on a higher level than that, and resembles the feelings that we have for them?

These are valid questions. Let's first have a look at our human emotional responses to our cats.

When humans first met cats, it was presumed to be at a camp fire. This is not proven, though it is a strong possibility.

Why a camp fire?

Well cats love warmth and probably couldn't resist sitting around a man-made camp fire. So they sat, appreciating the warmth, and also may have found they don't have to hunt for. And then the humans were attracted to their cuteness. More likely, it was their kittens that may have clinched this bond. As when interacted, they would have shown cute playfulness, and when nursed, would snuggle up.

Now the question is whether a cat can have snuggling up and playfulness without the emotions of tenderness and enjoyment?

We'll come back to this in a moment. Let's take one more example from history.

It was documented 5000 years ago that cats were domesticated into both Egyptian culture as well as Indian culture at roughly the same time. In fact, for period of over 2000 years in Egypt, there was such respect and admiration for the cat, that the penalty for anyone killing a cat, was death.

During this period, a Roman soldier accidentally killed a cat and was nearly lynched by a crowd who witnessed this event. This became a political conflict, and is thought to be one of the events that led to the war between Egypt and Rome!

So, the humble cat has caused all this! An animal causing people to be irrational over them.

But, does the cat reciprocate our feelings? One example that could help us with this question is from Jeffrey Masson, who wrote The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats. Among his many examples of bonding is where he discovers that his cats will put up with getting soaked, just to be with him:

"Like most cats, mine do not like rain. Yet when Leila, Ilan, Manu and I walk up the hill in the evening in the rain, such is the cats' devotion that they come with us... it is beyond question that the cats are doing something because they want to... Moreover, since they walk in the rain only when we are there, never alone, the love of our companionship must be a strong component of their pleasure..."

It gets even better. The strength of our bond actually increases depending on the extent that our cat's range of behavior and emotional responses matches our emotional needs. Some people who really love attention from their cat, and want the full gamut of personality, do find heaven, and so does the cat, when they have for example, a Siamese cat that is able to show a strong desire to lie on their laps for comfort every night, run around like crazy when they play with, and is also slightly neurotic and anxious when there is too much happening...

So there's some food for thought for you.

You've now got some deep insight into how cats really feel about us, and how cats may indeed have deeper feelings about us that are closer to our own feelings about them than we previously realised.

Watch out for part two of this article, which will be coming soon. In that part, you'll learn specific ways to capture your cat's attention and affection.

However, for right now, be aware of your emotions when you're about to talk or even look at your cat. If you want to tell him something like "There you are, I'm glad to see you!", do so with your feeling, and it will come out in your voice, body language and tons of other clues that we're not even aware of. Your cat is sensing your thoughts and feelings very acutely.

This is exactly where bonding starts...

And the beauty of it is, that once the bonding starts, you can't stop it…it just keeps getting better.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start bonding!

Learn more about bonding with and training your cat. Cassandra Mandello helps you to go from cat novice, to training your cat in no time. To get more valuable tips and hints on cat training, visit http://www.secretsofcattraining.com

Cat History And Cat Classification Of Domestic Cats

2008-09-19T08:29:00.010-07:00

Scientists classify living organisms into different kingdoms, family, and orders to study more about them. Although, most people do not get into such details, but certain individuals who love cats, will definitely want to know the scientific classification of cats.

However, before that here is little history about classifications. In nineteenth century, there was this huge craze to classify the organisms scientifically. During that era, researchers identified numerous species and subspecies. They named the organisms by their own name or by the name of traveler, who bought them from different regions. Accordingly, cats were no exception and researchers classified them too.

Below is a detailed description of the scientific classification of the cats. To start with, the domestic cat in the household is commonly referred as Felis Catus.

How Researchers Classified Cats:

Life science expert Carouse Linnaes gave the name Felis Catus to the domestic cat in the year 1758. The domestic cats are in fact distant relatives of the wild cats. Therefore, domestic cats are the subspecies of feral cats. Thus, according to the guidelines of the ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature), wild cats are referred as F silvestris and F silvestris catus for the domestic species.

Cats are mammals and represent the vertebrate groups. Furthermore, since cats are meat eaters they are placed under carnivores order. The easy and scientific tabulation of the cat classification is as follows:

Common name: cat, feline, kitty cat, domestic cat, and pussycat
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Feliformia

Family: Felidae
Subfamily: Felinate/Pantherinae

Species: Felis catus

Cats such as domestic cats, Pumas, cheetahs, lynx, ocelot, and others come into Subfamily Felinae whereas large cats such as leopards, jaguars, lions, and tigers come in subfamily Pantherinae.

Long before the scientists assigned scientific classification for cats, ancient travelers and cat lovers had already classified them into subspecies. It usually depended on the notion that the particular cat type was representative of the main phenotype of cat in the area.

This method was same as that of Victorian love of gathering and classifying the organisms and then claiming them in certain order. For instance, the present day Felis Catus anura is referred as the Manx, catus Siamensis as Siamese, F catus cartusenesis as the Chartreux, and F catus angorensis as Turkish Angora.

About Species:

Species are nothing but taxonomic assembling of animals, which are similar but are readily distinguishable from one another. Although, they appear similar they never crossbreed naturally.

For instance, tigers and cats are of same species but they are very different in terms of behavior as well as in type, so there is a need to classify them more into subspecies or races. Mammals of a particular subspecies vary morphologically from distinctive mammals.

The domestic cat is actually the offspring of the original African Wildcat. The subspecies of an African wildcat is F s lybica. The domestic cats take the place below F s lybica and become felis catus. All breeds of felis catus interbreed naturally.

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Learn About Cat Training And Cat Litter Information

2008-09-19T08:29:00.009-07:00

Is It Necessary To Train Cats?

People who own cats may come across this question very often. Well, the answer is yes. Imagine a cat causing damage to valuable articles at home such as glassware, the sofa set, electronic items such as DVD player or computer.

The owner may run wild even at the thought of the cat doing this. Hence, it is essential to train cats so that they become familiar and get used to the environment around them. For the human-cat relationship to last long, it is recommended for owners to train their cats with extreme love and affection.

Bases Of Trainability:

Cats show their own interest in particular things. Cats like nutritional food and do activities that refresh them. Recreational activities may include watching squirrels climb the tree, pouncing on passing toys and finding out the things hidden in the cardboard box, left in the center of the living room.

