Cat Lover

Cat Behavior And All About Cats

People describe cats as tree climbing animals. Proailurus was the first true descendent of the cat that was found 33 million years back. Cats earlier resided in rain forests and were great hunters. Their razor sharp claws helped them ascend deftly, hiding on trees to escape danger or climbing to wait for a prey. Climbing in other words was immensely helpful for survival and eventually became a way of life. Domesticated cats have a general fondness for heights. A household cat will always feel very contented in an elevated part of the room be it a window perch or a high shelf. Instinctive knowledge plays an important role in verifying this standard feline desire. Cats instinctively search for hideaways, as it is their natural behavior for shelter and hunting. Do not be surprised, if a cat's eyes are seen gleaming from some corner. Theories For Fondness Of Heights: Below mentioned are some reasons that state why a cat loves heights: 1. Height in some way signifies the rank of a cat. If there are many cats residing in the same household, the cat who reigns the topmost perches generally governs the rest. The governing cat is factually the 'top cat'. 2. Height enables a cat to observe the surroundings effectively. The cat can thus be more vigilant about the activities of individuals and other pets. An upper position in the wild, functions as a hidden area from where the cat can hunt for its prey. 3. A cat may feel warmer, if it climbs a high place. 4. A high perch enables a cat to escape from any factor, which makes it scared or anxious. Buy A Cat's Furniture According To Its Lifestyle: An individual may find out a pet cat's character and personality by careful observation and accordingly select the furniture, which best suits the cat's lifestyle. 1. A brave mountain lion keen to climb an apartment perch: Younger, energetic cats' favor the highest perch one may provide preferably a ground to ceiling tree. An extremely tough mega tree is necessary for a cat, which likes to dash up the tree. 2. A temporary explorer who regularly occupies a secure middle position: Many segments between two to seven feet will suit the cat's requirements. A 39" tall curved penthouse will be suitable accompanied with an ideal observation deck. 3. A demure savanna occupant that prefers a soft floor level pillow: Older cats and those suffering from ailments will favor a comfortable pyramid bed. Cats Survive After Falling From Great Heights: Cats have survived falls from 32 stories. Humans die after falling from such a great height. Interestingly the rate of survival and the severity of damage were the same even if the cat fell from seven stories or from 32 stories. In fact, sometimes, the injuries were much less. This is because cats achieve maximum speed at 60 mph or only after five stories. When a cat reaches this speed, its balancing organs become less functional. This causes the cat to relax, which distributes the collision force uniformly.

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

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Learn About Cat Training And Cat Litter Information

Is It Necessary To Train Cats? People who own cats may come across this question very often. Well, the answer is yes. Imagine a cat causing damage to valuable articles at home such as glassware, the sofa set, electronic items such as DVD player or computer. The owner may run wild even at the thought of the cat doing this. Hence, it is essential to train cats so that they become familiar and get used to the environment around them. For the human-cat relationship to last long, it is recommended for owners to train their cats with extreme love and affection. Bases Of Trainability: Cats show their own interest in particular things. Cats like nutritional food and do activities that refresh them. Recreational activities may include watching squirrels climb the tree, pouncing on passing toys and finding out the things hidden in the cardboard box, left in the center of the living room. Cat owners know that cats are curious by nature. They like to examine things around them, especially new things. They smell it and sometimes even sleep on it. To help a cat overcome shyness, the owner may move a catnip mouse across the room to catch the attention of the cat. This will draw the cat nearer to the object and help get over the tough task easily. This helps the cat to mix up with other members of the family quickly. In the wild, cats tend to work alone. However, when they become part of a family, they rely on their owners for their usual tasks such as eating and bathing. This way cats develop an eternal relationship with their owners and other cats as well. Cat owners need to train their cats on normal activities and things such as relaxing, playing and eating. Cats have the habit of playing, scratching and rubbing their body against objects. Many cats jump, look from the windows, sleep in many places and hang out with their owners in certain locations. Some cats run back and forth in a house for no reason. Here, the activity can cause damage to the furniture. If the owner troubles the cat, the cat may raise its claw in self-defense. Several institutes engaged in training pet animals do their bit to bring abilities of pets at the forefront. Owners may take some time out of their busy schedule to visit such institutes for the betterment of their cats. Cats - Waste Disposal Disposal of cat waste is not a problem. Generally, cats tend to remain clean. It is in their nature to bury or hide their droppings. Owners may make available litter trays for their cats. They may bury solid waste from the litter trays. The uncontaminated litter can be left in the tray. Pet shops sell biodegradable cat litters that break easily, when they add it to garden beds. Litters built of clay break down slowly and as they are white in color, the owner can easily notice them in the garden bed. Cat owners may even wrap the contaminated litter and place it in garbage bins at home.

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

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Feline Health And Cat Scratching Information

Cat lovers may be familiar with a common habit of cats, that is scratching. They simply appear interesting to watch, when a person sees them scratch walls or the armchair. For those who still want to investigate this, they may place an object in front of their cats provided the cats are not familiar with the same. Within a moment, owners will notice their cats scratching the object and constantly sniffing it. They may even spray the object with urine. This proves that cats are not only curious about the new thing around them, but also feel threatened at the sight of that object. Cats generally rub their body against the legs of their owners to call for immediate attention. They support the activity with meowing, which often irritates the owners. It is better to ignore them, at times. Owners also get annoyed, when their cats stroke their hands. Constant stroking may sometimes result in cats attacking their owners with their teeth. Maintaining Proper Hygiene: Cat owners need to take enough care to keep their cats clean, always. Proper nutrition helps in keeping cats healthy. Taking cats to the veterinarian regularly for vaccinating them against infectious disease is a practice cat owners need to follow. On the other hand, grooming the cats at home also gives them a good external appearance. The owner needs to give an occasional bath to the cat. The owner has to brush or comb the hair of the cat so that it appears lustrous and shiny. This will not only make the cat feel comfortable, but will also make the cat more attractive. Combing and Brushing: Owners, who have cats with long hair, need to brush them daily to prevent matting and tangling of hair. Brushing removes excess hair from the body of cats. This is necessary, because cats often lick their hair that can convert into a hairball and thus, may cause them stomach disorders such as vomiting or loss of appetite. Giving a personal attention to the outer body of cats helps to detect sores, lumps, bumps or parasites. Pet shops make available a variety of products for pet owners. Brushes, combs and other grooming appliances give a good physical appearance to cats. For example, for cats with furry skin, a pin brush works well. A brush with soft bristle is perfect for cats with long, silky fur. A rubber brush is ideal for removing hair from thin coats. Teflon or metal-coated combs are recommended for giving final touch to hair of cats. Bathe A Cat: Most cats require occasional bathing. However, the case is not the same with mischievous cats, as they often play in open and roll in the mud. These cats are subject to mischief. It is a good idea to cleanse cats. Select a shampoo meant exclusively for cats. This is because the pH level of human skin is not the same as that of cats. Shampoos, which humans use may let the skin of cat dry and may cause irritations. They may in future cause infection.

