Praise For Allie Larkin's First Novel, "Stay"

Allie Larkin's novel, "Stay," is romantic fiction at its best. Larkin gives us a smart, funny, and vulnerable heroine hopelessly in love with an exasperating guy. She mixes this formula up with an endearing cast of supporting characters and her piece de resistance is a once-in-your-life-steal-your-heart dog. If you like contemporary love stories and dogs, you will love this book.

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That time-tested formula of girl-meets-boy is already at work in the Prologue. "Six years ago, Peter and I were having one of our weekly dinners at this little Italian restaurant just off campus. The food wasn't good and the service was awful, but they served us without asking for ID if we ordered by the bottle instead of the glass." (page 1)

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Peter sits across from Savannah (known as Van to family and friends) telling her that he's pretty sure he passed all of his freshman exams. Van is "...too busy studying the angle of his perfect square jaw and thinking what it would feel like to press (her) lips against his slightly stubby chin and work her way down his neck." (pages 1-2)

As Van imagines the next step in her "pornographic daydream," Peter interrupts her train of thought by asking how she thinks she did on her Rhetoric final. Van's non-committal response of "It wasn't too--it was fine." as she fails to meet Peter's eye, juxtaposes the depth of her feelings for this boy onto her lack of self-confidence. (page 2)

They trade one liners:

"I always have such a great time with you, Peter said, splitting the rest of the wine between our glasses.
"I am a hell of a lot of fun," I deadpanned, finally getting the courage to look him in the eye again. (page 2)

He is: oblivious to how she feels. She is: not going to tell him how she feels. They are: drunk. Her heart "thumped in a drunken beat" and her hand "wobbled" as she raises her wine glass. "His bottom lip was stained purple from the wine, but his teeth were as perfect as Chiclets." (page 2) Peter's next comment is unexpected and climatic, deliberately so as Larkin writes it: "Will you marry me," he asked, clinking his glass against mine, "if we're not married by the time we're thirty?" (page 2)

This is skillful writing. By the time we get to Peter's marriage proposal, we want it to be an out-pouring of his love for her because Van so desperately wants this. Larkin brings us to that emotional high with Van and then, immediately after Peter finishes his statement, Larkin smacks us down along with Van into Peter's obliviousness for Van's feelings.

Van herself aptly describes the roller coaster of emotions she's now riding in the next two sentences:

"My pulse spiked as elation crashed into the result of being his back up plan. From fiancee to consolation prize in a matter of seconds." (page 2)

She may be drunk in this first scene, but Larkin leaves no doubt that Van is also resolute and determined, giving Van the last word: "Make it thirty-two, I said, clenching my teeth into a smile. "At least give me a fighting chance," (page 2)

Wasting no time, Chapter one takes us right back to the top of that emotional roller coaster as Van tells us that "The wedding was more than I ever could have wished for." Just when we think that Van has gotten her heart's desire, we find out that she's not the bride, she's the bridesmaid, and the story is off and running. (page 3)

We are quickly introduced to Van's best friend Jane (the bride) and Jane's parents, Peter's family, and we begin to find out about Van's past: where she grew up, what her mom was like, and, that six years after that dinner with Peter, Van is still hopelessly in love with him

As Peter and Jane promise to love, honor and obey, Van is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart and get on with her life. She already has a job - one that lets her work from home and provides her a comfortable income so that she supports herself. She's smart enough to realize that it's more than time to get over her first love, but between that knowledge and the moving on part is an enormous learning curve. One that she's not sure she can make by herself.

She's dealt with a lot in her twenty-three years as Larkin deftly reveals in the next series of chapters, moving easily from past to present as the wedding scene unfolds. By the time the wedding is over, most of the secondary characters have been introduced.

As the story continued, I found myself engaged in heated arguments with almost all of them, especially with Diane, occasionally with Jane, most often with Van. I suspect the appeal was that at various points in my life, I've been like Jane and like Van. If you've ever been so me-focused that you selfishly hurt your best friend, then you've been Jane too. For everyone who's had their heart broken for the very first time and had to move on, you've been Van.

How does Diane fit into this three-some? She's the woman left behind. The woman whose best friend dies leaving a daughter that is best friends with her daughter. And, oh, by the way, her daughter and her friend's daughter are in love with the same guy.

The catalyst for change in this story is Van's spur-of-the-moment decision to get a dog. She makes this choice in a drunken stupor after the wedding is over and she's back home scrolling the internet. As she slurps Kool-Aid mixed with vodka, her thoughts twirl faster and faster, around and around like a never-ending carousel.

She sits watching television before going online. Ironically, the show she stumbles upon is a wedding on "Lifetime, so most likely, the bride was going to find out that her husband was really married to women all over the country, or that her maid of honor was trying to kill her...at that moment in the movie, everyone was all smug and delighted with themselves, and it made me sick." (page 54)

Watching this TV couple, Van finally realizes that Peter doesn't love her, giving these words a double-edged poignancy. Quickly switching channels, she finds herself watching a movie about Rin Tin Tin. "...the dog was incredible...He was always there when needed. He never let anyone down." (page 54)

And that becomes what Van wants - to not be let down. She wants a friend. Once she goes online to search for her dog, her life will never be the same again.

Getting a dog doesn't magically take care of what's wrong in Van's life, but it does help her begin to take those first tentative steps towards getting what she does want. As she falls head-over-heels in love with a five month old, purebred German Shepherd, she slowly falls in love with who she is and what she has to offer in a relationship.

Larkin never lets us down. She refuses to write a "cookie-cutter", cutesy love story. And, she doesn't stop writing until Van has come to terms with everyone in her life and found her true love.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Praise For Allie Larkin's First Novel, "Stay"

And now I would like to invite you to claim your instant access to my free report about the dynamics between you and your canine pet. Visit: http://www.healingrescuedogs.com.

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Indoor Cat Versus Outdoor Cat - What Do You Do?

Should your cat be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat? This is one of the more debatable and critical choices you must resolve as a cat person. How do you juggle the desires, security, and safety of a happy healthy cat versus its needs? Will your cat be happy with cat climbing furniture or cat climbing trees for activity? Will it be fulfilled in cat condos houses or cat condos with stairs for that extra exercise?

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Outdoor Cats

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It is not always remembered that our cats are wild animals with a bit of domestication thrown in. They are created to the same characteristics as a wild cat is. They have the desire to hunt and catch their quarries. They live to stalk the local wildlife. If you present any opportunity, they'll happily bring you back prey, adroitness made obvious. They will want your praise and approval of course, so don't freak out, since you will only confuse them!

The problem, to be sure, is that it's an unsafe world out there. They will not be the ultimate predators, and wolves / coyotes / dogs would be glad to harm them. There are illness and natural germs they can catch. Vehicles are extremely threatening to creatures of all types. Often the deadliest predator can be other people with malice in mind. We do no favors by assuming the best intentions out of a populace that runs the entire gamut.

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats lose adventure for assurance. They have an assured meal time. The threatening traffic they endure will be clumsy humans, which are far softer and less dangerous than a steel vehicle. Plus, they're fun to play with! A great selection of toys exists for their "playing with prey" enjoyment.

It is more difficult for an indoor cat to remain active, but methods abound to help them exercise. A simple corollary to this is not letting your cat overeat, certainly. They will obviously be disappointed not to be out in the world, hunting down dinner.

Your cat can always perch on cat climbing furniture or cat climbing trees and look out through glass at the world. They can repose in their cat condos houses or cat condos with stairs to climb. There's a huge selection but you can usually find cheap cat condos on the net. These concerns will be vital to mull over to ensure your cat remains a happy healthy cat when deciding on having a indoor cat or an outdoor cat.

Indoor Cat Versus Outdoor Cat - What Do You Do?

Robert Blake runs Happy Healthy Cats and All Things Catnip. Original article indoor cat or an outdoor cat

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The Rift Valley Kenya Vacation And Safari Package Spots

So much has been said or written about Kenya; most what has been reported about this great nation is what I will call negative publicity especially after the post election war of 2007 that saw the number of tourist coming to Kenya drop drastically. The country was then hit by drought the next year (2008) this resulted into the death of not only human but also wildlife in the major game parks. Nevertheless Kenya is back again on its feet. Last year and early this year, has seen the Country receive a tremendous amount of rain, that has improved the situation in the Parks and again the green color has dominated our major Game Parks. Hence this season is one of the best to visit vacation spots in this Country.

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I will start with the Great Rift Valley which is the pinnacle of Safari in Kenya. Just a few miles from the Capital City Nairobi, a stopover at the Rift Valley view point, will give you a breath taking panorama of this ancient Valley. Mt. Longonot a famous spot for game viewing and hiking, stares at you ready to challenge your hiking techniques. At its side sits Lake Naivasha a fresh water Lake laden with over 300 species of birds, hippos and not to forget mentioning boat riding trips to its crescent island a sanctuary of animals including the giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys and impalas. On its shores is where the famous couple george and joy adamson, built their home. This home is now a lodge and has a private museum dedicated to them.