Cat owners know that cats are curious by nature. They like to examine things around them, especially new things. They smell it and sometimes even sleep on it. To help a cat overcome shyness, the owner may move a catnip mouse across the room to catch the attention of the cat. This will draw the cat nearer to the object and help get over the tough task easily. This helps the cat to mix up with other members of the family quickly.

In the wild, cats tend to work alone. However, when they become part of a family, they rely on their owners for their usual tasks such as eating and bathing. This way cats develop an eternal relationship with their owners and other cats as well. Cat owners need to train their cats on normal activities and things such as relaxing, playing and eating.

Cats have the habit of playing, scratching and rubbing their body against objects. Many cats jump, look from the windows, sleep in many places and hang out with their owners in certain locations.

Some cats run back and forth in a house for no reason. Here, the activity can cause damage to the furniture. If the owner troubles the cat, the cat may raise its claw in self-defense. Several institutes engaged in training pet animals do their bit to bring abilities of pets at the forefront. Owners may take some time out of their busy schedule to visit such institutes for the betterment of their cats.

Cats - Waste Disposal

Disposal of cat waste is not a problem. Generally, cats tend to remain clean. It is in their nature to bury or hide their droppings. Owners may make available litter trays for their cats.

They may bury solid waste from the litter trays. The uncontaminated litter can be left in the tray. Pet shops sell biodegradable cat litters that break easily, when they add it to garden beds.

Litters built of clay break down slowly and as they are white in color, the owner can easily notice them in the garden bed. Cat owners may even wrap the contaminated litter and place it in garbage bins at home.

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Persian Cat Information And Cat And Kitten Types Are Described

2008-09-19T08:29:00.008-07:00

Most people have a liking for pet animals and for them cats are no exceptions. People may find a variety of cats depending on their body types. It is easy to spot the difference between the stocky Persian and the long, lean, Abyssinian cat. To see how well they differ, it is best to see these cats in action.

Different Body Types:

Given below is the information of body types of different cats:

1. Traditional Applehead: Traditional Applehead cat is big-boned, more stocky and heavier of the three Siamese cats. The cat has a large bone structure. Head of the traditional applehead cat is similar to the shape of an apple. Nose of the cat has a dip, which can be seen when the head turns on its side.

2. Traditional: Traditional Siamese cat has a medium-sized bone structure. The head is oval which tilts vertically. Traditional cat has an elongated face as compared to the Applehead cat. It is athletic in appearance. Body coat of all three traditional Siamese cats are dense and short. The coat is also springy and soft to touch.

3. Traditional Classic: Traditional classic cat has a muscular, elegant, an athletic shaped body. The cat is as healthy as the traditional and traditional applehead cat. The cat has light feet and a slightly elongated shape to its head. It has an elongated body, tail and legs. The cat does not have a dip at its nose.

4. Wedge Siamese: The wedge Siamese is extreme in body type and elongated. It has the head like the shape of a wedge or a triangle, very pointed and sharp. In addition, the head is delineated and the chin is aligned. The head appears wedge-shaped from the tip of the cat's nose to the corner extending to large ears. The cat has slanted eyes of almond shape. Remaining part of the cat's body is thinner, longer, svelte looking and tubular. The cat has a wider nose as compared to the traditional cat.

5. Siamese Mix Oriental: Cat of this type has an elongated slender body, long nose, large ears and almond-shaped eyes.

Other Body Types:

Below mentioned are some other popular body types of cats:

1. Cobby: Cobby cat has a muscular, short and compact build. It has short nose, small ears and roundish eyes. Persian cat is one good example of cobby cat.

2. Persian Cat: Persian cat has a round, broad head. It has large eyes, full cheeks and short nose. The cat has round-tipped ears that tilt forwards and has ear tufts. Neck of the cat is short and thick. The cat has a solid body with broad chest across the shoulders. It has large paws. Body coat is silky, wavy and shiny. It has a short tail.

3. Turkish Van: This cat has a thick, strong body. It has round, large, slanted eyes. The cat has a long bushy tail. Its large ears rest on the top of its head. The cat's body coat is pure white.

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Are You Risking Your Cat’s Life? Will Cat Health Insurance Help?

2008-09-19T08:29:00.007-07:00

More than likely you’ve heard about pet insurance, and this is actually a type of insurance that is not just for dogs. You can also purchase cat health insurance to keep your cat protected. As your cats begin to age, you never know what kind of physical problems they may have, from illnesses to injuries. For this reason, there are many owners that have found cat health insurance an important expense. Insurance is extremely affordable and you need only pay a reasonable monthly fee. Also, animal health insurance proposes lower cost medical exams which is advantageous to physical well being.

Cats Have Lower Insurance Rates than Dogs

The great thing about having a cat is that they have lower insurance rates than dogs. If you start your cat in a health insurance plan while it is young, you’ll also save money. As long as it never has any serious illnesses the insurance rates will continue to be low. However, if it gets injured or becomes ill, you’ll have something to fall back on to help pay many bills.

Routine Checkups and More

As your cat continues to age the health insurance is going to come in handy. You’ll need to have routine checkups and there may be some other procedures needed along the way. Having cat health insurance will help you afford the checkups and preventive health care that your cat will need.

Making Your Cat’s Prescriptions Affordable

If you are a cat owner, one of the most expensive things to pay for can be its prescription drugs. Whether you cat needs a prescription after a procedure or due to an injury, it can really get quite expensive. As your cat gets older, it may need drugs to help with arthritis or other health conditions. These medications can get expensive and may cost more than $100 each month. However, if you have insurance for your cat the prescriptions may be covered by the insurance company.

Pure Bred Cats Really Benefit

If you have a pure bred cat, then you stand to really achieve significant benefits from having cat health insurance. You see, many pure bred cats, as well as dogs, have specific physical problems that occur later in their lives. This can get expensive as your cat grows older, so having the cat insurance can really save you money as you endeavor to care for your pure bred feline.

Being proactive rather than reactive will give you an edge.

It is important that you don’t wait until your cat gets injured or sick to begin thinking about health insurance. You can save a huge amount of money by insuring your cat now. Yes, you’ll be paying on a monthly basis, but the benefits of the insurance are enormous.

In summation, you may be risking your cat’s life if an unexpected sizable health expense surfaces and you are not prepared.

Yes, cat health insurance can make the difference between risking your cat’s life to euthanasia and being able to afford proper health care.

