Getting a Cat - First Things First

By Colin Hogue

KITTEN OR CAT?

There is nothing more adorable, sweet, or entertaining as a kitten. However, depending on your needs and your home (other family members and other pets), you may for whatever reason decide to get an adult cat. Whether it is a kitten or an adult cat that you choose, please keep in mind that there are wonderful companions at every animal shelter just waiting to become a part of your life and the lives of those around you. Please consider visiting your shelter to save a life while also enriching yours.

A WORD BEFORE WE GO ON

Over the course of 40 years, I have been learning more and more about holistic medications and treatments and holistic preventive health care for myself, and therefore, over a period of time, I have come to have the same concerns and considerations for my furry friends as well. I haven't been sorry. I am now living with the oldest - and sweetest! - cat I've ever had or known. That being said, some of my recommendations may sound careless or neglectful to the onlooker who hasn't researched the issues, but know that I did not arrive at these ideas because they are easier, simpler, or cheaper for me nor am I neglectful in any way. I like to read and know about any health issues, medications, nutrition, or treatments out there - for me or my pets - and therefore, anything that I suggest here has been researched. All of it is a matter of personal choice, of course, but I will share what I know and why I have made the choices I've made.

BEFORE YOU ADOPT OR BUY

You will need a litter box for each cat in your household. Purchase litter. Clay, unscented litter is the healthiest for you and your pet. Plan on just dumping the entire litter box and lining it with several layers of fresh newspaper (Sundays are the perfect schedule for this task since the Sunday newspaper will still be in your home and ready for recycling) each week. I don't like the idea of "scoopable" or "clumpable" litter. Think about this for a moment. It may be easier for us humans to just keep reusing litter, but how healthy is it for your feline companion whose health and well-being has been entrusted to you? What kind of bacteria is lurking in the litter box week after week after week. Clay litter - even when changed weekly - is cheaper and safer for your pet. End of story.

Get some dry and wet canned food for your companion. Just start with a good brand right off. Pay particular attention to ASH content, MAGNESIUM content, and PHOSPHORUS. Consider your cats urinary tract health and kidney health before it becomes an issue. Choose foods that say "urinary tract health" or "urinary tract maintenance" or just choose a slightly more expensive brand, and you will find lower ash and lower magnesium. Most of these more expensive brands do not even contain phosphorus or any fillers. (If you had been feeding your pet no-filler foods during the China wheat gluten pet food scare, you know what I'm talking about. No fillers, and there was no need for concern.) Free feed (leave an unlimited supply out at all times) your companion the dry food and provide canned food at least once in the morning and once at night. This provides a good balance of carbs so that you can also prevent early onset diabetes. Again, what is the old saying? "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." As a personal aside, I feed my senior cat (15 years now and no known disease!) Wellness brand and Petguard brand foods. I get Wellness dry food and Petguard wet food. I have fed her Wellness canned food; however, she seems to prefer Petguard wet food. I cannot find the Petguard dry food in my area, but My Precious Girl is perfectly content with her Wellness dry so I'm satisfied with the choices that I have made for her.

If you have chosen a kitten, make certain to get foods specially formulated for kittens for the first one year of your companion's life. Then, after one year, you can switch to adult food.

Make sure you have dedicated bowls and dishes/plates - preferably unbreakable - for your new companion to eat dry food out of, have access to fresh water, and eat canned food from (for this, I prefer a flat dish). A weighted water bowl never hurts, either.

KITTEN- AND CAT -PROOFING YOUR HOME

Kitten-proof your home before you go get one. In fact, all of what I'm about to say here should really be applied to any pet. Make sure that your blind-pulls are up higher than Ms. Kitty can jump (and they can jump really high) to prevent accidental hanging of your new companion. Make sure that your cabinets are secured and cannot be opened when bumped into. Make sure that no chemicals or poisons of any kind - that includes plants, too, and even some foods! - are out of reach.

If you are having a problem with bugs of any kind in your home, and you have turned to the services of an exterminator or are using a spray or bombs in your home, please make sure that your bug problem is taken care of prior to bringing a new companion into your home. Chemicals of any kind are not safe for anyone or anything. Better to be safe than sorry. Once your bug problem is taken care of, and you have sent your exterminator packing, clean every baseboard, crevice, and any other common area in your home or outdoors (enclosed patio or balcony) thoroughly in an attempt to remove any unsafe chemicals and to reduce Ms. Kitty's exposure.

Get your friend a nice kitty bed, even if you plan to have your new companion sleep with you. You may be surprised at where you will find your friend sleeping. It is nice to offer at least one sensible option.

You may want to get some safe toys for your new companion, perhaps even a scratching post. A word on scratching posts: Did you know that some cats are vertical scratchers and some cats are horizontal scratchers? If you catch your kitty sharpening its nails somewhere in your home, pay attention to what it was using -- was it the arm of the sofa (from a standing position) or was it your carpeting? If it was the arm of the sofa, and your kitty was standing while scratching, go get a vertical scratching post. If it was the carpeting that kitty was using, go get a horizontal strip for your kitty's use.

YOUR OTHER CATS AT HOME

If you already have another cat at home, make sure that your new kitten or cat comes with proof of a negative feline leukemia test and first shots, at least. Also, be certain that it is free of fleas and has either been "wormed" or has had a recent stool sample test negative for intestinal parasites. So very important! Because even though you will purchase another litter box if bringing in a new cat to your household that already has a cat, the cats will inevitably crossover when it comes to litter boxes - in the beginning, at least, and if the new cat has intestinal parasites, your other pets will become infected. That applies to your canine companions as well - - intestinal parasites are contagious by way of feces - - and if you have a dog in your home who likes to visit the kitty box occasionally, your dog is at risk as well.

YOUR DOG(S) AT HOME

I just mentioned the litter box and parasite concern in the above paragraph so that is covered.

Otherwise, it is super simple - from a health standpoint - to bring a cat into the home that has a dog or dogs and nothing else because very few diseases or health risks are transferable between cats and dogs. As I mentioned, fleas and ticks, of course, would be considerations. Fleas and ticks do not discriminate, and neither do intestinal parasites. So, out of respect and concern for your pets who already share your home, make sure that your new companion is pest-free and get that stool sample tested before bringing in your new companion.

Make sure that your kitten or cat has a private place - out of reach of the dog(s) - where he or she can eat and have access to fresh food and water without the dog(s) scarfing everything up when you and Ms. Kitty are not looking. I've been through this, and believe me, it is no fun! Not only will you quite possibly have a dog with gastric problems due to a sudden dietary change, but you will run out of your kitty's food so much faster. If you are like me and feeding a better brand of food, it is especially exasperating because it costs a lot more to feed a dog and your feline companion a better brand of cat food!

A WORD ABOUT DOGS AND CATS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD

A dog can live on cat food, but a cat cannot live on dog food. If your cat is sharing a home with a dog and seems to prefer the dog food over his/her own cat food, don't laugh too much about this because a cat needs TAURINE which is in cat food but not generally in dog food.

Note: Recent research indicates that dogs' hearts benefit from TAURINE; therefore, some more advanced and progressive makers of dog food are now adding it to their dog foods; however, there is a certain amount of TAURINE required for your cat's diet. So, make sure that Ms. Kitty has a healthy cat food that it enjoys. Your cat's eyesight depends upon it. Your cat can go blind due to a TAURINE deficiency.

Check out my blog for feline health issues and tips for more info.

Interested in canine health issues and tips? I've got a blog for that too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Hogue

Read More

Cat Behaviors - Tips For A Happy Cat And A Happy Home

By Paul Proctor

Considering getting a cat for a pet? Adopting a stray can be a good option if you keep a few things in mind. Stray cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them. Cat behaviors are often misunderstood. You should take care and have a great deal of understanding if you want to turn a feral cat into a content house cat.

There are many ways a cat can easily adjust to you. The adoption process usually begins when a cat gives its consent by starting to interact with you. One way of earning his trust is by giving him food. When he takes it you will know that you are slowly tearing down his barriers. Through patience and perseverance you will be rewarded by his trust.

Let's face it. Some cat behaviors are problems when these pets live in our homes. Cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems. Luckily for us and our feline friends, there are solutions that help keep both kitty and kitty owner happy.

A cat's need to scratch can damage furniture and walls, so it's a good idea to get some kind of of scratching post. These can range from simple cardboard varieties to larger carpeted ones. A kitty jungle-gym will let your cat not only scratch but have a place to climb about on and sleep in.

If you have a male pet cat, it would be crucial for you to have him neutered. Otherwise you will experienced having his urine sprayed all over your place to mark his territory. This will also be good for him because it will discouraged fight with other male of the same specie.

All cats feel the need hunt. This cat behaviour is particularly strong in stray cats as it is the way they have survived up until their adoption. Don't be alarmed if your cat brings the body of a small woodland creature to your doorstep. Praising, instead of reproaching the cat for it's actions, will go a long way in keeping your cat happy.

