Are You Considering Buying A Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls are large cats with pretty blue eyes and soft bushy tails. They do not have extreme features. A male ragdoll cat may reach over 20 pounds and a female cat reaches as high as 15 pounds. Their coats are soft and feel much like cashmere. Ragdolls have four different types of coat patterns: van, bicolor, mitted, and pointed. Each of these patterns come in six different colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and seal. Pointed ragdoll cats have siamese type markings with dark ears, legs, and tails with a creamy colored body. Mitted ragdoll cats look like pointed ragdolls except they have mittens and boots are soft, fluffy white, and so are their chins. Bicolor ragdoll cats have white legs, a white underbelly, a white chest and an upside down V marking on their face are white. Only the tail, ears, and the outer part of their masks show darker markings. Vans ragdoll cats have crystal white bodies that contrast with their point markings and blue eyes. Only the top of the maks, ears, and tail, and sometimes some spots on the body show darker markings. Ragdoll cats are gentle cats which are careful not to scratch people and they are good with children, older people, and with dogs. They usually will not scratch or bite even when frightened or in pain. They are usually not jumpers. They like to stay on the floor. They do not speak very often and when they do speak they have a soft voice. They are people oriented cats that will often greet you when you get home from work. They will follow you around, sleep with you, and generally keep you company wherever you go in the house (even the bathroom!) Ragdolls love attention. Ragdoll cats are calmer cats compared to some. They are less likely to be knocking stuff off your table or knocking a cup out of your hand than some other cats! Ragdolls need little help when it comes to grooming. They groom and bath themselves. They rarely shed, have hairballs, or need any grooming at all unless they are a show cat. While Ragdolls do not normally need to be combed they actually do enjoy it! Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are a friendly calm breed of cat. If you are on the look out for a new cat then a ragdoll is definitely a great choice! About the Author: Mr. Jensy is a contributer to My Cat Wears Clothes - The Ultimate Cat Website which includes a section about Ragdoll Cats Read more articles by: Mike Jensy Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Breeding Basics

Cat breeding is an expensive undertaking both as far as the money it costs and the time it takes. It's important to realize that cat breeding is serious business and cannot be done well without a lot of effort. The first thing you need to do if you want to get into cat breeding is learn everything you can find about your chosen breed. Research the breed, it's origin, it's history, and it's Cat Fancier Association breed standard. Becoming a cat breeder is a huge commitment. Cat breeding is not easy. Make sure you are ready to make this huge commitment before you take the cat breeding plunge! Health is the most important consideration when selecting cats for breeding. You also must consider coat color and pattern. It's important to have a thorough knowledge of your breed so you know exactly what you are looking for. Breeding a male and female cat usually produces kittens in about 65 days. But it is not that unusual for cat pregnancies so don't necessarily be concerned if the pregnancy goes past 65 days. It's very important that the mother cat is fed very well during her pregnancy. Of course you want to be consulting with your veterinarian during this very important time. Some feel it is a good idea to restrict the movement of the mother during her pregnancy not only to lower the chance of injury but also to get the mother cat used to her more sedentary lifestyle she'll be living once her kittens are born. After the kittens are born be sure that they are gaining weight. You should be able to see the kittens gaining weight. If they are not gaining weight there is something wrong. You should know ahead of time how to tube feed a kitten and you should have that equipment available in case something is going wrong. The problem will most likely correct itself in a few days but if it does not you may need veterinarian assistance. Weigh your kittens every day at the same time. Do not weight them in the morning one day and in the evening the next. Pick one time like 10 AM and weigh them at that one time every day to be sure you are getting an accurate reading. Little or no weight gain one day to the next is a sign of a problem. Kittens should be gaining weight every day! After the 3rd week kitten food should be made available. Sometimes kittens ages 3 and 4 weeks will become curious about their mother's food and may try to eat it themselves. Handle your kittens from an early age so they become more socialized. This will make them better pets and also better show cats. No kittens should leave your home prior to 12 weeks. They should never leave your home before inoculations are complete. Hopefully you've got some better idea about cat breeding basics from this article and you have a clear idea of whether you want to become a cat breeder and if you do, you should have some basic cat breeding knowledge now. About the Author: Hello I'm a serious cat lover and I am writing this article for www.mycatwearsclothes.com the ultimate cat website. Please chat with me on the great Cat Forum there. Read more articles by: Matthew Yoho Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Fleas

Fleas are one of the more disgusting and horrible creatures on the planet. They are parasites which are creatures which live off the body of another creature. Parasites can cause much damange to their "host" including passing diseases to them. Most people who have cats have had to deal with cat fleas. The flea that commonly “lives on” cats (and dogs too actually) is called the Cat flea. Pretty descriptive name right? It's scientific name is Ctenocephalides felis but if you don't mind I'll just refer to them as cat fleas! Want more obvious information about the cat flea? Well here you go, the Cat flea is one of the most common fleas in the world! The cat flea's main “host” is the house cat. The cat flea is also the most common flea that lives on dogs. While these fleas can certainly bite humans and even infest them they cannot be sustained by humans. In other words if your cat goes so will your cat fleas! But of course you want to keep your cat! You just want to get rid of those nasty cat fleas. Want to know something gross about cat fleas? Well they feed their children through fecal matter. Do you know what their fecal matter is made out of for the most part? The dried blood that used to flow through the veins of your beautiful cat! Ah, cat fleas are very despicable creatures. You may be saying to yourself you already know that cat fleas are disgusting you want to get rid of them! Well yes, understood. The easiest way to treat cat fleas is by using Frontline for cats. Frontline is safe for kittens over 8 weeks of age and only has to be used once a month. In fact it shouldn't be used any more often than that. About the Author: I'm a contributer to the ultimate cat website which includes a section on Frontline for Cats which is the easiest method for killing cat fleas. Read more articles by: Matthew Yoho Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Aspirin Toxicity In Your Cat

