Friday, September 23, 2011

Cats Soiling in the House

Soiling and not using a litter tray are problems that many cat owners sometimes face with indoor cats. Sometimes this can be a sign of illness and a visit to the vet might sort out the problem. It could be the cat is suffering from a bladder problem or constipated and so it begins to associate the litter try with pain. Many times indoor cats could be allergic to a food or some chemicals in the home, carpet, shampoo, paint and the explanation may be quite simple.

In other cases your cat may be asking for the litter tray to be changed more often or it may be unhappy with the litter being used. Try a finer grained litter or stop using those with a deodorant added. Other possibilities are that the tray is placed too close to the cat's food or in a high traffic area where feet constantly tramp past. If lack of peace and privacy could be the problem, a hooded litter tray may be the solution.

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Never smack or scold an indoor cat for soiling, even if you catch it in the act: this will increase any feelings of insecurity and make the behavior worse. The old idea of rubbing the cat's nose in it is even more counterproductive; the cat might enjoy the smell and want more.

Begin by cleaning the area with a warm solution of biological detergent, followed by surgical spirit or a weak solution of household bleach and a scattering of baking soda. Check your fabrics for colour fast first!

Do not use any disinfectant containing chlorine or ammonia; it may smell clean and fresh to you but to a cat it smells as though another cat has been in the house and draws it back to that place. Some disinfectants can also be absorbed through the paws.

Discourage the cat from revisiting the soiled area by laying a sheet of slightly crinkled aluminum foil over it or try feeding the cat in that place, once it is completely clean. No cat will soil its feeding place. If the cat tends to leave a deposit in the middle of your bed-this seems to be a favorite location for an indoor cat- if the cat is upset at being left alone or left behind while the family goes on Holiday-fix a sheet of plastic over the bed.

Cats Soiling in the House

Kathy lecturers in Animal Health and Behavior in a college in N.Ireland. She has an online business dedicated to cats and dogs. [http://www.YourDogMyCat.com]

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Kneading - Why Cats Perform It

Kneading is typical feline behavior and is performed by all cats around the world. Kneading can be seen when kittens are just a day old and they are kneading their mother's belly. Older ones knead blankets, carpets, furnishings, their owner, etc. Probably many people wonder why their cat kneads regularly but there is nothing to worry about because kneading is just a form of contentment. Kneading brings happiness and joy to the cat and it's great to know your pet enjoys its life.

Kneading is a rhythmic action performed with the front paws. Cats change the left and the right feet, their paws are stretched and their toes are flexed. Then they curl their paws and draw them back. For humans, this process is not painful if the pet doesn't use its claws.

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The usage of claws during kneading depends on the cat. For some felines their use is necessary while others use their claws lightly. Clawless cats practice kneading that resembles light massage which can be therapeutic for the cat and for the human who is experiencing the kneading.

For many cats kneading is accompanied by purring, and sometimes they close their eyes during this process. All this shows the great content of them while they are kneading.

The pleasure experienced by the cat is visible and if you interrupt the pet during kneading, it is very likely to see and angry look on the cat's face.

Some cats would knead only if they find a certain kind of material, for example a fuzzy blanket. Others would only knead their owner's belly - this usually happens after the cat owner goes to sleep and the cat climbs up on his belly. Quite often cats knead random objects, for example stuffed toys, the bathroom rug, a pillow, even dirty clothes. Usually cats knead soft items.

According to one theory about kneading, this process dates back to the ancestors of the domestic cat we know today. Wild cats lived in woods and made their beds from foliage. The same action of packing down foliage can be notices when the cat is kneading some area and goes to sleep in it. It is not common to see a cat knead a place or an item and then just wanders away to do something different.

Kneading may be described as a precursor to sleep. Babies usually such their thumb and snuggle a stuffed toy while they fall asleep. They usually purr and knead the area where they will sleep. Kneading can be also compared to the way people sometimes fluff their pillows before they go to bed. Cat owners should know that kneading is typical cat behavior and cats are really happy to perform it.

Kneading - Why Cats Perform It

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Cat Behavior - Feral Cats

If you're not quite sure what feral cat behavior is, here's a pretty good definition. A feral cat is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to a wild state. In other words, it's a cat that has gone "wild" or has been born and raised in the wild.