Avoiding a resolution to such cat behaviors will result in a bad relationship between you and your feline. If you prevent your feline from hunting, this will most assuredly get on your nerves since cats need a way in which to channel their energy. If you love your furnishings at all you must attend to their need to scratch and spray. This is the reason these fundamental cat behaviors are beneficial to learn; particularly when you adopt strays.

New cats in a home may exhibit one or more of many unwanted cat behaviors. The most common problems owners have are cat scratching, spraying and hunting. Cats that scratch furniture or other possessions can often be redirected to a scratching post. A male cat that sprays to mark his territory will need to be neutered to solve the problem. Also, a cat's natural hunting instinct can be redirected towards any of the wide variety of toys available, or even homemade ones. Cat behaviour may be perplexing to a new owner, but can be efficiently handled, creating a more positive environment for both you and your cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Proctor

Read More

Cat Spraying A Common Annoyance

By Paul Proctor

'Cat spraying' is when a domestic cat will soil its house to mark its territory by backing into furniture or any household item and release a pungent spray. Approximately 40% of all soiling complaints are made of such instances. Females cats will sometimes do it when they are in heat, but generally it is mostly un-neutured male tom cats.

Cats spray for a variety of reasons. They spray during territorial disputes, when they are aware of another cat in heat, when stressed and often after fights with other cats. So the cats, normally solitary creatures, mark their territory as a way to reduce conflicts with other cats in the area. Mostly cats will spray outside, but if there are conflicts within the home, they will spray inside as well.

When a cat "sprays" an object, the spray releases a rancid odor most akin to ammonia. The smell may encourage the cat to spray again, so it is importantly to remove the smell rapidly and completely. When removing the smell, clean the object thoroughly with an enzymatic cleanser, one specially designed to remove bad odors. Avoid cleansers that contain ammonia: they will only make the smell worse!

So, how does one prevent this annoying habit? Can it be prevented from happening in the first place?Neutering a tom will significantly reduce the occurrence of cat spraying. Identifying conflicts within the home with the help of a cat whisperer, or someone attuned to cat psychology, can help resolve or minimize the problem. If a cat is spraying in one location, you can arrange furniture or objects around to make them less appealing to spray. Outside the home, you made need to keep your cat inside until conflicts are resolved with neighborhood cats.

Cat spraying cannot be cured by punishment. A stressed cat may even spray more often, and hitting your cat will simply encourage fear, not obedience. Nor will taking your cat to the sprayed area for punishment be an effective deterrent.

Even with taking all the precautions, cat spraying will be difficult to eliminate completely but can be easily be controlled and minimized. It is just an occurrence that comes along with the responsibility and pleasure of owning a feline friend.

The problem of 'cat spraying' is when a domestic cat will soil its house to mark its territory by backing into furniture or any household item and release a pungent spray. Approximately 40% of all soiling complaints are made of such instances. Females cats will sometimes do it when they are in heat, but generally it is mostly un-neutered male tom cats. Employing a cat whisperer who understands cat psychology to come into your home can also lessen the problem. Don't ever try to punish your cat by bringing him into the area and hitting him. This will lead your cat to be fearful of you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Proctor

Read More

Cat Beds - Sleeping in Comfort

By Jennifer A Johnson

Humans love a comfortable bed to sleep so do animals especially cats. Cats spend most of their time curling up and sleep. If you are fed up of your cat sleeping in your couch or your bed and leaving hair on your furniture or you want to give your cat a space of its own, a cat bed is your best option. In purchasing a bed for your cat, there are things that you should consider.

Size of your cat is important consideration. They need a little room to stretch and be comfortable but not too big, to make them feel not secure. Measure your cat from head to tail and give a few inches of allowance.

Consider the comfort of the type of bed that you choose for your cat. There are tons of fantastic options for you to choose from. It comes with different forms and structures. Choose that ones that are washable or at least has a removable and washable cover. You do not want your pet to sleep in a stinky bed. Cats are clean animals and like their place to be clean as well. Cleaned cat beds will help prevent parasites, allergens and odors.

A cat bed that has a fleece cushion material will keep your cat warm and comfortable. There are also cat beds that has thermal cushion that would be comfortable for your cat especially during winter. Make sure that is made of durable materials to prevent it from being scratched easily or torn.

Beds for cats shield them from winter and protect them from floor which is cold. Consider putting it near the window or porch. Having a cat bed will prevent your cat from sleeping in your couch or bed. It will give your pet a space of their own wherein they will not be disturb and will have your house a more organized look.

Find more information on Cat Beds

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A_Johnson

Read More

Names For Kittens - 15 Ways to Choose the Perfect Name

By Jenny Jackson

Choosing a name for your beautiful new kitten or cat can be difficult - especially if you want an interesting name or one that has particular meaning.

Try to avoid choosing a long name, as it is likely to be abbreviated. Consider how the name would be shortened and whether you like the shortened form.

It is also important to consider whether you will be comfortable calling out the name, or if not you, other members of the household.

There are lots of ways to find great names. The following categories will get you thinking creatively:

1. Appearance

Looking at your kittens coloring or coat pattern, what words come to mind? Grey cats might suggest Smokey or Misty. Calico cats might suggest Patchwork or Cookie.

2. Books and Film

Who are your favorite book or movie characters? Who are your favorite authors? Names like Sherlock or Agatha may appeal if you like mysteries. Dickens or Bronte? Harry or Hermione? If you like older films, maybe Groucho or Harpo. You could surely create a huge list of possibilities here.

3. Cartoons

Cartoon cats to consider are Tom, Sylvester or Garfield. Disney and Dreamworks films offer a plethora of character names...Ariel, Bambi, Aladdin, Shrek, Mulan, Woody, Buzz.

4. Gods/Goddesses

Some examples are Aurora, Zeus, Aphrodite, Venus, Mercury and Apollo.

5. Philosophers

Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche, Voltaire...

6. Musicians

Classical music lovers might like Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi, Chopin or Puccini. Modern music lovers might like Elvis, Zeppelin, Dylan, Joplin, Madonna or Bowie.

7. Pairs

If you are naming a pair of kittens, consider famous couples or duos such as Sonny and Cher, Oscar and Lucinda, Simon and Garfunkle, Napoleon and Josephine, Torville and Dean, Rain and Bow, Adam and Eve, Fish and Chips, Salt and Vinegar, Abbott and Costello.

8. Sport

Sport stars offer lots of name possibilities. If you're into tennis, you might like Sampras, McEnroe, Agassi, Stefi or Martina. Boxing fans might like Ali or Hurricane. Soccer enthusiasts might like Beckham or Pele.

9. Fashion

Fashion designers and models provide good possibilities for your kitten's name. Dior, Chanel, Coco, Armani, Tyra, Claudia, Giselle, Prada, Hugo, Gucci, Cartier, Fendi, Dolce, Tiffany, Zegna, Ray Bands, Hermes, Lacroix, Givenchy, Hermes.

10. Food

The possibilities are endless. For sweets, there is Baci, Sugar, Toffee, Fudge, Choc and Biscuit. Herbs and spices are another helpful category - Basil, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sage, Ginger, Pepper, Saffron and Vanilla.

11. Places

What's your favorite city or town? Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, Milan, London, Aspen, Cairo, China, Vienna, Congo, Giza, Kashmir, Reno.

12. Historical

Mythology, politics and science could give you some great ideas, like Nightingale, Avalon, Aztec, Camelot, Delilah, Evita, Godiva, Sheeba, Einstein, Freud and Edison.

13. Titles

Is your kitten rather regal? Countess, Duchess, Fraulein, Senorita, Dame, Madam, Duke, Earl, Baron, Viscount, Queen, Princess, Prince, Lady to name a few.

14. Nature

Inspiration can come from gems, flowers, trees, animals and weather. Bamboo, Amber, Crystal, Blossom, Bonsai, Buttercup, Coral, Cosmic, Tempest, Daisy, Firefly, Cougar, Nimbus, Nova and Opal.

15. Alcohol

Wines, spirits and beers offer lots of inspiration...Amaretto, Baccardi, Vodka, Whisky, Brandy, Champagne, Daiquiri, Kahlua, Madeira, Margarita, Moet, Moonshine and Shiraz.

If you have a pet or family related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, as long as the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and link to http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com which features photo galleries of beautiful cats. You'll find cute kittens, different breeds and funny cat videos.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Jackson

Read More

Heartworm Disease in Domestic Cats

By Kadirvelu Senthilkumar

Heartworm in cat is caused by Dirofilaria immitis is another vector borne helminthes infection of Zoonotic significance. The adults remain in the right ventricle, pulmonary artery and vena cava. Microfilaria can be detected in any tissue particularly blood, kidneys and lungs. Mortality due to heartworm disease is rare.

Incidence
Dirofilariasis is widespread in tropical/subtropical countries and temperate areas, which favor rapid breeding of fly population. The heartworm in cats is noticeable among the 3-6 years old ones.

Causes
Dirlofilaria immitis is a long slender roundworm measuring about 300 mm in length, which can be readily recognized in right ventricle of heart, pulmonary artery and vena cava and occasionally in lungs in heavy infections.

