Best House Cat Care

Can You Really Train A Cat? Is It Worth The Trouble?

2009-05-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Cats are notoriously independent and have a mind of their own. Can you really teach a cat new tricks? Cat owners often think that their cat is just too moody to listen. Some owners feel their cats are un-trainable simply because they are arrogant. The fact is many times pets don’t obey because they don’t understand what you want from them. So, if you have tried to train your cat, you may not be doing it right.

Training your cat takes time and patience. It takes more of that then it does with a dog. A sure fire way to get results is to use positive reinforcement. Whatever you do, don’t scold your cat because she is likely to just misbehave when you aren’t looking. Instead, praise good behavior.Any cat can learn. It is wise to first start when the pet is young, about eight to ten weeks old. But, the pet will do well at any age.

How do you get started? The first thing to start with is training your cat to come when called. Hold your cat’s favorite treat and call his name. You’ll want to make sure he’s in a good mood. You’ll also want to make sure there isn’t a lot of noise either. Distractions will slow down the cat or confuse him. Decide on one command and use it solely. The command should be short and easy to say. For example, come kitty works well or here kitty will work too.

Now, get down on her level by sitting or kneeling on the floor. Give the command. Make sure your voice is exciting and happy. When the cat comes to you, reward him with the treat. Also, insure that you praise the cat as well. Then, move away and do the same thing again. The goal is to use the same tone of voice and the same command. Work on it for no more than ten minutes. If the cat is bored or frustrated, stop for the time. Try to do this two or three times a day for about a week.

Once he gets this command, you can move on to others.Some things that your cat needs to learn for his own well being are necessary to teach any and all cats. For example, he needs to learn to tolerate a harness and a leash in case you need to travel with him. Also, the cat should learn to use a crate.

Using a Leash and Harness: To do this, you’ll want to start by putting the harness on him. Do not restrain him once it is in place. Praise him for it. Give him a treat for behaving so well. Once he is used to wearing it, attach the leash to it and let him lead you throughout the area. Coax him into following you with treats and praise. Some cats will learn to heel on the leash. But, most will not. All should learn to not panic or to struggle, though when wearing a leash.

The Crate: When it comes to the crate, it can be done a little simpler. Cats like warm dark places so put a comfortable blanket and maybe even a favorite toy of the cat's inside the crate. Give him praise when you place him in it. Then, leave him there for a few minutes. Let him out within three to five minutes. Don’t praise him when he’s coming out of the crate because you do not want him to think this is the good thing. Make sure to reward him, though whenever he goes in. Leave the cat in the crate a little longer each time. Eventually your cat will be trained well enough to keep him in there. I hope these simple tips will show you how useful it can be to give your cat a little discipline.

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

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com>

Creative Cat Toys You Can Find Around Your Home

2009-05-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

We all know that buying toys from your local pet shop can be expensive and after you bring it home, your cat may either turn up its nose at your offering or will tear the toy to pieces in a couple of hours. Why not save your money and entertain your cat with some of these suggestions of toys that can be made out of things you can find around your own home?

One of the things found around the home is string and I guarantee all cats love string. As it wiggles along the ground, moving fast and slow, it triggers your cat’s hunting mechanism and makes a great plaything. A great idea is to tie a long piece of string to a stick so you can drag it along the ground and tease your pet while sitting comfortable in a chair.

Other than the sound of pet food, nothing perks my cat's ears up like the sound of paper being rolled into a ball or even an open paper bag. A ball of paper about the size of a ping-pong ball is ideal for your cat to chase around the house. An open empty grocery bag on its side it something my cat loves. As he looks into the bag, I gently scratch on back of the bag and he will pounce. They will absolute love it. A similar thing to use for ball cat toys are rolled up small balls of foil.

Rope is another product from arount the home and is the most versatile product you can use to make different cat toys and activities. It’s great to wrap around a post to make your very own cat scratch post and can be pinned to pieces of board to make scratch boards that can be mounted on a wall inside or out.

There are many benefits to these activities. It helps to eliminate your cat's boredom, it gives your cat exercise, it gets you up off the couch, it helps you bond with your pet, and it provides amusement for you to name a few. And it also saves you money and gets your creative juices flowing. You may be able to create other cat toys with a little imagination.

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

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

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun.
Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Eat

2009-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

If your cat won’t eat, keep in mind that stress can be a large cause of a cat’s loss of appetite. Just as stress in humans can lead to loss of appetite, the same can happen in cats. Felines can be very sensitive animals and your cat may be under more stress than you are aware of. Your cat can become stressed for a wide variety of reasons, most usually reasons involving some sort of change.

For instance, if you should move, it's possible that the stress of the move might have thrown the cat off of its food. A sudden change in food will sometimes cause your cat to lose its appetite. Stress may also be caused by conflict with another cat especially when a new cat is introduced into your home. Cats are very territorial creatures, and if your cat spends some time outdoors, territorial disputes may occur. Territorial disputes can also occur for indoor cats. You need to remove the problem, if not health related, in order to get the cat to eat.

Pets with poor appetite may also be sick, and if you wait until the appetite is completely gone it may be too late for recovery. This is particularly true for cats. Veterinarians worry about a cat not eating for a long period of time, and that this could result in liver failure.
Another situation you may need to be aware of is that when a cat is overweight and is on diet food, the overweight cat that stops eating is very prone to developing something called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver).

If the cat won’t eat, talk to him and let him come to you for attention. If the problem is stress related, this one-on-one with him may help. If he still won't eat after a couple of days, talk with your vet and ask what options there are. If a visit to the veterinarian is advised and your cat cannot leave the house because he is stressed out by that, find a vet who will make house calls. Many do and even your regular vet may come to your house.

Veterinary care and advice costs money, occasionally a lot of money, but this should not prevent you from using a vet's services when you have to. At some point your cat will need the attention of a veterinarian; it's a fact of life, even if it is just for shots or for neutering.

Remember that veterinarians often disagree about the best treatments for pets. There are often several perfectly acceptable ways to treat the same condition.

When your cat won’t eat, it may be something as simple as the fact that he preferred what you gave him for dinner last night over what you gave him for dinner tonight. Or he could be stressed because there is a new cat in the house or some other change he really doesn’t like. Or he really could be truly ill. Sometimes you can figure out what the problem is simply by being observant and other times you will need a veterinarian to help.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Origin and History of the House Cat

2009-01-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

Formerly it was generally thought that our house cats were simply the progeny of tamed pairs of the European wildcat; but anatomy denied the probability of this, and historical investigation showed that they came from another source. Historical evidence, including innumerable mummies, shows that the cat was domesticated by the Egyptians and North-Africans before the time of the oldest monuments of their civilization.

Moreover, the characteristic specific markings of the caffrc cat (still wild as well as tame in the Nile Valley) reappear unmistakably in our common house cats. This has happened in spite of the fact that interbreeding with other species and various local races has intervened over time. The Mediterranean cat is a well-marked variety of this cat that was found anciently and even now in Syria and eastward. It has been established that many centuries before the Christian era the Egyptians, Cretans, Phoenicians and other men of the Levant were constantly voyaging all over the Mediterranean Sea and founding trading-posts on both its shores. There finally arose and spread the extensive civilizations of Greece and of Rome on the north and of Carthage on the south.

When these explorers were spreading their colonies over vast areas, undoubtedly with them went their friendly and useful mousers. That they then were crossed somewhat with the native wildcat seems to be shown by the appearance of the peculiar form we call "tabby" cats. Briefly, this is the history of the common European house cat, whence have come, by emigration, those of America and most of the civilized world.

However, in the remote and isolated East, there exist many races of domesticated cats of more local origin. The late Professor G. Martorelli, of Milan, Italy, had made a special study of this whole subject and he had concluded that the ordinary domestic cat of India has descended from the Indian desert cat (Felis ornata). From it, he said, are derived their common spotted breed, while the fulvous breed seen in India has been produced by a cross with the native jungle cat (Felis chaus). Both these have interbred with the imported western cats in recent years.

The Persian or ''Angora" long-haired breeds may probably have come from Pallas' cat of central Asia; and the curious Siamese cat is regarded as derived from the golden cat. The intermingling accidentally, or by the design of breeders, of these various species and races has produced the bewildering variety of forms now seen.

There are so many varieties of cats that they must have originated from many different races and situations. Even today, professional breeders are developing new breeds of cats.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Thanksgiving and Your Cat

2008-11-22T11:13:00.001-08:00

Here we are about to enter into the holiday season and with it being a holiday time, we want to include our pets in our holiday celebrations. After all, they are one of the family aren't they?. But we also want to keep our cats safe from all the potentially toxic (for them) foods and candy that come into our home during the holiday season. There are a few things that need to be said about "I wonder if the cat can eat that?" There are somethings that can be dangerous for your cat that you may not be aware of.