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Beside Lake Naivasha reveals a vast wilderness that is renowned around the World. The one and only Hell's Gate National Park. This is the only spot in Kenya that you can enjoy Rock climbing and hiking amongst wild animals. It's filled with some of the best game in Kenya, including; zebras, elands, dik diks etc. Just to mention a few. Further down comes Lake Nakuru the famous Flamingo Paradise. This National Park combines Bird viewing, Game Drive Safari and Game Tracking. Apart from the famous Flamingoes the Lake is also a home to varieties of Herons, Ducks, Pelicans, Ibises and Stocks. Cape Buffaloes are in thousands, while gigantic Elands roam freely in the grassland. Also found here are the near distinct white Rhino. To have an eye view of the Lake, please don't forget to visit The Baboon Cliff towering about 300metres above the Lake. Here hundreds of mischievous Baboon thrives amidst thorny plantations and Rocks. If you are observant you will catch a glimpse of multicolored Lizards peeping from the Rocks. Beware as you sit down to eat your lunch, some of the Baboons can be very cheeky they might actually snatch away your lunch! We have other animals found on this Lake, they include; Thompson Gazelles, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Ostriches, Leopards Cheetahs and Lions. Remember that the Cats are absolutely rare to see here in daytime, unless you are absolutely lucky! They normally come out to hunt at night.

Last but not least we have the Maasai Mara Game Reserve once declared the 7th wonder of the World. This vast Reserve extends to the neighboring Serengeti in Tanzania. Every year we have thousands of Wild beasts migrating to and from the two Reserves via River Mara. Watching the animals plunge into the water as some of them fall victims to the huge Nile Crocs is breathtaking. At Maasai Mara, you can either enjoy a game drive or get airborne on a Balloon for about 500USD. The cats here are readily available. Hundreds of Lions and Cheetahs roaming amongst the Savanna Grassland, looking for other animals to prey on. I have been lucky thrice. Once watching a Cheetah hunt down an Impala and twice watch as a pack of Lions bring down a huge Cape buffalo! The most important

The Rift Valley Kenya Vacation And Safari Package Spots

The author specializes in Kenya Package Tour, and mostly Kenya Vacation and Kenya Safaris Packages.

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Stop Cat Peeing Before It Becomes a Habit

When you have cats, you face the responsibility of doing everything you can to keep them healthy and happy for as long as they are alive. And, one of the responsibilities that comes with cat ownership is cleaning up the messes left behind when there are little accidents in the house.

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Most cats are very clean, and will use their litter boxes faithfully, but there are times when they do pee elsewhere.

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This is a habit that can be difficult to break if it goes on for too long, so you have to learn about how to stop cat peeing in the house as soon as you notice it happening.

Sometimes, when a cat is peeing outside of its litter box, it may be trying to tell you that it has a health problem. Cats obviously can not communicate like we can, but, there are ways that they can make their needs and problems known, and one of these ways is peeing on the furniture and on the floor.

You need to learn about how to stop cat peeing before it turns into a really bad habit that will not be easy to break the cat of doing.

You may want to take your cat for a visit to the vet for a check up, to make sure that the problem is not something medical. Often, a cat that is completely litter box trained will start going outside of the litter box.

This is not because of bad behavior, but because the medical condition makes it so that cat can not help itself.

We have a cat that absolutely loves to get into the laundry hamper and do her business. I don't know how many times I have gone to do laundry and noticed a really funky smell that turned out to be cat pee. So, I started putting the laundry in a room with a closed door.

Well, this really angered my cat, so she started peeing on the bed.

Stop Cat Peeing Before It Becomes a Habit

This is when I finally had enough. I love my cat, but I don't love this problem. I started doing research about how to put a stop to the problem, and found StopCatPeeing.com. This website saved me from having to do something drastic, like getting rid of my cat.

When you have a problem with your cat having accidents around the house, you need to learn how to deal with the situation. Once you break the habit, you shouldn't have any more problems, and if you do, you will know how to handle them.

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How Do I Look After an Elderly Cat?

Most domestic cats live to between 12 and 16 years, although many grow as old as 20. Cats that spend time outdoors may have a shorter lifespan due to exposure to health hazards such as chemicals, traffic, infections, human violence and fights with other cats. As with humans, a better quality of food and health care now means that cats are living longer, and this poses unique challenges to owners who are caring for elderly cats. Here are some things to consider as your cat ages.

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Diet- It is important that your cat has a diet full of a wide variety of nutrients. Some brands sell cat food specially designed to meet the needs of senior cats, which contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals that older cats need, while being lower in fat. Cats have a tendency to become overweight and may develop diabetes as they get older, so it is important not to overfeed your cat, or give him a diet high in fats. Avoid too many treats and rich fatty foods such as tuna. You may find that your cat becomes more picky about eating. This may be due to a decreased sense of smell, or perhaps because his food dish is not at a comfortable height. Make sure the dish is raised slightly so that he doesn't have to bend down to reach it, and experiment with different foods until you find one that he will eat happily.

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Old cats may also become lax about drinking enough water, so try placing a bowl near where he likes to sleep so that it is there for him when he feels thirsty.

Claws- A cat's claws become more brittle with age, and most cats tend to use their scratching post less and less as they lose their mobility and flexibility. Check your cat's claws regularly to keep an eye on length and clip or file them down if needed.

Eyesight- As your cat's eyesight deteriorates try not to change the position of layout of furniture in your home. This can confuse or frighten your cat. If anything does change, monitor your cat carefully for a few days as he readjusts to the new environment to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.

It is normal for cats eyes to turn cloudy as they age, but your vet will check for glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions during regular check ups.

Hearing- Going deaf is a part of growing old, for cats as well as humans, however a lack of hearing can cause cats to be easily startled. If your cat is severely deaf, use visual or vibrational cues such as stamping on the floor or waving to signal to your cat that you are approaching.

Teeth- When it comes to oral hygiene, prevention is better than a cure, and this is especially true when it comes to gum disease. Once the gums have deteriorated there is no way for them to regenerate. Get your cat used to having his teeth brushed from an early age, and feed them a diet that includes food designed to prevent plaque build up. If an older cat has sensitive teeth you may need to feed them wet food or dry food that is moistened with water to make it easier to chew.

Infections in the gums and mouth can spread to the heart and kidneys, so if your cat stops eating, has bleeding gums, or particularly bad breath, take him to the vet to be checked over.

Joints and Muscles- No kitten stays flexible and energetic forever, and as a cat's muscle tone decreases and their joints may become inflamed with conditions such as arthritis they may have more trouble moving around.

Make sure that your cat's bed and litter tray are easy for him to climb in and out of. You might also consider creating ramps out of plywood covered in carpet and use these to help him climb up stairs, or onto his favourite patch on the sofa.

Finally, keep in mind that older cats do not tolerate any kind of stress well, either physical and emotional, so keep your cat comfortable, warm and calm in order to let him enjoy his twilight years.

How Do I Look After an Elderly Cat?

For more information about looking after cats and Cats Health be sure to check out Tom Woodcock's Site The Cat Pet Shop. Here you will find more great articles and information as well as all manner of gifts for your Cat.

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How to Treat Cat Eye Infections - Secrets From a Holistic Veterinarian

Many cats have chronic problems with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membranes). Often, the problem comes and goes. One or both eyes may be red, swollen, watery, crusty, or goopy. Causes include infection, congenital defects (small or absent tear ducts), facial conformation (Persian features), and scarring from previous infections. However, the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is infection with a Herpes virus (but don't worry, your cat can't give it to you or your family!). In cats, Herpes is an upper respiratory virus; it's also called "rhinotracheitis" and is one of the components of the  upper respiratory/panleukopenia (feline distemper) vaccine that is given to kittens. The vaccine does not actually prevent Herpes infection; its main function is to reduce the severity of the disease.

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Virtually all cats are exposed to Herpesvirus as kittens. For most cats, no further problems occur. However, Herpes is a sneaky virus, and it likes to lie dormant until it gets a chance to get one up on the immune system. Because stress suppresses the immune system, cats under stress are particularly susceptible to recurrent Herpes flare-ups. Herpes is irritating and painful, and usually causes quite a bit of redness, puffiness, and a watery discharge or brownish crusty matter at the corners of the eyes. It often attacks only one eye, producing a lopsided squint. Often the cat will squint against bright light, or try to avoid it altogether.

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There are several holistic treatment options for Herpes. One of the simplest is l-lysine, an amino acid that is inexpensive and readily available at the health food store. It comes in capsules or tablets, usually 500 mg. Capsules are much easier to work with, if you can get them. The dose is 500 mg twice a day for 5 days (total 1,000 mg/day). Lysine has a slightly salty taste, and is easily disguised by mixing with canned cat food or baby food. That seems like a lot--but that's what it takes to work. Once the acute episode is under control, a maintenance dose of 250 mg per day can be given indefinitely.

To relieve irritation and wash viral particles from the eye, you can make a homemade saline solution. Use 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup of water (room temperature). Three or four times a day, use a cotton ball to drizzle a small amount saline into the cat's eyes. Make the saline fresh each and every time, because bacteria could grow in the solution between treatments.

There is a human homeopathic formula that works very well, and very quickly, for cats. It's called "The Herpes Formula" by Aeura. Dissolve one tablet in a 1-ounce dropper bottle filled with a mixture of 80% water and 20% vodka (as a preservative), shake well, and give about half a dropperful by mouth once or twice a day. (Do NOT put it in the eyes!) If you make up a 1-ounce batch, it will last several weeks. It may seem a bit expensive up front, but one bottle of The Herpes Formula will provide years of treatment.

Another surprisingly effective treatment is "Willard Water." This is a catalyst that theoretically changes the molecular structure of water. It is usually available at health food stores. Follow the directions on the bottle to make up a gallon at a time. Use this as the only source of drinking water for your cat. Or, add a  few drops of the concentrate to your cat's wet food. The effects are not scientifically explainable, but they are usually immediate--within a day or two--and dramatic.