Microfilaria measuring about 286-349 millimicrons in length can also be identified in both dry and wet blood smears in clinically affected animals. Periodicity of microfilaria particularly at nighttime has been reported.

Transmission
The life cycle of heartworm in cat is indirect. In hot and humid climate, the disease is transmitted through bite of mosquitoes and lice where the microfilaria develops into infective stage.

Clinical Signs
No clinical have been reported during the life and the disease usually occurs as in apparent infection. Other signs include-

* Occasional coughing

* Asthma-like symptoms

* Anorexia

* Lethargy

* Vomiting

* Increased respiratory effort

Pathology
The parasites are generally noticed at necropsy as an incidental finding. Similarly microfilariae are also observed during routine screening of blood smears of felids having apparently normal health in endemic areas.

In heavy infection of heartworm disease, the pulmonary artery and vena cava may be occluded with parasites causing mechanical obstruction, passive hyperaemia and occasional initial damage.

Diagnosis
The disease in the domestic cats is usually detected on necropsy examination. The disease can also be diagnosed by examination of blood smears and demonstration of characteristic microfilaria. Confirmative diagnosis can be performed with the help of X-rays. The heartworm disease in domestic cats should be differentiated from Feline asthma and other pulmonary diseases.

Treatment
In endemic areas of heartworm disease, Diethyl carbamazine citrate (3mg/kg) may be tried after discussing with your vet. The effectiveness of acetarasamide for adulticidal action and levamisole and ivermectin (24 ug/kg) for antimicrobial action is yet to be assessed perfectly.

Prevention and control
Apart from vigorous fly and lice control measures, periodic treatment followed by serological monitoring and blood screening for microfilaria will be helpful in controlling heartworm in domestic cats in endemic areas.

Kadirvelu Senthilkumar is a regular contributor to Cat Health Care, a section of Cat Health Care Guide, a site focusing on conventional and natural treatments of feline health concerns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kadirvelu_Senthilkumar

Read More

There's Nothing Like A Cute Cat

By Michelle Bery

There comes a time in everyone’s home when it must be decided if it’s going to be a home with a pet or a home without. This is an easier decision for some than it is for others; there are some of us who grew up in a home that was never without a dog or cat; there are others of us who did not have a pet growing up and are eager to fulfill this childhood dream in adulthood. Ultimately, pet ownership is a choice only your family can make, as is the type of pet you choose - for dog lovers, a friendly pooch; for feline lovers, a cute cat.

But let’s face it; a cute cat is subjective. Cats come in a variety of breeds – in all sizes, colors, hair lengths, and personalities. A cute cat for one person may be a sparkly eyed Burmese; for another a sleek Siamese. When choosing a cute cat, it is most important to take into consideration your particular needs as a cat owner. If you are someone who enjoys company from your pet, then you may want to find a cute cat that’s friendly and people-oriented. If you are a busy professional who is content to see your cat over a meal, then there are number of independent-minded cats that like their personal space.

When choosing a cute cat for your family it is also important to be mindful of the amount of grooming that each particular cat breed requires. Longer-haired cats need frequent grooming to keep their matting at bay; shorter-haired cats need far less grooming and may be best for busier households or for those who have allergies. Before purchasing any cat, however, it is important that you are prepared – not just for the grooming but for the space considerations, need for a litter box, diet and nutrition, and veterinary needs. It is essential that if you are going to be a cat owner that you are a responsible one.

Whether as a purchase for yourself or a wonderful gift for someone you love, a cute cat will brighten your world and change your home forever.

For easy to understand, in depth information about cute cat visit our ezGuide 2 Cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

Read More

Does My Cat Have Draws?

By Bonnie Feltz

Several years ago I got my cat tailer. He is a wonderful cat. I wish I had a training course for his problem with using the litter box. He used the living room several times for this purpose. I used enough bad smelling things to stop that behavior. I really want to tell you a story about Tailer that was very funny. When he was younger and smaller. He could fit into many small spaces. One day my dad said to me where is the cat? Not knowing where he might be I said I do not know but I will look for him. I went in the bedroom and called I heard a small cry. I looked under the bed and behind the curtain. No Tailer. I still heard a faint meow. It was very muffled. I thought a moment and said to myself my dad is hard of hearing so maybe just maybe. I pulled opened the drawer of his chest of drawers and what did I see but our cat at the bottom of the drawer. I walked out of the bedroom with the cat right behind me. I told my dad what happened. He was surprised at what had happened. My dad past away a few years ago but I still have that crazy cat Tailer. He means the world to me.

I wanted to mention how important it is to have a good relationship with your cat. Training your cat is a fantastic way to enrich your cat's life with the family.

- It builds a strong rapport between your family and your cat
- Because training underlines your authority (your cat has to do what you want to get what he wants), it helps to curb dominant behavior
- It keeps your cat's mind active and stimulated
- It's great interactive play, and teaches good social skills
- Anxious and highly-strung cats are reassured and soothed by the repetition and routine of training Understanding and developing a good relationship is important to making your cat feel a special part of the family.

To learn how to train your cat or dog. At http://www.petspetsgreat.com we can give tips on how to teach your pet tricks. Help with problem behavior and much more

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Feltz

Read More

Should You Declaw Your Cat?

By Barb Jensen

Most cat experts will say definitely not. Declawing is a cruel and unnecessary procedure.

Declawing (onychectomy) is more than just removing the claws. The procedure (which is extremely painful) involves amputating part of the toe.

After declawing a cat will have very sore, painful, and possibly swollen paws for up to two weeks. Her paws will have to be wrapped for several days following surgery. Declawing using laser surgery means a less painful recovery, but not all vets are skilled in the techniques of laser surgery.

You will have to use shredded newspaper in her litter box as regular kitty litter will irritate her paws and might even cause an infection. There have been some reports of cats not using their litter box even after their paws are healed. This is thought to be because they associate the pain in their paws with digging in the litter box.

Your cat call not be able to go outside. She has no way of defending herself against other cats or dogs, nor can she climb a tree to escape danger. Also without her claws to defend herself, she may turn to biting to defend herself. Cat bites are more serious than scratches.

One option to declawing is flexor tendonectomy. With this the vet will cut the tendons that she uses to extend her claws, making her claws retracted permanently. The down side of this is that you will have to trim your cat's claws every week or two or they will become ingrown.

If the only reason you want to declaw your cat is so she doesn't claw the furniture, there are methods to teach your cat to use a scratching post.

If you are still bound and determined to have a declawed cat, get one that has already been declawed. Check with the local animal shelters. If they don't have any declawed cats at the moment, tell them you are interested in getting one and ask them to let you know when one comes available. Also put the word out to local vets you are looking for a declawed cat.

Barb Jensen lives in upstate New York with her two cats. http://freewebs.com/feline123

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barb_Jensen

Read More

Beds For Cats

By Charley Hwang

Beds do not strike us as something essential for our pets sometimes, for some of us have the idea that they can sleep on any surface. However, for dogs, we tend to buy them a soft, warm basket or something that they can sleep in. Majority of the dogs will then claim the bed as a sleeping spot. On the other hands, cats do not really need a certain place to sleep. It will in fact, sleep at any place it feels like, anytime, anywhere.

Cats are hard to train to sleep in one specific spot. They will still end up sleeping in various places in your house. Furniture such as chairs, tables, sofas, or floor or any cozy nook they can curl up in and fall asleep without disturbance.

Although your pet cat likes sleeping on your couch or steps, it does not mean that it wouldn’t appreciate a nice warm bed. You can still go ahead and get your cat a bed, and perhaps it will take interest in it and somehow, enjoy sleeping in it. Although it won’t be sleeping in the bed every night, you’ll still know that the bed will become one of the many sleeping places it will visit, and cats enjoy being territorial, and owning a new bed will bring them satisfaction.

If you have seen cat trees, it is your best choice of a cat bed for your pet. It is a tall stand with a perch built at the top, where your cat can climb up onto it and sleep while everyone is below it, such as dogs that cats naturally fear. You can even connect the perch to a window sill, and your cat can nap as well as look out the window at the activities that goes on outside.

Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, and according to research, they actually spend up to two thirds of their life sleeping!! Now, that is a sound reason to get your cat a comfortable bed, or make its favourite napping spots as comfortable as you can. Some choices include round and furry cuddle-type beds, or bouncy cushions that create a round circle where your cat can snuggle in.

Cleanliness and hygiene is again the most important thing to look out for when getting your cat a bed. No matter what bed you decided to get, make sure that it has a removable cover that you can take out and wash regularly. Cats, like dogs, will attract bugs such as fleas, and these pests can make a home out of any fabric, especially if your cat lies there often. So make sure you remember to wash your cat’s bed often, and the other spots your cat sleep in as well to guarantee a flea-free home, one that you and your cat will both enjoy. See below for more information about Beds For Cats.

For more information on Cat Beds or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/should-you-buy-a-bed-for-your-cat/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charley_Hwang

Read More

Your Cat's Bed - The Four Qualities That Will Get Your Cat a Good Night's Sleep

By Anne Moss

Cat beds are can come in many decorative shapes and colors. Jungle pattern velvet or hot pink frills, these beds are often fashion statements more than anything else, leaving cat owners disappointed when their precious feline declines the expensive cat bed and goes napping someplace else. And with a cat, napping is more than just a nap too, as felines can spend up to 18 hours a day sound asleep.

