By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_P._Lee]David P. Lee
Cats are truly fascinating creatures. They have a variety of interesting habits, which some people find baffling, but there is a reason for just about everything a cat does.
Purring
Why do cats make that strange sound? Purring is a form of feline communication. A mother cat and kittens purr as a sign of comfort and cats will continue this behavior throughout their lives. A cat normally purrs when it is happy about something or feeling contented and relaxed but it might also purr when anxious or even close to death. Nobody is completely sure how purring happens. Some people think it is caused by blood moving turbulently through the blood vessels. Others think it is because of soft palate vibrations. Purring in cats has been examined by electromyographic tests to indicate a level of electrical activity in the cat�s muscles. This might mean that purring is caused by the larynx muscles being activated. The vocal chords are in the larynx. Partial closure of the larynx, or glottis, might be responsible for the purring sounds.
Face rubbing
Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub his face on everything? Cats like to rub their cheeks, chins and bodies on nearly anything. Whether or not it feels nice to them, this is not the main reason for doing it. Around their mouths, foreheads, lips and chins, cats have scent glands. When a cat rubs itself on a person, it might be taken as a form of greeting. Cats living in a group frequently rub up against each other to exchange scents. In this way a �colony scent� is created. This is a quick way of identifying any intruders. A cat coming back from the veterinarian might make the other cats hiss and be unfriendly because of the strange scents it brings back from there. Recognition between cats has a lot to do with smell and their sense of smell is very strong.
Scratching things
Scratching is mainly to sharpen and condition a cat�s claws. It removes loose parts of the nail sheath which covers the growing nail. Cats also have scent glands in their paws and scratching leaves the cat�s scent on the item being scratched. This marks it as the cat�s territory. Cats continue to try and scratch even if declawed, showing that scratching is part of their integral behavior, whether or not they have claws to sharpen. It is either habit or the cat wanting to leave its scent on the item it is trying to scratch. Cat furniture can be a great way to allow your cat to scratch but not destroy your furniture.
Kneading
Cats often knead your lap before they will lie down. In fact, they often knead any surface they plan to lie down on. Kneading is when a cat extends the claws on its front two paws and digs them into the surface which an alternating rhythmic motion. Kneading (also known as milk tread) is first used in kittenhood. When a kitten is sucking at its mother�s teats, it extends its legs and kneads the area around the teat. This makes the milk flow out faster. Perhaps as adults, a cat continues this behavior because it feels happy and safe and associates the comfort and joy of lying on your lap with the happiness he shared with his mother.
Click on these links for more information on [http://www.acecatfurniture.com]cat furniture, or [http://www.acecathealth.com]cat health. You can also find great cat furniture, cat trees, pet carriers and [http://www.acecatfurniture.com/ps1.html]pet steps for your cat.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Stopping Your Cat From Meowing Constantly
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dennis_McAdams]Dennis McAdams
Cats tend to meow at you for a number of reasons. While some cats meow more than others, no matter which breed of cat you do have it is likely to drive you mad at some point if it is constantly meowing.
Understanding Why Your Cat is Meowing
One reason why a cat may meow more than usual is the fact that they may have realized that by meowing they will get exactly what they want. Due to this, they then start to use it to their advantage all of the time.
It could just start off with the cat wanting some attention and affection, but after the cat gets exactly what they want they start to meow more often to get other things that they want also. This is when they start to meow just because they want to. Something that can aggravate the situation, could be the fact that they are feeling bored or they are kept on their own a lot of the time. So if your cat does spend a large number of hours on their own, you may want to look at changing that by getting them a companion.
Controlling Your Cats Constant Meowing
Something that may help when you think that your cat is bored is to play some games with them and this should be done daily. Playing games with your cat will ensure that they get exercise, as well as keeping them preoccupied. To help with the demands of your cat, only attend to them when they are not meowing and when they are calm and collected. Do not let the cat intimidate you, or make you feel guilty as this is basically just giving into their demands. If you do give in you will only make the situation worse and the cat will use this against you. Your cat will need to learn that if they are quiet they will then get rewarded with what they require, whether it is food or whether it is to be stroked and played with.
