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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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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Cat Aggression Problem

By Jovan Johnson

Do you have a cat with aggression problems and you don't know what's wrong with your cat? It is a very complicated and upsetting problem for any owner to solve, so with that said lets learn how to stop our cat behavioral problems now instead of later......Worry no more about your cat aggression problems, here are some of the most asked questions and I will answer each of them for you...

Why is my cat aggressive towards my other cat and me?

This problem can be solved many ways but the most common for this is that your cat may have a medical problem. Cat Aggression problems can be caused by medical problems so first take your cat to you veterinarian, who will perform a physical examination of your cat. Alleviation of medical conditions often resolves the aggressive behavior of your cat. If your cat is fine (healthy that is), determine what kind of aggression your cat is displaying in order to formulate a good strategy, and ultimately, a solution.

How do I stop my kittens from biting and scratching me when we play?

It's normal for your kitten to want to play by scratching and biting so don't be too worried about it. Biting and scratching during play time is typical and is look at as "play aggression," a behavior most commonly observed in young cats and kittens. When you play with your kitten jus make you play with a distance between your hands and the kitten, so your cat has no opportunity to bite or scratch you.

For examploe:

Toss moving objects like ping-pong balls, walnuts, or aluminum foil balls for your cat to chase them or Provide climbing perches, scratching posts, and ball toys that deliver food when batted about. This will reduce all of the aches and pains guaranteed.

Why does my cat get very agitated whenever someone new comes into my house?

This is a sign of "fear aggression," a defensive behavior towards unfamiliar people, animals, noises and even new places. Unpleasant experiences, like a trip to the veterinarian's office, may also trigger fear aggression in your cat. With a fear aggressive cat there are two things I recommend you not do.

First, do not console your cat! By trying to calm your cat down with a low tone and petting it does nothing but lets the cat think that you approve of their inappropriate behavior and that is not the case.

Secondly, when visitors come to your home tell them to not retreat or show any fear in front of a fear aggressive cat, because this teaches the cat that her behavior can make unwanted visitors go away. Lack of attention is a better strategy and it will work a lot better.

Why does my cat growls and hisses when I try to move her ff my bed?

This cat is attempting to control the situation through status-induced aggression. Other examples include cats that block doorways, or solicit attention from their owner. The signs of this kind of aggression include tail swishing, flattened ears, dilated pupils, growling, and hissing. You must ignore the cat's demands for play, food and attention, and make sure that any rewards must be given when the cat is relaxed (a relaxed cat holds her tail up, has normal sized pupils, and does not swat). The most effective reaction to status-induced aggression is to just ignore your cat completely.

More cat owner tips

WAIT! DONT 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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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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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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Reasons For Cat Spraying

By A R Tanty

You may have noticed that when your cat is new to your home, or every once in a while, will spray their urine. Urine spraying is a very normal cat behavior; it is their way of marking their territory.

Spraying is most common in cats that are entire or not neutered male cats as well as households with more than one cat. Cats spray mainly on curtains, bed spreads and furniture; this lets other cats know he was there first and that it is his space.

There are ways to prevent this behavior; one is you can have your cats neutered. Another reason a cat will spray is if she sees another cat whether in your home or looking through the window in your home.

Cats like to sit in windows and you don’t want to cut them off from sunlight and activity of outside but if your cat likes to look out the window then pull up any drapes, move your furniture way from the window or cover the bottom portion of the window. Just until they feel more secure and relaxed.

Here are some methods you can do to stop or reduce your cat spraying. If you have more than one cat, try to play with all of your cats together. Cats that get along will most likely not spray since they don't feel threatened.

Don’t disrupt the life of your cat to often. Cats hate changes and change to their routine can bring about the spraying. There are cat repellants on the market that you may use on the areas they like to help deter them from spraying.

The scent will keep the cat away; it is perfectly safe for humans so you don’t have to worry. Make sure you scrub the areas where the cats sprayed completely. You don’t want the scent of cat urine in your home or to be an invitation to encourage feline to reuse the spot.

For more resources on cats: complete-catcare.blogspot.com

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

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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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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.

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

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Does My Cat Have Draws?

By Bonnie Feltz

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

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

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

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

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

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Should You Declaw Your Cat?

By Barb Jensen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Anne Moss

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

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

Size of a Cat Bed

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

Softness and Texture

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

Structure of a Cat Bed

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

The Temperature

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

Copyright©Meowhoo.com 2008 - All Rights Reserved

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

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

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Why Is My Cat Attacking Me?

By Jenny Jackson

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

Pain

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

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

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

Predatory aggression

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

Redirected aggression

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

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

Maternal aggression

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

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

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

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Painlessly Groom Your Cat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Deal with the Behavior Problems of Cats

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

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

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

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

Tips for dealing with behavior problems of cats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Funny Cat Behaviors and What to Do About Them

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant - Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Most Common Misconceptions About Cats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Can Cats and Dogs Coexist?

I don't know about you, but I love both cats and dogs. I hate it when people ask "Are you a cat person or a dog person? There is no reason the two "enemies?" can't get along. Agreed, you have to supervise most of the time, at first, but give it time. My dogs love my cats now. Even the little fiesty Jack Russell plays very well with my felines. I believe the cats tolerate her, as best that a cat can, and they even let down their guard when they are around her.

Here are some tips to help tabby and fido to get along:

1. Don't ever sic your dog on anything. They will take it as an invitation to mull the cat too.

2. Let tabby defend herself and believe me, your dog will have a new found respect for her. ( We once had a golden retriever that was scared to death of our little alley cat because he backed the dog into a corner hissing and clawing like there was no tomorrow. Poor dog never got over it!)

3. Give lots of love to both evenly. Remember cats get jealous, too.

4. If your dog gets aggressive, scold him. Let him know that aggression is unacceptable.

5. Both animals need toys. They can't be the same toy rather an appropriate dog toy and cat toy. I have found cat trees and condos are perfect for your cat. She can climb high and look down on the dog to prove her superiority. (Believe me, cats DO think they are superior!)

6. Let each have their own place to sleep. Whether it is a cat bed or dog bed or in bed with you!

7. Never feed them in the same room! Feeding together may work for some but it can cause problems down the road.

8. Have fun and play with both. They will get the idea that they can coexist.

If you try these tips and use common sense, there is no reason you can't enjoy the company of both your cat and dog. I wouldn't trade my menagerie for anything. I now have 2 dogs and 4 cats living under one roof and so far, everyone is getting along. I have no reason to think that they won't continue.

The auther is Janet Patterson owner of many animals over the years and haven for many stays. She now has 4 cats in the house and 14 in the barn. All neutered and vaccinated. Check out her website http://www.catsfurnitureloft.com

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