When shopping for a cat bed, it's important to look beyond the color and how well the cat bed fits into your room decor. You should always look for the following qualities -

Size of a Cat Bed

Make sure the bed is large enough for your cat. Some cats are large than others and may require a size closer to that of a dog. Also, if you have two or more cats that love snuggling up to each other when sleeping, an extra large pet bed may be a good idea. For some cats, the idea of sleeping too close to another feline is unthinkable, so don't expect to crowd in more than one cat into a single bed, unless they're used to sleeping alongside each other.

Softness and Texture

Most cats prefer a soft surface to curl up into when they take their nap. Softer is often better, and some cat beds offer extra thick mattresses for that reason.

Structure of a Cat Bed

Your cat needs to feel safe when going to bed. Many cat beds come with an enclosed space above the mattress, which could be suitable for some cats. Another option if a donut shaped bed, with a raised area around the sleeping cushion. Depending on how high above the floor you position your cat bed, an open donut might be a better alternative for some cats. As with anything else, individual cats may have their own unique preferences.

The Temperature

Cats prefer warm places most time of the year, which is why most cat beds come with plush warm covers. Some of them even include heating pads, microwavable or electricity driven, for therapeutic heating qualities. These can work wonders for aging cats or those prone to arthritis. Keep in mind that during summer months, in hot areas, a cat bed can get too warm. Your cat will usually let you know when that is the case, by opting to sleep in cooler places.

Copyright©Meowhoo.com 2008 - All Rights Reserved

This article may be re-published on sites, provided that all links in the article and resource box are included and remain active.

Anne Moss is a cat behaviorist and a member of the Cat Writers Association. She is the owner and editor of Meowhoo.com Cat Directory, where you can find the best places to shop for cat beds. For questions or comments, feel free to reach Anne through the Cat Forums, where thousands of cat lovers join to discuss cats and cat care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Moss

Read More

Why Is My Cat Attacking Me?

By Jenny Jackson

Cat aggression towards owners is a common problem and can be very distressing, not to mention painful! There are a range of reasons why your cat might be doing this. If you can identify the cause, then a solution is more likely to work.

Pain

If your cat has recently become aggressive, he or she may be in pain. No doubt you are pretty grumpy when you have a headache or toothache, and cats can experience these things too. If your cat has a condition like osteoarthritis, it may be more uncomfortable later in the day, and this may be when she becomes aggressive.

If your cat is fairly young, he or she may actually be playing with you. Kittens are most likely to play fight. Theories suggest that it helps kittens to strengthen their muscles, develop eye-muscle coordination and learn gentle social play. As the kittens get older, the amount of play aggression increases and gets rougher, eventually leading to the dispersion of the litter. Owners often find young cats sneaking up, biting and ambushing passing ankles instead.

You will need to redirect the cat's behavior towards inanimate objects instead of you through active play with toys that move. When the cat becomes aggressive, a squirt of water or startle noise can help them learn not to attack you. You might consider introducing another cat of about the same age so that the play occurs between the cats instead of involving you.

Predatory aggression

The instinct to hunt is triggered by the sight or sound of moving prey. Hunting behaviors are instinctive so eliminating them is not possible. They can, however, be directed into acceptable outlets. Encourage active play with moving toys and direct the behavior toward objects that can withstand claws and teeth. If your cat is allowed outside, it can expend some energy hunting insects instead of you.

Redirected aggression

When a cat becomes upset, it would normally direct the aggression toward the source, however, if the source is not accessible, the cat may redirect the aggression towards something closer such as you, a dog or another cat. Unfortunately, the association between a victim and a stressful event can stick for a long time, so that every time the cat is around the victim, it is reminded of the incident and may attack again.

Prevention can be easier than cure. Don't try to calm or handle an upset cat. There are times, however, when this is impossible. The most common solution is long-term separation of the cat from its target, but this can take a long time. Alternatively, your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medications that you can combine with gradual reintroduction and rewards. If the victim is a cat that has become excessively fearful of the aggressive cat, it can also be treated to reduce its fear and increase its boldness.

Maternal aggression

Mother cats with young kittens are naturally protective of their young. Hormonally-influenced aggression is strongest during the first week after birth and gradually diminishes as the kittens get older. This is normal behavior. If you need to handle the kittens, try to keep a kitten between you and the mother cat. It is unlikely that the new mother will go over a kitten to attack you.

If you have an ongoing problem with cat aggression, it is best to speak with your vet to discuss various behavioral solutions. Medication is usually only for extreme cases, but can be helpful until behavioral measures are working.

You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com which features photo and video galleries of beautiful cats. You'll find cute kittens, different breeds and funny cat videos.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Jackson

Read More

How To Train Your Cat

Cats are incredible pets with a unique style all their own. If you have chosen a cat as a pet you probably already understand that discipling and training them requires special effort. You'll need to some extent to understand and adapt to your pet's unique personality traits.

Most cat owners realistically are not looking for a circus cat ready to jump through hoops. They'll be satisfied if the litter box is used well and the furnishings are left intact.

Accordingly, it is good to realize that cats learn through experience. This may require an owner to be patient, in order to build a pattern of cause and effect. This means that if they experience a good thing they are more likely to repeat it. Also, the opposite is true if the encounter was not pleasant. So whatever there's good behavior (like clawing the pet scratching post instead of your furniture), you'll want to reinforce that with a good reward.

Whether it's good or bad behavior, your cat will learn it by this method of immediate response. Delaying a reward or punishment will only confuse her. For example, if a cat is used to being fed every time it pesters you, that will reinforce the behavior. So it is important to evaluate your actions accordingly.

Training a cat to use the litter box is something that must commence when they are young. Keep in mind that cats do enjoy a clean litter box. You need to do your share to make it a pleasant experience. It has been noted that if the box isn't cleaned regularly, but the rest of the house is cleaned, then your pet may head for the clean areas away from its box, such as the edge of a lovely rug!

With time and careful attention you will come to realize that your pet's independent nature still allows a wide variety of moods, which can be either aggressive or playful. A cat will normally enjoy some playful interaction, however it can change its mind swiftly and decide it's had enough. But as a cat owner you already know that, and are just learning to go with the flow!

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site articles for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

Read More

Painlessly Groom Your Cat

It may appear at first that cats do a perfectly good job of grooming themselves. However, if we take the time to brush their fur we can do a lot to help them, and also aid promote their fine health, by aiding their blood circulation and by cleaning up any hair, that they may end up swallowing.

Begin combing your cat while it's a kitten so it'll become used to the grooming. Use a loving tone and reward your pet with a treat to keep the grooming as enjoyable as it can be.

Always use a soft comb and brush in the direction of the hair growth so as to avoid irritating your cat's skin. It is suggested that long-haired cats be combed nearly every day while shorthaired cats can get by with a couple of combings each week.

Take care around the ear area because cats have sensitive ears. Working slowly will help keep the brush from jamming up too quickly and getting you bogged down.

Start clipping your pet's nails while it's still young. Don't use household clippers. Invest in a proper pair of clippers that are shaped for cutting the curve of their nails. Keep sessions short and quick. Do only one paw at a time, and gently press on the inside of the paw to help show the nails.

Then smoothly cut the tip. This is important because cats have a vein in their nail. It might be visible if the nail is not too opaque.

Ears must also be viewed and cleaned and wiped, using a cleaner provided specifically for cats. This will reduce build-up of wax, mites, debris, that may lead to ear problems.

Always remember that grooming your pet also means taking note of any changes in their skin or fur.

Just a few moments each day grooming your pet will not only help maintain its health but will also building a good relationship with you.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on pets, cat and dog care and animal health and visit our associated site articles for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

Read More

How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats

Cats are simply adorable. They are cuddly and cute, and yes, they enjoy receiving so much attention. That is why sometimes, cats develop several annoying and destructive behavior and you should know how to deal with behavior problems of cats.

Cats are animals, and as such do not have enough reasoning to tell and distinguish right from wrong. But you, the cat owner, knows what is good and bad, and so it is your responsibility to help your cat act accordingly. You need to deal with the behavior problems of cats.

Behavior problems of cats are the usual problems cat owners encounter from their cats. Some owners really feel very annoyed by several of their cat's behavioral problems, so they just hire cat trainers for long-term solutions. Attitude problems are very common in cats.

If you have a cat, it is not enough that you shower your pet with utmost attention and care. It is your responsibility to instill in the cat righteous attitudes especially when there are other people living in your house. Being adorable and cute are not enough for the cat to get away from every offense it makes.

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

Here are some practical tips that would help you control the unwanted behavior problems of cats. Take note that cats also need to act nicely especially when there are other people in the house or if there are guests:

* Discipline your cat. This is one way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. You could teach the animal about right and wrong behavior. For example, if you see your cat do a nice thing, pat it gently on the head. Otherwise, push your palm on the cat's face. This would give it the signal that what it just did is not acceptable.