Some owners enjoy nothing more than talking to their cats and they enjoy it even more when the cats respond to them. However, you may want to teach them to be quiet when you say so. To train them in this, start off by asking them to shush. This method may not work, so be a bit more forceful and tell them to be quiet. Once again this may not work, so if it doesn�t you can always squirt them with a little water and that should do the trick. However, the emphasis is on a �little� water � do not soak your cat through as they tend to get the message with just a little squirt.
Overall the above tips should help you to train your cat not to meow all of the time. It may take a while but if you persist with the training it will be worthwhile.
For more tips, ideas, and articles on training your new cat please visit my blog entitled [http://cat-training-expert.blogspot.com]Cat Training.
Cats tend to meow at you for a number of reasons. While some cats meow more than others, no matter which breed of cat you do have it is likely to drive you mad at some point if it is constantly meowing.
Understanding Why Your Cat is Meowing
One reason why a cat may meow more than usual is the fact that they may have realized that by meowing they will get exactly what they want. Due to this, they then start to use it to their advantage all of the time.
It could just start off with the cat wanting some attention and affection, but after the cat gets exactly what they want they start to meow more often to get other things that they want also. This is when they start to meow just because they want to. Something that can aggravate the situation, could be the fact that they are feeling bored or they are kept on their own a lot of the time. So if your cat does spend a large number of hours on their own, you may want to look at changing that by getting them a companion.
Controlling Your Cats Constant Meowing
Something that may help when you think that your cat is bored is to play some games with them and this should be done daily. Playing games with your cat will ensure that they get exercise, as well as keeping them preoccupied. To help with the demands of your cat, only attend to them when they are not meowing and when they are calm and collected. Do not let the cat intimidate you, or make you feel guilty as this is basically just giving into their demands. If you do give in you will only make the situation worse and the cat will use this against you. Your cat will need to learn that if they are quiet they will then get rewarded with what they require, whether it is food or whether it is to be stroked and played with.
Some owners enjoy nothing more than talking to their cats and they enjoy it even more when the cats respond to them. However, you may want to teach them to be quiet when you say so. To train them in this, start off by asking them to shush. This method may not work, so be a bit more forceful and tell them to be quiet. Once again this may not work, so if it doesn�t you can always squirt them with a little water and that should do the trick. However, the emphasis is on a �little� water � do not soak your cat through as they tend to get the message with just a little squirt.
Overall the above tips should help you to train your cat not to meow all of the time. It may take a while but if you persist with the training it will be worthwhile.
For more tips, ideas, and articles on training your new cat please visit my blog entitled [http://cat-training-expert.blogspot.com]Cat Training.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Cat Health Claws, Should You Remove Claw
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth]Judy Wellsworth
Many area rescue missions and animal shelters will not support the removing of the claws of a cat. It actually depends on the cat and your need for the procedure to be done. A veterinarian will remove the claws and does this at the same time of neutering or spaying. Cats can receive training to avoid using the furniture as a scratching post, but some cats are extremely stubborn requiring the removal of the claws.
Cats keep the claws hidden inside a skin pouch on the foot. When they walk or run, the claws remain hidden unless they are climbing or scratching. The claw has a hook to it to catch prey better and allow them to climb faster when needed. If the cat claws become to long a cat may walk differently because of the length. You need to keep these claws trimmed, which is not an easy task. Cat health claws and problems with clipping them are cats protect their claws from everyone.
A vet can perform this service as well as some groomers who work with cats. Although clipping the cat's claw helps with their walking and running, they still will scratch at the furniture or a scratching post. This reason leads people to have the claws removed. Cat health claws issues arise from groups that say cat's need claws to protect themselves.
If you take a household with two cats, one has no front claws and one does, they have back claws, but the cat that has front claws, will scratch and knead anywhere they want. A cat with no claws still kneads, but they have no claws to scratch furniture even though they still try. This issue has become controversial over the years as many groups feel cats need claws. If they remain inside, the choice does not matter.
If you choose to keep the cat with claws, you need to start early with claw clipping or the cat will not grow accustom to this health practice. Cat health claws require weekly trimming if you choose to leave the claws intact. You will need to press the pads and make the claws appear and then clip down to the tip of the pinkish park of the nail. If you clip them past this point, bleeding and pain will result.