Sheri Davis Collins is a responsible pet owner for 20+ years, practicing holistic and homeopathic care. She is also the webmaster of http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_health_insurance.html

Cat Vegetarian Diet Research-is It Healthy For Your Cat

2008-09-19T08:29:00.006-07:00

We can understand why humans decided to maintain a vegetarian diet because of various health reasons. We also know that human may possibly live a healthier lifestyle on a vegetarian diet, but is it the same for cats? Is there a need to transform your cat’s diet into a vegetarian one just because you are one?

Like me, if the vegetarian cat diet issue has bothered you for a long time, I hope this little research article can help you clear some doubts on whether a vegetarian cat diet is a healthy diet:

Source 1. Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to the Health of Dogs and Cats,” Rodale Press, notes that the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom reported that cats did well on meatless diets in Great Britain.

Nevertheless, he warns that cats are true carnivores and have dietary needs that can only be satisfied by ingesting animal tissue. He states that unlike humans and dogs, cats cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. They also need sufficient taurine, which is not found in plant material. In short, Dr. Pitcairn does not feel that meatless or near meatless diets supplemented with taurine are healthy for cats.

Source 2. The Vegetarian Society, a UK organization founded in 1847, warns against feeding cats a vegetarian diet. The society explains that cats are natural carnivores and are likely to find their meat elsewhere by hunting rodents and birds. They also reminds cat owners that cats require nutrients that are found only in meat. These nutrients include: taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12, niacin, thiamin and protein.

Explaining that meat is the only major source of arachidonic acid, and cats lacking the ability to synthesize niacin from protein. There are little replacements as cats cannot use the B12 in cereals, and egg and dairy products are actually poor sources for the vitamin.

Source 3. Wysong, a premium pet food manufacturer, has a vegan cat food formula on it’s list, but guess what, they themselves warns that the food does not meet feline protein requirements. Wysong advises that the decision to feed a cat that is a natural carnivore an all vegetarian diet brings “inherent risk” with an artificially imposed, imbalanced and deficient diet. The vegan food formula the company offers is to be used for specific purposes:

1. For when a pet has food allergies, use the vegan cat food as part of an elimination diet to see what meat products your pet is allergic to.

2. Use the food as a base and add fresh meats and organ meat.

Also, Wysong notes that since not 100% is known about nutrition or nutrition of cats in particular, calling a food 100% balanced cannot be truly accurate. One can extract from that statement that how can we truly know what other nutrients may be missing from a cat’s diet that is meatless and how can we be sure we are supplementing sufficiently?

At the moment of time, the decision of most cat owners to go with a vegetarian diet is really more of an ethical choice than of a health-based one. If you are thinking along the line of ethics, maybe you can consider the reasons why you are forcing your cat to eat a diet that goes against its nature and possibly put its health at risk. If you decide to stick with a vegetarian diet for your cat, do consult your veterinarian regularly and bring him for an extra checkup annually.

Good Cat Care Means A Happy Cat

2008-09-19T08:29:00.005-07:00

Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about cat care, the better you will be able to meet your feline’s physical and emotional needs. The stronger your cat’s health and the better your cat’s attitude are, the more you will be able to enjoy your cat’s unique personality. Good cat care will make your cat more affectionate, and can dramatically reduce any behavior problems that your cat may be displaying. If you want a richer and fuller relationship with your cat, try improving your cat care.

Having a cat is a two way street. The better the level of cat care that you can provide for your pet, the more energetic, affectionate, and well behaved it will be. By giving your pet with optimum cat care, you will make it more agreeable to the training and gentle behavior modification techniques that can take the headaches out of pet ownership. Good cat care often translates into a good cat that will take commands more willingly than a cat who does not receive enough attention, affection, and care. The more you learn about how to care for your cat, the better the level of health you will be able to bring your feline friend to. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between you and your pet will be, and that bond often serves as the core of obedience training.

By educating yourself about cat care and practicing the best, scientifically tested cat care techniques to provide your cat with optimum attention, you can make sure that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat is, the happier it will be able to make you. A cat that is well cared for is a cat that will be interested in active playtime and in calm relaxation. The better your cat care abilities are, the more fully you will be able to sharing time with your cat doing all of you pet’s, and your, favorite activities together. Great cat care provides a strong foundation for your bond with your cat. Good cat care can help you grow closer with your beloved pet by making sure that he or she is always up for spending time with you. This is why cat care is an important part of your emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn’t getting the right kind of care, from the best kind of diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat may develop behavior issues that can make your pet feel like a problem child. However, the positive side of this equation is that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome issues ranging from constant mewling to weight issues to destructive tendencies. Good cat care means a happier pet, and even a problematic cat who receives enough of the right kind of care can become a pleasant companion.

For more Cat Care information please visit "The Cat Care Compendium" Located at: http://www.cat-guide.com This Blog created by Doug Rogers shares with readers helpful cat care information for all cat lovers.

Finding The Perfect Cat Tree Furniture For Your Cat, Not As Easy As You Might Think

2008-09-19T08:29:00.004-07:00

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.

SittingPrettyKitty Cat Furniture and Cat Trees http://www.sittingprettykitty.com

Understanding Cat Arthritis Symptoms - Caring For An Arthritic Cat

2008-09-19T08:29:00.003-07:00

The increasing amount of cat owners feeding highly processed commercial cat food is reported by many veterinary experts to be a contributing factor in the increasing amount of cat arthritis happening in cats.

It is certainly not coincidence that owners who feed their cats homemade and raw food see lower occurrence of degenerative arthritis in their cats.

Today, although there are no concrete proof to show that commercial cat food contribute to arthritis development in cats, it is widely believe that they play a big part, From there, we understand that your cat’s diet would play a major effect in preventing this stressful cat disease.

Apart from diet, overweight older cats are also more likely to develop arthritis because of the extra pressure they put on their joints causing the cartilage and bones to wear off faster. Naturally, a cat who enjoys a healthy diet and who exercise regularly will be less likely to suffer from the same condition.

The symptoms of arthritis in cats would be that he will find it difficult to walk around and run. Moving around stiffly, he will not make jumps that he use to make and will have difficulty in climbing up stairs. Showing signs of depression, your cat would hide away and appear listless and even bad tempered. Not allowing you to touch and stroke him in areas where he is painful, he might cry out if you touch him on a painful joint.

To diagnose arthritis in cats, veterinary will observe, use blood test and most importantly the x-ray examination. The X-ray will show joint degeneration in areas of worn, irregular bone position and possible distortion of the joint and see if the bone is causing pain and forcing the cat to stand in an awkward position to compensate for the discomfort.