* Do not surprise your cat. Cats hate surprises so to avoid behavior problems of cats avoid surprises. Do not disturb a sleeping cat or suddenly take away food from an eating cat. Doing so would provoke the cat and make it really angry to attack you or anyone.

* Do not ever hit a cat whenever it does nasty things. This is not a good way to deal with behavior problems of cats. Hitting, just like in kids, is not very effective in making cats realize what deed is wrong. Do not ever teach your cat to develop fear of you.

* Make specific cat misbehavior impossible to be accomplished. This is another good way to deal with the behavior problems of cats. For example, if the cat wants to steel food from containers, keep the containers tightly closed and sealed. Also make light objects and figurines in the house out of reach of cats, or place them in a glass cabinet.

* For littering and waste elimination behavior problems of cats, you could invest in cat litter boxes. Cat litter boxes are very ideal in training the cat to urinate or eliminate feces responsibly.

* Take your cat to the vet regularly. That way, you could immediately tell if there is a physiological problem in the cat. Behavior problems of cats may also due to pains. Usually, when cats fall ill, they also tend to misbehave.

* Cats are possessive. They want your sole attention. If there are other pets in the house, your cat might sense that you are not faithful. To remedy this situation, do not let the cat see you care for and nurture other pets.

* Use reward and punishment to deal with behavior problems of cats. To make the cat also behave properly, you could also make use of the reward system. For every good deed you see in the cat, reward it by giving its special cat snack. Whenever the cat does bad acts, punish it by not giving it any cat snack, though you must show the cat that there is cat snack that is supposed to be given to it.

If you have tried the above mentioned tips and found no success do not lose hope, you can still tame your cat and you can have a much more rewarding life with your cat if you only learn a few secrets on cat behavior.

Did you know that you can transform your cat’s behavior with proven techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover how to end the behavior problems of cats visit Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems at All About Pets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Restrivera

Read More

Funny Cat Behaviors and What to Do About Them

Cats sure have interesting ways of expressing themselves. Some are cute, and some, well, can hurt. Most cat owners know about love chomps, those playful nips cats give at times. They are different than true, defensive bites, which draw blood and really hurt. Love chomps are given out of affection, and sometimes can hurt a little, depending upon kitty's mood. What is going on, and why do they do this?

My cat Beau is deaf and is very physical in expressing himself. He loves to be touched, petted and kissed. His reaction back is to "chew" on me, sort of gnawing his teeth against my arm, as he purrs. I soon realized that this is out of caring, not out of defensiveness. He does this whenever he is deliriously happy, and it's sort of like he's trying to kiss me back but does it with his little teeth. Lucky me. I appreciate him for being so loving, and just show love back, but back off if he chomps a little too hard.

When your cat does this, don't hit or get mad, just gently brush it off and distract him to do something else. Cats respond to suggestion, professional trainers rely on this principle to train them. By giving kitty something else to think about, he will forget about gnawing on you and put his attention elsewhere. Though I'm not an animal behaviorist, I know what works for my cats, and use information learned by those in the know. A good resource to contact if you need a real professional's advice on cat behavior is at your local chapter of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aniimals). I called my local chapter and asked who to talk to regarding certain behaviors and they told me a behaviorist would call me back. She did, and was very helpful in giving me tips on handling problematic cat behaviors of different kinds. The ASPCA has local chapters in most cities and is a good resource for help with animals of many kinds so I recommend them.

Learning better communication with our pets is always helpful in understanding what they do and why they do it. Many pets end up at the pound because their owners didn't take the time or energy to learn why the animal did certain behaviors, then just gave up instead of fixing the gap in communication. We have to show our pets what to do in order for them to know what is expected of them. Cats can be more independent, of course, but they can be trained to undo bad behaviors with time and practise. Some things take more time than others. It is important to be patient and kind, anger only makes pets fearful and less apt to learn what you want them to learn.

For example, my cat Beau didn't sleep through the night when I first got him. As soon as the lights went off, it was his time to party. He sang his lungs out, picked on the other two cats (who were trying to sleep) and made a nusiance of himself. So, to combat his nighttime rowdiness, I kept him up all day, by waking him up every so often as he tried to nap, getting out a string with a toy on the end of it, and getting him to play till he was tired. By the end of the day, he welcomed sleep. And, he slept through the night. It worked. After awhile, I didn't need put forth any effort anymore, he just automatically slept through the night. I still wake him up occaisionally during the day, just in case, to make sure he's truly tired by the end of the day.

Another strange behavior is leg climbing. Sometimes, kittens think your leg makes a good substitute for a tree trunk and try to climb it. O-u-c-h! That can make just about anyone mad at first but remember, it's just a behavior that needs correcting. Kitty isn't aware that he is clawing the heck out of your skin, and is trying to be energetic. Give him something else to play on, like a kitty condo/cat tree. Those are great for cats who love to climb. Sprinkle it with catnip, and the next time little kitty throws himself at your leg, quickly put him on the cat tree, and mimic scratching on it, to show him what to do with it. By showing him, he will learn that it's more fun to climb the cat tree than you. Cat trees are always a good investment, I got mine on Ebay, and the cats live on it, practically. They know it's theirs and never scratch the couch since they have a place to get out their scratching needs.

Do you have a cat who loves to rocket around the house as he knocks over knicknacks and other stuff in his way? It's kind of like having a herd of wild elephants go charging through the living room, making a load of noise as they go. This is just cat energy being spent, kitty is bored and finding something to do. Give him some toys, and throw them for him so he can play. One great way to get kitty's energy focused is to use a laser light pointer and aim it at the wall. Watch kitty flip and flop, hopping at the wall on his tiptoes, as he tries to get that light. Don't shine the light in his eyes, because it is a laser, but do use it as a tool to play. Beau loves the laser light pointer and will watch the wall for hours afterwards, waiting for the light to come back. They can be bought at any office supply or pet store, cheap.

Another great and cheap toy to get kitty playing and distracted is the cotton swab, or Q-tip, but only let your cats play with these under your supervision so they don't ingest the cotton fuzz on the end. My cats never have swallowed any, and we've used them as toys for all my life. These things make my cats go wild. Just throw it in the middle of the room, or tie it to a string and drag it around the room. Any cat in the room will be drawn to it like a moth to a flame. My cat Blackie will do gymnastic manoevers with Q-tips, as he picks it up and throws it for himself, when nobody else does it for him. He can leap and rotate in mid-air. Cotton swabs make cats do the funniest things.

Embrace the crazy things your cat does, don't punish, just retrain if they do things that really bother you. It just takes a little understanding and patience. See what they need - are they bored, are they trying to show caring but doing it in a way that hurts? Gently retrain or distract. When kitty knows what you want from him, he will eventually get the hint and learn..most of the time. Beau still chomps on my arm, but doesn't do it as hard as he used to. He doesn't like being ignored, and if he mistakenly chomps too hard, I just walk off and don't give him the attention he wants. That, in itself, is punishment to him and he has learned from it.

If you want to see what other funny things other peoples' cats do, just watch America's Funniest Home Videos. Cats and dogs are great material for funny videos because they are fun and entertaining. Enjoy them, and let them enjoy you back. Teamwork is the answer.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_McFann

Read More

Choosing A Cat Name

Welcoming a baby into a home comes with the joy and responsibility of naming the new addition – of forever assigning a label by which the world will refer to him. When it comes to our pets, the responsibility can feel just as important. Choosing names for our pets is a time-honored family tradition whereby we gather together to weigh in on the choice, basing a name on our pet’s very special personality. Choosing a cat name can be exceptionally difficult as cats come with their own subtle personalities that can initially be hard to identify.

Of course, for those of us who had cats in our homes as we were growing up, picking a cat name can be a bit easier; perhaps there’s a special cat that will forever hold a place in your heart after whom you wish to name your new cat. Perhaps there’s a name you’ve always admired but works best when paired with a unique cat; perhaps there’s a distinctive family name that is traditionally passed down to your pets or a name that’s meaning is something special for you; and, of course, there is always the consideration for particular names popular in different cultures.

Then of course there is a cat name that describes the look of your cat – a white cat, a fat cat, a small cat, etc; a cat name that relates the gender of your cat; or a cat name that describes the personality of your cat – whether friendly, funny, shy, etc. It may take a while to discover just what that personality is, especially if you are bringing home a kitten. It is totally appropriate to wait until you get to know your new cat before choosing a name that best fits him/her.

These days, the Internet can be the greatest resource for finding the perfect cat name. You can take a casual browse through the names or look for something specific. Take the time to find the cat name that best reflects the personality of both you and your pet – it’ll be with you a lifetime!

For easy to understand, in depth information about cat name visit our ezGuide 2 Cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

Read More

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant - Part 1

Is your cat acting strangely? Well it might be pregnant! It is important to recognize when a cat is pregnant so that you can provide sufficient care for your cat. Here are some simple steps that you can do to assure that your female pet is pregnant.