Because herpes flare-ups are commonly stress-related, flower essences are an important part of treatment. Flower essences can provide emotional stability against stress and energetic support to the immune system.

Long-term nutritional support with antioxidants and other immune boosting supplements will also help prevent recurrences. Alternative treatment with homeopathy, herbs, or homotoxicology can also be very helpful.

If symptoms worsen, or persist more than a few days, have your cat checked by your veterinarian. Herpes can cause serious corneal ulcers that may result in loss of vision if untreated.

How to Treat Cat Eye Infections - Secrets From a Holistic Veterinarian

Dr. Jean Hofve is a retired holistic veterinarian with a special interest in nutrition and behavior. Her informational website, http://www.littlebigcat.com, features an extensive free article library on feline health and pet nutrition, as well as a free e-newsletter. Dr. Hofve founded Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies for Animals (http://www.spiritessence.com) in 1995; and it remains the only line of flower essence formulas designed by a veterinarian. She is a certified Medicine Woman within the Nemenhah Native American Traditional Organization who uses holistic remedies as a part of body-mind-spiritual healing.

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Nebelung Cat

Nebelung is a longhaired cat breed that shares resemblance with the Russian Blue cat, apart from its long fur and plume tail. In fact the purpose of breeders initially was to create a cat that looked like the Russian Blue, but had longer fur. Serious breeding began only in the mid nineteen eighties and so the breed is relatively new. As a result, the Nebelung is still quite rare and not available everywhere. The word 'Nebelung' is German is origin and means a 'Creature of the Mist', with reference to the dreamy appearance of this beautiful cat.

A medium sized cat, Nebelung is a long and muscular animal. Its luxurious coat is double layered and bluish in color, tipped with silver. Head is triangular with bright greenish, slightly oval eyes, somewhat large, tufted widely spaced ears and a blunt muzzle. Neck is long and graceful, and so are the sturdy legs and bushy tail. A ruff of hair is often see around the neck, more prominent in males.

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Nebelungs are somewhat shy cats that slink away when it comes to strangers. They are naturally cautious and take time to adjust to a change in their surroundings. They are less comfortable in the presence of too many guests, noise or other rambunctious pets.

Healthy animals, Nebulungs don't suffer from any recurring ailments. Their silky coat maintains its lustre with twice weekly grooming. They are intelligent and affectionate creatures and are quick to establish long lasting bonds with family members. At ease in their settled environment, the lovely felines readily accept other cats into the household provided they share their calm nature. The cute Nebulungs are quiet and peaceful and are quite content to sit in their owner's lap and be petted. They are a source of joy and are much adored everywhere.

Nebelung Cat

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Nebelung cats.

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No More Stillborn Kittens - Know How To Care For A Pregnant Cat

'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My pregnant cat has a bloody vaginal discharge.' 'I had a litter of five, but only one kitten survived.'

These are only a few of the horror stories I received the past weeks. Cat lovers that had hoped for a healthy litter, suddenly found themselves with stillborn kittens or an ill mother cat.

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There's a lot that can go wrong when cats are pregnant or give birth, even when most cats deliver without major problems.

Among the dozens of possible complications are infections in the womb, death of the fetuses, spontaneous abortion, development of fetuses outside the womb, suffocation of a kitten right after birth, kittens that get stuck in the birth canal ... it's a long list.

For experienced breeders and specialized vets it's easy to recognize such problems. But things are different for a regular pet lover. Many female cats have only one litter during their life.

Some people rush off to the vet when their pregnant cat is only a little tired of walking around. Others wait too long because they are unaware of the discharge from their cat's vagina. Or they don't know how to cut an umbilical cord without causing a heavy bleeding.

Where it all comes down to, is this: if you know how to recognize complications, you can do a lot to prevent the worst. Seeing a vet might not even be necessary then - which is not only good news for your cat, but also for your budget.

And if you have the right skills, you can save a kitten's life when something goes wrong during birth. Yes, even you can obtain these skills!

Time is of the essence with most medical issues. But when you have a pregnant pet, educating yourself is just as important.

Spend time on reading about pregnancy in cats. Talk with a professional breeder. Ask your vet for advice once you realize your cat is pregnant.

Don't sit back and think all goes well. With a little time and effort, you can save yourself and your cat a devastating experience.

No More Stillborn Kittens - Know How To Care For A Pregnant Cat

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Journalist and long-time cat lover Marc de Jong is the author of How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat, a unique ebook that tells you all about pregnant cats, birth and raising kittens. Read more here: http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com

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Smokin' Chocolate - Havana Brown Cats

Havana Brown's are breeder created cats. These wonderful chocolate colored cats were bred for a specific genetic color and design. Genetically self-brown Siamese cats found in England and Europe came to be known as "Swiss Mountain Cats". The Siamese Cat Club of Britain discouraged breeding anything but the "blue-eyed" variety known as, and shown as, Siamese today. Still, by the early 1950s, another group of breeders worked together to produce these self-brown cats. They chose black domestic cats and chocolate or seal point Siamese as breeding partners. The Havana Brown name described the color genetics for these new self-browns. (Many believe the name refers to the rich brown of Havana cigars.)

Quickly (in the 1950s) the breed migrated to America. Some American breeders added Russian Blues and Siamese into their early breeding, but this ended when the breed closed to outcross breeding in 1974. North American breeders maintained both the name and conformation of the original immigrants. In the late 1990s, these breeders received CFA approval for outcross breeding to black or blue domestic shorthairs, or dark colored Oriental Shorthair cats; also seal point or chocolate point Siamese were bred with full Havana Browns. Now purebred cats must come from within the self-brown gene pool with out-breeding no longer allowed.

CAT BREEDERS

The Havana Brown's gleaming mahogany-brown coat is an integral part of this unique breed. Their coat feels like luxurious mink fur. The coat lies close to the skin, is smooth, and lustrous; evenly chocolate brown coloring (according to its name) is most common, but red-brown is becoming more prized. They have enticing green, oval-shaped eyes giving them a sweet, alert expression when combined with large, forward pointed ears. Their bodies are firm and muscular allowing powerful, elegant, and graceful movement. These cats are much heavier than they appear due to their musculature, weighing between six to ten pounds according to whether the cat is female or male.

Havana Brown's playful, charming personality and soft voice cause these cats to extend a paw to gain the attention of someone passing by rather than meowing to be noticed. Very people-oriented as a breed they demand to be with their humans and can be persistent in getting companionship when they desire. Havanas adapt to children, other pets, and social situations within the home, making them the perfect breed for owners who want an intelligent, affectionate, sociable, yet quiet feline companion--as sweet as chocolate!

Purebred Cat Breed Rescue Organization carries listings you can contact in order to rescue Havana Browns. Many rescue groups are breed clubs with members who will assist in finding new homes for pedigreed cats which must be surrendered for any reasons. First, contact your cat's original breeder; most legitimate breeders care about the cats they sell and will either take them back or help to locate a new, permanent home. Rescue a purebred cat before considering the purchase of one.

Smokin' Chocolate - Havana Brown Cats

jOc Freelance provides quality writing, blogging, editing and proofreading at reasonable prices with guaranteed on-time results. With more than 37 years of experience we have proven skills of use to any organization wanting to improve its image with accurate copy quality in any of its printed or online materials. http://www.jocfreelance.net

CAT BREEDERS

How to Protect Leather Furniture From Cat Clawing

Leather furniture offers a wonderful advantage over fabric based furniture in that it's easier to clean. Dust and mites don't become embedded in it as they can with fabric based furniture. But what if you have a cat?

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Cats love to scratch and sink their claws into fabric and soft surfaces. It just comes naturally to them. Cats and leather furniture are fairly incompatible. Since leather is a hide from an animal and still contains odors from the animal, a cat may find it irresistible. You cat may have the urge to "knead" the furniture to cover up the scent with its own.

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If you own a cat and are considering leather furniture, you may want to think again. If you own leather furniture and are considering getting a cat, here are some options you can take to prevent the cat from clawing the furniture.

Cover up the Sofa or Chair
One way to prevent damage to your leather furniture from a cat is to cover it up. The cover must be fairly thick so the cat's claws will not penetrate the leather underneath. Furthermore, it must be tight fitting so it won't be pulled off by kitty's claws. You can remove the cover for company and replace it when you're not around to keep an eye on things.

Cover the Cat's Claws
Another approach is to cover the cat's claws. You can use a product called "Soft Paws" which are dense rubberized tight fitting covers for your cat's claws. You will need to put them on all four feet to be effective. Most cats don't like these, but will get used to them after a few days. This is considered a humane approach to de-clawing. But like declawing, it will render you cat defenseless if it roams out of doors.

Use a Cat Deterrent Product
Another approach is a cat deterrent like the product "SSScat". This is a humane spray product that is activated by motion detection. Strategically place the spray around your furniture and the furniture will be "off limits". Cats simply do not like things sprayed at them! This product can be used in other ways too; like keeping kitty away from the fish tank for example.

Keep Alternatives Around
Make sure your cat has plenty of other things to scratch on such as well placed scratching posts around the house. Many cats will simply be happy with this arrangement and leave the furniture alone.

Just Observe
Some cats simply don't like the feel of leather and avoid it completely. The only way you will know if your cat is a "leather lover" or not is to watch it carefully when you first get the cat (or the furniture).

As a cat owner and a leather furniture owner, you will need to face the fact that you have a possible conflict here. If you can't use any of these tips, you may have to choose between the two.