After having a large Thanksgiving dinner, offering a small piece of boneless, thoroughly cooked turkey, plain mashed potatoes and a smidge of pumpkin pie is not likely to be a harmful treat for your cat. Just be sure to avoid giving foods with large amounts of onion or garlic or any treats sweetened with artifical sweeteners. Because this can lower the blood sugar of both your dogs or your cats, this could lead to life threatening things such as seizures and liver failure.

Sage is considered to be edible and should be safe if given in small amounts. However, sage, as well as many other herbs, contain essential resins and oils that can cause gastrointestinal upset. In some cases it can cause nervous system depression if the cat gets too much of it. Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Thanksgiving. Because cats can be very sensitive to the effects of essential oils, it is a good idea to discourage your cat from chewing on the needles of your beautiful Christmas tree as well.

Another thing that humans love, but pets should not be given, is chocolate which can be a problem for cats just as it for dogs. Since cats tend to be smaller than most dogs, it doesn't take as much chocolate to be a problem. Also, the type of chocolate your pet eats can makes a difference. The darker the chocolate the more dangerous, so bittersweet or dark chocolate will be alot worse than milk chocolate. Even though milk chocolate is not as bad as the dark chocolate, there is still another possible problem with it and that is the toxins that are in milk chocolate are excreted through the kidneys. It is not recommended that you let your cat have chocolate of any kind If it has kidney issues. With these problems, they would not be able to eliminate the toxins very well. But it is safer to eliminate any possible problems and just don't give them chocolate.

We hope this information has been helpful to you and will help keep you from "killing with kindness". We hope that both you, your family and your pets have a safe holiday.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

City Cat vs. City Dog

2008-11-16T13:37:00.001-08:00

Origin and History of the House Cat
Formerly, it was carelessly thought that our house cats were simply the progeny of tamed pairs of the European wildcats; but anatomy has denied the probability of this and historical investigation shows that they came from another source. Historical evidence, which includes innumerable mummies, shows that the cat was domesticated by the Egyptians before the time of the oldest monuments of their civilization.

Moreover, the characteristic specific markings of the caffrc cat (still wild as well as tame in the Nile Valley) reappear unmistakably in our common house cats in spite of the fact that interbreeding with other species has intervened. A well-marked variety of this cat, known as the Mediterranean cat, was and is found in ancient times as well as now in Syria and eastward. It is established that many centuries before the Christian era the Egyptians, Cretans, Phoenicians and other men of the Levant were constantly voyaging all over the Mediterranean Sea. They were busy founding trading-posts on both its shores, where finally arose and spread the extensive civilizations of Greece and Rome on the north, and of Carthage on the south.

With these colonists undoubtedly went their friendly and useful mousers. That they then were crossed somewhat with the native wildcat seems to be shown by the appearance of the peculiar form we call "tabby" cats. In brief, this is the history of the common European house cat and also those of America and most of the civilized world because of immigration. However, in the remote and isolated East exists races of domesticated cats of more local origin. Prof. G. Martorelli, of Milan, Italy, made a special study of this whole subject and he has concluded that the ordinary domestic cat of India has descended from the Indian desert cat. From it, he says, are derived their common spotted breed, while the fulvous breed seen in India has been produced by a cross with the native jungle cat. Both these have interbred with the imported western cats in recent years. The Persian or ''Angora" long-haired breeds may probably have come from the Pallas' cat of central Asia; and the curious Siamese cat is regarded as derived from the golden cat. Whether accidentally or by the design of breeders, intermingling of these various species and races has produced the bewildering variety of forms now seen.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

When a Purr Becomes a Bite

2008-11-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

It’s all quiet and you are just sitting there and your cat is lying in your lap, purring contentedly as you pet him. You both are just minding your own business and then all of a sudden, without any warning, he suddenly bites your hand and very quickly wants to jumps down and get away from you. I know that we have all had that happen at one time or another.
There are a few different reasons that are agreed upon by cat behaviorists as to what would make your cat become very upset with you that fast when they were just purring and dozing in your lap a moment ago. What are some of the things that may cause this to happen?
The cat in your lap has begun to doze, when suddenly he wakes up and just for that moment he becomes much disoriented. He is not sure where he is at that moment and by having your hands on him, he thinks you are holding him down and he fights to clear himself from the situation. Most of the time when he jumps down, he will look confused and then begin to groom him. This will help to calm himself down.
Nervous or sensitive cats tend to become somewhat jumpy and can be over-stimulated by petting for a long period of time. There are usually tell-tale warning signs that something is about to happen and the cat may attack. Look for restlessness, excessive tail movement, flattened ears, and the cat’s head turning toward your hand. It is important for us, as cat owners, to be alert to these signs and actions and be ready to stop petting the cat before this point is reached. At this time you may want to try a small treat to let the cat know that all is well and also a give a few more strokes to gradually increase his tolerance toward this situation. Never punish the cat because he has bitten you because this may cause him to become defensive and the cat may really strike back when provoked in this manner.
There are areas that a cat doesn’t like you petting, and one of these areas is the stomach region. When we do this, most of the time it puts the cat on their back and in a very vulnerable position. They do not like that at all. A cat in this position will almost always have a natural defensive reaction which includes striking back by wrapping his paws around the person's wrist, holding on, and biting.
Cats will vary in how much they like being restrained or held by their owners or by other people. Cats that don’t like being petted or held for a long period of time may still want to play with their owners. You may want to try and fellow them around the house, carefully lay on the bed with them, and even sit close to them. When we do these things these behaviors show the cat that we have an attachment toward them. There are some cats that are huggable and there are still others are not, but both types of cats can be very attached to their owners.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Interesting Cat Facts

2008-09-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

Domestic cats are the only variety of the cat family that can have their tails vertical when walking. Wild cats, like lions and tigers, walk with their tails horizontal or between legs. When a domestic cat walks with its tail vertical, it indicates that he recognizes whoever or whatever is near.

Another interesting fact about cats is that cats never employ meowing to communicate with each other. Domestic cats descended from solitary creatures. Being solitary and hunting alone by nature, they have a limited set of communication skills for confrontation. Especially lacking is body language.

Some misconceptions that a lot of people have about cats are that they always land on their feet. This idea is not true. Another misconception is that they have nine lives. They definitely do not. This last belief may have come about because often a cat does land on its feet and can appear to have “nine lives” but definitely not always.

Kittens born to non-hunting mothers may never learn to hunt (except maybe for yarn and some old socks to play with). Kittens are born with both eyes and ears closed. With a new born kitten’s eyes open, they are always blue at first, changing color over a period time. Kittens will purr to their mother to let her know they are getting enough milk while nursing and also to let their mother know they are nearby and everything is ok. Adult cats purr to let others know they are friendly and not a threat. Purring is a process of inhaling and exhaling, usually performed while the mouth is closed.

The myth that black cats are bad luck especially if they cross your path persists but it is just that, a myth which seems to have originated in the United States. This myth is believed to have originated with the Salem witch hunts although it is not known for sure.

Everything about cats is fascinating. In doing research for this article, I learned a couple of things I didn’t know before and I thought I knew a lot about them. I hope this article has been informative for you as well and helps with understanding the feline.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Introducing a New Cat, Part 2

2008-09-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

The next stage to introducing a new cat into your home is to permit the cats to spend time together. Carefully supervise their reaction toward each other. It is good to bring the cats together when they are likely to be relatively calm, such as after a meal or a strenuous play session. Keep a squirt bottle handy in case the cats begin to fight. As the cats become more familiar with each other, allow for longer periods of time together.

Be sure to consider the layout of your home. Some cats like to sit up high, on shelves and on kitty condo perches. A frightened cat will want to hide inside, under, and behind things, so make sure there are hiding places. Place feeders, water bowls, and litter pans out in the open so the cats do not feel trapped when accessing these areas.

This two-week acclamation period should prove to be an advantage for both cats. It will help the older cat get use used to the idea of having another cat on its turf while the new cat will be busy adjusting to the new home. Since a new home often means a different feeder and litter pan as well as new routines and environments, starting off in a small, cozy space will help keep stress level to a minimum. It’s important the new cat have its own litter pan and bowls so that sharing food or illness won’t an issue. If the new cat were to come down with an upper respiratory infection, as some feline adoptees do, they won’t be sneezing on the other cat or sharing germs via a communal water bowl.

Things have proceeded well. Both cats are eating normally and appear playfully curious about the other. And so comes the day for their first meeting. After feeding the cats and trimming their nails, as with children there comes a time when you leave the room. Leaving the door ajar, we know that it will be up to the two of them to take the next step. Aware that a little hissing, swatting and chasing is to be expected, you will have to step in only if World War III were to start.

