Signs That Your Cat Has Ear Mites

By Rona Limsy

Can you sense if your cat has ear mites? If you can spot the signs in its early stages, regardless of how minor an ailment it may be, then the chances of limiting any kind of long-term damage is increased greatly. This is very true of cat ear mites.

If your cat does pick up this irritable infection, the signs can be quite clear. Ear mites will most certainly cause your cat to shake its head quite often. As well as the usual more frequent scratching of the infected ear, you should also look for any blood or discharge coming from the ear. Since an infected area will tear due to constant scratching, there may also be a putrid smell. If your cat displays some of these signs, you can be fairly sure it has ear mites.

There are a variety of causes for cat ear mites. These include common bacteria, through to yeast infections and parasitical mites attaching themselves to your cat's ear. Since they are attracted to wax, it is critical that keeping your cat's ear clean is top on your list. If a cat is infected, there can be serious long term effects if a mite is left untreated, for example rupturing of the blood vessels around the ear, and disfigurement.

Thankfully, your cat has a wide range of treatments available, both traditional and alternative. Should you follow the traditional treatment, the first thing that will normally happen is for a vet to wash your cat's ears via a method called flushing. This needs to be carried out by your vet, since there is the possibility you may harm your cat if not done properly.

After this process, your vet will place your cat on a treatment of drugs or antibiotics. As in treatments that are used against fleas, these courses may last up to 4 weeks, to ensure that both the original ear mites and any eggs that have been laid are destroyed. If the infection has spread, which commonly happens, then a specialist flea cure such as shampoo or powder must be used.

However, there are also less traditional methods of dealing with cat ear mites. Since antibiotics can actually decrease a cat's immunity to certain ailments, they can be less beneficial ultimately. A natural alternative to antibiotics is Ear Dr., from PetAlive. This is a mixture of both natural and herbal treatments, and contains olive oil and tea tree oil, both of which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents in it. Since they are natural products, the cat benefits from effective treatment and a greatly reduced possibility of future infections.

Although cat ear mites are extremely irritating for the pet involved, by looking out for and recognizing the signs, and keeping your cat's ears clean, you can deal with this problem quickly and minimize the pain to your cat.

To get more recommendations for cat ear mite treatments, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat.com

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

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Complete Cat Training - Is Your Cat Not Using The Litter Box

By N L Macdonald

Cat training is more about learning why your cat does what he does. Did you know that cats require privacy when going the bathroom? If you have a litter box kept in a very commonly used area, he probably won't use it. But your carpet or somewhere else in the house may be used instead! Cats in general want a quiet, secluded area, away from family members and other animals. The importance of your cat toileting regularly cannot be over-emphasized.

Sometimes owners do not provide their cats with private & clean litter boxes, plenty of water or the ability to go outside. This can quickly lead to urinary tract disease which is very common in cats and often very debilitating. In this disease, large crystals form in your cat’s bladder, which can then flow through your cat’s urethra (the tube linking the bladder to the outside world) and they often become lodged and stuck! This obstruction of pee then causes a cat to become very ill and very sore. Then a visit to a veterinarian is required.

The key to preventing this problem is to encourage your cat to drink more which will make him go more! This helps prevent the formation of the crystals in the bladder in the first place! Ensure that you have a couple of full water bowls for your cat around the house as well as outside. Your cat should always have an unlimited supply of water.

Part of your cat training, having your cat go in his litter box, requires privacy and security so that he'll feel secure. In general, there should be more than one litter box in your household. In fact, the generally accepted formula for the best number of litter boxes for your household is, one per cat you own, plus one. So, if you have 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes around the house, while if you only have one cat, have 2 litter boxes – and so on.

Just as important is that you use a good absorb able litter that your cat likes and that you regularly replace this litter once every 2 – 3 days (rather than once a week!). The cleaner the litter, the more your cat will want go in it and the easier time you'll have training your cat. When placing the litter boxes around the house, make sure you don’t leave a litter tray in a corner, or anywhere where your cat may feel trapped.