How to Protect Leather Furniture From Cat Clawing

Ross Parker lives in Seattle, Washington. He maintains a website called Home Businesses for Seniors where people can find articles and items of interest for baby boomers and seniors looking for ways to earn extra income.

CAT

How to Remove Cat Urine Odor Using a Free Homemade Recipe

Last year we purchased a home that been soiled by the previous owners' cat.
We thought that having the carpets professionally cleaned would take care of it
but it just made the problem worse.

catherine

After using several well-advertised and expensive cat urine removal products that
didn't work, I was searching on the web for a solution and found a homemade
remedy that uses three simple household products. Desperate I tried it and
wouldn't you know it - it worked!

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So well that I had to find out why and researched the chemistry and origins of the
recipe. I found out it was developed originally by a chemist for neutralizing the
proteins in skunk odor, which are the same proteins found in cat urine and give it
it's horrible smell!

Cat urine is not much different from any other urine, be it human or other animals.
It is made up urea, creatinine, uric acid, sodium and other electrolytes. When cat
urine dries the urea gets broken down by bacteria which gives it that distinctive
ammonia smell. As it decomposes further it releases thiols which make the cat
urine odor worse yet.

The recipe works because the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
produces large amount of oxygen. The oxygen molecules bond to the thiols,
breaking them up into carbon dioxide and ammonia, that evaporates quickly
thereby effectively neutralizing the thoils and their foul-smelling odor.

THE RECIPE

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup baking soda 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

Gently mix all ingredients in a non-metal container. Do not mix or shake
vigorously!

The mixture is best used when fresh but can be stored. Do not keep mixture in an
airtight container as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together
release loads of oxygen. We don't want an explosion on our hands on top of the
mess we already have!

I mix and keep mine in a large spray bottle I bought from Home Depot but on old
plastic liter soda bottle works just a well. Just remember to keep the cap on
loose.

3% hydrogen peroxide can be bought at most grocery and drug stores in pint
and quart bottles.

A word of caution:

Surfaces that are porous may swell e.g. drywall, wood flooring, particle board,
etc. with application of this recipe. But if your surface is already ruined by cat
urine and you want to get rid of the odor until you can replace it - give it a try.

Always test for color-fastness when using first. Apply to a small area and wait
24-48 hours until dry before using on an entire area. Hydrogen peroxide is a
bleaching agent in stronger concentrations (think teeth whiteners) and can lighten
materials that are not color-fast.

How to Remove Cat Urine Odor Using a Free Homemade Recipe

For specific applications and details on how to use the recipe for carpets, sofas, mattresses, comforters, hardwood floors and many other things, please visit http://www.remove-cat-urine.com

CAT

Large Domestic Cat Breeds

Cats are probably the most popular of pets nowadays. Originally valued for their inbred ability to hunt various house pests such as mice and roaches, cats also offer a warm and affectionate companionship to their owners. In 1987, cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America (about 50 million cats resided in 24 million homes in 1986) and bout 37% of American homes today have at least one cat. Domestication of cats were first believed to have originated in ancient Egypt in about 3000 BC, where cats where also revered as sacred animals. Different breeds of domesticated cats come in various sizes. Some pet owners prefer small kitten-sized ones, while some prefer large-size domesticated cat breeds.

When choosing pet cats, one must consider the breeds' characteristics in addition to its size. Here are just some of the large domesticated cat breeds that are popular with cat-lovers.

CAT BREEDERS

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a native of the state of Maine in the USA where it is also the official state cat. It is one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats where the males can weigh anywhere between 13 and 18 pounds (5.9 and 8.2 kg) on average, and females between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6 and 5.4 kg). In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male purebred Maine Coon the "Longest Cat". It measured 48 inches (120 cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighs 35 pounds (16 kg).

The Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a long-haired domestic cat. Ragamuffins are fairly large cats - females weigh between 10 to 15 pounds (4.54 to 6.80 kg), and males weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.80 to 9.07 kg). Ragamuffins are notable for their sweet, friendly personalities and plush, rabbit-like fur. They are adoptable as early as four months of age, but do not reach full maturity until around four years of age. The Ragamuffin is an expensive breed and costs can range from 0 - 00 per kitten.

The Ocicat

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot, which is a wild cat. Ocicats are a very outgoing breed. They are often considered to have the spirit of a dog in a cat's body. Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, and lie down on command. On average ocicats weigh about 12.1 pounds or 5.5 kilograms.

The Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a swimmer's body. The cat is moderately long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs. The coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The semi-long haired, water resistant single coat, is thick in winter but very soft, like rabbit fur or cashmere. During the spring and summer months when it becomes extremely hot, the long hair on the body is shed for a shorter coat that retains the cashmere feel. Male Vans grow to about 16 pounds (7.3 kg) while females tend to be a bit lighter in weight, 12 to 14 pounds (5.4 to 6.4 kg). Vans, because of their fine fur, are hypo-allergenic cats. They are considered excellent pets for those with allergies.

Pixie-Bobs

Pixie-Bobs are a fully domestic breed of cat bred to resemble the North American Bobcat. Pixie-Bobs are a large breed, with males reaching 18 pounds (8 kg) and females reaching 14 pounds (6 kg). The Pixie-Bob's body is stocky and solid. Pixie-Bobs are also the only polydactyl breed recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). These cats may have anywhere from six to seven toes on each foot.

These large-size cat domestic cat breeds are only a few of the ones available for pet purposes. It is important to take note of the qualities of the breed of cat before we decide which ones to adopt, as this would remarkably affect the way we take care of them. Knowing such could help make things a lot easier for us pet owners as we go about our endeavor in raising our pets.

Large Domestic Cat Breeds

Morris is a cat fanatic who adores felines ever since he was a child. He also enjoys blogging and reading novels, and loves eating spaghetti. Morris Crisologo

CAT BREEDERS

Why Is My Cat Peeing Everywhere?

There are several reasons why cats urinate in inappropriate places. This article will list a few with brief explanations.

catherine ps3

1. Needs Training

CAT

If kitty is a new addition to the family, you may have to spend some time showing her where the litter box is and how to scratch around in it. The little one won't know that's where you would prefer she go to the bathroom if you don't mention it.

While she is in training, keep the litter container in one location. This will help her get used to it and develop a routine.

2. Painful Health Problem

It could be a health problem like UTI or Urinary Tract Infection. UTI makes it painful for him to pee anytime, so he may find it more comforting to urinate on something soft. Soft like the carpet, bed or laundry pile. (Of course the fresher the better).

Please see a animal health care professional and explain what's going on. The veterinarian will help tabby get relief and the proper care.

3. Stress

Change causes stress. If you are moving, just moved or will move, this change is major to a cat. Spend time with her to reassure her. Putting her in a separate area while all the commotion of moving is going on and relocating her to the new place after items have been put in place may help lessen the stress.

It will also work her nerves if the litter-box is in a busy area. If there is a lot of traffic and noise, she won't feel comfortable using the box and will find somewhere else to go.

4. Marking

If you didn't thoroughly clean it, the area may have the scent of a previous weeing episode still lingering. If he can smell the old urine he will remember it as a relaxing place to pee.

Training, health problems, stress and marking are some reasons why our feline family member may be peeing everywhere. Work with kitty to understand why he or she is doing this and you will be better able to adjust the behavior appropriately.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Everywhere?

http://complete-catcare.blogspot.com/

A R Tanty and wife enjoys time with feline companion N'greeta. For more resources on cats: http://complete-catcare.blogspot.com/

CAT

Cat Training and The Litter Box - Potty Training Issue

When you first bring home kitty you need to have a litter box in place where you are happy with it. This is because it is the very first thing you do when kitty comes in the house on day one or you are asking for trouble already. Set it away someplace but make sure kitty sees it right away and sniffs it.

For cat potty training there are all kinds of litter boxes on the market and you can splurge or go low tech or price it is your call. They have automatic boxes but it may make small kitty feel uncomfy and unwelcome. They have covered boxes but kitty may be too small to get into it on the step up. Covered boxes will retain smell better than uncovered. You can always start with cheap open and move to the automated later. Warning, the automated box may scare kitty from using it again if it goes into work during a bathroom break, so make sure you control the movement. Kitty may abandon the box if scared and move to another part of your house.

CAT BREEDERS

When it comes to choosing litter do not spend much time. cares less and there are so many on the market.

You just pick the best choice for you be it fresh smelly, auto clumping or whatever.

However, you may want to stay with the same litter the breeder used or shelter at first to make the cat feel more at ease, then you can switch after a while to whatever you like. Scoopy, clumpy, cedar, crystal they are all good. Some are for multiple cats to reduce odor.

Litter mats are what you put underneath the litter box so when we train the cat we don't have litter scattered everyplace. See the Cat will scratch at the litter and then cover it up and may spray the litter all over your floor. This is just natural instincts of the cat and is no problem. He may also have some stuck in his claws as he tracks it away. Therefore, put a mat or something under the box for you ease of mind and clean house.

Cat Training and The Litter Box - Potty Training Issue

David K is a Cat Training expert and has potty trained hundreds of cats and helped cat owners train their Cats across the globe. Cat Training [http://cattrainingonline.com/cat-house-training-101.html]

CAT BREEDERS

English Bulldog History and Breeder Information

The AKC standard for the English Bulldog is medium size, around 40-50 pounds. English Bulldog's have a smooth coat, a large short-face head, low swung body with wide shoulders. Today, Bulldogs are bred as a friendly dog that interacts well with both humans and other dogs. English Bulldog puppies and adult dogs can be cheerful, playful, frisky, suborn and protective. Bulldogs are know for their unique personalities.