When many of us think of Aspirin, we think of a very common medication that is found in a lot of homes; almost everyone has heard of Aspirin, and many of us have had to take it on occasions, for pain or some other complaint. It is a commonly found household medication that many people take as they please for minor aches and pains. However, vets tell us that this is not a safe solution for your cat. Although cats can be safely treated with Aspirin under veterinary supervision, it is not recommended to ever give your cat Aspirin without prior approval from your veterinarian. Aspirin has a very long half-life in cats—meaning that it is present in the body in its active form for a long time--much longer than in humans or dogs. Cats are also much smaller than humans; therefore, a safe dose for us can be very dangerous for a cat. Aspirin is readily absorbed from the intestines in cats and may cause damage to the intestinal lining. This can lead to ulcers and bleeding into the intestinal tract. Signs of Aspirin toxicity include vomiting, weakness, fever, and eventual coma and death. To make sure your can does not accidentally consume Aspirin, we need to make sure medications are not in easy reach or access—for instance, don’t leave a few pills just lying around—cats are known to be curious. If, however, your cat ingests Aspirin and you notice any of the signs, notify your veterinarian immediately! If treated within a few hours of ingestion, most cats will have a good chance of recovering. Treatment will usually consist of IV fluids, and giving charcoal to your cat to bind the excess drug. The veterinarian may also need to give the cat something so that she vomits to clear her stomach of excess Aspirin. To prevent a possible toxicity in your cat, never give any medications of any kind without previous instructions from your vet. If you are in doubt about whether a certain drug is safe for your cat, call your vet and ask about this. Pet owners should never just assume that a drug that is safe for you will be safe for your cat! All pet owners should check with their vets for further information on their pets' general health; other important helpful points, in addition to those stated above, can be obtained from vet professionals who are used to seeing various kinds of pets and therefore, can provide assistance to pet owners. About the Author: Author lives in Illinois; loves animals—especially cats, dogs; and is a home entrepreneur. See information on author’s business at: http://mysite.verizon.net/limoore Training a dog? https://paydotcom.com/r/9416/limoore/401261/ Dog Healthcare: https://paydotcom.com/r/4603/limoore/399717/ Read more articles by: L Johnson Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Training - The Meows And The Purrs

A Cat 'meows'. Yes it sounds so good but if it meows loudly and continuously, then the same sound becomes irritating. What do you think the reason can be? Is it hungry? YES and NO Yes, hungry, it can be, but apart from this there can many other reasons, why it is 'meowing'. The reason may be anything it may be because it is just bored, or can be because it has suffering from some kind of discomfort or has some medical problem. What should you do it she keeps meowing? Offer her milk... No! You should not offer her any food when it is incessantly meowing, as it will think that this as a kind of reward and would keep meowing... This will increase its bad behavior and would affect the relationship between you and the cat. Offer it food, when it stops meowing, this will be registered in its mind, that if it does not meow unnecessarily, it will be rewarded. You will need to get your cat to learn when it is appropriate to meow, when they really need something. You need to see that all the cat needs is always available to it, as far as possible. This would mean your cat will do less meowing. Cats are usually lazy and would not exercise by themselves. They love to cat nap all day long. You need to set up a playtime and a play area. Keep Strings, ball, catnip items, or simple home made items that your cat will love. See that the items kept are without any sharp edges which might hurt your pet. This will help it get into a good habit of keeping itself occupied while you are busy with something else. You should spend sometime in a day and preferable keep it same time everyday. A good time would be when you return home from work and you want to relax. It is proved that playing with or just stroking cats helps one relax and keeps blood pressure under control. Purring is another characteristic of a cat. Purring signifies that the cat is content. Follow this with caution as purring does not always signify that the cat is happy. Cats also purrs if they are ill, sick or dying. Pay close attention to your cat, when it is purring and check for any physical signals which might suggest that it is not feeling well. If it stops purring, that too signifies that it has some discomfort maybe it may be sick with a virus or something could be making her feel sick. These are signals to suggest you that seek the services of a veterinarian and have your cat examined. Non-purring may also happen when cats get older or maybe the purring is so soft that you are unable to hear them it. As in humans, emotions play a very important part of a behavior in your cat. Fears, grief, compassion, jealously affect the behavior of your feline friends too. * As fear is intimating to us so is it for them, it may have a fear of getting hurt or may be afraid of another animal. * Cat would exhibit grief, when something tragic happens to it like loosing its owner, the same way as we do when we loose our near or dear ones. * Cats have compassion for other cats. * Your meowing and purring pet also turns green with jealousy if it has to share its owner, home, toys or food. It is these emotions, you need to consider, when you are training your cat. It would be disturbed and might resort to excessive meowing and refuse to listen to its master. When they show the signs of being emotional, you need to find what is affecting their behavior. Are they hurt or are they ill or is it just their bad behavior. Cats, being emotional, need your attention all the time. You need to observe, if they are satisfied with the location, they are comfortable with other pets or other members of the family and you should always be aware of their actions. Training a pet is tricky. It is Time and Patience which will help you through. They are to be treated like our children, teach them good behavior and ignore their bad attitude. Reward your cat for being good. You need to give time to your cat to teach them how to play with toys and other items which you have kept for their playing. Always feed you cat with healthy food; these will ensure good medical condition and happy-content behavior. Get toys which they would practically like to play with. Do not go in for toys which you would like them to play with. Love them, Hug them and be kind to them, and you would be able to share the most beautiful relationship. About the Author: Son Ngo is the owner of http://www.vkhowto.com. The site dedicated to how to get more out of life. For complete and free guide to cat training, please visit http://www.vkhowto.com/a_guide_to_cat_training Read more articles by: Son Ngo Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Furniture – Your Royal Kitty Needs A Castle

You have a true friend if you own a cat. Your kitty will love you know matter what you might do to him. Your kitty may have been your companion now for many years. Considering this, a cat is dependant on you for each and every thing he needs. Sometimes a cat can seem pretty independent but at the end of the day, they will always come purring back to you. Cats do so much to enhance our lives; it is good to know that we can make their lives more comfortable. Cat furniture was designed for the sole comfort of our beloved pets. Cats come in many shapes and sizes and there are many different styles of cat furniture to accommodate them. The cat litter box is on of the most important items you can get for your cat. Cat boxes are made in several varieties of shapes and have many colors. Because of the private nature of you cat, cat boxes often have a lid and a door to go in and out of. The best litter box you can get your kitty is a cat litter cabinet. This cat litter furniture is a cat box hidden in a cabinet. It looks just like an end table so no one knows it realy for your cat! Beside the litter box the first piece of furniture you should think of is a scratching post or cat tree. This allows your cat to sharpen their claws without tearing your furniture apart. If you cat is de-clawed, you will find that your cat will use it out of instinct. These types of cat furniture are usually constructed out of wood that is covered with carpet and cats of all shapes and sizes go wild playing on them. A scratching post can be horizontal or vertical and if you are really creative, you can design one for yourself. Another function of a cat tree is to provide a cat or kitten with a place to play. This is great for people who go to work everyday and leave their cat home alone. A cat gym is a piece of cat furniture that is similar to a cat tree, only is has more for a cat to play with. It has multiple tiers for your cat to frolicking on and often has toys or feathers to play with. You might also be interested in a cat house. This type of cat furniture can come in many different configurations as well. Some cat trees have a house at the bottom or at the tip top. Others have a cat litter box concealed at the bottom with the cat house up on top. Some take the shape of a round cat condo. The main reason for the cat house is to give your kitty a suite, private place to rest and relax. If you have a cat up in years cat furniture can be a big help to him. While some may have special needs or are handicapped cat furniture can assist them in different ways. An older cat can benefit from Pet steps or a quiet cat house to rest up in. A small cat tree or scratching post can give needed exercise to a kitty that does not get out much. So remember every kitty is special and needs a castle to call home. With all the choices out there, you can find that special About the Author: David Lee is the owner and designer of http://www.AceCatFurniture.com and http://www.AceCatHealth.com Read more articles by: David P Lee Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Allergies - What To Do