Arthritis treatment will include medication to help your cat ease the pain on his joints, to aid the regeneration process of cartilage and bone, to build up the fluid within the capsular joints to provide a cushion for the joint itself. Your veterinary will prepare dose of glucosamine and chondroitin that are use for the same purpose in humans for your cat.

You can help your cat to recover by encouraging him to walk whenever possible to prevent the joints from stiffening further. You should try to create a warmer environment for him to rest. A warm water bottle place under his bed might do the trick. The warmth will help your cat to ease pain and loosen his muscles which might be tense because of the constant pain that he is suffering.

Recovery from arthritis is possible with the right treatment and care. Although a hundred percent recovery is not possible, your cat will still be able to enjoy a high quality of life.

Cat Vaccinations – An Important Preventive Procedure To A Healthy Cat

2008-09-19T08:29:00.002-07:00

Cats seem independent and self-sufficient, but cats need just as much care and attention as other pets. Cats are prone to a number of serious diseases and it is extremely important to ensure that your cat is vaccinated from an early age. Further prevention from diseases is necessary to maintain your cat’s health with annual booster injections.

Anyone who has seen a cat in pain and distress because of a condition that could have been easily prevented by adequate care will understand why vets are so keen to promote preventive vaccination for all cats. This not only helps to prevent the development of the disease to a terminal stage but also limit the spread of these infectious diseases to the surrounding feline population.

Vaccinations are important as almost all catteries will only permit cats that have past records of vaccinations. This measure serves to protect your cat as well as to ensure other cats in the cattery are not infected should your cat be ill. Even cats that have been vaccinated can sometimes contract a variant of the disease and the less risk there is to the cattery as a whole the better.

Travel restrictions for pets can be stringent for most European countries. If you are considering traveling with your pet you will need to carry all available documentation concerning your pet's health and vaccination record, and you may need to show evidence of feline veterinarian treatment including deworming schedules. Without these documents, your cat may have to be quarantined for up to six months, thus it would be import, so do check with your travel agency to make sure you have all the documentation you may need.

Kittens should be vaccinated from the age of nine weeks. They are then vaccinated again at 12 weeks, and then go on to a program that would include annual booster injections.

Your vet would also advise you on the necessity of giving your cat a rabies shot, particularly if your cat has contact with other feral cats in the neighborhood and gets into scrapes. A point to note is that the rabies shot is a requirement if you are traveling to any country within Europe.

The four main vaccinations a cat can have from the age of nine weeks are the following:

Feline infectious enterovirus (FIE, also known as the feline panleukopaenia virus.

Feline herpesvirus (otherwise known as feline calcivirus, or cat flu)

Feline leukaemia. A vet will test a cat's blood to see if there is already an immunity built up from previous contact, and if the test shows negative i.e. there has been no contact and therefore no immunity built up the cat should be vaccinated.

Feline Chlamydophila, which causes conjunctivitis. Again your cat may already have built up an immunity so your vet can check for antibodies in the bloodstream and vaccinate if the test comes back negative to previous contact.

Vaccination may save your cat’s life should it get into any contact with any horrifying diseases. Although vaccines do hold risk for a small minority of cats who received them, proper vaccination is still the best solution and protection your cat can have against infectious disease.

Stop Cat Urine Smell By Removing Cat Litter Box Waste

2008-09-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

Cat urine smell is one of the most powerful pet odors imaginable. If you don't scoop the cat litter box and dispose of her waste, your kitty may deposit her waste all over your home.

This article gives you some advice on why you should quickly remove kitty deposits from the cat litter box, and how it encourages her from making your home her giant litter box.

Cats are fussy, clean creatures and they usually have high cat litter box standards. You can help your cat maintain her good litter box habits by developing one of your own - scooping her deposits from the cat litter box as quickly as you discover them. But, that's only half the battle. If you keep the trash can too close to the cat litter box, the smell may overwhelm your cat and drive her away from her box.

Since cats have staff (us!), one of our jobs is to keep their litter boxes very clean. If you develop the habit of checking her cat litter box every time you pass by, and scoop out her waste if you see it, this is a great partnership for maintaining a wonderful relationship between you and your cat. She deposits, you scoop, the box is clean again, and everyone's happy.

Kitty sees a clean box every time she needs to relieve herself. The urine clumps and other solid waste don't lie in the box, permeating your home with the odor.

The other critical part of this partnership is making certain the scooped items aren't in close proximity to the cat litter box. Why? The smell is overwhelming to both you and kitty. Since cats have a much keener sense of smell than you and I, she's going to get bowled over by the odor far earlier than you, and she'll find a fresher-smelling area to meet her litter box needs. If that area doesn't have a cat litter box handy, too bad for you!

In order to keep The Cat happy, scoop out her production and deposit it into a plastic bag. Wrap the bag tight, and select a wastebasket that's far enough away from the cat litter box not to be noticeable by you and your cat. This might a neutral room where the cat litter box isn't located. Empty that wastebasket early and often to keep that part of your home from smelling like a litter box.

Even if you only have one cat, you may have more than one cat litter box. There are many kitties who like to have one box for liquid deposits, and another for solid waste. Here's a good rule of thumb for determining the minimum number of cat litter boxes you need in your home:

"X" cats +1 = minimum number of cat litter boxes

Pretty easy, huh? If you have two cats, you need at least 3 cat litter boxes.

So if you do have more than one cat litter box, you'll need to check all of them on a regular basis. Many cats evacuate their bladder and bowels on a fairly regular basis, so you'll get a sense of the time of day and/or evening you need to make your rounds. My cat Scout usually voids her bladder anytime between 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM. She usually passes solid waste about an hour later. In the evening, she will urinate around 5:30 - 6:00PM, with a feces sample shortly afterward.

By knowing the approximate schedule your cat uses the litter box, you can plan your trips to check for scoopable products at fairly regular times. Her box is always clean and up to her standards. You can strategically position a waste can far away enough from all cat litter boxes in your home to keep the smell out of her cat litter box area, thus encouraging kitty to use her box all the time.

Nancy has successfully eliminated cat urine odor from her home, and kept the kitty that caused it. The Cat Urine Odor Advisor helps you save money and stop the damage in your household by offering solutions that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from your home. http://www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com Subscribe to the Cat Urine Odor Solutions newsletter, and I'll send you my free report "Four Important Litter Box Basics For Your New Kitten." Start your new addition to the family off right, and never have a cat urine odor problem! RSS feed: http://quikonnex.com/channel/view/caturineodoradvisor

Cat Food Information, Cat Care And Cat Health In All About Cat Article

2008-09-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Cats need a high-protein diet, rich in fats. They normally eat small meals all through the day. Cats maintain their body weight by sticking to the diet they take in. To keep cats healthy, owners have to ensure that the foods they give to their cats are rich in minerals, protein and vitamins.