Thanks to your careful selection and a slow, cautious introductory period, no one gets hurt and that a little patience, and a lot of love is all that is needed. With love and understanding, they will be playfully chasing each other around the house and napping in a shared patch of afternoon sunlight. Their well planned introduction should result in perfect harmony between the two of them.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Introducing a New Cat, Part 1

2008-08-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Some cats are very social and enjoy living with other cats, while others prefer to be solitary. If you are bringing a new cat into your home, understand that it will take time. The best advice is to introduce the cats gradually and be patient. It takes most cats about 2 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. There are cases where others never become friends and will simply avoid each other. Still others cases where they will fight until your only choice is to remove one of the cats. If you are about to get a cat who has lived with other cats in the past, the odds are probably good that they will make an attempt to get along. That being said, it is hard to predict if the new cat will get along. There are no books for us that will tell us the best matches among cats. It is known that male cats become friends and seem to spend more time with each other. Be aware that the more cats you have, the higher the risk is that you will have conflicts between the cats.
The first impression the new cat makes with the older cat is critical. If the cat displays aggression, this may set the tempo as to how the relationship is going to be. Because of that, it is best to separate the cats in the beginning. The cats should be able to smell and hear, but not see or touch each other. Each cat should have his own cat feeder, water bowl, scratching post and cat bed. Also make sure you have a litter box for each cat and at least one extra. Trying to make them share will probably be out of the question. Feed the cats near the door that separates them so they learn that coming together is not the end of their world. Even though they can’t yet see each other, it still can be a pleasant experience. After 2-3 days, change places with each cat so that they can check out each other’s smell. By doing this, you will also allow the new cat to explore a different part of the home. After a few more days, play with the cats near the door. This will encourage the cats to paw at a toy under the door. Eventually the cats may play paw game under the door with each other. Change is difficult for cats, so the introduction needs to move ahead slowly
After about a week or so, assuming you doesn’t see any signs of hissing, growling, you can try replacing the door with a temporary screen door so the cats are able to see each other. Continue to encourage feeding and playing near the door. Start this treatment near the door and, in a day, move even closer, till they see and almost touch each other.

Visit our website today for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Feline Anxiety-Stress

2008-08-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Cats want to do today what they did yesterday and plan to do tomorrow what they did today. Cats in particular, it seems do not want to have anything to do with change in their environment or even any type of confusion. When their normal surroundings are piled high with everything that was once in another room, they sometimes decide to spray on those things to lower their sweet little feline anxiety/anxiety levels.

Cats like to know when and were their human mom and dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job with late night hours, or work real early in the morning, this can drastically change your household routine and lifestyle and your cat may develop feline anxiety/stress because of it.

Feline anxiety/stress seems to be worse in indoor cats, presumably as a result of their smaller living space. In single cat households, the presence of neighbor’s cats in built up areas may act as a stress factor. Cat Toys will teach you how to take care of your cat’s exercise needs which is important for many reasons including relieving stress.

When the anxiety/stress level of a cat continually increases, at some point there will be a behavioral response from that cat. Once the cat has shown a behavioral response, the stress response starts to decline. Stress responses occur in response to both 'good' and 'bad' changes in the cat's environment. As a cat owner, you should know that urine marking (as one possible behavioral response) is highly motivated and that this is just a normal behavior that can be brought on by feline anxiety/stress. It should be noted that it is not unusual for a cat to have a medical problem when the behavior history says that it is only a behavioral problem. For instance, blood tests may be necessary to determine if a medical problem, such as kidney disease, is contributing to the spraying.

Other signs of anxiety you may see are excessive grooming or biting at the tail or back. Control is best achieved by decreasing the motivation to perform the behavior. The cat environment of today has been changed considerably over the many years since they have been domesticated and they have adapted by changing a great deal of their instinctive behavior. It should be noted that wild cats avoid humans totally, and that true wild cats cannot be tamed just by raising them in a human household.

There are many causes of feline anxiety/stress and it varies from cat to cat. If you observe your cat closely and try to keep changes in their life and surroundings to a minimum, there should not be a problem.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Dealing With Cat Anxiety

2008-06-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Some stressful situations that can occur for your cat are: being alone in the house, visitors to the home, new pet or family member, moving to a new home, visits to the veterinarian, adjusting to a new environment, and multiple cat households. Unfortunately, when cats suffer from stress and anxiety, they generally communicate it in a very clear way that can really turn humans upside down. They usually tell us by not using the cat litter box.

Cats with separation anxiety don't howl and bay like dogs and they don't chew on doors and windowsills in frantic attempts to escape. Their misery is far less obvious and it sometimes takes a sleuth of an owner to appreciate what is going on. Separation anxiety in cats is a less common phenomenon and typically gives rise to behaviors that are not as destructive as those of a dog suffering from separation anxiety. It is so uncommon in cats that it was not till recently that the disorder was considered to be absent in the feline species.

Separation anxiety is a very distressing condition for pets and their owners. Although it is difficult to treat, the long term benefits of having a happier and healthier pet are well worth the time spent training your pet. Separation anxiety: canine and feline and human beings alike, are all prone to and suffer from active bouts of stress due to environmental, emotional, and physical factors. Such stressful times can not only be harmful to your pet, but also to you as a pet owner.

Cats normally are fastidious groomers and as much as 30 - 50% of their time awake is spent performing some type of grooming behavior. One uncommon sign of stress in cats may be excessive grooming, to the point of creating a bald spot on one or two areas of the body. Cats may show their distress in other, less obvious ways such as becoming too anxious to eat when left alone; or vomiting only when the owner is not there.

Cats find consistent routines and predictable environments very comforting, so try to keep your cat's activities on a schedule. Playtimes, mealtimes, and bedtimes should occur at approximately the same time every day. Cats with anxiety related elimination problems also may spray, but do so for other than hormonal reasons. Instead, something in their environment causes them to become anxious. Cats commonly start to manifest their stress or anxiety by what is politely called inappropriate toiletary behavior.

Cats are very sensitive to their owner's emotions, so if you're nervous during thunderstorms, your cat probably will be, too. Learning to calm yourself will help both of you. Cats who display this type of behavior generally follow their owners around everywhere, rather than explore the outside world. They may even continue the suckling behavior and chew and suck on their owner’s cloths and even hand.

Cats can be very social animals and they can experience anxiety when they are separated from their owners. Cats like to know when their big cat mom and/or dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job that drastically changes your household routine and lifestyle, your cat may get upset.

Aggressive behavior can be sign of stress. Owners who claim that cat play fighting did not present a problem until the cat was six or seven years old are ignoring one vital fact. Up until that age (middle age in cats) he will have taken his fights elsewhere. When the behavior is exhibited in the owner's presence, attention can be withdrawn by turning or walking away, or some form of remote indirect punishment not associated with the owner could be used.

Owners should never physically punish their cat; even a harmless tap on the nose may be viewed as a challenge and the cat may become even more aggressive. The most effective reaction to status-induced aggression is to ignore the cat completely.

Ask your veterinarian about giving a tranquilizer to the cat to reduce stress and possibly help reduce destructive behavior. A comprehensive dietary supplement designed for animals exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally induced stress is also available from your veterinarian.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Feline Virus (FIV)

2008-06-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is sometimes referred to as feline AIDS. However, this is not entirely correct. There are some strong similarities between the two diseases, but the important distinction to make is that humans cannot, under any circumstances, catch the AIDS virus from a cat. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is fairly unstable outside the cat and will not survive for more than a few hours in most environments. In addition, transmission of FIV occurs primarily through bites, so a waiting period between cats is not required to prevent FIV infection. That shouldn't be happening unless you allow cats to intermingle with other cats, especially outside cats.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is the kind of infection which you can't protect your cat from with the help of vaccinations. And like a human infection of AIDS, it is fatal for cats. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is spread through bite wounds primarily. Once infected, a cat may remain infected for a considerable time, or permanently, and show symptoms and shed the virus to other cats at times of stress or illness.

Testing for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is recommended for all cats over six months of age when introduced into a household. Because both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus can lay dormant for years before causing medical problems, testing for both viruses is commonly recommended in any sick cat, regardless of previous testing.

Tests have been conducted on kittens infected with FIV and they were found to have suffered from a delayed development of normal reflex activity, inability to navigate planks well, and reduced jumping ability. As already stated, the disease if spread through bite wounds but kittens can also be infected through the virus being present in the mother cat's milk. It is estimated that up to a third of the kittens born to an FIV infected mother are also liable to be infected.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Cat Hairballs and What to do About Them

2008-06-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat’s stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.

Hairballs are a normal phenomenon in cats and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.

According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.