Having an allergy to a cat can be a very annoying problem. Having a runny nose all of the time, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat can make you want to toss your own cat out the window! However, there are certain things you should know and take into consideration before you disown a feline member of your own family! The very first thing you must realize is that you are not actually allergic to your cat, but rather to its dander. Cats produce allergens, which trigger allergy problems. The allergens do not originate in the cat's hair, but instead in its saliva. When a cat grooms itself by licking its coat, the saliva gets on the hair. This dries to a dust-like particle, and becomes dander. It is released when a cat scratches, or when it is brushed. They are very small particles that can remain airborne for long periods of time. Oddly enough, they are found in homes that have cats and also homes that do not have cats. To determine if it is a cat allergy, you should get a skin test from your doctor. If it confirms your worse fears, then the ideal scenario would be to move the cat out. Unfortunately, bonds have probably been formed, and a true cat lover will put up with the symptoms, as opposed to getting rid of the pet. There are some measures you can take to make your life less miserable. Cats secrete a substance called felis domesticus or Fel d 1, through their sebaceous glands and saliva. Dander gets caught up in soft furnishings and carpeting. You should install vinyl and wood floors, and get rid of that carpet. Remove all curtains or drapes, and replace them with blinds. Also keep the number of soft furnishings to a minimum. Keep the cat off the furniture and have it upholstered if possible. Wipe down the walls on a regular basis. Vacuum twice a week with a vacuum that has a high efficiency particle air filter. Use airtight covers on pillows. The next step is to limit the rooms the cat has access to, and restrict him from the bedroom and living room. Also, ventilate the home, and use a high efficiency particle air purifier to cut down on the allergens. Bathing the cat weekly has also been known to help. The allergic person should stay away from the litter box, and wear a mask and gloves when brushing the cat's coat. You should refrain from picking the cat up. Keep the cat outdoors, if not all the time, at least some of the time. You can also take allergy medicines containing antihistamines. A cat allergy doesn't necessarily mean adios to your beloved family pet. About one third of cat owners today have this allergy. It is possible, in time, that the owner will become immune to the allergic symptoms caused by their cat. By taking some steps to reduce the allergens present in your house, you and your feline can live together sneeze free. About the Author: Cat Allergies Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years Read more articles by: Matthew Hick Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Toys - Keeping Your Cat Amused

The simplest things can easily amuse cats. While people may go to the pet store to purchase expensive toys for their pet cats, it is more probable that cats will take favor to a piece of paper laying on the living room floor! Before you go and buy toys for your pet cat, think creatively and see if any old thing in your house could provide hours of amusement to your furry friend. In the end, you will find that you have saved money and provided your cat with the toy it really wants. Idle cats can be mischievous cats, so cat owners should provide entertainment for their feisty felines to keep them occupied. If your cat is an indoor cat, he doesn't have the ample opportunity to get the exercise an outdoor cat will, as it chases, climbs and runs about. Toys and playtime will satisfy your cat's natural desire to chase prey. And if you join them in their playtime, the interaction will establish a bond between the two of you - something which will be important to you both. When choosing toys for your cat, keep safety in mind. You don't want anything with string, ribbon, or yarn hanging from it. This could easily be ingested, and you will have to possibly make an avoidable trip to the veterinarian with a medical emergency. Also, remove any loose or small parts. Chances are, a cat will eat anything that falls off the toy. Again, you will have another emergency. Avoid toys that contain dangerous filling such as beads. Remember, your cat does not know any better. Some common items cats love to play with are inexpensive, and you may even have them in your own home. Plastic balls are a great source of entertainment for cats. They love to push and chase them. Ping-pong balls are wonderful also, as the holes allow the cat to carry them around. Cats love to chase, jump, and pounce. They also like to play hide and seek, and will while away hours with a simple paper bag. Just make sure the bag doesn't have handles, which could be dangerous. Empty cardboard tubes, from toilet or hand paper, or cardboard boxes will also provide activity for your pet. Soft stuffed animals are also ideal for the cat to cuddle with, carry, or even wrestle. Just make sure it is not bigger than your cat. A catnip filled toy makes a good play item, as the cat is attracted to its scent. It also will leave a scent on your carpet that will be pleasing to your cat and make them happy. With a little imagination, you can turn many items in your house into play toys for your cat. Add this to some store bought toys, and your cat will be in kitty heaven. Just keep in mind, cats can get easily bored, so rotate the toys every week or so. You can even hide some and let the cat find them. But more importantly, interact with your cat to make the most of his playtime. He will get the exercise he needs, the occupation he desires, and the love he will return. About the Author: Cat Toys Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years. Read more articles by: Matthew Hick Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Training - The Basics

