Wednesday, May 14, 2008

By Grace Heal
I have always said, "I don't own my cat; He own me!" You know how it is? You sit down in your favourite lounge chair to relax and read the paper. Puss spies you out, jumps on your lap. He creeps to your shoulder, extending a paw either side and you are engulfed by him! Well this is the scene I inadvertably find myself in. My cat, "Tom" (as in "Tom and Jerry") is the most possessive creature!... but I love him. He is adorable and very spoilt. He is also good company.

DID YOU KNOW???

Cats make over 100 different vocalization sounds, and their hearing is much more sensitive than humans and dogs. They are the only animals that purr.

Cats have 30 vertebrae, which is 5 more than humans, and have 230 bones, which is 24 more than humans.

Cats can jump 5 times their height. When they do jump, their foot pads absorb the shock of landing. It is a myth that cats always land on their feet, they may instinctively fall feet first, but can receive broken bones. Most cats can survive a fall of 30 feet.

Most cats have no eyelashes. They are born with 6 or 7 front toes and extra back toes are called polyduct! Cats walk on their toes.

Cats are also good swimmers, but they just don't like water.

Their whiskers are specialized sensory hairs located in 3 locations on the cats head, this being 12 on each side of their nose.

All cats are born with blue eyes. IN dim lights cats eyes must be open as wide as possible for them to "see in the dark", but must be able to contract to very small to protect the retina which is very sensitive in bright sun light. They also have a field of vision of 185 degrees.

A large majority of cats with white fur have blue eyes and are deaf. These cats with white fur are susceptible to sunburn, which can leas to skin cancer.

Flea eggs can survive for more than 10 years if the conditions are favourable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Heal
By Randa Magdi
Even though we know that cats are extremely territorial and do not easily accept a newcomer, it is reassuring to know that our cats can live in harmony with a newbie if the introductions are made correctly. They can adapt and accept a new cat into the family.

Doing the introductions properly and slowly at this initial stage will make life so much easier down the track.

At the outset you need to mindful that domestic tranquility will not happen instantly. It will take time and patience - but it will be worth it to be able to extend your family and enjoy the love and affection from another cat in the household.

The best approach is to get a friend to carry your new kitten or cat into your house in a cat carrier case. It should be seen as a no fuss affair.

The new cat should be taken to a separate room within which it will live on its own for a short time. The room should contain a cozy sleeping place, an individual litter box, water dish, feeding dish, toys and a scratching post.

Never attempt to put the cats together instantly or attempt to force a meeting.

You are bringing the new cat into the territory of your existing cats so by first allowing it to occupy this one room is the best option. Your existing cat will quickly know that another cat is in its territory.

Scent is highly important for cats - your existing cat will be able to smell the new cat - even behind closed doors. You can expect some tantrums to take place - hissing, crying, etc as your cat asserts itself to the newcomer.

You should let your cat smell the other cat indirectly. This could be done by rubbing a towel on one and letting the other smell it. They will gradually come to accept this scent as a normal household scent.

This initial period will set the tone for the relationship for a long time to come so it's worth putting in the effort for the period of time it can take.

And we must not forget that the new cat will also be highly stressed coming into a new environment - especially f it hears an unhappy cat on the other side of the door. You need to be patient and loving to both cats throughout this whole process.

The next step is to let the cats swap environments for a short period of time on a couple of occasions. You will need help with this - one person to carry out the new cat into the larger space while the other person takes the resident cat into the new cat's temporary room and stays with it while it smells the new scents. Of course the other cat should be supervised in case it dives under the lounge. At least you'll know where it is at all times.

The integration period may take from a few days to a week or longer. You will get a sense of when the temperaments settle as the adjustment slowly takes place.

Before the cats meet face-to-face in an open setting, it is recommended that you let them meet through the door which you hold slightly ajar so they can see one-another and sniff noses if they want. The other option is to get some sort of grate or something like a baby gate - so they can see and smell each other but not be able to pounce on one-another with this level of protection.

When you think the time is right, let them meet face-to-face and mingle with one-another - under constant and close supervision.

Ignore any hissing and growling and be ready to intervene if any kind of altercation starts to take place. The more they tolerate one-another, the more praise and attention each should receive. Again, there may need to be two of you at this delicate time.