In addition, the diet needs to be limited. Increasing the food intake for cats may invite serious health problems.

Necessary Nutrients:

Cat owners need to check, if their pet food offers the following nutrients:

1. Pet food has to contain vital nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. One vital nutrient is Vitamin A and vitamin E, which helps to build resistance against a variety of diseases.

2. Animal protein from poultry, meat, egg sources and fish helps to keep bones sturdy and strong.

3. The diet needs to have accurate balance of fatty acids that nurture the skin and coat health.

4. Taurine, an amino acid, extracted from meat sources such as fish and chicken. This helps in keeping the eyes healthy and preventing heart diseases. Taurine supports fetal growth, development and reproduction in cats.

5. Next, a fiber source such as beet pulp, which maintains the digestive system of cats, is also a necessary nutrient.

Special Dietary Needs for Pregnant or lactating cats:

Pet owners have to take enough care of their pregnant cats. Increase their intake by 50 per cent than their current diets. The owner may give kitten food as a nutritional support to cats at the time of conception.

After the mother cat gives birth to young kittens, gradually increase the intake to 75 per cent. Maintain this diet until the kittens get used to eating canned or dry food. The moment kittens begin eating substitute food, incorporate the normal food again so that the mother cat keeps away from any weight gain.

Avoid Obesity:

Generally, indoor cats do not get the opportunity to exercise as compared to outdoor cats. Due to this, indoor cats fall prey to obesity. To avoid this, pet owners have to allow their cats to exercise in open the way they wish.

Preventing Cats from Developing Hairballs:

Cats take their own time to arrange themselves neatly. They constantly lick their fur and in the process, sometimes swallow hair. If the hairball fails to pass into the intestines, the cat may land in trouble. It may try to eject the hairball. To avoid this, pet owners have to make sure that they supply a nutritional diet to their cats.

What Every Cat Needs:

No matter what food they get to eat, owners need to make available plenty of water for their cats, always. It is advisable to place water at a distance three to five feet from the food.

This prevents the cat from swallowing water hastily. Cats demand comfortable place to eat and prefer to stay away from people around them. Last of all, the cat owners need to take their cats to the veterinarian at regular intervals. This will help in keeping pet cats healthy and happy.

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook about Cats and Kittens at Cats. Cat and Kitten Zone also has information on Kittens, Cat Supplies and a Cat and Kitten Forum where you can connect with others who love cats and kittens. You can Find Cat and Kitten Zone at www.catandkittenzone.com.

Is Your Cat Misbehaving? 4 Tips To Understanding Your Cat

2008-09-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Despite their status as the most popular pet in America, cats can still be difficult. With their sometimes aloof attitudes and unwillingness to tell us what they want, figuring out your cat can be tough.

When your cat, whether it's an Abyssinian or a Turkish Van, starts misbehaving, it can cause serious damage. From ripped curtains to urine-stained bed sheets, a cat on the rampage is hard to handle. Unfortunately, many owners give up on cats with behavior problems, but there are steps you can take to help your cat grow through or out of them.

To learn how to stop your cat from misbehaving, keep reading for 4 key tips on how to understand your cat.

1. Take your cat to the vet for a complete physical.

Sometimes a behavior problem can actually be a physical problem. For example, a cat that's urinating in strange places may be suffering from an illness or an infection.

Your vet can also offer suggestions and advice for problems that are behavioral.

2. Check the house for environmental factors.

Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think so check around the house for environmental factors that could be wreaking havoc on your cat's disposition.

For example, litter box problems are typically the source of rampant or improper urination. First, check where you're keeping the litter box - is it next to a loud appliance or in a heavily trafficked area of the house? Just like you, your cat wants a private and quiet place to do its business. You can also try a covered litter box, which most cats, particularly longhaired cat breeds, tend to prefer.

Next, try switching out the litter that you're using. If you're using scented, try unscented and if you're using non-clumping, try clumping. Some cats are just picky about their litter.

Finally, make sure the litter box is being cleaned frequently enough. Just as you wouldn't want to use a dirty toilet, your cat also wants a clean litter box. Also, make sure there is at least one litter box per cat as cats prefer to have their own.

3. Look to your other pets.

Sometimes problems with other animals in the house, like an aggressive older cat or a constantly chasing dog can lead to behavioral problems. Much like the child who acts out after being bullied, your cat may be dealing with those issues in the same way.

Always introduce new animals into the house slowly, keeping them separated from one another, but still able to smell and hear each other. Once they've gotten acquainted, let them co-mingle. If you're trying to deal with an existing problem, try using baby gates to keep your cats or pets separate from one another for a few days. This separation can help reduce anxiety.

4. Consult a professional.

Expensive and sometimes a last resort for many pet-owners, a pet behavior specialist may be able to help you and your cat work through your problems. According to the listings provided by the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors (ACABC), a private behavior 1-hour consultation can cost anywhere from about $50 to $500, but most hover around the $70-$100 range.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com. Research over 45 cat breed profiles at http://www.findapetonline.com/cat_breeds_a_z.html

Cat Scratch Disease: My Cat Just Scratched Me, What Do I Do?

2008-09-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Cat scratch disease is also known as cat scratch fever. This disease strikes people who are infected by the Bartonella henselae bacteria. In almost all cases, cat scratch disease occurs when the person was scratched or bitten by his cat. The cat itself does not catch cat scratch disease. It is just a carrier. Now, before you panic and send your cat to the pound, the National Center for Infectious Diseases (CDC) estimates that 40% of all cats carry this disease at some time in their lives. Considering how many cat owners exist in the world, clearly, this disease is not very infectious or dangerous.

But how do you know whether you were infected by cat scratch disease? The first thing you want to look at is the place your cat bit or scratched you. Is the wound infected? (Note: If you cannot find the wound, then you do not have cat scratch disease.) Then you want to check your lymph nodes. Are the nodes around your head, neck and upper limbs swollen? Do you also have fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite? These are the typical cat scratch fever symptoms.

What can you do? The first step is always preventative. If you own a cat, or play with cats, you will definitely get bitten or scratched. What you should do every time you get scratched is simply to clean the wound with soap and running water. Then clean it with an antiseptic like peroxide and apply an antibiotic cream (neosporin works pretty well). Just applying these basic hygiene practises will prevent most cases of infection from cat bites or scratches, not just cat scratch disease.

