Living With A Cat

Cat Behavior: Is it Normal... or is it Diabolical?

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

At first sight the title of this article seems a reasonable question for any cat owner. As with most individual members of the human race, we tend to orient our personal world into our own system of logic, predictability and orderliness. We establish our routines and habits to fit a life style that gives us a comfort level free from the fears that always seems to surround us. We are continually reminded of those fears whether it's broadcast yellow journalism espoused by the news media, or from neighborhood gossip by people who seem to need such excitement because they are either just bored, or think that you're in need of some kind of realistic jolt into seeing things the way they do. As narrow as that may seem, there's no doubt that each person organizes their home into some kind of system, that is a life style, that encompasses the concepts of order and predictability with logical results that ensures peace, comfort and tranquility.
It's about that time many will decide they would like a pet to complete the picture. Some may want the company of a pet because they live alone; others might want surrogate children, either because they don't have any yet, or maybe their children have grown and flown the nest. Of course, there are those who just appreciate the easy love and fidelity pets seem so easily capable of. Many will opt to get a cat. It's here that the peace and tranquility you have established and come to know and expect is sure to be interrupted, if not challenged.
The introduction of any new pet, and cats in particular, will require a new way of thinking. With this new way of thinking, to be a successful cat owner will depend on how well one can incorporate balance and perspective, as an evaluation of oneself, into their new relationship. In other words, one needs to balance their own personal needs and the needs of their cat with a perspective that allows them to see the relationship in the long term as well as on a daily basis.
There's a lot hidden in that last paragraph.

Balance and perspective as an evaluation of oneself requires complete honesty when analyzing ones emotions and reactions to a given situation. Any biased rationalization of an event or circumstance just won't do when one is seeking the 'truth' of a situation.

A person's needs can be either emotional (a harmonious, peaceful and happy home environment), spiritual or physical (food, warmth & shelter). The same goes for your cat. She has emotional and physical needs not dissimilar to your own. As for the spiritual needs of either people or cats, we'll leave that for other discussions.

Perspective is necessary to perceive a relationship with your cat as a long term affair, what you might call the forest, in light of the activities of day to day living, or the trees that make up a forest. Moreover, reactions to a given situation can change from one day to the next, some of which can have an altering effect on the long term view. You can see that moving from the long view to the short view and back again requires a good measure of mental agility.

So, what's all that got to do with cat behavior?
The instincts of cats have been ingrained over eons of evolution. The qualities that distinguish a cat from all other animals (people included) can be listed as follows:

Cats are nocturnal: Cats learned a long time ago that they could find prey and avoid predators by doing their hunting at night. Physiologically, they evolved senses that allowed them to be quite successful at night time activities. Senses such as eyes that could detect motion in very little light. Hearing that allows them to accurately pinpoint a prey's movements in the dark. Their hearing range far exceeds that of humans so that they can not only hear noises people can't, but they can communicate in those ranges, too. They've the ability to lay a scent trail that doesn't require light to follow which is useful when escape from predators can be the difference between life and death in total darkness.

Cats are territorial: A cat will mark off an area with her scents and claim it for herself. Usually her territory would be just large enough to support her, and any of her kittens, with a food source in the form of prey. Her scent marking also warns other cats that this is her land and it would be best if they just move on.

Cats are solitary: Except when mating, cats are used to living alone. This is closely related to the territorial aspect of the cat's personality. In order to keep from spending all their time marking a territory, the claimed land is usually small enough for only one cat. Besides, to many scents can be confusing especially if she is trying to escape a predator in the dark of night.

Cats are predatory: They have learned to be quite proficient at hunting, especially for small nocturnal prey. The cat's hunting technique can be divided into four phases:
Stalking
Catching
Killing
Eating
Most cat owners are familiar with the staking phase. All cats will stalk from kitten-hood. But, the success of any cat's ability to stalk, catch, kill and eat prey is solely dependant on what their mother teaches them when they were a kitten. If they didn't get good training in these predation techniques, they may be less than stellar at being a predator. Still, the instinct to act out all four phases is inherent in every cat's nature.

Cats are maternal: Because a cat is solitary and her territory will only provide prey for her and her brood, it's necessary for the kittens to learn a lot before mom kicks them out of the house. Otherwise, there would be too many mouths competing for a limited supply of food. Not to mention all the different scents cluttering up the territory. The maternal instinct has to be strong to teach so much in a short period of time. Unlike pack animals that will share in child rearing, a cat has only herself to rely upon to successfully raise her brood and perpetuate the cat species.
So, when someone decides to own a cat as a pet, they should realize that the cat comes with some pretty deeply ingrained characteristics. Most see only a package that doesn't require a lot of attention (unlike dogs), is basically clean and doesn't have to be house trained. But, then when a person's logical sense of order and predictability comes into conflict with the basic natural instincts of a cat... the fur begins to fly!!
When a cat's feeling at home, she will rub her cheeks against prominent pieces of furniture, your pillows, or your leg. Most people find that an endearing quality. She's really marking her territory which she shares with you. If she becomes stressed (due to a change in or invasion of her environment such as a move to a new home, or the introduction of a new pet or family member), or due to certain illnesses, she may feel the need to mark her territory a little more strongly, say with urine. In both cases she is marking her territory, but only one marking is acceptable to you. The other can cause you fits and wonder why you brought her home in the first place. Your reaction will have a lot to say about you and how you evaluate circumstances. It will say less about your cat since she will only be doing what comes naturally to her.
It's sometimes hard to believe, but cats really aren't diabolical.
I know that there are many who'll disagree with me. But, I've found that cats are just as loving, faithful, playful and needful of attention as any dog. They just manifest those qualities in a different manner which is unique to cats in general. Mostly, I've found that with an understanding of the instinctual feline characteristics, many of the problematic behavioral confrontations people have with their cats can either be corrected, albeit with some compromise on the person's part, or avoided altogether. Yes, you'll have to be smarter than the cat. And, being smarter than anything requires a lot of work. In the end, cats aren't diabolical, or out to make your life miserable; they don't try to get even, even when you think they should. They just do what comes naturally. Whether what they do is normal or not... that depends a lot on their childhood experiences. Something even people have a hard time being. Normal, that is. Kitten-hood experiences and how they relate to adult cat behavior will be discussed in the next newsletter. For now give yourself a little test. Without looking at your cat, ask the following questions:

What color are your cat's eyes and coat?
Describe the quality of your cat's coat, skin, teeth and gums.
What sex is your cat? Is your cat neutered or intact?
How much does she/he weigh?
How much does she/he eat and drink every day?
When, how much and how often does she/he urinate and defecate?
If you can answer these questions, then you are on your way to really knowing your cat and a big step towards a peaceful coexistence which you both want, for sure. Learning her instinctual drives will complete the picture. Then your life together will be remembered as a life of harmony. Not of strife or détente. Or worse with her staring at euthanasia or becoming feral.
Work in Progress: Coming to Cat Lovers Gift World will be a section entitled Cat Behavior which will discuss the concept of the cat's natural instincts and how they affect the cat in her relations with people.

Robert J Gallegos, author of http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com a web site dedicated to proper cat care with quality cat lover gifts based on an understanding of cat behavior, instincts and the unique requirements for healthy cats as pets. Cats are the newest of animals to be domesticated and still have one paw in the wild. It's a major reason why they're so mysterious and resistant to human expectations. Robert is a life long lover of cats. He is dedicated to sharing his understanding of the cat experience, reducing the epidemic feral cat situation, and helping cat lovers to provide the best care for their cats.

10 Cat Care Guidelines

2011-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

There area many common sense rules to follow when caring for your cat. These rules are simple and will ensure your cat will be healthy and happy.
1. When your cat arrives at home:
Bringing your new cat home cat be frightening for it. Be prepared by having a food and water spot already set up. Also have a litter box setup in a quite spot away from the food. Your new cat should be transported in a cat carrier. When you bring the cat inside set the carrier down and open the door. Let the cat come out and explore on its own. Confining the cat to a quiet room for a day or two will make the experience less overwhelming.
2. Going Outside:
Before letting your cat outside for the first time be sure it is comfortable with you and its indoor surroundings. There are many dangers outside so let your cat have an escape route in case it needs it. My cat uses a cat door and it has save him a few times.
Judge the risk to letting your cat outdoors. If you live close to lots of traffic having an outdoor cat may not be a good idea.
3. Litter Boxes:
If you are using a cat box it should be cleaned daily. Clumping cat litter makes this easy. Simply scoop out the clumps and you're done. Put the litter box in a place where the cat will not be disturbed.
4. Food and water:
Your cat should always have a supply of fresh food and water. I prefer to use a heavy ceramic bowl to prevent the cat from pushing it or tipping them over.
The water bowl should be changed daily and food should be added to maintain a good supply.
My cat is now on a high quality dry food. I found feeding him can food was a waste. He generally left some behind at each meal regardless of the portion. At 15 I weaned him onto dry food only.
5. Scratching Posts:
Any cat is going to have the urge to scratch. The question is where is it going to do it? Best to have a scratching post that is safe and secure. Play with your cat on the post so it gets used to being allowed to scratch there. Rubbing a bit of cat nip on the scratching post will encourage your cat to scratch.
6. Cat Toys:
There are so many different cat toys on the market these days it is hard to choose a toy your cat will like. After much trial and error I determined my cat likes the string attached to the toy much better then the toy. Whenever I want to play I get a string, or better yet, my gold necklace (his favorite).
7. Sleeping Places:
A cat always needs a quiet, out of the way place to sleep the day away. A bed near a heater or furnace vent is ideal. In the winter most of the vents in my house have a cat bed near them.
If you have small children make sure they can't disturb your cat when it sleeps
8. Care for eyes and ears:
When cats get a build up of discharge around the eye simply clean it with a damp cloth. A small amount of discharge is normal for a healthy cat but if there are excessive amount then consult a vet.
Regularly check your cats ears for dirt or ear mites. Any dirt can be removed with a damp Q-tip. If you spot small brown clumps of discharge you should consult your vet. This is a sign of ear mites.
9. Care for the claws:
If you have an outside cat, claw care is less important. Climbing trees, and other outdoor stuff helps to keep claws well maintained.
An inside cat has far less need for its claws. There is really no environment where your cat needs to use its claws. You should trim your cats claws once or twice a year. Clip the very tip of each claw. Taking any more then just the tip can hurt your cat. It is recommended that you have a vet show you how to clip their claws properly.
10. Care of the mouth and teeth:
As cats age their teeth start to get calcium build up which can cause gum inflammation. Check your cats mouth every 6 or 8 weeks. Find and remove and calcium build up before deposits get too large.
Caring for a cat is quite simple, common sense really. I believe that good food, fresh water, lots of love and exercise is best for a cat. By following these 10 simple guidelines your cat can live a long and healthy life.
Copyright 2005 Dave Markel

Visit [http://house-cat-supplies.com/cat-articles.html] for more great articles related to cats.

A Backward Glance into the History of Cats

2011-01-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered where "today's cat" came from?
I have and so I began a little research on the history of cats.
Apparently no one really knows when or how "the cat" first appeared on our planet.
According to some sources it is said that Miacis, a weasel-like animal that lived about 40 or 50 million years ago is the cat's closest ancestor.
I have not been able to find any pictures or drawings of this animal, that is supposed to be the father/mother (if you will,) of all land-dwelling carnivores, including the dog.
Since I cannot prove otherwise, I will accept this information for as close to the truth as I can get.
According to a DNA study that was done in 1997 by two members of the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland, it appears that cats have been known to live in Asia as early as 11 million years ago and here in North America as early as 9 million years ago.
Their research was based on DNA analysis of 37 living cat species.
Millions of years ago, as sea level rose and fell, the earth formed natural bridges and the cats being nomadic creatures traveled all over to colonize, everywhere that is, except Antarctica according to some scientists.
Why not there? I believe cats were smart enough to know it was too cold.
If you are picturing in your mind a cat that looks like your cat wandering around the earth, forget it.
These cats did not look like our cats, some were big cats and some were smaller cats, it took a long while for "our cat" to emerge.
The 1997 study by the National Cancer Institute also helped determine that most of the 37 or so living species of cat that exist today, belonged to one of past eight lineage's according to their DNA.
It is said that the first association of cats with humans may have occurred during the Stone Age.
Apparently, the cats figured out "where there were humans" there would be food and where there was food a mouse or two could be found.
However, it took a long time for cats to be considered household pets, as cats were considered useful, but wild beasts.
Then came the days of ancient Egypt.
The Egyptians about 5,00 to 6,000 years ago had learned how to stockpile grain for future use.
With the stockpiles of grain came mice and rats and a serious need occurred.
The Egyptians were the first civilization to domesticate the cat on a large scale and to make the world aware of the usefulness of the cat not only for catching mice and rats, but also as a household pet.
The Egyptians were so enamored with "the cat" and its importance in their lives that they not only allowed it in their households, they eventually worshipped the cat and treated it like royalty.
"The royalty treatment" is something the cat never forgot.
In Egypt when a cat died they were mummified and buried in elaborate ceremonies, even in the poorest of households.
Mice were mummified along with the cat, so that the cat would have food in is afterlife.
There were some cats that were considered sacred and they lived in the temples with the priests.
These cats were considered oracles and people would come from long distances to ask the cats questions. The priests would interpret the cat's actions (such as licking its paw) and tell the visitor what the cat was saying.
It was considered a crime to kill a cat and if you were guilty of that crime, you were killed, too.
It has come to light during an archeological excavation in Saqqara, where thousands of cat mummies were found that all the cats did not die a natural death.
By x-raying some of the mummified cats it was revealed that many did die of natural causes, but some were young cats (year old) with broken necks.
There are two schools of thought here, one being that the cat population had grown too large and it was a way to slow it down.
The other possibility was that the priests raised these cats and later killed and mummified them to sell to people who attended festivals.
It was considered proper to buy a mummified cat as a way to please the "cat goddess" called Bastet and then ask a personal favor from her.
Researchers are fairly certain the people buying the cats did not know they were intentionally killed.
It did not take long for the word to get around (about a 1,000 years or so) about the usefulness

of cats in a household.
Soon the Romans and Greeks realized the value of a cat and made them members of their household. Here they were not worshipped.
During the 11th century cats became extremely important in killing the rats that were causing the Black Death.
Then came the Middle Ages and trouble followed for the cats.
Pope Gregory IX apparently did not like cats and decided that they were diabolical creatures and needed to be destroyed.
It was a sad time for cats as they were beaten, killed and driven away from the villages.
Anyone who had a cat was considered a "witch" and was put to death along with the cat.
Cats were sacrificed, burned to death and even buried alive inside walls of houses (supposed to bring good luck.)
As the cat population was being destroyed, the rat and mice population grew by leaps and bounds.
Causing a great many plagues and other epidemics all over Europe.
People were dying everywhere and soon they realized the error of their ways.
By the 17th century, cats were back in favor, doing what they did best, catching mice and rats.
However, people began to see that cats were nice to have around and soon they became treasured household pets once again.
It has been said that the first cats came to North America by crossing over the Bering Strait about several million years or so ago.
However, in more recent times (1600-1700) cats came on board ships with the traders and explorers. Cats were very important on board ships in order to protect the cargo from the rats and mice.
Many early settlers in the colonies brought their own cats with them. Life seemed pretty good for cats until the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 and once again cats became a product of discrimination along with the people who owned them and were destroyed or driven away.
Once again "people" learned the error of their ways and cats were once again welcome as the rat and mice population grew.
In 1749 cats were brought to Pennsylvania to help control a serious rodent plague.
As more and more colonists came to the New World the need for cats grew. It was necessary to import cats and the new cats needed to be stronger and sturdier.
Without cats, the New World would have faced many plagues and ships would have lost much of their cargo.
You might say "cats" saved our country.
As time went on and our country grew, people started moving west.
They packed up their worldly possessions into wagons, gathered up the family and livestock and forgot the cats.
They seemed to forget, that where there were people and food (grain) soon there would be rodents.
It's Murphy's Law.
It is said that during the Gold Rush of 1849, people were buying cats off trading ships for $50.00 a piece.
In 1884 during the rat plague that came to San Francisco, people were willing to pay up to $100 for a cat.
Cats like our country prospered and like the people, cats came from all countries of the world. This mix of cats and the breeding that took place has managed to give our country a great mix of what is known as "domestic shorthaired."
Today there are more than sixty-five million cats living in our homes. Cats far outnumber dogs.
The number of actual breeds varies according to the source you check. Some sources say that there are 36 species, others say 37 species, but we have found with the new breeds coming along that there are probably over 40 different varieties of cats.
This has been a very brief history of cats; they certainly have played a very important part in the growth of the Universe.
It is hard for me to imagine life without having at least one of them around and I hope you feel the same.

If you found this article interesting I invite you to visit me at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com Here you will have a chance to view many interesting articles regarding cats and dogs.

Best Gifts For Cats - What To Get Them

2011-01-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

Do you have a gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat lover is more simple than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available on the web. Before you purchase the first kitty-themed item, pause to consider the following idea. The best gifts for cat fanciers are unique and specific to their cat.

Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, consider the following:

What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient most like or own? Many potential offerings to cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, get a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite feline.

If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out the cat's gender. Many cat-themed gifts are gender-specific, so you will want to know what sex your recipient's cat is.

Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are getting a gift for a person who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of apparel, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the recipient dresses their cat, however.

Now that you've taken a few moments to think of your recipient's cat, here are the top 6 gifts that any cat lover would be happy to be given.

1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to show your love for your animal than putting the feline's picture on display? People looking for gifts for them would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to show their favorite pet. You may desire to ensure your intended recipient doesn't already own a stockpile of cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it is common for avid cat lovers to own more than one cat picture frame.

2. Feline-themed jewelry. It may be common to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a nice piece of jewelry. If you have a personal acquaintance who you think would relish this type of gift, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to offerings for cat fanciers that carry a wonderful selection of feline-related jewelry. For an even more personal effect, you can often have these type of gifts engraved with a message as well.

3. Cat-related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully-designed calendars are put on the market for purchase. The selection can be incredible with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is an outstanding choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, typically if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you hope to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another superior choice is to get a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.

Gifts for cat lovers may include a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like. Consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.

4. Feline themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can generally find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.

5. A work of kitty art. They abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely feline sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to paint a portrait of your friend's cat!

6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For people looking for gifts for cat lovers, the die-hard cat fanatic will love a subscription to a cat themed magazine. If you can't get cat-related magazines at your local newsstand, see your local pet supplies store. You'll find other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can be happy to be receiving for many issues to come.

For more info, see Best Gifts For Cats and The Best Gifts For Cats. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cat Fanciers.

Cat Health

2011-01-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

Keeping your cat healthy is a fairly simple task. Proper food, water and yearly trips to the vet, just about covers it all for most cats.
Many people have both cats and dogs and do not realize that the physical makeup of these two animals is not the same.

Cats are not small dogs and small dogs are definitely not cats.
Because of the differences, there are some things that a cat owner should be aware of and this is what my article is about.
A cat's metabolism differs from that of a dog and thereby creates different reactions to some of the same situations that both species may get into.
Drugs: Drugs are very beneficial to both humans and animals. Cats however, are very sensitive to certain drugs and should never be given any medication without first consulting your veterinarian.
Regular aspirin even in small doses can be fatal to a cat.

Tylenol® and Ibuprofen drugs like Advil® can cause organ damage.
Giving a cat a pill is a job I do not enjoy. I think wrestling an alligator might be more fun. Unfortunately, you cannot fool a cat like you can a dog and hide the pill in its food.
When my cats need medication, I try to get it in liquid form, so that I can wrap them in a towel and feed it to them with an eyedropper.
I understand that some medicines for cats are now being made in a gel form that can be absorbed through the skin.
Personally, I think the best bet is to have your vet give the medication, if possible, by injection. That saves a whole world of trouble.
Poisons: There is an old saying that says "curiosity can kill a cat," and that can be true in the case of poisons.
If your cat is a plant lover, you need to be very careful of what you have growing around your home. Most plants of the lily family are poisonous to cats, one quick bite can cause serious problems, especially if not treated promptly.
We have often been told that Poinsettias are very poisonous to pets, however in cats, it will just upset its tummy.
The ASPCA has a poison control web site listing all plants that are harmful to cats.
Antifreeze is also a deadly weapon to both cats and dogs. For whatever reason, our pets love the taste and it can be the taste of death.
Be certain, if any antifreeze is spilled, that it is promptly cleaned up and be especially alert if your car overheats and the driveway gets the runoff. Clean it up at once.
Nutrition: Cats are carnivores which means they are meat eaters (mice preferably.) Dog food is meant for dogs, cats need cat food, because it contains the nutritional substances necessary for a cat's good health.
Obesity is as bad for a cat as it is for us humans, so do not over feed your cat.
If your cat is overweight be very watchful of its eating habits, as overweight cats are good candidates for a condition known as "hepatic lipidosis" also known as "fatty liver disease."
If your "fat cat" stops eating even for a 24 hour period or shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea or just plain strange behavior, a quick trip to the vet is highly recommended.
If your cat is overweight and stops eating, the liver becomes alarmed at the lack of food and starts utilizing the body fat so fast that it stuffs its own cells with so much fat that they cannot function properly. This is a very serious matter and needs veterinary help at once, as the liver cannot function.
Lean cats have muscle and little fat, so if they stop eating for a day their body burns the muscle, while fat cats have little muscle and lots of fat for the liver to devour.
Do not think if your overweight cat stops eating for a day it will not hurt it because it has plenty of weight to live off of. That thought can create serious problems for you and your cat.
Overweight cats are also prone to diabetes.
Cat diseases:

When it comes to illness, cats tend to be "sneaky."
Cats are not as active as dogs are, when it comes to jumping and playing. They are more or less sitting creatures, so unless you are aware of your cat's normal behavior, it may be hard to tell if it is sick or not. A sick cat will tend to go and hide or just stay in one spot quietly, moving very little.
Cats are prone to upper respiratory illnesses and kidney problems. Watery discharges around the nose or eyes could be a sign of a respiratory infection.
Litter box problems could be a sign of urinary tract infections. Cats with a urinary tract infection will sometimes associate the litter box with pain and stop using it.
Take time to pet and pat your cat, feel for lumps or bumps and if you find any, a trip to the vet is a great idea. Cats are known to have different kinds of cancers.
Cats can also develop "sarcomas" which are tumors generally caused by vaccination injections. These need to be looked after.
Cats are also prone to heart disease, this is why a good cat food with Taurine is necessary.
As your cat gets older, instead of the once a year visit to the vet it is recommended that you make it twice a year, just to be on the safe side.
Cat bites and scratches from other cats are two things that should get immediate attention, in order to prevent abscesses and /or the spread of any infectious disease that could be picked up from the other cat.
This article was written as a reminder that cats act differently from dogs when not feeling well and you need to be more watchful of their behavior in order to prevent any unexpected problems.

I am currently the caregiver for 3 cats. It is amazing how each one reacts to being ill. It seems to me that as a cat caregiver you need to be very attuned to your cat's behavior in order to realize that they may be ill. If this artcle was of benefit to you, you might enjoy reading more articles at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

Cat Declawing - The Truth

2011-01-13T00:21:00.000-08:00

Cat Declawing
What is the use of cat declawing?
The main reason people decide to declaw their cat is to protect their furniture. An untrained cat's claws can be very destructive in a home, damaging furniture, curtains and carpets. Cats like (and need) to scratch and claw at wood and rough surfaces, and if they are not properly trained, your furniture will look very inviting to them. Another reason people give for declawing their cat is to prevent the cat from injuring them. Cats use their claws and teeth to defend themselves and to fight. Small children may mishandle a cat and provoke it in scratching them. Some cats also have a more aggressive or nervous nature and will scratch people when they feel threatened.
Toxoplasmosis and Bartonellosis are two diseases that can be transmitted from cats. It is important to note though, that those diseases are most likely to be contracted from a litter box, or even from biting - but it is highly unlikely that it will be contracted from cat scratches.
Declawing a cat is a selfish and very drastic solution for problems that could be solved in many other ways and may bring forth much more serious problems. Owners that decide to declaw their cat do this solely for their own comfort and do not take in account the problems that may sprout from doing this.
What does the declawing process involve?
Cat declawing is also known as onychectomy and is a much more complex operation than simply removing your cat's nails or claws. The declawing operation is in fact the amputation of each of the cat's toes at the first joint. It involves cutting of the front part of a cat's toes and means cutting through nerves and muscles and removing bone. This operation is extremely painful (it has been proven to be much more painful than sterilizing or spaying your cat) and it will take a long time to heal. Even after the wounds have healed, the cat may suffer from a series of after-effects.
Are there any disadvantages to declawing your cat?
Yes! There are numerous disadvantages, not only to your cat but to you as cat owner as well. Cat declawing is illegal in many countries around the world and considered as inhumane and as a form of animal abuse and mutilation.
Many people don't realize just how painful a declawing operation can be. Scientists have proven cat declawing to be extremely painful and even test new painkiller drugs on cats that are being declawed. Although the cat may not show signs of pain outwardly and seem to be content, it will definitely be in a lot of pain after the operation. Big operations or rather amputations like declawing can hold many of the usual dangers related to surgical complications. A lot of vets also only use the minimum amount of painkillers and anesthetics during the operation, and prescribe no painkillers for the recovery process at home. The wounds take several weeks to heal, and the pain may continue months after the operation.
Complications after a declawing operation are also very common. The wounds may become infected or some of the amputated toes can begin to grow back. Some cats may experience lameness and even be crippled. You may notice a declawed cat trying to scratch at surfaces. They reason for this is because it is common for the tendons of the severed joints to detract and cause a constant feeling of stiffness in their paws.
Cats need their claws for balance and also use it to hook their paws on surfaces and stretch themselves. This stretching forms a very important part of the cat's exercise and muscle toning. A declawed cat will need to learn to walk differently (because it doesn't have any front joints) and its body weight will rest on their feet which can even cause arthritis.
It is very common for declawed cats to develop behavioral problems. It may develop a fear for its sandbox, because scratching in the sand may be painful. So, instead of having a cat that damages your furniture, you will have a cat that refuses to use its litter box. Also, because it has been deprived of its best means of defense, its claws, it may now revert to using its teeth to protect itself and can start to bite people when feeling threatened.
Declawed cats will also not be able to defend themselves effectively against other cats or dogs and can even die in fights.
Because of these behavioral problems developed after declawing, many cat owners become detached from their cats and may even want to get rid of them.
Professional cat declawing
If you do decide to declaw your cat after all, at least make sure that it is done professionally and with as little discomfort to your cat as possible.
The most developed method of declawing to date is laser declawing. Laser declawing is less painful, because bleeding and swelling is reduced.
Always ensure that your cat or kitten is older than 4 months before declawing. It is also not advisable to declaw cats that are old and not so active anymore, because they will take a longer time to recover.
After the operation, your cat may be kept in the hospital for the night, or a longer period of time depending on the cat. When taking your cat home, try to keep it from getting overexcited and prevent it from jumping or putting heavy strain on its paws. It is common for the paws to start bleeding every now and again, but ask your vet's advice if the bleeding alarms you.
To minimize the pain your cat can experience when using its sandbox, put newspaper strips in the sandbox. Sand or clay can infect the wounds on the paws or cause pain when "scratching" in the box. After your cat is fully recovered you can replace the sand again. Your cat may not like the newspapers and this can become a messy affair.
Always look out for the following warning signs, and notify your vet if any occur: Swollen paws and frequent bleeding. If your cat display extreme difficulty in standing up or walking after one day.
Alternatives to cat declawing
Before deciding on such a drastic measure or "solution" as declawing your cat, first consider some of the (often more effective) alternatives. The main reason for declawing a cat is to prevent it from damaging your furniture. Scratching is a necessary instinctive habit for removing the dead cells around its claws, practicing balance and stretching and toning muscles.
Cats are highly trainable animals and can be taught to use only a scratching post for these purposes. There are numerous scratching posts or "cat furniture" to choose from, whether your cat likes scratching vertical or horizontal surfaces. You can even buy "cat trees" with attractive objects hanging from the tree to catch your cat's attention or build your own (just make sure they are stable and won't fall over on your cat).
To train a cat to use scratching posts, and to discourage it from scratching your furniture, you can place netting or foil over your furniture. When you see your cat trying to scratch your furniture, pick it up and put it down in front of its scratching post.
Nail caps can be applied to a cat's claws, this need to be applied every 3 to 6 months depending on the cat. Nail caps will prevent damage to your furniture and to yourself while causing almost no inconvenience to your cat (compared to the serious discomfort caused by declawing). You can also trim your cat's nails frequently to keep it blunt.
For more information about taking care of cats see cat-urine.net

Claudine du Plessis is a cat lover and webmaster of http://www.cat-urine.net.

The largest breed – Norwegian Forest

2011-01-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

This race is one of the latest cats in fashion, especially because of the ad that is done, as that would be one of the largest breeds of cats in the world (even 20 kg). Is it? Its origin is controversial, certainly being the fact that the work of selection and improvement of Norwegian breeders, led to obtaining one of the most beautiful breed of semi long cat hair , which was standardized in 1977.
Morphological traits.
It is a race for an extraordinary suppleness, managing to keep balance in the most difficult situations .She is characterized by a triangular head, he looks round because of the collar which is extremely small and obvious .The head has a long nose, relatively straight and free of stop. The ears are wide and long, well apart from each other, the ends provided with tufts of hair. The eyes are large, expressive, open, lively and always very vigilant. The color of the eyes is in the same tone with the animal coat. The body is robust, but flexible, is supported by strong and resolute legs, the rear being longer than the front ones .The claws are long and very strong . The tail is appropriate, proportionate and very bushy.
The hair covering the body surface is semi long, often composed of two types of different hair, that provides the cat with a perfect barrier against bad weather . No other breed of cats did not have a similar coat, which looks like, because the structure coat with a cape . It can also be observed the remarkable development of the hairiness at the hind limb, that it forms the so-called “trousers.” Color hair and eyes, moreover, may be variable, the only requirement being to harmonize with the coat color.
Character and behavior .
Highly intelligent breed, is simultaneously one of the most effective hunter . She is reserved around any unknown person, in turn, she shows more gentleness and attachment to its master. She likes to play, but she is the one that has to run the hostilities and she doesn’t like to be constrained. She likes to be caressed, but not excessive, she has more personality and elegance, she had to be understood and sometimes whims are accepted.
Accepts to live in the house, but it requires, if the term is not too demanding, to have freedom of movement in the apartment and eventually outside access, particularly where are trees, where she prefer to relax. Once a week she needs to be brushed or combed.
Varieties.
And within this race there are some varieties, which differ only by the color of the robe ,so we meet motley Norwegian, Norwegian merged with white spots and without white spots.