With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract. Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent hair or fur ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these. Be aware that most hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.

Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.

Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer. Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care. Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.

Hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.

As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn't bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.

If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Dog Bites

2008-05-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

At Best House Cat Care, we came across this article from the ASPCA. It is about dogs, but it is a potential problem that you should be aware of because of the large number of injuries every year. It has some very good advice for children and is very informative.

"DOG BITES

Did you know that 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday? Did you know that 800,000 bites a year are severe enough to require medical treatment, while 1 to 2 million go unreported?
The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child—his or her own pet, a neighbor's or friend's. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs. The following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.
The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child:

1. I will not stare into a dog's eyes.
2. I will not tease dogs behind fences.
3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yards.
4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside.
5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately.
6. I will not run and scream if a loose dog comes near me.
7. I will stand very still (like a tree), and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me.
8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating.
9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping.
10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the dog's owner.
11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him sniff my closed hand."

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Feline Leukemia

2008-05-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

Feline leukemia is a virus (FeLV) that causes other more serious diseases, such as cancer and anemia. It causes suppression of the immune system and leads to a lack of different types of blood cells and the growth of tumors. Feline Leukemia is a fatal virus that even a healthy appearing kitten could be harboring. Because this virus could be communicated to other cats in your household, we recommend having any kitten tested before you take the kitten home or before introducing it to other cat(s). Feline leukemia is highly contagious and spreads through contact with bodily fluids--two cats that share a food bowl, or groom each other, or just touch noses through a screen door can infect each other. Large amounts of the virus are excreted in saliva, but it also can be present in tears, urine and feces. The virus is fragile in the environment, so fairly direct contact is necessary for it to be transmitted.

In tests on feline leukemia, researchers noticed that only about a fifth of chronically infected cats developed leukemia. The remainder succumbed to a host of other ailments, including anemia, chronic infections, pneumonias and non-healing wounds. When the immune system is suppressed, the cat becomes susceptible to many diseases it would ordinarily resist and mild diseases, such as respiratory infections, may become fatal.

There is only a ten percent chance of survival for cats that contract feline leukemia, very few living longer than three years after contracting the virus. Nursing from an infected mother can infect kittens. An infected mother can also pass the virus to her kittens before they are born although most cases of feline maternity in cats infected with feline leukemia never make it to term, the unborn kittens succumbing to the disease and dying in the womb. Feline leukemia is the greatest killer of cats after accidents; 21% of sick cats brought to veterinarians have feline leukemia. Thirty percent of all malignant cat tumors are a result of the feline leukemia virus.

To test for the possible present of the disease, there is an IFA test which is performed on a blood smear and turns positive only after the FeLV infection has progressed to a late stage of infection. Once positive, the IFA test usually means that the cat has a permanent infection. If the result remains positive, the possibility of true infection is much greater.

If a kitten tests negative, there is nothing to worry about. Acutely infected kittens may have several years of good quality life before developing signs of the disease, and some individual cats may live much longer. However, 50% of infected cats living in multiple cat households will die within two years of contracting the disease, and that number increases to 80% after three years. Discuss with your veterinarian the need for a follow-up blood test eight weeks later to catch infections which were newly incubating. Then have your veterinarian administer a series of two vaccinations 2-3 weeks apart and follow up with a yearly booster.

With the recent invention of a vaccination that prevents the virus from causing death in a cat, feline leukemia is becoming less of a problem for domesticated cats. The virus is still carried and transmitted among street cats and remains a very fatal virus for infected cats. It does not infect dogs, humans, or any other species of animal. Combination vaccines may also include feline leukemia virus and Chlamydia. Modified live injectable vaccines should be administered very carefully, so none of the vaccine gets into the eyes, nose, or mouth of the cat, otherwise the vaccine could induce clinical signs of disease.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Attacking Ankles

2008-05-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ankle biting and sudden attacks are most often associated with your cat’s aggression but there may be a reasonable explanation. Cats have a strong natural desire to hunt and they are taught by their mother how to do it. Now here is where the problem starts. Inside the house, there isn't much to satisfy this desire to hunt. Mice, fleas, bugs of all sorts, spiders and the like are all that the cat has to hunt, and other attractive prey are scarce indoors.

They have to make do with what they have so that may mean that they will hide out and when you least expect it, they will attack ankles and other moving body parts of their human counter parts. In some cases you can provide an appropriate toy to help him with the problem of wanting to hunt something. Remember that cats have this urge to hunt instilled in their being.

Toys that work in a lot of cases are furry balls on a string, wand, or attached to a small fishing rod for efficient "casting" and interesting motion as it is reeled in. There are other things you could try like a wind up mouse or a battery operated toy that moves on its own. If your children have a radio controlled car and your cat is not afraid of it that may work to satisfy the urge to hunt. Some people just tie a toy on a string and drag it thru the house so that the cat will attack the object and making it a better target then your ankles to bite at.

These activities will also give the cat a lot of exercise which is a good release of pent up energy, and will be especially beneficial if you just happen to have a kitten. Most cats will outgrow this behavior by the time they are a couple of years old. They are much better if given other objects to attack and can get enough exercise. If your cat doesn't respond to any of these suggestions, it might be a good idea to consult with your vet and see if they may have an idea as to why this is still going on and what can be done to stop the cat from attacking your ankles.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Be Prepared With A Disaster Plan

2008-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

We came across this article by Dr. Andrew Jones on a topic we feel is something that should not be ignored. Based on natural disasters worldwide over the last couple of weeks, we should never lose site of the fact that a Major Disaster Can Happen here. The key is NOT to live a LIFE in fear, but to be prepared if it ever happens.

From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: http://www.theonlinevet.com

Be Prepared with a Disaster Plan

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets

Disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of provincial and states' health and safety regulations and other considerations.
Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:
medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.

Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.

Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.

Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches

Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

P.S. Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.

It's too late to wait until it happens... If you haven't prepared for this, then spend 1 less hour this week watching T.V. and get prepared.

P.P.S. You can get access to HUNDREDS of Quality Reports like these, PLUS access to ME on the Forum, a MONTHLY Teleseminar, AND a CD or DVD sent to YOU in the Mail Each MONTH.

To get this and EVEN MORE got to:

http://www.theonlinevet.com

It's Your Pet...Heal Them At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

PRIVACY POLICY: We will never rent, sell, loan, provide, barter, exchange or in any way make available your personal information to others. You can unsubscribe or change your email address at anytime using the links at the bottom of this email.

Copyright 2008 Four Paws Online Ltd.

Tel: 1-800-396-1534
Fax: 1-888-398-1378

support@veterinarysecretsrevealed.com

http://www.theonlinevet.com

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/ebook

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/manual

http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/dvd

http://www.theveterinarycode.com

http://www.thepetfoodrecallreport.com

Cat Beds

2008-05-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Cat beds are not only nice to sleep in, but they can become necessary to your cat's health. If you have a lightweight cat that has trouble with their weight, a heated cat bed can stave off potential colds. Heated cat beds are also great for older cats and pets with arthritic and joint ailments.

Cat beds are just the ticket for giving your cat its own space and what’s great about them is that there are a ton of fantastic options perfect for any sized feline. Cat beds come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and materials. For example, you can get just plain and flat or a fluffy bed that is just a layer of foam covered in fabric. Cat beds are easy to find, are usually fairly affordable, and give your cat a comfortable space of his own.

There are different types of cat beds but the one thing they must do is be softer than the floor. Cat beds differ from human beds in that they rest on the ground without a frame. Usually, they have a thick cushion to keep the pets warm. Having a cat bed can indeed be beneficial because cats do take pleasure in sleeping.

Cat beds lack sheets or blankets, but many have a coverlet that can be removed and laundered.

Cat beds are nice, but few cats restrict themselves to one sleeping place. You may find them on your bed, the back of the couch or your favorite chair. We also have heated throws to go furniture and still keep them warm

Heated cat beds are safe and provide your cat with a bit of comfort for his naps. Or, consider cat igloo beds which provide the cat with a bit more privacy, something that most cats crave when they are sleeping. Heated cat beds are very useful when the weather is cold outside.

Cat beds are ideal for those pet owners who have allergies to furs. It is necessary that your cat has its own bed to sleep on and not on your own bed. Cat beds are a fun accessory for a home and for a cat.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Keeping Your Kitten Safe and Content

2008-05-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Cat lovers already know that they enjoying a purring happy kitty in their lap, more than the company of a cat who just stares at you like you have two heads. Kittens love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do this inside is wonderful. Try hiding favorite cat toys, such as a crinkly ball inside a cat tunnel and for even more excitement, try dangling a cat wand at one end when kitten is inside the tunnel. Kittens are naturally attracted to movements and sounds that trigger their instinct to stalk prey. Cats are often most active in the early morning and early evening. Exercise and vigorous playing can help get rid of excess energy and keep your kitten calmer for the remainder of the day. Take time out from your day to spend time playing with your kitten. Kittens don’t like sharp sounds like those that come from a squeaky toy. Save the squeaky toys for the dogs and get your cat a catnip mouse instead. Cats are perfectly happy as inside pets so long as you provide them with enough toys and attention. If you’re away from home for long period, you might consider having two kittens for company.