What if you have already been infected - your wound is swollen and reddish, your lymph nodes are swollen and you have a fever? Then just go to your doctor. He will probably give you an antibiotic, and maybe drain the wound if necessary. You should also send your cats to the vet. Let him make sure they are not still carrying the bacteria. Otherwise they may infect you again, or infect other people.

In the long run, you need to train your cats not to bite or scratch too hard. Your cats need to learn how to show affection without drawing blood from you. And you need to learn not to provoke or over-excite your cats.

Provided that you are not the one who provoked the cat scratch, you can spray kitty with water every time it bites or scratches you. This means you will need to carry around a spray bottle with you at home. Spray kitty consistently when it bites you, and it will learn to stop biting you. Remember to spray when it bites - not 30 seconds later, or 1 minute later, or 5 minutes later. It will only learn if your response is immediate. Too many people spray only after the cat scratched or bit, then they complain that the technique does not work.

If your cat tends to bite or scratch you during playtime, then you need a different approach. Play with your cat normally. When he bites or scratches you, stop playing and ignore him. Too many people just continue playing - unfortunately, this teaches kitty that biting or scratching is good.

As you can see, cat scratch disease is not a big deal. As long as you practice basic hygiene, and train your cat not to bite or scratch too much, everything should be alright.

Are you still worried about cat scratch disease? Click here to learn more ways to stop cat scratching.

How To Train Your Cat To Use Cat Scratching Posts

2008-09-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Cats are cute. Cats are loveable. Unfortunately, many cats love to scratch your furniture and carpets. If you do not want to replace your sofa every few months, you will need to train your cat to use cat scratching posts. Although this is not a difficult task, it can be time-consuming. It needs a lot of love, patience and understanding from you. If you cannot make this kind of commitment to your feline friend, you are better of giving him away.

Having said that, here is a shortcut which work for many cats. Catnip works wonders for training your cat to use the scratching post. For your convenience, modern science has created a catnip spray which you can use to spray the cat scratching post. You should place this post near the sofa or furniture where your cat likes to scratch. You should also get a cat repellant spray - to spray the places where he likes to scratch.

Many cats scratch furniture as a means of marking their territory. The scratching serves as a visible mark and also leaves behind a scent from the glands in his paws. This means your cat, or cats, probably have more than one favorite piece of furniture where they like to scratch. You will need to buy more than one scratching post.

Cats also scratch furniture as part of their exercise, as well as to shed the dead outer layers of their claws. You should not buy a cat scratching post just because it looks cool. You should buy a post which fits your cat best. One way is to find something which feels like your furniture or carpet. Do not limit your thoughts to just a scratching post. Cats which like to scratch carpets often respond well to something flat laid down flat on the ground. If your cat is like this, it may take longer to train him to use a vertical scratching post.

Given this fact, it is better if you only buy cat scratching posts from your local shops - where you can see and feel the material of the post. If it looks or feels different from the furniture which your cat is scratching now, he is unlikely to switch to the new post. This factor makes buying cat furniture online a bit chancy.

Cat scratching posts bought from the store can be expensive for some cat owners. Here are some ideas for cheap, homemade cat furniture:

Cheap, square pieces of carpet which you can buy from WalMart, etc. Should cost you under $10. You may also be able to get some free from your local carpet shop.
Cardboard cartons and boxes - you should be able to get these free from your local grocery shop.
Wooden logs.
Old furniture, or parts of old furniture. If you have some handy wood-working skills, you can turn a small cabinet into a cat house.
Rough wooden planks.

Here is another shortcut to prevent your cat from damaging your furniture - regularly take him to the vet to get his nails clipped, either once or twice a month. The vet will clip the hooked part of the claw. This is the part which causes the most damage to your furniture and carpet. You may want the vet to teach you how to do it yourself. Please note that this is different from declawing your cat, which is cruel and inhumane. Declawing actually involves chopping off the tips of your cats toes. How would you feel if someone cut off the tips of your fingers?

Some cats appear intransigent, and refuse to use the cat scratching post. The fact is, you may just need to understand him better. And also use a different way of training him. You have to remember that shortcuts do not always work.

Do you have problems with your cat scratching your furniture? Does kitty refuse to use the cat scratching post? Click here to learn more ways to stop your cat scratching your furniture.

Walking Your Cat - Stay Alert!

2008-09-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Walking Your Cat - Stay Alert!
No matter how well your cat is walking on a leash never let your guard down, especially if your cat has been a strictly indoors cat. There will be sounds that are new to them. There will be experiences they've never had to deal with before. Doesn't matter how laid back your cat was inside the house, don't assume that she will take the great outdoors in stride.
Be sure that your cat is wearing the most secure harness you can find and afford and that you are always holding the leash securely. The last thing you need when your cat is panicked is to have the harness come off, or the leash slip out of your hand, and your cat running madly and blindly out into the street.

These are three experiences I've had with my cat outdoors.

1. New (to them) Sounds
Until my cat went outside I had no idea that she would be panic struck at the sound of the ice cream truck - not the van itself - but the music that it played. At first I didn't know what it was that was terrifying her. Only when the music got louder and she became more frenzied did I realize. Even when she is just in the backyard she can hear the jingle from a couple of blocks away and will immediately start running, trying to find a place to hide.
After that first experience of trying to hold a frightened, struggling cat and getting thoroughly scratched, we learned not to go walking when its ice cream truck time.
The truck comes around about the same time every day so we can avoid this problem, but there are the out of the ordinary sounds.

2. Unusual Sounds
One day my cat was in the backyard on her long leash, enjoying the sunshine, when one of those big hot-air advertising balloons came overhead. Not for the first time, but this time it let out air or gas or whatever they use that makes a loud whooshing sound. My cat froze in place, her eyes widened and bulged and she peed on the spot. When it made the sound again, she started to run, making a horrible wailing sound, peeing the whole time.
Luckily, being in the yard she could run into the house. If we had been out on the street I would have been scratched, bitten, and peed on. And there is really no way to predict when or if this is going to happen.

3. Dogs Running Loose
My cat lives with dogs. Meeting a dog on the street that's on a leash doesn't bother her at all. She will either ignore it or sometimes (rarely) go up to say hello. But an unleashed dog, galloping up to her - even if he's friendly - has her back hairs up, hissing, spitting, with claws fully extended. The only thing I can do is try to keep the dog from getting close enough for a fight (not easy), and hope that its owner is close by and will call it away.
Twice in the past year we have been confronted with this situation. The first time the dog decided it had better things to do than tangle with a cat and left on its own. The second time the owners realized their gate was open, the dog was gone, and they came out to call him home.