View the original article here

Cat Breeding - The Breeding of Designer Cats and Cats With Genetic Disorders

2011-01-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Banning wild cat/domestic cat hybrids
Recently the USA state of Iowa banned the keeping of Bengal cats. This ban included all cats with a wild ancestry meaning wild cat/domestic cat hybrids. These cats are the Bengal, Chausie, Savannah and Safaris for example. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) refuses to register domestic cats with "wild blood" in them. Fourth generation Bengal cats have about 12% Asian Leopard in them. The CFA is the most conservative registry. The International Cat Registry is more adventurous and registers more breeds including the Bengal. There is divided opinion about wild/domestic cat hybrids. The Bengal though is a very popular cat demonstrating the desire of the public to keep wild cat substitutes.
There is a continuing desire by the cat lovers to "own" (I prefer keep or adopt) unusual and valuable "objects" and that includes animals and one of the most popular animals to keep are cats. How do cat breeders keep up with the demand for the exotic and unusual while maintaining a moral code and high standards of animal welfare?
Moral issues/arguments
The moral issue is whether it is good for wildlife to create designer and exotic cat breeds by mating wild and domestic cats. The idea is that in keeping such a hybrid cat the keeper is reminded of the plight of the dwindling number of wild cats in the world.
The counter argument is that this form of breeding damages the wild cat in that the increased interest is fed by the breeding program which encourages malpractice by importers of wild cats into the West and increases the importation of wild cat breeds into Western countries. The biggest market for exotic pets and cats by far is the USA.
Genetic Mutations
Not only are there questions about exotic cats the same moral dilemma exists in relation to the breeding of cats that suffer from genetic defects (mutations). These cats such as dwarf cats, tailless cats and cats with malformed ears are interesting and rare. Once again the unusual catches the eye of the public consumer and cat lover and breeders feel an obligation to create more of these rare cats. But is it right to create more cats that have a major defect/disorder which sometimes (rarely with careful breeding) has fatal consequences and secondary conditions that harm the cat (e.g. flat chest kitten in dwarf cats). You can see links to articles about a number of mutated breeds at the Different Breeds Page of my website. Examples are the Bobtailed cats and the Dwarf cats.
Commercial pressure
There is then commercial pressure to breed more cats and it could be argued cats of the wrong type. The public's desires are being checked and controlled by the authorities (see the Iowa ban above).
Conclusion
It is not possible to make a cattery highly commercial and prioritize the cats welfare in my opinion. Catteries should be small and one litter should ideally be bred at one time. The exception appears to be the Allerca cat, a wild/domestic hybrid being bred by a company and which sells at high prices (up to $30,000 per cat or so). The company treats these cats as a product. I find this to be an incorrect moral attitude.
As to the exotics and mutated breeds; I can accept the exotic designer breeds provided the breeders observe high standards and can see the wider issues (effect on wildlife). I cannot, however, agree that creating more cats with disorders is acceptable and in that regard I agree with the CFA who don't register for example Dwarf cats for that reason.

The author is Michael Broad, as retired solicitor and cat lover, who runs his website http://www.pictures-of-cats.org for the charitable purpose of helping cats less fortunate than the majority of those in the Western World. The website is being continually added to and includes well researched facts and photographs by the world renown cat photographer Helmi Flick plus many other fine amateur made photographs from a wide range of legitimate sources.

Cat Facts

2011-01-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cats prefer foods at body temperature--the temperature of freshly killed prey. They also prefer their food cut into ¼ inch chunks (especially when they are sick and need to be tempted.) And did you know that 60% of all cats like cold tomato juice? I've tried V-8 and it doesn't seem to be at all tempting. We use this trick to entice kidney-failure cats to drink more liquids.
Cats are either right or left handed, showing a distinct preference for one paw over the other.
A healthy domestic cat can reach speeds up to 31 miles/hour, but can't maintain that sprinting speed for more than a minute.
A cat licks their fur to keep cool in hot weather. Like dogs, they sweat only through the pads of their feet.
The cat's whiskers are specially adapted to act as antennae. They are used to navigate, to detect movement and to judge the width of an opening. Whiskers are also an indicator of mood--when the whiskers are back, the cat is angry, so watch out. Some people think finding a whisker is good luck. I know one woman who is a millionaire that has a cat whisker collection!
Each cat ear is controlled by 32 muscles and can turn 180 degrees. Humans have only 6 muscles, so it's harder to make our ears wiggle. Cat ears that are facing back or folded down are really ticked off, so watch out.
A cat's fur has 60,000 hairs per square inch on the back and 120,000 hairs per square inch on the underside--No wonder cat owner's have to empty their vacuum bags every time! Shedding is controlled by hormones and ambient temperature as well as light--even artificial light. Nervous cats shed more--especially when they get stuffed into a carrier and hauled off to the vet's office.
Cats are highly territorial. A domesticated cat's territory encompasses 150 acres. Apparently their acres intermingle as we see about eight cats in our backyard every day as they make their rounds. Only one is ours--there's lots of neat cat entertainment stuff in our yard.
Jumpability: The human equivalent of the cat's ability to leap would be jumping the width of a swimming pool.
Sense of smell: Humans have 5 million odor-sensitive cells in their noses--cats have 200 million. Of course this means they can smell when you don't clean the litter box every day and will "inappropriately urinate" because of this.
Sleep habits: A healthy mature cat spends about 15% of its life in deep sleep, 50% in light sleep, and 30% in awake time. I've noticed that part of this wake time coincides with the human's sleep time. This annoys the cat. This could be why my cat, Dagney, wakes me up about 2 a.m. every morning by sticking her paw in my mouth. Bleck! Cats attain full alertness faster than any other creature.
Milk Drinking: Most adult cats lack the enzymes necessary to digest milk, so if you must give your cat milk, be sure to give them only a couple teaspoons at a time. Yep--too much milk definitely gives the cat gas and sometimes diarrhea. It's good to coordinate the milk-giving ceremony with your partner so that the cat does not double-dip.
Dieting: Neutered and spayed cats require fewer calories than intact cats do. A good rule of thumb is ½-3/4 cups per cat per day for lower quality foods and 1/3 cup per cat per day for the higher quality foods such as IAM's, Max Cat, and Nutranuggets. Putting fat cats on starvation diets can kill them because the liver fat breaks down too fast causing a condition called ketosis.
Skin Disease: I've noticed in my naturopathic practice that cat's with skin disease like fish flavors. Cats with liver and kidney disease like Chicken and Giblet or foods with liver and kidney in them. Cat's with heart disease like heart-based foods. When the condition is repaired, they stop eating that particular flavor of food.
Hearing: Human beings can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hertz (cycles per second), dogs can hear up to 40,000 Hertz, and cats can hear up to 100,000 Hertz. Cats can even hear electrical currents in cords. Pretty amazing, huh?
Psychic: In China, cats have been used successfully as earthquake predictors for years.
Cats are color blind, but only need 1/6th of the light that humans require to see.
Cat digits: Cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back. A polydactyl cat has more than the normal number of toes. Poly means many and dactyl means fingers (your Latin lesson for the day.) Polydactyl cats are known by various names - "mitten cats," "thumb cats," "six-finger cats" and "Hemingway cats." Hemingway cats were named after Ernest Hemingway who shared his home island with nearly 50 cats, including a 6-toed polydactyl given to him by a ship captain; the cats bred and the polydactyl trait became common. Hemingway's colony of cats was free-breeding with the local cat population and the ratio of polydactyl cats to normal-toes cats was about 50/50. There is a high rate of polydactyl cats in Boston, MA and in Portland, OR. I love polydactyl cats as they seem to be very friendly and tolerant of humans of all ages.
Why spay your cat? A single pair of cats and their offspring can produce as many as 420,000 cats in just seven years.
Cats like to hear whispering.
The cat has 26 facial expressions. The same parts of the human and feline brain correspond to emotion.
Cats show the following signs when stressed: Over-grooming, lack of grooming, self-mutilation, vocalization, aggression, listlessness, loss of appetite, depression. The product Feliway is an excellent product to alleviate stress for cats in new situations or in multi-cat environments where they don't have enough space to make them feel comfortable.
Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone use to control inappropriate urine marking behavior and to reassure cats in strange surroundings.
Cat Communication: Cats interpret a smile that shows teeth as aggression. This may be one reason why a cat will always go to the person who hates cats (they don't smile at the cat or make direct eye contact!)
Please feel free to use any or all of the above tips as long as the reference box is noted.

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free monthly newsletter. For other articles on pet alternative medicine, see her site at: http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/Veterinary_Stuff/veterinary_stuff1.htm

Cat Litter Box Health

2011-01-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Cats are the most popular pets in the United States. According to the latest version of the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (2002 Edition) there were almost 70 Million pet cats in the United States. Why are cats so popular? There are as many answers to this question as there are cat owners, but the low health risks cats pose to their owners is certainly near the top of this list. Even though the potential health risks cats pose to people are small, it is important that cat owners are aware of these risks and understand how to reduce them.

The majority of all risks stemming from cat ownership are associated with the cat litter box and/or cat feces. There are two categories of risks. The first category contains health risks posed by bacteria and parasites to both cat owners and their cats. The second category contains injuries resulting from an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box.

Primarily the health problems experienced by cat owners or their cats come from the first category and the most significant of these risks is called Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which can be found in raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, dirty cat litter boxes and outdoor soil where cat feces can be found. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite(1). Fortunately, very few people ever experience any symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems, such as individuals infected with the HIV virus, are at risk and should take precautions to avoid being infected by the parasite. For people in this group a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems to the individual or to a pregnant womans unborn child.

Again, most of the 60 million plus Americans infected with Toxoplasmosis parasite will never experience any symptoms. Most of those who do experience symptoms will simply think they have the Flu as the most common symptoms include swollen glands, fever, headache, muscle pain, or a stiff neck. For those in the high risk group, Toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain, eyes and internal organs. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, children born with Toxoplasma gondii can suffer from hearing loss, mental retardation, and blindness with some children developing brain or eye problems years after birth(2). The CDC estimates that 400-4000 fetuses are infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite each year and as many as 80 infants die from Toxoplasmosis annually(2).

So how does an individual contract Toxoplasmosis? A Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by ingesting the Toxoplasma gondi parasite. Most cat owners are infected with the parasite by accidentally ingesting infected cat feces. This happens when a person touches their mouth after handling a cat litter box, working in a garden or sand box or touching anything that has come in contact with cat feces(3).

People in the high risk group may wonder whether or not they should give up their cat to avoid infection. According to the CDC, it is not necessary for cat lovers to give up their cats, but it is important for them to protect themselves from infections. The USFDA makes the following recommendations for avoiding infections(2):

1) If possible, have someone else change the litter box. If you have to clean it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water afterwards.

2) Change the litter box daily. The parasite doesn't become infectious until one to five days after the feces are deposited in the litter box.

3) Wear gloves when gardening in a garden or handling sand from a sandbox because cats may have excreted feces in them. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water afterwards.

4) Cover outdoor sandboxes to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes.

5) Feed your cat commercial dry or canned food. Never feed your cat raw meat because it can be a source of the Toxoplasmosis gondii parasite.

6) Keep indoor cats indoors. Be especially cautious if you bring outdoor cats indoors.

7) Avoid stray cats, especially kittens.

8) Don't get a new cat while you're pregnant.

Safer Child, Inc. makes the following additional recommendations(4):

1) Have your veterinarian test your cat for the Toxoplasmosis parasite. If you cat is infected, you may want to consider having someone else keep your cat during your pregnancy.

2) Keep sandboxes covered to prevent cats from using the sandbox as a litter box.

3) Be aware of neighborhood sandboxes as the parasite can be brought home on shoes, clothing and toys.

Similar to Toxoplasmosis, Escherichia coli (commonly called E. coli) can infect humans thru contact with feline fecal material, although the primary means of infection is thru ingestion or raw or undercooked meats. E. Coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Almost all strains of the bacteria are harmless. However a few strains can produce powerful toxins and cause severe illness, especially in children under 5 years of age(5). Symptoms usually include diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In children under 5, 2%-7% of E. coli cases can cause kidney failure. Fortunately, E. coli is easy to prevent. Using the preventative measures, outlined above for Toxoplasmosis will greatly reduce the risks of you or your children contracting an E. coli infection.

In addition to these human risks, there are a few health risks cat litter boxes actually pose to cats that cat owners should be aware of. Just as a dirty litter box poses health risks to humans, cats are equally at risk if forced to use a dirty litter box. Since cats stay clean by licking themselves, allowing a cats litter box to get too dirty can cause infections when a cat cleans its paws after using the dirty litter box. The most common infection is a urinary tract infection, and although this type of infection is rarely fatal it can be very uncomfortable for your cat and will most likely require treatment by your veterinarian.

Finally, a lesser-known health risk to cats is actually caused by cat litter itself. What many cat owners do not realize is that some types of cat litter can be harmful or even fatal to their cat. Both clumping and non-clumping litters pose health problems to cats. Clumping cat litters are probably the most popular type of cat litter because of their convenience, hygienic qualities and the fact that clumping litters are required for use in self-cleaning litter boxes. Unfortunately, some clumping litters can be harmful to cats. Clay based clumping litters can contain the mineral sodium bentonite, which can be harmful or fatal to your cat. It is best to avoid using clay based cat litters, especially with kittens. Wheat or corn based clumping litters such as Swheat Scoop, Worlds Best Cat Litter and Littermaid cat litter work very well and are non-toxic(6).

By their very nature, non-clumping litters do not absorb and isolate a cats urine or feces like clumping litters do. As a result, it is much harder to keep your cats litter box clean when using non-clumping litter. When using non-clumping litter it is important to frequently clean and disinfect the litter box itself to reduce the chance of bacterial buildups that can cause urinary or other infections in your cat.

The second category of health risks covers injuries caused by an automatic litter box or self cleaning litter box. Occurrences of this type of injury are rare, but they can happen. An automatic or self cleaning litter box does just what its name implies. Usually between 10-15 minutes after a cat uses the litter box, the litter box automatically cleans itself by sweeping or raking the cat waste into a sealed compartment or bag. For cat owners, injuries can occur if a small child or toddler plays with the automatic litter box during the cleaning cycle. All major brands of automatic litter boxes contain sensors to prevent the cleaning mechanism from activating when a cat or other foreign object is inside the box. However, children can still be injured if they put their hand inside the cleaning mechanism in such a manner as to avoid the sensors.

Although these types of injuries are very rare it is best to take precautions. Placing the litter box in a location where your cat can get to it but small children cant is an easy method. This is good advice for any litter box as this is the best way to keep children from contracting one of the illnesses described earlier in this article. If you cant keep the automatic litter box out of a childs reach then it is best to put the litter box inside a litter box cover. There are many types of covers and all of them will help prevent a child from reaching the litter box and the cleaning mechanism. A final option is to unplug the litter box or put it into a manual operation mode. Both of these options will require the cat owner to start the cleaning cycle whenever necessary. Although this reduces some of the convenience of an automatic litter box it certainly removes the danger to children.

Automatic or self cleaning litter boxes are completely safe for almost all cats. However, most manufacturers recommend that the litter box be used in manual operation mode for cats under 5 lbs. Cats under 5 lbs many not be large enough to activate the sensors and the cleaning mechanism could cause injury. Since most adult cats weigh over 5 lbs, it is only necessary to use the manual operation mode until kittens grow to 5 lbs.

This article is not intended to dissuade anyone from owning a cat. 70 Million cat owners cant be wrong; cats make great pets! So, if you already own a cat or are thinking of becoming a cat owner it simply makes good sense to be aware of the health risks associated with cat ownership. Understanding the risks can definately increase the enjoyment of cat ownership.

(1)Toxoplasmosis Fact Sheet; http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

(2) While You're Pregnant USFDA

[http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pregnant/whiltoxo.html]

(3) Toxoplasmosis An important Message for Cat Owners; [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/toxoplasmosis_brochure_8.2004.pdf]

(4) Safer Child, Inc.;

http://www.saferchild.org/pets&.htm

(5) Escherichia coli O157:H7 Fact Sheet;

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm

(6) Stanford Cat Networks Guide to Caring for Your Adopted Cat or Kitten;

http://www.stanford.edu/group/CATNET/articles/careguide.html#litter

The author is a long time cat lover who currently owns and operates LitterBoxesandMore.com; a business specializing in high quality automatic litter box. Litterboxesandmore.com also offers other specialty cat products such as pet strollers and indoor cat fences. Come visit us at http://www.litterboxesandmore.com

Cat Weight Management - Health Isues

2011-01-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Obesity is the most common health problem for cats. A cat is considered obese if it weighs 20% more than its optimal weight and if the extra weight is a result of the accumulation of fat. If a cat is anywhere from 1 to 19% heavier than its ideal body weight, then it is considered overweight and not obese. In order for a cat to maintain good health and have a long and happy life, the cat must maintain a healthy weight.

Determining If A Cat Is Overweight Or Obese

There is no magical body weight that is appropriate for all cats. The breed, general size, and age of the cat all have a factor in how much it should weigh. To determine the optimal weight of a specific cat, it is best to consult a veterinarian. However typically, a cat whose ribs are difficult to feel because they are covered with a layer of fat is overweight or obese, depending on how thick the layer of fat is.

A cat is also considered to be obese if it has a moderate or thick layer of fat that covers all of its bony areas. Some obese cats even develop a bulge under the abdomen, which is sometimes referred to as a "skirt." If the cat doesn't have a noticeable waist and if the back appears broad when viewed from above, the cat is obese.

How Obesity Affects

When a cat is either obese or overweight, it runs the risk of developing a variety of health disorders such as aggravation of osteoarthritis, decreased stamina, diabetes mellitus, Hepatic lipidosis -- which is fat deposited in the liver, joint stress, lower urinary tract disease, and non-allergic skin diseases.

An obese or overweight cat might also have breathing problems, develop a decrease in immune function, and even have difficulty giving birth.

Pre determiners for Obesity

Some cats are more likely to become overweight or obese than others. Typically, however, cats are just like humans. If a cat eats more calories than it uses, it will gain weight. The excess energy it gains from the calories becomes stored as fat.

Purebred cats, though, are less likely to become obese than mixed breeds. In addition, cats that are neutered have a tendency to gain weight more easily than those who are not, probably in part due to the fact that non-neutered cats have the disposition to roam in search of a mate. In addition, the metabolic rate of a neutered cat decreases by about 20%. Therefore, a neutered cat needs less food in order to maintain its ideal body weight.

Cats under two years of age are less likely to be overweight or obese than cats that are between the ages of two and ten. This is because cats between these ages need less energy. On the other hand, geriatric cats, which are older than ten, have a tendency to be underweight. In addition, certain medications can make a cat more likely to gain weight, as some medications will cause an increase in appetite and other medications cause a decrease in metabolic rate. Some medications that tend to lead to weight gain in cats are cortisosteroids, cyperoheptidine, and amytripyline.

Treating Obesity In The Cat

It is not healthy for an overweight or obese cat to lose weight too quickly. In fact, rapid weight loss increases a cat's likelihood of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is a fatal liver disease that causes fat to be deposited in the liver. Instead, an overweight or obese cat should lose weight steadily and gradually. In fact, it can take up to a year for a extremely overweight cat to reach its ideal body weight in a healthy manner.

If you are trying to help your cat lose weight, it's best to consult a veterinarian who can help you create a healthy eating plan. The veterinarian will ensure that your cat is still getting enough protein. Since cats are carnivores, it could be lethal to your cat to cut out meat. They need a lot of protein and not very many carbohydrates. If you feed your cat a similar diet, your cat will be able to lose weight without losing lean muscle mass.

To help an overweight or obese cat lose weight, it should also be encouraged to get plenty of exercise. This is particularly true for older cats with slower metabolisms, neutered cats, indoor cats with restricted activity, and cats on medication that affects weight. Pet owners can encourage exercise by playing with the cat frequently. For more direct exercise, a cat harness can be purchased to walk the cat around the house or up and down stairs. Feeding bowls can even be moved to areas that require more walking and, of course, cut down on the portions of food an overweight cat receives.

Maintaining Weight

In order to keep your cat healthy and at an ideal weight, you might want to purchase special "light" or low calorie food. This food will still taste good and keep your cat happy, but will also help to maintain lower weight as it is specially formulated for cats who have slower metabolism or are less active.

For free ezines, ecourses, and ebooks click Free Info Products [http://www.777-now.com] Click for Ron King's Articles For Authors OR Cat Information

Cat Owners Guide to Grooming Your Precious Pet

2011-01-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Most cats will lick themselves all the time. This is there way of keeping themselves clean. However, a cat owner can further help with improving the cat's overall hygiene. Read further for simple tips on grooming your short-haired feline friend.
Short haired cats do not need to be groomed as often as long haired cats need it, but it is recommended to be done at least twice a week (versus every day for long haired cats). The reason why is to make sure that the cat is free from flees and ticks, and to check for any other abnormalities, such as bald spots or inflammations of the skin.
Your cat's overall health will be greatly improved by keeping its hair neatly combed and wash, and trimmed periodically. The best type of brush for a short haired cat would be one with very short bristles. Too long of bristles, especially if the bristles are metal, can cut your cat's skin. Be sure when combing your short haired cat that you use the proper comb for it.
Even though a short haired cat is less likely to get hair balls or mats (chunks of cat hair stuck together or tangled), it is still possible. Be careful when trying to remove them, especially in older cats. Before cutting off a hair matt, make sure that you insert a comb underneath the matted hair, above the skin. Then, very carefully cut with a cat grooming scissors, and be sure not to scratch or puncture the cat's skin.
One brush contains extra small pins, and a small enough head to make brushing cats very easily. Be careful to brush the direction of your cat's hair growth, otherwise you may hear it snarl. (Washing your cat's hair in the wrong direction is like petting an animal's hair in the wrong direction, and causes discomfort to the pet.)
Another necessary step in helping keep your cat clean and well groomed is to give the cat a bath. It is recommended to take a towel and a small carrier into the bathroom with you in case your cat gets upset before, during or after the bathing routine. The cat can be placed in it until he or she calms down.
When bathing the cat, it is best to use the proper shampoo. A gentle cat shampoo that lathers up pretty good is recommended. Either that, or if a cat has dandruff, it is best to use a shampoo that will help reduce the dryness and flaking of the cat's skin. If the cat does not have dandruff, but instead has fleas, be sure to use a flea shampoo, and the proper flea comb to remove them.
Other grooming tips, when applied can help giving your cat a bath much easier, and safer. One tip to remember before putting your cat into the bathwater (usually in a sink or baby bath pan, because cats are too small to fit in a bathtub) is to make sure that your house temperature is at least 70 degrees, so your cat does not freeze when taken out of the water to dry.
Furthermore, before you put your cat into the bathwater, sure to check the temperature of the water, so it is not too hot or too cold for your cat. The part of the hand that provides the most accurate indication of water temperature is the on the back of your hand, or on the wrist. Best results for providing the right water temperature is to make sure you periodically test it when you are filling up the sink or other bath basin with water, and not afterwards.
One more tip to remember when it is time to bathe your cat is to keep on hand at least two towels on hand. One should be used for drying, and the other towel should be used for wrapping. For greater warmth, a blanket can also be used after towel drying to prevent the cat from getting a cold or sickness.
To protect the cat's ears while bathing, you can insert cotton balls into your cat's ears. Inserting these cotton balls can reduce the chance of ear infection from forming, especially immediately after the cat is removed from the bath water.
When you remove your cat from the bath water, be sure to quickly and thoroughly dry the cat off.) This, along with making sure the cat's ears are plugged will taking a bath will help fight against the possibility of cold or sickness when the cat's wet body is exposed to the air (even if the room temperature is 70 degrees, because the water is usually slightly hotter than that).
After you give your cat a bath, it is better to let your cat rest for a little while, especially if the cat is upset from having to take a bath. When your cat is calm, and then will want to comb and/or trim his or her hair, and check for matted hair. Again, cats with short hair are less likely to have tangled hair, but if there is, you can use a cat hair detangler to spray onto the coat of hair. This will help make combing through the tangles easier.
When trimming a cat's hair, be sure that you have the proper grooming scissors, and be sure that you using a comb underneath the scissors, so you do not scratch or puncture your cat's skin. If you do not feel comfortable cutting your own cat's hair, or if you do not have the patience you can hire a professional pet groomer who will do it for you. However, if you just keep in mind to just make sure you cut evenly, without hurting the cat, you will be just fine grooming your cat at home.

Complete Pet Guide [http://www.completepetguide.com/] is committed to bringing you high quality resources and information on dog and cat pet care and training. For great articles, resource and tips try Complete Pet Guide Blog [http://www.completepetguide.com/blog]

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

2011-01-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let's face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won't last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not "fragile" characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide "dinner." Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren't easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn't take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten's disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying "down" will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. Cat Lovers and Breeders find more information

Diet Tips for a Healthy Cat

2011-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

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 number of pet-related sites. For more information on cat care, and a great selection of cat furniture, cat trees, and cat condos, visit The Cat Tree Store

Choosing a Cat Tree, Playground or Kitty Condo - What's Best For You?

2011-01-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

Buying cat furniture can be a confusing and perhaps exhausting experience. Nothing is more frustrating than to set up a beautiful cat tree only to have your cats completely ignore it! I've owned cats all my life, and in this article I'll try to share some of my expertise and insight with you to help make your decision a bit easier.

There are a number of factors to consider in choosing a cat tree, condo, tower, playground or gym. Here, in no particular order, are some things you'll want to keep in mind:

Your cat's habits and preferences
Placement and space requirements
Materials and construction
Expandability
Price

What does your cat want?

As a general rule, most cats share certain traits and habits like curiosity, a desire to hide out in a dark, enclosed space and a love of heights - but as every cat owner knows, each kitty is different!

The first thing I'd suggest is to spend a few days paying close attention to your cat's habits. Where does he usually sleep, hang out or play? What kinds of things does she play with? When you pick her up, does she want to climb up on your shoulders? What kinds of places are you always battling to keep him out of? The answers to these questions should help you decide what kinds of features your cat will appreciate the most.

Features and the kitties who love them:

Kitty Condo: A cat who tends to choose a dark, quiet corner to sleep in will probably want a model with a kitty condo. The same could be said for cats who love to explore shopping bags, boxes, cupboards and other dark, secret places. If your household is one of those busy or hectic ones with kids playing and lots of folks coming and going, kitty might just love the peace and quiet that an enclosed cat condo brings.

Height: Some cats just need to be up high. Some kitties just like to be able to see everything, and some feel more secure up above the reach of the family dog or small children. If your cat is always trying to climb up on your shoulders when you pick her up, or likes to jump up on counters, you might consider getting the tallest cat tree, kitty gym or playground you can. A floor to ceiling tower can be a good solution, and they come in a variety of configurations - some are very simple and take up very little floor space, others can be quite elaborate. There are also a lot of free standing models over 6 feet tall that will satisfy your cat's need to look down on us poor humans!

Secure Sleeping Spot: Our cat Lucy always sleeps leaned up against something (me, a chair cushion, or the raised lip on her favorite cat perch) - she needs the security of feeling something against her back for her to truly relax. If your cat is like Lucy, you'll want to be sure that the cat tree or playground you choose has a place to sleep where she'll feel secure. You might want a sleep tray with raised sides, a curved half moon shaped shelf or a kitty hammock.

Not So Secure Sleeping Spot: Our other cat, George, just sprawls out anywhere - if your cat is like him, he'll be happy with an open shelf to nap on.

Observation Post: Pretty much every cat likes to keep an eye on things - it's simply a survival instinct. Make sure the model you choose has a place where your cat will want to spend many hours of the day, whether it's a flat shelf, kitty hammock, curved shelf or tray. In addition to the style of the observation post, consider the height off the floor and ease of access - especially if your cat is elderly or doesn't get around as well as he used to.

Kitty Hammocks: We've found that most cats love a hammock, although timid cats may need some reassurance at first due to the extra 'give' they feel at first when they step on it. Once they get used to it, it may become a favorite 'hang out' (sorry - I couldn't resist!). If your cat is unsure about the hammock at first, put it close to the floor for added peace of mind. As your cat gets used to it you can move it higher if you like.

Play Tubes: Playful cats like tubes or tunnels because they can charge right through them or lie in wait and pounce at unsuspecting passersby - animal or human!

Placement

Even if the cat furniture you choose has all the things your cat loves, if you put it in the wrong place he may completely ignore it. Think about where your cat spends time now - is she a 'people cat' who wants to be in the same room as the rest of the family? Is she more of a loner who seeks out quiet spots in unused parts of the house? Does he like to look out the window? (check for nose prints on the glass!)

Years ago we had a fabulous floor to ceiling cat tower with multiple shelves, a kitty condo - the works! The only trouble was that the one place in the house where we had space for it was a room that was hardly ever used. Since our cats like to be with us, they never used the tree, and we ended up donating it to the local humane society. Now we have a smaller cat tree that we keep in the family room where we spend much of our time, and the cats use it every day.

If you can place the tree next to a window there is a much higher likelihood that your cats will use it. A window that opens is best, especially for indoor kitties. The smells and sounds from outdoors will keep them entertained and engaged in the world around them.

Space

Here's where you start thinking about your needs. How much space are you willing and able to devote to cat furniture, whether it's a playground, kitty gym or cat tree? Be sure to look at all the dimensions - baseplate size, overall dimensions and height - and actually measure the space you have in mind to make sure it will fit. Many models are modular in design, so you don't have to put it together exactly as it is pictured. This can give you a bit of flexibility if space is an issue. Look for the phrase 'modular design' - not all cat trees have this feature!

Materials and Construction

One of the main considerations here should be how stable and sturdy the cat furniture is. Cats will not use a wobbly or unstable tree. Look for broad bases and bottom heavy designs that will keep it from tipping when your cat jumps up on it.

Wood: Some cat furniture manufacturers use plywood, others use particle board - and they will all swear that the wood they use is the absolute best! The truth is that each has advantages and disadvantages.

Plywood is quite strong because it is made from thin layers of wood and each layer has the grain running in a different direction from the layer above and below. Since the visible surfaces are covered, the manufacturer can use a lower grade of plywood that will have knots showing and may be a bit rough to the touch. So you may have rough exposed wood on the inside roof of a condo or the underside of the baseplate - not really an issue for most folks, but a good thing to know ahead of time.

Particle board is made of small wood chips bonded together by a kind of glue. It is heavier than plywood, so it adds stability to a cat tree, and the surface is much smoother than plywood. It is more likely than plywood to break - sometimes corners will chip off - but under normal use this shouldn't be a problem.