1. Usually when pregnant, your cats nipples will begin to grow and in the same time, become soft and pink.

2. Gently run your hand across your cats abdominal area to see if you feel any sorts of swelling or small lumps

3. When a cat becomes pregnant, her demeanor may change. Most of the time, they becoming more loving and affectionate compared to when they are not pregnant.

4. Take notice of a significant weight gain in your cat. To distinguish pregnant from fat, a pregnant cat will only be fatter around the abdominal area, but a fat cat is fat all over including the neck, legs, etc.

5. Sometimes a pregnant cat may experience morning sickness, similar to female humans when they are pregnant.

6. Your pregnant cat will start eating a lot more and demanding a lot more food. But it is still important to feed it with the correct kinds of food

So you find out that your cat is really pregnant! Don't panic because now the real work begins. If you are as lost as any other cat lover out there, help is on your way.

Discover the secrets that veterinarians and cat breeders use, to keep your pregnant cat safe and healthy AND raise happy, healthy kittens which would be discussed in part II

Check out http://www.squidoo.com/pregnantcat/ for part II on Taking care of our pregnant cat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Chin

Read More

Most Common Misconceptions About Cats

Cats are as common as dogs, but somehow there are a lot of people who dislike cats more than they do dogs, but when asked why, their reply would be, oh, I just hate them, no particular reason. Why is it that some people dislike cats? Are they misinformed? Do they have misconceptions about the furry felines? Given a chance to change their opinions on cats, it is certain that they will find these animals just enjoyable as dogs as pets.

Since cats and dogs are the most common house pets, they are frequently compared and judged. Through these constant comparisons, misconceptions about cats are formed, and people will realize some not-so-attractive qualities about cats. But a cat shouldn’t be compared with a dog, as a dog is an affectionate animal, and requires constant love and attention, whereas a cat has a more independent character. That would be appealing to some people who prefer a pet which isn’t so demanding.

Let us now rid ourselves of the misconceptions we might have towards cats. Here are two examples which you may find familiar.

“Cats are cold towards people and have no personality.”

Yes, compared to dogs, cats are a lot less affectionate. They do not run to you with wagging tails when you come home from work to greet you, and in fact, they may even seem indifferent towards you. Therefore cats are misunderstood as being cold and would not make a great pet. But cats are very loving creatures; it is just that they have selected moments when they want to be affectionate, and it is not all the time that they want to be friendly.

Don’t misunderstand your cat’s rubbing and nestling up your leg as a sign that it’s hungry and wants food or treats. Just because they are not as affectionate as dogs does not mean that they do not appreciate some warmth and affection from their masters. Cats are more quiet creatures, and they rather chill on your lap, table areas or smuggle up next to you when they want to get some rest.

“Cats are able to handle themselves and do not need human contact”

Here is another false impression about cats which is not totally true. There may be more stray cats than dogs in your neighborhood, but it does not mean that your pet cat since birth will want to wander into the real world and take care of itself

Cats are easy to maintain, and they take care of themselves well, as we all already know. A cat, however, if well taken care of with a lot of love will be affectionate towards its master, and will want some contact with them. These are probably the most appreciated qualities about cats- low maintenance, compared to any other pets out there. See below for more information on Siamese Cats.

For more information on Misconceptions about Cats or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/2-common-misconceptions-about-cats/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charley_Hwang

Read More

Living With The Cat - Chapter 5

Under all possible domestic cats, the race of the Maine Coon is without any doubt the biggest! There are Maine Coons with a weight of over 15 kilograms and a length over all including the bushy tail of more than one meter. Whenever people visit me, they are impressed with my cat Gino. And he is not fat at all. He is just big and full of mussels. I can leave the front door wide open. Nobody would come into my patio. Even the dogs of our street respect him and stay away.

It was a big change for Gino, when we came from Middle Europe to Brazil six years ago, but now he got very well acclimatized. As there is no winter time, he doesn't show this wonderful winter coat and the very impressive mane, but he is still a semi longhair with a very different coat to all other cats here around. It was not at all the first time, we moved. I always had a life like a gypsy. This kind of life only a Maine Coon can accept.

Because there is something very special about Maine Coons. Normally cats have their territory and they really do not mind that much, who opens the tins for them. Maine Coons are different, they don't grow any deeper connection to the territory, but they have a firm connection to their owner. By the way, I never had the impression to be the owner of my cat. He is staying with me, because he likes the way I am treating him. I can take my cat, visit a friend or go out for fishing, he loves to travel or go by car. Whatever we do, it is all right, when we are together. He is not depending on me, but he is the kind of an adventurous cat. Of course I can leave him at home, but I always tell him: "I'll be back in some hours." ... or tomorrow.

I had heard about a woman, who had a Maine Coon in Germany and after five years she gave the cat away to another neighbor, because she had to move to another city. Just fourteen days later, the Maine Coon died. Reason was a broken heard.

Another thing special I experienced is that people suffering from cat allergies never had problems with Gino. Maine Coons have special oil, which coats their fur.

So if you are interested to buy a Maine Coon, be aware what you are going to do. This race lives almost twenty years. When your kids are grown up, the cat is still there and still trying to be your good friend.

Regine Hehn is a cats enthusiast and practitioner. She owns and maintains New Cat Care.

http://newcatcare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Regine_Hehn

Read More

Living With The Cat - Chapter 4

In reality I think there is no such choice like. Do I buy a rabbit or am I going to buy a chicken. Am I interested in a cat or a dog? You should feel deep inside of you, what attracts you. Many people have both, as well the cat and the dog. It works fine, takes some time, but they learn to live with each other.

I always hear people say, yes cat and dog can live together, but only when they get accustomed to it, when they are still young. This is not so! My cat for example is nine years old, 15 kilogram and a real big Maine Coon male. Just two month ago my wife and I married and we moved together. Her pet was a dachshund. Almost 10 years old and it was said, he doesn't like cats at all. My wife thought, we might have a big problem lying ahead.

Well I can tell everybody interested, only two month have passed, and they cannot live one without the other, they are lying in the sun together, they are having their meals together, they run about in the green grass around the swimming pool and are having a lot of fun.

Of course it was not all like that in the first days. First the dog thought, there was the cat, he always wanted to hunt. But the cat thought: This is my territory and I am not going to run away from this dog. They both had to learn a lesson. As hunting the cat did not work, the dog, his name is Dundee ate all the cat food, what made the cat very angry, but he still showed a lot of patience. Then Dundee put his entire body odor in the cats cushion. Now the Maine Coon, his name is Gino thought, enough is enough.

At the next attack of Dundee, Gino did not move one centimeter. Dundee started barking, but Gino only put himself in an upright position to defense himself better. Dundee approached more and still barking a little bit more. Then he was to close and Gino, the cat attacked very quick and very effective. The dachshund's nose was bleeding a little bit. Dundee was more than only surprised. The next days he went around the cat in a respectful distance. Then day by day the cat got used to the dog. The distances diminished more and more. Dundee came little by little so close; he finally could put his nose in the bushy tail of the cat.

Dundee never again attacked Gino and Gino allowed the dog to smell at him. One morning, when I woke up early, they both were laying one aside the other on my terrace in front of my living room.

Regine Hehn is a cat care enthusiast and practitioner. She owns and maintains New Cat care.

http://newcatcare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Regine_Hehn

Read More

Taking Care Of A New Kitten

Apparently pets are good for your health and are known to keep loneliness and depression at bay. With a lively pet in the house, you will never feel the need of having someone around you all the time and doctors are in fact recommending pet therapy to attain sound psychological health. Choosing a pet entirely depends on your individual preference. Most people mainly women and kids love having a cute kitten for company and treat it just like a child. They love taking care of a new kitten. Cats have often been associated with mystery and power and were considered as a witch's best friend. This could be because they are usually more intelligent as compared to dogs and also require little or no grooming assistance like dogs. They use their saliva to clean their coat and once taught to use litter boxes properly they can easily manage on their own. However, you need to prepare yourself for taking care of a new kitten before you invite your new pet into your house and buy some supplies to ensure that it has a comfortable stay.

When taking care of a new kitten, you will require a litter scoop/litter tray if you are planning to keep it inside the house all the time. Having a covered litter tray would be a good idea, as it prevents spillage. You will also require a pet carrier for your routine visits to the vet and boarding kennels and even when you are carrying it over to your friend's house. For the safety of your kitten, it is important to buy a collar and tag. These can be great assets, as they will help you get your kitten back in case it gets lost. Also get a few interesting toys and a scratching post for your kitten to entertain it and keep it happy. Make sure that you keep some healthy cat food ready for your beloved pet. Special formulas are available in the market that can be chosen depending on the age of your pet. A balanced diet with all the essential nutrients will keep your pet healthy and happy.

Now that you have the necessary supplies, the next step is to make your house "cat proof". After all, you never know when a kitten would attack your newly purchased sofas or dirty your expensive Persian carpet. Make sure that there are no small items around that can be easily swallowed. So, keep all those rubber bands, buttons, and tiny strings away from the reach of your pet to avoid choking. Kittens love to play with plastic bags, as they make interesting sounds and may accidentally swallow them while playing. Stash them away and also hide pills, bottles, and other medicines that can be consumed.