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

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Find Cat Breed Information And Information On Shorthair Cats

A cat is a small felid mammal that has been domesticated for several years. The word cat most usually means a domestic or house cat, even though people used to refer this as member of a feline family. For instance, people often refer tigers, lions, and jaguars as the large cats. Domestic cats hailed from the inherited wild species such as Felis silvestris, the African and European wild cat. In recent times, people consider a domestic cat as a separate species and call Felis Catus. While looking at the appearance of domestic cats, they are same as their wild relatives. Even many behaviors such as hunting down and other routine activities remain to be as same as their inherited form. The first ever domestication of cats took place in Egypt. In 4000 BC, the Ancient Egyptians domesticated cats to protect their grain stores from rats and mice. They considered cats as goddess Bast's avatars. If any person killed cats, he/she would be given death penalty. At times, when domestic cats died, individuals arranged for mummification as similar to human. Nonetheless, by 500 BC, the Greeks started to domesticate cats and spread this practice throughout the world. Recently, domestication of cats is very popular all over the world, mostly by the colonist from Europe. Varieties of Domesticated Cat: There are several names to domesticated cats, each with unique features and legacy. However, because of some common interbreeding in colonized regions, several cats are merely recognized as family members of homogenous varieties of domestic shorthair and domestic longhair, depending on their hair types. Tortoiseshell (UK) or Calico (USA) cats have various colors. Bicolor cats are partially white. A tabby cat features stripe around its skin. A male domestic cat is a tomcat and similarly a female domestic cat is a queen. A young domestic cat is a kitten. A domestic cat whose heritage is officially registered is a pedigreed cat or purebred cat or a show cat. The breeders and owners of these domestic cats contend against one another to see who breeds well. Less than 1% of the entire domestic cats are purebred cats and the rest 99% have varied ancestry, known as moggies or more often domestic shorthairs and domestic longhairs. Common Domesticated Cats: Domestic shorthaired cats and domestic longhaired cats are the two major kinds of domesticated cats, which are popular all over the world in recent years. Domestic shorthaired cats do not represent a renowned cat variety or feature a pedigree, instead they are popular for their wide array of colors around their body. This could be of any color or a mixture of various colors. Domestic longhaired cats come with moderate or long hair. Their standard colors include tortie and tabby and/or are bi-colored. These cats are excellent family pets, especially for people who are ready to give their hair the additional care it requires. However, with a little research work, people can ensure themselves to determine the right type of domestic cats for their own needs.

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

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Domestic Cats And Feral Cats - The History Of Cats

The first appearance of the domesticated cat according to original reports goes back as far as 8,000 years ago. According to findings, during that era, bones of mice, humans and cats were buried mutually on the isle of Cyprus. Apparently, people then brought together with them the mice, which were unwanted, and the cats to Cyprus. Domestication Of Cats: Agriculture was not only the main occupation of the Egyptians, but also of the southwestern Asian primitives and folks of Africa, where cats appeared afterwards. Since harvesting crops was possible only once or twice every year, it became difficult to store the food-eating grains. The entry of mice, rats and other pests only added to the difficulty. Soon people observed that the cat population ate the rodents that destroy the food grains.
People invited cats into their daily lives very courteously after observing cats hunting rodents. Farmers used fish-heads, milk and bread and additional food scraps to attract and sway cats to hover around their homes. As a result, cats merely discovered an environmental place for themselves, a stable source of love, affection and food from human beings. People remember cats for their illustrious position in history. Cats and Egyptians shared a unique relationship. Egyptians possessed different varieties of animals like pigs, sheep, cattle, fowls and monkeys in ancient times. Cats, however unreservedly roamed the area according to its will. Protection of Cats: Egypt established laws to protect and safeguard cats, since people had a very high regard about them. A sacred order of cat reverence developed due to its high status that lasted for about 2,000 years. People in Egypt used to revere Bastet the cat goddess. Bastet had the head of a cat and the body of a female. Bastet was related with motherliness, elegance, beauty and fertility. In olden Egypt, people used to call a cat as a "Mau" resembling "meow" a common cat word. There was a severe punishment for people who harmed or killed cats during the sovereignty of the Pharaohs. If a house was ablaze, it was imperative for the humans to think first about the cats. If the death of a cat was due to natural factors, then it was mandatory for the entire family to go into detailed mourning with beating of chests and recitation of slogans as an indication of pain. It was necessary to wrap the cat's body in linen, and inspection was compulsory to ascertain that the cat's death was natural. Tombs of cats also had mouse mummies to ensure enough food for their next journey. Soon cats sailed to countries like India, Japan, China, Italy and Greece. Other Historical Facts: People used to torture and sacrifice cats in sacred rituals during the medieval ages. People regarded and scorned cats as Satan's members. Individuals considered black cats as a bad omen. Due to the persecution of cats the number of rodents increased, plague arose and devastated life. It was then that cats received appreciation and they once again gained popularity by the eighteenth century. Cats became extremely popular in the nineteenth century and cat exhibitions of various pedigrees began towards the ending of nineteenth century.