Try to engage both of them in a pleasurable activity - like chasing a piece of string or playing with a toy they can both enjoy. This will let them associate fun and enjoyment with the company of the other cat. Give equal amounts of attention to both cats - playing and patting. Always let them eat from their own food bowls.

If things start to get heated between the cats, you will need to again separate them. The key is patience - eventually they will learn to accept one-another even if only begrudgingly. Cats can fine their own space and play the avoidance game for however long is necessary.

An introduction can really take from two hours to six months depending on the age of the cats and their temperaments - so the key is to persevere and be patient and calm.

If you have an older cat - rather than introduce one kitten, consider two kittens so they can amuse one-another and leave the older cat to enjoy some peace.

END

I love animals, good food and the company of friends so I like to indulge my passions. Hence, my life revolves around these - both privately and professionally. This is my idea of living my dreams..

As a pet owner, I want the very best for my pets as I know other pet lovers do. So, I have been a co-creator of a new website called dogsandcats.com.au. The service is the sort of one-stop-shop we have looked for in the past ourselves. Our true passion is for the animals - to make sure you have access to the best they can get.

We want to give you a place to cater to all of your dog and cat needs. You can find out about your local service providers and see what sort of a reputation they have based on ratings others have left. If you know of a great service that's not included - just click here to add it (http://www.dogsandcats.com.au/register.php).

When you visit our dog and cat site you will be able to sign up and receive our free ecourse. You will discover the seemingly innocent human foods that can be fatal to your pet. You will learn about plants and flowers to avoid, how to ensure your house is pet friendly and we'll cover travel safety. When you register you will also receive details and be in the running for our competitions, give-aways and other news.

If dinner parties are your thing also, you may care to visit my dinner party ideas blog. Yes, you can have the regular dinner party but with just a little planning, you can make your next dinner party a night your guests will remember (http://www.dinnerpartyideas.blogspot.com/).

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

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

By D Swain
When healthy, your cat should have bright and clear eyes. There are a few common feline eye diseases that you should be aware about. Some of these include glaucoma, retinal atrophy, and conjunctivitis. Let's take a look at some of these diseases.

Glaucoma

One of the first common feline eye diseases is glaucoma. This is a condition in which there is too much pressure on the inside of the eye. Glaucoma is the one of the leading causes of blindness in cats. In its early stages, glaucoma can be treated with medication aimed at reducing the internal eye pressure. If your cat is in an advanced stage, surgery may be required.

Retinal Atrophy

One of the next common feline eye diseases is progressive retinal atrophy. This is a condition in which your cat's retina degenerates or shrinks. Retinal atrophy can be inherited or caused by a lack of taurine in your cat's diet. The condition progresses very slowly, but will eventually cause your cat to become blind. Unfortunately, progressive retinal atrophy is untreatable.

Cataracts

Cataracts are usually a problem with older cats or those that have diabetes. This condition occurs when your cat's lens become cloudy making it difficult for him to see. Cataracts can be treated with surgery to remove the lens. In some cases, the cat may receive lens implants. If the problem is left untreated, it can result in glaucoma.

Conjunctivitis

One of the final common feline eye diseases is conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis occurs when the membrane that covers the eyelid and white of the eye becomes inflamed. It can be caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. The condition can affect your cat if he has allergies. Chronic bouts with conjunctivitis is often caused by recurrent herpes viral infections.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as Feline Calicivirus, stop by cat-illnesses.com. Your cat will thank you for it.

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

Friday, May 9, 2008

By D Swain
Feline skin diseases are some of the most common health problems that can affect your cat. The condition of your cat's skin and coat of hair is an important indicator of your cat's overall health, so it's important to be aware of it. Let's take a look at a few common feline skin diseases.

Acne

One of the most common feline skin diseases is acne. The most noticeable symptom of this condition is the formation of blackheads on your cat's chin. Although an exact cause is known, dermatitis, food allergies, and poor grooming can play a role. The veterinarian may not choose to treat feline acne is the case is mild enough.