The English Bulldog's flat face has been know to cause breathing problems for them. Due to this they can develop heat stroke easier than other dogs when the weather is hot. Their short legs make it difficult for them to swim, so they need to be monitored when around water. Some of their other health problems may include cataracts, hip problems, allergies, and cherry eye. Due to their large heads in relation to their medium sized bodies, many infant bulldogs are delivered by way of c-section to prevent their head from being stuck in the birth canal.

CAT BREEDERS

Originally, Bulldogs were bred for bullbaiting. This is a popular betting sport during 17th century England. The Bulldogs were trained to jump at the bull, clamp onto its snout and try to suffocate the bull. This sport was banned in England in 1885. After bullbaiting was banned, Bulldog clubs began to form in Britain to help enhance the breed. Bulldogs gained more prominence with the increasing popularity of dog shows in Great Britain. Bulldogs quickly rose to the top of the show dog ring and became a symbol of Great Britain.

Many universities, military institutions, and organizations throughout the world have used the Bulldog as their mascot. English Bulldogs have also been used in the artistic world with countless characters and references in paintings, books, films, performing arts, and music. Today, English Bulldogs continue to be widely accepted as one of the most prestigious, expensive, and sought after canines.

English Bulldog History and Breeder Information

For more information on English Bulldog puppies & breeder information visit Pets4You.com - Dogs | Cats

CAT BREEDERS

My Cat is Acting Very Bossy - What Can I Do?

Some people have cats that will act very bossy towards them. If you are experiencing this problem with your cat you need to change their behavior quickly, so they do not get used to the idea of controlling your behavior.

catherine ps3

You need to exert control over the relationship and make sure that the cat knows that you are in charge not them.

CAT

First of all figure out why your cat is acting bossy. Do they just simply want more attention or more food? Some people miss might misread their cat's signs. Cats might start acting this way because they are fearful of something and are not being demanding.

This behavior might be brought about by a new cat in the house, feral cats wandering around the outside of the house, or a new dog in the neighborhood.

Do some investigative work and try and figure out why your cat's behavior has suddenly changed to be more demanding. More often than not it is due to some type of stress.

Cats are so much more so susceptible to stress than we are. And even though cats may not show the typical signs of stress they can still be very stressed out.

If you think your cat is simply just being bossy, limit your interaction with them when they are displaying this type of behavior. After awhile they'll learn that they cannot he so demanding of you.

Whatever action you choose to take to solve this problem make sure you take action today before this behavior becomes ingrained in your cats head.

My Cat is Acting Very Bossy - What Can I Do?

Whatever the cause of your cat's bad behavior, the important thing is to correct it quickly. To learn how to do this correctly, visit: Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems!

CAT

Cat Grass - Good Or Bad?

So many shops, garden centers and internet sites are now selling 'cat grass' for your kitty to nibble on... but is it good for them?

I guess the question really boils down to why cats do it.

CAT BREEDERS

Basically, no one is sure. Vets, cat experts, breeders and owners all have various opinions about why cats eat grass. Dogs eat grass if their tummies are giving them problems so maybe cats do the same. Maybe they need extra fibre in their diet, or they have some fur they've swallowed they want to bring up or maybe even they feel deficient in some vitamins.

But, really no one knows except kitty herself. We do know that lions and tigers in the wild eat grass, so it's not just a domestic kitty question. (And as lions and tigers don't really suffer from the furball issue I guess we can rule out that reason). Cats that have access to outside areas probably eat grass all the time (although there are some cats that don't seem to feel the inclination).

Is there any harm in it? Probably not in eating the kitty grass itself. But, if your furry friend likes to eat your house plants then there could be a problem. Many household plants are poisonous to cats... some extremely so, like lilies... just the pollen is enough to end your fur-baby's life.

So, I think my advice would be to invest in a couple of pots of cat grass and dot them around your home, just so your cat can eat them if she wants to, and thereby avoiding anything toxic, or priceless!

Cat Grass - Good Or Bad?

To find out more about multi-vitamins for your furry friend visit: Pet Vitamins [http://www.healthycat.info] (and give your pal a cuddle from me xxx).

CAT BREEDERS

Cat Training - How to Stop Your Cat's Bad Behavior

Is your cat's bad behavior driving you up the wall? Many people are under the impression that cats are too independent to be trained. This is not true. Any animal can be trained. You just need to condition its reactions in a consistent and predictable manner. Animal behaviorists call this Pavlovian Conditioning. Although the most famous of the experiments revolved around dogs, subsequent scientists have successfully shown this effect even in human children. In other words, this effect is the basis of all successful animal training methods, from dogs to rats to lions.

catching fire

Now, conditioning and punishment do not mean the same thing. You do not need to hurt your cat when it misbehaves, you just need to clearly demonstrate that its behavior is unacceptable. So, how do you do that? All you need are a number of spray water bottles filled with cold water, placed in convenient locations around your house. Anytime you see your cat doing something wrong, you immediately spray its body with cold water. This method gets your cats attention and annoys it but does not hurt it. You are not punishing your cat. You are interrupting it in the middle of its misbehavior. Do this consistently and immediately and you will eventually break your cat of its bad habits. An obvious limitation of this method is that if you are not around when kitty misbehaves, it will not work.

CAT

Here is a method of deterrence which works even when you are not at home. If your cat eats or scratches your houseplants, you can try putting mothballs in them. Cats are sensitive to the strong smell, and this will keep your cat away from your plants. You can also use the same trick to keep your cat from urinating and defecating in inappropriate locations.

Another problem which you may face as a cat owner is having your cat scratch your furniture or carpet. First, you need to know that your cat is only doing what comes naturally and you should not stop it from scratching. The scratching is meant to maintain its claws in good condition and also to stretch and tone its muscles. If you punish it for scratching, you will confuse it and this will lead to further bad behavior. What you want to do is minimize the damage it can do. Just trim its claws. If you do not know how, get a veterinarian to trim them for you. Ask your vet to teach you. You also want to redirect your cat's attention from your carpet or furniture to another target. If your cat likes to scratch vertical surfaces, then get it a vertical scratching post. Ditto for horizontal surfaces.

Try these tips for stopping your cat's bad behavior. You do not have to be cruel and punish kitty. Just take some suitable preventative measures to interrupt or prevent its bad behavior. Be consistent, be firm and patient in keeping the bad behavior from turning into bad habits.

Cat Training - How to Stop Your Cat's Bad Behavior

If you want to learn more about how to train your cat and stop its bad behavior in 13 days, click here: cat training.

CAT

My Cat Refuses to Wear Its Collar - What Can I Do?

Most cats will refuse to wear a collar, but if you take the time to properly introduce them to it you can avoid much of the drama that the cat will put up.

cat litter

Most cats seem to really hate wearing a collar and if you've ever tried to put one on then you know how much they will protest it. Some cats will act like a collar is so heavy its weighing them down, or they will paw violently at it trying to remove it from their necks.

CAT

Sometimes cats will work so hard to remove that they will get their hind leg caught in the collar as well. It's in these situations that you need a good breakaway collar or even a stretchy one.

The best way to introduce your cat to wearing its collar is to only put it on for 5-10 minutes a couple times a day in the beginning. Once your cat has gone through this routine for several days make the cat wear it all the time.

Most cats will protest a lot at the beginning but once they realize that this is something that they have to wear, they will soon get used to it.

If possible it's always best to introduce a cat to a collar when they are really young, as older cats tend to put up even more of a fight.

If you don't want to have your cat wearing a collar with an identification tag on it then at least consider getting your cat micro-chipped.

My Cat Refuses to Wear Its Collar - What Can I Do?

Whatever the cause of your cat's bad behavior, the important thing is to correct it quickly. To learn how to do this correctly, visit: Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems!

CAT

Wild Cats of Africa - The Serval

Serval Serval Leptailurus

savannah cat

Did you know there are ten wild cat species in Africa? Besides the three well known big cats: the lion, leopard and cheetah; there are seven smaller species of wild cats. These are the caracal, serval, African wildcat, black footed cat, sand cat, jungle cat and golden cat.

SAVANNAH CAT

Serval occur only on the African continent, inhabiting the wetter areas and are absent from the deserts in the north and south west. The name 'Serval' is derived from a Portuguese word meaning "deer-like wolf" (cervus = deer). In Africa it is commonly referred to as a bush cat, and in Afrikaans (South Africa) it is known as a 'tierboskat' which means tiger bush cat.

Serval are similar in size to the Caracal species however are more slender and longer. Serval have a combination spots and stripes on their coats, and they have very large rounded ears for picking up the sounds of prey in long grasses.

The Serval has a very characteristic pouncing technique when hunting rodents. It leaps high into the air and then lands on the prey with its forepaws, stunning the prey in the process.

The Serval was the symbol of the Italian Tomasi family, princes of the island of Lampedusa. Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, wrote the famous Italian novel Il Gattopardo. Despite being known as The Leopard in English, the Italian title actually refers to a Serval. One of the Serval's North African ranges is quite near to Lampedusa.

So, in summary, three unique characteristics of a Serval are:

Endemic to Africa Large ears Pouncing technique

The Serval is one of the wild cats that are often tamed and kept as exotic pets in the western world. They have also been interbred with the domestic cat to produce the Savannah cat.