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

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Caring for Your Cat

Having a cat, you will find that it may be an independent creature and has been trained to use the litter box, but it will still depend on you for other needs in its life such as food, water, shelter, friendship, and even more. There are some things you need to do in order to properly care for your feline companion. The first thing is to put a collar on your cat with an ID of your name, address, and even phone number. It doesn’t matter how safe you try to be, there is always a chance that the cat will get out of your house and you need to help give it as many opportunities to be brought back safely as you can. The second thing is to follow all license, registration, identification system, and laws regarding your cat. The next thing to do is to try to keep your cat an indoor cat. It is best all around if you do so. Next, be sure to get your regular check-ups with the vet. Get your cat spayed or neutered. This will help keep things healthy as well as keep the population of cats down. Be sure the diet is a balanced one including giving your cat fresh water daily. Another thing you need to do is to train your cat to keep from doing things that are undesirable, such as scratching your furniture or jumping on top of your counter. If you have patience and put in effort, you will be able to successfully train your cat. Keep your cat groomed by brushing and try to keep them from digesting those horrible hairballs. Be sure you play with your cat. It will allow them to be mentally stimulated and give you a special bond with your cat. And last but not least, you have to have patience and be loyal with your cat. Be reasonable with your expectations. If you have trouble with your cat, you might seek to speak with your vet about what to do. If you have ever owned a cat you have found it to be quite rewarding. You need to be sure that you are knowledgeable about cats in order to correctly care for it. You need to learn to care about your cat long before you ever get one and bring it home. If you want a kitten be sure the breeder you buy it from is reputable. Be sure to check out whether the mother cat is a healthy cat. You need to be sure to check to see if your cat, no matter what age, has the medical needs taken care of, such as getting meds for it. To a lot of people, cats are not just pets they are companions. Cats tend to care about the people that care for them. When a person is sick, the cat will keep you company and is very compassionate. They are quite independent and often left alone, but don’t leave them too long without your attention and love. You will also receive free entertainment via the cat. You will very quickly learn what your cats’ likes and dislikes are.
Be sure to provide your cat with a nice sleeping area that’s comfortable. Your cat will feel safer in this new environment. If it’s a kitten, then be sure to buy a carrier; that way you can take it to the vet and other places. Also, you will need to get a collar for your cat, unless you get the micro chip placed under the cat’s skin.
You will also need to provide something for your cat to eat out of. Make sure they are there just for your cat, and nothing that can get mixed up in anything else. You could even go as far as getting them personalized. The cat will be more playful the smaller it is and requires more attention. Be sure to take the time, once again, and play with your cat. The more attention you show it, the better the bond will be between you both. It will become strong. You might even look into the history of cats, especially the breed you wish to have. It might help you to understand quirks and such.
I hope this helps you to better understand what it takes to care for a cat. If you already have one, you know all of this already, but if you are just seeking to find one that is suitable for your home, then it’s best to read as much as you possibly can and educate yourself to make you a better friend to the newest member of your family.

Tom Lewis

This article is written by the authors of www.petstuffgalore.co.uk
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Getting to Know Your Cat

Spay or Neuter a New Cat
Millions of cats are euthanized each year in shelters due to the overcrowding of animals. Cats can easily have over 10 kittens in a given pregnancy leaving owners with problem of trying to find homes for these kittens. There is an easy remedy to this problem and that is spaying or neutering your cat. Not only is this the responsible thing to do but it is better for your cat. If unspayed female are more at risk of developing the following conditions: breast cancer, pyometra, tumors of the uterus & ovaries. While unneutered male cats run a risk of developing testicular cancer. 

The Price of having a cat
When people see a cute kitten they immediately decide to adopt it. Once home they realize they have made a mistake. They are not prepared for the responsibility of a cat, not all members of the family are happy to have a cat, resident pets don't adapt well to the new addition or it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle. The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Checking the health of your new cat
When a household decides to adopt a cat, be it from the shelter or a breeder a great deal of time should go into selecting the right animal. Have questions about where the pet came from, how they have interacted with the staff, do the pet have a behavior issue, etc. If you are buying from a breeder, ensure they are registered with an appropriate cat council. When visiting the cattery check out the overall health of the animals. Always have everything in writing, including the final cost of the cat, health guarantees etc.

Buying purebreds from pet shops or backyard breeders
If you are buying a cat from a pet shop or a backyard breeder there is probably little chance that a proper screening of genetic problems has taken place. Pet shops generally charge more for purebred kittens than a registered breeder would. Not only this, but they most likely won’t have certified paper to ensure their authenticity and health. As a result, you may be buying a cat that could have substantial medical bills in the future or even pass away suddenly. 

Seek veterinary help
People don't realize the seriousness of a medical condition & fail to take appropriate action & get the cat to a vet. This may be due to the lack of knowledge they posses or funds. Cat owners should look into the cost of having pet health insurance or a special Cat Fund prepared in case of emergencies.

Flea Control Product
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, cats should be treated with a cat flea treatment only such as Frontline. Pet owners think they will save money by sharing their dog’s flea control product with their cats. This can prove fatal as cats are extremely sensitive to pyrethrins & pyrethroids which are often in dog flea products. The use of these on cats can result in death.

An appropriate diet
Cats have very specific dietary needs and as such need a balanced diet. There are many commercially available brands of cat food available which will fulfill your cat's dietary requirements. Don't attempt to feed your cat a home-made diet or other human consumed foods unless you have spent a great deal of time researching, as certain food s can do more harm than good.

Your roaming cat
Some owners feel that having your cat roam outside the home is beneficial for them. In actuality it may do more harm as free roaming cats & their lifespan is considerably shorter than that of indoor only cats, or cats with limited/supervised access outside. Outdoor cats run the risk of being highly stress by been hit by a car, attacked by another cat or dog, plus many other dangers they encounter which is very traumatizing.

Declawing VS not Declawing
Declawing has been a heated debate for many veterinarians, cat advocates, and owners alike. Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Declawing is not for everyone and cat owners should have all the facts before making this decision.

Litter Box Maintenance
Cats will use a litter box only if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or pleasant to the cat’s feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Don’t try to over clean the box with disinfectant or bleach as cats are very sensitive to these and other chemicals. It is also recommended to have an automatic litter box to help in reducing the maintenance. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem and call your veterinarian.

 

For more information on this subject or any additional pet health articles please visit www.entirelypets.com

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Cat Art Gifts – 6 Ideas

Cat art makes a lovely cat lover gift. Indeed, a gift of cat art makes the perfect choice for cat lovers who are also art enthusiasts.

There is no question about it. Cats' feline majesty and beauty have inspired artists throughout history. Paintings and sculptures of cats have been found in Ancient Egyptian sites as well as in Incan palaces. More recently, pictures of cats have graced posters and day-to-day items, such as calendars and clothing.