If treatment of the acne is necessary, it usually comes in three forms. Your may have to bath your cat in a special shampoo that helps get rid of excess oil on your cat's skin. You may also have the option of using an antibiotic twice a day to get rid of the condition. If your cat is experiencing excessive inflammation, the veterinarian may choose to use corticosteroids.

Ringworm

Ringworm is also one of the most common feline skin diseases. This skin fungus frequently affects young, old, and long-haired cats although any cat can be affected. Symptoms include crusting, redness on the skin, and scaling. Some cats react to the fungus by over-grooming themselves which can cause hair loss. Treatment methods of ringworm include oral medication, shampoo, or clipping the cat's coat. You may also need to get rid of the fungus in the surrounding environment.

Cheyletiella Dermatitis

One of the last common feline skin diseases is Cheyletiella Dermatitis. This condition is caused by parasitic mites that can also be transmitted to humans. Your cat will likely experience various symptoms such as redness of the skin, small swelling spots, and dandruff. You may also notice large numbers of the white mites moving around on the surface of your cat's skin. Treatment for Cheyletiella Dermatitis includes dips in pyrethrin, lime sulfur, or selenium sulphide based shampoos. You will also need to get rid of the mites in the environment through spraying and vacuuming.

These are some of the most common feline skin diseases that can affect your cat. You should always pay attention to your cat's hair and skin as they can indicate how healthy your cat is.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as feline diabetes, stop by cat-illnesses.com. Your cat will thank you for it.

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

Saturday, May 3, 2008

By Robert Grazian
If you have a cat, you are well aware of just how pesky a litter box can be; this is where corrugated litter boxes can come in very handy. They have to be cleaned out on a then comes the time where all the litter needs to be dumped so that you and your kitty can start fresh. That is one of the most irritating chores of them all for cat owners, and that is a time when a corrugated litter box may be a great idea.

A corrugated litter box is just what it sounds like; it is a litter box that is composed of corrugated cardboard. This helps it to stay strong as a plastic one would, but also allows it to be completely disposable. After the litter has been scooped as much as possible, when it comes time to dump the whole litter box it easily folds down to fit in your outside trash can. This way, you don't have to worry about germs or making a mess that you may have to sweep up later; simply fold the cardboard litter box down and slip it into a trash bag.

Dump the bag and you're done! Best of all, you can unwrap a new corrugated litter box, pour litter in, and be done with the process. It sounds too simple, right? This is one of those cases in which something sounds too good to be true and it is really that way, and that is to the happy ears of loving cat owners around the world who have just been fed up with their current litter boxes.

There are other types of litter boxes that you may have tried, including the designer boxes that look like pieces of furniture, self cleaning litter boxes, hooded kitty litter boxes and more. Corrugated litter boxes are environmentally friendly and easy to deal with, giving you another helping hand in keeping your home as clean and sanitary as you want it to be, helping ensure a healthier life for everyone involved.

If you have a cat, corrugated litter boxes are definitely one of those things that you should be considering. There are many different options for your cat's sanitary purposes, and corrugated litter boxes are definitely one of those things that you should be considering.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about corrugated litter boxes visit Best Litter Boxes Online for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Grazian
By Brian E Hill
It is hard for us humans to understand cat behavior which can seem very strange and weird. Like all animals, they want food and water, and all cats like a clean litter tray and will try to get our attention when they have a need, but why do they do so many other weird things? For example, why does your cat always want to jump onto the lap of a friend who hates cats, even when there are lots of cat lovers in the room who would just adore for it to be fussed by them?

The reason is linked to another typical aspect of cat behavior. Have you noticed your cat rubbing up against furniture and pushing its head inside things like cartons and spaces? When cats go into a new place for the first time, or into a room that has just been redecorated, they will brush along the walls and go all around behind and under everything as if they are curious to see what is in all the hidden spaces in your room.

In fact they are not being curious at all. What the cat is doing is putting its saliva on the objects in the room, so that its scent is on them. This makes it clear to it and any other cats that the room is your cat's territory and those objects are part of it. In cat terms, your whole house and everything in it belongs to the cat. So why don't you see the cat licking everything? Because it doesn't need to. A cat spends so much time licking its fur, that rubbing its body against something is enough to transfer its saliva and scent.