If you have ever tried to train a cat or any pet, you have probably realized that it isn't the simplest process. Training a cat is not the same thing as training a dog, as cats are not performance pets like dogs can be. There are three rules to follow when training a cat; reward, praise, and positive reinforcement. If you can learn how to use these rules and how to apply them to your cat's training, you will be able to teach your cat simple tricks - and perhaps even toilet train it! Basic cat training tries to encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. Anything you want your cat to do should be rewarding, enjoyable, and pleasant. Likewise, those things you don't want your cat to do should be unpleasant, not enjoyable, and should never be rewarded. It is important to remember that reprimands don't work in cat training. Punishment will only cause the cat to mistrust you and to repeat the bad behavior, when you are not around. Sometimes cats won't align the crime with the punishment and act out with another bad behavior. Training will require time and diligence. You should never stray from your routine. If a cat has a pleasant experience when he does something, and is rewarded with food or praise, you can bet he will repeat this behavior. So, help your feline friend achieve a desired behavior, such as litter box training, with this in mind. When litter box training, you can control what your cat takes in and determine where it comes out. A short time after eating, take your cat in an enclosed room with the litter box. Make him sit in the box. When he has used the litter box, provide plenty of oral praise and hugs, maybe even a little treat, and your little friend will get the point. Soon he won't need to be kept in the box to achieve the desired result. No one wants their cats to use their new couch as a scratching post. Of course, initially, they really don't know any better, so make it an unpleasant experience. Cats don't like to get their claws caught up in anything, so cover the bottom of your sofa with netting. The cat will realize this is not any fun and retreat to his scratching post. Once again, positive reinforcement with the good behavior is key. As important as it is to reward good behavior, it is also as important not to reward bad behavior. If your cat does something you don't like, don't give him a treat to divert him from the bad behavior. He will associate the improper behavior with rewards and continue to do it. Instead, ignore him or squirt him with water. He will get your point. Also, keep in mind that sometimes a cat will behave badly to get attention. So be sure to schedule regular playtime with your feline and provide them with plenty of toys. Once you've accomplished the basics in training, you can teach your cat to do many things. They have been taught to sit, lay, walk on a leash and, as mentioned before, even potty trained. Your well-behaved cat will be the envy of all. About the Author: Cat Training Articles and Tips at http://Cats-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful Adsense Website Network at http://eWebCreator.com. Matthew Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for over 5 years. Read more articles by: Matthew Hick Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

9 Reasons For Adopting A Senior Cat – And 6 Reasons For Not Adopting A Kitten

He leaped out of the cage and grabbed me around the shoulders. My shock quickly turned into amazement. He hadn't sunk his claws into me! My thought was, "This cat definitely knows good manners. Somebody has worked with him." I looked at the ticket on the cage door. It read, "Morgan, male, age 14." Age 14? I hesitated. That was pretty old. I put him back in the cage and walked around the shelter, looking the other cats over. There were many nice ones, as well as a few kittens. But my mind kept going back to Morgan, and I realized that, in fact, I had bonded with him. Fourteen years notwithstanding, we had become buddies. THE PLIGHT OF THE SENIOR CAT One of the saddest things you'll see in Animal Shelters is the number of older cats waiting for adoption. By and large, people are looking for kittens. The older cats languish, many from happy homes where they were loved and cared for, but brought into the shelter for some reason known only to the owner and the cat. Many people, who don't like older cats, like kittens. Kittens are cute, cuddly, and funny. They make pleasing pets – but lose their "playfulness" when they grow up, and with it the "love" of their owners. Somebody said that the mark of a true cat lover is to desire to have grown cats over kittens. A KITTEN ISN'T ALWAYS WHERE IT'S AT Many people don't think through the consequences of adopting a kitten, or of taking one or two kittens from the litter a friend is trying to get rid of, or bringing into your home one left on your doorstep. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you adopt a kitten: 1. Taking care of themselves. Kittens are pretty marginal in being able to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to using a litter box. Do you have time to house train your kitten? 2. Young children. Do you have young children in the house? A child of 2 or 3 may inadvertently kill a kitten. Older children need to be taught how to play with them and need to be closely supervised. 3. Other pets. Are you bringing a kitten home to a household with other, older pets? Make certain you have the time to spend introducing and acclimating your pets to the kitten (and vice versa) 4. House dangers. Is there anything dangerous in your house that could harm a kitten? If you are not home during the day, have you made sure your kitten is safe while unsupervised? 5. Adoptions other than from an animal shelter. .If you are adopting a kitten from a friend, or taking one from a mother cat's litter, are you prepared to neuter or spay the kitten and give her the vaccinations she needs? 6. Vaccinations. A kitten receives all of her vaccinations over a period of time. You should make sure you have the time and interest to get her the full regimen. ADOPTING THE SENIOR CAT Somebody said cats are like shoes: one size doesn't fit all. Still there are some arguably general reasons for adopting a mature cat over a kitten: 1. An older cat is easier to take care of. In fact, to a great extent, an older cat pretty much can take care of itself. Great for the working person who can't be home during the day. 2. Older cats are generally calmer than younger ones, and adapt more easily to a new environment. 3. Older cats usually come with their vaccinations and spaying or neutering. A kitten, even adopted from a shelter will need a series of vaccinations. 4. Older cats are better with small children than a kitten is. Better to get an older animal that can defend itself. 5. Older cats are usually housebroken. You'll have to train a kitten. 6. Older cats can feed and take care of themselves whereas a kitten may need your help – not good for a busy working person. 7. An older cat can "hold its own" against the other family pets (like the dog) better than a kitten can. Unless you're there to defend it, certain life situations aren't good for a new kitten. 8. Older cats can better handle a move if you relocate your household. The only thing you have to make sure of is that your cat recognizes your new location as "its den" and doesn't try to return to your old place. 9. And finally – older cats catch mice. In these days of smarter mice that avoid all known mousetraps, a mature cat can be invaluable. THE JOY OF OWNING A SENIOR CAT Well, his name was "Morgan", but I renamed him "Tab" because he had the typical marks of a Tabby. Tab and I eventually learned to respect each other, and he – although a tough old alley cat – eventually enjoyed sitting in my lap having his battered ears stroked. He lived five more years, and died at the ripe age of 19. During that time he was my companion during two years of unemployment, providing plenty of understanding, comfort, and love. One day he definitely "earned his keep". I found a dead rat in the living room, its neck bitten almost in half. The rat was almost as big as Tab was, but he'd wrestled it down and killed it. So much for adopting kittens. I'd rather take a tough old alley cat any day of the week. About the Author: 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", http://www.yourcatsecrets.com Read more articles by: John Young Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Health - Common Problems