The key to avoiding your cat developing urinary tract problems and having problems training your cat, is to make sure the experience as stress free for your cat as possible. By providing unlimited water, allowing some outdoors access and maintaining clean litter boxes in private areas of your house you will be providing your cat with an environment where he'll want to go in the litter box.

Nancy Macdonald is an online researcher who specializes in finding information to make homelife just a little bit better. For more information on cat training please see http://www.cattrainingreview.com/

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

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Cat Trees - The Perfect Way For Your Cat to Get Rid of Its Excess Energy

By Jennifer Akre

Click, click, click. Click, click, click. This is all you hear when your cat is running up and down the hallway in your home. It's starting to get on your nerves and on top of all the clicking, he's jumping and starting to tear apart your furniture. Now stop and think before you get angry, he's a cat right, and he likes to run jump and play. So, to keep your stress level down and his energy level down, he needs a place to play and instead of your furniture, just turn to cat trees to solve the problem.

Cat trees are great fixtures that offer your cat one fantastic place to just let go. How so? It is because of their design, like the name dictates, it looks like a natural thing that you would find outside and has the same type of shape of a tree with a center cylinder that has limbs sticking out of it. One will generally be crafted out of some sort of wood and then will be covered in a sturdy fabric so it won't break down when your cat is clawing and jumping on it.

If you feel like kind of going over the top with your cat's play area, then not only are cat trees a great option, but you could even invest in a kitty gym. It features the same basic concept of the other one, but it is more of a grand scale piece because it can also have perches and toys built right into it plus ramps, archways, and juxtaposing limbs.

Along with cat trees and kitty gyms, there are also a lot of other cat furniture selections that you could treat your cat to. For instance, if your short on space, but still want your gat to get rid of its aggression, then you can get a scratching post that has sisal rope. Or, if your cat likes to sleep on your bed and you don't feel like sharing anymore, then you can get him a cat bed. These are just a few options too and some of the others include cat perches, cat towers, and cat steps.

Interested in purchasing cat trees or any of the other cat products for your kitty? If so, a great way to check out all the choices is online. That's right, you can do your comparison shopping right at the comfort of your computer and when you come across something you like, you have a way better chance at finding it at a pretty reasonable price compared to what is in the pet store. What you buy will also be sent right to you, which saves you both time and money since you never have to step foot outside your home to get it.

When it comes down to it, if your cat is running wild in your home, you can give him, or her, a great place to take out his or her aggression with cat trees. Get yours today so you can avoid buying new furniture tomorrow.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful for your pet. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous spot for your cat using comfy cat furniture, sturdy cat houses, and fun cat trees.

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

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10 Kitten Litter Box Training Tips

By Jovan Johnson

Wonderful you have a new kitten! Now its time for your kittens litter box training and believe me you and her will be really happy once she's trained. Rest assured litter box training is going to be really easy for you and your kitten I promise. Most kittens naturally feel the urge to dig in litter as early as 4 weeks, but here our some 10 tips that will make litter box training for cats much easier....

Tip 1: Do not interfere with your kitten while she in the litter box, it will only make your cat develop an aversion to using it.

Tip 2: Be patient! Instinct will guide your kitten to the litter box.

Tip 3: Make sure you place the litter box in a quiet, non traffic location that your cat has access to at all times.

Tip 4: Make sure you always keep their litter box clean. Scoop daily

Tip 5: Don't let litter sit for more than a week. Change the litter as often as possible and you and your cat will be happy

Tip 6: Do not use any strong cleaners in the litter box; it may make your kitten not want to go potty

Tip 7: Place your kitten in their litter box when they awake and after a meal

Tip 8: When your kitten start to go potty on their own, praise her lavishly to reinforce the fact that she doing a good job

Tip 9: Do not, I mean do not move your kittens litter box unless absolutely necessary and when doing so move it gradually.

Tip 10: Last but not least, if you have more than one kitten, make sure you have a litter box for each cat.

More cat owner tips

WAIT! Don't put your cat up for adoption just yet. A well crafted training plain is all you need to a well behaved cat. FIND OUT HOW - click here

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

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Homemade Cat Treat Recipes

By Jovan Johnson

All cat food is not good for cats and the best way to make sure what is going in your cat's mouth is good is to make homemade cat treats. Here are a couple of home made cat food recipes my cats love and I am sure you will find them really easy to cook as well.