For the same reason it will rub against any strangers who come into your house, and do the same to you if you have been out any place where there were other cats. It seems like it is welcoming you home, and it is, in a way. It is making you its property again. You may sometimes feel that your cat owns you instead of the other way around. Your cat would agree wholeheartedly!

This is why cats seem to target people who have pet allergies or don't like cats. Your cat wants to make all of your visitors belong in its house by giving them its scent. Most people will happily let it rub around their legs as soon as they walk in the door, or stroke it or let it lick their fingers, and its job is done. Those people have been accepted and it can ignore them for the rest of their visit, unless they wash or change their clothes. But people who are allergic will avoid the cat, and so the laws of cat behavior require that it keeps on trying to get close to them!

That is the reason that cat seem to love people who hate them!

Brian Hill is a life-long lover of animals, and having had cats as pets for all his adult life, he is particularly knowledgeable of them. His last cat died a few weeks ago after a long (20+ years) life, and by caring for all the cats that he has had, he is very familiar with their habits, and especially of how to care for them. He has a website http://mycatcarestore.com where he has a variety of items that are especially geared towards the better care of cats.

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

Friday, May 2, 2008

By Carole Baskin
If we were only $20.00 away from curing cancer, we would surely all clamor to be the one to complete the fundraising for the cure. Some of the ills of our society are that close to a cure. Ending the abuse of baby lions and tigers is one of them.

In 2005 The Chronicles of Narnia's computer generated animation of Aslan the lion captivated the imagination of all who witnessed the fantasy. The notion of being so special that the creature known as the King of Beasts would allow us to touch him became irresistible to many when they were allowed to act out their fantasy. It only cost them $20.00... and their conscience.

After paying $20.00 to have their picture made with a baby lion or tiger the vast majority of people, who learned the truth about the miserable lives captive cats lead, confess "I knew in my heart that there was something wrong..." Often it is the nagging conscience, reminding them of the distressed baby's cries for their real mothers, the barren accommodations, and the sleaziness of the business operators that haunted them long after the thrill of the moment had passed.

Most of the "pay to play" operations stay on the move. They set up in flea markets, fair grounds and parking lots for only a few days at a time. They frequently change their names and rarely own a facility anywhere that is open to public scrutiny. Then know that their pitch of doing this for education or conservation can easily be disproved. By the time they are found out, they are on the road again. In 2005 there were far too many lion and tiger babies bred just for this purpose and those who paid to touch them would be appalled if they knew how life has turned out for those innocent cubs.

Big cats can breed several times a year, giving birth to 2-6 cubs. The cubs are immediately pulled and bottle raised so that the mothers can be bred again. It was not unusual to see a circus-type side show offering the public the chance to handle cubs who were only days old. To keep the cubs small they are often starved, and deprived of the calcium and vitamins needed to build big, healthy bodies. In some cases cubs have been purposely poisoned to give them diarrhea so that they cannot put on any weight. Pound for pound a big cat is 12 times stronger than a man, so keeping them small and handlable is the main objective for these abusers. When they get too big to use, they disappear and there is virtually no way to track them. If the dealer has 10 tigers this year and 10 tigers next year, then it appears as if no births and no disappearances have happened, so no further investigation takes place. It is no coincidence that the US is the second largest consumer of illegal, black market tiger parts.

In 2007 USDA adopted a policy stating that baby big cats, under the age of 8 weeks and over the age of 16 weeks, could not be handled by the public. They also define a big cat as lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, mountain lions, and cheetahs. Florida and some other states still classify a mountain lion as a small cat and allow them to be kept as pets, despite the fact that they can grow to be over 200 lbs and are very dangerous.

Many pseudo sanctuaries breed their big cats to attract donors and to lure volunteers who want to play with the babies. But in 2007 the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced: "Accredited wildlife sanctuary means a facility that cares for live specimens of one or more of the prohibited wildlife species and:

(1) Is approved by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a corporation that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(2) Does not commercially trade in prohibited wildlife species, including offspring, parts, and products;

(3) Does not propagate any of the prohibited wildlife species; and

(4) Does not allow any direct contact between the public and the prohibited wildlife species." (prohibited wildlife species incl. lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cougars and cheetahs).