No matter what breed of cat and no matter how well you look after your cat, like us humans, they will suffer from common cat health problems during the course of their life. As a cat owner, you will need to be aware of the most common problems, some of which can be avoided with the right awareness and by taking basic precautions. The most common cat health problems are colds, bite wounds, digestive problems, urinary problems and diarrhea, and eye problems. Cats are sensitive to many respiratory viruses and infections such as the common cold and like humans they can usually rely on their own immune system to deal with it. However, if your cat is off its food and appears listless and in some distress then you should consult your vet for appropriate medication. Cats, particularly Tom cats do fight a lot. Often with other cats and sometimes with dogs and more dangerously with the dreaded fox. This can lead to various wounds which will need treatment from a vet to avoid infections setting in. Eyes are particularly vulnerable. Fleas are also a common cat health problem, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Tapeworm and other parasites are common problems cat health problems too and often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your vet will have medication to deal with these issues. Another common cat health problem, mainly associated with Tom cats that have not been neutered, is urinary tract infection. If your cat stops using the litter box, or the urine is particularly strong smelling then these are clear signs and your vet should be consulted without delay. Although not normally a cat health problem on its own, hairballs or fur balls are very common and can lead to problems under certain circumstances. Cats naturally swallow fur from their constant grooming and although it will normally pass through the cats digestive system, there are times when it gathers into a fur ball and may become lodged in the digestive tract or intestine with serious consequences if not treated quickly. Symptoms are not eating properly, constipation and listlessness. Often a cat will cough up a fur ball if it gets caught in the throat. You can help prevent hairballs or fur balls occurring if you brush your cat regularly. Feline leukemia used to be a very common cat health problem and was often fatal. These days, however, with modern vaccines available the disease can be prevented. Always have you cat vaccinated if there is a risk of infection because this is a highly contagious disease. The main message here is to monitor you cat's health, visit the vet regularly for check ups and take advice from your vet on suitable vaccinations. About the Author: For more information on Cat Health visit http://www.aboutcathealth.info/ Read more articles by: Richard G M Taylor Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Medication - How To Give Medication To Your Cat

Anyone who owns a cat will know what a struggle it can be to get your cat to take medication. This brief article on Cat Medication covers some useful techniques which will help you give medication to your cat. If the cat medication is in pill form then try crushing the pill (you can do this between two spoons) and mixing the powder in the cat's food. Sometimes the cat will sense that something is not quite right and ignore the food so try maybe giving them something different for a change which they may perceive as a treat. Also wet food is easier for disguising the powder. If the cat medication is the form of a capsule then break open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into the cat's food as above. If the above techniques fail to work, then talk to your local pharmacy or vet and see if they would prepare the medication in a special flavored gel or liquid which your cat is more likely to consume. Other techniques require almost forcing the medication down your cat’s throat. You can buy what is usually called a 'pet pillar' which is quite simply a plastic tube which you insert into your cat's mouth and drop the pill or capsule so that it goes to the back of the cats throat. Some of these come with a fancy trigger mechanism which shoots the pill or capsule into the cat’s mouth. You can also try doing this by hand without the pet pillar but you may find the cat will struggle and not open its mouth for you. If all else fails then I can almost guarantee that this final technique will work but most cat owners hate to do this. Pick the cat up with one hand by grabbing the loose skin/fur behind the neck (sometimes described as grabbing by the scruff of the neck) and then tilt the cat's head backwards so that its mouth is facing upwards. You will find that this temporarily paralyses the cat with its mouth open making it easy for you to drop the medication inside. You then simply lower the cat's head and let go of its neck. Usually it will swallow the medication with an instinctive reaction. The reason why many cat owners do not like to do this is because they think they are hurting the cat in some way and get very frightened when it goes motionless when tilting the head back - but believe me the cat does not feel a thing and is much better that struggling to force the cat's mouth open in any other way. About the Author: For more information and articles on cats and cat health visit http://www.aboutcathealth.info/ Read more articles by: Richard G M Taylor Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Dog, Cat, And Other Pet Natural Remedies

Since ancient times, hundreds of thousands of known herbs and other natural remedies have been used to treat human illness, and unwanted conditions. Like people, today's pets are affected by the health hazards of pollution, poor nutrition, and stress, and are becoming more and more vulnerable to chronic disease and bad health. Animals in the wild have always been known to instinctively find and consume many of the healing herbs that may help them overcome illness, and aid in building healthy bodies. Now more then ever people are starting to realize the value of using natural vitamins, minerals, herbals, and other natural products to prevent or treat dog, cat and other pet diseases such as: Pet --Aggression, Stress, Anxiety Pet --Diabetes Pet --Digestive Problems Pet --Kennel Cough Pet --Parasites Pet --Urinary Infection, (UTI) You can also choose from a variety of natural remedies for non - disease conditions, such as: Pet --Teething Pet --Poor skin and coat conditions Pet --Cleanse-Disinfect Wounds Pet --Teething Pets Pet --Weight Management etc. Just to name a few. Many veterinarians are also beginning to recognize the holistic methods of keeping our pets healthy, as well as using them for enhancement and maintenance. Your pet can be helped by a good diet, with the latest findings leaning towards the development of pet foods with less carbohydrates and more protein. Add the proper supplements and/or herbal formulas as needed, and you will have a healthy, happy, attractive pet. As you can see there are remedies that can enhance a pet’s health, appearance, attitude, and performance. A growing number of the population is using natural herbals with very favorable results, and little or no adverse effects on the family dog, cat, or other pet. A natural pet remedy could alleviate many of the problems that arise with properly caring for your pet. About the Author: Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of http://www.aa1info.com that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. Copyright 2006 Joe Rote This article may be freely distributed if the resource box stays attached and no part of the article changed without permission. Read more articles by: Joe Rote Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Dog And Cat Allergies

Some people cannot have cats or dogs as pets due to their allergies. Pet allergies can be excruciating if you are around animals on a daily basis. There are people who have pet cats or are living with someone who owns a dog and, for someone with allergies, this can be a problem. When it comes to pet allergies, not all allergies are the same. There are different aspects to which you might be allergic. Some allergies may be triggered by the inhaling of pet dander and hair. Hair particles are normally found in any pet owners home, especially during time of the year when the animal is shedding. Other allergies are triggered by petting an animal. People with this type of allergy might break out into a rash. There are medications available to treat allergies. Typically these medicines are given in a pill or cream form. Creams are generally used for those who develop a rash after touching a dog or cat. Pills are prescribed to people who cannot breathe when in the presence of animals. It is important to know what kind of allergic symptoms you have, so your doctor can appropriately prescribe medication for your condition. Normally, if you are allergic to touching an animal, the rash would be limited to your hands. Depending on the severity of your allergy, it is possible to develop hives. It is also possible to suffer an allergy attack and then make oneself even more sick. It is possible to develop a rash, fever, or infection as a result of an allergy. This is the reason it is necessary to try to resist scratching a rash or over-reacting to an attack. It is important to stay calm when having an allergy attack or your symptoms can worsen. Some of the typical symptoms of an allergy are puffy or watery eyes, sinus problems, and sneezing or coughing. Your breathing may be impaired or affected as well. Allergies to pet dander are very common among children and adults. More than likely, children who are affected by pet dander allergies will not out grow them and their allergies may even worsen with age. It is important to seek advice from a doctor if you suspect that you have any kind of allergy. A doctor can prescribe medication to make the allergy sufferer more comfortable, alleviate allergy symptoms and relieve allergy-related pain. If you suffer from pet-related allergies, you may want to keep your pills or medication on you at all times. You never know when you will come in contact with an allergen. About the Author: Richard Johnson is an author for several web sites, on health advice and allergy reduction topics. Read more articles by: Richard Johnson Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Toys For Your Cat