Wild Cats of Africa - The Serval

To watch a video clip on a Serval pouncing go to: http://www.catsforafrica.co.za/main/page_serval_video_clips.html

To find out more about Serval go to: http://www.catsforafrica.co.za/main/page_serval_description_description.html

To find out more about wild cat research and the IUCN Cat Specialist Group go to http://www.catsg.org

SAVANNAH CAT

How to Build a Cat House

Cat houses provide hours of entertainment for your cat, as well as a safe and warm place to rest. Many different designs of cat houses are commercially available for purchase, but these structures are relatively easy and practical to construct. By completely this project on your own, you can customize the house to accommodate one, or many cats, and add or remove as many features as you wish, without adding any significant cost.

cataclysm

1. Purchase the following materials from your local hardware store: 1-4x8 sheet of 3/8"plywood, 3-2x4x8 stud, 1 box of 5/8" wood screws and some carpet remnants.

CAT

2. Cut your plywood board in half, so that you are left with 2 equally sized 4'x4' squares. Cut these in half and then each of the four pieces in half again. You should now have 8- 2'x2' equally sized pieces. These will make up the roof, floor and side panels for your cat house.

3. Cut all three of your 2x4x8 studs into equal 2' lengths. You should now have twelve 2' sections.

4. Configure the stud sections into the shape of a box and attach them with the wood screws.

5. Attach the floor, roof, side pieces, and back panel to the frame with wood screws.

6. Cut a small opening into the front panel, large enough for the cat to easily walk in and out but not too large as to let in a draft, and then attach it to the frame.

7. Cover the entire house in carpet remnants. Attach the carpet with a staple gun. This gives the cat something to scratch and stretch his claws on, instead of the furniture.

8. Place some bedding material in the cat house, like a pre-made cat bed, or a warm blanket for the cat to nest in.

The do-it-yourself cat house is now complete. This house should remain indoors as the house is not protected from the rain. If you would prefer to have it outside, add a triangular frame to the top of the house and nail shingles in place to allow for rain runoff. The carpet remnants should not be added to a cat house that will remain outdoors as the carpet will sour and trap water against the plywood, causing it to rot. Also, a coat of water sealant may be applied in order to prolong the house's useful life.

A cat house doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive in order to give your cat a safe and warm place to sleep. Try variations on the basic plan above, to add your own personal touch.

How to Build a Cat House

For more information on how to build or purchase various cat houses such as wooden cat houses, non-wood houses and enclosure systems, visit the Outdoor Cat House Store today at http://outdoorcathouses.net/!

CAT

Is the Lion the King of the Jungle, Or the Desert King?

The Lion

savannah cat for sale

The Lion, Panthera leo, is the second biggest of the natural big cats in existence today. The Tiger is bigger. A cross between a male Lion and a female Tiger is called a Liger. These will grow bigger than either parent species, but of course this is not a natural animal because they do not normally cross in the wild.

SAVANNAH CAT

Social

Cats in general are loners. Lions are an exception. They will live in groups called prides.

A pride may have several related mature males and several females with their cubs. Prides of 15 or more lions exist, and one of forty has been reported.

While in a pride the females do the hunting as well as looking after the cubs. A lion can also survive alone. A solitary lion of either sex will hunt.

Hunting

We tend to regard the Lion as a mighty hunter. There is some truth in that, but over half their food is carrion. This is also somewhat unusual for cats.
A pride of Lions will drive off other predators like Hyenas, Leopards and Cheetahs and eat the animals they have killed.

When the Lionesses of a pride do hunt for themselves they form a well co-ordinated group.

The King of the Jungle

In English speech the Lion is the King of the Jungle, while the Germany regard it as the Desert King. These two habitats are almost opposites, but there is a bit of truth in both ideas. There are Lions in the jungles, and in deserts. But their main habitat is somewhere between these two extremes. Most lions live on the open savannah.

The prehistoric savannah lions would have been both predators of early Humans and their competitors.

Modern Lions share some parts of the savannah with the savannah Chimpanzees. If a pride of Lions meets a Troup of Chimpanzees, there is a confrontation with neither side attacking.

Of course, when they get a chance, Lions will eat Chimpanzees, and Chimpanzees will eat Lions, but neither species seems to be a major food source for the other.

Man Eating

Lions can and sometimes do eat Humans, but we are not one of their main food sources either.

Diet

Lions tend to eat fairly large animals. Because a pride of Lions is a group of very powerful carnivores working closely together they can kill large animals like Buffaloes and Giraffes. However, with these large animals, there is a definite risk of the lion getting injured.

Often Lions will go for slightly smaller things like Zebras and Wildebeest, as well as things like Warthogs.

Speed

Lions can run very fast over short distances, but are not so good in a long chase so they try to get close before attacking. Very fast animals like some of the Antelopes are not major prey animals for Lions.

Very large animals like Elephants, Hippopotamuses and Rhinoceroses are also not usually attacked.

Is the Lion the King of the Jungle, Or the Desert King?

For information on Big Cat Hybrids like the Liger, click: http://stevechallis.net/Big-Cat-Hybrids.php.

Tiger information is at http://stevechallis.net/Sumatran-Tiger.php. Steve Challis has other wildlife articles on stevechallis.net.

SAVANNAH CAT

Fear Aggression Behavior In Your Cat - What Causes It?

Under that warm ball of purring fur curled up on your lap beats the heart of what was once a predator. The instinct to stalk, pounce and kill is still very much alive in today's domesticated kitties, some breeds more so than others.

If kitty has not been adequately gentled and socialized to accept humans and their touch while in kitten hood, you will more than likely have a grown cat with aggression behavior problems on your hands. Aggression is the #2 cat behavior problem as reported by veterinarians and animal behaviorists.

CAT BREEDERS

There can be a variety of reasons besides touch as to why your kitty may appear aggressive but mostly he is only doing what ages of instinct has bred into him.

What can cause this aggressive behavior?

The cause probably comes from very early personality development experiences in your cat's life. Things like abuse, accidental injury, loud noises like thunder and lightning or even other animals that have frightened kitty can make a lasting impression on his mind about his surroundings. Generally from about 4 to 12 weeks of age any or all of these events can be permanently programmed into the brain's "personality structure" and be set there for life. Most cats will retreat to a safe place or leave the area when afraid but when prevented from retreating because of being cornered or held, it will more than likely fight. The best solution to lessen the danger is to just leave the cat's immediate area and get out of its eyesight.

Fear aggression toward a family member can result from punishment or other unpleasant experiences connected with that individual. Body postures like an arched back, raised fur, a bushy tail and hissing or growling, in conjunction with aggression, are sure signs of a fear aggression behavior.

Kitty will become even more fearful and aggressive if he is harmed or further frightened by restraint or punishment for his actions. People or animals that don't approach your cat in a calm, confident or friendly way are more likely to be shown a fearful, aggressive response.

What can you do?

First consult your vet or the breeder about your cat; possibly even consult with a professional animal behaviorist. If you have decided to keep your cat and try the behavior modification yourself, be prepared to devote all your time and the time of every member of your family to making the modification work. Most owners give up out of frustration because of the intensity and the length of time required for results--results that may never come.

The fact is that the cat can't help being who it is. It can't understand that its owners aren't a threat, that it is loved and the things that are triggering its aggression are not a real danger. The kitty is simply reacting and responding as its brain is ordering him to and, in all probability, he will never be able to change his responses.

No matter how much you love your pet, you are responsible for this cat's actions. Are you willing to take a chance that it won't seriously hurt someone at some point in time? How much of kitty's aggressive behavior is an acceptable risk to you, your family and neighbors? How many bites, scratches or stitches are OK? Is the animal a danger to people? How far are you willing overlook his behavior now and live with the possible consequences of that decision later?

All these problems and actions on the cat's part came about because of genetic predispositions, early brain sensory input and traumas and events in his life. The cat can't help who it is or the actions its brain tells it to do. It is acting in what it thinks is the right course even though no real threat or danger was really there.

If your pet has shown over and over again that it is a danger to itself and others and nothing has worked to change its behavior, it may become necessary to resort to euthanizing the animal. As much as we love our pets, the welfare of the humans they come in contact with must take final priority.

Fear Aggression Behavior In Your Cat - What Causes It?

Ruth Walby

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Blood in Cat Stool - Causes and Treatment

The sight of blood in cat stool can be extremely upsetting, especially if it's your cat. The first thought that comes to mind is what is causing this and is my cat dying. You never saw blood in cat stool before and you want to do something fast. Before you grab your cat to take her to the vet, here are some things you should know.

In addition to the blood, your cat seems to have a hard time defecating. It is almost like she is constipated causing her to strain while trying.

CAT BREEDERS

Your cat seems to have an ever-lasting thirst and the water bowl is the most important thing to her. Excess drinking is part of the problem coupled with a loss of appetite for food.

Due to the large amount of water intake, frequent visits to the litter box takes place to urinate and for bowl movements.

You will notice that your cat is not her usual self. She doesn't have any energy to play and acts listless or lethargic. Her lack of appetite causes weight loss. You must pass these other symptoms on to the vet.

What is the cause of blood in cat stool and all the other symptoms that go with it? The first thought comes to mind is that your cat might have fallen from a high place causing an internal injury. Although not likely, this is a possibility.

Your cat's blood may have a slow clotting time disorder. Just a little bump or bruise can cause bleeding seen in her stool.

Your cat might have gotten into the garbage and ate something she is allergic too that irritated her intestines causing inflammation and bleeding. This condition is called colitis.

Your cat might have ingested poison the exterminator put down for mice or rats. Some of these poisons are designed to cause internal bleeding when eaten by mice.