A lot can change in three years and there have been fewer and fewer news reports hawking the fun of touching a baby wild cat. Venues are becoming more aware of the public disdain for the practice and no longer want to be associated with what is now commonly viewed as cruelty. Every year there is a parade in Pinellas County, FL where a local man takes his tigers, bears and other exotic animals out in circus wagons as part of the spectacle. It has been a tradition that has gone from being accepted to being booed in just the last year. The operation owner and wildlife trapper, Vernon Yates was quoted in the St. Pete Times as saying, "I thought I would not see it in my lifetime but I think it's coming - any form of private (exotic animal) ownership will be gone." The public has become better informed and not only is refusing to support this abuse, but many people are coming forward to end it.

Innkeepers at the Sobotta Manor Bed and Breakfast, Robin and Thurman Hester, wrote Big Cat Rescue asking for help, saying, "I am an Innkeeper in Mount Airy North Carolina where an organization called The Zoo (owned by Pat & Robert Engessor) visited a few days back and they had as part of their show an eight week old tiger cub that was being handed to person after person to have photos made and was crying as in pain the entire time. Additionally when the cat was placed back in the pen it was too ill to even walk and had severe dysentery. They would just rinse its rear and hand to the next person. The condition of this baby was awful and I am afraid for its life. My friend, as well as others, witnessed the condition of this cub. I am from Tampa and am familiar with your organization and hope you can assist."

Paula Sabatke writes, "I live in northern Wisconsin and visited the Big Cat Rescue for the first time in December, although I have been a fan for years. I am sure that you hear these stories all to often, but I would like your help. This past weekend I attended a professional conference in the Wisconsin Dells at a large resort, the Kalahari. In the lobby, a private vendor was set up with a very young white tiger cub in a small glass enclosure. For a fee, one could pay to have a picture taken with the cub. This cub was about the size of a large house cat and could barely stand on its own. While I took the opportunity to tell anyone who would listen what a terrible and inhumane situation this was, I felt that I should be doing something more. Can you offer any suggestions?"

One of the heretofore most popular tourist attractions in Africa was the opportunity to pet baby lions. The operators of these lion farms have sold themselves as being conservation breeding programs so that people would feel good about doing something that they know in their hearts to be wrong. The Drakenstien Lion Park urges people to consider these facts, "These inbred, human imprinted and psychologically damaged animals have absolutely no conservation value. They cannot be rehabilitated into the wild. They cannot be used to supplement dwindling wild populations." The lion park, which rescues some cast off captive bred lions, further explains that the only use for these cubs, after they have grown up, is by the canned hunting ranches and says, "Every reputable animal welfare organization in the world considers the practice of using lion cubs for human playthings as cruelty."

Carole Baskin, Founder of Big Cat Rescue reports, "We respond to every one of these complaints and urge the witness to take pictures, videos and written statements about what they saw to the USDA, to the state agencies that monitor wildlife, and to the media to expose the awful way these great cats are being treated." They have been doing it and there has been a tremendous shift in the way people are thinking about and treating wild animals.

When the next Aslan the lion movie, Prince Caspian, opened in theaters May 17, 2008 there did not appear to be even one baby lion or baby tiger photo booth advertised across the nation. "We monitor the keywords: lion, tiger, cub, big cat and others via google news alerts and we closely monitor sites like www.911AnimalAbuse.com which is a site that allows people who have witnessed animal abuse to post a letter, photos and video while contacting USDA and the agencies mentioned above at the bottom of every page. We didn't see one report of a baby lion or baby tiger being used as a prop in conjunction with the opening of the movie," says Carole Baskin.

So near and yet so far. Exotic and endangered animals are increasingly in the mainstream news as experts such as the 43 member, International Tiger Coalition and the World Bank announced a launch in June of 2008 to save the tiger from extinction. These same groups compiled a petition of more than 125,000 signatures to ban tiger farming. And yet, at a restaurant in Florida on Memorial Day Weekend, the special was "lion steak" for $48.95 a plate because the lion, although in considerable peril, is not yet classified as endangered. To quote Harrison Ford in his public service announcement for Wildaid, a member of the International Tiger Coalition, "When the buying stops, the killing can too."