Is your cat getting fat, lazy, and bored? Cat toys are a great way to keep your cats occupied and entertained. They arouse the cat's curiosity and the cat spends considerable time chasing, mangling, twisting, and playing with the toys. The toys that excite them most are usually those that make sounds, swing on strings, or are easy to catch. Cats have a limited attention span, however. It therefore makes sense to rotate out the toys on a weekly to monthly basis. Otherwise your cat will lose interest. Toys need not be bought from the pet stores alone. You can create an endless number of cat toys at home. There are a number of household objects that may appeal to your cat's fancy; these include toilet paper rolls, plastic milk bottle rings, plastic drinking straws, aluminum foil balls, Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, cardboard boxes and even walnuts! You should, however, carefully examine each item, and reject the ones that have sharp edges. You should also avoid small objects that could be swallowed, objects that tear easily, or those which could stain. These can sometimes cause injuries to your cat. Pet shops, of course, have a variety of toys, and these are generally safer. These include line-based toys (which have an object dangling from a rod or a string for your cat to chase), and wire-based toys (based on the principle that cats love to chase birds). These flying toys make for good fun. Also popular are 'bat and swat' toys, which come in an array of shapes, colors, sizes, and patterns. You can choose from a fluffy pom-pom to a simple Ping-Pong ball. A major advantage with the bat and swat toys is that your cat can use it on its own; you don't have to be around to entertain it. Catnip toys can also be highly entertaining to cats. However, these toys should never be given to a kittens less than four weeks of age, as catnip can have a hallucinatory effect. Always ensure that the catnip you buy is fresh, otherwise it could lead to serious health complications for your cat. Fresh organic catnip toys can frequently be found at arts-and-craft shows and cat shows. Some of the most popular toys among cats are those shaped like rats, insects, birds, or other small creatures; these add a hint of realism to the sport and can stimulate even the laziest cat into action. About the Author: Daniel Moore writes for several web sites, on home and family and family improvement topics. Read more articles by: Daniel Moore Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Adopting A Cat

Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be. Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will have to take care of a cat until its death, which could be in 15 to 20 years. In addition, you should be ready to spend a large amount of your time feeding the cat, grooming it, and playing with it on a daily basis. Keep the following points in mind before deciding to adopt a cat: 1. Prior to bringing a cat home, it is essential to know if any member of your household is allergic to cats. Having to get rid of your new pet would be cruel. 2. Cats are social animals and need regular attention and care. They must not be left alone for extended periods, nor be handled roughly, as this will make them aggressive and nervous. 3. Cat care can take a financial toll. You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of your cat's food, toys, medication, and so on. 4. Decide whether you want to adopt a kitten or an adult cat. The only advantage of getting a kitten is that kittens are cute. On the other hand, an adult cat has a well defined personality. Moreover, adult cats are more likely to be litter-box trained and less likely to scratch every bit of furniture in your house. 5. Children and cats can prove to be a bad combination, especially if the child is very young. He or she may mistreat the cat (knowingly or unknowingly) and get a nasty bite in return. 6. A cat requires proper care and medical treatment. This includes annual check-ups, vaccines, and prescription medication for any health problems that could occur. 7. It does not really matter whether you get a female cat or male cat; both genders are equally affable. However, always have your cat spayed or neutered. This helps avoid the unhealthy effects of the mating season in female cats and curb aggression in males. 8. Cat adoption is the most humane way to get a cat, due to the large number of homeless felines. However, it helps to remember that sometimes cats from the animal shelter can be prone to stress. Moving a cat to a home environment allows it to relax and show its true personality. Cats are creatures of habit -- they don't like change. It may take them a month or more to adjust to your home. Keeping these points in mind when choosing to adopt a cat can help you find the feline that is right for you. It's a big decision, don't leave it to chance! About the Author: Christopher Thomas contributes to several web sites, on home and family topics. Read more articles by: Christopher Thomas Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Urine Cleaning Products

This is a quick guide about cat urine cleaning products. Something we will cover is which cat urine remover should you select. What is the process to select a cat urine remover. Most importantly how to find the cat urine remover. There are so many cat urine removers to choose from the problem is which one do you select? Here is a great pet site http://www.pleasepetme.com. How do you make sure the one you select is the proper one. How do you know that your selection was right for you and more importantly right for your pet. Well keep reading on for I will give you some valuable information about which cat urine remover to buy, how to find that cat urine remover and even how to select the cat urine remover. Here is the facts. You could spend years looking at all the various cat urine cleaning products and compare all the different options. At some point you have to settle on one right. That is the whole point of this write up is to save you some time and most importantly money on a product that your not to sure of. The point is we already have looked at all the various cat urine removal products and I am providing you the information here for free. To understand what I am saying you need to review the following bullet points before making a decision on what cat urine cleaning products will work for you and your pet. *No fragrance cover up. This is a temporary solution and will not fix your cat urine problem. *Make sure the cat urine remover is simple to use which saves you time and cash *Avoid claims that say they will suck up stain or absorb, this again will require more work from you in the long run. *It has to make sure your pet will not soil again in the problem area. *Not to state the obvious, NON-TOXIC for your pet, your infants, family, and any potential guests. *Look for a long standing history. 30 plus years is a good sign. *Overall size of bottle. One bottle equals one accident is not good. I hope these bullet items help you decide on what cat urine cleaning products are right for you and your pet. About the Author: Homer loves the following sites: Kids And Teens The Family Resource Read more articles by: Homer Stand Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Some Tips To Help In Training Your Cat