Cat tuna cookies

Ingredients:

1 8 oz. can tuna (in oil), 2 cups cornmeal, 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup water, 2/3 cup vegetable. oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking instructions:

Mix all ingredients well, kneading just to combine. On a floured surface roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out into little squares or any shape. Put the cookies on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!

Cat Go Fishes

Ingredients

1 envelope ( 2 1/4 teaspoons) dry active yeast ,1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees) ,1 cup warm chicken or fish stock ,2 tablespoons molasses ,2 cups all purpose flour ( approx.) ,1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour ,1 cup cracked wheat ,1/2 cup cornmeal,1/2 cup dry milk powder,1/3 cup fish food flakes, 1 teaspoon salt ,1 large egg,1 tablespoon milk

Cooking instructions:

Combine the yeast and with warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in broth and molasses. Add 1 cup of all purpose flour and all the rest (except egg and milk). Place the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead in enough of remaining flour to make very stiff dough (5 minutes). Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10-15 minutes. Roll out each portion to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes, preferably 1 inch fish shapes. Place on un-greased cookie sheet. Combine beaten egg with milk. Brush over biscuits. Bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes. Turn off oven and let biscuits cool in oven overnight.

More cat owner tips

WAIT! Don't put your cat up for adoption just yet. A well crafted training plain is all you need to a well behaved cat. FIND OUT HOW - click here

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

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Training Your Stubborn Cat

By Kasia L.
In the wild, most cats are shown as solitary creatures and very territorial. They are also shown as stubborn and arrogant. Cats are typically very proud animals and don't like to listen to others.

Even though most cats aren't all like this, most of the time cats are. When compared to dogs, cats are shown as disobedient and less eager to please owners. This is why it is critically important to start training your cat at the get go so it doesn't start getting comfortable doing bad behaviors.

You need to start training your cat as soon as you get it and establish the role of your cat and the family members of the house. Show the cat that you are the master. When you train your cat right, you can have very good relationships between your cat.

Not training your cat properly is just like not raising a kid properly. It will end up growing up and being a big problem and trouble maker. A cat that understands your orders and knows how to follow orders will be great.

The step you must do before training your cat is understand the cats instinctual behaviors. Cats, like all other animals, have instincts they are born with and we as pet owners must respect these. Some cats may feel stressed or sad and you must accept this and not take it as a cat being stubborn. Screaming and scolding your cat makes it even harder to train your cat to do what you want and lessens the trust your cat will have for you.

Kasia has a Free Cat Training Tips Report that shows you how to get your cat to do what you want when you want.

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

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Tips How To Train Your Cat

By Kasia L.
When it comes to learning how to train your cat, there is one simple thing you need to understand. The thing you need to know is the main keys of cat behavior. Cats have very different behaviors than dogs or any other animal. Forcing a training tactic or trick on your cat won't work.

There are some simple rules that you really need to follow when you train your cat. One is that you should train your cat at a proper time. Don't wake your cat up for training. It most likely won't listen to you. Also, be sure to train your cat using short sessions for training. Don't train too long as your cat will get bored and tired. And lastly, be sure to use a positive reward such as a toy, food, or petting when your cat obeys you.

In order to train your cat you first need to learn and understand your cats personality. Every cat is different and knowing the type of personality your cat has will greatly make training much easier. Find out what your cat likes and doesn't like and then use that to your advantage. When you give your cat rewards and treats, be sure it is only when the cat is being trained. If your cat can have easy access to the reward, it won't respond as well to tricks or orders for that treat.

For example, if you want to teach your cat to jump onto your shoulder you have to start small. First, get close to the cat and then put some of a treat on your shoulder. The cat probably will probably reach for the treat on your shoulder. This is the first step. After this, try to get the cat to reach even farther towards your shoulder. The last step is having the cat jump onto the shoulder.

Kasia has a Free Cat Training Tips Report that shows you how to get your cat to do what you want when you want.