We are standing right on the edge of the societal shift toward being more compassionate. There is a bill before congress that will end the public contact with big cats and their babies and thousands upon thousands of people have written their lawmakers to support this bill to protect the babies from being bred, used and discarded as petting props. It is called Haley's Act (HR 1947) and is named after a 17 year old girl who was mauled to death by a tiger while posing for a photo. You can write a letter in support of the new law at www.CatLaws.com You can end this kind of animal abuse in your lifetime. The cure is only $20.00 and a letter away. Don't pay to play with a baby big cat and write your Congress today!

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.920.4130 fax 885.4457

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carole_Baskin
By Jennifer Akre
Cats may be wondering just what happened. Once upon a time, they were revered as gods. In ancient Egypt, people worshiped cats as those who protected them from death. Somehow, that whole campaign changed over time and now cats, while still loved, are pretty much expected to be content with a food dish, litter box and a couple of toys.

But, it doesn't have to be that way. If you are a cat person, there is still time to let your feline know you appreciate him or her and understand that all cats are descendants of royalty.

One way to start this is to purchase some new pieces of cat furniture for your feline friend. If this is new territory for you, start simple.

Does your cat have a scratching post? For indoor cats, this is an essential piece of cat furniture. Not only will your cat appreciate having their own new piece of cat furniture, but also your people furniture will appreciate that the cats claws are steering clear of the upholstery.

The next step is cat trees. These are essentially carpet covered wood pieces that can be multiple levels of play for your cat. Many cats like to perch. Cat trees give them a chance to do this, climbing up varying levels of these cat furniture pieces to find the best perch for the moment. This type of cat furniture is great for an active cat because it offers a play area for the cat and can double as a scratching post for when they want to sink their claws into something.

If you are still feeling your kitty deserves a little more lavishing, we move to the next piece of cat furniture, cat houses and condos. These are a step up from cat trees in the respect that the levels of this cat furniture are enclosed, carpeted boxes that serve as small homes or beds for cats as they climb upwards.

If you really need to treat your cat like royalty, and your cat is open to all sorts of things, you may try specialty cat furniture. There are a number of cat beds and houses that are not the traditional wood and carpet variety. These houses and beds have been decorated to make your cat look like a celebrity. If you want your cat to feel like a king or queen, there are even cat beds and houses that look like thrones or crowns, so your feline can rest in style.

In addition to the cat furniture, don't forget a few extra cat toys. Just like kids, cats like variety in what they are playing with. Sure, they may have a favorite toy or two, but just ask your kids, it is always nice to have some extra toys to choose from. Cats think the same way. For bonus points, you may want to give your cat toys that are filled with catnip. If you haven't done this before, purchase a little, toss it out for your cat and then sit back and watch.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor environment perfect for your pet, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Today, she shares her insight when investing in durable cat furniture, cozy cat houses and adventure-filled cat trees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre
By Bob Schmitt
Cats are a great pet to have especially if you have a hectic work schedule. They are very independent and can stay occupied indoors for long stretches at a time. Plus they use litter boxes which can stay indoors meaning you never have to worry about an accident after missing a walk. The one downside to owning a cat that all cat owners will mention is their claws.

From the time a cat is a small kitten it has sharp little claws that are perfect for scratching for fun or defense. In addition to being great for scratching the claws are great for helping your cat cling to surfaces when they are running around. Many cat owners have been horrified to find that their couches and other furniture have been scratched to bits just because your cats have been jumping from surface to surface during their random play. Worst, some cat owners have had their furniture, linen, and other surfaces scratched up simply because their cats felt like sharpening their claws on whatever surface was handy. A good way to avoid this wear and tear on your furniture, draperies, and bed spreads is to invest in a good cat tower.

Cat furniture towers are a great place for cats to play which will discourage them from jumping on your furniture when they are bored or playful. The average cat tower is a tall structure that is perfect for your cat to jump and climb on. They often provide little cubby holes that your cat can curl up and sleep in when they are tired out from all of their playing. Best of all they are covered in material that is perfect for scratching so your cats will spend their time sharpening their claws on the new tower rather than clawing your furniture to shreds.