There are a number of cat behaviors that may indicate your cat has a problem that could require a trip to the veterinarian, or they may just mean the cat needs some training. A kitten that grinds its teeth could have an improper bite, while an older cat that has started teeth-grinding behavior would likely need to go to the vet to be examined for a medical problem in its mouth, teeth, or gums. It may also help to change the cat’s diet, since older cats often have problems chewing dry food. You can switch to a softer or wet type of cat food. Whenever you change your cat’s diet by adding wet food, be careful and do it in small steps. Begin by mixing small amounts of the new food with the usual food. Leave the dry food for the rest of the meal, and let the cat eat the mixed food you prepared first. Repeat this procedure until the cat has changed over to the new food. Be sure to take the cat to the vet if you suspect an underlying health problem. If your cat is rubbing its hind end along the floor, it may not have worms. You should examine its diet and physiology. If the cat is eating its own hair, for example, it will pass through the digestive tract and become uncomfortable to pass. If there is long hair hanging out its bottom, the cat will scoot long the floor to remove it. If the cat does really have worms, you should take it to the vet for a de-worming and an examination. It’s important to keep any cat well-groomed, but this is essential for long-haired cats. Grooming will help with the "floor-scooting" problem. Cats that are too clingy and want attention all the time can be very annoying. You can train your cat to stop this behavior, however. Whenever its behavior annoys you, put it in a room by itself. When it meows, spend a short time with the cat, playing. When the cat no longer cries out at being left alone in the room, reward it with a treat to let it know that this is appropriate behavior. If you get a new kitten, you must name it, of course. You should train your cat to come when its name is called. Use a simple name, and teach the cat to come when called by using a clicker. It makes a sound that gets the cat’s attention. Clickers can be found in pet stores and on the Internet. To teach the cat to respond to its name, put the cat on your lap and say its name, then click the clicker. The cat will respond to the click. Keep repeating this, and give the cat a treat whenever it responds. Bite-sized liver treats are good for this training. Once the cat realizes that the name, the click, and the treat are related, the next step is to reward the cat when it responds to its name without the click. Soon the cat will associate the treat with its name, and come when you call. Whatever problem you may have with your cat, it can usually be resolved with time, caring, and patience. Be sure to hug your cat often. This ensures that both of you enjoy the relationship. About the Author: Discover more articles about pets and animals by visiting http://www.petsize.com Read more articles by: Chris Snow Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Buying A Cat

Who can resist a sweet little kitten? You want a cat, but do you know the best way to get one? When it comes to buying a cat, several options are available. You can buy a cat from a pet store, a breeder, from someone you know, or from a shelter or rescue organization. You can even find a cat from an ad in the classified section of your local newspaper. However, no matter where you get your cat, you should keep a few points in mind. These are: 1. Only buy a cat from some you know you can trust. This is very important. You should buy a cat from a person who you know treats pets well, and who will not lie to you. Often, people sell cats that are less than 6-8 weeks old, knowing full well that cats should not be separated from their mothers at such a young age. 2. The cat you buy should be a healthy, affable, and well-treated creature. You will end up paying hefty bills to your vet if you buy a sick cat. Whenever you visit a seller, check out where the cats are kept. Don't buy cats from a place which keeps cats in an unhealthy or unhygienic environment. 3. Ask for pedigrees, registration certificates, and records of vaccinations and de-worming. Check to see if the cat or kitten is alert and well fed, and find out if its parents are at the same place. Seeing your potential pet's parents will give you a clue as to its personality and pedigree. 4. Keep your eyes open for signs of an unhealthy cat. Cats who are sneezing, have a cold, or are suffering from diarrhea are not a good choice -- even if the condition is only temporary. Do not take chances, request permission to take the cat to a vet before taking it home. This will give you a better idea of the cat's real health. 5. Be alert for fidgety or suspicious answers. Sellers who are honest will not have any hesitation in answering your questions. On the other hand, sellers who have something to hide will be very reluctant to share information. When buying a cat from a rescue organization or animal shelter, check their policies. It is possible that you may need to return the pet after a few days for some unforeseen reason. Shelters or organizations that won't take a cat back should be avoided. No matter where you choose to get your new pet, make sure to base your decision on sound reasoning, and not just the emotional appeal of a furry face. About the Author: Dorothy Brown writes for several web sites, on home tips and family topics. Read more articles by: Dorothy Brown Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

A Peril To Your Pet: Cat Diabetes

Several rats must have cursed your lovely cat! It has feline diabetes. Like a human being, it has gone through pathological tests. And the tests have confirmed that the cat has diabetes. In the initial stage, you are not willing to believe this. But the test reports are before you! It is a serious disease! Now, what is diabetes in a cat? How does it differ from the diabetes in human beings? Not much in principle, except that human beings can be advised to exercise control over the diet, but the cat won't stop eating rats! Now you know what diabetes is. At the cost of repeating and for the benefit of the cat, I repeat it for you. Blood contains sugar. This sugar is known as glucose. The hormone insulin controls the blood sugar level. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. When this organ does not produce adequate insulin, it is the state of diabetes. Cats pass more urine than the usual and wish to drink more and more water. It suffers weight loss, develops lethargy and poor coat condition and decreased appetite. In the state explained above, your cat needs to be provided with immediate treatment. If you neglect its present stage, it will soon become inactive, stop urinating, will begin to vomit regularly and in the end fall into a coma. You need to give to your cat, appropriate food, at fixed intervals. Your vet surgeon needs to be consulted immediately. It needs insulin shots. The surgeon will decide about the number of shots required per day.{mospagebreak} Before taking the cat for the insulin shot, give it the proper food. Never take it for the insulin shot on an empty stomach. The reaction or side effect in such a case will be instant. If that is not done, a hypoglycemic shock may occur with the cat. Excess insulin may also do the ultimate damage. Feline diabetes may affect cats of any breed, age or sex. The exact causes for diabetes in cats are not known. But the known causes read like the ones that contribute to diabetes in human beings. They are obesity, pancreatic disease, genetics and hormonal imbalances...and the usual cause, wrong medication! If you are a genuine lover of animals, you need to give the same care to your pets, presently the cat. That you can do by taking it for periodical physical examination to your vet. By doing so, you may get a gift there. The precious gift of the life of your pet! About the Author: http://www.diabitieslife.com/diabetes/ & Diabities provides detailed information on diabities, diabities diet, diabities symptoms and more. Read more articles by: Ashish Jain Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Litter Box Odor Is There A Solution?