And it's not only their physical beauty that has captured the imagination of painters, sculptors, designers, writers, and musicians. Cats' unique nature, mysterious personality, and sometimes quirky traits have inspired novels, poems, songs, movies, and one of the longest running shows on Broadway, among many other works. So it is safe to say that a gift of cat art will delight any cat lover, especially those who also love art.

However, just picking any gift of cat art will not do. Some factors to keep in mind during the selection process include: The form of art you want to give (i.e. painting, sculpture or photography), the technique you want to focus on (for example, watercolors vs. pastels, if you're giving a cat painting), your friend's personal taste, and of course, a budget.

These factors will help you narrow your search and will help you select the right gift for your cat-loving friend. If you need some ideas to inspire you in your search, take heart. Below you will find six cat art gift ideas, arranged from most expensive to most affordable.

1. Cat paintings. Many well-known artists have painted cats down through the centuries: From Leonardo Da Vinci and Titian to Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. I guess they couldn't resist cats' beautiful shape and had to immortalize it on canvass. Indeed, a feline-inspired painting makes an exquisite cat gift. Of course, some of these works of art come with a hefty price tag. But you can still find gorgeous paintings at affordable prices.

2. Cat portraits. If you want a truly one-of-a-kind painting, one that immortalizes your own cat (or your friend's cat), then commission a cat portrait. Pet portraits have grown in popularity in recent years so you can find several artists who specialize in pet portraiture. Prices may vary depending on the work you want and the artist.

3. Sculptures of cats. Somebody once said that if you have a cat you don't need artwork. And that's true, I think. Still, cat-inspired sculptures can add another level of feline beauty to any spot. Cats are amongst nature's most beautiful animals. And that beauty lends itself to be reproduced in sculptures. You can find statues for every place in your home: Sophisticated sculptures for the living room, whimsical statuettes for the bedroom, and lovely pieces for the garden.

4. Cat-inspired photographs. I think all cats are photogenic. Most often than not, cats take great pictures. You can find posters based on cat photographs of many different styles: Black and white photographs, breeds, funny and whimsical, inspirational, and more. If you prefer, you can take a picture of your cat-loving friend, place it in a nice frame and give as a gift.

5. Make it yourself. Are you creative and adventurous? If that is the case, make the gift yourself! Draw or paint cats. Or take a photograph. Or make a calendar. Thanks to user-friendly software and digital cameras, you can make your own art and personalize your gifts.

6. Inexpensive cat art. Give decorative coffee mugs or magnets showcasing cat-themed artwork. These gifts are not only beautiful but also practical. And best of all, you can find them at affordable prices.

Claudia Escobar loves all things cat-related. For more cat gift ideas visit her site at http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com.

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The Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap Has Arrived, At Last!

If you've ever had stray cats or neighbour's cats coming in through your cat flap, you've probably had them stealing your cats food and spraying more than once. What starts out as a great way to let your cat in and out often causes more harm than good. Sometimes to the point you have to block the cat flap back up and resort to manually opening and closing the door to let your cats in and out yourself. If that sounds familiar, then Pet Porte is for you! The Pet Porte is a new kind of cat flap that protects your home from invading cats. It has a unique sensor that reads your cats existing microchip before instantly unlocking the door. The extra strong locks stop other cats from bashing their way in. It's powered by a low voltage AC adaptor and comes in a choice of three attractive colours to suit any decor. It's one of those amazing ideas that is so simple you wonder why it took so long for someone to think it up. It's the brainchild of a vet who lives in Guernsey. So many clients told him about their cats being bullied that David Chamberlain set about doing something about it. The idea happened like a bolt of inspiration whilst David was routinely scanning a cat's microchip. And the idea for the Pet Porte microchip cat flap was born. He patented the idea of a cat flap combined with a vet's microchip reader so that when your cat approaches the door it opens as if by magic and all other cats are locked out (only the cats you program in are allowed access and your cat doesn't have to wear any special collar or collar attachments). Cats just love going out and coming in when they please - but they don't like it when other cats start coming in and invading their territory. The cunning features of Pet Porte are popular with cat owners. Cats also love the fact that this cat flap is collarless. Owners save money on cat food now they don't have to feed the entire street's feline population anymore and cats are less stressed and more contented. Even better, Pet Porte has a unique light sensor that can unlock the cat flap in the morning and lock it again at night for owners who want to keep their cats inside at night. No more getting up on a Sunday morning just to let the cats out. Don't you deserve to laze in bed longer? The night sensor is also very handy if there are fireworks being let off outside at night time or if you live near a road that is busy at night. Pet Porte is for spoilt cats and thoughtful cat lovers everywhere! A Pet Porte microchip cat flap makes a great addition to your home in terms of security and just sheer usefulness! It is backed by an 18 month manufacturers warranty so if in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong you can rest assured that the manufacturer will put it right. You can even try it in your home risk free for 30 days and if you aren't 100% delighted you can return it for full refund! If a microchip reading cat flap appeals to you then check out the Pet Porte microchip cat flap athttp://www.microchipcatflaps.co.uk/

Microchip Cat Flaps Ltd. is the official UK distributor for the Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap. Buy online at http://www.MicrochipCatFlaps.co.uk/

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What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help. 1. Persian Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices. Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived. 2. Maine Coon The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability. Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well. 3. Exotic The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat. Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets. 4. Abyssinian Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for. Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude. 5. Siamese Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail. The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners. 6. Ragdoll A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners. The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines. 7. Sphynx The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems. Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx. 8. Birman Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds. The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue. 9. American Shorthair Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking. Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals. 10. Oriental Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails. Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

Cat breeder directory features free and premium listings for cat breeders and other pet related websites. When looking for quality information on cat breeds, refer to Cattery Index.

Leia Mais…

Choosing the Right Litter Box for Your Cat

Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.

Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees success.

In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered:

Size and Depth

This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.

Material of the Box

Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.

Ease of Cleaning

Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand.

Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.

There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning  from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and feces and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out.

Style and Features

There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:

-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim.

-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide "privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents.

-Designer boxes. Also known as "hidden boxes", this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation.

-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.

-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.

Cost

The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.

Appealing to the Cat

Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again.

Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well!

Visit the Animals Facts website to learn about lion facts and monkey facts.