Some incredibly inhumane people assume their cats will survive when they move away and leave them behind. Contrary to popular belief, the behavior of domestic cats will not automatically return to the "natural" instinctive state. Therefore it has to be understood that under these circumstances, cats cannot automatically fend for themselves! Many end up starving, abused or becoming food for predators.

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Cats that exhibit this type behavior are elusive and do not trust humans. And since these cats are primarily the "wild" offspring of domestic cats that are non-neutered or spayed, that have been abandoned, these animals when left alone will breed uncontrollably.

The behavioral habits of non-neutered cats, especially males, makes them unwelcome. A pair of cats capable of breeding can have two or more litters per year, over a seven-year period can exponentially produce 420,000 offspring.

What's more, the feral cat colonies may act as reservoirs of disease which can be transmitted to your domestic pet cat when they interact with feral cats. In some countries there is also the fear of feral cat colonies spreading rabies and affecting humans.

There are government groups and privatized coalitions that are asked to help control such colonies through trap-neuter-return programs. These groups often encounter feral kittens during trapping. Since kittens attract more attention and sympathy from people than do adult cats, these groups find themselves in possession of spitty, hissy kittens which need to be tamed and homed.

It has been estimated by highly skilled groups that specialize in taming and reintroducing the feral cat to domestics that the average life span of a feral cat is less than two years on their own.

The good news; it has been proven that any cat can be re-domesticated given the right circumstances and enough time. To expedite this process, feral cat behavior has been separated into three classes. This classification program was done in an effort to better understand how to approach these cats and determine which cats would be the easiest to re-domesticate.

Cat Behavior - Feral Cats

In the next article, supplemental to this one, Part II, the three classes are introduced and explained. To find out how these classes enhance re-domestication and socialization visit [http://www.yourcatsbehavior.com]

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All About Maine Coon Cats

The Maine coon cat is a fairly large cat that has an impressive body type. When this cat is around, people tend to take notice. This cat breed is an old one, but the history of the breed is filled with tall tales and events that probably didn't happen. Some say the breed was the result of crossing a cat with a raccoon, but this can be easily disproven using DNA and genetic analysis. There are also rumors of crossbreeding between domestic cats and wild bobcats. The true history of the Maine coon is probably less exciting. These cats originally arrived in the United States on ships. The cats had to adapt to miserable winter conditions, resulting in the thick coats that they are known for by cat lovers.

The Maine Coon cat ranges from 14 to 20 pounds for males and 10 to 14 pounds for females. Unlike other cats, the this large feline doesn't reach its full size until it has gotten to be three or four years old. The coat is very distinctive and is very thick and silky. The hair on the stomach is longer and the hair on the shoulder is shorter. This breed comes in many colors and patterns, but does not come in a pointed pattern. These cats have a medium head and a square muzzle, with large ears and wide-set eyes. They make ideal pets because they are friendly and loyal. They are also playful and enjoy being active.

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Unlike many other breeds, the Maine coon cat does not have any special needs. They are very durable and their coats do not become easily matted, so you do not have to spend a lot of time grooming them. This breed does have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. If you notice any problems, it is best to get a vet check for your cat so you can get these health issues taken care of quickly.

The Maine Coon is a beautiful and unique breed of cat that would make a great companion for just about anyone.

All About Maine Coon Cats

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Breeding Purebred Cats

If you are interested in breeding purebred cats for monetary gains, you have to consider the pros and cons first before going down this road. While the rewards are generous and rewarding, cat breeding is not for all. People have this mistaken perception that cat breeding is as easy as just letting cats mate. In fact it's just the opposite. While earning money is part of the plan in breeding, it should not be the main motivating factor.

As a cat breeder, you must be responsible for the welfare and well being of your cats. Contingency plan should be in place to cater for unexpected changes. In the even of the owner backing out of a deal, you should have a ready place to keep the cat.

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Besides having a sense of responsibility, you should also educate yourself well before going into breeding. Breeding purebred cats requires a great deal of knowledge about the written breed standards and general cat care. You need to find a seasoned mentor to work with, someone who has had prior experience with showing and breeding cats in order to become a successful breeder.

Breeding is also an expensive, time consuming and labor intensive activity, regardless of your chosen breed.

The food isn't the only thing that's expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive. Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, you'll still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well.

Another factor to consider before breeding cats is whether you have enough space for breeding. If you have a small apartment, you should not attempt to breed a cat.