Cats will swallow ribbon or string, which will not pass. It will require surgical removal. Tie up traverse rod cords and pleated shade cords; you must keep these out of a kitten’s reach. Cat's teeth, like our own, are susceptible to cavities and tartar so regular oral hygiene is essential to keep them clean. Cats will climb and then try to defy gravity all the time, and we get to enjoy it when gravity wins. They need something tall and sturdy like a scratching post so that they can scratch on it, and not the furniture. Cats are reluctant to use a litter pan that is too close to the cat's food so you must keep them far enough apart. When you get a new kitten or even an older cat go slow, don’t rush it. Let your new cat come to you in its own time.

Cats scratch to mark their territory, not to just to sharpen their claws. When your kitten doesn’t have the ability to use this marking behavior because you have had them declawed, they may find it necessary to mark their territory with urine and feces instead. Cats are well known for their bed hogging abilities. They can have you clinging to the outer edge of your bed while they are comfortably sprawled out, full length occupying nine tenths of the bed. We know this to be true even in our own household. When the cat takes a nap “don’t crowd me” is the command!

Cats and kittens generally do not overeat, so food should be made available at all times. There are automatic cat feeders that keep your kitten’s food fresh and water fountains to keep water fresh as well. Always be sure to feed your kitten a good quality kitten food. Cats are carnivorous and they become mature at around seven to eight months old. Before this time their protein requirements are higher and the protein should be of animal origin. If you have children, the litter pan will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.

Cats can teach child compassion and caring, and provide companionship. However, before you bring a kitten or even an older cat into your home, consider your lifestyle and expectations. Then go out and choose the pet accordingly. A kitten will be a wonderful and amazing pet, and bring hours of delight for the children, as well as the adults.

Grooming your kitten encourages a healthy shine on his fur and keeps him looking sleek and healthy. As with all good habits, it’s sensible to establish good grooming early on, so it becomes a normal part of your kitten’s life. Groom them regularly and follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes to worming and other treatments.

Anything your kitten finds on the floor becomes a toy, so keep floor areas clear of things that may hurt them or that they can swallow. You may want to have a yard stick so that when she bats it away you will be able to retrieve your lost items from under the refrigerator, stove, and furniture. Special note: don’t know why, but anything that can be pushed off a flat smooth surface probably will be, so place your breakables high up where kitty can't get them or in a closed cabinet or closet. Remember these guys just love a challenge!

You’re vet is always ready to answer any questions about caring of your kitten. Please feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time. Remember it is the behavior you dislike, not the cat, so don’t simply rush to give your cat up for adoption if they are being troublesome to you. Most aggressive problems in cats have very simple fixes that with a little time and energy can help your cat be the sweet, lovable pet you want.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

What We Love And Don't Love About Cats

2008-05-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

The emotional life of cats, in some ways, may even be richer than a person's, because they have no inhibitions about what they feel. In a short period of time, a cat can go from contentedness to anger to desire to affection. True, studies show that people with pets live a bit longer and have better blood pressure than benighted non-owners, but in the literal sense, we don't really need all those dogs and cats to survive, we chose to have them around.

One of the things we love about cats is watching them play. Kittens love playing but don't know yet how to control their sharp claws and teeth. Also children can unknowingly be a little rough with a kitten and may cause it harm. Kitten s obtained after 12 weeks may be more difficult to manage. The experiences of kittens during their first few months of life are important in helping to shape their temperaments and personalities as adults. Your kitten will need time to adjust to her new environment, and understanding this is the first step in getting off to a positive start.

One of the things we don’t love is hair shedding but hair shedding is considered a sign of health in the cat, because sick cats do not shed. It happens for different reasons, but basically it depends on the time your cat spends outdoor or whether your cat is purely an indoor cat. Hairballs can be prevented with certain cat foods and remedies that ease elimination of the hair and regular grooming of the coat with a comb or stiff brush. Cats expend nearly as much fluid grooming as they do urinating. Long-haired cats obviously are more high-maintenance than its short-haired counterparts. You’ll need to at least bath them once a week and brush their long manes frequently. Owners should wipe away the moisture that is emitted from the eyes at least once in the morning and at least once in the evening hours. Persians should also be bathed frequently.

Hunting is something you may or may not like about cats. Cats are fun to watch as they pretend to hunt by attacking toys, each other, or miscellaneous items and this is something we like. They may hunt for real and present you with a dead mouse “trophy” and this we have mixed emotions about: on the one hand we are glad to have the rodent eliminated, but on the other hand, we don’t want to know about it. Hunting has become central to cat’s behavior patterns, even to their predilection for short bursts of intense exercise punctuating long periods of rest. Hunting mothers generally pass all their hunting abilities, including the ultimate killing of their prey, onto their kittens. Non-hunting mothers, by contrast, often pass along the hunting skills except the ability to kill.

Scratching is another thing about which we may have mixed emotions. On the one hand, scratching behavior seems enjoyable to the cat, and even declawed cats will go through elaborate scratching routines with every evidence of great satisfaction, despite the total lack of results. On the other hand, without a scratching post, your furniture or draperies may suffer.

One plus is that generally speaking, smaller pets mean less responsibility, but even a tiny goldfish needs love and care. On the other hand, smaller pets also have a shorter life span -- which means you or your child will experience an early grief.

Generally, cats are naturally well-behaved creatures, provided they are given a sense of autonomy. Unlike dogs, who want to please you, cats want to feel they are the ones in total control of their lives which some people love and other people hate.

As the saying goes, “everything has its price” and yes cats do have things that can potentially be annoying, but I feel the benefits far outweigh the bad side. For me, there is nothing that is as comfortable as having a purring cat lying on my lap on a cold winter night in front of the fireplace. No matter what has gone wrong during the day, it is all forgotten during this daily ceremony.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Things That Are Dangerous To Your Cat

2008-05-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

There are any number of things found in and around the home that are be harmful and even life threatening to you cat. You may not know what the cat has ingested to know how severe the problem will be. If you notice any of the symptoms that may be listed below, see your vet immediately. It is better to act on the side of caution than not at all.

At Christmas time, keep holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias out of reach as they can cause your pet severe stomach upset. Tinsel off the Christmas tree isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems. It is a good idea not to use tinsel around your cat.

Moth balls can be a problem because when ingested and metabolized, can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures.

Be aware that string-like items such as dental floss or yarn can also be dangerous and cause death if ingested. It may be wise to invest in covered trash cans for all rooms where pets may wander, and keep your knitting or crocheting projects in a closed bag.

If you cat should ingest antifreeze, kidney problems usually show up one to three days later. Urine output may initially increase but then decreases until urine is not produced at all.

Plug in air fresheners are also a "no-no". Plastic wrapper or plastic bags, rubber bands, and Easter grass are all very dangerous to a cat and can cause you a VERY BIG vet bill or even cost your cat its life.

It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants such as aloe vera, begonia, mother-in-law tongue, philodendron, geranium, Easter lily, the green on a potato and many others. Cats experiencing nervous system disorders ingesting toxins are in serious trouble. Your cat will need to be taken for medical care immediately.

Keep your cat away for all outside cats because they can become carriers who spread viruses. The more outside cats your cat has contact with, the more likely one of these common deadly diseases will shorten his life.

Do not tie a cat out on a leash or leave her unsupervised, even for a few minutes. If you live in a small apartment or have multiple cats, this becomes an even bigger incentive! If your cat becomes destructive or unhouse trained, consult your veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find ways to solve the problem. These symptoms can also be attributed to boredom and loneliness.

Remember that your cat is very curious and is always learning just as a child is. Make an inspection of your home and make it as safe for your pet as you would for a child.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Improve Your Cat's Life

2008-05-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Outside cats lead very fast-paced, complicated lives. They have a very large territory that often contain a variety of things to see and do, including woods, and gardens. They hunt for pry, and they love to explore. They may even interact with other cats. Our inside cats can only explore the house and basically have little to do. Without their mother to teach them what to do, and how to do it, boredom may set in. Here are some ideas to help keep your inside cat active and leading a healthy life.

Make sure that your cat has a variety of toys to keep them pacified. Some cats love toys that they can throw around themselves. Ping pong balls are great. Other cats want toys that require owner participation such as kitty teasers. Stimulating play for a cat involves opportunities to “hunt” so you have to move the toy in such a way that it looks like something moving like a rodent or bird. Every now and again you will have to bring in a new toy to keep the cat interested in playing.