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

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Cat Behavior And Cat Training Tips

By Kasia L.
A lot of people think that training a cat is really difficult. Cats can be really stubborn animals and can seem not to listen to anybody, however, they really are not that hard to train if you use the right cat training tips and techniques.

Many cat owners simply give up after feeling that the task of training their cat is too hard. Especially of the cat owner has a dog. Dogs are so excited to do anything for treats and such and cats are not the same.

You can still teach your cat tricks and train it to obey you simply by following tips. People teach cats how to do crazy stuff such as use human toilets and even act like dogs. The key to training is to use positive reinforcement.

The basis of this reinforcement is to simply reward your cat when it does something you like and not do a thing when it doesn't. For example, if your cat does a back flip you give it a treat. If it doesn't do a back flip you just ignore it and do nothing.

You cannot do this all at once. You need to train your cat in small steps. Very slowly you should train your cat. For example, when training your animal to use the litter box start slowly moving it closer and closer to the bathroom. Before you know it your cat will be using the toilet!

When you combine these two tactics you should have no problem training your cat to do what you want.

Kasia has a Free Cat Training Tips Report that shows you how to get your cat to do what you want when you want.

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

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Train Your Cat 10 Minutes A Day

By Kasia L.
Is it really possible to train your cat in less than ten minutes a day? Doesn't it take more time? Actually, it doesn't. Too much time training can be not very effective and many owners won't tell you this little secret.

The key to training your cat with that little amount of time every day is being consistent. Also, because this really is a somewhat slow process you need to have some patience. In addition to doing it every single day, you should also choose a certain time to do it as well. This will keep you consistent as well as the cat. Don't train your animal on off hours or when the cat is sleeping.

Now that we covered the basics before the training, let's get to it. Cats have very short attentions so it is helpful training them in this little amount of time. During this time you need to really have good sessions.

When you train your cat be sure not to use negative reinforcement such as punishment. Hitting or punishing your cat will do nothing and your cat will just look at you not understanding it.

Cats are much smaller than people. Hitting them or doing some sort of punishment through hitting won't be effective at all and is actually abuse. Use the cats mind and manipulate it to obey you instead.

The key to training your cat when you can't punish it is to use the psychological tactic called positive reinforcement. You reward your cat when it does something good and do nothing when it does something wrong. The result is that they will do the good act to get the positive reinforcement such as a treat or something of that nature.

With these simple tactics I'm positive that you will be training your cat in no time.

Kasia has a Free Cat Training Tips Report that shows you how to get your cat to do what you want when you want.

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

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Why House-Training Cats Is Simple But Important

By Brian E Hill
Luckily cats are exceedingly clean animals and broadly speaking you don't require to housebreak them at all. During the first few weeks after birth they'll start to use the litter box, especially if they observe their mother doing the same thing.

If they're going to the toilet out of doors, it's natural for them to cover up after they've finished.

For newborn kittens you need to provide them with a litter box because they will need to be kept inside the house till they get accustomed to their new place.

Fill a box with cat litter to an adequate depth that will permit them to dig, about 2 ins, and place the box in a quiet space where they don't sense that they're being watched as many kittens can become rather embarrassed whenever they believe people are looking at them as they're going to the toilet.

You should on a regular basis take out any wet litter and droppings, and ensure that the cat litter stays clean at all times otherwise the kitten will not be willing to use it.

When you have additional cats using the litter box you will need to empty it a good deal more often as they will tend to go more frequently, as cats tend to mark over each other in a similar way like they practice with marking their territory.

Whenever you discover that your cat or kitten isn't using its litter box as it should there are a few reasons why this could be occurring.

The most obvious reason is that the litter isn't cleaned adequately.

Instead the litter box could be in a location that the cat isn't happy with and placing it in a more secluded place could settle the problem.

Elderly or incontinent cats may necessitate a visit to the veterinarian to ascertain if they can resolve the problem and sick cats will frequently not bother going to the litter box.

Some of the times it can merely be a behavioral problem with your cat and this will need to be settled with appropriate action and the correct training methods.