If you choose to remove the claws, a vet does the procedure and the cat remains overnight. [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php]Cat health claws removal is completed, you need to use newspaper in the litter box for about a week or so until the paws heal. The litter may get into the area where the claws where and cause infection. It also causes pain for the cat to step on the little pieces of litter. The cat needs to remain indoors as well until the paws are healed to prevent infection and possible ripping of the stitches. Either way you choose for your cat depends on your own personal need as well as the happiness of your cat.
You can also find more info on [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Eye_Health.php]Cat Eye Health and [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Fleas.php]Cat Fleas. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Many area rescue missions and animal shelters will not support the removing of the claws of a cat. It actually depends on the cat and your need for the procedure to be done. A veterinarian will remove the claws and does this at the same time of neutering or spaying. Cats can receive training to avoid using the furniture as a scratching post, but some cats are extremely stubborn requiring the removal of the claws.
Cats keep the claws hidden inside a skin pouch on the foot. When they walk or run, the claws remain hidden unless they are climbing or scratching. The claw has a hook to it to catch prey better and allow them to climb faster when needed. If the cat claws become to long a cat may walk differently because of the length. You need to keep these claws trimmed, which is not an easy task. Cat health claws and problems with clipping them are cats protect their claws from everyone.
A vet can perform this service as well as some groomers who work with cats. Although clipping the cat's claw helps with their walking and running, they still will scratch at the furniture or a scratching post. This reason leads people to have the claws removed. Cat health claws issues arise from groups that say cat's need claws to protect themselves.
If you take a household with two cats, one has no front claws and one does, they have back claws, but the cat that has front claws, will scratch and knead anywhere they want. A cat with no claws still kneads, but they have no claws to scratch furniture even though they still try. This issue has become controversial over the years as many groups feel cats need claws. If they remain inside, the choice does not matter.
If you choose to keep the cat with claws, you need to start early with claw clipping or the cat will not grow accustom to this health practice. Cat health claws require weekly trimming if you choose to leave the claws intact. You will need to press the pads and make the claws appear and then clip down to the tip of the pinkish park of the nail. If you clip them past this point, bleeding and pain will result.
If you choose to remove the claws, a vet does the procedure and the cat remains overnight. [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php]Cat health claws removal is completed, you need to use newspaper in the litter box for about a week or so until the paws heal. The litter may get into the area where the claws where and cause infection. It also causes pain for the cat to step on the little pieces of litter. The cat needs to remain indoors as well until the paws are healed to prevent infection and possible ripping of the stitches. Either way you choose for your cat depends on your own personal need as well as the happiness of your cat.
You can also find more info on [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Eye_Health.php]Cat Eye Health and [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Fleas.php]Cat Fleas. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Why Does Kitty Do What it Does?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Frederick]Audrey Frederick
A while ago I wrote an article discussing the similarities between a cat�s brain and a human brain (A Study of Cats and Humans,) this article is going to try and go inside of your cat�s head and see why it does what it does.
According to a report by Rolan Tripp, DMV, (www.AnimalBehavior.Net) that I found in the Catnip Newsletter (July 07, Vol. 15, page 10.) Dr. Tripp stated a cat�s behavior is based on five factors: genetics, gestation, early socialization, intentional training and experience.
When it comes to genetics, the kitten�s father plays an important part in determining the cat�s personality, while mom plays an important part in teaching social skills, hunting and eating.
The brain during the gestation period (pregnancy) develops quite quickly and anything that happens to the mother cat while carrying the kittens will have an effect on the litter. This includes stress, trauma and happy things. This knowledge helped me to understand why feral kittens behave as they do. Since feral cat mothers are usually fighting for survival and food while carrying a litter.
Between the ages of two weeks and seven weeks mom is teaching the kittens social skills. If the mother cat lives in a house with a family, she is teaching the kittens how not only get along with each other, but with the members of the family, which may include the dog. She is teaching them to use the litter box along with playing and hunting. (Though most domestic cats are not real hunters anymore.) This is a period of great importance to a kitten, as happy and good experiences will create a friendly and outgoing cat, and not so good experiences with have a negative effect on the kitten.
My cat Boots is a good great example of poor socialization and the effect it has on a cat�s personality. Boots is 11 years old and we have had him since he was 9 weeks old and today he is still fearful, timid, afraid of people and does not like to socialize with our other cats.