Coverings: Carpet or fake fur? The debate rages! One thing everyone agrees on is that whatever covering you choose make sure it is not a closed loop carpet or other covering that can catch a claw. I'm sure you've seen a cat stretch out and get a claw caught in a bedspread or sofa cushion - in a relaxed setting the cat is usually able to extricate himself, although he may leave a snag in the fabric! Imagine your cat at top speed romping up and down his kitty playground - if the playground is covered in non cut pile carpet (like Berber) and he catches a claw it can cause a serious injury.

Carpet is soft and inviting, but since one of the purposes of cat furniture is to give your kitties a place to sharpen their claws, some folks think carpeted cat furniture just encourages or even trains your cat to sharpen his claws on the carpet on your floor. Personally, I've never had that problem, but I know some folks have. If you do choose carpet, make sure it is cut-pile carpet to prevent possible injury from a caught claw. Carpet is secured with staples, which have the potential to stick up and scratch fingers or paws, but well made cat furniture does not usually have this problem.

Fake fur isn't quite as cushy as carpet, but as long as it is secured with non-toxic glue, there is no possibility of injury from an errant staple. Some manufacturers do staple the fake fur, however, and it is much harder to bury a staple in fake fur than in carpet - if you choose fake fur, make sure that it is glued, not stapled. Like the carpet vs fake fur debate, the staples vs nontoxic glue debate is a heated one. I am of the opinion that as long as the glue is nontoxic and the staples are applied properly glue is best for fake fur and staples are best for carpet. It's a matter of personal preference as to whether you choose carpet or fur. One nice thing about fake fur is that it is washable - often times models with hammocks are covered in fake fur - check to make sure that the hammock covers zip off so you can throw them in the washing machine.

Sisal Rope: Most experts agree that sisal rope provides an ideal surface for your cat to sharpen her claws. It's durable, yet it doesn't 'catch' claws the way non cut pile carpet can. Most cats love the feel of it under their paws and will instinctively start scratching when they feel it under foot. All of our cat furniture features sisal rope, some on all poles, some in combination with carpet.

Curved Features: Any curved surface on a cat tree is made of thick cardboard tubes - they are used in construction as molds for making round concrete pillars among other things. They are quite sturdy and should last a long time, but be aware that they are cardboard and will be the weakest part of your kitty gym - especially if they ever get wet. Look for designs that offer extra support to a curved feature - two attachment points is better than one!

Expandability and Flexibility

If you're anything like me, you get bored with your environment and need to rearrange the furniture now and then. Cats get bored too, and so many of the models we offer are of a modular design which allows you to put them together in more than one way and to add or swap out features later. If this is important to you, be sure to look for the phrase 'modular design' - not all models have this feature!

Price and Other Human Concerns

Cat furniture can seem expensive, but it truly is an investment in your cat's health and happiness. A cat who has a place to burn off energy and take a safe nap is less likely to develop destructive habits like scratching your furniture or relieving himself outside the litterbox. Indoor cats especially need some extra stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

Of course, you are the one who has to decide how much to spend on your cats, but in cat furniture you really do get what you pay for. If your budget is small, you are better off getting a smaller model than a large cheap model. Cheap cat furniture is likely to suffer from poor quality materials and workmanship which will shorten its life. Also, it will probably be wobbly and therefore less appealing to your cats so they may not use it at all. You may get lucky, but in my experience cheap cat furniture is a waste of money.

Aesthetically speaking, your cat couldn't care less what the cat tree looks like, cats are much more concerned with function, so please yourself in the aesthetics department! And as far as color is concerned, cats' eyes are optimized for hunting in low light - they don't really see color. So choose a color that works for you, one that matches your decor or a neutral color that will blend in even if you change your decorating scheme. Some cat owners choose colors to match their cat's fur so the cat hair won't show as much, others like a very different color to inspire them to keep the cat tree vacuumed - color is purely a personal decision and will not affect your cat's enjoyment one way or the other!

I hope I've been able to help you sort out some of the maze of decisions that need to be made in choosing the right cat tree for your kitty and for you. Hopefully I haven't just added to the confusion!

Laura Miller
Tick-n-Thistle Furniture and Fine Art Your one stop shop for cat trees, playgrounds and kitty condos, as well as furniture for kids, grown ups and pets. http://www.ticknthistle.com

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures

2011-01-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

"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.

Paul MacIver writes articles about pets and Pet Health [http://www.information-spring.info/?cat=12]. Visit Ultimate Pet Supplies [http://www.ultimate-pet-supplies.info] to read more about cats and kittens [http://www.cat-furniture-online.info/], pet products and supplies. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, this resource box is included and all links are intact.

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

2011-01-02T02:14:00.000-08:00

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United States. It is projected that by the year 2010 there will be far more cats than dogs. Noted for their independence, cats can also be loving and loyal to their owners. They adjust well to indoor living, take great care in grooming themselves, and are easily trained to use a cat box. Cats, when they're not asleep, are observers. They stare into corners and spend hours sitting in windowsills. They don't bark, they don't whine; they purr. Occasionally, they scold.
Cats are also predatory, and some are very good mousers. In a flourishing society of condominiums and high-rise apartment buildings, many landlords ban dogs and accept cats. One building manager puts it like this: "As long as the cat doesn't wander through the halls and annoy others, I don't see any problem."
Cats, more than any other mammal, exhibit similar attributes and actions, no matter if they are wild or tame. Lions, tigers, leopards, wild cats, panthers, and house cats look similar and act very much alike--they are all predatory, nocturnal, fastidious, and defensive, but the domesticated cat is much smaller than its wild relatives. How did the wild cat first become domesticated, and where did it happen?
Origin of Cats
Looking back to the Late Eocene epoch (43.6 to 36.6 million years ago), it has been discovered that the "cat pattern" was already well established in the evolution of modern mammals. The earliest cats were easily recognizable as the ancestors of present-day felines. Other mammals had not yet evolved into a recognizable form. Typical cats (subfamily Felinae) appeared about 10 million years ago and have changed very little since that time.
The Anatomy of the Cat
Why is it that cats are able to curl up on the narrowest ledges, squeeze under the smallest spaces, or disappear at will when they sense an intrusion. The anatomy of the cat gives it great elasticity. It has a flexible spine and uses its tail and inner ear to maintain balance. Because of its inner-ear balance, it almost always lands on its feet when it falls and can jump from and to great heights without injury. For this reason, the cat is said to have nine lives.
The Historical Background of Cats
The history of the cat lends itself to drama, controversy, heroism, and mysticism on a somewhat uneven road from its domestication around 1500 B.C. to the present. From the moment the dog became domesticated, humans accepted it as a loyal and loving servant of man. The cat, however, has not been so blessed. It has been an icon of worship in ancient Egypt, a rat-catching hero during the plague years in Europe, and labeled a familiar for witches in Puritan America.
While dogs have been trained to assist humans as hunters, guides, companions, and enforcers, cats have no obvious purpose other than their presence in one's life. They're simply not very trainable. Yet, the art of relaxation has been mastered by the cat, and this attribute is assimilated by its human owners. Nursing homes often have a resident cat who is there only to be petted by the residents.
The Cat in Literature and Art
The cat is not as independent as it appears. It wants to be loved and cared for, and the contradictory interaction between humans and cats has been the subject of many children's books, novels, poems, and plays over the years. From fairy tales to Wanda Gäg's classic "Millions of Cats" (1929) to the long-running broadway show "Cats," based on T. S. Elliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" (1939), to "The Marble Cake Cat" (1977) by Marjorie and Carl Allen; from Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1865) to B. Kliban's contemporary cartoon cats, the cat has long been a fascinating subject for both children and adults.
Breeds of Cats
Many people believe that the Siamese cat originated in Ancient Egypt, but it actually is from the Far East and thought to be a domestication of the Asian wild cat. The 30 to 40 recognized distinctive breeds of cats can be grouped into two general categories: the long-haired Persian and the domestic shorthair. Most cats, however, unless they are show cats, are mixed breed.
Cats Around the World
In America, cats as pets have long been popular. In most families where there are cats as pets, there is only one, possibly two cats. They're not pack animals and don't adjust well to living on their own outside the home. Stray cats tend to be loners. In other countries, cats are not as pampered as they are in American homes, and are sometimes a source of food.

Marjorie Allen is a free-lance writer/editor, who has had several award-winning books published. She has taught writing and offers initial editing free. Check her website http://marjorienallen.com. Marjorie and her husband spend winters on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and summers in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

Animal shelter – help or adjudication?

2011-01-01T23:55:00.000-08:00

Some people think that animal shelter is place which is similar to rest place. Cats have a good care, shelter and calm. Sometimes it is truth. There are some animals shelters, where cats and dogs are treated worthily and people who work there treat with regard and sweetheart.
Unfortunately, above mentioned places are not frequent. Almost animal shelters fight against shortage of money, animals redundancy and location conditions. Crowd cause stress and illnesses. Animals which are sick need to visit a vet and take drugs. But there is no money for it. Despite of good willingness of workers and volunteers only basic things are contented.
What is sad there are also animal shelters where working people are indifferent to animal prejudice. Cats are not treated like living beings. Cats sleep in own excrements. Depends on personel treatment ill cats are asleep. Almost cats in animal shelters are left by owners. Reasons why people decide to leave cat are different : cat’s duty, owner’s allergy, child is born, cat is ill and other. If you really must give back your cat it is better to ask your friends and family. Find home for your cat. Animal shelter can be a adjudication. Prepare advertisements and put in different places. Maybe someone is looking for a cat.

View the original article here

How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats

2010-12-31T23:42:00.000-08:00

Cats are simply adorable. They are cuddly and cute, and yes, they enjoy receiving so much attention. That is why sometimes, cats develop several annoying and destructive behavior and you should know how to deal with behavior problems of cats.
Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.
Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat's behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.
If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.
Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats
Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:
Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat's face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.
Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.
Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.
Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.
For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.
Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.
Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.
Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cat?s behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems at All About Pets
Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author?s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

How to Identify a Neglected Cat

2010-12-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Many people think their cat's behaviors are because the cat was abused or neglected. I want to clear this up for you. Abused cats are rare. Most cats are just wary of strangers. Bad behavior is usually because they were never taught correctly or played with aggressively. So, how can you identify an abused or neglected cat? Let's look at what cat abuse and neglect look like and then we can talk about the cat's responses:

Cat Abuse can be intentional or unintentional. Usually, unintentional abuse is called "neglect" and is addressed by humane societies all over the world. There are actually three levels of abuse. Neglect, Over-Discipline (over use of discipline tools) and Intentional Abuse. This article addresses the Neglect, which is the most benign form of abuse.

Description of Neglect -

Neglect means not addressing the animal's primary needs for survival - water, food, shelter, rest and hygienic elimination. Then there is the more severe type, where a cat is forced to live in filth, confined to a cage all the time, or denied companionship with people or other animals. Many times, this can be caused by not spaying or neutering your pet. Unwanted kittens, or too many cats, is the primary cause for almost all of this type of abuse. Sometimes, a person is too ill or has allergies. Maybe a person is trying to keep a cat in an environment that makes it impossible to properly care for a cat.

I remember many years ago, seeing a homeless man walking down the street with his belongings in a shopping cart. Homeless people were harder to find then, so he stood out. He was pushing the cart with one hand and had a carrier with a cat in it, in the other. I felt sorry for both, but being a child, I didn't know what to do. The cat was experiencing neglect, but felt much love. The man, I'm sure, didn't know he was doing harm to the cat. He just knew that he couldn't let his beloved cat go into a shelter - at that time all the shelters I knew of were kill-shelters.

An older cat (over a year) has little chance of coming out of a kill shelter. Most people want a kitten. The grown cats are often given no more than 2 weeks to find a home and then euthanized. This heartbreaking situation often occurs when people lose their homes, develop allergies or find that they just don't want to deal with the discipline and behavior problems that developed in the cat. The single biggest reason people give up a cat is inappropriate elimination. Next, come allergies, followed by death of the cat's owner. Some cats are surrendered because the person moves and is unable to find pet-friendly accommodations.

I understood the man's feelings of love and concern for his feline companion. I also understood that the cat couldn't live in that carrier for long. There was no safe place for them. No homeless shelter would take a man with a cat. In this case, I think the abuse is unintentional - neglect, by description. However, I think the heart of both the cat and the man were in the right place, just that the situation was unfortunate.

In news reports, we sometimes hear of breeding farms where cats are bred to the point of exhaustion and kept in sub-optimal conditions. We hear of people who just keep bringing home strays until they are over-run and can no longer take care of them, and the cats become a neighborhood problem. All of these situations can produce neglect.

Now, let's turn to the cat's response to neglect. How does a cat respond? Why does it do that? By understanding the specific situation and response, we can address the resulting problem behaviors with love, patience and training.

Effects of Neglect

A cat left in a cage with other animals nearby is often skittish and afraid of people. It expects food and a clean litter box on occasion, but cuddles and attention may make it uncomfortable. These cats often have no privacy issues in the cage, but once free, they are very private about their litter habits. If the cat was kept in a small carrier, it may soil itself, or hold back elimination until it is very uncomfortable. It may be dehydrated and need medical attention. The cat will be overweight from lack of activity. It may be apathetic when play is offered, not knowing what is expected. Electric lights may be something that set off a fear response in the cat because it means that people are coming. In other cases, darkness may be scary at first. Once the cat's eyes adjust to the light level, it will be all right, but when the lights are turned off or on, the cat may cry or hiss. In the case of a cat kept in the dark except when people are coming, it may be fearful the entire time the lights are on, while also expecting food, water and a clean litter box to be provided.

What Can We Do to Help These Cats?

These cats don't do well with handling. The less you try to pet, hold or cuddle these cats at first, the better. Let the cat come to you. It will, given time. Be sure to care for it's creature comforts - food, water, bed, clean litter box - but don't expect a cuddly cat for a while. That will come when the cat feels that it can trust you. It may be afraid of the sound of your feet on the floor. It may run when you come into a room. As time goes on, the cat will stay and just watch you. Another time, you may be able to approach and offer a scratch behind the ear. Eventually, you will be able to give a full cuddle. Do not try to pick the cat up, but you can pet it and the cat won't run away or feel assaulted. When the cat responds with a purr, an offer of a cheek or an ear, or you can stroke the spine and the cat isn't trying to run away, then you have a cat that is only cautious of you. Continue until the cat comes for cuddles, which may already be happening. Still do not try to pick the cat up. If it wants your lap, it will come. This cat may still run from you if discovered in a windowsill, on a dresser or surprised in the litter box. Say your cat's name in a conversational tone and the cat will eventually not run away and perhaps allow a stroke. In the case of the litter box, just say the cat's name, but never try to cuddle a cat in the litter box. If you can provide a privacy screen, the cat may stay in the room.

These cats need socialization. They need to learn to live with others outside of a cage. They need gentle discipline and may not know the meaning of the word "no." They will love feeding time but be afraid if you need to walk near their food bowls, and run from the food. Give them time, move slowly and talk gently in their vicinity. They need to learn what people are about in a good way.

Once your cat has learned to trust you a little bit, enough to not run away when you enter a room or even starts to come to you, then you can begin to bond with your cat. A tickler wand is your best friend for this. Gently shake the wand so that the end twitches. Your cat will be interested, but may only watch at first. If your cat goes for it, excellent! When your cat gets hold of the business end of the wand, allow your cat to feel the success by keeping the wand steady for a few moments. When the cat lets go, you can start to twitch it again. The cat will play with you in this manner for quite a while. When the cat tires, put the wand up out of the way so that your cat is forced to play with you, not just the wand. If your cat grabs the wand in it's mouth and tries to run away with it, offer resistance and don't let go of the wand. Some cats want to take the wand and hide it under a couch or in a corner so they can worry over it for a while. Don't allow this - the cat needs to play with you, not just the wand. After about ten days of playing with the wand, you will see your cat become more accepting of its new circumstances. Your cat should assimilate into the household well. There may be people it does not accept, and those persons can also play with the cat to promote bonding.

Under no circumstances should you perpetuate the abuse or neglect! Any discipline needs to be done gently and with care. A squirt bottle, long a favorite tool for discipline, should only be used in the beginning stages of training, while the cat is learning the word "no." After that, you should not need it. Redirection is your best training technique. When your cat gets into or expresses interest in something that you don't want to see it getting involved with, redirect it's attention to something that it is allowed to be involved with or have.

Some of these cats can be clicker trained, but the bond with the person needs to be present, first. Concentrated training to condition the cat to the clicker will be needed. Some cats may be so skittish that even the best treats will not condition the cat to the clicker. If your cat runs from the clicker after a week of conditioning, do not continue. Your cat will never be comfortable with the unexpected noise it makes. You are better clapping your hands and saying "no" to stop bad behaviors than trying to clicker train for positive behaviors.

These cats will be extremely grateful for good treatment. One expression of that love, biting, may not be acceptable - especially if the cat bites hard and uses the canine teeth. Push your hand or finger into the mouth instead of pulling out so that the cat will not be able to bite down and cause you injury. You can push in hard enough to cause the gag reflex, but never harder. Never cause the cat injury in response to an injury to your person. Hitting is never acceptable - but raising a flat hand so that the eyebrow whiskers can feel it is acceptable.

If you must pick up your cat, as in putting the cat in the carrier or removing it to another room, pay attention to the cat's body. Be sure to pick the cat up by the ribs and the hind legs at the same time to minimize stress to the cat. If the body is stiff, don't hold the cat to your chest. Allow the cat to struggle, but stay out of the way of the claws. When you place the cat down (don't let it jump), stroke its back if you can. Talk to the cat. It will stop a few paces away and look at you. The cat may come to you for a scratch if offered. Always talk softly and lovingly to your cat.

In Closing -

With all these admonitions and dos and don'ts, you may think that a neglected cat is too much trouble. Not that much, really. They take some time getting used to people, but once they trust you and know you have their best interests at heart, these cats will come to love you very much. The early stages with a neglected cat are the most critical. After that, you may find a loving, caring, demanding cat. Demanding because it may never want to be separated from you. Demanding because whatever it was denied before it will crave from you. Moreover, you will be loved, very deeply. It will care about you in its fashion. If your are down or blue, possibly sick, the cat will worry over you and try to find a way to comfort you. These cats are very responsive to their people. Hypersensitive is a good description. Empathic is another good description of their behavior. Some cats even approach a symbiotic relationship with their people.

Give love and patience, and love and patience will be returned. Give concern and care and those are returned. A neglected cat is one of the best pets for a single, older person. The cat will be tuned to that person in short order. It will give love and affection to ease the loneliness and loss these people sometimes experience. When the person is ill, the cat will understand and be there to comfort, while allowing the person to care for him or herself.

Morgen Marshall, a cat whisperer, invites you into her world of cats. She created a website dedicated to making the relationship between cats and people harmonious and healthy. For the Love of Cats is a place for people who love cats to find answers from someone they can trust.

How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats

2010-12-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.

Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat's behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.

If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:

Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat's face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.
Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.
Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.
Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.
For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.
Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.
Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.
Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cat?s behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems at All About Pets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author?s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

How to Litter Train a Cat

2010-12-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

For most cat owners, training their cat to use the litter is a relatively painless process. It is among a cat's natural instincts to eliminate in an area that they can cover their feces in. This behavior may be a way of your cat accepting what they perceive to be as the natural order of dominance. In the wild feral cats will bury their feces if they are not at the top of their social hierarchy, if a feral cat does not bury his or her feces it is likely that the cat exhibiting that behavior is the dominant feline. So when your housecat buries his or her waste he or she may be recognizing your role as the dominant animal in their social community. It is also possible, however, that your cat may be displaying his or her inherited instinct to bury his or her feces in order to hide their trail from would be predators.

Generally kittens will learn the behavior of burying their feces and using the litter

through their mother once they are weaned assuming the mother is litter trained.

So if you bring home a young kitten of about 12 weeks, you may only need to

place kitty in the litter box and gently scratch the clean litter with your fingers

shortly after she eats to indicate to her what she is to do.

KITTY DIDN'T TAKE TO THE LITTER RIGHT AWAY

If your new cat doesn't take to litter training after your first few attempts you may

want to consider teaching her using another common method. Confine your new

addition to a small but comfortable room, preferably one with a hard floor if you

have one. Place both the litter box and the food dish in the room but don't place

them close to one another. Your cat will naturally not want to defecate near its food

source so she will look for another area. Eliminate any pillows, blankets,

newspapers, towels or other soft items where your cat may decide to eliminate from

the room before you close her in. If you have confined your cat to a room with hard

floors she is likely to avoid eliminating on the floor since urinating is likely to splash

back and get on her fur. The only remaining choice to the cat at this point is

(hopefully) the litter box.

MY CAT STOPPED USING THE LITTER

If your cat was housebroken and all the sudden she seems to have

forgotten that instinct there are a few possibilities you might want to consider

before giving up.

1. Does Kitty Have A Dirty Litter Box? The most common cause of a

housetrained cat to stop using the litter is your cat

disagreeing with the level of cleanliness regarding her litter box. Your cat is more

likely to

stop using the litter if she feels that it is too dirty. It is best to clean your cat's litter

every day or at the very least every second or third day. The dirtier a litter box gets

the less likely it is that your cat is going to continue to use it. Your cat wants to

eliminate in a clean environment and if she notices that every time she eliminates on

the carpet you immediately run and clean it up she perceives that as a more

desirable place to eliminate because it is so quickly cleaned. Keeping your cat's

litter as clean as possible is the best way to avoid this problem, and remember, what

you consider clean, your cat may not.

In addition to emptying the litter, you obviously need to change it from time to time

as well in order to ensure good cat health and cleanliness. Weekly changing is best,

this ensures that odors and wetness won't have too much time to build up to

unacceptable levels and it also reduces the likelihood of sickness due to high levels

of bacteria.

2. Stress. A cat eliminating outside of the litter box may also be a sign for

stress.

The introduction of a new person or animal into the household may be putting a lot

of stress on your cat. Cats generally like to feel like they know what is going on and

what they can expect. If you upset that balance by introducing a new creature (even

a two legged one) into the household they may get stressed which can cause them

to eliminate outside the box.

If you leave your cat alone for long periods of time (for example while you take

vacations or go on business trips) and you come back you may

notice that your cat will sometimes seem aloof and standoffish. This is another

instance in which your cat may react with eliminating outside the litter box as a sort

of protest to what she perceives as being abandoned.

A new piece of furniture, or conversely, a newly missing piece of furniture may also

put stress on your cat. Order and comfort are important if you are a cat. If you

decide to get rid of that old fabric sofa because of it's ugly pea green color and

because it's falling apart at the seams and then you replace it with a brand new,

slick, top of the line, leather sofa with a refrigerator built into the side, and a

massage and heating function, your cat is unlikely to see this as a stylish upgrade

the way you would. What your cat will probably see is that one of her favorite nap

spots has disappeared only to be replaced by something she is unfamiliar with and

intimidated by.

3. Changing Litter Brands. Cats are creatures of habit and can also be

quite finicky (remember Morris, the 9 Lives cat?). If you've recently switched the

brand of litter you usually buy this may be cause for your cat to find another place

to go. Some litters are perfumed (for humans rather than cats) and your cat may

not react well to these smells, or perhaps your cat was used to a less dusty type

of litter, a particular litter's texture, or who knows what. Changing brands or types

of litter may upset what your cat is comfortable with and the result may be a messy

carpet. If you suspect this to be the cause, you can either switch back, or

gradually introduce the new litter. Try mixing in a little bit of the new litter with the

older brand at first and gradually step up the percentage of the new litter each time

you change the box, eventually you will be able to replace the older brand

altogether. This will help your cat ease into the new litter brand rather than upset

her sense of the order of things.

4. Multiple Cats. As mentioned above a second animal may cause a cat to

begin to

eliminate outside of the litter box, but this may not necessarily be the result of

stress. A second cat in your household should probably have his own litter box

unless your cats have proven they don't mind sharing. Again, remember cats are

clean creatures and they can be territorial as well. Some cats may not mind using

the same box, but others may refuse, which means again, the carpet becomes litter

box number two.

5. Litter Box Size Or Placement. If the litter box does not provide enough

room for

your cat she may not use it at all. Your cat will likely want to scratch around and be

able to feel comfortable in the litter box. Make sure it is roomy enough, easy

for your cat to get in and out of (the sides of the box should be lower for kittens

than for adult cats), and not in a high traffic area as cats seem to like some

degree of privacy when eliminating. Lastly, make sure your cat has access to the

litter at all times. Putting your litter box in a room that is closed on occasion is a

recipe for disaster. If your cat has to go and she can't get to the room that you've

put the litter in then she really will have no other alternative than to find another

suitable area to eliminate.

6. Medical Issues. Your cat may be experiencing kitty incontinence. Like

humans,

incontinence can strike animals and this may be an indication of other medical

issues with your cat. As a cat ages, she becomes more likely to lose control of her

bodily functions just like a human does. If you suspect age or medical reasons may

be the cause for your kitty's litter box problems then you should take her to the vet

for an examination, advice and possible treatment to resolve the problem.

WHEN YOUR CAT MAKES A MESS

If your cat does make a mess outside of the litter box it is generally not good

practice to scold her or punish her. Putting her nose in the mess and then tossing

her in the litter is not going to solve your problem. Being upset with your cat is

natural after such an incident, but to display this behavior and then to put her in the

litter box is only making your cat associate the litter box with a bad experience.

Your cat may also begin to learn to be afraid of you, which is obviously not what you

want. Your best solution is to clean up the mess quickly. Put your cat in the litter

box and be friendly and speak in a calming voice with the cat. Scrape the clean

litter with your fingers and make sure your cat sees this behavior, hopefully it will

sink in. To avoid having your cat defecate in the same place outside the litter box a

second (or third) time, cover the area with a plastic sheet or something hard that

will result in your cat splashing herself with her own urine if she should chose that

place to defecate again. Clean the smell as best you can (white vinegar may help,

but make sure your furniture or carpet can handle it). You can also move her food

dish on top of or near the area that she used to defecate, a cat will not want to

defecate near her food source. If your cat uses the litter again, even just once,

reward her, play with her, pet her, give her a treat, make her associate the litter box

with a good experience rather than a bad one.

A cat that eliminates outside of the box is not a lost cat. Don't give up on her until

you've explored the possible reasons for the problem. Once you find it, you can

most likely correct it and kitty and human can live a happy co-existence once again.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related grapchics and gift merchandise.

How to Solve Litterbox Problems in Multi-cat Homes

2010-12-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

When we have only one cat and she misses the litterbox, it can be hard to fix. When we have more than one cat in the house, it can be even harder. Here's a step-by-step guide to help stop litterbox problems in a multi-cat home. first of all, act fast. A litterbox problem that continues for a long time can become harder and harder to solve. Litterbox mistakes can lead to territorial responses, and disturb the routines and hierarchies of your entire household. Will Muffin still want to take her daily afternoon snooze on the couch if Tiger urinated there? She may find some other area, displacing more and more of your cats, and creating fighting and other dominance displays. If you put off solving the problem, hoping it will go away on its own, you may find it multiplying in your home.

Find the culprit. Before you even try to determine the "why," figure out the "who." If you catch it early enough, you can hopefully nail it down to one cat. Many people like to isolate each cat to determine which cat is causing the problem, but displacing one cat, even overnight, can sometimes lead to dominance displays in the others, as they claim undefended territory. If you have new cats, or kittens reaching adulthood, you may want to visit the vet for help. Your veterinarian can prescribe fluorescein for your cats, helping you to determine which urine stain(s) glow under an ultraviolet light.

Rule out a Veterinary Problem. Veterinary causes underlie many litterbox problems, particularly in household with older cats or those with access to the outdoors. Urinary tract infections are one of many common causes, where the cat develops an aversion to the box as a painful place to be. Other health problems can also cause litterbox mistakes. Worse, without visiting the veterinarian, your other cats may be at risk, which could cause the problem to multiply. No behavior techniques in the world will help a cat with a veterinary problem, so don't skip the trip to the vet.

Observe the Behavior. If the vet rules out a health problem, I next recommend a brief observation period. It's always very frustrating to the owner to let the cat continue his litterbox mistakes, but it gives you the knowledge to attack the specific problem. During the observation period, try to concentrate on the things in the environment that may be important to your cat, like litterboxes, food bowls, favorite places, the routines of the other cats and people in the home, etc. Start a journal where you record as much information as you can about every litterbox mistake, then look for links. Does the cat always use the same room? Is it always on carpeting? Does it happen after meals, or at some other time of day? Are the other cats nearby? Did you have guests over? When you isolate the specific stimuli involved, it allows you greater control without making major changes in the environment that may upset the rest of the cats.

Break the Habit. Elimination sites are matters of preference, and when the cat gets into the routine of going to a certain location, you'll need to prevent the behavior from recurring. Since the smell of declining urine is a signal for the cat to "reapply," clean the accident site with a pet odor remover - perhaps multiple times to get past the cat's sensitive nose. Block off the area while the product does its work. Remote deterrents, that work whether you are around or not, will keep the cat from returning to the area whenever you aren't standing guard. Double-sided tape or an upside-down plastic carpet runner, pointy feet up, can keep your cat from standing in the same area. Cats also hate to be startled, so anything that can safely surprise the cat when he visits that area can help make the area less "cat-friendly."

Make the current litterbox more appealing. While you are preventing bad habits, make good habits more appealing. The litterbox should be clean, have privacy, and in multi-cat homes, escapability is also important. This simply means that the cat can see off a distance, so he won't be ambushed in the box, or on his way there. Most cats prefer clumping, non-perfumed litter, but work with your individual cat to determine whether a box of a different size, shape, or litter would help.

Retrain the cats. If it doesn't seem to help to address the individual factors in your journal, or your cat has never regularly used the litterbox, you may want to retrain the cat by himself. Use this as a last resort, since removing the cat from the hierarchy may upset the routines of all the cats in the home. Keep the cat in a small, uncarpeted room, with a clean litterbox, food bowl, and toys in opposite corners. Pick up all rugs from the floor, so the only soft place to choose to eliminate will be the litterbox. Visit the cat often, and clean the box regularly. I also recommend recording the times that the cat uses the box. Many cats stick to a regular routine, so once you've determined when the cat is likely to use the box, you can let the cat out during low-risk times to maintain the hierarchy, and put him back in the room with the litterbox during high risk periods. Repetition of successful use will increase the cat's preference to the box.

General stress reduction. In some situations, it's difficult to determine specific environmental triggers for a problem behavior. However, sometimes general stress reduction techniques will prove helpful, particularly in multi-cat homes. For litterbox problems that have arisen from territorial disputes, additional resources may reduce competition for resources. Extra litterboxes and food bowls are always helpful, but remember that YOU are also an important resource, so give each cat as much attention as they could possibly want. Exercise can also help redirect cats energies. It can also help desensitize cats to each other, while they are praised for attacking a toy while the other cat watches. Routines are also very important in multi-cat homes, particularly when older cats are involved. Scheduled feeding, petting and exercise periods at the same time and location every day can further reduce stress that may be contributing to the litterbox problem.