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Choosing the Right Name for Your Cat

Pet cats hold a very special place in the hearts of their owners.  Wouldn't it be nice to give a pet cat the loveliest name one can think of? Wouldn't it be great to give a pet cat a name that would reflect its personality as seen by the one who owns it or a name which would give recognition to the cat's breed? There are actually a lot of names to choose from in books or in the internet. But generally, how can an owner choose a name which he will find fit for his cat?

Many cat owners name their pet cats with human names.  Actually, a whopping fifty percent of pet names are those of persons. This primarily is because there are owners who are enamored with a certain name and actually desire to christen someone, or something for that matter, with that favorite name.

Another basis for names is personality or appearance. In this category, examples are Midnight (should the pet be a black cat), Fluffy (obviously, if the cat is fluffy or has long, soft and bouncy coat) and Whitey (of course, if the cat is white). Pet names based on appearances or personality make up an amazing twenty percent of all pet names. However, unlike human infants where the parents can opt to wait for a few weeks to see the baby's personality before naming the child, cats must be named more quickly.

So how does an owner actually name his pet cat?  Here are some tips which cat owners can give some thought.

First off, keep in mind that the name that the owner chooses for his pet cat will not only reflect the cat's character but also how the owner views his relationship with his pet cat. As much as it says a lot about the cat, the name given by the owner will tell much about the owner himself.  It can then be seen how the name can portray an image of the characteristics of the cat. Many cat names give either a positive or negative impression of the cat. So, it is important to choose a name which will best convey the proper image of the pet.

A cat's name is for keeps. No matter which name the owner chooses, the cat's name should be that for the rest of his life. It is absolutely not fair to change the cat's name every two weeks just because the owner finds another name he thinks he might prefer.  If the cat already recognizes the sound of its name it should not be changed.

Although the cat won't mind any name its owner may wish to use, it is just not fair to give the cat an embarrassing name. While the cat would not mind being named "Ooga Booga", it would be embarrassing for the owner to actually use this name. Imagine a person calling out "Ooga Booga" at least eight times a day every time he is looking for his cat. The cat's owner should find his pet a name which he will be proud to use. Also please remember to pick a name which will be appropriate when your cat is full-grown. A large tabby cat with a silly name like Mimi or Kitten seems ridiculous.

A name with two syllables will do best. The response of animals is better to two-syllable names. A cat owner may decide to give his pet a long name as well as a nick name. However, the longer name inevitably would be shortened, and this would probably ruin the effect the cat owner originally sought.

The cat's breed heritage may provide great ideas for names. For instance, if the cat owner owns a Siamese cat, why not name it Siam? If the cat is a Russian Blue, it would be nice to give it a Russian-sounding or Russian inspired name such as Sofia or Chekov.

Speaking of inspiration, there are a lot of things out there from which you can gain inspiration. As was said earlier, the name the owner gives his cat will speak just as much about himself. So why not pick a name for the cat which is derived from the owner's likes, hobbies and favorites? If the owner were passionate about world history, maybe the names Isis, Genghis, Voltaire or Osiris would sound very classy. If the owner were an avid fan of the Greek mythology the names Zeus, Athena, Hercules or Jason would be sure to make a good first impression on other people.

On the more contemporary side, names of characters from favorite movies, cartoon series, TV programs or bands will do just as well. Huey, Louie and Duey would sound cute as well as Bonnie and Clyde. A more posh touch would be naming your cat after signature designers. Tommy, Donna, Karan, Calvin and Gianni would not sound so bad for cats--just as long as they are well groomed as their names imply. Naming cats is not the easiest task there is, honestly. But it can be a lot of fun if these considerations and suggestions are always kept in mind. Then no doubt, that perfect name will come easily. Wouldn't it be great for an owner to call his pet cat a name which is close to his heart and a name he will be proud to call out no matter what time of the day?

To read about tiger facts and cat facts, visit the Animals Facts site.

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Should You Declawed Your Cats

Cats are born with claws, the same way that humans are born with fingernails and toe nails. Cats need claws in order to mark or scratch a specific place or territory that they have been in. Humans need finger nails to, scratch themselves or others, or for opening a letter envelope. Cats basically stretch their agile bodies in order to prepare their muscles when they dig their claws deeply into wood perhaps or a tree, and then they pull back from their hold. Scratching is a basic physiological need of cats. 

So do cats need to be declawed? If cat owners truly care for the welfare of their cats, they would have to think twice on declawing their cats. 

Declawing, what is it?

Declawing is done by taking away all the front claws of a cat. In a way this procedure is equal to the amputation of all the finger tips of a human being. For cats this surgery is painful and, for someone who is walking on all fours, terribly unnecessary.

Though the recovery of declawed cats may only take a few weeks or so, its physical and/or psychological effects could last a cat's lifetime.

The following are the possible results once a cat has been declawed. 

Ouch, ouch and ouch

Immediately after surgery, declawed cats suffer severe pain, though it is quite impossible to gauge how much pain they are experiencing.  Declawed cats could be considered as amputees. Cats usually try to go on with their cat lives even with pain unless the pain eventually becomes unbearable. Although they may look and act normal does not mean they are free from aches.

Complications after the surgery

After the surgery, declawed cats usually experience one of the following post-surgery effects: presence of abscess, feelings of lameness, claw re-growth.  Based on studies performed on declawed cats, it has been found that twenty five percent of them develop various complications. The same result has been found on cats who went under tenectomy. This is also a form of surgery that is currently being offered as an alternative to declawing. It is called this because only the tendons extended on the toes are the ones amputated.

Stiffness of the joints

Cats that are declawed experience stiffness of the joints since the tendons that manipulate the toes retract because of the surgery. As time goes by, these same joints freeze and ultimately they will no longer be able to extend their toes.

It has been thought though that cats really do not miss their claws since they also "scratch" continually even if they no longer have anything to scratch with. However, this act is really the cats' way to stretch those frozen joints.

Catarthritis

Believe it or not, research shows that declawed cats immediately shift the weight of their bodies to the back and onto the larger pad in the front of their feet, away from their toes. The result is still evident despite giving these cats strong anti-pain relievers. If such an effect continues after declawing, the cat will ultimately stress its own joints in the leg, its spine and eventually suffer from arthritis. 

Cats who cannot claw, bite

Since the natural instinct of cats is to claw especially when threatened or scared, in the absence of claws cats are forced to resort to another form of defense - their teeth. Declawed cats that are aggressive naturally are more prone to biting.

Declawed cats have no "nine lives".