Boots is an offspring of a feral mother cat my brother felt sorry for, he took the mother cat in when she was about due to have her kittens. He had two house cats of his own and had to keep the mother cat separated from his cats and though the kittens were handled sporadically, due to the fact my brother worked long hours, this lack of socialization has had a dramatic effect on our Boots.
Intentional training is training that the mother cat teaches the kittens and the training a kitten gets from being part of a human family. This education learned at an early age will have an important impact on a kitten�s personality in the future.
The last behavioral effect is life experiences. Kittens like people learn from experience. Good experiences lead to happier kittens and people, while the negative ones can lead to distrust and fear in both kittens and humans.
These are the five basics that help to make your cat what it is today. But, it does not end there, as with humans, life experiences keep going on.
Dr. Tripp goes on to offer some insights and possible solutions for a few common cat misbehavior problems, which I will share with you along with my own life experiences, having had cats for over 55 years.
The solutions to litter box problems are not new. Once medical conditions are eliminated, many litter box problems can be directed to a few things.
Is the litter box clean (empty it at least once a day and do not use an ammonia based cleaner?)
Do you have more than one cat using the box? Each cat should have its own, and ideally there should be one to spare.
Most cats prefer unscented litter. Have you changed the litter product recently and has that created a problem?
Location, location, location is important in finding a house and is equally important placing a litter box. Cats need to feel safe when using their box. Feeling safe means the cat has the opportunity to run if it feels scared. Also placing the litter box near a noisy machine is not wise. A washer, dryer or a furnace that turns off and on can create a situation that makes a cat feel insecure and it will not use the box.
Aggression toward other cats or toward their humans is to me a mystery. We have three cats (2 males and 1 female) that barely get along. The boys will tolerate each other, but the female hates both of them and the youngest male does not like the female either. Boots the oldest is very passive and therefore gets chased at times by both cats. They do not fight, but do not want him in their space. Smokey the youngest totally dislikes the female and will chase her on a moment�s notice. Again there is no fighting, just a �get out of my space� attitude. I have followed all the rules as far as introducing them to each other, and have decided that like people there are some cats that just do not like each other. We have lived like this for the last 7 years without a major war and I guess we will continue to do so.
Cat aggression toward humans needs a different outlook. If the cat is not hurting and you know it is medically well. It is necessary to look and see what is the trigger that brings on this behavior.
Our cat, Miss Tiger will bite if she is held too long. She was a feral kitten and still has those instincts. We know when we hold her if her tail starts to thump quickly that means let her go at once. Her bite is a message that she has had enough loving and wants to be free.
Dr. Tripp suggests that once you understand the trigger of an aggressive behavior, avoid the behavior until you find and appropriate behavior modification program. I am not certain how you find an appropriate modification program that a cat understands. My feeling is once you understand what the trigger is, avoid it and leave well enough alone.
Destructive behavior, the first lesson here is to learn that cats are not vindictive and do not do anything for spite. However, I have had an experience that I feel proves that statement incorrect. I once had a cat named Cinders (a male) that loved to eat boiled ham and cheese. It was his food of choice and would demand it on occasion quite loudly. Being a person of strong will myself, there were times when I did not feel like living up to his demands and for that I suffered. He retaliated by urinating on me. The first time I thought it was funny, but after a time or two I realized he meant business. Was it possible to change the behavior, possibly, but I never tried; I just got him his ham and cheese on demand. Which goes to prove that �dog�s have masters and cat�s have staff.�
Seriously though, if your cat is clawing your couch or stereo speakers, maybe you do not have proper scratching posts. A good post is sturdy and about 3 feet in height or long. Why such length? Cats need to stretch, stretching is good for their muscles and gives them room scratch and shed their claws. Cats also scratch in order to leave their scent on things. The scent is not noticeable to humans, but other cats will be aware that they are in another cat�s territory.
Cats are farsighted, and are able to learn to do more things that require their sense of smell or dexterity, rather than their sight. They are also more active at dawn and at dusk. Nature planned it that way, so they can catch their breakfast and dinner and that is why they wake you up at the crack of dawn looking for breakfast.