Litterbox problems in multi-cat homes can be difficult. However, caring responsible owners can have an advantage solving the problem with they use quick, decisive actions and apply solid behavioral techniques.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://cat.about-animals.info A website that specializes in providing information on cats that you can research on the internet at your own pace. Please Visit http://cat.about-animals.info now!

Information on Extreme Cat Urine Cleaners, Removers and How to Clean Cat Urine

2010-12-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Cat toilet training in easy steps:

Toilet training your cat is an easier task than you might think. Several techniques can be used for training your cat to use the toilet, and you can even buy products that will assist you in toilet training a cat.

The advantages of cat toilet training:

Teaching your cat to use the toilet can hold several advantages for any cat owner. The biggest advantage of having your cat use a toilet is that eliminates most of the disadvantages that using cat litter holds. Cat litter is expensive. After toilet training your cat, you won't ever need to buy cat litter again. Cat litter boxes needs to be cleaned regularly or they will become smelly. With cat toilet training, the water in the toilet masks most of the offending smell and all you need to do is flush regularly - much simpler and easier than cleaning a litter box. Going away for weekends or holidays also becomes easier for your neighbor - instead of asking someone to clean out the litter box, all they need to do is flush your toilet once in a while (when they come around to water your plants and feed your cat).

How to toilet train a cat (do it yourself):

Toilet training your cat depends entirely on the cat's personality. Toilet training sociable cats that love being praised make the training task much easier. You might want to adapt the toilet training technique described below to fit your cat's personality. Training your cat to use the toilet can take anything between 2 weeks up to 3 months, depending on the individual cat's personality.

Cat toilet training basically consists of a simple procedure: gradually moving your cat's litter box closer and closer to the toilet, finally placing a bowl with cat litter inside the toilet, and removing it altogether when your cat is comfortable and used to it. Toilet training a cat is a gradual, step-by-step process, consisting of making small changes to the location of the litter box and only continuing to the next step when your cat is entirely comfortable with its current situation. You might have to wait anything between 2 days or 3 weeks before moving on a next step in cat toilet training. You might even have to go back a step once or twice when it turns out that your cat wasn't ready to move on to the next toilet training step. Beware - cat toilet training takes a lot of patience!

Cat toilet training steps:

1. Start gradually moving your cat's litter box nearer to the toilet until finally it should be next to the toilet. Ensure that your cat is always comfortable and sure of its litter box's location.

2. Now start elevating the cat's litter box. Put something non-slippery like newspapers or cardboard underneath the litter box. A normal rate to increase the height of the litter box would be about 5cm a day, but be very attentive to signs that your cat is not comfortable with the current height, and adjust the pace of raising the litter box accordingly. The cat litter box should be raised until it is at a level height with the toilet bowl. Throughout this process it is very important to keep the toilet lid open and the seat down, because your cat will get used to it and might even start climbing on the toilet seat in order to reach its litter box.

3. Move the litter box to rest on the open toilet seat. Keep it there until your cat seems comfortable with this arrangement.

4. Buy a metal bowl or tray that will fit snugly inside the toilet bowl. It would be advisable for the metal bowl to have small draining holes. Fill the bowl with cat litter (preferably the flushable type). Now remove your cat's litter box entirely. If you have reached this step successfully you are very close to having a toilet trained cat!

5. While your cat is using the metal bowl inside the toilet, be attentive to where its paws are. The goal is teaching him to squat with all four paws on the toilet seat rim. You can move the cat while it is using the toilet and praise it (or reward it) when it is sitting in the correct position. Normally the cat will first sit entirely inside the metal bowl, then with front paws on the toilet seat, and finally it should sit with all four paws on the toilet.

6. Start using less and less cat litter. This can get smelly, so be sure to clean the bowl after every time your cat uses it. Cats scratch in sand or cat litter to cover up the smell (this is out of instinct), so if the bowl becomes too smelly your cat won't be comfortable using it (and you probably wouldn't be comfortable with using your toilet either). Using flushable cat litter makes cleaning the bowl very easy - just throw out the contents in the toilet and flush down, rinse out the bowl, refill with correct amount of cat litter and replace. A handy tip is to place newspaper on the floor around the toilet to help keep the room clean should your cat scratch in the cat litter. Decrease the amount of cat litter in a pace that your cat feels comfortable with.

7. When you basically don't use any cat litter inside the bowl anymore, start gradually filling the bowl with water. The water will also help mask the smell so your cat will be more comfortable using the toilet. Be attentive to your cat's behavior through this whole process - if your cat stops using the bowl inside the toilet, you may be moving on too fast and might need to go back a couple of steps.

8. When the water level in the bowl has reached about 4cm and your cat has no problem using it, it is time to remove the bowl entirely. Your cat should now be toilet trained. Remember to always leave the toilet seat up and flush regularly!

Products to assist you in toilet training your cat:

There are several cat toilet training kits available on the market. They basically consist of a tray that fits inside the toilet, and with a hole in the middle that you can gradually make bigger. When choosing a cat toilet training kit, ensure that you buy quality. The cat training kit should not be flimsy and should be able to support your cat's weight even when the hole becomes large. Be aware of cheap, flimsy products you buy at toy stores or pet stores, because if your cat falls in, it might loose interest in toilet training completely.

The disadvantages in toilet training your cat:

Not everyone agrees that cat toilet training is such a great idea. They argue that it is unnatural for a cat to use a toilet, as it goes against their natural instincts to cover up their smell. Toilet seats can also be slippery and there might be the risk of your cat injuring itself. Even if your cat doesn't fall in at all, he may become anxious whenever he uses the toilet and going to the toilet can become an unpleasant task.

A litter box also has the health benefit in that you can easier monitor your cat's urine for signs of infections or sickness.

Moving locations will also be harder for the cat, because a litter box can be moved easily but the cat will first need to get used to using the new toilet. With some cats this is no problem and they can become comfortable with the new toilet very fast, while other cats might be less adaptable.

Things to remember when toilet training a cat:

The most important thing to remember is that the toilet training should be done gradually. Be very patient and never rush to the next step until you are sure that you cat is completely comfortable with the current setup.

Make using the toilet as easy as you can for the cat. Always remember to keep the toilet seat up and the bathroom door open. When you have guests, ensure that they also know about considering your cat. Flush the toilet regularly as cats do not like using smelly toilets.

Claudine du Plessis is a cat-lover and webmaster of http://www.cat-urine.net

Keeping Your Feline Friend Fresh with Pine Cat Litter

2010-12-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Cat litter has definitely provided a lot of pet and homeowners with so much convenience. Before cat lovers had to put up with the unbearable stench of cat urine and feces but thanks to cat litter, Pussy's excrements are easy to eliminate and no longer as bad smelling. There are many different kinds and brands of cat litter in the market and one of the best of them all is pine cat litter.
Cat litter is used as a filling material for cat litter boxes where house cats defecate or urinate. The cat litter is supposed to absorb the moisture and reduce the bad smell coming from urine and feces, making the litter box more bearable at home. Pine cat litter fulfills these roles remarkably well, making it one of the best choices as a litter box filler.
There are different kinds of cat litter available in the market, allowing cat owners to choose from the wide variety according to their tastes and purposes. Some cat lovers choose cat litter for their odor control and absorbing power. Others choose cat litter that cannot easily be scattered all over the house. Some buy cat litter because they are biodegradable and environment friendly. Pine cat litter apparently can fulfill these considerations as it quite absorbent, track-resistant, and easy to dispose of.
Pine cat litter is a very much recommended type of cat litter for all cat lovers everywhere. A lot of people who have tried other kinds of cat litter such as clay, silica, sand, have ended up using pine cat litter because of its many advantages. There were people who first doubted using pine cat litter, but eventually they realized that it probably is the best kind of cat litter available commercially.
What Makes Pine Cat Litter So Good
Pine cat litter is a very good choice among other kinds of cat litter. First of all, it is organic - a gift of Mother Nature. It comes from recycled materials and it is in itself recyclable. Pine cat litter comes from biodegradable pine sawdust, it can easily be flushed down your toilet in small amounts. It can also be mixed into your garden soil to be used as compost fertilizer, saving you the need to buy synthetic or commercial plant food.
Pine cat litter also does not contain silica dust, unlike other types of cat litter like clay. Silica dust can be hazardous to health, and it would not be advisable to have them in products like cat litter. The dust particles can go airborne and be inhaled not only by your cat but other members of the family as well and this can cause a lot of problems in the lungs. When inhaled, silica dust can induce bronchitis or even lung cancer. It is not worth the risk to get these diseases just for a cheaper brand of cat litter. Pine cat litter would probably be a better choice for you and your cat in terms of health concerns.
Some cat owners get worried that their cats would not welcome the switch from their old cat litter to pine cat litter. Pine cat litter may have a very different texture from other kinds of cat litter. It usually comes in pellet form unlike the softer texture of other types, which seems to be more comfortable for cats. However, cats are actually tougher than most people think and they can definitely withstand the rougher texture of pine cat litter. Some cats may even like the tough consistency better than the sandy and smooth grain of other cat litter types.
Pine cat litter can be the best choice for you and your cat. It does most, if not everything that you would expect from an excellent cat litter. It is a good absorbent and deodorizer. It is easy to clean up and can even have other uses after consumption. It is safe for your health and that of your cat's. Most of all, it is environment friendly, so you do not have to worry about contributing to the deterioration of the planet.
The next time you buy cat litter for your feline friend, consider getting pine cat litter. It is good for you cat, good for you, and good for the planet. What more can you ask for?

Lee Dobbins writes for http://catlitter.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about cat litter, litter boxes and pine cat litter [http://catlitter.topicgiant.com/Articles/Pine_Cat_Litter.php].

Kidney Failure in Cats - How to Provide the Best Care Possible

2010-12-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a common cause of illness in older cats. Unlike some other organs such as the liver, damage to the kidneys cannot be repaired. Signs of renal disease are usually seen once at least 70-75% of the renal tissue has been irreversibly damaged and, once established, CRF is generally a naturally progressive condition. The rate of progression of disease can vary hugely from cat to cat. There is no cure for CRF and in people with this condition, dialysis treatment followed by renal transplantation are the main options. Neither of these treatments are currently available in the UK, although it is possible to improve the quality of life of affected cats by employing a variety of medical treatments tailored according to the individual's needs. In recent years many treatment advances have been made and there are now more options available to owners wishing to care for their cats with CRF. Before discussing these treatments in detail, it is important to consider what normal kidney function is and therefore the range of problems that cats with CRF may have.

In normal cats, the kidneys play many vital roles which include:

Elimination of waste products, drugs and toxins from the body via the urine

Regulation of the body's acidity, electrolyte levels (calcium, phosphate, potassium, sodium and chloride) and water balance

Production of hormones such as erythropoeitin (required to stimulate production of red blood cells by the bone marrow) and renin (important in controlling water and salt balance)

Activation of vitamin D (important in control of blood calcium and phosphate levels)

Regulation of blood pressure

Signs of CRF develop when two thirds to three quarters of renal function has been lost. Cats with CRF are vulnerable to problems including:

Accumulation of protein breakdown products (including urea and creatinine which can be measured in blood samples) which is associated with clinical signs of illness (e.g. nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)

Dehydration

Acidosis (increased blood acidity)

Electrolyte abnormalities

Anaemia (partly due to lack of production of erythropoeitin)

High blood pressure (systemic hypertension)

CRF cats often show non-specific signs of ill health such as a variable or poor appetite, weight loss, depression and sickness. An increased thirst is seen in about one third of cats with CRF although this clinical sign can also be seen with various other conditions common in middle aged and elderly cats such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus ('sugar diabetes'). Diagnosis of CRF therefore requires collection of blood and urine samples for analysis. Most commonly a diagnosis is made following identification of azotaemia (accumulation of the protein breakdown products creatinine and urea in the blood) and loss of urine concentrating ability (i.e. the urine is more dilute than it should be). Further tests may be required in some cats to identify the cause of the renal disease. For example ultrasound examination of the kidneys is usually a straightforward technique for identification of polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Management of cats with CRF involves a range of treatments tailored according to the individual's needs.

What is the ideal diet for cats with kidney problems?

It is common to prescribe specific dietary therapy since this has been shown to improve the quality of life and survival of cats with CRF and may reduce the rate of progression of disease. Renal diets typically have restricted levels of high quality protein which limits the amount of protein breakdown waste products for the ailing kidneys to excrete. Levels of phosphate are also restricted since cats with CRF have a tendency to retain excess amounts of this in the body which can contribute to their feeling unwell. Renal diets have increased amounts of potassium and B vitamins which CRF cats are vulnerable to losing in their urine and increased numbers of calories which helps CRF cats with a poor appetite to maintain a normal body weight. Renal diets usually have lower levels of sodium in them which may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure developing.

It is possible to prepare home cooked diets for cats with CRF and veterinary recipes are available for this purpose. Most owners do not elect for home cooking protocols as this is very time consuming and therefore not a practical option in most cases.

Cats with CRF often have a poor appetite and this can be exacerbated by offering special kidney diets which may not appeal to the cat. In some cases, the use of appetite stimulants such as the anti-histamine cyproheptidine (trade name Periactin) or anabolic steroids can be helpful in stimulating an adequate appetite. More recently some vets have been treating cats with persistently poor appetites by placing a feeding tube into the stomach. Feeding tubes can be placed into the stomach using endoscopy and are referred to as PEG tubes when this is done (percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy tube). Although an anaesthetic and short period of post-operative hospitalisation is required to place the tube, once in place these can be used for prolonged periods to administer food, liquids and medicines to the cat.

How can dehydration be treated and prevented?

Cats with CRF are vulnerable to becoming dehydrated since they are unable to produce concentrated urine. Encouraging cats to drink and maintain normal hydration is helpful, if possible, and moist diets are probably preferable. Offering flavoured water may encourage cats to drink more (e.g. fish broth) although it is important to not offer salty liquids as these can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other problems developing. Many cats with CRF do however prefer the dry kidney diets and it can be difficult to encourage drinking. In recent years, one treatment that has received a lot of attention is administration of fluids under the skin by the cat's owner (subcutaneous fluid therapy).

This is not currently a common recommendation in the UK although many USA owners of CRF cats are finding it a simple and valuable technique for helping their cat. In severe cases, dehydration may require treatment with intravenous fluid therapy (i.e. cat admitted to a veterinary surgery and placed on a drip). Giving additional fluids at home can therefore be helpful in preventing this. In addition, extra treatments such as potassium can be added to the fluids. Subcutaneous fluid therapy usually involves giving around 150 ml of fluid under the skin twice a week. The technique is well tolerated by most cats and owners include one report of a 19 year old cat with CRF that has been managed for 6 years using subcutaneous fluid therapy as part of the management protocol. If necessary, the regime can be changed to more frequent fluid administration. The owner will be trained in how to perform this technique by a veterinary surgeon or nurse - it is important that the fluid is given correctly in a sterile manner so that infections do not occur at the site of injection. Some cats do not tolerate this procedure and so it may not be suitable for all cats with CRF.

How can electrolyte problems be treated and prevented?

Electrolytes are salts present in the body which are required for normal cellular functions. The most common electrolyte imbalances in CRF cats involve potassium and phosphate. CRF cats are vulnerable to losing potassium in their urine which can cause a reduction in the blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia). Hypokalaemic cats can become very weak and lose their appetite. Although renal diets contain increased amounts of potassium in them, some cats with CRF can still develop low blood potassium levels. Additional potassium can be supplied to these cats as a powder, tablet or liquid.

CRF cats are vulnerable to accumulating phosphate which can make them hyperphosphataemic (have high blood phosphate levels). Oral phosphate binders are drugs which bind to phosphate present in the diet and limit what is absorbed by the cat's bowel. These drugs may be needed in CRF cats whose blood phosphate levels stay high in spite of dietary therapy or in those cats that will not eat a prescription diet.

How can systemic hypertension be treated and prevented?

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs in 20 - 30% of cats with CRF and can have serious consequences such as blindness. Monitoring of blood pressure is therefore important so that high blood pressure can be identified and treated rapidly where it occurs. Most practices now have facilities to measure blood pressure in cats and this is a technique which is simple, pain free and only takes a few minutes to perform. In those cats requiring treatment, anti-hypertensive drugs (such as oral amlodipine or benazepril) can be prescribed. Most cats need once daily therapy to maintain normal blood pressure.

What other treatments may be needed?

Additional treatments which may be prescribed according to the needs of the cat include:

Erythropoietin: Anaemia is common in cats with CRF and one reason for this is the decreased amounts of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys. Erythropoietin is a hormone that triggers red blood cell production by the bone marrow and treatment of anaemic CRF cats with human erythropoeitin can be helpful in reversing the anaemia. Unfortunately, this treatment can be expensive and may not always have a lasting effect as the human hormone is recognised as a foreign substance by the cat's body which eventually produces antibodies to the drug preventing it from having a useful effect. Another possible side effect of this treatment is development or exacerbation of high blood pressure so cats receiving this treatment need to be carefully monitored. There is research underway in two US universities to develop a feline erythropoietin which would be much more helpful and should not result in antibody production by the cat.

Iron supplementation: Some anaemic CRF cats are iron deficient so measuring iron status and considering iron supplementation may be useful. Iron is required in production of haemoglobin, the oxygen carrying molecule in red blood cells.

Anti-sickness pills for vomiting: cats with CRF may suffer from what is known as uraemic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach due to retention of waste products and hormones which the kidneys normally excrete). Anti-sickness treatments including antacids and anti-vomiting drugs can be very helpful at treating this problem which may help the cat to feel much better.

Prevention and treatment of acidosis: Cats with CRF are vulnerable to becoming acidotic (ie their blood is more acid than it should be). This has many consequences all of which make the cat feel more unwell. Where at all possible, cats with CRF should not be fed acidifying diets (these diets are often prescribed for cats with lower urinary tract problems such as cystitis and bladder stones) as this increases the likelihood of acidosis. Treatment for acidosis involves use of drugs like sodium bicarbonate.

Calcitriol (vitamin D therapy). Although still somewhat controversial, many clinicians have used this treatment in certain selected CRF patients and found it beneficial at maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphate.

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril (Fortekor®, Novartis): This treatment has recently been advocated based on research in people with CRF in which ACE inhibitors were found to increase the survival times. Data from a recent clinical trial in cats with CRF suggested that cats receiving this therapy had a better quality of life (as assessed by their owners), a reduction in the amount of protein they were losing in their urine and slightly increased survival times. Fortekor did not reduce the parameters used to assess renal function (e.g. blood urea and creatinine levels). In the same clinical trial, a specific sub-set of cats with CRF which were losing large amounts of protein in their urine showed an excellent response to Fortekor® treatment (dramatically improved survival, appetite and weight gain). Unfortunately this manifestation of CRF accounts for only a small proportion of all cats with CRF.

ACE inhibitors also lower the blood pressure and so may be prescribed as anti-hypertensive therapy.

Antibiotics: recent studies showed that up to 30% of cats with CRF suffer from a bacterial cystitis at some point in the course of their disease. In some cats this infection may spread to the kidneys further compromising the renal function. In other cats, the bacterial cystitis is a consequence of bacterial infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Cats with CRF may be more vulnerable to the development of bacterial urinary tract infections since the urine they are producing is so dilute. Unfortunately, in many cases the bacterial infection does not cause signs of cystitis (such as urinating more frequently, straining to urinate and passing bloody urine) which makes diagnosis of this complication difficult. Diagnosis requires collection of a urine sample which is assessed for microscopic evidence of bacteria and inoculated onto bacterial culture media for growth in a laboratory. A course of antibiotics, in some cases for weeks or months, may be needed to successfully eliminate bacterial urinary tract infections.

Other medications not discussed may be required in some cats with CRF and it is important to modify the treatment according to the specific requirements of each individual cat. The FAB website (http://www.fabcats.org/) contains useful information on renal disease as does the following web site which was designed by an owner of a cat with CRF http://www.felinecrf.com/

What is the prognosis for cats with CRF?

The long term outlook for cats with CRF is very variable ranging from a few weeks post diagnosis to many years. CRF is believed to be a progressive condition in most, if not all, cats although the rate of progression may vary considerably according to the cause of the disease and other individual factors. The prognosis is also affected by other issues including whether the cat has any other medical problems which influence its condition and how severe the consequences of renal disease are. For example, cats with anaemia caused by CRF often have a very poor long term prognosis as this is difficult to treat effectively for long periods of time. Owner and veterinary monitoring of affected cats helps to assess the severity of disease and rate of progression which ensures that affected cats receive all of the treatments that they need to help maintain good health. Care of affected cats at home can be very rewarding as well as helpful in ensuring that CRF patients have the best quality of life for as long as possible.

A comprehensive book 'Caring for a cat with kidney failure' by Dr Sarah Caney is available through her website as an e-book or as a printed on demand softback.

Dr Sarah Caney, Chief Executive, Cat Professional
http://www.catprofessional.com/index.html

Learn The Secrets To Keeping Your Cat Healthy And Happy

2010-12-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

Keeping a cat as a pet is a very rewarding experience. Cats can provide comfort, companionship, even entertainment. However, when something goes wrong and your feline friend is not feeling well, the results can be devastating. Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to help keep your cat healthy and happy.

Keeping your cat up-to-date on the necessary vaccinations will go a long way toward keeping your cat healthy and happy. Vaccinations ("shots") can help keep your cat from getting many of the serious diseases which can make your cat sick, or even perhaps threaten your cat's life. Your cat's individual lifestyle and situation will determine which vaccinations your cat needs to have and how often these vaccines need to be given. Your cat's veterinarian can help you determine what is right for your cat. Do not make the mistake of assuming that your cat does not need vaccinations if your cat lives indoors and never goes outside. This is simply not true, and there are diseases which your cat may be at risk for even if he/she never ventures outside. Nothing is more frustrating than watching your cat suffer through an illness that could easily have been prevented. If you do not know which vaccinations your cat needs, or whether your cat is up-to-date on these vaccines, please contact your veterinarian right now to find out.

Your cat also needs to be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (also called feline AIDS). These viruses are common and are passed from one cat to another. The viruses can be passed to kittens from their mother as well. A positive test for either of these viruses indicates that your cat has been exposed to that particular virus. If your cat is positive, his/her immune system may be compromised and your cat needs to observed even more closely. Veterinary care should be sought at the first sign of even mild disease symptoms. A positive test also indicates that your cat could potentially spread the disease to other cats, so your cat should be isolated from other cats if he/she is positive for either feline leukemia or feline AIDS.

Fleas and ticks can not only make your cat very itchy and uncomfortable, they can also carry disease which can cause serious illness for your cat. In addition to causing problems for your cat, fleas and ticks can also attack people, and can spread disease to us as well. You should make a habit of checking your cat's coat regularly for fleas and ticks and act immediately if you find evidence of these creatures on your cat. Fortunately, with the products we have available today, controlling or, better yet, preventing fleas and ticks is very simple. There are many products available that are safe, effective, and simple to use. Often, monthly application is all that is needed. Even cats which live indoors can get fleas. Fleas are small enough to sneak inside very easily. Preventing fleas and ticks will help keep your cat comfortable and healthy.

Preventing intestinal parasites, commonly called "worms", is also important in keeping your cat healthy. Finding out whether your cat has worms is as easy as collecting a sample from your cat's litter box and taking it to your cat's veterinarian for testing. You should do this regularly. If you see worms in your cat's feces, you should collect the worm, along with the feces, and take it to your cat's veterinarian. However, you should not assume that your cat does not have worms because you are not seeing them yourself. Your veterinarian will use special laboratory techniques to check for worm eggs which you cannot see.

Spaying or neutering your cat is another simple way to help keep your cat healthy. Spaying your female cat not only keeps your cat from coming into "heat" and becoming pregnant, but spaying also provides many health benefits for your cat. Spayed cats do not develop the serious, life-threatening uterine infections which are fairly common in cats which are not spayed. And spaying your cat at a young age will also dramatically lower the chances of breast cancer occurring later in life.

For male cats, neutering helps prevent unwanted litters of kittens. However, it also makes living with your male cat more pleasant. The odor of your cat's urine will be more tolerable if neutered, and he is not as likely to "spray" (urinate) inside of your house. He is also more likely to stay at home and less likely to get into cat fights if neutered. Neutering (or spaying) your cat will only improve your cats personality.

Regular physical examinations by your cat's veterinarian are also mandatory to help keep your cat healthy. Often, a thorough physical examination will find evidence of a health problem while the problem is still in the early stages. Many illnesses are more easily treated when detected early, and treatment is often more successful as well. Finding and treating health problems early can save your cat a great deal of suffering and even extend your cat's life by many years.

Lorie Huston has been a veterinarian for over 20 years, working with both dogs and cats. She emphasizes the use of routine preventive pet health care to keep your pets healthy and safe. Lorie is the owner, editor, and webmaster of The Pet Med Site where you will find a library of information pertaining to pet health care, including free audio recordings describing the secrets to keeping your dog or cat healthy. For more information, visit http://www.thepetmedsite.com/cat-health/

Nothing's Unhappier Than a Fat Cat

2010-12-22T06:05:00.000-08:00

Do you have a fat cat? Dog and cat obesity is the number one pet health problem that vets see today. Our pets are as susceptible to obesity as humans are. Of course, you love your cat and want the best for it. You make sure to treat it well and provide for its needs.

You may be treating your cat a little too well. If your cat is obese, it is at risk for diseases such as diabetes, Hepatic Lipidosis (fat seeping into the liver cells), and arthritis.

Just like humans, if a cat (or any other mammal for that matter) takes in more calories than its body can burn, the cat will gain weight. Forty percent of all cats in the United States today have a diagnosis of sedentary obesity and that percentage is growing.

In the wild, a cat expends a lot of energy to hunt down and catch its prey. Cat's bodies are designed to store nutrients when hunting is slim. A domestic cat that lives indoors doesn't have to hunt. Food is right there waiting for felines any time they want it - the perfect environment for a fat cat.

Many people refuse to see the fact that too much food is the cause of their fat cat and its weight problem. You may not be feeding your cat many treats, but you may be feeding them too much at one time, too often, or not enough meals in a day.

A cat that gets food once a day tends to gorge in case there won't be a next meal. Veterinarians suggest that you serve your cat two to four meals a day - and think in ounces, not cups. 0.6 to 1.0 ounces per serving is plenty.

Cats were never made to digest carbohydrates. Humans and dogs have special enzymes in their saliva to break down carbohydrates in the mouth. Researchers have found that cats have considerably less of these enzymes than we do. Dry pet food can have high amounts of carbohydrates (usually in the form of flour or sugar).

Dry cat food diets are not always the best for your cat's metabolism. The carbohydrates are immediately converted to fat and the result is a fat cat. Cats need a meat-based diet with high levels of protein. Research shows that diets high in fat and protein are best for carnivores such as cats - combined with plenty of exercise.

A lot of pet foods claim to be "perfectly balanced". The only way your cat is going to get its true, proper diet is if it was living in the wild. Popular brands of canned food use many fillers, such as grain, to make the food more visually appealing to the owners.

Yes, that's right; the food is produced to be appealing to you and not the cat. Grain is a replacement for real meat that your cat needs more than the carbohydrates grains provide.

Pre-packaged treats are another problem that create a fat cat. A treat once in a while is fine. However, owners make a habit of doling out treats far too much when they think the cat is restless or want to reward it for being cute. Never give your cat a treat to stop it from meowing, as this will only encourage your cat to vocalize more.

In effect, you're telling your cat "Good kitty! Keep talking and I'll give you another one of these treats!" If you must give your cat a treat, try giving it a small piece of cooked fish or chicken, something that is high in protein and better for the cat.

Of course, exercise is important to avoid a fat cat. If you can't change what your cat eats, you can at least try to help your cat burn extra calories. Unfortunately, you can't go for walks with your cat like you would a dog. Some cats might take to leash training, but it's rare.

A typical domestic cat's day consists of sleeping, eating, sleeping, and then waking up to sleep some more. If you have a fat cat, those habits will only increase as its weight slows it down. You need to provide your cat with toys and interesting things to do.

A cat needs to chase things, play hide and seek, stalk, and do something other than take naps in its favorite sunny window! If you can, get a second cat. The two cats will keep each other busy during the day while you're away at work.

Before starting any diet plan for your fat cat, bring the cat to a veterinarian. Your vet will give your cat a thorough physical exam and discuss with you exactly what options you have at hand to help your cat lose weight.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our cats portal for more great tips on treating a fat cat, and leave a comment at our cats [http://www.mynicheportal.com/pets-animals/nothings-unhappier-than-a-fat-cat] blog.

Nutrition and Cats!

2010-12-21T03:33:00.000-08:00

Now what do we feed our cats? Here is a subject that has so many pros and cons I could fill up 10 to 15 pages and still not come to a convincing conclusion. It boils down to commercial processed food versus natural foods plus the question do we feed our pets vitamins and supplements, too.

What really is natural pet food? The first thing that comes to mind is raw, unadulterated food. Actually mice and birds with maybe a squirrel or two thrown in are natural foods for a cat. Eating any one of these critters would provide your cat with all the proper nutrition it would need to live a long and healthful life.

According to the Pet Food Committee of the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) "natural" as it relates to pet food is a food or ingredient derived solely from a plant, an animal or a mined source. It can either be in it's natural state (raw) or processed by several means including cooking. The food per se remains "natural" as long as it has not been subjected to a chemical synthetic process and does not contain any additives that are chemically synthetic. Prophylene Glycol and BHA are two examples of chemically synthesized ingredients. Now don't you feel smarter?

Commercial pet food manufacturers have set recommendations given to them by AAFCO that set the standards for providing vitamins and minerals for our pets in their food. These standards do not provide the optimum level of vitamins and minerals needed. They only provide enough needed to prevent our pets from having a vitamin and mineral deficiency.

In an ideal world all commercially prepared pet food would provide our pets with a completely healthy and balanced diet. Not even the very best canned or dry food made for cats is perfect. There is not a 100% balanced and complete food to be found anywhere, no matter what the label says. Pet food for the most part is processed by heat and as we know heat destroys vitamins and enzymes. Even frozen and freeze-dried pet foods are not the "100% perfect food" to feed your pet.

The ASPCA believes "if your pet is eating a healthful balanced diet of high quality food, then vitamin supplementation is not necessary."