If gardening is your hobby, make sure that the plants you choose are not harmful. Certain ornamental plants are poisonous and can wreck your pet's health. It's a delightful experience to own a pet and it is your responsibility to keep it healthy. So, prepare yourself and your house for taking care of a new kitten and welcome this new four-legged bundle of joy into your lives.

Fore more information and tips on new Kitten Care and looking after your four legged friend visit => http://www.takingcareofanewkitten.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster

Read More

New Trends In Cat Accessories

There's always been a certain air of bulkiness and ugly familiarity of conventional cat care products. Lately, there's been a craze sweeping across cat lovers to make cat products as unique and stylish as their owners. Of course, quality and durability is essential to withstand even the toughest cat. Here are some fun products, from beds to litter pans, that your cat will love using and you'll love looking at!

The stylish Feline Lotus Cat Furniture set looks more like a work of art than a multi-tiered cat lounger and bed. It has two flat tiers, and a wonderfully designed third tier that's gently curved for kitty comfort. At the bottom, it comes with a huge scratching pad and a spacious privacy bed.

To top it off, this cat furniture comes with an extra-durable mahogany, birch or cherry finish. These wood finishes are neutral enough to match any furniture color scheme and actually add to the stylish value of the room!

Cats always needs fresh clean water. In the past, cat owners have always been baffled as to why cats gravitate towards running water to drink. The key to this is basic water chemistry. The longer water sits, the lower the pH becomes as it loses oxygen, and the more sour water tastes. By using the Vet Ventures Drinkwell Pet Fountain, which circulates water and also passes it through a carbon filter, you provide the freshest and most natural tasting water possible. Keeping more than one in separate rooms makes sure you never run out of water for your kitty! It can also hold up to a gallon of water, plenty for even 3 or more cats.

Tired of keeping your kitty's ugly plastic bulky litter box hidden away in a closet? Now you can incorporate the often awkward litter box into stylish end tables! The "Refined Feline Litter Box" comes in a regular size and a larger size (to support automatically cleaning litter boxes). It looks like a stylish simple table, and it comes in mahogany, birch or cherry. It has two opening doors on the front and a nicely sized cat entrance on the side.

This trendy litter box is also highly functional. With your cat's litter box being enclosed as it is in the Refined Feline Litter Box, odor and tracked litter will be minimized or even eliminated. The trays slide out for cleaning and it also has a storage drawer for convenience.

The days of boring old cat products are out! These new products are a treat for your cat and you to enjoy and admire!

Dominic Lee is the spokeperson for PetPetSupplies.com - the premier internet destination for pet supplies, accessories, and products for pets. Please check out http://www.petpetsupplies.com/cats-cat-furniture-scratchers.html for more trendy cat furniture and accessories

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Lee

Read More

Your Cat And How To Discipline Her

Most days your kitty gives you a special calm and inner peace by showing her love and trust for you when she curls up in your lap and purrs herself to sleep as you gently stroke her body. She makes you laugh as she plays with her toys or speeds through the house.

But there can be those other days...Days she drives you crazy when she scratches your furniture, sneak attacks your ankles, stops using the litter box, knocks over your plants, insists on getting into things and places she's never bothered before or other strange and frustrating behavior you're positive she's doing just to get back at you for some reason. And sometimes you're looking right at her when she does these things!

Your first reaction when any of this happens is to discipline your cat. Let me tell you right now that a cat doesn't respond to discipline in a positive learning way.

First off, grabbing hold of your cat to begin administering the punishment will result in kitty fighting back. She has no idea that she has just done something you didn't like. All she knows is that right now, something bigger than her that has always been kind is holding her against her will. Rubbing your kitty's nose in the piddle she just left will probably get you bit or scratched but will also start a feeling of resentment and mistrust in your cat that may never go away.

A common form of behavior modification many people use on their cats is a squirt bottle. If you are doing this, PLEASE STOP. All you're doing is creating fear and mistrust in your cat that takes you from the "friend" category to the "enemy/predator" category in your cat's mind. You're instilling a fear of water in your cat plus you could accidentally get water in her ear, which can cause other problems entirely.

Your cat needs guidance. You need to teach your cat what behavior you'll accept but temper the lessons with love and patience. You need to begin to understand the basic nature of cats and their instincts. The "why" of their behavior.

An important first step to finding out why kitty is acting like she is is to take her to the vet for a check-up. Once you have the assurance of a clean bill of health, you need to ask yourself what has changed in the home.

The best way to stay in a loving friendship with your cat is to have patience, perseverance. Have you added something new to the house, changed the furniture around, changed cat foods, changed the location of the litter box, changed the litter, added a new pet, added a new baby or had a change in the social situation of the house? There are so many things that can upset kitty that it's going to be like solving a major detective mystery. Start putting all the clues together until the puzzle is finished and the reason revealed. There is always a reason why kitty is acting out. In the end, kitty will thank you for doing this for her instead of giving up.

Research has shown that most pets are given to animal shelters, or worse dumped somewhere; because of common behavior problems their owners didn't want to take the time to fix or didn't know how to solve. Once you understand why your cat is behaving the way she is, you will be able to fix the problems and live peaceably with her again.

Ruth Walby

These links will help you to understand why bad behavior occurs, what you are dealing with, and how to correct it. Remember; never, ever hit an animal for doing something, which to it, is only natural.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Walby

Read More

Persian Cats - A Mystery of the Cat Breeds

The Persian cats are a breed all their own and the most popular cat in America. They have many special qualities and unique habits, which help to make them the most popular and beloved cat in America.

Cat owners around the world have discovered the many benefits of becoming friends to the furry feline.

Cats were probably not domesticated until approximately 5,000-8000 short years ago (this compares to 14,000 years of domestication for their canine counterparts). Cats first appeared some 35-40 million years ago according to fossil discoveries. In Egypt, cats were worshipped as goddesses. They felt the Goddess Bast controlled the heat of the sun. This was shown as a statue of a woman's body with a feline's head. The Egyptians also believed the cat was the daughter of Isis and the Goddess of the Sun and the Moon. The glow from cat's eyes held captive the light of the sun according to the Egyptians. Cats that belonged to the Egyptian pharaohs were mummified alongside them. This fact probably proved cats were held in great esteem by the Egyptians. They made carved wooden figurines, jewelry and furniture in the form of the fair feline. All these items have been found among the possessions of ancient Egyptians.

Cats were not only cherished for their extreme beauty. Humans found them to be very helpful in controlling rodent populations, which protected precious grain and food supplies. Cats proved to be an asset to almost every community in which humans settled. However, the world soon discovered not all cats are the same.

This mysterious creature comes in all shapes and sizes, colors and temperaments. Before the 1600's, the only cats appearing in Europe and the rest of the world all had short hair. You can just imagine the surprise and ultimate delight of those who came across the first luxurious longhaired cats.

It is difficult for cat historians to determine exactly when Persians first found their way into civilization. In fact, it is a general consensus among cat historians:

• We do not know the exact origins of the Persian
• We do not know how they came into existence
• We do not know where they were first developed

Persians are a mystery, and probably due mostly to people not keeping records.

Some facts historians can tell us about the Persian are:

• A man named Petro della Valle is accredited with introducing the first longhaired cats into Europe
• Della Valle brought several pairs from the land of Persia (known today as Iran) to Italy in approximately 1620
• The name "Persian" is derived from the area in which they were discovered
• For many years following the discovery of longhaired felines, Europeans referred to all longhaired cats as Persians or Angoras
• Angoras was brought to Turkey by a Frenchman named Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc
• There was a difference between these two types of cats: Persians and Angoras: the Persian cats had fuller, woollier coats and were stockier, while the Angoras from Turkey had a silkier coat of fur and a lighter frame
• Longhaired cats were the result of, or even a mutation of, cross-breeding between the furry European wild cat and the Steppe Cat, discovered by the German naturalist, Peter Simon Pallas
• The long, dense hair was necessary for these felines to protect themselves from the cold Asian environments of Persia and Angora

Source: Persian Cats by Sandra L. Toney, published by T.F.H., the world's largest and most respected publisher of pet literature

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon For more information about Persian cats visit: http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats - For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Read More

Persian Cats - The Silver and Golden

It has been said that in times passed the silvers were hard to handle. This is not true today. Persian cat breeders have worked hard to eliminate behavior problems. The silvers are however, described as being different in personality from Persians of other colors. Some of those differences are:

• More active
• Lower birth weights in general
• Females leave the nest box quite early
• They mature sexually at an early age, but do not look their best until they are three to five years old
• Some of the silvers are smaller in size and lighter in bone when compared with other Persians
• They are outgoing cats with unique personalities
• They are intelligent, affectionate and people-oriented lap cats
• They are not couch potatoes as Persians have often been described
• They are sensitive and need to be socialized from an early age
• They do not like isolation and confinement
• Many have profuse coats, some have the difficult-to-groom "cotton candy" coat
• All seem to have fine textured hair that breaks easily
• They may have more sensitive skin
• It is best to start grooming early and gently

Once you see a chinchilla Persian, you may feel there is no other color as striking. The silver and golden division includes the chinchilla Persian as well as shaded silvers and goldens. The chinchilla is a glistening white feline with black or gold tipping lightly sprinkled throughout the entire coat, except for a pure white color on chest and stomach. There are both gold and silver varieties of chinchilla Persians.