My cat has been going for walks for many years now; loves her walks; demands to have a walk everyday. But experience has taught me to keep a close eye on what happening around us, and to always be monitoring her reactions. Never assume you know how your cat will react in new situations. They always manage to surprise you.

I live with 5 cats and 2 dogs. Two of the cats are mine. Both of my cats are leash and harness trained. The oldest has been trained for 7 years and loves going for walks. The youngest is still in training and he only gets to walk around the backyard.
My Cat Leash & Harness Training Website: http://www.catsread2.info
My Blog about Cats - articles, tips etc. http://beautifulfelines.blogspot.com

Behavior Issues: Cat Behavior Training

2008-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Is your cat's bad behavior driving you up the wall? Many people are under the impression that cats are too independent to be trained. This is not true. Any animal can be trained. You just need to condition its reactions in a consistent and predictable manner. Animal behaviorists call this Pavlovian Conditioning. Although the most famous of the experiments revolved around dogs, subsequent scientists have successfully shown this effect even in human children. In reality, a cat's behavior and resultant societal relations with other cats are dependent on factors such as population density of neighborhood cats, premature knowledge and the amount of food available in the vicinity.

Now, conditioning and punishment do not mean the same thing. You do not need to hurt your cat when it misbehaves, you just need to clearly demonstrate that its behavior is unacceptable. So, how do you do that? All you need are a number of spray water bottles filled with cold water, placed in convenient locations around your house. Anytime you see your cat doing something wrong, you immediately spray its body with cold water. This method gets your cats attention and annoys it but does not hurt it. You are not punishing your cat. You are interrupting it in the middle of its misbehavior. Do this consistently and immediately and you will eventually break your cat of its bad habits. An obvious limitation of this method is that if you are not around when kitty misbehaves, it will not work.

Here is a method of deterrence which works even when you are not at home. If your cat eats or scratches your houseplants, you can try putting mothballs in them. Cats are sensitive to the strong smell, and this will keep your cat away from your plants. You can also use the same trick to keep your cat from urinating and defecating in inappropriate locations.

The most complete way to deal with your cats behavior problems is to just ignore your cat, because it just wants attention and believe me this will pay off.

Cat behavior training can be a lot of a fun. If you want to explore more about cat training , then dont hesitate to visit this site www.cattrainingsecrets.net

You do not need to hurt your cat when it misbehaves, you just need to clearly demonstrate that its behavior is unacceptable. So, how do you do that?

What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Their Cat Temperament and Behavior

2008-09-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Cats are mysterious creatures. To people who do not own cats, or to those who have never tries to understand them, they may appear moody, aloof and unfriendly. Anyone who has never lived with one may find them perplexing, mischievous and in some cases as needy as a small child. But a person who understands cats will quickly tell you that they are warm, affectionate companions with a high intellect and an independent spirit.

Cats have a reputation for being antisocial loners, and to some degree, this is true. In the wild, they are solitary hunters who do not seek out other cats for socialization. They live alone, hunt alone, and most of the time prefers to be left alone. Lions are the exception of this rule; they live in prides and hunt together as a unit. This sense of independence and self-reliance is one reason why many cat owners prefer cats as pets. Unlike dogs, they do not mind being left alone all day, and they do not need to be let outside to tend to their bathroom needs.

However, is cats are left completely alone for long periods of time or become bored with their surroundings, they will find interesting ways to amuse themselves. This is why some cats act up or misbehave and do things they should not, like shred toilet paper or explore off limit areas of your countertop.

Despite their independent nature, cats and kittens do love their human companions. Over time, they bond closely to their families and given the right amount of attention, will often communicate with them. Unlike dogs, cats do not see people as part of their pack or consider their owner to be their master. If anything, they consider their human to be an equal or just another big cat.

A cat's teeth are designed for tearing, grasping and shredding prey. Adults have 30 teeth while kittens have 26 deciduous (baby, or milk) teeth. At around three and a half to four and a half months of age, kittens begin teething. By the time they are six months old; they lose all their baby teeth and grow a full set of adult teeth. Some cats may develop problems with their teeth as they age. Common dental problems for seniors include sensitive teeth, gum disease, loose teeth and tooth decay.

If a cat has ever licked you, you know that his tongue feels rough, like sandpaper. The tongue is covered with hundreds of papillae - tiny backward facing hook like structures that act like a natural hairbrush, which a cat uses for grooming the coat. In the wild, cats use their rough tongues to lick meat off bones. Their taste buds are located on the sides, tip, and back of the tongue. Cats and kittens can taste bitter, acids, and salty flavors but not sweet tastes. When drinking, they curl their tongue in at the sides to form a cup or spoon to lap up the liquid.

Anyone who owns a cat or kitten must remember that each is a unique individual. No two cats are exactly alike and they each have their own personality quirks and preferences.

Some kittens and cats crave affection and will curl up on your lap at night, while others will be content to sit next to you on the arm of the sofa. Cats and kitten love to play and enjoy interacting with their owners during their daily playtime.

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How to Adopt an Older Cat Like the Experts?

2008-09-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

If you bring home an older cat, he may be afraid of his new surroundings and confused about where he is. Give him quiet time to explore and get comfortable. Do not invite friends and neighbors over to look at him, because this may make him nervous. Show the cat where the litter box, food and water dishes, and scratching post are, and then let him settle in at his own pace. Talk to him in a soothing voice and give him something to eat. If he seems interested, play with him for a while so that he begins to bond with you.

An older cat has a history that you may not know about. He may have left a loving family or a long time companion animal behind before he came to live with you, or he could have been mistreated or abandoned. If you happen to know the previous owners, or if you learned about his past when you adopted him, you can make settling in easier. If you know his name, use it often and it will give him a sense of comfort. If you do not, give your cat a chance to get used to his new one.

Before you bring a cat or kitten home, you need to make preparations for his arrival. Stop at your local pet supply store and purchase all the necessities your kitty will require to settle in comfortably. By planning ahead, you can have everything set up and ready for your new family member so that this transition into an unfamiliar place is a safe and stress free experience for him.

Make sure that your cat or kitten has had a veterinary checkup and has received all the necessary vaccinations before his arrival or shortly thereafter. This is especially important if you have other pets in the house. While your cat is getting his physical, you can stock up on any additional supplies that the vet may recommend.