Bleeding or blood in cat stool is definitely caused by hook worms that in-bed themselves in the walls of the intestines or tumors in the colon or rectum. Lastly, a bacteria infection can be the cause.

The best remedies for blood in cat stool are:

Start feeding a high fiber low fat diet with quality protein. Discontinue feeding processed food and canned foods containing chemical preservatives. No table scraps. If her stool test shows worms of any kind especially hook worms, have her wormed.

If infection is found that has caused blood to be present in your cat's stool, the convention way to treat an infection is with a 7 to 10 day course of antibiotic. The problem with treating your cat with antibiotics is that they have side effects and can actually worsen your cat's symptoms and increase your pet's chance of having recurring problems.

It's important to understand that antibiotic suppress the symptoms but do not cure them. This is why pet owners are turning to natural remedies. Natural remedies work at the cellular level to heal blood in cat stool and they are safe and effective without the dangerous side effects that are present with the use of antibiotics plus that, natural remedies can be used for preventative measures all year round.

When choosing natural remedies make certain you get the ones with proven long time history of effective ingredients such as uva ursi, berberis, cantharis and staphysagris.

Blood in Cat Stool - Causes and Treatment

Janet Markowitz has been a German Shepherd Breeder for over 20 years. She has always been interested in using natural and holistic remedies for her Shepherds whenever possible. She has found that by using natural Remedies in conjunction with conventional medicine, she has achieved great success in the health and longevity in her dogs.

http://www.PetsNaturalRemedies.net

CAT BREEDERS

Preventing Cat Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

No one likes to vomit and the same goes for your cat.

cat

Little surprises that they sometimes through up and leave for you on your light coloured carpet, of course are a chore to clean up.

CAT

Cats are known for grooming themselves a lot. It's roughly estimated that a cat will spend up to 1/3 of its waking life washing itself. When your cat washes herself miniature hooks pull the loose hair out and go in to the digestive system. The occasional hairball is usually nothing to worry about, it's when it becomes more frequent that you should worry.

Nature has designed a carnivore's stomach to digest fur and hair. Any wildlife programme you watch will show meat eaters stripping fur and flesh and consuming it all together. The issue is the breeding of long haired animals, Persians, Birmans, Maine Coon and other medium to long haired cats. This doesn't mean that a short haired cat won't have problems as well.

When a cat grooms, the hair sits in the gut and usually passes through. However if there is a problem in the stomach the hair will collect, become thicker and come back up the wrong way!

As a kitten you probably never really saw any hairballs from your pet, however as your cat grows so does their ability to groom themselves better.

Frequent brushing with a good quality cat brush should be a daily procedure for any responsible animal owner. If you're going to have a long haired cat as a pet then make sure you are taking the time out to groom them correctly. Your pet shop should have a mixture of good, quality cat brushes and combs. Brushing alone isn't enough, combing is necessary too. A brush tends to collect fur from the top where as a long, wide toothed comb will get through thick, long hair and remove dead hair from the root. The thickness is just as much a problem as the length.

Also the issue of flea treatment will be easier to deal with if you can lessen the amount of dead fur that your pet has to carry around.

Hydrating your pet is a must for helping with hairball problems. Cats are notorious for liking to drink in different places. So having fresh water readily available in all your cat's favourite places, as well as at the feeding area, will get your cat used to drinking more. This will start to lubricate the digestive system and help to flush the hair through rather than clumping in the stomach. It's a well known fact that cats love to drink from running water. Have you ever seen them sit in the bath catching the dripping tap water? If you have a difficult cat then you're more likely to entice them into drinking by purchasing a fountain type water bowl.

Certain brands are now selling hairball control food. Where this is good in terms of high fibre content it can cause problems if your cat doesn't drink enough water.

Always check with your vet first and ask for their opinion on dietary changes and supplements.

Preventing Cat Hairballs (Trichobezoars)

Alex Kelly

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Whatever shape, size or breed we have everything in our pet store to satisfy even the most demanding, four legged diva in your household. We understand how important it is to not only have the latest cat toy, or the trendiest dog collar, but also to make sure the boring bits are covered. That's why we have a variety of flea, worming and fur treatments.

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The Deadliest Enemy of Ragdoll Cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most significant cause of heart failure and death in ragdoll cats. This disease is characterized by a marked thickening of the left ventricle (heart muscle mass). This increased muscular thickness determines a decrease in chamber diameters, meaning less blood will pass through the heart and, as a result your cat will have problems breathing, will eat less, will be lethargic and weak, will lose weight, suffer abdominal swelling, vomit more frequently, or will lose the ability to use its hind legs.

Cardiomyopathy is life-threatening for any cat but especially for ragdolls as usually they are pretty calm, lazy beings, making any initial symptoms much more difficult to spot. If a specific cause is identified and can be resolved, many (sometimes all) changes in the heart can be reversed. This only happens though in very rare occasions, usually ragdoll HCM being considered to be of an unknown cause (idiopathic HCM). Even in these cases a good treatment can alleviate the symptoms for a long period of time.

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Recently a genetic cause was found for this idiopathic form of HCM - MYBPC3 gene (cardiac myosin binding protein C gene), the same causing a human variant of HCM. Each gene comes in ever organism's genetic material in two copies; these copies can be identical (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). The ragdoll cats having a single copy of the defective MYBPC3 gene have a less severe outcome than the ones having two mutant copies. Some veterinary services already offer genetic testing for this gene, crucial for breeders as the frequency of these mutation is around 30%. Very important - if your cat has the gene, keep in mind that half of its offsprings will have it too; you shouldn't use these cats in breeding programs if you don't really have to.

The Deadliest Enemy of Ragdoll Cats

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Iulian His

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Manx Cat - Pros and Cons of Owning This Interesting Pet

Reasons for and Against Owning a Manx Cat as a Pet

The Manx cat was first seen in the 1700's and has become quite popular over the years. The most distinctive feature of this breed is that some of them are tailless while some have short tails and others have regular tails. A tailless or short tailed one is a feature that makes it attractive to people looking for something unusual in a pet cat.

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While they come in all types of tail configuration the main feature of these cats are the heads which are round with cradle like ears when view from behind. They are a stocky bodied cat with longer legs in back than in the front. Although they look different than most cats the Manx will show many of the same characteristics as most cats along with a few characteristics of dogs.

These are indoor cats that should be spayed or neutered and made sure they have something to scratch on. They like high places, so if you can't find them look around at you eye level and you will probably find them on a shelf or on the back of a chair.

Pros:

The Manx cat is highly intelligent and extremely playful. Their behavior is often confused with that of a dog in that they love to fetch things and will follow you all over the house. They are good watch cats and are very protective of their territory and will attack an intruder no matter the size or type. They are very social and like being around humans very much.

A Manx is going to enjoy playing in water. If you let the water to drip in your bathroom or kitchen, you may find your pet playing in your sink. These pets are known to enjoy a bath which is ideal for owners who want to bathe their cats without being scratched up.

Your pet Manx cat will be good at learning commands and therefore are normally easy to train. They are not a complicated and complex animal which makes them ideal for owners who want a companion as well as a pet.

A Manx is usually a quiet cat without a lot of verbalization although they will "trill" to their young or to their humans and will growl when protecting their territory. Even a female cat in heat is rather quiet about it.

Cons:

A pet Manx is interested in everything and therefore will play at all hours of the day or night. You might be disturbed at any hour which could be a problem for you and your household. If you do not want to be disturbed by your pet, the best option would be to lock your cat out of your bedroom at night.

Manx Syndrome is the main health problem for a Manx and might be a big concern for you. This causes a shortening of the spine and can be extremely painful and damaging to the cat as it causes problems down the road. Buying your pet Manx from a reputable breeder will eliminate most problems such as this. Another thing you might want to do is buy insurance which can help with the expensive bills associated with Manx Syndrome.

Getting a cat that is free from Manx Syndrome will mean that you'll have a pet that is no more likely to have medical problems than any other type of cat. Due to the high degree of intelligence, the loving nature along with a relatively long life makes a pet Manx a highly desirable acquisition to any family.

Consider all of these options when looking to own a Manx cat. Once you know all there is to know about them, you will be able to decide if this particular type of pet cat is what you want inside your household or as a companion. I think you will agree that they are not only unusual but make good pets.

Manx Cat - Pros and Cons of Owning This Interesting Pet

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CAT BREEDERS

Types of Rabbits - Accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association

At present, you can get various types of rabbits that can be kept for breeding purpose or can be tamed as a domestic pet. There are plenty of different types of rabbits.

Many people all around the world are keeping rabbits for butchering and at home as pet animal. Lots of people use to breed them in the course of careful breeding or natural collection. Here in this article you will know about various types of rabbits and most of them are accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

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Types of Rabbits:

1. American rabbits: They basically come in two major categories and were recognized in the 20the century. There sub verities are:

-American Fuzzy Lop: This breed was the result of breeding 2 Holland lops rabbits. This type of rabbit has big ears and their body is covered with bulky wool.
-American Sable: These rabbits are a breed of Holland lops and have sandy coloring.

2. Angora: This breed initiated in Ankara, Turkey and is one of the oldest kinds of rabbits. There sub-verities are:

-English Angora: They are basically gentle and needs grooming, resulting from French Angoras.
-French Angora: Their body has thick wool and guard hairs.
-Satin Angora: This type of rabbits is highly soft due to its wool. Their wools are strong in nature.