I believe that statement is true for the most part, however here in the world of humans, we try to eat right and still find it necessary to take vitamins and supplements to offset the processed foods we eat.

So what is the answer, when it comes to caring for our cats. One

thing I know for certain is that it is very important as a cat parent that you refrain from adding supplements to your cat's diet without first consulting your vet. The workings of a cat's internal system is very different than that of a dogs and many supplements and/or people medications can cause serious problems for a cat. It is very possible to "over dose" your pet with vitamins and other supplements. Our motto is "when in doubt" call your vet before you try any thing new.

The purpose of this chapter is not to reform any of you, but to inform and enlighten you to the options open regarding feeding your cat. First of all I will tell you the story of our 3 cats and what they eat. At our house we are very open-minded, we are aware of good nutrition for ourselves and we follow a healthy diet (with no extremes). We work every day and are in very good health. The same is true for our cats (no they don't work, but are in very good health.) If our physician and our vet had to depend on us for support, they both would have become street people.

Miss Tiger, our 9 year old eats a variety of canned cat food (no one particular brand), she also eats different varieties of dry cat food (small amounts) plus lightly cooked chicken and lean pork, which has to have some garlic on it or she won't eat it. She does not like beef raw or cooked. Once in awhile she has some milk and cheddar cheese (which I grate). Tiger has maintained her same weight for the last 6 years. Her teeth are perfect, no tartar build up. She gets special treats that help reduce hairball problems, a cat vitamin twice a week (ground up and added to her food) and goes to the vet once a year for her shots and a checkup for parasites (never had any). Miss Tiger is an indoor/outdoor cat.

Boots, our 14 year old eats the same diet that Miss Tiger does with one exception, he eats raw beef. He, too is one mean lean machine. His weight never varies, his teeth are perfect and he is extremely healthy. I will add he is a Tuxedo cat (black and white) with the softest fur I have ever felt and for whatever reason remains flea free. I have read that some Tuxedo cats are that way and he is one of them. He too, is an indoor/outdoor cat.

Smokey, our 8 year old, is a complex individual. Smokey was born that way; we acquired him when he was approximately 2 days old. As soon as he was old enough to eat kitten food, he wouldn't. He would consider some cooked chicken, but cat food NEVER. Smokey was born with many physical problems, which is most likely why his mother abandoned him and a litter mate that we could not save. He could not use his back legs and we truly thought he would have to have a small 2-wheel cart attached to his back legs to help him become mobile. Our vet couldn't give us any advice regarding the fact he would not eat cat food other than don't feed him for a few days and then he will eat what you put down, not so. Found out later that this could have killed him, as cats cannot go with out food for any great length of time. Needless to say, we no longer have that vet. Smokey would rather starve and he did for a few days as we did try the vet's advice (unwillingly). What was wrong with his back legs remained a mystery.

A fellow cat lover friend brought me a book on natural cat care. I am sorry I don't know the name or author of the book, as I just copied a few pages out of it. However, there was a recipe for a Vita-Mineral mix which I mixed with baby food (sweet potatoes and corn plus baby food lamb) and a little water and put it in a kitten bottle and started feeding this to Smokey twice a day. Smokey drank this along with eating some cooked chicken and raw beef. Slowly, but surely he started using his back legs wobbly at first, but with gradual improvement. Today, Smokey is a beautiful cat, very healthy and can jump up on the couch or bed (can't jump much higher, but that's okay with me. What does he eat? He is a raw beef cat, but will also eat cheddar cheese (only if it is grated) and he gets a bottle every evening. I have varied the formula and I now feed him a cat vitamin (it gets ground in a small coffee grinder) that contains all the vitamins and minerals a cat needs and I mix in the baby sweet potatoes and corn plus some canned kitten food and water. As with the other two, Smokey is an indoor/outdoor cat and is one of the best mousers around. He brings us presents several times a week, as we live in Florida and have citrus trees and fruit rats (I prefer to think of them as large mice).

For those of you that might be interested in the recipe or have a need for something that is really great for your cat here is the formula. It is rather like building a mouse (your cat's best food source.)

Cat Formula

Vitamin - Mineral Mix

1 ½ cups of brewer's yeast

¼ kelp powder (We could only find tablets, we ground them)

1 cup lecithin granules

2 cups of wheat bran

2 cups of bone meal, calcium lactate or calcium gluconate

Mix together and store in an air tight covered container (glass or plastic). Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator. Add a teaspoon of the Vita Mix to your cat's food twice a day. This is extremely healthy and it will do wonders for your cat.

Whether you are looking to supplement a commercial diet or just boost your cat's nutrition a bit you need to remember that vitamins and minerals work together supporting the absorption and assimilation of each other. This means the vitamins and supplements work in tandem with each other and too much of one and not enough of another can create problems. Before you embark on changing your cat's diet or adding anything to it consult your vet or your pet practitioner. The vitamin I am using now for all three cats is a Hartz cat vitamin that contains everything a cat needs (it's like a multi vitamin for cats.) It can be found in most grocery stores and pet stores, the price is very reasonable.

Now back to my discussion about processed cat food. Every day, we (you and me) feed our cats either dry or canned food. We buy the best (we think) for them. We read labels, watch the ads on TV and talk to our vet. We do our best to find that 100% complete and balanced food to feed our pets.

Here's where it get complicated, just think about this, how do "they" know it is 100% complete and balanced. There is nothing in this world, especially in the world of nutrition that is 100% complete.

Take dry food for instance. You see a label that says "complete and balanced" on your cat food. Dry food is so convenient and easy to serve and our cats seem to love it. Consider this question "why does it not grow stale?" Could the preservatives be the answer? What are they? Dry food is relatively inexpensive. Why? Could it be because it is generally made of corn or other grains? Grains are high in carbohydrates and low in valuable nutrition. Have you ever seen any meat in the packages? Did you know that dry dog food was invented 60 -70 years ago as a spin off of our cereal industry?

Buying the least expensive food for your cat will in truth cost you more in the long run. The less expensive foods have more grain and fillers and more than likely they have "by products" which you don't even want to know about. With the better grade of cat food your pet more than likely will eat less. It will be more filling and satisfying. It will have more of the nutrients that your pet needs and you will have a healthier pet. Keep in mind that cats cannot readily digest carbohydrates; too many carbs can cause diabetes in cats. Cats are carnivores (meat eaters) dogs are omnivores (meat and plant eaters). Your pet is part of your family and a healthy pet is a happy one.

First of all nutrition is not a completed science, it is a science based on other sciences, such as chemistry, physics and biology. Have you ever heard of a scientist exclaiming to the world that everything in his or her field is 100% true? I haven't. To claim that a pet food is 100% this or that is saying that it is perfection. Do you believe that nutritionists have gained all that knowledge? I don't.

Feeding your pet (cat or dog) requires common sense. You use common sense in feeding your family. Think about the pet food manufacturing companies, they are in business to sell pet food and believe it or not to make money.

Granted there are some companies that do their best to produce a food that meets the high standards of the AAFCO and other organizations. Just about anyone can create and produce a commercial pet food, however nutrition is a serious business and we need to be aware of what our pets are eating

The question here is what do you do about it? Like I said in the beginning there is much to be said about feeding your pet (cat or dog) and like you, I don't have all the answers. What I am going to do here is make a list of things to watch out for when buying processed foods and give you an idea of some "people food" that is really healthy for your cat. This is by no means the "pet food bible." It is just my thoughts and observations from many years of many animals. Did I mention that we have 6 children that might give you an idea of the number of pets that have passed through our lives? Not only have we lived with cats and dogs throw in a few baby squirrels, horses, some birds, a few fish and a few resident snakes. Right now I have visiting possums, a raccoon, and a tortoise or two.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Refrain from buying commercial pet products that contain "animal by products" this is very scary, you have no idea what kind of by products and if they were healthy. Organ meats are acceptable.

2. Do not buy foods that have artificial coloring or preservatives like propylene glycol, sodium nitrite, BHA or BHT.

3. Realize those pet foods, even the ones that are well rated usually are cooked, cooking usually destroys most of the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

4. Just a gentle reminder that cats are carnivores and will enjoy some fresh meat in their diets. Which means cats require a very high protein and low fat diet. Vegetables just really don't cut it with cats, however there are a few that enjoy a nibble or two of corn and some other vegetables.

5. Do not treat your cat as a small dog. Cats need protein; they need taurine, which is important for their eyesight, cardiovascular system and their reproductive system.

6. Cats have strange eating habits, ours like to snack many times a day, others respond to a morning and evening feeding. Cats will adjust to your schedule if you just give them a chance

Our cats are a prime example of good health, we do mix processed foods along with raw and in the case of Miss Tiger her food is lightly cooked as she does not like raw meat as the boys do. Miss Tiger and Boots get a cat multi vitamin twice a week, while Smokey gets one every day in his bottle as his diet is basically devoid of food that cats should eat. Meat and cheese though great in a cat's diet do not provide all the nutrients a cat needs to be healthy.

Should you be a person that feels you need to be cooking for your cat, there are many great recipes on the Internet for making gourmet cat meals. These are all healthy foods that will make your pet happy and make you feel good, too. Home cooked meals are fine for your cat, but in truth you will not be providing all the necessary nutrients that will keep your cat healthy. A cat's body is unique and requires nutrients in certain proportions that we as average pet parents cannot provide. So give your cat home cooked treats once in a while, but follow your vet's advice regarding your cat's diet most of the time.

Use your common sense in feeding your pets, doing things in moderation never hurt anyone, besides variety is the spice of life. You enjoy new tastes and new adventures and just maybe your pets will too.

Bon Appetite!!!

If you are thinking of getting a cat or would like more informative information about raising a cat, I have a great book on cat care called "So! You Want to Get a Cat" available on Amazon.com. Also, if this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap - A Doorman For Your Cats

2010-12-20T02:32:00.000-08:00

Do you love cats? If so how many cats do you have? Is your cat well behaved?

How many times do you consider your cat's safety? Does your cat return home safely at nights, without any rashes or bruises that are indeed created by other cats?

How certain are you that only your cat eats the food that you give them and they are not being joined by other cats when you are out? Most of the cat lovers would be finding it difficult to answer these questions.

Indeed these are the daily problems faced by cat lovers. These questions make the cat lovers feel worried about their dearest pets.

Most cat owners know how worrying it is when their cat goes missing for a day or more. Is there a remedy for all these hard moments? If at all there is a solution, will it guarantee on the safety and security of the pet? What can be done to stop these kind of problems for good?

Can your cat be safe from being bullied by other stray cats? Can your cat be safe in indoor without escaping, if the weather outside is very terrible and violent? The good news is that there is a very easy answer to all these questions. And of course that answer is Yes!

The antidote for all these physical and environmental threats that are literally experienced by the owner and the pet has now come to light. It comes in the form of a special cat flap called the Pet Porte Smart Flap.

The Pet Porte microchip cat flap is the first cat flap that effectively keeps other cats out. It provides an enhanced level of security that makes cats lives and the owners lives much better.

This is a Collarless technology, which indeed keeps the pet away from hard and rough collars which leaves a mark on the neck of the pet.

The Pet Porte microchip cat flap was invented and patented by David Chamberlain, one of Guernsey's leading vets, which is the first in a series of inventions that will be coming onto the market intended to make your life, and your cat's life, more enjoyable.

Pet Porte is the world's first cat flap to stop other cats from entering your home and it recognises your cat without the need for electronic or magnetic cat collar attachments, heavy collar tags, restrictive collars or infra red.

The technology is completely safe and cats will not even notice that they are being scanned when they approach the door.

Cats love to use the Pet Porte microchip cat flap and it keeps them safe. The Pet Porte microchip cat flap is easy to use, and it's simple to program your cats in, most probably the user of this Pet Porte product will not require you to constantly refer to the manual, because everything is operated from just two buttons, one red and one green.

One the cats that you program in are allowed entry. You can program in up to 32 cats. The door is extra strong and cannot be bashed open..

In the Pet Porte microchip cat flap there are two distinct modes worth mentioning.

Two of the most popular modes are the VET MODE and the NIGHT MODE:

You can use the VET MODE whenever you want to keep your cats indoors. When you activate the NIGHT MODE your cats can always come back inside but they will not be able to get out when it is dark, they will be kept in until it is light again in the morning. These two modes make the Pet Porte microchip cat flap unique to all other cat flaps on the market.

The Pet Porte Smart Flap is very easy to install and operate.

Programming the Pet Porte is again a very short and simple process, as there are no complex steps involved, indeed the whole installation is only a single step process.

Simply hold down the green button for ten seconds and release. The lights start to flash. Then hold your cat under the outside sensor. It beeps three times. That is all the owner has to do, in order to finish with the programming process, in this same method an average of 32 different cats (approx) can be programmed.

There may be a question arising among the users that what actually happens when the pet is made to pass through the Pet Porte. When the cat is approaches the Pet Porte the intelligent sensors present in the sensor porch of the cat flap recognizes the existing microchip ID implants, the door unlocks only for your cats. Stray cats or neighbours cats, even those with microchips, are not allowed access because they are not programmed in.

This adorable product uses an adapter that is fixed directly to the power supply, rather than using batteries which may run out frequently or unexpectedly. The current is safe because it is low voltage, and its not at all harmful for the cat by any means, so there is no chance of short circuits, even if the cat chews or pounces on the lead, as the voltage is very low. Even if the cat flap is disconnected from the power it will always remember your cat's microchip numbers.

The major characteristics of the magic door that is used in the Pet Porte is that its highly tensile and strong as it has the capacity to withstand the pouncing/attacks,even if it is created by the toughest cat around on the streets.

Because the cat flap is powered by AC adaptor, the magic door unlocks at the blink of an eye, i.e. in just few microseconds, so that you're lovable cat can enjoy its play with the Pet Porte, even if she/he loves to dash in and out at speed.

The Pet Porte is friendly device to your pet, and it is designed in such a way that, there will not be any possibilities in which the tail or the paws of the pet getting stuck. Eventually there are no possibilities for other stray cats to enter, thus making your cat feel free and relaxed at all times.

The Pet Porte microchip cat flap has many clever features which makes it unique and reliable when compared to all the other cat doors. In fact the other cat doors on the market such as traditional, magnetic and infrared flaps all have their own disadvantages at different situations.

With traditional cat doors the result is that within one night the owner can see his house ruined i.e. his curtains torn, urine all over the wall, the cat food missing from its tray, the pet left with the marks of being bullied-all these are the problems created by none others than the neighbours cats. Thus these are the adverse effects caused when traditional type flaps are used.

Secondly, comes the magnetic cat flaps, all the cats with magnetic collars can gain access through the door, this is a major drawback. And the other issue is that, magnetic collars are heavily and tight, that makes the pet feel uncomfortable.

Thirdly comes the infrared cat flaps, these have sensors both at the transmitting and receiving ends and the door opens only if the sensor in the collar points directly to the sensor on the door. These Infrared cat flaps are expensive too.

Finally all these disadvantages experienced when using other cat flaps are in turn changed into an merit when the Pet Porte microchip cat flap is installed.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PET PORTE MICROCHIP CAT FLAP

The Pet Porte microchip cat flap was designed to be the best cat flap in the world. The irritation caused by the collar on a cat can be avoided by the use of the cats existing microchip. With the help of the locking mechanism, stray cats can be kept out.

The pains of calling your cat in at night is no longer an issue because the cat flap can detect the light level automatically and help to keep your cats in at night.

With the presence of the Pet Porte microchip cat flap, you will be able to know, if your cat inside the house or elsewhere, the beeping system of the Pet Porte will make you aware of the presence of your cat inside the house. You can easily switch the beep off if it makes your cats nervous.

The presence of a magnetic latch in the Pet Porte keeps the flap intact when the wind blows therefore protecting the cats from getting hurt.

The simple two button operation mechanism gives a full control over your cats world.

The microchip cat flap allows you to program up to 32 cats of your liking and only the cats which are programmed in are allowed access.

The programmable memory within the Pet Porte prevents the loss of information about your cats if the power is disconnected.

All of this comes under low voltage intake with no batteries to replace so your cat will never get locked outside.

This product is cat friendly and makes it virtually impossible for your cat to get its paws stuck in the door. Hence the Pet Porte microchip cat flap is a divine product that has been launched to quench the thirst of concerned cat lovers, and it is now available to cat lovers worldwide.

Many customers say that it makes them feel comfortable and relaxed at nights rather than worrying about their pets, since there is a friend there at the door step providing the most sophisticated level of security to the lovable kitties.

You can order online from Microchip Cat Flaps - a website recommended by Cats Protection, leading vets and Your Cat magazine.

What Is Cat Secret Talk?

2010-12-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

Most of us are familiar with a variety of cat sounds, including meows, hissing, growls and purrs. A meow can mean anything from "I want food" to "will you play with me?" to "hello there". Some cats, such as Siamese cats, are much more vocal than others. No one knows exactly how the purring sound is made but it usually indicates contentment. Hissing and growling usually mean the cat feels threatened or unhappy about something. Cats, especially very young ones, might make these sounds when playing too.
Cats rarely meow when communicating amongst themselves. They use a combination of body language, tail movement, scent and eye contact. When communicating with humans, cats differ their sounds by rhythm, intensity, pitch, tone and volume, so we can take a reasonable guess at what they are trying to say.
Cats sometimes use sounds when communicating with one another too. If a kitten wanders off, the mother cat might meow loudly and clearly to call her offspring back to safety. A cat might hiss or growl if another cat or intrudes on its territory. A cat enjoying some prey it has hunted will also use these sounds to warn off another cat coming too close.
Cat Sense of Smell and Communication
A cat's sense of smell is acute and highly developed. It is used in several ways to facilitate communication. Two cats living together will sniff each other several times a day. This tells the cats where the other has been, what they have been doing, what they have recently eaten and whether they came into contact with another animal. Cats detect pheromones left by other cats, usually when marking territory. If a cat could talk, it might ask these things verbally but a few sniffs tell them everything they need to know.
Cats living together often groom one another. This provides social interaction, removes parasites and keeps the fur clean. A mother cat recognises the scent of her own kittens and grooms them often to provide comfort, keep them clean and encourage bowel movements.
Cat Talk and Hierarchy
Hierarchy amongst cats is determined by the outcomes of social interactions between the cats. Some factors determining hierarchy include gender, the environment, reproductive status, age, size, aggressiveness and submissiveness.
Hierarchy between cats is different to hierarchy between dogs. Dogs are pack animals and exhibit dominant actions, such as growls, stares or body checks. Cats, on the other hand, don't live or hunt in packs. If two or more cats live together, the hierarchy might be present but humans might not recognise the subtle dominance signals and cat secret talk is used to decide hierarchy. One sure-fire way to upset a hierarchy is to introduce a new cat. The newcomer's status is unclear so the other cats will use their secret communication to sort the situation out.
Cat Communication and Territory
Cats are territorial animals. Their territory is usually a combination of places they share with other cats and other places they consider theirs and their alone. A cat marks its territory by urinating, scratching or rubbing its body on an object. Other cats can see these marks as clearly as signposts, telling them which other cat's territory they are in. Cats can detect pheromones in urine or from a place where another cat has rubbed itself.
With so many ways of determining territory, hierarchy and much more, cats hardly need words!

What is Cat Secret Talk?
Most of us are familiar with a variety of cat sounds, including meows, hissing, growls and purrs. A meow can mean anything from "I want food" to "will you play with me?" to "hello there". Some cats, such as Siamese cats, are much more vocal than others. No one knows exactly how the purring sound is made but it usually indicates contentment. Hissing and growling usually mean the cat feels threatened or unhappy about something. Cats, especially very young ones, might make these sounds when playing too.
Cats rarely meow when communicating amongst themselves. They use a combination of body language, tail movement, scent and eye contact. When communicating with humans, cats differ their sounds by rhythm, intensity, pitch, tone and volume, so we can take a reasonable guess at what they are trying to say.
Cats sometimes use sounds when communicating with one another too. If a kitten wanders off, the mother cat might meow loudly and clearly to call her offspring back to safety. A cat might hiss or growl if another cat or intrudes on its territory. A cat enjoying some prey it has hunted will also use these sounds to warn off another cat coming too close.
Cat Sense of Smell and Communication
A cat's sense of smell is acute and highly developed. It is used in several ways to facilitate communication. Two cats living together will sniff each other several times a day. This tells the cats where the other has been, what they have been doing, what they have recently eaten and whether they came into contact with another animal. Cats detect pheromones left by other cats, usually when marking territory. If a cat could talk, it might ask these things verbally but a few sniffs tell them everything they need to know.
Cats living together often groom one another. This provides social interaction, removes parasites and keeps the fur clean. A mother cat recognises the scent of her own kittens and grooms them often to provide comfort, keep them clean and encourage bowel movements.
Cat Talk and Hierarchy
Hierarchy amongst cats is determined by the outcomes of social interactions between the cats. Some factors determining hierarchy include gender, the environment, reproductive status, age, size, aggressiveness and submissiveness.
Hierarchy between cats is different to hierarchy between dogs. Dogs are pack animals and exhibit dominant actions, such as growls, stares or body checks. Cats, on the other hand, don't live or hunt in packs. If two or more cats live together, the hierarchy might be present but humans might not recognise the subtle dominance signals and cat secret talk is used to decide hierarchy. One sure-fire way to upset a hierarchy is to introduce a new cat. The newcomer's status is unclear so the other cats will use their secret communication to sort the situation out.
Cat Communication and Territory
Cats are territorial animals. Their territory is usually a combination of places they share with other cats and other places they consider theirs and their alone. A cat marks its territory by urinating, scratching or rubbing its body on an object. Other cats can see these marks as clearly as signposts, telling them which other cat's territory they are in. Cats can detect pheromones in urine or from a place where another cat has rubbed itself.
With so many ways of determining territory, hierarchy and much more, cats hardly need words!

Thomas Kellerman has been training cats for many years. To find out more about cat secret talk and how they communicate, just visit: http://www.ourcatsecrets.com/cat-chat-how-cats-communicate.html

Raw Cat Food - Why It's the Best Diet For Your Cat, and What Are the Trade-offs For You?

2010-12-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

The biggest myth surrounding cat ownership is that cats are worry free, self-contained and self-providing pets that require little or no maintenance. Cats are so good at giving people the impression of independence and self-reliance that people believe they don't have to provide the highly focused attention to cats that, say, dogs require. The fact of the matter is that cats do require the same attention to detail that any dog does, and maybe even a little more, in some cases. This is especially true when it comes to probing the controversy regarding whether raw cat food is better that canned cat food or kibbles for your feline ward.

It's a sad thing to look around our country these days and see so many people who have allowed themselves to become overweight and then have to deal with the consequential suffering and ill-health effects of obesity. Diabetes, shortness of breath, constant exhaustion from lugging around so many extra pounds and lowered self-esteem. Of course, the garment industry is singing happy tunes with all the extra thread they have to put together. There's no shortage of explanations for why this situation has come about, but I think when it comes down to it we can only blame ourselves at the individual level for allowing such a condition to take root. After all, how many pounds overweight does one have to get before they realize that something's not right and becoming a problem? 10, 20... 50 lbs? And how long does it take to realize that the magic pills, diets, elixirs and effortless, lose-weight-with-no-work-out machines are products being marketed to your ego, to separate you from your bank account, and not to solve your problem? No... the only way to find an ideal normality is with thorough research, discovery and a lot of hard work accompanied with a healthy life style change. But, enough sermonizing about the human condition. This is about cats, their eating habits and raw cat food.

One thing needs to come along with this discussion from the previous paragraph. Most people are not experts in animal nutrition and rely on others to lead them in the right direction. The source for most 'experts' available to a person for their daily decision making and selection of choices usually comes to us through the traditional media of radio, newspapers, television and now, the internet. Media offers two kinds of resources. Investigative reporting which is presented in newscasts or opinion pieces, and secondly, the marketing hype that provides commercial broadcast funding. The former is reliable enough to put credence into and might call for further research on your part if it interests you. The latter really only wants you to spend your money with them. That's not necessarily bad... it does ultimately put people to work and provides many with an adequate, and even comfortable living. Unfortunately, the bottom line is... corporations only have one objective in the end. That is to feed their bottom line. Now recent events have caused many to reconsider the morality behind a corporations goals. But, as long as this market structure is the paradigm for our economy, the ultimate goal for big business will always be to maximize their profit-loss statements towards the profit end of the spectrum, any way they can get away with, and at your expense... literally.

So, what does this have to do with cats and if raw cat food is what you should be feeding them? Simply put, most people rely on the marketing hype to base their decisions regarding the food they feed their pets. Which is exactly the wrong source for basing such a critical decision. Take the cat for example. It's not only a scientific fact, but a cultural one also, that the cat is described as an obligate carnivore. This defines cats as creatures who derive most of their food nutrients from the animals they hunt and consume (raw cat food). When a cat devours it's prey, she will eat everything including not only muscle meat, but the brains, organ meat and the stomach and its contents which may consist of grasses and grains. One thing she doesn't do is fire up a stove and saute or bake her dinner, or prepare a nice sauce to go with it. She eats it raw. Cultural purists use this description as an argument that feeding cats store bought, mass produced canned or dry cat food is doing your cat a disservice by depriving her of the natural nutrients she would normally get in the raw cat food she captures in the wild, and for which she was biologically designed.

Pottenger's cats

Francis M. Pottenger, Jr. (1901 - 1967) was the son of Francis M. Pottenger, Sr., the physician who co-founded the Pottenger Sanatorium for treatment of tuberculosis in Monrovia, California. Between 1932 and 1942 he conducted what is know as the Pottenger Cat Study. One part of this study was what effect heat had on the nutrient value of raw food. In other words, what happens to food when you cook it.

"Pottenger used donated laboratory cats to test the potency of the adrenal extract hormones he was making. The adrenal glands of these cats were removed for the experiments and Pottenger noted that most of the cats died during or following the operation. He was feeding the cats a supposedly nutritive diet consisting of raw milk, cod liver oil and cooked meat scraps of liver, tripe, sweetbread, brains, heart and muscle.

When the number of donated cats exceeded the supply of food available, Pottenger began ordering raw meat scraps from a local meat packing plant, including organs, meat, and bone; and fed a separate group of cats from this supply. Within months this separate group appeared in better health than the cooked meat group. Their kittens were more energetic and, most interestingly, their post-operative death rate was lower.

At a certain point, he decided to begin a controlled scientific exploration. Pottenger conducted studies involving approximately 900 cats over a period of ten years, with three generations of cats being studied.

Meat study:

In one study, one group of cats was fed a diet of:

Two-thirds raw meat, one-third raw milk, and cod-liver oil
A second group was fed a diet of two-thirds cooked meat, one-third raw milk, and cod-liver oil.

The cats fed the all-raw diet were healthy while the cats fed the cooked meat diet developed various health problems:

By the end of the first generation the cats started to develop degenerative diseases and became quite lazy.
By the end of the second generation, the cats had developed degenerative diseases by mid-life and started losing their coordination.
By the end of the third generation the cats had developed degenerative diseases very early in life and some were born blind and weak and had a much shorter life span. Many of the third generation cats couldn't even produce offspring. There was an abundance of parasites and vermin while skin diseases and allergies increased from an incidence of five percent in normal cats to over 90 percent in the third generation of deficient cats. Kittens of the third generation did not survive six months. Bones became soft and pliable and the cats suffered from adverse personality changes. Males became docile while females became more aggressive.
The cats suffered from most of the degenerative diseases encountered in human medicine and died out totally by the fourth generation.

At the time of Pottenger's Study the amino acid taurine had been discovered but had not yet been identified as an essential amino acid for Cats. Today many cats thrive on a cooked meat diet where taurine has been added after cooking. The deficient diets lacked sufficient taurine to allow the cat's to properly form protein structures and resulted in the health effects observed. Pottenger himself concluded that there was likely an "as yet unknown" protein factor (taurine) that may have been heat sensitive.

Milk Study:

In another study, dubbed the "Milk Study,", the cats were fed 2/3 milk and 1/3 meat. All groups were fed raw meat with different groups getting raw, pasteurized, evaporated, sweetened condensed or raw metabolized vitamin D milk. The cats on raw milk were the healthiest while the rest exhibited varying degrees of health problems similar to the previous cooked meat study.

This particular Pottenger cat study has been cited by advocates of raw milk as evidence that it is likely healthier for humans than pasteurized milk." +

Though Pottenger's experiments don't conclusively verify that raw cat food diets are better for sustaining a healthy support for the physiological needs of cats than cooked (canned) or dry kibbles, (because he didn't use canned cat food or kibbles in the experiments) certain conclusions can be drawn.

Cooking meat can destroy certain food nutrients, namely amino acids (proteins)
Cats thrive more healthily on raw meat rather than cooked meat with less degenerative results
Cooking meat for your cat requires the replacement of the essential amino acid taurine, and possibly other nutrients destroyed in the cooking process

Pet food marketing hype says that "XYZ" cat food products are healthy for your pet because it adds "ABC" nutrients, vitamins and minerals to their product which safeguards your cat's health. Fortunately, marketing laws require that the ingredients in any given product be listed on the packaging of your cat's food. Ultimately, it is left up to you to make the decision about which is the best shelf product for your cat.

For a discussion that details interpreting cat food labels CLICK HERE

Today's problem plagued market place has left many in doubt as to whether the corporate entities that supply the bulk of our aggregate necessities can continue to be worthy of our trust. Arrogance and greed have always gone head to head with social morality and it's usually the end user that ends up paying with unnecessary suffering. Many pet owners have now taken matters into their own hands and are resorting to providing from raw ingredients meals made with their own hands for their pets. It's not a bad step but certain measures, which include a life-style change, need to be taken when preparing your pet's meals to keep her safe from bacterial infection and insure that her nutritional needs are met.

Here's an example of a raw cat food meal preparation from scratch:

2 kg [4.4 pounds] raw muscle meat with bones (chicken necks are mostly cartilage, are easy to chop and easy for the cat to digest) thighs and drumsticks or, better, a whole carcass of rabbit or chicken amounting to 2 kg; if you don't use a whole carcass, opt for dark meat like thighs and drumsticks from chicken or turkey)
400 grams [14 oz] raw heart, ideally from the same animal (if no heart is available, substitute with 4000 mg Taurine)
200 grams [7 oz] raw liver, ideally from the same animal (if you can't find appropriate liver, you can substitute 40,000 IU of Vitamin A and 1600 IU of Vitamin D--but try to use real liver instead of substitutes).

NOTE: If you cannot find the heart or liver and decide to substitute with the Taurine/Vitamin A and D, then remember to replace the missing amount of organ meat with the equivalent amount of muscle meat. In other words, if you cannot find heart, you add another 400 grams of the meat/bones. If you can't find the liver, add another 200 grams of meat/bones.