The first item that you must purchase is a cat carrier. You will need one in which to bring the cat home and take him to and from his veterinary checkup. Cardboard carriers or metal cages are not recommended for cats. A determined feline easily can claw his way through the sides of a cardboard enclosure; and they are not very sturdy. Also, most cats dislike them because they are dark and do not provide enough ventilation. Wire cages are not comfortable for cats to sit in, and they are big and bulky for owners to move.

The ideal cat carrier should be made of sturdy plastic and have a locking, grill type front door. This will enable the animal to see where he is going, plus it ensures that the enclosure has good airflow. Buy one that has a secure handle and a solid base; it also should be well designed so that it is easy to maneuver and so that it allows the cat to be places inside without difficulty. You can put an old towel or sweatshirt on the floor of the enclosure so that your pet has a soft place to sit while traveling.

Some older cats will adapt to a new home right away, while others may hide under the bed for a day or two. Be patient, and give your feline companion plenty on love, praise, and encouragement while he makes the adjustment to living with you.

How the Experts Choose Their Cat's Litter Box?

2008-09-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

After the cat carrier, the litter box is the next important item on the shopping list. The litter box will be used every day and it is crucial that your cat takes to it. Each cat in the house should have his own litter box. This prevents territorial squabbling and gives each individual some privacy.

In general, there are many different styles available. If possible, find out what type of box that the cat (or kitten) has been using and buy a similar one. Switching the type of litter box might confuse your cat, which can lead to problems. If you are bringing home a kitten, purchase a litter box specifically designed for kittens. They have low sides and allow youngsters to climb in and out of the box easily.

The first one is self cleaning litter box. Self cleaning or automated litter boxes have a sensor attached to a mechanical arm that automatically rakes the litter after the cat has left the box. The arm sweeps the soiled litter and waste to one end where it is collected in a tray. Some cats are scared by them and refuse to use them. These types of litter boxes are often quite expensive.

The second one is covered litter box. A hooded or covered litter box has a plastic bottom and a tall hood that snaps onto the rim. This design gives the cat privacy while he is using the box and keeps the contents from view. However, some cats do not like the claustrophobic feeling that they get while inside of it, and they may be afraid to use it. Also, hooded boxes can trap odors if there is inadequate ventilation, and they are very dark inside. An advantage to using this type of box is that a cat cannot kick litter or waste out of the box and make a mess.

The last one and the most commonly used type of litter box is an open air box. These boxes have open tops and are about 3 or 4 inches (7.6 or 10.2 cm) high. This item is expensive and can be purchased at most grocery stores.

Meanwhile, when choosing an appropriate pet carrier, consider long term size requirements. If you are bringing home a tiny kitten, buy a carrier that will be big enough for him when he is full grown. This will save you money because you won't need to get another carrier when your kitten reaches adulthood. Any enclosure should be large enough for the cat to sit, stand, turn around and lie down in.

Furthermore, if you are bringing home two kittens or already have a cat at home, you still need to buy another carrier. As a rule, every cat in the home should have his own carrier.

After you have found the litter box that you want, you may need to purchase a litter scoop. Some boxes come with a scoop. Usually made of plastic, the scoop should have slits in the bottom wide enough for you to sift the litter and remove the waste.

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Car Travel with Your Cat

2008-09-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Two years ago my cat and I moved; a 3 ½ day drive. My cat (Luna) is not a good traveler. A 15 min. drive to the vet's was 15 minutes of howling cat. Just thinking about 3 ½ days of continuous cat wailing would give me the shakes. I had visions that by day #3 I would deliberately drive the car into a tree just to put us both out of our misery.
Before the trip I read every article about traveling with cats that I could find. Looking back, these are the most important things I learned.

1. Get the Best Carrier You Can Afford
Luna's carrier was roomy enough that she could stretch out and she could stand up to turn around. It had a Plexiglass front so she could see out easily. Not that she was interested in the passing scenery, but I would face the carrier towards me so that I was in her sight at all times.

The handle on the carrier was made so that a seat belt could easily go through it and the carrier was secure on the seat.

It came with food and water dishes that could be set into place inside the carrier; she could eat or drink without having to come out. This seemed like a good idea at the time but she never ate or drank anything while we were in the car.

2. Carry enough of your cat's regular food and water to last the whole trip.
Fill a container with water from your home, sufficient to see your cat through the trip. Now is not the time to risk cat stomach upsets. Keep it cool

You may not find your cat's regular food while traveling, so bring it with you.

3. Bring a small kitty litter pan, one that will fit on the floor of your car.
Most cats won't use the litter box while you are on the road, (mine didn't) but just in case they need to, its best to have it ready. In any case, you will need it when you stop for the night.

4. As much as you can, prepare your cat ahead of time.
I took Luna, in her new carrier, for short drives around the city. When we got back home, she got treats.

I used Rescue Remedy. I started putting a few drops in her water about 3 days before the trip, and a few drops inside her ears. I also added some to the container of water that I carried with us.

If I were to do a trip like this again, I would add spraying the inside of the carrier with something like Feliway. Any product that helps soothe makes the trip easier.

This was Luna's first long trip. While we were driving, she didn't eat, drink or use the litter box. This is not unusual.

On the first day she wailed for the half hour it took us to get out of the city. Once we hit the road, she was quiet for the next 8 hours. When I took a break at highway rest stops, I let her out of the carrier to walk around inside the van to stretch her legs, but after a short exploration she was happy to go back into the carrier where she felt safe and comfortable.

When I let her out of the carrier the first night we stopped at a motel, she ran and hid under the bed. Sometime during the night while I was sleeping, she came out and ate the food left out and used the litter box.

By the second and third nights, she was exploring the room and lounging on the bed.

My cat is leash and harness trained and we went for short walks on the motel grounds so she could get some fresh air and exercise.

We got up at least 2 hours before we were going to leave, so that she could eat a small meal and use her box before we hit the road.

A word of caution: when you leave your motel room, make sure your cat is locked in her carrier. Anyone opening the door while you're not there, and your cat could go streaking out.

The trip went quite well. Other than the first half hour there was no wailing. I was prepared for the fact that she might not eat, drink or use the litter box while in the car, so that was not a worry.

I doubt Luna would want to do this trip again, but we got to our new home without any mishaps, both of us tired but fairly relaxed.

I live with 5 cats and 2 dogs. Two of the cats belong to me. My cats are leash and harness trained. I have a website on how to train your cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash: http://www.catsread2.info
I have blog about cat behaviour, introducing new cats to the household, everything cats: http://beautifulfelines.blogspot.com