There is a serious risk of death for cats that are declawed. Death could be brought on by the anesthesia they received, or any complications in surgery or hemorrhage. 

Declawed cats that resort to biting run the risk of being abandoned by their owners. These cats could then be put in a shelter, and since they turn to biting, the probability of being adopted becomes slim. Usually un-adoptable cats are put to sleep or they are used to train dogs to fight usually as bait. 

In summary, cats are extremely and highly trainable to be taught to use a post for scratching instead of common household furniture, rugs or curtains. Though declawing  cats is one of the options a cat owner can take, it is basically an unkind and a very animal-unfriendly thing to do. It all depends on the cat owner whether Kitty is more (or less than) valuable than that expensive Italian rug. The choice is theirs.

Read about frog facts and bird facts at the Animals Facts website.

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Lets Look at the Cat Whisperer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find tips about panda facts and turtle facts at the Animals Facts website.

Leia Mais…

Cat Treats From Homemade Recipes

There are so many options available to the health conscious cat owner. Do I buy manufactured food and cat treats? If I buy manufactured, should I buy canned or dry? What fresh ingredients are the best for my cat? While you must make the decision about whether to go manufactured, fresh, or a combination of the two, you should know there are lots of options about preparing your own healthy, tasty cat treats. There are also some things to remember about the best nutrition for your cat. Cats need a combination of dry and moist food choices. The moist choices usually provide the more natural dietary needs cats have as true carnivores. The protein content is usually higher, providing them with more of what they need in each feeding. Yet moist foods have less filler, so it may take more food to fill kitty's tummy. The dry choices are also important. They do help to satisfy the cat's hunger. I think we would go broke trying to keep our cat Tommy full on only canned cat food products! Second, the crunchy texture of the dry cat food choices provides dental care for your cat. Keeping teeth clean is an important aspect of his health, and it avoids the unpleasant sedation required for the vet to clean them. Purchasing the variety of foods and cat treats necessary to keep your cat at its optimum health can be burdensome, both in the quantity of products you purchase and the space to store them, but also financially. One alternative to purchasing is to make your own cat food. So many choices are available for a cat owner who wants to make his own foods. There are recipes available for kitty biscuits and crunchy treats. There are recipes for chicken and fish meals. There are recipes for those who desire to add a vegetable based element to their cat's diet. Some of my favorite cat treat recipes are so easy to make, and Tommy absolutely loves them. It's as if he tastes the love that goes into preparing them! I have a couple recipes for kitty cookies, which we give Tommy as treats. The one he likes best is a flour-based recipe, and it includes wheat germ, and molasses. Another of Tommy's favorite recipes is a chicken and broth mixture rolled in a tortilla. The texture of the chicken blended with the broth is very similar to a canned cat food, and when it is rolled in a tortilla and sliced, it is very convenient to reward him every so often with a tasty treat. This recipe has to be refrigerated, and it can only be kept a few days before you run the risk of food poisoning. Believe it or not, another favorite of Tommy's is a kitty taco. This one is so easy for me to make anytime I brown ground beef for my family meal. It includes bone meal and cheese, which always brings Tommy running. If you want a daily cat food instead of just cat treats you may consider a fish-based or a chicken-based homemade recipe. Tommy is a fan of anything that is made fresh. One of the greatest benefits of making your own cat food is you know exactly what quality of ingredients is going into the food. You can be assured your cat is getting choice cuts of fish and chicken, rather than animal by-products. Also, if you choose to add a vegetable component to your cat's diet, you are certain that your cat is not getting leaves, stalks and other plant by-products that can be found in some manufactured foods. I have the luxury of taking the time to cook for my cat and my family, but that was not always the case. If you find yourself on a busy schedule, and stepping foot in the kitchen to cook for the cat makes you cringe, you might consider a couple options. First, plan your cat's diet around your family's diet. When you fix fish for the family, purchase a little extra to turn into cat treats. When you make a batch of cat food, it will only last a couple days in the refrigerator. Any cat can eat the same meal a couple days in a row, if it is a fresh, homemade option. Second, use a couple hours on a weekend or free evening to prepare several recipes at once. You can freeze these homemade options until you are ready to use them. While you are preparing some of the perishable items, you may also opt to mix up a couple batches of homemade treats, which last longer and usually don't need refrigerating. Cat owners love their cats, and we want them to have the best diet without breaking the bank or our schedules. There are lots of cat treat recipes that cats love and they require only a little extra time to prepare them. If your cat is anything like Tommy, he will love the time and effort you put into preparing his meals. You can provide your cat with the safest, most beneficial diet by using some innovative, simple homemade cat treats recipes.

For a great list of some of Tommy's favorite cat treats recipes, visit Cat Treats Recipes and download the free copy of homemade recipes. Enjoy!

Leia Mais…

Cat Care

Below are some cat care tips we've compiled that will make life for both you and your cat happier and healthier. Handle your cat frequently. Some cats just don't like to be picked up. If you can start handling your cat when it's a kitten, chances are better that it will enjoy the handling later in life. It will also be easier when it comes time for check-ups at the vet, having claws trimmed, etc. Also make sure you massage your cat's feet and toes often so your cat gets used to having it's paws restrained. To prevent hairballs, improve the look of your cat's coat, and give yourself an excuse to check on your cat's well-being, groom your cat at least once a week. Most cats learn to enjoy the grooming process, although some will become over-excited by it and can only take so much. Use weekly (or more frequent if possible) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat's gums, teeth, eyes, ears (look for signs of ear mites), skin, and limbs for possible problems. Check for signs of pain, swelling or injury. Clip your cat's nails regularly. If your cat's claws get too long, they may curve back into the toe pad. It's also more likely that your cat's claws will get caught on something if they're not trimmed. Every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health and a longer life. One of the most important cat care tips is regarding the litter box. Place the litter box in a place your cat likes. The number one reason adult cats are brought to shelters is for unresolved litter box problems. Place the box in a relatively quiet area that your cat likes to frequent and make sure there are multiple escape routes. Also make sure to provide enough litter boxes for your cat. We suggest following the one plus one rule - one litter box for each cat in the house plus one more. Play with your cat daily. Play with dangle toys and chase your cat around the house as much as possible. Get your cat exercising daily and it will help lower risks of diseases and minimize vet bills. Give your cat at least 10 minutes of physical attention every day. Take time to pet, stroke, scratch or brush your cat for at least 10 minutes daily. It will calm and relax both not only your cat but you too. Recent evidence shows that contact with cats may actually reduce your risk of heart attack by as much as thirty percent! What a great bonus for giving good cat care! Allow your cat to choose favorite spots to hang out around the house, then make them more comfortable with blankets and pillows.. Feed your cat premium cat food. High quality cat foods meeting AAFCO cat food standards will ensure that your cat gets a balanced diet with the right nutrients. Feline diets deficient in certain nutrients can cause diseases, including blindness. Take your cat to the vet for a check-up at least once a year. For more information visit http://www.animal-world.com.

http://Animal-World.com will strive to provide accurate and timely information. The knowledge we have today will surely be expanded upon and modified as new studies and discoveries uncover new facts. For more information on cat care visit http://www.animal-world.com.