16 oz [2 cups] water
4 raw egg yolks (use eggs from free-range, antibiotic-free chickens if you can)4 capsules raw glandular supplement (such as, for example, "Raw Multiple Glandular" from Premier Labs)4000 mg salmon oil
200 mg Vitamin B complex
800 IU Vitamin E ("dry E" works well) Buy Vitamin E in dry powder form. It's much easier to deal with than those little oil-filled capsules.OPTIONAL: 1/4 teaspoon of kelp and 1/4 teaspoon of dulse (1/2 teaspoon total) Try and get dulse and kelp in powder form that you can easily measure with a teaspoon rather than in capsule form. Taking apart those capsules is time consuming. If you can only find kelp in caplet form, you'll need to spend time crushing the caplets with a mortar and pestle.OPTIONAL: 4 teaspoons psyllium husk powder (8 teaspoons if using whole psyllium husks) ?

It looks like this recipe will produce about 5- 6 lbs of finished raw cat food product which would feed a single cat for several weeks. That means most of it would have to be frozen in individual air tight containers and thawed as needed.

The digestive system of a cat is designed to handle things human systems can't. Their stomachs have a highly acidic environment, which is an excellent deterrent to ingested bacteria such as e coli and salmonella. In the wild, cats sometimes eat some pretty iffy stuff with no ill effects. Wild cats die more often from infection due to injuries than from food poisoning. However, there are steps you can take if you have concerns about raw cat food bourn bacteria.

Avoid packaged supermarket ground beef using whole chunks of meat instead
Buy "free-range" meat and poultry as fresh as possible
Add priobiotics (which help maintain intestinal health) to your raw food preparation
Proper handling of raw cat food is essential since some raw cat food may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or your pets. Be sure to keep raw cat food meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash hands prior to, and after handling raw cat food. Wash working surfaces, bowls, and utensils that come in contact with raw meat with hot, soapy water. Always wash your hands after cleaning your cat's waste; this includes litter boxes.
Pick up and dispose of uneaten raw cat food within 30 minutes of feeding your cat

Preparing raw cat food meals from scratch for your cat is a labor of love indulged in by purists. Most people don't have the time, and maybe lack the talent to take on such a task. If you count yourself among this latter group, rest easy. Ready-made products are finding their way to the market place. There are complete raw cat food meals which are shipped frozen and there are mixes which all you have to do is add the meat. Just remember that if you are going with the mix, be certain that the essential amino acids such as taurine are included. If not then be sure to add the heart (a source for taurine) and other organ meat from the same animal if possible, with the raw cat food meal so that your cat won't be deprived of these critical ingredients.

So, what are the trade-offs you ask?

Well, for one thing you will have to forego the convenience of one-stop-shopping in the supermarket pet food aisles. Orders for raw cat food meals or mixes are mostly made on-line so you will have to deal with credit or debit cards. Pre-planning will have to be regular routine so that you don't run out of raw cat food before the next shipment arrives. If a shipment thaws, you will have to return it because you won't want to take any chances with bacterial infection. Most companies will honor returns due to thawing. And, if you prepare raw cat food meals completely from scratch, be prepared to spend a couple of hours in the kitchen with this task.

The real trade-off is with the quality of cat food you will be providing. The store bought 'meal' based cereal foods will be replaced with the high quality fresh foods that cat's were designed for. Some cats may balk at the transition at first because they weren't socialized with raw cat food as kittens. But, their health will show marked improvement, you will probably be surprised by the results which can be compared to how your cat behaved before being fed a fresh, high quality raw cat food diet that meets their needs nutritionally, plus their immune systems will be stronger giving your cat a chance for a longer, healthier life.

Ask any monk or even the ordinary, next-door-neighbor contemplative type, and they'll tell you that life is not easy; suffering is the characteristic that describes much of the existence in this corner of the Universe, and that the punishment for ignoring this fact is to bear more suffering. Yet this suffering can be relieved with even a little knowledge and understanding of why and how things can operate to ease your burden. It does take a willingness on your part to change and accept new habits to accommodate a changed life-style. But, knowledge and understanding cannot be acquired through osmosis. It takes a lot of work to comprehend even a small amount of the sense that holds life together. One can't depend on epiphanies either. Like magic and miracles, instant knowledge occurs only rarely... and you can grow old waiting for it while your cat pines for a raw cat food meal. It'd be like huffing and puffing along wondering why you're carrying around all that extra baggage.

+ - Thanks to Wikipedia for this excerpt

? - Thanks to Wikihow

Robert J Gallegos is the author of http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com a web site dedicated to proper cat care with quality cat lover gifts based on an understanding of cat behavior, instincts and the unique requirements for healthy cats as pets. Cats are the newest of animals to be domesticated and still have one paw in the wild. It's a major reason why they're so mysterious and resistant to human expectations.
Robert is a life long lover of cats. He is dedicated to sharing his understanding of the cat experience, reducing the epidemic feral cat situation, and helping cat lovers to provide the best care for their cats.

Seven Things You May Not Know About Your Own Cat

2010-12-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

Longevity - It is said, give a cat three years for every human year and you have an idea of how old he is compared to us. Not so. A cat at one year old is capable of reproduction and fully able to take care of himself. A three year old human is helpless. Such mathematical formulas for understanding the 'real' age of an animal don't work because their internal, and external developments vary and do not correspond to human development.

But did you know that the life span of cats seems to be increasing, from around twelve years or so several decades ago to eighteen or more and it seems now not uncommon for cats to live into their twenties? Not only advances in cat medicine but apparently in genetic changes as well are contributing to longer life and some cats live to be much older indeed. Several cats in Southern California have been reported to live as long as thirty and thirty four years.

Independent & Loners - Cats are thought to be solitary creatures by many, but anyone who has visited a farm where there are cats will find they congregate in colonies, sometimes nearing twenty in number and seem even to hunt together. There is little fighting because there is always one dominant cat which the others all accept, the rest being equal. At least until a new cat arrives and dominance must be re-established.

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, as do I, you no doubt find him asking to be let out, even though he has his cat doors. Mine does daily, usually at night. I go to the door, open it and he eagerly runs into he mudroom, awaiting the opening of the next door, though both are equipped with cat doors. If I actually go out into the back patio with him he seems delighted, rolling around on the stones, watching me. I suspect he would love a hunting companion. (Preferably, I expect, one a bit quieter and more stealthy than myself.)

Cats can't be trained - Training is entirely possible and we have probably all seen on television performance cats trained to walk a rope, roll a ball and even swim underwater. We attribute this to some sort of showmanship business and think our own cats are not trainable. Depending on the breed and the particular cat, they are probably all trainable to some degree and they are certainly able to train us!

Particia Moyes, in her book How To Talk To Your Cat, relates how one of her cats and she have a game, the object of which is to remove from some precarious perch - the top of a chair, say, an object, without disturbing anything around and without knocking the item to the floor. The one cat does this with care and great attention, and success. Her other cat, she tells us, takes the game simply to mean, 'get the thing regardless' and will also retrieve the item but in the clumsiest fashion, knocking it to the floor.

Ms. Moyes speaks of two other game she and her cats have; fetch and carry and hide and seek. In the first, the person throws a ball of tinfoil (or what-have-you) and the cat returns it, dropping it at the person's feet. The second she says her cat invented. She (the cat) will bring the ball of tinfoil, drop it, then leave the room. Ms. Moyes will hide it, then call her cat who will begin excitedly exploring all the hiding places, find it, drop it and leave the room again. Keep in mind that Ms. Moyes creates and maintains an unusual and unusually close and respectful attitude towards her cats. Very likely, and many pet owners, indeed, parents, have discovered that, the more you anticipate your pet (or child) to be capable, the more capable your pet or child becomes.

My own cat offers a less dramatic, but useful example. A stray taken in at about 8 months he at first caused some alarm with his tendency to 'do his nails' on the furniture. I would bang my foot on the floor and tell him no and he'd stop. Now I just tell him, in no uncertain terms, to stop and he does. He only does this when he wants something and I'm not paying attention.

In fact, this is one way a cat has to get your attention and let you know he needs something - he does what he knows he is not supposed to do. My cat knows he's not allowed on the kitchen table, for example, but if his food bowl stays empty too long, onto the table he leaps and I know right away he wants feeding.

There is an ancient Egyptian papyrus of the twentieth dynasty showing a dog walking on his hind legs, carrying a staff, herding goats. In the same picture there is a cat, walking on his hind legs, carrying a staff, herding ducks. The picture depicts the dog and cat on their hind legs carrying staffs, no doubt, to indicate that they are in control. Were they shown on their fours, one, they could not be shown carrying a staff and two, they would seem to be on the same level as the goats and ducks, not in charge of them. My guess is that one time, before the dark days of cat extermination, cats were trained and used and I expect they themselves were very responsive to this arrangement.

Aloof - When one considers the terrible history the family of cats has endured at the hands of man, repeatedly throughout Europe and even in America, it is no wonder the cat keeps himself aloof. Associated with witches, Satan and evil, as a race, cats have been betrayed, condemned, tortured and exterminated, many times, by the thousands and tens of thousands. Those which survived the pogroms passed on their genes to progeny, along with the survival sense to be wary of man. Yet every cat owner knows how truly attached a cat can become and how genuinely grateful they are for the affection and care given them.

Cats & Music Start playing an instrument, even something gentle, such as folk music on a guitar, and a dog is likely to leave the room. A cat, on the other hand is likely to come near, lay by you, roll around, purr and seem to enjoy the sounds immensely. My previous cat used to be my biggest fan, particularly of my fairly elaborate finger picking.

My current cat loves to hear the guitar but the obvious deep pleasure he gets from that doesn't even compare to when I pick up the Celtic Harp and play on its strings. I can only describe his state as ecstatic, as if each tiny individual sound washes him with almost unendurable pleasure. Many composers throughout history relate the same story.

The famous harpist, Mlle Dubuy, noticed that her cat purred pleasantly when she played a piece on her harp well but cried when she played less so. She used this phenomena to improve her skill. Recognizing how much she owed her success as a harpist to her discerning cat she left him her substantial inheritance and endowed loyal friends likewise to ensure her cat was well cared for.

There is a video on YouTube of a cat playing the piano. She is quite intentionally sounding the notes, utterly absorbed in the phenomena. When his mistress plays Bach on another piano the cat stops and listens with obvious appreciation. It is quite as if this cat, and in fact, all cats, truly do appreciate beautiful music and the one in this particular YouTube video, aspires to musicianship.

Movement - We all know how agile and flexible cats are - owing to a variety of factors. Unlike man, in whom the vertebrae of the spinal column are held together by ligaments, in cat they are bound by muscle, giving the cat great range of movement. Because of the construction of his shoulder joint he can turn his foreleg in almost any direction.

But have you noticed, probably without thinking about it, that there is something funny, something odd in the way a cat runs?

Unlike almost all other mammals who advance by moving the front leg of one side of the body and the back of the opposite, the cat moves front and back legs of the same side. So it's, front, left, let's say, slight pause, back left, right front, pause, right back. The only other mammals said to do this are the camel and the giraffe - and they both have funny gaits too.

Food, water and health - Cats can live just fine on dry food. This is a dubious statement many authorities state as being downright false. Cats need meat. They have not the biological capability of taking various elements from a variety of non-meat foods and constructing the needed proteins, which man and dogs can do. And much of the content of dry food, i.e. Carbohydrates, not only are not natural foods for cats, they are said to be wholly unnecessary and can be harmful. Meat in some form, usually canned food, is a necessity for cats, not only for the proteins but as well for the water.

Cats do not have, as every cat owner has probably verified, a strong drive to drink. Their normal prey is their primary source of water. Deprived of that and not given sufficient wet food a cat can easily, and all too often does develop kidney disease from dehydration.

Regardless of whether your cat eats wet or dry food or both, fresh water should always be available to her. Many cat owners have observed that cats are more likely to drink if their water bowl is not located next to their food bowl, which makes sense, as in nature, animals go in search of water independently of their search for food. Also, being clean animals, it may not 'feel' as hygienic to have food and food smells next to their water source.

It is also advised to avoid plastic dishes for both food and water. Plastic tends to getting scratched and in those nicks and scratches harmful bacteria can grow. Also, some cats are allergic to plastic and develop skin conditions on their chins when fed and watered from plastic bowls.

Still water may run deep - but it still doesn't suit a cat. Almost every cat owner has noticed that their cats love to put their tongues under the tap or even raise their mouths to falling rain. My cat used to put his head under a drip in the bathtub and let the water run to his tongue until we had it fixed - the tub, that is. Many cats will drink from any form of water other than still water.

Some people, including some vets think there is some molecular difference in moving water. Some think it is the sight of the movement of the water, or the sound. Whatever the reason, (and considering what a big subject this is if posts on the internet are any measure it is a bit surprising that the motivations for this are not better known), cats prefer moving water.

This fact has spawned an entire industry of cat fountains, almost all plastic, though there are several sources for ceramic cat fountains and cat bowls. Whether it is one of the plastic fountains or a ceramic cat fountain or cat bowl, all need the same care, which is simply to keep it filled and give it a thorough cleaning regularly. Some sources for pet fountains are listed at the end of this article and if you go to http://www.etsy.com and type in ceramic cat fountains you can find others.

Recommended reading: How to Talk To Your Cat by Particia Moyes The Life History and Magic of THE CAT by Fernand Mery

Web sources -

http://www.ceramiccatbowls.com/

http://www.gardenhomeart.com

Six Important Cat Comforts And Why You Need Them

2010-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

The family cat likes to be just as comfortable as you are. Consider one of the six most common comforts for your growing family feline pet.

The six top cat comforts for your cat are as follows:

Padded Perch: If your cat cannot be outside, he or she would at least like to look out the window once in awhile, and have a cozy place to lie while doing so. This perch usually is filled on the inside with at least one inch thick layer of foam, and a carpeted or faux lamb's wool coating on the outside. This unit comes most often in two different sizes that adjust to most window ledges without use of tools. Besides the cat wanting to rest here while looking out the window, the cat may also want to take a short nap here (thus the pun "catnap").

Another variation of the padded perch is the kind that is mounted to the wall by the use of a VelcroTM stick on. This type of padded perch is usually made in a similar way as the padded perch, and hold up to 40 pounds of feline weight. This is another place for your family feline to take a rest, or catnap (pun intended, really).

Plush Pet Bed: Just like you and your children, your cat would like a warm, comfortable place to sleep at night or to take a nap. This is different from the padded perch, because it is a place for your cat to sleep for longer periods of time. Usually these beds are made with soft, squishy sides and padded bottoms to provide the ultimate resting place for your feline pet. Other variations of the plush bed include a kind with a decorative wooden border, with a soft mattress to lie upon. These beds sometimes resemble miniature day beds, or small corner beds that will fit in small spaces.

If you choose to pamper your feline pet by buying that animal a bed, there are some things you should remember. For instance, you should make sure that the size of the bed is not too big or too small. If the bed ends up being too big, it would be very difficult for your cat to stay warm. If it is too small, the cat could fall out of it, or not be able to stretch out fully. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the size of the bed when purchasing it, to ensure proper fit and comfort for your animal.

Another thing to remember is to take thought to where in the house the bed will go. You would want to make sure that the space that you have for your pet's bed will be the right size. This will be easier for cats than for other animals, such as dogs, because in most cases cats do not grow to be very large. Therefore, space consideration is necessary, but is not a huge problem. The biggest concern is to find a bed shaped in a way that will help your cat be comfortable.

Scratching Posts: A cat who has a scratching post will feel as if he or she has gone to heaven. This is the best way to keep a cat's claws busy, so it does not scratch up your furniture. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about whether or not the process of de-clawing an animal is humane or not, because in this case it would not be necessary. The cat would have a place to put his or her claws other than the two thousand dollar leather couch you own.

One thing to know about scratching posts is that numerous variations of them have been invented. One scratching post model is a simple pole, usually two to four feet in length attached to the base. This is a small design in which the cat can reach his or her front paws up as far as possible and scratch around it. The cat can scratch around the base of this post as well.

Another scratching post model is the two-story one with a place for the cat to take a nap on the second floor, and on the top of the unit. The outside of this unit is usually carpeted just like a regular scratching post would be, and the inside upper floor and top of unit is perfect for sleeping. This is a great climbing unit for cats as well, and is a perfect model to have if you own two or more cats.

Another scratching post model would be the kind that would represent a small jungle gym for a toddler. It has various places for the cat to scratch, climb, and lie around, and nap. Usually it contains tunnels for the cat to crawl through as well. This particular model comes in an extremely large number of sizes and models, so you are sure to find one that is right for you.

Another type of scratching post would be the homemade model. If you happen to be a crafty person, you can make your own scratching post into one of the models explained above, or even more. Materials needed would be various sized barrels (cardboard or wood would be best), different sized hollow tubes, wooden squares and rectangles (for the bases), nail or staples, and either a hammer or a nail (or staple) gun. Some further instruction can be found online, in a library, or from a friend or relative if needed.

Whether you buy an already made scratching post or construct your own, your cat will love every minute of it, and will probably be grateful you have not cut his or her claws off.

Grooming Supplies: Grooming supplies can mean a multitude of items, even nail clippers or shampoos. However, the kind of grooming supplies and treatments that a cat would most likely enjoy would be when you comb his or her hair. Cats like to be rubbed, especially behind the ears. Therefore, you can use this concept to your advantage when trying to a routine tick or flea check. If you find a brush with bristle ends that are soothing to the skin, your cat would really the sensual feeling of you coming the cat's coat of hair. It would be like a human giving another human a massage or a cosmologist washing a customer's hair before trimming it.

Other supplies used can comfort a cat, but it depends on whether that cat will mind being touched for a long period of time. That would include using shampoos that are as gentle as a baby's shampoo to wash the cat's hair. If your cat does not mind getting wet, the calming of hand washing the cat's fur can be very relaxing to the cat.

One other grooming supply that can be used is a self-grooming arched brush. This arched brush stands upright on a base, and is big enough for the cat to crawl through, but small enough to remove all the loose hair from your cat. Your cat will enjoy this, because most cats love to rub against objects around the house anyway.

Remember these tips about grooming to pamper your cat, because your cat does no more want to be spoiled than a child.

Comfortable Pet Carriers: Most cats do not like being transported in a small pet carrier. However, some carriers can actually provide more comfort than others. Flexible carriers that are shaped like a duffle bag or purse are sometimes recommended over the plastic box shaped ones, and fit in a traveling vehicle a lot easier. These types are often well ventilated, and are usually equipped with a padded bottom for the cat to lie down upon. Some carriers designs come with a rain cover to protect the pet in the event of an outdoor storm while the pet owner takes the cat bike riding. If you are a cat owner, you would be very wise in considering this type of pet carrier over the traditional box type.

Decorative Safety Collars and Jewelry: Another way to pamper your family feline is to make your family cat look great. That way, your cat will feel better going out into the world, mostly because people will respond to how well your animal looks in appearance. Some safety collars have designs on them made from colored rhinestone, beads, or other decorative stones. You can keep your pet near you in style, and the pet will also be safe as well. Be sure for maximum comfort, to find a collar material that will not irritate your cat's skin.

Complete Pet Guide [http://www.completepetguide.com/] is committed to bringing you high quality resources and information on dog and cat pet care and training. For great articles, resource and tips try Complete Pet Guide Blog [http://www.completepetguide.com/blog]

Songs About Cats (Or Are They?)

2010-12-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the most famous Cat Song is The Siamese Cat Song recorded by Peggy Lee. The song is from the Walt Disney 1955 classic "The Lady and The Tramp", an animated film about a classy Cocker Spaniel named Lady who falls for Tramp a scamp of a mongrel. The song however is about two arrogant cats, Si and Am, who have given Siamese cats a bad name ever since.

The Siamese Cat Song was penned by Lee along with Sonny Burke and over the years has also been recorded by Freddie and The Dreamers, Mitch Miller, Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin, Haylie Duff, and Bobby McFerrin. "We are Siamese if you please, We are Siamese if you don't please."

Both The Turtles and Petula Clark stepped into recording studios to make very different versions of The Cat in the Window, a song that compares a cat trying to get out of a window with the singer wanting to fly away. "There's a cat in the window, and he's watching all the birds go passing by, he'd love to fly out the window, go where the wind goes, and so would I."

Who can forget the Muppets recording of The Cat Came Back, a song about a kitty that just kept finding its way back no matter how far it was taken from home. "But the cat came back, she wouldn't stay away, she was sitting on the porch the very next day."

In 1950 folks were flooding into record stores and asking for I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat. Mel Blanc recorded the song, written by Alan Livingston, Billy May and Warren Foster, about the cartoon cat and canary duo Sylvester and Tweety. "I tawt I taw a puddy tat a creeping up on me, I did I taw a puddy tat as plain as he could be."

The Rooftop Singers followed up their 1963 number one hit Walk Right In, with Tom Cat a ditty about 'Ringtail Tom' who liked to go "strutting round the town" "And when he steps out all the other cats in the neighborhood they begin to shout." Fast forward to 1981 and the Stray Cats record a musically different song but with a very similar theme, the rockabilly Stray Cat Strut. "Stray cat strut, I'm a ladies' cat, a feline Casanova, hey man, that's where it's at, get a shoe thrown at me from a mean old man, get my dinner from a garbage can."

Norma Tanega apparently owned a cat that she named 'Dog' and liked to take that

cat for walks, hence her 1966 hit Walking My Cat Named Dog, which does seem to be about her real life experience of strolling around town with her pet feline.

Most songs though that include the word Cat in the tile, are not truly about cats at all. A great example is the fine song, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. No cats make an appearance in this song; instead the lyrics contain a very chilling message that every dad should pay heed too.

Bent Fabric, real name Bent Fabricius-Bjerre, had a hit in 1962 with Alley Cat, but this was an instrumental recording so it's not a song about cats. Instrumental too was Aaron Copeland's The Cat and the Mouse.

Cat People (Putting Out Fire) by David Bowie was recorded for the 1982 remake of the film Cat People. Great dark and menacing feel to the song but the words have no relationship to cats.

The cat in The Cat Crept In, recorded by Mud was actually a girl, as was the cat featured in The Rolling Stones' Stray Cat Blues, this one with exceedingly sharp claws.

They Call Her the Cat, by Elton John is about, well it's not about cats! Neither is Honky Cat, another Elton tune, that one is about a country boy moving to live life in the city.

Three Cool Cats, is a song that was first recorded by the Coasters in 1958 and covered by The Beatles in 1962 (but not released until 1995.) Of course this song is not about cats, but about three teenage boys and three teenage girls. The Beatles also recorded Little Willie John's Leave My Kitten Alone, no surprise to find that the song is not about a kitten.

U2 recorded a song titled An Cat Dubh, which apparently means The Black Cat in

Gaelic, no cat in the song though, black or otherwise.

No cats are in Year of the Cat by Al Stewart, Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent,

The Lovecats by The Cure or in Cool for Cats by Squeeze. Who can say what The

Cat's In the Well by Bob Dylan is about?

There must be countless other songs that have the words Cat, or Cats, in the title but are not actually about our feline friends. No doubt there are more songs that are about cats than those listed on this page, but those songs sadly seem few and far between.

But wait . . . wasn't there a stage musical all about cats. Cats, the musical by

Andrew Lloyd Webber, was first shown in London, England in 1981. Based upon T.

S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats the show features song after song about . . . Old Gumbie, Grizabella, Mungojerrie And Rumpelteazer, Skimbleshanks, Old Deuteronomy, Gus, Macavity, and Mr. Mistoffelees. All of these characters are, of course, . . . Cats.

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

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

2010-12-14T16:34:00.000-08:00

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

Tips on How to Move Or Travel With Your Cat

2010-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Is it in the cat's best interest to be included in the travel plans?

Many people like to take their animals with them as they travel. While cats are most comfortable in their home environment, some cats can adapt to travel rather well. Certain life situations such as relocation, an extended stay with a relative who is ill, or a serious relationship headed toward marriage or cohabitation, may require your cat travels with you on an as needed or routine basis. I discourage traveling with cats, because they are incredible athletic and it's is extremely easy to loose your pet as you pack, travel, stop at rest areas and once you've reached your new destination. Most cats get very nervous traveling and may become dehydrated or ill. If you are relocating, your cat is likely to become agitated and may try to run away before or after your move. If it's in the best interest of your pet to include them in your travel plans, or if you are relocating, the following tips may help.

Preparation.

Before you plan a trip with your cat make sure that the pet will have a safe place to stay once you reach your destination. When you stay at a hotel, even if you've stayed at the same hotel dozens of times, confirm each time you travel that they still accept pets. When you stay with friends, don't assume they will love your cat as much as you do, and make sure no one has a cat allergy. Find out if they have pets and whether their pet is very friendly with all animals in their home. Many friendly dogs and cats become very aggressive when another animal is placed in their home. Most often, I discourage anyone from subjecting a cat to another animal for a short period of time. It's traumatic to most cats and increases the likelihood your cat will run away--given any small opportunity.

Help your cat love the carrier.

Several weeks prior to your trip or move, purchase a cat carrier for each cat. It should be large enough for them to stretch, turn around and lie down. If you have more than two cats, they all get along very well, you have a long trip, and you have a vehicle like a mini-van, you may want to consider buying a dog kennel that will accommodate all your cats. Whether you're using a cat carrier or a dog kennel, pad the bottom of the carrier with a fluffy towel, or an old sweatshirt. If the towel or sweatshirt smells like you, your cats comfort level is increased. Get the cat comfortable with the carrier a few weeks before you travel. Keep the carrier door open and feed them in or around the carrier. For example if you have two cats and two cat carriers, I suggest placing a little wet food in each carrier at meal time. Do this 3-4 times a week for a few weeks before your trip. Leave the carrier door open so the cat can leisurely walk in and out of the carrier.

Avoid injury and minimize trauma for the cat.

Never haul cats in a carrier in the back of a pick up truck exposed to wind, weather and the elements. If you're moving and renting a moving truck, keep the cat in the carrier with you in the truck cab. Never load a cat in the back of a loaded truck or moving van. The carrier and your cat could get crushed as your belongings shift. You could kill or injure your pet.

What to do when your trip or move is in the near future.

Shortly before you begin your trip or move, locate and pack your pet's health certificate or veterinary records. When you travel with pets the rabies vaccine must be current. Many states have additional requirements. If your pet needs any vaccinations, get these done at least two weeks prior to your trip. This gives the cat an opportunity to recover from the vaccinations, and minimizes the risk of illness. Tape the health certificates or veterinarian records to the top of each carrier. Be sure your veterinarian's phone number is on the record as well in case you have an emergency or a law enforcement official needs to check your records. If you do not normally use a collar on your indoor pet, it would be good to do so now. Write your phone number on the collar so it can be read from a distance, and make sure it's easy to read. It's wonderfully, shocking how many lost cats are reunited with their guardian because their collar had a phone number.

If you are relocating, your pet is old, or your trip is more than a couple hours, purchase a small, flexible, disposable litter pan for each cat. These can be placed in the carrier (before you load the cat in the carrier) the day you travel. Your cat may lie in the litter, but it encourages your cat to use the litter pan. If your trip is less than two hours, a towel or sweatshirt in the bottom of the carrier is sufficient.

The night before your trip or relocation.

Keep cats enclosed in a familiar area, such as a bedroom or kitchen-make sure they have a litter box available. Cats seem to be amazingly psychic and like to hide the day of the trip. Put the carrier in the room and leave the carrier door open. This will make it easier to load the cat in the carrier in the morning. Feed the cat its normal meal the night before your trip, but do not over feed. You may want to try and use an herbal produce called pet remedy. I use this every time I relocate with my cats and it helps reduce their stress. At least 5-6 hours before your trip remove all food. Remove water a few hours before your trip.

On your day of travel

Make sure your vehicle is packed first and in such a way as to leave room for the carrier(s). Pack the cat(s) last. Be patient! If your cat has been easily going into the carrier with a little food try to get them to do so again. If they won't go in, pick them up, gently place them on the floor in front the carrier with their tail or butt near the carrier's open door-you are going to back them into the carrier. Keep one hand around the cat's ribcage, take your other hand and with an open palm press against the cats face so they will back into the carrier. It helps to have the carrier back against a wall. Once the cat has back into the carrier, keep one hand on the cat and gentle swing the door closed as much as possible. Slide your hand out but keep an open palm as you close and lock the door. This keeps the cat from bolting out of the carrier. Make sure the carrier door is secure and load your cat in the car. Try to get this right the first time. The more often you're unsuccessful at loading your cat in the carrier, the more difficult this procedure becomes. Feel free to practice this once or twice several weeks prior to your trip. (When practicing prior to your trip, open the cat door immediately after a successful load, and give your cat a treat or meal.)

Begin your journey.

Now that you and your cat are safely in the car you can breathe a sigh of relief. Most cats meow for up to an hour as you begin your trip. I've had some cats that meowed a few minutes and then settled down, and other cats who let out blood curdling cries for an hour. Sometimes it helps to cover the carrier with a dark, but breathable fabric, or you can cover ¾ of the carrier, leaving the door uncovered. Covering or partially covering a carrier helps a cat feel more secure. Make sure the cats are kept in moderate temperature at all times during your trip. Also, play soothing music as you drive, and as much as possible ignore them. The most important thing you can do now is arrive at your destination safely. If your trip is less than six hours, leave your cat in the carrier until you arrive at your destination. The only thing you need to monitor is how much the cat pants. Since cats do not perspire, they will pant when their heart beat is elevated and when they are hot. It's normal to see some panting because a car ride is very stressful for most cats. If you see excessive panting, your cat drools or begins convulsions stop as soon as possible and call your veterinarian.

Upon arrival

Carry your cat (in the carrier) inside the new destination and place the cat in a single secured room, such as a bedroom or kitchen. If you have multiple cats, bring all the cats in first, before you open any carrier doors. Also, bring in a litter pan and water bowl. When you open the carrier door, let your cat come out by themselves. Be sure your cats have continuous access to water during as you settle into your new surroundings. It's best to keep the cat in a single room or small area until, you are certain the cat could not get out. If the cat is an indoor/outdoor cat and you've relocated-even if it's in the same city, keep your cat indoors for 14 days. If a cat has just been relocated or is in a new environment and gets out during the first few days it's very likely to get lost, become disoriented, and maybe hit and killed by a car.

The week following a trip or move.

Watch for signs of illness and dehydration. It's normal for some cats to have diarrhea, sleep even more than normal, or vomit once or twice the day after the trip. If these conditions do not clear up in a day or two, if you notice blood in the urine or stool, or if the cats skin can be pulled and does not spring back into the body, seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner you catch and treat illness or dehydration, the more likely and quicker the cat will return to good health.