Have objects for your cat to explore, such as a cardboard box, a paper shopping bag, or toys that looks like a giant piece of cheese with holes in it(Item 116). These are things the cat will investigate with her paws. Rotate the toys and play items often so the cat does not become bored.

Some cats like to watch the commercially available cat videos. The most popular ones contain close-ups of various types of birds feeding, flying, and singing. Some cats will watch the same videotape for hours each day, tracking the birds’ movements, chirruping and swatting at the screen. Some cats will even watch lamps that have moving parts. With these be very careful that the lamp does not get too hot and burn the cat.

Cats love to watch birds, squirrels and other small animals. Position bird and squirrel feeders outside windows where your cat can observe the goings on. Make really sure the cat can not get out. If you live in an apartment, we have a pet veranda that attaches to the window, but the cat will be outside in a screened compartment.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Why Do Cats Lose Fur?

2008-05-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why animals lose their fur. With cats, the problem can be caused by a number of factors. The number one cause of itching, allergies, and hair loss in both dogs and cats is an allergy to flea saliva, while bad odors have numerous causes. Hair loss and bad odor is always a sign of a health problem. A trip to the veterinarian is essential in determining the specific cause. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your cat's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to contact your vet just to be safe.

Hair loss can also come down to something as simple as grooming. Cats keep clean by licking themselves - but not every cat is an expert, particularly overweight cats! Since cats are so clean, they tend to prevent a lot of problems.

Excessive licking, which can lead to hair loss, is considered a displacement behavior but can be greatly reduced by calming and comforting your cat. It can sometimes become habitual if the source of the problem is not properly identified and addressed. Have there been any changes in the house recently? A recent move, the addition or loss of another pet in the home, or even a change of schedule can cause anxiety in the cat. Try to set aside some extra time every day just to play with your cat, pet her and talk to her. That will help reduce her stress and hopefully help to resolve her excessive licking problem.

If your pet is nervous by nature, she may be chewing herself raw or just losing hair from stress. A flea eating the flesh causes animals to become stressed if they have had problems with them for a little while and have had to handle the itch with constant scratching.

Hair loss in only certain areas could be a symptom that possibly indicates ringworm, but it could also indicate other skin conditions/allergies or health problems. If the lesions are all over her body, the vet is definitely the best one to advise you, make a diagnosis, and prescribe a treatment.

Another cause of fur loss is simply the process of aging.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Why Do People Abuse Animals? Part 3

2008-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

THIRD REASON

The last group of people who hurt animals are the worst. At least we can be happy to say that they’re also the least common. These are people who intentionally hurt animals because they enjoy hurting things, or because it makes them feel powerful. Many of these people would hurt other people if they could get away with it, they just choose to hurt animals because animals are more helpless than people.

Why do these people do this? There are different reasons. A lot of these people want to have control over others. They will hurt an animal because they think this means they control the animal. Or they may hurt the animal to control another person. For example, a husband might hurt the family’s pet to show his wife what he could do to her if she doesn’t obey his commands. Someone else might make his dog kill other dogs because he or his friends think that makes him powerful.

Others simply enjoy pain and violence. Those who enjoy violence might also destroy inanimate things as well as animals and people.

All of the people in this last group suffer from serious, psychological problems that will probably not go away on their own. They often need the help of licensed professionals--like a psychologist. We are not 100% sure why people become like this--most are probably born with their problems (even if the problem doesn’t come out right away), but others can get their problems from brain damage, poisonous environments, or being treated badly themselves. Without help, the psychological problems these people have can haunt them for their whole life.

If you know anyone who you think may be like this, don’t approach them yourself. Talk to a trusted adult, and let the adult find someone to help these people.

Bill Samuels is the former director of the ASPCA Humane Education. He has a Ph.D. in educational assessment.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Why Do People Abuse Animals? Part 2

2008-04-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

SECOND REASON

The next biggest group of animal abusers do it on purpose, but don’t keep doing it for years. For example, a group of kids may decide to throw rocks at a nest of baby birds they happened to see, or they may hurt a stray cat they find.

These people are usually young, and they hurt animals because they aren’t thinking, or because they can’t stand up to their friends and peer pressure. The ones who are aren’t really thinking might be mad at someone else (like their parents) and kick their pet dog because they can’t kick their parents. Or they may think it’s fun to watch an animal run away scared without really thinking about how the animal feels.

The ones who are giving in to peer pressure might be trying to show off to their friends. Or they may be with a group of friends who are all trying to impress each other, and so they go along with what everyone else is doing.

Intentionally hurting animals for any reason is serious. In most states, those caught doing this will face harsher punishment than those who hurt animals unintentionally. However, this group of people usually don’t hurt animals more than a few times. They learn to think about how others feel, and they learn to stand up for themselves. This group can be reached through education and support, too.

Bill Samuels is the former director of the ASPCA Humane Education. He has a Ph.D. in educational assessment.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Why Do People Abuse Animals? Part 1

2008-04-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

By Bill Samuels, Ph.D. I saw this lengthy article which is an important one and I have submitted it in 3 parts because of the length. (Taken from A.S.P.C.A.)

There are three main reasons why people abuse animals. Most of the cases of animal abuse can be accounted for by these three general groups, but there are plenty of cases of animal abuse that fit into more than one group--or that don’t fit into any.

FIRST REASON

Most people who abuse animals don’t do it intentionally. They hurt animals because they don’t think about or realize what they are doing. Many of these people don’t know that what they are doing is cruel. For example, some people don’t realize what kinds of shelter different animals need. They may keep a dog in their yard with a doghouse that is on the ground and gets full of water when it rains, or they keep their dog on a short chain all of the time.

Some people will try to keep their pet under control by using cruel types of discipline. They may think that punishment and intimidation are the best ways of solving problems.

Other people are cruel because they don’t pay attention. For example, someone might forget to give their cat water for a few days or leave their dog in a car on a hot day with the windows rolled up. Often these people know better, but they either forget or don’t care enough to pay attention.

Finally, some people hurt animals even though they think they’re helping them. For example, some people have so many pets that they can’t care for them all. These people are called hoarders, and they take in so many animals because they love them. Unfortunately, they can’t care for all the animals they takes in, and the animals (and person) end up living in a place that’s cramped and unhealthy.

Nearly all of these people can be reached through education and increasing their awareness of the needs of our animal neighbors. Since most of the people who abuse animals make up this group, this means that most of the people who abuse animals can be helped with pretty basic education.
The next two groups of people, I’m sorry to say, hurt animals on purpose.

Bill Samuels is the former director of the ASPCA Humane Education. He has a Ph.D. in educational assessment.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Litter Pan Advice

2008-04-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

Cats are very clean animals, and the cleanliness of their litter pan will affect how they are using it. If your cat defecates or urinates right in front of the box, he/she is probably trying to tell you something regarding the cleanliness or size of the box. Your cat may have an illness if she is urinating or defecation in places outside the litter pan. All cats that urinate outside the litter pan should be examined by their veterinarians for urinary tract problems and medically treated if appropriate. Other reasons for failing to use the litter pan is that the cat may not like the litter, the location of the litter pan, or the surface on which the litter pan is placed.

Before you start training your cat or kitten to use the litter pan, you will have to place it somewhere in the house which will be easy for them to find and use. Now you can gently pick up the cat or kitten, and place them in the litter pan to show them where it will be and allow him to explore at his own pace from there. The important thing to remember is do not keep moving the litter pan every other day.

There are many different types of litter pans available, from the basic plastic “tub” to elaborate self-cleaning models. There are also storage containers for the soiled litter that allows you to only have to dispose maybe once a month depending on the number of cats you have. If you have more than one cat, it is advisable to have one more litter pan than the number of cats in the household and placed at various locations throughout the home. There are also litter pans that look like a piece of furniture and are attractive enough to be placed anywhere in your home. Only you and your cat will know!

It is important to keep the litter pan clean. As said before, a dirty litter pan can teach your pet some bad habits that can be difficult to “unteach”. If your cat “unlearns” use of the litter pan, it may help to clean it and then place a bit of his stool in the box-again. This gives him the information he needs to associate that "box thing" with his toilet. Just because we love cats, doesn't mean we have to love all the scooping or the odor that is usually the result of a dirty litter pan.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

General Cat Health Care

2008-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

General cat health is also extremely important as a kitten so that they can grow up to be healthy throughout the rest of their life. Cat health care is one of the most important subjects for responsible and loving cat owners to be aware of. It involves prevention, understanding, and sometimes treatment of a possible life-threatening disease. Cat health care is also affected by lack of exercise and poor diet. You can love your cat into a state of being unhealthy without enough exercise and proper nutrition.