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Cat Care Basics

When my kids came home begging me to get them a cat, I had no idea what to expect or how to care for a cat. Before I relented, I did some research and found out that there are some cat care basics with which I needed to be familiar before we would bring a cat into the home. We had to make decisions about food, litter, cat furniture, toys, fleas, grooming, and vet care. It was not a decision to be taken lightly, but it was one we decided to take on. Here is some of the information I uncovered doing my research before we brought our new cat, Tommy, into our home. Cats need a specific diet. Not all cat foods are good at meeting the natural dietary needs of cats. You would think that if a manufacturer says a food is good for cats, it has to be good for cats. But determining whether or not a food fits the dietary needs of your cat is up to you. The manufacturer is trying to sell his product, so do your homework. Dry foods have different health benefits and drawbacks than canned foods. I didn't know that! Cats don't need a lot of vegetable fillers in their diet. I didn't know that either! Cats need a high-protein, high-animal fat diet. That sounded a bit off until I thought about it. Cats are carnivores in the truest sense of the word. They eat only other animals when they are in their natural habitat. Now I understand why I need to read labels and choose the diet that is best suited to Tommy's natural needs. Another area I looked into was what toys are best for a cat. I saw a lot of really cool, colorful, texture-rich toys in the pet store. They would be great! Any cat would have so much fun with such a toy. Not so. Cats are not completely color blind, but they do not make much distinction in colors. A colorful toy has little influence on its attractiveness to a cat. I also thought a big ball of yarn would be fun until I found out that cats can ingest yarn and it embeds in the lining of their stomachs. That is not a scenario I wanted to know about personally! The cool crinkly toys I saw have had problems with the crinkly part coming out when the cat plays with it. Again, ingestion of the material can cause serious health risks. I had a lot of things to consider if I was going to have a cat and provide safe, fun toys for him to play with. Do you know how many kinds of cat litter are on the market? Did you know some cats won't use certain types of litter? Some of them are very expensive, and others have a more reasonable price tag, but while some cats enjoy the more expensive, others will only use the cheapest kind of litter. I was getting quite tired just thinking about how many experiments we might have to do if we brought a cat home. How much clean up was I willing to do if the cat didn't like the litter I bought? Cat furniture is another issue I researched. I know cats scratch, and I had heard that declawing is an unpleasant and unnecessary procedure. I wanted to know what my options were and how effective I could be in preserving my furniture and carpets. There is a large variety of options for furniture. There are textures cats prefer, along with structures that they enjoy. I learned that most important was to provide variety in any furniture I chose. I also learned that it is significantly cheaper (though requires an investment of time) to build my own. Finally, I turned my thoughts to the physical health of a cat. I know worms can be a problem for a lot of cats. What I didn't know was how easy they are to treat if you are diligent about keeping up with the general health of the cat. I also learned that there are things you can do to make your cat's habitat less conducive to picking up worms. Cleanliness is important in the house as well as the yard! And what about fleas? While fleas can be a problem, and they can cause some other health issues if they get out of control in a cat, they are also a minor problem if you are taking charge of your cat's overall health. There are many monthly-use products that keep fleas at bay just by being faithful to giving them to your cat. Ultimately, I learned a lot about taking care of a cat. My kids were asking me almost daily until I gave in and we brought Tommy home. I have been diligent about providing for his needs. He sees the vet on schedule. He has a healthy, protein-rich diet, he has toys that cannot hurt him, and we did finally find a litter he will use! He has quit scratching the furniture, and we are all enjoying having him in our home. Be diligent in your research about cat care basics. If you will pay attention to your cat's needs, you will be able to avoid illness, injury, and outrageous vet bills!

Kelly is a frequent contributor to www.freecathealthtips.com, a website that provides free information on cat care and cat health tips. You can learn more about cat care and cat health tips for free at: Cat Care

Leia Mais…

Tips on Keeping Your Cat Healthy

There are several things you can do to help you cat stay healthy from day to day; give him good shelter, high quality food, and plenty of fresh water.  These are the basics.  Like other living things however, cats can get sick from time to time regardless of how good your care is. 

As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure that you feed your cat only the best food you can afford.  Premium cat foods are ideal for cats, as the food is designed to give your cat all the nutrition it needs without chemicals or preservatives.  You should also be aware of your cats day to day behavior, so that you’ll know when something isn't right.  This can get you a jump on any bug your kitty may catch.  Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor (such as urinary tract infections and respiratory infections), although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

How your cat behaves will often be your best tip for assessing their day to day health. If you notice your cat acting sluggish, and not eating you should really get him (or her) to the vet ASAP.  The condition of you cats coat is also something you can watch to get a feel for your cats health.  If you notice his coat getting dull and patchy or notice him shedding more than, you should contact your vet as it may be a sign of a nutrient imbalance that left untreated could seriously affect your feline.

Diarrhea and vomiting are common in cats, even if the bug they catch is minor. Knowing your cats normal behavior will tell you if this is normal or not.  If it persists for more than a day though, you should really consider a trip to the vet.  Coughing is common as well, simply because coughing is how your cat will dislodge hairballs.  If your cat seems to be coughing excessively, you should have him checked out as it may be an upper respiratory infection..