One last thing to take note is whether your family is agreeable to the idea of breeding cats. If you family objects, it's going to take a heavy strain on your relationship with your family if you don't have their understanding and consent.

After learning about these things, it can be concluded that breeding is an arduous task indeed. However, for those who are cat breeders at heart, all these hardships are worth the kittens they bred (not produced)! A cat's life is more important than money. And it is more rewarding to see the kittens grow. The money earned is just an additional reward.

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

In short, there are a lot of factors to consider where breeding is concerned. If you have already set your mind on it and you want to breed, you should be certain that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand. You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding - and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.

Breeding Purebred Cats

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Why Does Catnip Make Cats Go Crazy?

'Catnip' or Nepeta cataria is a particular herb which belongs to the mint family, which was originally it was native to only Europe. It is famous for causing different levels of feline enjoyment! There are over 250 species of this herb, but "Common Catnip" is the variety that most felines enjoy!

Catnip will affect around 50% of cats, and their reaction may range from the weird to the bizarre, but will generally give them great enjoyment, and you a whole lot of laughs!

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So What Will Catnip do to my Cat?!

Many cats will roll in catnip to their hearts content. Other will lick it, dribble in it and sniff it - amongst many others no doubt!

The effect will last in many cases around 10 minutes after which the catnip's effects will wear off. But these 10 minutes are great fun for the cat and the owner alike!

Their behaviour may be strange to you - they may appear drunk, noisy or wobbly whilst under the effects of catnip, but don't worry, catnip is harmless.

Some cats, however, are completely unaffected by catnip, and some may become aggressive. But these are rare cases.

Catnip toys are a great way of combining a regular toy with this funny herb, to add another level of enjoyment to your cat's playtime!

Catnip is also known by the following names: Cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Catwort, Chi Hsueh Tsao, Field Balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

Why Does Catnip Make Cats Go Crazy?

John Evans
Loving Your Pet

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Sickness in Cats

Many illnesses affect the lives of our pets. Oftentimes, these illnesses, like diabetes, kidney failure, bladder infections, obesity, bowel irritability and many other conditions, hamper the ability of the feline to function normally. Keep in mind these conditions are all controllable. No cat is designed to get cancer or diabetes. The control to correct these conditions is in the hand of the owner.

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Take diabetes, for example. This disease is caused by an overabundance of carbohydrates in the cat's diet. Too many carbohydrates causes a split in the insulin level of animals and the result is a type of diabetes becoming more and more common in today's cats. The solution to this fixable problem is simple: lower the carbohydrate portion of the animal's diet and this can drop the insulin response.

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Another leading cause of premature death in cats is kidney failure. This can be directly attributed to dehydration in most cats. Supplementing their diet with meat protein and canned food can lead to an increase in muscle mass and a better hydrated kitty. When water is already a part of their diet, the animal is less likely to be dehydrated. This will stop kidney failure before it ever gets a chance to develop.

Water is very important to your cat's health and happiness. In fact water can stop bladder infections or kidney stones. The most important thing you can do for you cat is to insure fresh, clean, accessible water in areas your cat frequents. If you have a preventative method for illnesses, i.e. offering a healthy diet and fresh water, then your cat may never suffer from some of the things we have covered. Prevention is the larger key to making sure your cat leads a healthy, happy life.

We have mentioned a lot about the proper nutrition for cats to provide proper health and a long life. We should also mention that health care is essential. Your cat should be taken to the vet for shots, health checkups, and other needs to ensure they remain healthy.

You also need to promote an energetic lifestyle in your cat. Play with your cat during the evening when you are home or let it roam outside in a controlled environment. A cat tree, cat furniture or some other type of cat furniture can ensure at least minimal exercise even within the safety of your home. Providing proper nutrients like calcium for healthy bones and other critical vitamins is another important responsibility of a pet owner.

As a pet owner you should make sure that the food being offered to your cat has no harmful chemicals or additives. If you are not sure what is the best choice speak to your vet on the next visit. The vet can steer you towards healthy foods that you should be looking for. In fact they can make sure that you are not offering pre-packaged foods that have an abundance of bad ingredients or carbohydrates. Moderation is the key when it comes to ingredients. Everything can be harmful when given in an overabundance.

Take a proactive role in the health of your pet and the dividends seen down the road will be miraculous. Long term health is not something that is gained quickly. Rather it must be a commitment by the owner to do the right thing when it concerns the health of their cat.

Sickness in Cats

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