Hearing also plays an important part in what a cat learns. Familiar sounds such as your car, the can opener or the sound of a person�s footsteps all have taught your cat a thing or two.
Some cats learn faster than others, some cats learn by experience, and some by observation. But, all cats learn to do only what they want to do, when they want to do it and there is not much we can do about it.
Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a cat healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
A while ago I wrote an article discussing the similarities between a cat�s brain and a human brain (A Study of Cats and Humans,) this article is going to try and go inside of your cat�s head and see why it does what it does.
According to a report by Rolan Tripp, DMV, (www.AnimalBehavior.Net) that I found in the Catnip Newsletter (July 07, Vol. 15, page 10.) Dr. Tripp stated a cat�s behavior is based on five factors: genetics, gestation, early socialization, intentional training and experience.
When it comes to genetics, the kitten�s father plays an important part in determining the cat�s personality, while mom plays an important part in teaching social skills, hunting and eating.
The brain during the gestation period (pregnancy) develops quite quickly and anything that happens to the mother cat while carrying the kittens will have an effect on the litter. This includes stress, trauma and happy things. This knowledge helped me to understand why feral kittens behave as they do. Since feral cat mothers are usually fighting for survival and food while carrying a litter.
Between the ages of two weeks and seven weeks mom is teaching the kittens social skills. If the mother cat lives in a house with a family, she is teaching the kittens how not only get along with each other, but with the members of the family, which may include the dog. She is teaching them to use the litter box along with playing and hunting. (Though most domestic cats are not real hunters anymore.) This is a period of great importance to a kitten, as happy and good experiences will create a friendly and outgoing cat, and not so good experiences with have a negative effect on the kitten.
My cat Boots is a good great example of poor socialization and the effect it has on a cat�s personality. Boots is 11 years old and we have had him since he was 9 weeks old and today he is still fearful, timid, afraid of people and does not like to socialize with our other cats.
Boots is an offspring of a feral mother cat my brother felt sorry for, he took the mother cat in when she was about due to have her kittens. He had two house cats of his own and had to keep the mother cat separated from his cats and though the kittens were handled sporadically, due to the fact my brother worked long hours, this lack of socialization has had a dramatic effect on our Boots.
Intentional training is training that the mother cat teaches the kittens and the training a kitten gets from being part of a human family. This education learned at an early age will have an important impact on a kitten�s personality in the future.
The last behavioral effect is life experiences. Kittens like people learn from experience. Good experiences lead to happier kittens and people, while the negative ones can lead to distrust and fear in both kittens and humans.
These are the five basics that help to make your cat what it is today. But, it does not end there, as with humans, life experiences keep going on.
Dr. Tripp goes on to offer some insights and possible solutions for a few common cat misbehavior problems, which I will share with you along with my own life experiences, having had cats for over 55 years.
The solutions to litter box problems are not new. Once medical conditions are eliminated, many litter box problems can be directed to a few things.
Is the litter box clean (empty it at least once a day and do not use an ammonia based cleaner?)
Do you have more than one cat using the box? Each cat should have its own, and ideally there should be one to spare.
Most cats prefer unscented litter. Have you changed the litter product recently and has that created a problem?
Location, location, location is important in finding a house and is equally important placing a litter box. Cats need to feel safe when using their box. Feeling safe means the cat has the opportunity to run if it feels scared. Also placing the litter box near a noisy machine is not wise. A washer, dryer or a furnace that turns off and on can create a situation that makes a cat feel insecure and it will not use the box.
Aggression toward other cats or toward their humans is to me a mystery. We have three cats (2 males and 1 female) that barely get along. The boys will tolerate each other, but the female hates both of them and the youngest male does not like the female either. Boots the oldest is very passive and therefore gets chased at times by both cats. They do not fight, but do not want him in their space. Smokey the youngest totally dislikes the female and will chase her on a moment�s notice. Again there is no fighting, just a �get out of my space� attitude. I have followed all the rules as far as introducing them to each other, and have decided that like people there are some cats that just do not like each other. We have lived like this for the last 7 years without a major war and I guess we will continue to do so.
Cat aggression toward humans needs a different outlook. If the cat is not hurting and you know it is medically well. It is necessary to look and see what is the trigger that brings on this behavior.