Cat towers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes so you do not have to worry about buying something that is too big or too small. There are cat furniture towers that are perfect for one cat and some that are designed with two or more cats in mind. They also come in a wide variety of colors and materials so you do not have to worry about settling for something that will clash horribly with your own furniture. These days' cat furniture towers are designed with the cat owners wishes in mind in addition to the cats. Many pet supply retailers now offer cat furniture towers that boast attractive designs that all cat owners would be proud to display out in the open.

Best of all, cat furniture towers are extremely affordable. Even cat furniture towers that are tall, elaborate, and meant for multiple cats are reasonably priced. Cat owners do not have to worry about breaking their budget just to save their furniture. Also, since cat furniture towers are reasonably priced, they can be replaced as often as necessary without causing financial hardship to the cat owner. Even though cat furniture towers are made to last and are much more durable than most people realize they will, eventually, start looking a bit threadbare. Thanks to the great prices charged by most retailers online and off-line cat furniture towers can easily be replaced with newer, fresher, looking towers whenever the owner feels the need.

To learn more about Cat Furniture Towers check out BargainsDelivered.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Schmitt
By Diane Palmer
Does your cat remind you of the "terrible two's"? Having a hissy fit, when they don't get their own way?

My cat was just like that. Although I loved her dearly, she had some pretty bad habits, that I let her get away with, because I didn't want to take the time to really train her.

Finally it came to the point, where my family wanted the cat to go, as she was using my countertop as a batting cage!

When we all left for the day, my cat, would climb onto the chair, then onto the kitchen counter, and then take her paw and quickly send anything and everything on the counter flying across the room. Butter dish, odds and ends dish, bread basket, cutlery. She was not happy until all the counter was empty, and then we would find her laying flat out on the counter with all this mess on the floor.

I am not sure where or how she developed this habit, whether she was mad at us for something, or what, but it had to stop.

I did some reading, and gathering some ideas, and tried the simplist ones first, and they worked. In the morning, I sprinkled a small amount of pepper on the counter.. that seemed to put her off right away. She quickly linked sneezing with the countertop and stopped. Slowely I stopped sprinkling the pepper and things were fine.

In the end, we got a second cat, that was more active than her, and she enjoyed the company. I really do think she was bored and by gaining this second cat we all now live in harmony, as these two cats tire each other out during the day when we are not there.

Now I am not saying, you have to get a second cat, but for us that worked, but the pepper worked as well, there are many simple ideas, that you can try, to save your cat and your house, give them a try before you do anything drastic!

http://www.isyourcatbad.weebly.com click here for more ideas for saving your cat and your home. Article and website by Diane Palmer

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By Kim Cierech

I have been a canine stylist for over 10 years. The most common question I get asked by my human clients is, "How can I stop my dog from getting ear infections?" Not too long ago, other then placing cotton in their ears during maintenance baths, I didn't know.

My friends dog Ace was plagued with ear infections and she agreed to allow me to test some holistic products on him. I bought a product that's base was made from tea tree oil. I was familiar with tea tree oil because I bathe many of my canine clients with a tea tree oil shampoo, when their skin is dry or if they are suffering with a minor skin irritation.

When the product arrived, we put 7 drops in each of Ace's ears and massaged them a few seconds. This is a little more then the recommended dose, but Ace is a very huge dog. For the next 7 days my friend repeated the 7 drops in each ear for 3 times a day. Incredibly we had hit pay dirt. From the very first application she noticed that Ace wasn't digging and scratching at his ears, which was allowing the healing process to begin. It has been over 8 months and he has not suffered any ear infections to date.

I have recommended this product to several of my clients who are very happy to report that they have had similar results. I'm thrilled because now I can recommend a holistic product that I know works. My clients are happy because they have just saved themselves an expensive trip to the vets.

I wasn't aware at the time but this product is also recommended for cats. I am not a cat owner and didn't really notice if it could be used on both, at the time when we were trying to heal Ace. I'm happy to report that it can be used on felines and add a special bonus that it can also kill ear mites. If you are the owner of a cat who is plagued with ear infections or those dreaded ear mites, I have written a very small web site that includes all of the holistic ingredients of the formula and where you can purchase this product.

Kim enjoys studying numerology, parapsychology and experimenting with herbal remedies. She has worked as a canine stylist for over 10 years. http://holisticdogandcat.blogspot.com

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