3. Beveran: They are the biggest and the oldest fur rabbits. Their coats come in various colors like brown, black, white, blue and lilac. Pointed Beveran is one of the rare breed and they have white tipped hairs.

4. Blue of Ham: This type of rabbit was popular in the 20th century.

5. Britannia Petite: This breed weighs around 2. 5lb and they have a wild nature. These rabbits cannot be kept as domestic pets.

6. American Chinchilla: They are breed for butchering and their body size is medium. They have straight ears.

7. Dutch: They are excellent pets and their body is colorful.

8. Himalayan: This is an Asian rabbit and found in the Himalayan Mountains.

9. Lion head: This rabbit was originated from Belgium and is one of the fresh breed of domestic rabbits. It has long hairs on the face that makes it look like lion head.

10. English Spot: These types of rabbits are white in color and it has a butterfly mark on their nose.

Types of Rabbits - Accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association

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CAT BREEDERS

5 Keys to Locating the Best Leopard Gecko Breeder

First - not all breeders are created equal. This is true of anyone who breeds and sells pets - from puppies, to fish, to cats, to leopard geckos. Many breeders are only in the breeding business to make money. So how can you spot a quality breeder? Do your homework!

Key #1 -

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Most people will begin their research by going to a pet store that has leopard geckos. This may or may not be a good place to begin. There are some specific questions you want to ask that will determine how trained people are that are working in the store. An initial question to ask: where did these geckos come from? Asia, the United States, where? The key to this question is determining if they were raised in the wild or in captivity. Those geckos born in the wild will not be suitable as a pet. If the store does not have this basic knowledge, move on.

Key #2 -

There are many great breeders who specialize in leopard geckos. Go on forums to find these quality breeders. These people are your best bet. These breeders will be a wealth of knowledge even though they are breeding as a business. A good breeder will know all there is to know about the specific gecko you are attracted to; such as - sex, age, health, overall history. Because this species of lizard can live twenty years or longer you will want to get as much information on this gecko as possible when you make your buying decision.

Key #3 -

Set an appointment to visit the breeder. Survey the environment that these leopard geckos are being raised in - does the place smell? Are you able to handle the gecko? Are the eyes, nose, and vents clear? Is the lizard active and alert? Does he have a full body and tail? A fat tail is an indication that the gecko is being well fed because that is where they store excess food.

Key #4 -

Look for specific signs that would indicate the gecko is unhealthy - abrasions, swellings, sores or bumps on the skin. The lizard should show no signs of paralysis in any of the limbs - tail, legs, head. Other red flags would be abnormal feces, lethargy, or breathing issues.

Key #5 -

Signs of a healthy gecko when you are handling him - friendly and is comfortable being handled. This signals that the breeder is being engaged with his geckos - making sure they will make good, quality pets when he adopts them out.

Since leopard geckos first entered our country in the 1970's, they have increased in popularity. Because of this popularity for these little guys, they are being featured and sold at reptile shows. This is an excellent venue to find and talk to many reputable breeders. These breeders love the geckos and you can tell that when you talk with them.

5 Keys to Locating the Best Leopard Gecko Breeder

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CAT BREEDERS

Fear of Cats - How to Overcome a Phobia of Cats Easily

People have different reasons for their fear of cats. However, most of them can point to an experience in their past that made them afraid of the animals. While it is always prudent to treat animals with respect, it is not normal to panic at the sight of an ordinary cat or kitten. Pets are meant to bring love and happiness to people. Breeders do not breed animals to create anxiety. Yet, people with a phobia of cats are incredibly anxious when they see a feline. People with this phobia should know that it is easy to overcome their anxiety in just a few hours with the help of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy.

A Fear of Cats Can Negatively Impact a Person's Life

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It might seem like this type of phobia is easy to live with if you do not own a cat. However, people who suffer from this phobia might be afraid to visit homes that have a pet cat or might avoid taking their children outside in case they run into a feral cat. People with a severe form this phobia may even be afraid of seeing a cat on TV.

Don't Pass the Phobia to Your Children

Children are remarkably perceptive about their parents' fears. Many parents are, therefore, concerned about passing their concern about pets to their children. They do not want their children to learn to fear felines like they do. They want them to play outside, visit friends and watch TV without fearing a panic attack.

Break the Cycle of Panic

The best way to break the cycle of panic is to end your own phobia. This will require you to recondition your mind. When you see a cat you will no longer fear an attack but will instead see the animal as a gentle creature that means you no harm.

Help is Available

NLP and hypnotherapy have both proven to be effective. Direct NLP and hypnotherapy reconditioning techniques have cured many people with a phobia of felines from their debilitating panic.

How NLP and Hypnotherapy Can Help

Direct NLP and hypnotherapy reconditioning techniques do not take into account why a person is afraid of cats. A person might not remember what started their fear. They might not remember a time when a cat jumped on them suddenly or when a cat scratched them when they were small children.

Yet, they are aware of how their phobia limits their everyday activity. NLP and hypnotherapy will recondition their thoughts. After treatment, they will not panic when they see a cat but will instead see a cat or kitten for what it is, namely a beloved pet or innocent animal that will not hurt someone without provocation.

NLP and hypnotherapy can often help someone fully recover from this phobia in one session. Rarely, a second session might be required. Therefore, in as little as one hour, a person can be rid of his or her fear of cats that so profoundly impacts his or her life.

Fear of Cats - How to Overcome a Phobia of Cats Easily

J J Seymour is a writer with Self Help Recordings. Hypnotherapy and NLP can be very effective in helping you to overcome your Fear Of Cats - one good source of experienced hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners is Just Be Well. This organization has experienced professionals throughout the UK in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, East Anglia, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Surrey, Sussex and Scotland. You will also find links to related practitioners for treatment of fear of cats in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada, for Dublin, Ireland, and for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia. These people deal with a wide range of fears and phobias and for more information on issues treated go here - Phobia Of Cats.

CAT BREEDERS

The Burmese Cat

Playful, affectionate, active and at times noisy, the Burmese (sometimes known as a Copper Cat), is a popular pet in the United States and Europe. However, it is a relatively recent addition to the west, having been first introduced to the United States in 1930.

The History of the Burmese

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Burmese originates from Myanmar, which was formerly called Burma. Today, in Myanmar, the Burmese continues to be known as the Copper Cat. The breed was popular in Myanmar for hundreds of years prior to their transportation into Europe and across to the United States. In fact, it is believed that the cat was worshipped in Burmese temples. Moreover, the breed is mentioned in a manuscript entitled The Cat Book of Poems, which was written in Siam (now Thailand) and is thought to have been created between 1350 and 1767.

As mentioned above, it was not until 1930 that the breed was introduced to the United States. Today, all Burmese cats in the U.S. and Europe have a common ancestor named Wong Mau. Wong Mau was brought to Europe and the States by Joseph Thompson who, as a retired doctor, had traveled to Tibet and lived as a Buddhist monk. During this time, Thompson became fascinated with Eastern cats and decided to breed a Burmese and Siamese to determine the Burmese as a distinct breed rather than a variant of the Siamese.

When Thompson attempted to establish the breed in the U.S., he faced opposition from Siamese breeders who believed that Wong Mau was nothing more than a Siamese with peculiar coloring. The Cat Fanciers' Association awarded recognized status to the Burmese in 1936, but, in 1947, retracted recognition due to continued opposition and poor breeding practices. After improvements had been made, the breed was reinstated in 1953.

Appearance and Color

The Burmese is noted for its strong muscular body and short smooth coat. The breed is sometimes affectionately described as a 'brick wrapped in silk', due to the heaviness of the body. All Burmese have round faces and full golden, or amber, eyes. The fur can be a solid color or pointed (markings on the legs, tail, ears and face).

There are three basic types of Burmese cat: Contemporary, Traditional and European. The Contemporary Burmese is currently the most popular. Traditional Burmese, as its name suggests, most closely resembles the original Myanmar breed. The European Burmese, sometimes name as 'Foreign' is slimmer and more elegant in shape than the other variants of the breed are.

Character and Temperament

One of the main reasons for the popularity of the Burmese is that they have extraordinarily appealing personalities. They are very active, playful, intelligent and, most importantly, affectionate. Unlike some cats, the Burmese loves to spend time with its human family, which means the breed is not suitable for those who spend all day at work or school.

The female Burmese tends to be more curious and adventurous, whereas the male of the species is known to be laidback and unfazed by life. However, both genders can be noisy, issuing a wide variety of cries and meows. Nevertheless, the sound of a Burmese is generally more pleasing than the sound of a Siamese, as it is lower in volume and pitch.

Health Problems in the Burmese

The most common health issue among Burmese is gingivitis, so it wise to take preventative measures in the form of good dental care. It is also fairly common for Burmese kittens to be born with a condition called 'cherry eye', which is an issue with the third eyelid. The good news is that 'cherry eye' can be corrected with a simple surgical procedure.

The Contemporary variant of the breed is at risk of cranial deformities, weeping eyes and breathing difficulties, due to a genetic predisposition. However, these issues do not arise as frequently with the Traditional or European Burmese.

The Burmese makes a wonderful companion, but it is important that it has adequate stimulation and is not left alone for extended periods. In addition, if you are interested in acquiring a Burmese, it is wise to find a reputable breeder to reduce the risk of genetic health problems. Alternatively, you may like to consider adopting a Burmese from a rescue service.

The Burmese Cat

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is currently producing articles on behalf of Remmeer.com, an online supplier of pet products. Visit Remmeer.com for unique gifts for cat lovers and cat frames & photo albums.

CAT BREEDERS