To help safeguard you cat against many common diseases, you should always make sure that he stays up do date with his vaccinations. There are several diseases that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper.  Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, but is very easy to prevent with proper medical care.  The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you very little time to seek treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly but can be prevented very simply with the proper vaccinations.  Although it isn't possible for the disease to spread to humans, it spreads quickly among cats.  There is a vaccination that can prevent this disease, although you’ll still want to be careful and not expose other cats around a cat you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is most common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms.  Cats with worms will often have a dull coat and very little appetite.   There are several types of worms that commonly infect cats, including ringworms and hookworms.  Most commonly, you cat will get Worms from eating an infected flea, but they can also come from lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume.  Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. You will commonly see evidence of the worms when cleaning out the litter box or stuck to your cats fur.  They look like small grains of rice.  They are easy to treat, you vet can simply give you a pill of liquid that can be administered to the cat for approximately 3 days.

If you take care of your cat, chances are you’ll keep him healthy for years to come.  You should always strive to make sure that you are feeding the highest quality food you can afford as this will cut down on more problems that anything else.  Two of the best holistic brands are Wellness and Merrick. Yearly checkups at the vet are very important too. If he gets the proper vaccinations when he is required to get them, he should be safe against numerous pests and diseases.  Taking the proper steps with your cat now will prevent anything from happening in the future.

Aaron McCann is an avid animal lover and freelance journalist. With numerous animals to care for and friends in the veterinary business, he knows a bit about pet care. Keeping your pet healthy is important, so he started a pet insurance comparison blog where you can learn about all the top pet healthcare plans including PetFirst Insurance.

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Choosing The Perfect Cat Box For Your Kitty

By the end of this article, you should have gained enough new knowledge on this subject to feel like a pro. Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business.

Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.

Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees success.

In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered:

Size and Depth:

This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.

Material of the Box:

Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.

Ease of Cleaning:

Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand.

Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.

There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and feces and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out.

Style and Features:

There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:

-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim.

-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort.

While they provide "privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents.

-Designer boxes. Also known as "hidden boxes", this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation.

-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.

-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.

Cost:

The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.

Appealing to the Cat:

Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated.

However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen.

They might be afraid of using the unit again.

Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat.

Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well! We hope that you finished reading this article having learned at least a little bit of new information. If so, then we have done our job.

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

Leia Mais…

Top Cat Breeds And Tips On Responsible Cat Breeding

Cat breeding is not as easy as just letting cats mate. Breeding is not just about choosing cats to produce adorable kittens to earn money. To breed cats is not the same as to produce them. Breeding encompasses that stage.

Breeding cats involves scientific and systematic concepts. Producing cats involves only common sense. Breeding cats has an emotional aspect to it. Fulfillment does not come from mere moneymaking. Sacrifices have to be made to achieve the breeder's goal: to safeguard the welfare of the cats.

A lot of things must be taken into consideration before breeding cats. Here is a guide to help us better understand the dynamic process of cat breeding.

- A cat breeder's concern is the preservation or improvement of cat pedigree.

This is a serious matter. Selection of the parent cats is done on the basis of health, quality traits and reproducing capability. A breeder will never pair cats carelessly.

- A cat breeder is dedicated to learn more about cats.

A lot of things must be learned regarding cat breeding. Latest researches must be employed to properly select the cats to be bred. The welfare of the cats depends on how much the breeder knows.

- A cat breeder makes plans.

Breeding does not involve hasty actions.

- A cat breeder has to follow rules set by the government.

Breeders are obliged to register their cats to their respective breeds. Certain taxes are imposed to hobbyists and to businessmen alike.

- A cat breeder's primary motive is to take care of cats. Monetary motives come after this.

A cat's life is more important than money. And it is more rewarding to see the kittens grow. The money earned is just an additional reward.

- A cat breeder's responsibility to the cats does not end.

His care for his cats does not end when the kittens were sold.

- A cat breeder holds the future of the cat's offspring.

Whatever a cat breeder does affects the life of the kittens, thus extra care must be given by cat breeders when making decisions.

- A cat breeder knows when to stop breeding.

Breeding is not just about having many cats. It is about taking care of all of them.

After learning about these things, it can be concluded that breeding is an arduous task indeed. However, for those who are cat breeders at heart, all these hardships are worth the kittens they bred (not produced)!

Cats are best bought from responsible cat breeders. Hobbyists choose to own purebred cats because their temperaments are more predictable than cats with unknown pedigrees.

If you are getting a cat from a cat breeder, ask him about the number of cat breeds that he has so you can choose from them. Also, ask him how many years he has been breeding cats and whether he can give you a health guarantee and complete papers for the cat.

Top cat breeds:

If you want to show off your cat then it is best to choose from among the top five cat breeds throughout the world.

1. Persian-Persian cats are called Persian for their country of origin. Persians have a long coat, sweet personality and have the ability to blend into the household. These are the qualities that made Persians one of the top choices of cat lovers. However, its long coat requires daily combing to avoid tangles.

2. Maine Coon-These are long-haired cats with good mouse hunting skills. These cats are good companions for children.

3. Exotic-This breed can offer you the better of two worlds. The Exotic cat has the look of a Persian cat, but it has short hair, making it easy to groom. They look like teddy bears with their thick and short coats. These cats are sweet and good companions like the Persians.

4. Siamese-Siamese cats originally came from Siam or Thailand. This cat possesses an aristocratic head, looks almost like a deer because of it's stiff ears, and has a short coat. Siamese cats have long bodies, long legs and long necks.

5. Abyssinian-These cats are very elegant-looking, much like the cats portrayed in Egyptian sculptures. Abyssinia is the former name of Ethiopia. However, Abyssinian cats did not originate in Ethiopia. They got the name because the first cats of Abyssinian breed, which were exhibited in England, were from Abyssinia.

No matter what your choice of a cat breed is, make sure that your cat is healthy and that it has already been weaned. The ideal age to get a kitten is about 14 weeks, when their immune systems are already developed.

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

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Perfect Cat Box For Your Cat

By the end of this article, you should have gained enough new knowledge on this subject to feel like a pro. Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it. Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat's satisfaction also guarantees success. In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered: Size and Depth: This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width. Material of the Box: Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze. Ease of Cleaning: Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand. Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation. There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and feces and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out. Style and Features: There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes: -Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim. -Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide "privacy" for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents. -Designer boxes. Also known as "hidden boxes", this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat's convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation. -Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter. -Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat pee and poop into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself. Cost: The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit. Appealing to the Cat: Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the "privacy" which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again. Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well! We hope that you finished reading this article having learned at least a little bit of new information. If so, then we have done our job.

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

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