Like many others, I am a perpetual cat lover. I mean my love for cats is not sporadic. I suppose, in a way I am addicted to cats. We own two cats and both have profound personalities. Everything is fine with them, except the stink that comes out of their litter. Since my husband was used to dogs in his younger days, the question of odor never arose because dogs are much more house trained than cats and so he is somewhat concerned about the smell. Incidentally, our first cat was black and like all cats, was independent right from the beginning. He used to sleep in the house but also strayed outside whenever he liked. But he had a natural aversion to the cat litter box provided for him and would cry out by the access door whenever he had to answer a call of the nature. We kept the cat litter box in a corner of the basement for him to use if we were gone from home for a few days. The cat litter box was made from recycled newspaper and the arrangement suited us well. The black cat had reached the prime age of sixteen years when we adopted a beautiful Siamese that was two years old. Since he had been de-clawed we could not let him stray outside and had to have a regular cat litter box for his whole time use. Fortunately, the previous owner of the Siamese had sent along a cat litter box and some food items along. So our problems were solved for sometime. Now, each cat has his own litter and was fairly happy. But shortly after adopting the Siamese we had to be moved to a different location and all the routines had to undergo changes. Since the cat litter box was placed in the basement, access to it was easy for the younger cat but the older cat found it difficult to manage the steps. So his cat litter box had to be kept at a convenient place within his reach. Having failed in our efforts to get rid of the odor, we tried several different litters but there arose a problem of quite a different kind. Instead of keeping away the odor, they suppressed it with a heavy floral scent alien to the cats as well as to us. As a last resort, we bought an air purification system that solved the problem of odor and kept it free of germs. An air purification system is really a good choice for other cat lovers like me. I am very happy with it. About the Author: For more articles on Cats, Dogs and other pet care please visit our website at Top Pet Tips Read more articles by: I Henman Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Cat Training Aids On The Market

There are many types of cat-training aids on the market. Some of the most helpful training tools are leashes, a scat mat, catnip, toys, and food treats. Having a simply and lightweight cat leash lets you train your cat to go for a walk or ride in the car. Cats require exercise, and using a leash while taking a walk with your cat outside will provide protection and keep the cat from running off. You want the cat to walk with you, not ahead of you, so train the cat to expect that you will be the leader. Both of you will enjoy your walks much more if this approach is taken. The scat mat is good for showing cats that certain areas are not open to them. These devices send out pulses of static electricity when a cat enters the forbidden area. There are many sizes and colors of scat mats. Some even come in transparent versions so the cat cannot see that they are on the area. Additionally, scat mats are safe to use. They can be connected if you have especially large areas where you don’t want your cat to go. Dummy scat mats do not include the electric pulse and may be used after the cat is trained to provide reminders of appropriate behavior. Catnip can be used on cat litter to attract the cat to the litter box. Male cats tend to respond more to catnip, which has a scent similar to the urine of a female cat. Catnip comes in different forms for training. Toys that are filled with catnip can help a cat to learn a specific behavior. For fund, catnip in bubble form is available. It is similar to the kind of soap-bubble toy that children play with, but it has an added scent of catnip. The product is safe for your cat and will not harm him or her. Catnip is also available in a powered form that you can rub on your hand. You can even buy catnip seed and plant it inside or outside your home to give the cat a real treat. If your cat is pouncing on things like it would pounce on a mouse, it may be useful to give the cat a toy mouse. Cats, by nature, will pounce as if they are killing something. Having a toy mouse lets the cat act in a normal way. Some toy mice on the market can be wound up so the cat can chase them. Others may be stuffed with catnip. Training a cat has a lot to do with letting it fulfill its natural instincts. A cat that can perform its normal activities will be a happier and healthier companion. Offering healthy food rewards is another good tool for training a cat. Many cat treats include vitamins so you will know that the cat is getting what it needs nutritionally. If you are a baker, you might want to try to make your own cat treats. There are even prepackaged mixes available. Remember to be patient with your cat while it is learning. About the Author: Discover more articles and resources offering tips and advice about Training cats and other pets by visiting http://petsize.com Read more articles by: K Snow Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg

Are These Five Killers Chasing Your Cat?

As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms. Fleas Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms. Fleas could also transmit other infectious agents to both you and your pet. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles. You may suspect your cat has fleas if he seems particularly itchy, or you see bites on human members of your household. To check if your cat has fleas, groom him over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat blood, and appears black and comma shaped to the naked eye. If you place it on damp cotton wool, the flea dirt dissolves into bloody streaks. To control fleas, all mature fleas must be killed and reinfestation prevented. Many commercial products are available both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific recommendations. Make sure what you use kills both the adult mature fleas, as well as the eggs left behind, usually on carpet and bedding. Nothing is worse than to think you have conquered the problem, than several months later to have your family and pets attacked by blood hungry new hatchlings. Hairballs When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them for you, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors. Any cat owner who has had the thrill of watching their pet suffer through the process of hacking up fur balls will be highly motivated to prevent new ones from forming. The simplest method of hairball prevention is grooming your cat to remove excess hair. The next step involves many products already on the market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats, and diets. If your cat vomits frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause. Overactive thyroid Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include: increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (particularly muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or a coat that looks ungroomed. A cat with the condition may not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the veterinarian’s office. At the vet’s, your cat will be given a physical exam. If she notices enlarged glands, a CBC (blood panel) and a thyroid-specific test can make the diagnosis more conclusive. There are three treatments that offer a good chance for your cat’s full recovery: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should learn more about the disease and its treatments and discuss your options with the veterinarian before making a decision. Diabetes Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body. The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking coat. If your cat has any or several of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. Doing both tests rules out an increased blood sugar level due to the stress of the office visit. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, it is usually treated through one or a combination of five methods: diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, monitoring glucose and insulin levels, and nutrient and botanical supplements. Each method of treatments has unique benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to decide on a treatment plan with your veterinarian. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that has the potential to be fatal. Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Symptoms that your cat may have FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the genitals. Vet treatment for FLUTD can include catheterization, fluid therapy, antibiotics, or even (rarely) surgery. At home, cat owners are often encouraged to change their pet’s diet and style of feeding (more frequent, smaller meals). It is also important for your cat to drink plenty of water. We all want to keep our cats healthy and with us for as long as possible. Understanding and being on the lookout for these common ailments will allow the discerning cat owner to take action before a small health problem turns into something more serious. Using good observation skills to evaluate any potential change in your cat's condition will allow you to take simple steps to keep your cat healthy, happy, and disease free. If you notice a continuing pattern of symptoms that may point to flea infestation, hairballs, an overactive thyroid, urinary tract disease, or even diabetes, timely consulation with your vet will allow you both to plan the best course of action. Your happy, healthy cat will thank you. About the Author: Romi Matsushita craves constant close contact with her calico cat. Find great tips, articles, and cat care advice at http://www.cat-advisors-online.com Read more articles by: Romi Matsushita Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Google Y! MyWeb Digg