Talk to cat owners who have older cats. Ask them about cat health care for their older cats. What are the problems and what are the right foods and nutritional needs that fall under the term elderly care. If your cat does not receive the proper food and nutrition, they may have problems with their health. Talking about cat health care in advance will make it easier for everyone when the time comes.

Natural cat food is always a welcome one for all pet owners. There are brands of cat food that contains no chemicals and has lots of white meat and vegetables. The prices of these products will vary but because of the balanced diet, correct protein, and vitamins you are going to find the priced higher then the “store brand”.

Heat and humidity degrade nutritional value, so do your best to buy fresh food. Once opened, your cat's dry food should be stored in a sealed pet feeder container to preserve freshness. As for soreness in your cat, heat is a good soother, heated cat beds or a heated throw will give much relief to this painful complaint. Massage is often beneficial but should be administered with care. Your vet will give you complete direction as to how long to do it.

Bad breath is another unhealthy sign. Your cat should have strong white teeth without odor. Dry cat food will give them strong gums, good healthy teeth, and that will give them clean breath.

Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as hot spots. Symptoms of diabetes in your cat include excessive urination and drinking along with weight loss or sudden obesity. If you find that your cat develops diabetes you need to carefully regulate diet and monitor blood sugar levels.

Fleas carry many diseases and can transmit these to your cats. Fleas carry the tapeworm cyst inside them and your cat inevitably swallows fleas during routine grooming .When this happens it is then that the tapeworm hatches and grows in your cat's stomach. Natural flea control methods and products provide a safer alternative to chemical insecticides. If you cannot reasonably control fleas with this "safer" approach, then consider stronger measures.

Vaccinations (‘shots’) can help keep your cat from getting many of the serious diseases which can make your cat sick, or may even threaten your cat’s life. Your cat’s individual lifestyle and situation will determine which vaccinations your cat needs to have and how often these vaccines need to be given. You will need to keep the shots up to date.

Remember that the main reason to spay is to prevent pregnancy, not to eliminate a cat's normal behavior, however, removing the ovaries also reduces the risk or mammary cancer.

Remember that advice simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say exactly what is best for your cat. Remember to give your kitty a hug today and be thankful that they are with you!

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Information About Fleas

2008-04-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fleas are most active in the warm seasons, especially summer. Fleas spend most of their time on your pets. Fleas are not just annoying and cause your animals to scratch uncontrollably, they can also bring with them anemia, tapeworms, and various other cat illnesses. During the fourteenth century A.D., plagues attributed to flea bites killed perhaps as many as one-quarter of the world's known population.

Fleas are tiny brown insects that crawl on your cat’s skin ingesting blood. If you disturb them, they hop away. Fleas are attracted by certain skin secretions. Some people are more attractive to fleas than others!

Fleas are perhaps the most common external parasite and are common on dogs and cats. There are more than two hundred species in this country, but the major troublemaker for pets is the cat flea, which is happy to feed on dogs, cats or anything else with fur. Specialized anatomical structures allow them to attach to the skin of their hosts, but they pass easily from one host to another. Both male and female adult fleas feed exclusively on blood.

Some pets suffer very little from the bites of these creatures, but a number of less fortunate pets develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva. This will leading to a severe skin reaction known as flea bite dermatitis. Fleas are marvelously adapted for survival. The female lays eggs on the host animal, but the eggs fall to the ground, carpet, sofa, or easy chair where they hatch in 2-5 days. Fleas are a very common problem for pet owners that allow their pet to go outside.

Fleas are dangerous pests. They continue sucking blood even when full, because their larva feed on the blood that they pass with their stool. Fleas are a pesky almost invisible creature and only 1 percent of fleas are big enough to see with the naked human eye. If your house has fleas in it then not only do you have to kill adult fleas but all of the smaller ones.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Pet Loss and How to Deal With it

2008-04-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Pet loss is never easy for anybody, and losing a pet after many years of sharing the home can be extremely difficult. If you know a person who has experienced pet loss and is in desperate need for pet loss support, put on your boots and get over there.

Animals that live with people have traditionally been called ‘pets’. They now tend to be referred to as ‘companions’ and rightly so. They love us unconditionally and are always waiting at home for us. They ask nothing in return except affection.

Loss of your “companion” can come from many situations. Perhaps there was an illness or injury that required you to do the kindest thing and “put it to sleep”. Perhaps, after many years, the body just naturally gave out. Perhaps the pet loss is due to an accident. All of these losses are bad enough, but sometimes pet loss is due to a missing animal. This can be the most difficult loss of all as there are no answers as to what has happened to the pet. And there never may be an answer.

Death is part of the lifecycle. Pet loss cannot be avoided, but understanding and compassion can help you, your family, and your friends manage the grief associated with it. Young school age children may discuss pet loss in morbid detail with friends and possibly make up elaborate stories to embellish the experience. Death is a reversible feat that cartoons like the roadrunner and coyote enact. Although they may not understand that their pet is dead, explaining death concretely now will help them understand it better later.

For children, feelings of pet loss may include confusion, fear, sadness, anger, pain, distress, separation anxiety (clinging), and guilt, especially if the pet loss was a result of the child’s real or imagined neglect. As they search for ways to understand and master the loss, children will express feelings through play. With adults, feelings of depression can be a cue that you need to slow down and allow yourself to feel the pet loss. You also need to find a way, when it is time, to move on with life.

Children and the elderly often require special compassion and support during this time of pet loss. In households with more than one pet, surviving animals also go through a grieving process and may need special care. Children have a great sense of loss that tends to be more short term. Adults can find themselves grieving from pet loss even after the introduction of a new pet into the household and sometimes even years after the death.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Should Our Cat Be Declawed?

2008-04-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

After declawing a cat, they will never be able to fully stretch out their body. Some Vets feel that feline declawing is an ethically controversial procedure; however, there is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities. There is scientific data that shows that cats who have undesired claw behavior are more likely to be abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. The standard declawing procedure calls for the removal of the claw and the first bone of the toe. The operation is usually performed on the front feet, and is actually an amputation comparable to the removal of human fingertips at the first knuckle.

A lot of humans who care about cats know that declawing is wrong. They will tell you about how cruel and painful the operation is and all the problems that declawing can cause. Declawing is an irreversible surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian, while the cat is under general anesthesia. Your cat may be hospitalized for one to two days. Trying to keep a destructive cat from harming others, or perhaps the damage that the cat is doing to the furniture may lead to the motivation to have your vet perform this procedure.

Contrary to some opinions, declawing is not likely to drastically change the disposition of your kitten’s behavior or personality. It doesn’t necessarily stop them from having other types of behavioral problems. However it can be a painful ordeal for your kitty and we suggest that declawing only be the last step to be considered after being fully told of all of the other options available. The primary problem we have with people who are so opposed to declawing is that their opinions are often based on secondhand information. They have never seen a cat that has been declawed.

The reason most people opt for declawing their cats is that they want to protect their furniture if the cat never learns that it can have someplace else to scratch, such as a sturdy scratching post or scratch pad. The issue of declawing is a hot topic in pet lover and vet circles. It is a surgery that is banned in some countries. Declawing (more accurately described as “de-toeing”), is the amputation of each front toe at the first joint. Take note that the cat is sedated during the operation.

Many of the countries leading veterinary behaviorists agree that declawing should not even be considered until all other options, including training, have been tried and failed. Soft, carpeted scratching posts usually don't work because cats often don't like them. Sisal post offer a texture that cats seems to enjoy. If you use carpet, secure it to the posts with the rough backing on the outside. It seems that the soft carpeting will not satisfy a cat's need to claw. At issue here is whether the scratching is serious enough to warrant the operation because it is very costly and the owner might no longer be able to, or even want to keep the pet, and whether there are other equally practical alternatives.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Cat Spraying

2008-04-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

Cat spraying is more prevalent among male cats than it is among female cats. Non-neutered cats are more likely to spray than are neutered cats. If cat spraying is not addressed early, it may become a habit. Since cat spraying is actually natural cat "advertising" for a cat of the opposite sex, removing that urge should eliminate the problem. Neutering your cat not only prevents unwanted litters, but will usually (but not always) stop the annoying spraying. Cats that spray are usually unneutered males and, to a lesser extent, unspayed females, but 10% of neutered males and 5% of neutered females also spray. In households with more than seven cats, the likelihood of spraying is high.

Spraying rarely happens if the cat is neutered or spayed as a kitten. Spraying (scent marking) begins as soon as the cat's testicles descend and testosterone floods the male cat's body. Once it begins, it's very difficult to extinguish. It is important to know that in some cases a female cat will also spray urine directly on the floor.