Cats in estrus will also spray so as to attract mates and the only redress for this is neutering.

Go to How To Care For Your Cat to learn about caring for the welfare of one of our most beloved animal pets.

The author, 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

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Cat Enclosures - Are They Worth It?

By Randa Magdi
Cats who have access to all areas of the outdoors run the risk of being hit by cars, being attacked by dogs, poisoned, injured or killed by wild animals and they are at risk from the odd human that has a cruel streak.

If you are looking for safer alternative for you cat to have access to the outdoors in a protected and controlled environment, you can consider a cat enclosure or cat run.

Having your cat enclosed allows them to enjoy the outdoors and allows you peace of mind knowing that no harm will come to your cat. Let's face it - a cat loves nothing more than lazing around in the direct sunlight.

You have several options. There are a number of companies who specialize in building cat enclosures and cat runs.

Our rear yard, for instance, is completely covered with a cat-proof mesh so that the cats have the run of the entire yard. We had this professionally installed.

But, you needn't cover your whole yard. You may like to cat proof a portion of it.

In our previous residence which was a ground floor apartment we had a modular cat run installed which contained a tunnel and towers with hammocks. The cats could jump out of the window, climb around the tower and then walk around or lay in the tunnel. Similar cage like structures are found in pet stores.

If you are a handy person, you can erect your own DIY cat run, or hire a tradesman to build one to your specifications.

If you search the web you are sure to find a collection of ideas that other cat lovers have used themselves.

Keeping your cat indoors with a safe outdoor environment they can access actually helps them to live longer too.

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 http://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

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Learn More About Your Cat's Claws

By Randa Magdi
Did you know that cats are the only animals that walk directly on their claws, not on their paws? If you picture a human, it would be like us walking around on our fingertips.. This is called digitigrades and proves a very useful feature for moving at high speeds. So, cat's claws are particularly useful for moving at high speeds.

Cats in the home are not being vindictive when sharpening their claws on your lovely furniture - nor are they actually sharpening their claws. What they are in fact doing is tearing off the ragged edges of the sheaths of their talons when scratching.

Claws have layers of skin just as an onion does - the claws are in fact an extension of the cat's skin. The outer layer of tissue is continually growing and needs to be removed to accommodate new growth so you will often see bits of the claw spread around the area where the cat has been grooming its nails.

They shed their claws throughout the year to expose new sharp ones underneath. The claws are not only for protection but are also responsible for the cat's delicate balance and amazing feats like climbing, stretching, running, and grooming.

It is not uncommon for cat owners to occasionally want to clip their cat's nails. Clipping nails is only recommended if you own an indoor cat because claws are your cat's only defense along with their most versatile tool for survival. Not only that, scratching is a very normal activity and behaviour for cats.

If you are going to trim your cat's nails, you need to be sure to do it properly. The most important thing is to avoid going anywhere near the "quick". The quick is the hard pink tissue at the base of each claw.. the nail itself is translucent so you can see all the way through it. Accidentally cutting the "quick" causes pain and bleeding for your cat.

Special claw trimmers are available from vets or pet stores but sharp human nail clippers work just as well. You need to be gentle with your cat and trim the nails when it is sleepy or relaxed.

It is recommended you hold the clippers in a vertical position (up and down, so that the claw is trimmed from bottom to top instead of across the nail). This position helps prevent splitting.

But if you feel uncomfortable in any way trimming your cat's claws your vet can do the job for you as can a groomer.

In some countries people declaw their cats for the sake of their furniture! Declawing both physically and psychologically affects cats in a major way.

Declawing involved not only removing the claws but also the first joint (the toes) - so in effect it is like a series of amputations.

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 http://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

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Catscape - Interesting Facts on Cats

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

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How to Introduce a New Cat Or Kitten to Your Established Cat

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

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Corrugated Litter Box

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

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Cat Behavior - Why Do Cats Favor People Who Hate Them?

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.

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Dying to Be Held

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

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Cat Furniture - Give Your Feline the Style it Deserves

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

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Cat Furniture Towers - A Must Have For All Cat Owners

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

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Does Your Cat Have the Terrible Two's?

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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