The shaded variety of Persian exhibits a mantle of black on its backside with evenly shaded sides. There should be darker tipping on the legs and face than is found on the chinchilla. Golden Persians have a basic color that is a deep, warm cream with the tips of the hairs being black.

Silvers and goldens should have green or hazel eyes with a black rim encircling them as if a makeup artist had applied eye liner either a dark red or rose colored and the paw pads should be black.

Shaded and smoke division contains all Persians with tipped coats, except for those who are found in the silver and golden division. Smoke Persians that fall into this category are:

• Black
• Blue
• Cream
• Cameo (red)
• Smoke tortoiseshell
• Blue cream

A sleeping or lounging smoke Persian will appear a solid color, however, once the smoke Persian begins to move, you will see the undercoat which is a pure snow white.

Source: Persian Cats by Sandra L. Toney, published by T.F.H., the world's largest and most respected publisher of pet literature, and Cat Fancy Association Online

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon For more information about Persian cats visit: http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Read More

Persian Cats - A Breed of Many Colors Part 2

It is probably not a good idea to introduce solids into a golden program to improve type and bone. This can cause the same problems that it does in a silver program and more problems. Problems are:

• It muddies the coat color
• Spoils the eye color
• Causes more tabby markings in a color that has not yet eliminated these markings

Silvers were being bred before 1900. The goldens were not seriously bred until the 1960s.

Color is most important in the shaded or tipped cats. The pale blue color of years ago has almost disappeared from the blue Persian. A smoke is not a smoke without the dramatic color-on-top and white-underneath coat. Silvers and goldens must have the proper tipping as well as black mascara and margins with the appropriate and distinctive nose and eye color.

A significant difference between chinchilla silvers and shaded silvers existed at one time. Today, some of the silvers are referred to as "neither/nors." They are neither chinchilla silvers nor shaded silvers. There are many more silvers registered as shaded than as chinchilla. There is seldom true shaded silver with sufficient tipping to give its lovely dark mantle. Often now if silver is not snow white, or if it has a little too much shading on the body, the Persian is registered as a shaded silver, even though it does not have enough tipping to be truly shaded. Until recently, you could tell the difference between chinchilla silver and shaded silver from across the room. This is not the case today.

The eye color in silvers and goldens has always been important. The standard in eye color for silvers and goldens is specific. The standard is:

• Green or blue-green (disqualify for incorrect eye color, which is copper, yellow, gold, amber or any color other than green or blue-green

This eye color standard is often difficult for golden and silver breeders to obtain. A silver or golden with incorrect eye color can still be valuable in a breeding program, but not in the shows ring.

Silvers have variations in the amount of tipping and a white undercoat with black tipping - one shade of white and one shade of black.

The golden standard is:

• Undercoat is to be cream and the tipping black

A cream cat with black tipping and green eyes is not a true golden. The overcoat of guard hair is ticked. Each hair shaft is banded with yellow, rust and dark brown or black. Goldens and chinchillas are also characteristic of having:

• Tabby M's on their foreheads, dark spines and dark tail tips
• It is rare to have two goldens of the same shade in the same litter
• The coat color can change until the Persian cat is five years of age or even older
• Some goldens are born with rich color
• Some take two to three years to develop a rich color
• The color of the undercoat can change with the seasons of the year to gray, muddy color at certain times of the year

There are very few goldens shown, as it is so difficult to get all things correct to the standard. Also, many goldens have been incorrectly registered and shown in the wrong color class. For example: An apricot golden has been shown as a chinchilla golden just because of its light color, not because of the appropriate amount of tipping. A darker golden color was more likely to be shown as a shaded golden just because it was dark and less attention given to the amount of tipping. Color class has been defined by the amount of tipping and not the color of the undercoat in goldens and silvers.

Many beautiful and competitive silvers were produced in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. The late 1970s brought blacks with a different look and shorter nose than some other colors. The silvers were as good as or better than the whites shown at this time. The silver breeders of the '70s were breeding selectively to improve and set type. It is unfortunate that this selective breeding further limited an already small gene pool.

Source: The Cat Fancier Association Online

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon For more information about Persian cats visit: http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Read More

Persian Cats - Making a Commitment

As longhaired cats became more and more popular in Europe, especially in England, British owners created clubs based on color. The blue longhairs were most popular in the late 1800's. Queen Victoria had a pair of colorful blue felines.

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy was formed in England in 1910. The recommended standards of cat breeds were drafted as well. At that time, they decided the longhaired felines known as longhairs, or Persians, would be known formally as longhairs. They dropped the name Persian. The Angora cat declined in popularity. This was probably due to cat lovers preferring the Persians' fuller coat and stockier build. The Angora's coat was thinner and they had a leaner build.

People in the United States began obtaining longhaired cats in abundance from England. The Persian soon overtook the once-popular Maine Coon Cat by the 1900's.

The Cat Fancier's Association, which is the leading cat registry in the U.S. and the world, was founded in 1906. The Persian cat was also bred in different structural directions. The head shape and nose break would soon become the object of much criticism and concern. Regardless of this occurrence, the Persian was and still is one of the world's most registered and highest rated of all felines.

If you are searching for your first Persian kitten, there are many important things you need to think about, which include:

• Where to look
• What you are looking for prior to a selection

You will first need to understand that adding any kitten to your home is a commitment to care for, respect, and love this little creature for the duration of its life. This little kitty will depend upon you, its owner, for every need and want that will include:

• Food
• Recreation
• Medical check-ups
• Grooming
• Security
• Litter training
• Teaching where to and where not to scratch
• And companionship

The list above is not a complete list, but certainly at the top of your list for things a Persian kitty will definitely need. This is true of any kitten you adopt, however, adopting a Persian kitten will require more time and care than some other cat breeds. For one thing, the Persian cat generally has a long and full coat that will require daily grooming to keep it tangle-free and in good shape. You should count on Persian cat grooming on a daily basis at about 20 to 30 minutes each day. If this will be a problem for you, you might want to rethink the decision to adopt a Persian kitten.

And where to buy: Just as with puppy buying, avoid the pet shops. A purchase from a Persian cat breeder will probably yield the highest quality for you.

Source: Persian Cats by Sandra L. Toney, published by T.F.H. publications, the world's largest and most respected publisher of pet literature

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon For more information about Persian cats visit: http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Read More

Cat Training Tips

With these cat training tips I hope to destroy the myth that cats are all independent, fickle creatures that just want to be left alone. True, most cats lead a solitary, individual life. But studies have shown that cats are incredibly affectionate and loving by nature...they just need their owners to demonstrate a little leadership and begin some rapport building.

Most cat owners take for granted a cat's ability to learn. After all, a cat will automatically take to the litter box and will clean and preen herself for what seems like hours on end. But, don't underestimate your cat's abilities to learn more advanced things like learning to sit on command, to come when called, to stay or to fetch. Training your cat has another advantage, too! It will enrich her life in the following ways.

-It will build a strong rapport between you and your cat

-The training will underline your authority over her which in turn eliminates dominant behavior

-It will obviously keep your cat's mind active and thus, stimulated

-Training teaches good social skills

-The repetition of training will make anxious and high strung cats become more reassured

So, how do you train a cat?

There are two very popular methods: target training and clicker training.

Target training is where you use a toll to attract your cat's attention and get the desired results. For example, a training wand is held slightly above the cat's head until he looks up and is forced to sit or beg.

Clicker training uses a device that makes a clicking sound. When the cat performs the desired effect, the clicker is sounded at that precise moment. For example, if teaching the cat to sit, as soon as her bottom touches the ground sound the clicker and give her a small treat. With repetition, the cat learns to associate the click with food and recognizes that by "performing" she will get a treat.

Here are a few tips for training your cat.

-Patience, patience, patience. All cats are individuals and will learn at a different pace. She may learn some tricks quickly while struggling with others. Don't lose your temper if a training session doesn't go as planned.

-If you leave food out for your cat to eat whenever she wants stop that practise at once. You will want to use treats during your training to speed up results. This won't work if Miss Kitty has a full tummy! Plan your training sessions just before a scheduled mealtime. It will sharpen her focus and she will more readily obey.

-Itty bitty baby steps are best! Build a strong foundation of the basics, like sit, stay and come, before trying to teach her to give high fives or open a cabinet, etc.

-Remember cats have short attention spans. Keep her sessions short and invigorating. Always try and end on a positive note.

These tips will get you started with training your cat, If you need guidance, there are a number of cat training manuals and courses available online. While most of the courses tend toward dog training some for cats are quite useful. Your local library may even have a few. Any effort you make will be rewarding for both you and your cat.

Steve Kettle is a freelance writer and publisher of a pet website. You can visit it at http:http://www.pawspawspaws.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Kettle

Read More