Cats can become stressed by a move, new animal, change in environment, smelling a female in heat outside, etc. Spraying is territorial and unusual for spayed females so something may be causing her to do this. Changes in the household have been known to cause this.

Most common in non-neutered males and multi-cat households, the spraying of urine on vertical surfaces like drapes and furniture is the male cat’s way of identifying "his" property or covering the scent of other cats. Though females can spray, especially intact females in heat, they urine-mark more commonly from the squatting position.

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

What is Cat Behavior?

2008-04-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

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

Should I Spay Or Neuter My Pet? Part 2

2008-04-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

Each year, over two million dogs and four million cats are euthanized at U.S. animal shelters. Many are from unwanted litters born “by accident”. These animals are euthanized for the simple fact that there just are no homes for them. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals and irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. The primary causes of this tragedy is the people who fail to have their pets spayed or neutered, and who abandon or give up pets because of lack of commitment to training the pet.

Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a longer, healthier life, especially for those females who are spayed before their first heat cycle. Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of 6-7 days, 3 or more times a year in cats. The surgery includes the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. A major advantage for most owners is the elimination of heat cycles and unwanted pregnancies. Female cats normally cycle from February to November each year. Even if someone can find homes for one litter of kittens, the overpopulation cycle continues if the animals are allowed to breed.

Research has shown that early spaying or neutering of your pet can aid in the recovery process, giving your pet a speedy and virtually painless recovery. Years ago, when safe pediatric anesthetic techniques were not available, waiting until a patient was older increased the safety of surgery, but that is no longer the case. Depending on your pet's age and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending on what procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your vet will use his highest standards to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible during his or her stay and to make sure your pet will be safe.

Make it your mission to ensure that the stray cat that frequents your back yard doesn't bring more strays into the world to endure the same hard life. At this rate there will never be enough homes for all adoptable pets. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

In general, animal welfare organizations and veterinarians agree that spaying and neutering pets is a responsible decision that will benefit both pets and owners. Pet health care professionals insist that problems can certainly be avoided with these simple procedures. There will never be enough good homes for all of these unwanted pets. Humane shelters will continue to euthanize millions of healthy cats and dogs each year for no reason other than homes cannot be found for them. Neutering your pet doesn't hurt, it helps. Preventing the birth of kittens for which there will be no homes is one of the best reasons to have a pet cat altered. Additionally, altered dogs and cats are less likely to wander and become lost while searching for a mate and are less likely to bite or become aggressive.

Much like children, animals depend on humans to keep them happy and healthy. Also, remember, spaying/neutering is an excellent way to reduce health risks to your pet. This includes showing your pet you care for him or her by providing adequate attention in the form of petting, feeding, exercise, training, and just loving them.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Should I Spay Or Neuter My Pet? Part 1

2008-04-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Cats just seem to “show up” on your doorstep and we wonder if they are the result of being dumped. Cat owners that live in and around rural areas are more likely to feed free-roaming cats than are people who live in the cities. There are those who think that cats and dogs would eventually become extinct with required altering. Most pure-breeds are pets. Cats don't hang around unless there's a really good reason to do so, and if you want an outside cat, you are pretty much going to have to wait it out until one comes along. A kitten raised indoors cannot be put out to live outdoors because it has never learned how to live outdoors

The problem of pet overpopulation is created by letting them breed and it is just one litter after another. Since humans have domesticated animals, we've created the tragedy of pet over-population. We now have the responsibility to solve it. There are hundreds of thousands of households with pets, and billions of dollars are spent yearly on pets. But as a nation, we should take a hard look at a different annual statistic: the millions of dogs and cats given up to shelters or left to die on the streets.

As pet owners, it is our responsibility to try and reduce the scale of this tragedy. The way to do this is simply by having our cats spay/neutered and urging our friends and acquaintances to do the same. Neutered pets do require fewer calories, but when placed on a proper diet and given adequate exercise, they maintain their trim figures with little difficulty. Pets acquired from animal shelters are already spay/neutered or, as we know from experience, require that you visit a participating vet to have the procedure done at a very reasonable rate. Only a small percentage of pets are acquired from animal shelters though, so neutering these animals can only have a small effect on the overall population problem. My own veterinarian’s recommendation to me, if you are not going to show the animal then by all means neuter at an early age. If everyone would follow this advice, a significant decrease in unwanted animals could result.

There are added benefits to spay/neutering beside cutting down on the cat population. The procedure can increase the lifespan of your pet and has other numerous health benefits. It reduces the urge to roam. The female will cease bleeding on your carpet, your furniture, the interior of your car, and on the ground outside. When she is outside, as soon as she has marked your yard, you can be sure that every unaltered male in a very large area will be visiting your yard.

If you are on a fixed income, have a cat that needs the operation but you can’t afford it, please don’t hesitate to call the Humane Societies or Animal agencies in your area and ask if they have any information about who might help with the cost. In our location, we have an agency by the name of the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps out with the cost of the surgeries. Keep in mind that without the operation, in less than one year’s time, each of your pet’s offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Cat Care for Kittens

2008-04-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Kitten care is a little more demanding that caring for an older cat. Using good cat care, kittens are easily litter-trained. I recommend that, initially, you keep the litter box in the same room as the food and water dishes and kitten-bed, and that you put the kitten in the litter box frequently. Kittens are born to play and it is an important part of their development to be mentally stimulated through play. This behavior is natural and is not a cat or a kitten being bad.

Kittens have yet to develop the attitude most spoiled house cats develop after the first day they step foot in their new surroundings which you once thought of as your domain. Kittens need to go more often for the initial sets of testing and vaccines. Cat care from then on means getting your cat vaccinated annually. Kittens use play as a way of learning. It’s fun to watch your kitten carefully stalk a ball, stop, and then pounce on it which causes the ball to quickly scoot off.

Cat care of your kitten require several feedings a day until the age of 12 weeks and this can get expensive real fast if they are fed canned food. Cats between three and six months need to be fed twice a day. Kittens have a greater risk of becoming infected, especially when they are nursing since the virus can be transmitted through the mother's milk. Also, kittens have weaker immune systems.

Kittens and toddlers can be a bad combo as toddlers are unaware of their own strength and can easily hug or squeeze a kitten too hard. This can be very dangerous for the kitten. So it’s best to have an older, stronger boned cat that can escape quickly.

Having a kitten and watching it grow to become a long time family member is a fun experience.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

House Cat Care

2008-04-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Cat care is arguably the single most important responsibility of being a cat owner. It seems that as resilient as cats present themselves to be, there's a whole host of problems that follow them around. Cat health care is very important which is one of the reasons we developed our website. Cat Health shares information on feeding, grooming and lots of other health care topics. We hope that this information will help prepare you for cat ownership, by helping you choose the right kind of cat to suit you. We will also have information on behavior and how to get ready to being home your new companion

Cat care is a multifaceted process that includes everything from stern training to playful snuggling, and an inexperienced cat owner may not be aware of all of these different sides to having a cat. When a cat doesn’t have all of its needs taken care of, it can develop behavior or health problems that could have been avoided through simple, responsible care on the part of the owner. Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about cat care, the better you will be able to meet your cat’s physical and emotional needs. The care of your cat is a lot more than grooming or trips to the vet. Your new kitten or older cat needs playtime too.

Cat care is often a matter of routine, and can sometimes feel like a burden. When your cat care begins to feel like work, it is tempting to avoid it, or even put it off for another day or two. Cat Care is one of the least glamorous jobs you will ever love! There are so many aspects to the care of cats and new challenges presented every day. Cat care is the most important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. The more you know about cat, the better you will be able to meet your feline’s physical and emotional needs.

Felines under stress could develop behavioral problems such as aggression, urine marking, or compulsive disorders. Never express anger or be abusive as this causes anxiety. Feline immunodeficiency virus, or feline AIDS, for example, is a fatal disease that is carried by up to 14 percent of the cat population. It is transmitted from cat to cat by blood and saliva.

Regular grooming allows you to stay on top of any possible health problems. Regular, less strenuous activity will help keep joints loose and muscles strong. Keeping your cat indoors will keep the flea problem under control. If your cat goes out, then regular use of flea products will take care of the occasional flea your pets may encounter in the yard and should prevent you from having to spend large sums of money on foggers and exterminators. Treating a bad flea infestation in your house usually costs upwards of several hundred dollars and not to mention the odor afterward.

Kittens are easily litter-trained. I recommend that, initially, you keep the litter box in the same room as the food and water dishes and kitten-bed, and that you put the kitten in the litter box frequently. Kittens are born to play and it is an important part of their development to be mentally stimulated through play. This behavior is natural and is not a kitten/cat being bad.

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

Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com