Final thoughts.

Every cat is different. I once had an orange tabby that loved to ride in the car with me. He ran to the front door when I picked up my car keys. I never used a carrier with him. He peacefully sat on my lap every time we got in the car. I currently have a large grey tabby that likes to ride in non-motorized boats. You know your cat better than anyone else. Check with your veterinarian if you have questions about the best way to travel with or relocate your cat. Keep in mind that cats are athletic and like security. Many easy going cats get agitated, dehydrated or run away while traveling or moving, so please use caution with your pet.

Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; "Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets", "Summer Pet Care Tips", and "The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment."

Healthy feeding.

2010-12-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

What kind of food is right for your cat and how often should you feed your favourite?
Amount of food depends on many factors like:
•   Life – energetic cats have to eat more
•   Age- young cats have a higher demand for food
•   State of health – sick cat sometimes lose appetite
•   The tastiness of food
•   Sex
•   Temperature of surrounding
•   Stress
•   Size of cats
•   Quality of food
and other.
Healthy cat need about 60 – 80 kcal/ kg mc depends on activity. The healthiest food consist of beef, turkey and chicken. Right feeding is very import and you have to remember that some of products are forbidden and have adverse effect for your cat.

Cats should not eat and drink :
•   Chocolate
•   Coffee
•   Tea
•   Drinkables with coffeine
•   Onion
•   Garlic
•   Bones with poultry and meat
•   Fishbones
•   Human vitamins which contain iron
•   Greasy sauces
•   Mouldy and rotten food
•   Alcohol
•   Mushrooms
•   Dog’s food
•   Tobacco
•   Yeast cake
•   Rhubarb leaves
•   Green leaves and stalks with tomatoes and potatoes
You have to remember that life length and health depends on right feeding. Provide your cat necessary elements to right growth.

View the original article here

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

2010-12-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh catnip perhaps you've been struck with the question; "what causes Catnip to affect cats that way?" Catnip is indeed an unusual phenomenon among cats, it has the ability to alter your cat's behavior like nothing else can. So what exactly is the reason for what scientists have coined as "the Catnip effect"?

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats

in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. There is however much that we do

know about Catnip and cats even if we don't have the ultimate answer of exactly

"why?" yet answered.

The Science Stuff

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from

the

mint family and is in fact also referred to as "Catmint". It is a plant indigenous to

Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States

and Canada.

The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves

of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form

in some pet stores.

Other Uses For Catnip

Catnip is not only good to stimulate activity in cats, it can also be used by

humans

as an herb for a medicinal tea which may soothe toothaches, help against coughs,

and may also perform as a sleep aid. Furthermore, Catnip can be used as an herb

on salads or other foods as has been the case for centuries in France. Lately Catnip

has also been garnering favor as a natural insect repellant rivaling the effectiveness

of many store bought varieties of repellant.

Catnip and Kitty

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats. What determines whether or not

a cat

will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may

be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not

react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually

mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing

reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at

least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an

aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone

found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).

Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be

unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated housecat is not the only cat that may be

affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines

such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way

the common housecat would. It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a

stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested.

Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether

your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the

latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with

your cat.

If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here

are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.

Catnip and Lazy Cats:

Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are

notoriously

lazy, choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on

the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention

from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you

haven't already) that your cat is becoming more and more round. This is generally

not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting catnip to your cat

encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).

Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike

kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an

injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a

cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case,

then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more

svelte than without a Catnip treatment. Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for

a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the

effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you

may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.

Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture:

If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then

Catnip

may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just

about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture

destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of

furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to

the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars

and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior

is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to

get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly "Catnipped" scratching post and

see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and

then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post)

hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats

If you've never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is

advisable to

try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same

time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing

the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it

to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may

react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a

possible catfight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly

requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of

all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you

the

satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh,

high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty

reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan

on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden

then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you

personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone

without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your

cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she

looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his

or her own. If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of

reach of kitty. Otherwise you'll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to

the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great

jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So

if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow

it in a place that your cat won't be able to access it. A room that you always keep

closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it

sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A

good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to

Catnip.

Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself

(and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this

strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat

and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It's a win win situation.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

Why Is Your Cat Overweight?

2010-12-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Food

Dry food has been a recommended staple diet for cats by many experts for a number of years. It is an easy option to leave a bowl of dry food out constantly; something that cannot be done with tinned food. Unfortunately though, it's not a natural food source and has been developed by humans using many additives and un-natural products. Cats, like humans, will eat until they fill themselves up. However, dry food has many more calories and carbohydrates than a natural food source, which leads to the cat taking in far more than necessary just to feel full-up. Many owners assume that their cat is just greedy, but in many cases it is not the quantity of food being eaten, it is the quality.

Naturally, cats are obligate carnivores; meaning they only feed on other animals. The cats prey however, are generally herbivorous and have various vegetable and plant matter in their guts. All of which, will be consumed by the cat. Domestic cats have been shown to have longer intestines than wild cats; proving they have evolved over hundreds of years to cope with more plant and vegetable matter (carbohydrates). Still, this is no excuse to turn a carnivore into an omnivore. Rather, supplementing the diet with small amounts of carbohydrates is acceptable.

Many consumers believe that dried food is actually better for cats. The manufacturers have implemented the belief that all these additives such as corn and grains are an important part of a cat's diet, implying 'the more the better' approach. Although very small quantities of these may benefit the cat, too much will be detrimental to their health.

Kidney disease is one of, if not the biggest killer in cats. Kidney disease is usually a result of lack of water and unfortunately, cats have a very low thirst drive. Although they may drink when eating dry food, they will generally only take in half of the liquid necessary for their health. A cat's prey item consists of around 75% water, canned and raw foods have a similar amount. Dry foods on the other hand usually have a maximum of 10% water content. It is obvious therefore, that canned or raw foods are an absolute must to maintain a healthy cat.

Cats need a high level of protein in their diet which must come from animals. Plant protein differs from meat protein, and should not be substituted. When protein is calculated in canned food, the moisture content must be subtracted from 100 and the protein percentage worked out from the result. For instance, a canned food with 8% protein and 75% water means that the true protein value should be worked out like so:

Non-Moisture Content = 25% so: 8 ÷ 25 x 100 = 32

Therefore: True Protein Value = 32% which is ideal.

The amino acid 'taurine' is also an essential part of a cat's diet, and can only be found in meat products. It is recommended that a quantity of 2000mg/kg or 0.2% should be available in canned food. Other vitamins and minerals should also be included. Preservatives, colouring and added flavours are used more for the customers benefit rather than the cats. If it looks and smells nice to a human, there is a higher chance of them buying it.

There are very few foods on the market which actually have an ideal amount of everything included. Many diets have concentrated on having high a protein and moisture diet with low carbohydrates, but lack in having enough taurine or vitamin B. If this is the case, offering other canned foods on occasion that are better in these areas should be considered. This will also help stop the cat becoming addicted to any 1 food type. Inter-changing the various meats such as beef, chicken and fish will also benefit by offering varying amounts of vitamins, minerals and oils.

Buy quality, not quantity. Most cheap cat foods are cheap for a reason. Avoid buying canned foods that say 'meat', 'by-products', 'bone meal' or 'animal digest'. Chemical preservatives such as 'BHA', 'BHT', 'ethoxyquin' and 'propyl gallate' have been seriously questioned as being detrimental to the health of cats, and should also be avoided. Canned foods are a must for adding much needed calcium into the diet, which is essential for building healthy bones and teeth.

High energy food has been designed for cats with high energy levels. This food will not benefit a cat which sits around all day, in fact in will make the situation worse. High energy foods will not make a less active cat become energetic.

There is a common misconception that canned food is bad for your cat's teeth, and dry food is good. Unfortunately neither statement is completely true. Neither food types are actually good for the health of teeth. Dry food is hard and crunchy, completely the opposite of what a cat's teeth are designed to do, which is tear away at meat. I recommend you brush and rinse your cat's teeth on a regular occasion.

There are two methods to feeding a cat. The first is to leave a bowl of food out all the time. This is obviously done with dry food and not meat. Since we recommend feeding a diet of canned or raw meat, this method is not acceptable and you should opt for the second method. This is to have a feeding regime of 2 to 4 times per day. Feeding this way allows a more controlled amount of food being eaten. You need to decide how many times per day you will feed your cat. The more often the better, but if you are an owner which is out during the day several times a week, it may be better to opt for a twice a day routine. Alternatively, cat feeding dishes which are set on a timer can be purchased and are a good option if you only go out on occasions.

The total amount of canned food your cat should is listed below. It is important to divide this total amount of food up equally among all of its feeds. The chart below is appropriate to cats that are getting their appropriate amount of calorie intake per day, which is approximately 25 calories per pound in weight. This chart is for healthy adult cats weighing approximately 8-10lbs. Not overweight or obese cats.

Type / Age of Cat Weight of Canned Food

2 - 10 Years 200g

Geriatric (10 Years +) 160g

Neutered or Spayed 160g

Inactive or Indoor 160g

Treats

Treats are given to cats for different reasons depending on the owner. Surveys have shown that overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets. They show that overweight people are unable to control their own weight properly due to lack of will power. They have the same lack of will power when their pets are 'begging' for treats.

Treats are often given because it is a way of making the pet feel more welcome. If the owner is out of the house all day, they often make up for it by giving treats. This is the easy way of doing things and totally unhealthy. Rather, making up for it by spending just 5 quality minutes with the pet is far more rewarding. You may decide to simply brush the cat, or you could play with it by throwing a small toy mouse or ball around. Either way, the cat will enjoy being with you more than it will eating a treat, and exercise will aid its health.

Some owners offer treats because they think the cat doesn't eat enough dinner. The treats are designed and flavoured to be 'irresistible' to the cat, and they will eat it whether they are hungry or not. Treats should not be offered for this reason. Providing your cat looks healthy and is the appropriate weight, it will be feeding just fine. If your cat is a poor feeder, they should be tempted by other feeding methods, not with treats.

Higher Risk Cats

Neutered or Spayed

I would like to point out before anything, that the act of neutering or spaying your cat will not make it overweight. Rather, it is how you care for it afterwards that will affect its weight.

A neutered cat loses its desire to 'roam' like an 'intact' cat would do. They are not as inquisitive and generally get less exercise than intact cats. Because of this, their metabolism is slower than normal by around 20-25%. With a slower metabolism, comes a lower need for calories. A neutered or spayed cat should intake approximately 20% less calories.

Breed

Some breeds of cat are naturally slimmer than other breeds; such as the Siamese and Ornamental Short Hair. These breeds are far better at maintaining a good body condition than larger breeds. Pedigree cats are also generally fitter than non-pedigree individuals.

Age

Cats are most likely to become overweight from about 2 to 12 years of age. Younger cats have a much higher metabolism and are more energetic than older individuals. Older cats often eat far less, and it is more common for geriatric cats to become skinnier rather than heavier.

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats have many factors weighing them down. To start with, the most obvious factor is being indoors all the time. There is little stimulation inside, and they will not get the exercise that an outdoor cat will be able to. Many static toys that are offered to indoor cats become boring. They will soon lose interest in scratching posts and similar toys. Repetitive electronic toys can also become predictable and boring. The most enjoyable form of playing for the cat is to interact with the owner. Waving string around or rolling a small ball around will keep the cat amused for far longer.

Being inside all the time also means more contact with the owner is likely. This usually means more treats are given.

The temperature is an important factor too. An outdoor cat will use more energy and have a higher metabolism simply to maintain its body temperature. Cats living in centrally heated houses don't have to use much energy to get their body temperature controlled.

Social Environment

This is an area where you just can't win. There are advantages and disadvantages of having one cat or having multiple cats.

Only cats do not have the same competition for food that a multi-cat household may have. Therefore they may not be as eager to eat as much food and as quickly as a cat in competition with other cats will do. However, only cats are more likely to become bored and have less stimulation around them compared to a cat living with others. Cats have been known to take on habits like humans, such as eating when bored like an only cat may do. They may also eat more when they are stressed, like a cat living in a multi-cat household may do.

A household with more humans is far more likely to inflict extra weight onto a cat. It means more people offering treats, and more people to feed the cat dinner. It is common for many households to become confused as to whether or not the cat has been fed, and if in doubt they will feed it again.

Disabilities

This applies to humans and pets alike. Humans with physical disabilities are less likely to play and exercise their pets. The situation becomes worse if the cat is an indoor cat.

Disabled cats are often 'over-protected' by their owners. Most are automatically turned into indoor cats if they get a disability, and become an excuse for more treats to be offered. Most cats can still exercise and have their mind stimulated with various disabilities. In fact many cats with disabilities will deteriorate quicker if they are not exercised and the mind stimulated properly.

Neighbours

Do you have cat friendly neighbours? Do you know if your cat has gone into other people's houses before? It is common for other cat lovers to feed a cat that has wondered into their house.

If you think this happens, place a tag onto the cat which is clearly visible and ask politely not to feed the cat. Some people will ignore this, thinking it will not do any harm. To get around this, state that you cat has 'Special Dietary Needs'. They are more likely to pay attention when they think feeding them the wrong food could potentially harm them.

By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com

Your New Cat: Why Are the First 24 Hours So Important?

2010-12-09T05:55:00.001-08:00

The cage was small, but the people were nice and Tiger felt safe. He was fed, petted and regularly groomed. Still, it wasn't home. Tiger had been 'home', and still had vague memories of the woman who had cared for him and the other cats who lived with her.

Then he had been taken to this place, and had been here so long he had almost forgotten 'home', and the woman.

There was uneasiness here, though, and Tiger felt it. Something was about to happen. Something bad.

Then two humans came in. He was put in a cage with them. He jumped up in the woman's lap. He was put in a dark place that bumped and jostled him. He heard strange, scary noises. He howled, and a male voice answered with noises he couldn't understand.

Then there was light. And TERROR!

A small hand reached for him and tried to grab him. There were people he didn't know; they all approached him. There was another cat that arched and spat.

Then, horror of horrors...

There was a dog!

Tiger fled. He fled down a long corridor and bolted through the first open door he found. He hid in the darkest place he could find...among soft and hard things he didn't recognized. He heard voices. He heard the dog bark, and he shuddered. He heard the child's high pitched voice, and a woman's voice...which were easier to bear.

He hunkered down and remained as invisible and silent as he could.

Adoption in Haste

The staff of animal shelters greet people looking for new pets with both joy and misgiving. People walk between the cages, looking over each cat, and the staff hope they will select a cat that has been there for a long time.

But they know what the people are looking for; they are looking for kittens, not adult cats.

If there are no kittens, the customers will sometimes reluctantly choose an adult cat as a "consolation prize", pay the adoption fees and cart him or her off...

Only to return the cat two or three days later.

"I'm sorry, but this cat just didn't work out. We couldn't fit it into the family."

Or...

"This cat is just too wild. We need something tamer, something that will fit in."

"What happened?" The staff member asks.

"The cat bolted and hid. It took us three days to find it, and when we finally did, we had to chase it all over the house before we caught it. We need something tamer; something that will fit in better."

So go the sad tales of the returnees... but wait, it can be worse for cats adopted in other ways.

"The landlord won't let me keep her, could you please take her in?"

People who adopt strays off the street, or a friend's cat, many times don't realize the full extent of the things they need to do for their new cat:

o Prepare their house to receive their cat

o Take care of their cat's medical needs

o Make sure their other cats have protection from disease

o Take care of their cat's physical needs

o Properly introduce their cat to their live-in companions, children and other pets

And perhaps most importantly:

o Prepare themselves for a good relationship with their new cat

People who have never owned cats before don't really realize what a cat is: A highly intelligent, independent animal which needs love and affection daily - but is not a dog.

Cats will bond with people, just as dogs do, but they don't always bond with the person who has adopted them. They will choose whom they like, much to the consternation of the person who "picked them up" hoping to have acquired a new friend.

This is one very good reason why the first 24 hours is so important. It is in during that period that your cat will decide whom she wants to bond with.

Unless you know what you are doing, it might not be with you.

Time

A cat needs time spent with her. One of the big mistakes busy people make is to fail to realize that they have busy schedules that don't allow them to spend enough time with their newly adopted cat.

This could ultimately result in your cat running off. If you have no time to spend with your cat, she will not choose your house as "her den". She will go out searching for another one, and you could be soon reporting a "lost cat".

Or, to your consternation, you will find that the cat you thought would be a loving companion has bonded with another member of your household...somebody who did have the time to spend.

Money

A lot of people don't count the cost of pet ownership. In their exuberance to adopt a cat, they forget that they don't have the budget to keep her. Belatedly, they discover they don't have the cash on hand to buy their new feline's basic necessities or give her the medical attention she is most certainly going to need.

Many people shun pet medical insurance, not realizing that the same things that happen to people happen to cats, and can cost large sums of money to cure. This can result in losing their beloved pet because the price to save her is "just too high".

Medical Needs

Some people who adopt strays or cats owned by friends don't realize the full extent of the medical attention their new cat needs:

o A complete physical examination

o A complete vaccination regimen

o Spaying or neutering

In particular, that cute kitten you brought home from a friend's litter will need a long series of vaccinations (along with boosters) that will extend over a period of a couple of years. You can't do it all in one day.

To fail in this will almost assuredly mean tragedy down the line. I know. I failed to give one of my kittens its vaccinations. I made it an outdoor cat, and it died of feline leukemia. The story definitely had a very sad ending...

Your cat's physical needs

When your cat climbs out of the carrier box for the first time, will you be equipped with the essentials?

Or, will you discover that you need these things later...and bring them in one at a time, after your cat has defecated in the corner, started scratching the furniture, or begun some other unauthorized behavior you are not prepared for? (And, be advised, a cat is a very obsessed animal...once she starts doing something, it is very hard to change it).

Making sure you have what you need to receive your new cat is vital...and you must have the basics on hand before you bring her home.

First introductions

So, when your cat first climbs out of her carrier, is she going to be set upon by every member of your household all at once? And when she does, will she flee in terror, trying to find the safest and darkest corner she can find?

Or will you introduce her gradually... to try to reduce the trauma as much as possible so she can adapt to and feel at home in her new situation?

Your technique for doing that can be a deciding factor in whether or not your cat adapts to your home immediately, by the next day or the next month, or flees the house altogether.

The days to follow

Do you know how to take care of your new cat in the days to come, assuming you handled your first introductions well? Do you know about allergies, special foods, bathing, grooming, hair balls, removing urine, training and teaching without frightening and alienating her, and a multitude of other situations cat owners wrestle with on a daily basis? Do you know the hazards involved in letting her become an outdoor cat?

Be prepared

As you've often heard, 'preparation is the key to success', and nowhere does that apply more appropriately than to cat ownership. If you are prepared, your adoption will probably go very smoothly.

I say probably because every cat is different. Even with the best preparation by a knowledgeable owner, a cat may still want to hide for awhile. And if you discover that's the case...

You need to know what to do.

The Key

So, that's why I wrote my book, "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", http://www.yourcatsecrets.com, to give you everything you need to know and have, not only to get ready for your new cat and introduce her to your household, but to understand and care for her in the days to follow.

I've got to say it again: preparation...and knowledge... is the key. When you decide to adopt, I hope you won't do it in haste.

I hope you will do it knowledgeably and with understanding.

John Young is a writer and a cat lover, having owned one cat or another since he was four, and that was over 57 years ago. He is the author of the E-book: "Your New Cat's First 24 Hours", which is filled with information to help you introduce your new cat to your household and care for it from then on. John's book is available on-line at: http://www.yourcatsecrets.com. He also has a free newsletter: "Your Cat's 9 Secrets" which you can subscribe to from his Web site.

Manx – breed without tail

2010-12-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

The absence of tail at Manx cats is a feature known for centuries and many stories circulate about their exact origin. Probably the oldest is the legend of Noah, when the Ark door closed, the rush, took the cats tail, leaving only a stump instead of a tail. Another legend tells of a cat with no tail which stroll along the boats of the Spanish Army on the Beach of Isle of Man. In 1588. There was no doubt that the island was very isolated to permit the perpetuation of the breed Manx cats. Manx cats with stumps instead of a tail is the result of genetic mutation suffered from breeding with the breed British Shorthair cats. This gene could be responsible for skeletal defects of these cats.

Morphological traits:

Manx cats resembles those of the British Shorthair breed, except the tail. The head is large, round and has prominent cheekbones. The muzzle and chin are firm and strong. The ears are located above the head and are slightly bent outwards. Are wider at the base and rounded on top. The eyes are large and round, and color is in tone to that of the coat. The body is compact and solid, with a broad chest and short back. The seat is rounded and should be higher than the shoulders. Limbs are short and strong ,back legs slightly longer than the front. Cats for exhibition must not have tails at all, and the seat should be fully rounded. At pet cats are allowed stubs of different lengths.

Character and temperament:

Manx has a good nature and affectionate, loving to be affectionate. She is getting along very well with children and other animals, seemed to get along very well even with dogs. They are ideal pets, adapting easily to the family life. Leading a very happy life like animals inside and make very little noise.

Short fur of the breed Manx cats do not require excessive care, able to maintain his coat even single. Manx cat fur is a double acting, featuring two layers, one thick and short and one slightly longer than the other. The double coat is far more important than color or symbol on it. It is allowed any combination of colors and markings, except the Siamese pattern. Cats for exhibition are more than appreciated for the coat texture , color or markings.
Varieties.

Today, in Europe me meet two varieties: Rumpy Manx without tail and Stumpy Manx, who has a remnant of the tail, and also in America me meet three varieties: Riser, who owns several caudal vertebrae, Longy, which has a short tail and ailed with an almost norma tail.

View the original article here

How to calculate cat’s age to people’s age?

2010-12-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Generally cats live longer than dogs. Average lifetime is about 12 -14 years, but there are also cats which lives even 20 years. Lifetime of our cats depend on many different elements such as:
healthy dietveterinary caregenetic factors
It is said that cat which is seven years is a cat in middle age, and decennary cat is a gaffer.
Calculate cat’s age to people’s age may be good way to understand better cat’s growing.
If you want to in what people’s age your cat is, read following tips.
1)      Determine exactly how old is your cat. If you have a cat from he was a small you certainly know precise age, if don’t you may ask vet for help.
2)      Ignore the rule “7 years”. During a long time it was said that one year cat’s life equal seven year human’s. It is although untruth, because cats grow in different way than people.
Cat’s age        =          Human’s age
1 month                    8 months
6 months                     10 years
1 year                          15 years
2 years                        25 years
3 years                        29 years
4 yearsa                      33 years
5 years                       37 years
6 years                        41 years
7 years                        45 years
8 years                        49 years
9 years                        53 years
10 years                      57 years
11 years                      61 years
12 years                      65 years

View the original article here

Diseases That Cause Coughing in Cats and Dogs

2010-12-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

Coughing isn’t always caused by disease. Hairballs, drinking too fast, and allergies can also cause coughing. Taking note of a pet’s additional symptoms, elements in his environment, and the nature of the cough for your veterinarian can help in making a diagnosis.

The following symptoms suggest that a pet's cough may be triggered by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection:

Coughing up pus or phlegmDepression/lethargyDiarrheaDifficulty breathing (may indicate pneumonia or asthma)Dry, hacking cough (possibly a respiratory tract infection such as kennel cough)FeverLoss of appetiteRapid, shallow breathing (associated with pneumonia)Runny nose/sneezing (often symptoms of viral infection)Swallowing frequently, gagging, licking lips, and in some cases, foaming at the mouth (possibly a sore throat or tonsillitis)Watering or otherwise irritated eyesWeight loss

Infectious disease should be suspected if a pet has spent time at a cattery, boarding kennel, grooming salon, dog park, animal shelter, or anywhere else he might have come into contact with other animals recently.

Fungal infections are also common in animals that spend time in mouldy environments such as dank basements or places where there are bird droppings.

Treatment varies depending on the type of infection. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics and fungal infections with antifungals. In the case of viral infections, veterniarians usually treat the symptoms until the illness has run its course.

Elderly pets and certain breeds are susceptible to heart disease. The following symptoms indicate that a pet’s cough may be caused by heart disease, though many of these symptoms are also associated with infections:

Cough worse at night or when the animal is lying down/Fatigue/Inactivity/Lack of appetite/Moist, phlegmy cough/Noisy, open-mouthed breathing/Shortness of breath/Weight loss

Treatments may include medications, dietary changes, or surgery, depending on the illness. Prognosis varies depending on the type of heart condition and how advanced it is.

The following symptoms are associated with lung or tracheal cancer in pets, though many of these symptoms can indicate other diseases as well:

Breathing difficultiesCoughing up bloodLamenessLethargyLoss of appetitePersistent coughWeight loss
Treatments may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or just making the pet as comfortable as possible if he has reached an age where it would be cruel to put him through treatment for a brief extension of life.

The following symptoms suggest that a pet might be suffering from asthma:

Abnormal posture (sitting with head extended)Breathing difficulties/wheezingCough that gets worse when the pet is activeFatigueInactivityNoisy breathingRapid breathing

Treatment may include use of a bronchodilator, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and environmental changes to reduce the level of allergens.

Parasites such as heartworms, lungworms, and intestinal worms are a common cause of coughing in cats and dogs, particularly those that roam outdoors. Symptoms of parasite infestation may include some or all of the following:

Depression/Listlessness/Loss of appetite/Severe coughing spasms/Weight loss.

Parasites can be treated with deworming medications. If the infection is not left for too long, most pets make a full recovery.

Tracheal collapse, which is far less common in cats than dogs, can produce the following symptoms:

“Goose honk” cough/Cough triggered by drinking water or eating/Cough worsening when the pet lies down.

Small dog breeds are particularly susceptible to tracheal collapse, especially if they are overweight. Treatment may include medications, switching from a collar to a harness, dietary changes, eliminating environmental pollutants such as second-hand smoke, and stress reduction. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

Laryngeal paralysis is a relatively rare condition that usually afflicts larger dog breeds, but sometimes smaller dogs and cats as well. Symptoms include:

Tiring easily/Roaring sounds when inhaling/Inability to meow or bark/Fainting spells.

Treatment may include reducing exercise and heat exposure, administering cough medicines and/or corticosteroids, and surgery in severe cases.

COPDs are diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic asthma that obstruct airways. Among humans, COPDs are usually caused by cigarette smoke, and this can trigger lung problems in pets as well, though other environmental pollutants may also cause COPD. Tending to afflict middle-aged and older animals, COPD is characterized by the following symptoms:

Harsh, dry, hacking cough, possibly accompanied by gagging or retching of foamCough worse at night or when exercising

Treatment may involve the use of corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and cough medicines. In some cases, it may be necessary to rent a small oxygen tank for acute episodes.

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Somali breed is very expensive.

2010-12-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Originated from a cross breed between Abyssinian and long hair Persian or Angora but there are certain other contradictory claims about its origination either which says that it occurred due to the natural mutation but having said that if the attitude, nature, physique, temperament and the Somali’s susceptibility to certain diseases is analyzed it is ascertained that it is a cross between Abyssinian and some long hair cat breed because the presence of numerous traits that are similar to Abyssinian. Therefore the former theory of Somali being a cross breed seems to be authentic. Somali has almost he same traits as those are present in its ancestor. Somalis are very active, hyper, vocal, playful and energetic they want human companionship all the time. Somalis have physical feature same as that of Abyssinian but the other cross of long hair does gives it something if not all that includes the fluffy coat of long hair and the bushy tail which is as long as in Abyssinian but they are short hair and Somalis have long hair. Somalis also inherit the “M” mark between the eyes from the Abyssinian known as frown lines. The also have the same color as that of Abyssinian yellow, brown, beige base with blue ticking, light-cream base color with darker cream ticking and Ruddy. They have eye color gold, green or hazel.

Somalis are always in search of human companionship and they are so keen for that they would even get into the cushion with you to sleep with you; they also like water unlike other cats they have the tendency to be in the shower with you. They are very talkative they communicate their discontent or pleasure over thing that they feel or even when they want attention of other for one reason or the other. They don’t just create noise but they talk back when some one is talking to them. They like to run around the house and wants their share in any activity that is going around; they act like dogs, they follow you from room to room and if you open a door first they would like to enter it and even when you open a bad they would like to see that what’s in they always like to climb to your lap and jump over you. They have long hair but that require very little grooming and they shed very little hair once or twice a year and the combing once a week is enough. They are very expensive they cost $800 to $1200. They do have long hair but they don’t keep on shedding all the time and they are very active and talkative a trait that is missing in most of the long hair cats therefore with less hassle of grooming and the availability of the best traits of one of the best breeds of cats make it the favorite breed in town.

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Common Illnesses In Kittens

2010-12-05T03:08:00.000-08:00

Kittens like all living things can become ill. When your kitten isn’t feeling well, it’s not all that difficult to figure out that something’s just not right.

A strong indicator that your kitten may be unwell is if she starts acting lethargic and doesn’t want to play as usual, since kittens, by nature, are usually full of high energy and comical mischief. The following are a few of the most common medical ailments that can affect the health of your kitten.

1. Vomiting: There are a variety of reasons why a kitten may vomit. Vomiting in kittens can be relatively common and in most situations is not a serious problem. The same as humans, your kitten may have just eaten something that didn’t sit well with her or eaten a bit too much. However the vomiting may be due to a more serious issue such as a bacterial infection, a gastrointestinal virus or even a severe parasite infestation. These types of ailments can be life-threatening and require immediate attention. Prolonged vomiting, loss of appetite or diarrhea and can all lead to dehydration rather quickly so don’t let it go on for too long.

2. Worms: Kittens who have symptoms of lethargy, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, abdominal bloating or lack of appetite may also have worms. Worms are a common danger. For instance, hookworms can cause malnutrition and anemia, androundworms can cause intestinal and respiratory tract blockages which may lead to infection and pneumonia. Before infestations lead to serious health issues, it’s very important to worm cats and kittens regularly, as your vet recommends.

3. Fleas: Immediate action should always be taken to remove these parasites. Fleas multiply very quickly and a heavy infestation on a kitten can be a serious problem. It’s a known fact that fleas drink blood. If they drink enough, younger kittens can become anemic as the fleas feast on their blood. They will have no energy and their gums will look almost white. Be sure to always use flea control products that are safe for kittens. Cats have a greater sensitivity to insecticides than dogs, so if you use the wrong product they can become sick. Your vet can advise you as to the best way to control a flea infestation. Your kitten may need to have a blood transfusion if she is very sick.

4. Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections are a common occurrence in kittens. Most of the time, these infections are a nuisance but not life threatening. However, upper respiratory infections can be potentially serious. Several types of viruses cause what are commonly referred to as “kitty colds” and their symptoms can vary. Common symptoms of these “kitty colds” are sneezing, runny nose and/or eyes, cough, and fever. If the nasal discharge is green and mucus like, this indicates that there is a secondary bacterial infection present and a course of antibiotics may be needed. Another respiratory virus can enter the cells of the lung, and attack the tongue, mucous membranes, and even occasionally the tip of the nose causing serious ulcers. These ulcers are very painful and can interfere with the kittens eating. Another common symptom your kitten may have is conjunctivitis, an infection of the eye. Conjunctivitis causes a yellow and sticky discharge that “glues” the eyelids closed.

If a kitten is sick enough to stop eating and drinking, a stay at the animal hospital will be necessary. Supportive care is given while their immune systems fight the disease.Dehydration, large amounts of nasal discharge, ulcers in the eyes or mouth, and high fever are all indications that your kitten is very sick and needs immediate veterinary attention. If you have even the slightest doubt that your kitten is ill, get her to your vet now rather than wait. Kittens can become seriously ill in a relatively short period of time so it’s very important not to delay treatment.

One of the most important ways you can help manage feline upper respiratory infections is by appropriate vaccination.

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Persian is a very calm breed.

2010-12-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

From the beginning, Persian cat breed is undeniable the favorite race of breeders and also the most represented in the exhibition. His name is not only an indirect indication of the origin of the breed. Indeed, alludes to one of her ancestors, Turkish Angora, which transmitted the gene responsible for his famous long hair. If we know that angora comes from the border area between Turkey and Iran, we would better understand the “Persian” name chosen to promote the breed that is originated here.

Morphological traits.

Persian cat is a medium-sized to large cat, which should facilitate a perfect type cat. Thus, it is find a massive body, a broad chest, short limbs, with strong bones, feet round and pretty flat. The tail is proportional to body length, and mostly not thin. Cape is a cornerstone of what breeders call it type. It is massive. The standard requires are a round face, a wide jaw and a well developed chin. Numerous Persian today have more than one rectangular face round.

The ears are in line with the body, meaning small, rounded, placed quite low and very far apart. The eyes are big, round and away.

The nose is the detail that has caused most controversy lately. All standards require a short and wide nose, and a well marked stop. However, in the interpretation, American breeders have adopted an extreme attitude, some going to say that a pure Persian breed cat should not have noses. Extreme version is, as it is noted, the variety of cat Pekingese over which the nose is almost nonexistent and there is so high concave area between the two eyes and nostrils situated on both sides of the snout.

Besides typology, fur is a second important feature of Persian. It should be thick and long on the surface of the entire body: 10-20 cm on average, especially in the collar which covers the neck and chest. The hair on the tail should be very thick. Texture should be silky and very fine.

Character and behavior.

Persian cat is calm, very discreet. He likes physical inactivity and is well suited to apartment life. However the usual small Persian appreciate outdoor life, which behaves like any other cat of European type. In terms of reproduction is different from oriental Persian. Thus, later female puberty: on average 12 months. Pregnancy, generally of 3-4 kittens. It is important to note that the breed is prone to difficulties during parturition, because of round, thick head of newborn kittens. Thus, death at birth is higher in Persian than in other races. It requires close supervision of exhibition parturition. Unlike other races semi long hair and angora, Persian is a down longer, dense and fine. This feature is an important element of the aesthetics of the breed, but is also a big problem. Persian adult should be brushed daily .

Varieties

Persian belongs as British and oriental short hair, in those races that are found in the entire range of possible varieties. Recognition of new varieties, slow until 1970, has picked up more. International Federation of cats, which recognizes only 13 varieties in 1938 and about 23 in 1980, recognizes 150 ten years later .This evolution is rampant because the number of these variations result from the simple combination of already known variations

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American Wirehair – very courageous cat’s breed.

2010-12-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

Coarse-haired cats have appeared in many countries, but only a few breeders have been busy selecting and improving them. Born from a spontaneous mutation of American short hair cat, cat breed is an American with coarse texture characterized by coat: wavy hair with the ends bent inwards or hook shaped. This mutation has occurred naturally during the pregnancy of an American short hair cat born in 1967 in New York. Solid cat, vigorous and full of life, American cat with coarse hair is then recognized by Cat Fanciers’ Association and the American Livre Officiel des origines des felines in France. It is still almost unknown in Europe.

Morphological traits.

It is different from the basis of the race, primarily through hair , which is coarse and wiry all over the body. Sub morphology, are characterized by a relatively round head, her cheeks and nose are convex and easy prominent. The ears are small and easy sharpened .The eyes are very bright and sharp according to coat.

Body, medium-sized, slightly robust, well dressed and solid balanced . Harmonious muscles are supported by relatively strong and powerful limbs, the muscles are firm and the claws very strong. At this breed, the males are well developed compared with females so that they can easily differentiate. The tail is quite long and thin..The hair covering the entire body is curly, medium length, elastic and away from the body. It has the aspect of an animal emerging from the hairdresser..In the head, on the back and the flanks, the hair is more sharply and more corrugated than the rest of the body. The standard gives the highest importance to this breed, to the hair quality and less to the other traits. The colors allowed for this American race with coarse hair are common with the American short hair cat.

Character and behavior.

A very nice cat, which is characterized by an unusual curiosity, always searching through every room and corner of the house very well possible to search for new things to do .She is respected by all the animals that surrounds her, being very courageous .She attaches very strong to the master, but she doesn’t refuses any other company .She is very resistant, she adapts well to the life in an apartment, but not refuse to live in the open, whenever she have this chance . A good advice so that the hair remains always curly, it requires to the master to often give a few minutes to combed and brushed, which will keep the animal in condition.
Varieties.

And in this race there are many varieties, differentiated by color, but also by the length and degree of crimping of the hair.

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American Curl – cat’s breed with bent ears

2010-12-02T03:26:00.000-08:00

American Curl breed is famous especially for his bent ears , which are the result of spontaneous mutations. Ears are straight and open, bending through the back, in a graceful curve, opposite to the Scottish Fold cats, which are bowed and bent toward the front. The ears give the breed an alert and cheerful look.

American Curl breed history begins in a sunny day of June 1981, in Lakewood, California. A black female with long hair and silky, with some unusual ears, appeared at the door of Joe and Grace Ruga. Joe Grace encouraged her not to feed the cat, but the woman, listening to her heart, left a bowl of cat food next to the doorway. The black and affectionate cat quickly made its way into the heart of the family, who called it Shulamith, which means “black but pleasant”.

In December 1981, Shulamith gave birth to her first offspring. Of four kittens, two had their ears bent. He was contacted a geneticist to study this phenomenon, confirming that this unusual ear is the result of genetic mutations, most likely inherited, caused by a dominant gene, and strains without attachments. Referring to it as a spontaneous mutation, the gene that caused the bending ear seemed to follow a single dominant pattern.

Inbreeding began in 1983. The standard of this breed is a medium-sized cat, alert, with an elegant aspect and a sweet expression, open, filled his ears remarkable. Because of his domestic ancestors, American Curl therapy is available both in the long hair, and in one with short hair, both varieties with a soft fur, silky, shiny and attached to the body. breed with long hair is different because of the very bushy tail. The care of this breed is easily done. An occasional bath and brushing is all that one needs for these cats to maintain coat in good condition.

Morphological traits
The distinctive feature of this breed it is the unique ear shape. The ears are quite stiff to the touch, high and open, bending the light in an arch. American Curl breed ears were compared with those of Lynx’s, with long tufts of hair accentuating the appearance of bending the ears. Great care must be taken handling the ears to avoid breaking the cartilage.

When they are born, their ears are straight, but within 3-4 days after birth, the ears start to bend back. In the first 4 months of life, kittens ears gradually bend in different degrees, ranging up when determining the final shape at the age of 4 months. Around this age, professional can determine the quality cat breeder, based on the degree of bending of the ears, correlated with body type.

Character and behavior
In terms of personality, American Curl breed is very people oriented, loyal and affectionate. Being a nosy and curious temperament, they assist their human companions in any action that those are planning to do.

American Curl loves human company and adapt very quickly to any other animals, children or new situations. Although cats are considered to be smart, they keep the kitten behavior even on adulthood.

Varieties
Besides the fact that they are available with short fur and the long fur varieties, the cats of breed American Curl can be any color or coat pattern. The eyes can have a whole range of colors.

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Cats and Lilies

2010-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Cats should be kept away from lilies

Cats are inquisitive animals, and some cats are notorious for eating house plants. However, plants of the lily family should be avoided in the gardens and houses of cat owners as the lily family is extremely toxic to cats.

The toxicity is found in all parts of the plant: flowers, leaves and even the pollen. The toxic element is known to be water soluble. Even small amounts of the lily plants are capable of causing poisoning. Pollen that has brushed onto the cat and then been licked off by the animal can result in death.

All members of the lily family should be considered poisonous, but the most dangerous include: tiger lilies (Lilium Tigrinum), day lily (Hemerocalis), Easter lily (Lilium Longiflorum) and Stargazer (Lilium Orientalis).

Signs of poisoning after a cat has ingested lilies can occur within hours. Following ingestion, cats present with vomiting, depression, anorexia (loss of appetite) and acute renal failure (no longer passing urine or passing extremely small amounts). Vomiting may stop and then restart up to three days later. The cat can also present with paralysis, respiratory problems, seizures and swollen paws and face.

Mortality is high (50-100%) depending on when treatment is started but, cats that are not treated following ingestion die within 3-5 days often because of renal failure. Cats that do survive and even those actively treated by a veterinarian are often left with chronic renal failure and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

The veterinarian will take a history including exposure to any toxins. The veterinarian will preform a thorough physical examination, and a number of blood tests may be taken. The blood results will look for elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea and nitrogen which indicate kidney failure. A urine sample may also be taken to examine kidney function.

Treatment by a veterinarian must be started as soon as possible after ingestion of any part of the lily plant. Treatment involves removing the toxin if recently ingested by inducing vomiting and binding of the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract with activated charcoal.

The kidneys are supported by the cat being placed on intravenous fluids and where possible some cats undergo hemodialysis. Mortality, however, remains high.

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Feline Acne

2010-11-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

Feline acne, a pretty common skin condition, appears as tiny blackheads or pimples on the cats chin after the hair follicles have become clogged. In cases where the condition is more severe, the pimples drain pus, and the cats bottom lip and chin become swollen. It is believed that the cause of the acne is due to the lack of grooming to the cats chin and so both oil and dirt accumulate. Also since plastic tends to be harder to keep clean compared to ceramic, stainless steel, or glass, cats who eat from plastic bowls may also be more apt to develop this condition. Stress, hyperactive sebaceous glands, sleeping on the hard ground, and hormones in cats between 2-4 years old may contribute to the development of acne as well.

In situations where the feline acne is mild, meaning there are blackheads only, you can treat it by gently cleansing the area with a warm washcloth and just a little benzoyl peroxide soap. Take care not to scrub too hard as scrubbing can worsen the condition. Veterinary treatment will be necessary for more serious acne cases. After the cleansing, your vet will give you a benzoyl peroxide gel to apply to the affected area on your cat. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics.

Feline acne may be a recurring condition in some cats. If this happens to be the case for your cat, you will need to continue treatment with the cleansing and benzoyl peroxide gel indefinitely.

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Painting cats is a new trend.

2010-11-29T05:38:00.000-08:00

What does luxury life mean? People, who are rich, spend money on new cars, new homes, new yachts, traveling and … painting their cats. Probably you have heard about tattooing and piercing dogs, but painting cats is a new trend. It is popular among rich people. Single painting costs about about $15,000. What is important it must be repeated at every two or three months, what means that cat owner have to assign about $60,000 for colorful cat. It is too high price for normal people.

What do you think about it ? Do you want to have a colorful cat? Look for pictures and think about it. In my opinion, people who treat animals in this way, don’t have the heart. Painting cats should be forbidden and penalty should be high. People can paint picture, but why animals? I couldn’t understand it. Cats are not a things, but living being.

In USA another way to prettify cats is buying wigs. Some people say that wings are beautiful, but in my opinion it is redundant addition for cat’s fur. Animals with wings look strangely. I am sure that it is uncomfortable to have something like that on head. Think about your cat and don’t do it. Cats are beauty and don’t need it.

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Amazing 7 cat’s records.

2010-11-28T05:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard about the oldest, the smallest and the biggest cat? Read about cat’s records. Some of records are amazing. Maybe your cat could start in one of the category?

First
• The oldest cat died at 36 years old in 1939. The average cat’s life amounts 17 years. Cat was named Puss and its owner was lady Holway from Devon shire in United Kingdom.

Second
• The biggest home cat was Himmy from Queensland in Australia. In 1986, in the end of life cat weighed 21,3 kg. Height and length: 38cm and 1m.

Third
• The smallest cat is named Tinker Toy. Its owner Taylorville comes from Illinois in United States. It is a Himalayan Cat. Height and length: 7 cm and 19m.

Fourth
• One cat from Bonham in Texas during 17 years gave birth 420 small cats.

Fifth
• The oldest cat’s mother was Kitty. Its owner was John Johnstone from United Kingdom. The last small cats were born, where Kitty was 30 years old.

Sixth
• The biggest cat’s litter amounts 19 cats. The record was broken in 1970 by saiyaman cat. Its owner was V.Gane from Church Westcote in United Kingdom

Seventh
• One cat from United Kingdom during 24 years killed 28 899 mice.

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How to act when your cat disappears?

2010-11-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

How to act when your cat disappears? You are sad but it is very important not to panic. Panic does not help you in finding your pet.

First, you should go over the surrounding neighbourhood and look for cat among bushes, in basements and under cars. You can also ask for children in the neighbourhood for help as they are good observers. Offer them a reward for help finding your pet.

If those ways don’t bring results it is necessary to use other methods. Print a lot of advertisements. Remember to add a photo of your cat, annotation about prize, address and way to contact. It is better to put your telephone number and take your telephone everywhere.

What is important you should put advertisements everywhere:

-   in surrounding staircases and advertisement posts
-   in vegetable shops, groceries and zoological shops
-   in animal hospitals
-   on bus stations (but it is illegal)
- anywhere there is a public noticeboard

The chance of finding your cat increases with the amount of advertisements. You should also visit shelters and to talk with vets. Maybe they know something. Remind children about your cat. Look for your cat in the evening, because is quiet. Look in basements,sheds and garages. Call and listen. Don’t give up on your cat.

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Problem with litter box.

2010-11-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

It is well known fact that cats like cleanness. So why your cat piss outside litter box? In many cases it means that something wrong is happening. Below we show probably solutions :

illness

Your cat can suffer from diseases which are associated with alimentary canal and urinary canal or other diseases like cystitis, nephritis or diarrhoeas . Maybe pissing cause pain and toilet for cat is the symbol of suffering. So cat avoid this place.

litter box

Litter box is very important thing which should provide your cat comfort . It is necessary to choose a right litter box.

Problems with litter box:
- too small
- unsuitable type

Some cats don’t like closing litter boxes
- dirt
- wrong place where litter box is situated
- amount of litter boxes is too small

The main rule : amount of litter boxes=amount of cats +1
- unsuitable type of gravel
- bad couplings with litter box

Stress

Stress can be associated with following situations: removal, someone new or something new dissapear or appear in home ( new cat, child birth, someone died), beating cat, shortage of time for your cat, change of diet, misunderstandings between cats and other.

You should observe your cat and give love and patience. It helps, but don’t remember about visiting vet.
Tags: box, cat, litter, litter box problems, litter boxes, urinary canal

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Is it necessary to bath a cat ?

2010-11-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Some people consider if it is necessary to bath a cat. I know answer , because I have talked about it with my vet. He said that there is no need to bath a cat, exluding below situations:

• Taking care about longhaired cat - especially if you prepare your cat on exhibitions
• When fur of your cat is covered by substances, which could not be removed by your cat
• Disease like tinea and parasites
• Owner’s allergy
• Rehabilitation in water after complex
• Cald bath when your cat has burn or heatstroke

If bath is necessary you have to prepare: warm water (it can’t be too hot and too cold), towel, shampoo designed for cats and drier. You can also ask for help someone with family. For many cats situation in which you start pour water on is very stressful. So it is better to put cat in bath filled water. Pour water on cat without its head using your hand . If cat is wet use a shampoo. Avoid ears, eyes and nose. Rinse cat and dry using drier or towel.

First bath for cat is the worst, because cat don’t know what is happening and the owner don’t know cat reaction. Some cats like baths, so maybe your cat belongs to this group of cats. Remember that in normally situation bath is not necessary.

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Feline Infectious Anemia

2010-11-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

Feline infectious anemia is a bacterial disease which is caused by an organism called hemobartonella felis. This organism attaches to the cats red blood cell surface which ultimately leads to anemia.

It’s assumed that parasites and insects that drink blood may pass the contaminated blood after biting an infected cat on to a healthy one. If the mother is infected, kittens may be infected within the womb. Male cats between the ages of one to three years are also believed to be more commonly affected.

Signs of this disease include gums and mucous membranes which are pale in appearance, and vomiting. The cat may lose a considerable amount of weight if the disease slowly progresses. If the cat has an acute case she might not display any weight loss and instead may show sudden weakness, loss of appetite, fever, and jaundice.

Diagnosing feline infectious anemia is made by taking blood samples and examining them under a microscope. Multiple samples may need to be taken because there are periods when the parasites will not be visible within the blood.

Treatment consists of a course of antibiotics in addition to other medications for a period of several weeks.

Blood transfusions may be needed for severe cases. Treatment is usually successful if the anemia hasn’t become too far advanced. It’s important to note however that the parasite may never be fully removed from the body, and stress may cause the disease to return.

To reduce the risk of your cats exposure to feline infectious anemia, a comprehensive program that includes flea and parasite control should be followed.

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Cat Urine Odor Remover

2010-11-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Many people believe that the odor of cat urine is one of the most unpleasant smells emitted by any animal. However, the main problem with cat urine is that it tends to grow bacteria, which results in the strong, ammonia-like smell that many people associate with cat urine. To understand the best method to use to remove cat urine, it’s best to first understand where that strong odor comes from, and why your cat may be urinating outside of their litter box.

Many people often ask the question, “Why does cat urine smell so bad?”. Indeed, the aroma of cat urine is very strong, with a distinct ammonia-like smell. This strong smell comes from a special type of protein that is contained in cat urine. When a cat sprays or urinates indoors, this protein is the cause of the strong odor.

Part of the reason why cat urine is difficult to get rid of is because of its strong smell. However, when a cat urinates on a specific area, their urine often forms dried crystals. While you can mask the odor of these dried crystals temporarily with air freshener or carpet spray, the crystals may once again emit cat urine odor when they become moist. In order to fully banish this smell, it’s best if you use a high-powered cat urine odor remover that is designed to neutralize the odor of cat urine.

There are many reasons why your cat may be urinating indoors. Some cats may urinate to mark their territory, especially if they have not been spayed or neutered. Other cats frequently urinate when exposed to unfamiliar people or situations. It may even be possible that your cat is urinating in an attempt to get your attention, or if they feel neglected.

There are many methods that you can use to banish the smell of cat urine from your home. When understanding how to remove cat urine odor, it’s best if you first identify the reason why your cat is urinating. This way, you can prevent future incidents, and lower the chance of repeat cleanups.

To remove cat urine odor, you can use a mixture of common household substances. Some people recommend mixing the following ingredients:
White VinegarBaking SodaDishwashing DetergentHydrogen Peroxide

These ingredients can be combined to make a solution that can help to neutralize the strong odor of cat urine.

You may also choose to purchase a commercial cat urine removal product. These products are formulated to help permanently disperse the distinct smell of cat urine. However, as with any product, it’s essential that you follow the specific directions on the product. Some cat urine removal products need to be left on the urine spot for a designated period of time, in order for them to be able to neutralize the cat urine.

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Picking the Best Cat Food

2010-11-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Taking care of your cat’s health involves regular veterinary checkups, daily exercise and a constant monitoring for potentially life-threatening medical conditions. However, another extremely important part of caring for your cat’s health involves choosing a high-quality, highly nutritious cat food formula. Choosing the right cat food formula can be difficult, since cats have very different nutritional needs from humans. Here is some information that will help you to choose the best possible food formula for your cat.

Before you purchase any cat food formula, it’s essential that you first read the ingredients. Be cautious of any cat food formulas that include artificial flavors, artificial preservatives or chemical coloring. Identifying these ingredients can be a bit difficult, though here are some that you should definitely avoid:

In general, the first five ingredients of a cat food formula make up the bulk of the food. Though it’s still important to read the complete ingredients list, you can gain a general idea of the quality of a food formula from the first five ingredients. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they require a high amount of protein in order to remain healthy. In a high quality cat food formula, three or four of the first five ingredients will be protein-based.

Many low-quality or inexpensive cat food formulas contain a high amount of corn. In some formulas, two or three of the first five ingredients may be derived from corn. Though some companies will market corn as being a “whole, nourishing source of nutrition”, don’t be fooled! Corn is a cheap filler ingredient, and may cause serious health problems in your cat. Corn has a high glycemic index effect, and can severely irritate your cat’s digestive system. In addition to this, many cats have an allergic reaction to corn ingredients, especially over a prolonged period of consuming a corn-based food.

In order to pick the best food for your cat, you may want to look in to purchasing a grain-free cat food formula. Though these formulas may sometimes be a bit more expensive, they are usually free of high-carbohydrate ingredients that can be damaging to your cat’s health. A diet high in carbohydrate can promote health problems such as obesity, heart problems and diabetes in your cat. With a grain-free formula, you can also avoid the allergic reactions that some cats have to high-carbohydrate cat food formulas.

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York Chocolate breed accepts other animals.

2010-11-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

York Chocolate owes its appearance to the American Janet Chiefari , the owner of a cat with long white black hair, in a farm at the outskirts of Albany, capital of New York, where the cat mate in 1983 with Smokey, the neighbor’s cat. The kittens birth stands out an unusual kitten with the color of chocolate.

Morphological traits

York Chocolate is an animal with a supple and long constitution which reminds that of Siamese, although it is clearly higher and more robust. Males reach the weight of 6-8 kg, and females more than 4.5 kg. The head is suitable large, more long than wide, in the form of a triangle with rounded corners. In profile, the skull is rounded, nose has a smooth stop, chin is less pronounced. The ears are large, sharp, inclined forward and away. Eyes are medium size, almond in golden color, dark green or peanut. Legs are medium length, the posterior longer than the previous. The paws are round and children. Medium and long tail is between adult cats, the hair on the tail have to spoil that one up. The fur is medium length, soft and glossy, following body lines. The delicate consistency, doesn’t have a woolly down. Hair is short snout, on the abdomen and the lower portion of legs, the longer the spine, hips, legs and upper part of the neck.

Character and behavior.

Less active and reactive, it needs moderate attention by man. The family has to be affectionate people, allow easy comfort and likes to be held in her master lap. With more foreign persons she is reserved, even shy, but in any case, is sociable and very less aggressive. Due tendency to follow its owner everywhere, was nicknamed cat-satellite, but is, in fact, quite independent, and she rarely meows . She accepts other animals, can be an affectionate and discreet playmates for children in the house. New things attract attention and does not like to leave the atmosphere that is familiar to them, adapted to life in the flat, easily withstand several hours of loneliness, but loves to be able to have access to green space.

Varieties

The standard provides four varieties: Chocolate merged, chocolate white, lilac and mauve and white . In unite colors , a white spot on breast or womb is accepted, but not required. At the bi color specimens, white is distributed around the neck, chest, belly, legs and, often, the muzzle, with a stripe on his nose. Colors are obviously more lighter to kitten that, up to 12 months can have traces of tiger drawing or stains. Are in process of recognition, fur chocolate and lilac van , at cats predominantly white, the color remaining only in the extremities: head, tail and only few spots allowed the calves, one or two small round spots are allowed on the body.

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Adopting a Cat vs Buying a Cat

2010-11-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

When choosing to bring a cat into your household, there are a lot of potential questions to consider. Are you financially able to care for your cat? Will a cat interact well with your other pets? Is anyone in your household allergic to cats? However, before you address these issues, you have to make the choice of where you will begin looking for your future feline companion. In general, you will have two choices: adopting a cat from an animal shelter, and purchasing one of the cats for sale at a pet store or breeder. There are both positive and negative factors associated with each of these choices, which should influence your decision.

Positive Aspects
When you purchase a cat, you will most likely be buying it from a pet store. If you are looking for a specific breed of cat, you may begin your search at a breeder that specializes in the breed you are searching for. When buying from a breeder, you will often get certification stating that your cat is purebred, which may make your cat eligible to participate in cat shows. Many cat shows require proof that a cat is purebred.

Negative Aspects
When purchasing a cat, you are supporting the “pet mills” that produce the animals that you see at many pet stores. In addition to this, thousands of cats are abandoned each year, and are in need of a loving home. Many of the animals in shelters will be euthanized, and by purchasing a cat, you are instead supporting the further breeding of more commercial cats. In addition to this, purchased cats may have genetic defects resulting from inbreeding or poor nutrition, which is common at many pet stores.

Positive Aspects
When you choose to adopt a cat from an animal shelter, you are providing a loving, caring home for an animal that truly needs your love. Many cats in animal shelters are already litter-box trained, and are desperate for human attention. In addition to this, many animal shelters provide spaying/neutering, vaccinations and basic medical care for cats in their care for no extra charge. By adopting a cat from a shelter, you are saving it from being one of the thousands of cats that are euthanized at animal shelters each year.

Negative Aspects
If you do not adopt a cat from a reputable shelter, you may have to deal with improper medical care that occurred during a cat’s shelter care. Some cats from shelters may have been extensively abused, and may require extra care before they are able to interact with humans on a normal level.

In general, there are more benefits associated with adopting a cat from an animal shelter than from purchasing a cat from a breeder or pet store. Due to overcrowding in animal shelters, thousands of cats are killed each year simply because shelters do not have enough room. Adopting a cat from an animal shelter is less expensive as well, since many common medical care procedures are included in the small adoption fee from most shelters.

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Cats as Gifts

2010-11-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Holiday seasons often prompt pet lovers to spread furry love around and give pets as gifts. It can be done, but there are some pitfalls to avoid to ensure the fur-kid gets a home for life, and his new human parents welcome him unconditionally.

"Cupid's fickle arrow works best when the individual person and potential pet meet face to face. What strikes your fancy may leave Uncle Felix cold. Even if he's begged for an Abyssinian cat for decades, let HIM choose. The time, the place, the person, and the cat must be right for love to bloom into a lifetime commitment.

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You treat your cat like a child.

2010-11-19T03:54:00.000-08:00

Is your cat member of family? Some people say that cats, which are treated like children, are happiest. And you? Are you cat’s mother or cat’s father?

We prepare 15 things, which approve that you are cat’s mother or cat’s father. List below:

1. Always you have photo of your cat with you – in the wallet, on the desk and on your desktop
2. Your cat receive Christmas presents and birthday presents, which are always in a beautiful paper.
3. You have always a lot of food for your cat.
4. You have pot with grass for your pet
5. You prepare cat’s birthday party with cake
6. You decorate your home scrapers.
7. If you spend your holiday outside home, you have always take your cat with you.
8. Cat can eat on your plate.
9. Cat has own vet
10. In your testament are points associated with cat
11. You go walk with your cat
12. If your cat have small cats, your friends visit you and give presents for cats
13. If your cat is ill, you take day off
14. You spend your free time always with cat. It is important point of your day.
15. You love growling your cat.

And You? How you treat your animal? If you are agree with almost sentences you are probably cat’s mother or cat’s father.

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How To Adopt A Rescue Cat

2010-11-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Rescue Cats - Emma Theron

Given the economic climate over the last few years, the RSPCA continues to report an increase in pets being given up for adoption due to owners' inability to afford their upkeep. If you are thinking about getting a pet for yourself, why pay expensive breeders' fees for pedigree animals when there are so many loving, healthy pets in rescue centres in desperate need of good homes?

When should you adopt a rescue cat?

It's very important to think about your personal circumstances and your living habits when you adopt a new animal. Do you work full time, five days a week? Or are you at home all day with a young family? If you are out all day at work, a kitten would not be the right choice for you. Kittens are incredibly vulnerable and need close attention in the early stages of their lives. They can get sick very easily and illnesses can progress at a rapid pace in a young cat, so owners need to be able to be vigilant and be able to dose the kitten with medicine or take it to the vet in an emergency. If you are out at work all day, you can't promise this level of attention and it really isn't fair to the animal.

Older cats often get overlooked in rescue centres in favour of the more appealing kittens. However, owning an older cat can actually be far more rewarding, particularly if you lead a busy life. An older cat is usually house-trained, understands where it needs to go to perform its toilet, and has very few wants and needs in its life - a warm, quiet place to sleep, food in its belly and a nice stroke and rub under the chin now and again. If you do have young children though, make sure you know the history of the cat you wish to adopt before you commit to it. Some older cats may have had bad experiences with children and not be happy to live with them again.

The next step is to fall in love with a cat (or pair of cats, depending on how they have arrived at the centre). Research your local centres and find out if you need to make an appointment or bring any paperwork with you before you travel. Then think about what type of cat do you like? Short or long haired? Pedigree or mixed? Male or female. You might need to meet a few animals before you really connect, but when you do, you'll know he or she is the one for you!

Taking your cat home

Once you've chosen a cat you love, the rescue centre will probably want to do a home check to confirm you don't live near a busy road or have a number of animals already. This is usually a formality and won't be a problem if you've made your decision wisely. You'll also have to pay a fee - this usually covers the cat's vaccinations, de-fleaing and de-worming and final vet's check.

Then you'll need to get the necessary equipment to keep your cat indoors for the five weeks it will need to feel at home.
I would suggest at least:
Food and water bowls, Scratching post, Litter tray (covered ones work well), Litter,Litter scoop,Toys and a Carry basket.
Ask the rescue centre what food (both wet and dry) the cat is currently eating - try to get the same make to avoid upset stomachs. It also helps to use the same type of litter if you want to be sure of no accidents.

Settling in

Give your cat the time and space it needs to settle in to its new environment. Even though you are providing a loving and caring home, its experience of humans may lead it to be more distrustful and it may need some time to adjust. There are hormone diffusers you can buy that are very useful, particularly for male cats, like Feliway, which helps to keep them calm.

The cat needs to feel like the boss of its own domain before it goes out into the big wide world, so do keep the cat in for at least four or five weeks until you're comfortable it knows it is in charge. You'll know when the cat is ready.

As long as you've taken the time and care to make the right decision, you should have every chance of a very rewarding and happy relationship with your cat. However, should problems persist for more than six months after its arrival, consult your vet or go back to the rescue centre for further advice.

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