Our cat, Miss Tiger will bite if she is held too long. She was a feral kitten and still has those instincts. We know when we hold her if her tail starts to thump quickly that means let her go at once. Her bite is a message that she has had enough loving and wants to be free.
Dr. Tripp suggests that once you understand the trigger of an aggressive behavior, avoid the behavior until you find and appropriate behavior modification program. I am not certain how you find an appropriate modification program that a cat understands. My feeling is once you understand what the trigger is, avoid it and leave well enough alone.
Destructive behavior, the first lesson here is to learn that cats are not vindictive and do not do anything for spite. However, I have had an experience that I feel proves that statement incorrect. I once had a cat named Cinders (a male) that loved to eat boiled ham and cheese. It was his food of choice and would demand it on occasion quite loudly. Being a person of strong will myself, there were times when I did not feel like living up to his demands and for that I suffered. He retaliated by urinating on me. The first time I thought it was funny, but after a time or two I realized he meant business. Was it possible to change the behavior, possibly, but I never tried; I just got him his ham and cheese on demand. Which goes to prove that �dog�s have masters and cat�s have staff.�
Seriously though, if your cat is clawing your couch or stereo speakers, maybe you do not have proper scratching posts. A good post is sturdy and about 3 feet in height or long. Why such length? Cats need to stretch, stretching is good for their muscles and gives them room scratch and shed their claws. Cats also scratch in order to leave their scent on things. The scent is not noticeable to humans, but other cats will be aware that they are in another cat�s territory.
Cats are farsighted, and are able to learn to do more things that require their sense of smell or dexterity, rather than their sight. They are also more active at dawn and at dusk. Nature planned it that way, so they can catch their breakfast and dinner and that is why they wake you up at the crack of dawn looking for breakfast.
Hearing also plays an important part in what a cat learns. Familiar sounds such as your car, the can opener or the sound of a person�s footsteps all have taught your cat a thing or two.
Some cats learn faster than others, some cats learn by experience, and some by observation. But, all cats learn to do only what they want to do, when they want to do it and there is not much we can do about it.
Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If the only time you need to visit the veterinarian is for yearly check ups and necessary shots you are saving money. Nutrition is very important in keeping a cat healthy, proper quality food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals is a good way to start. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Cat Furniture - A Great Way To Tire Out Your Kitty
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre]Jennifer Akre
It is the middle of the night and your cat is running around the house like there is no tomorrow. You tell it to stop, you play with it a little bit, but nothing works. Now, before you jump the gun and think your cat has behavioral problems, take a quick minute to look around and see if your cat has things to jump around and play on. If the answer is no, then all you need to do is buy some cat furniture, which is a great way to tire your cat out during the day so you can get a good night�s rest.
When it comes to cat furniture, there are many different options to choose from. For example, maybe you want an area where you cat can both sleep and play, then a fantastic option for you are kitty condos. Not only would one provide a nice area for your cat to get 40 winks, as seen by a lovely enclosed sleeping areas, but one would also be a great way for him to get rid of that aggression. He can scratch, paw, and jump on and off of it all that he wants without fear of it getting ruined because they are made of durable materials, like wood and carpet. Or, if you just need a spot where you cat can jump on and just have a good time, then the perfect choice for you are cat trees or cat gyms. All of these options are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly into your home
Along with the kitty condos, cat trees, and gyms, there are also other cat furniture options available including scratching posts, platforms, perches, and steps and ramps along with plush cat beds, which is a nice choice for if you want your cat to rest in comfort and style. And, maybe you already have all the cat fixtures that you need for your space, but you still want to get something new and fun for your cat. Well, there are a ton of cat accessories to choose from that allow you to do just that. For example, did you know that you can get jewelry for your cat? Yep, you can and other wonderful accessories like toys, fun feeding gadgets, and even decorative cat carriers. To see the many options, do not get in your car and drive to the local pet store, instead just log onto the internet and do some online shopping.
So, if your cat is driving you crazy at night, then it is probably because he does not have a place to play and get rid of his energy during the day. For a great way to tucker that little guy out, purchase some wonderful cat furniture, it is a fantastic way for your cat to get rid of that excess energy. Get some today so you can have a good nights� rest tonight.
As an animal lover and owner of cat supply sites, Jennifer Akre reviews product information and shares ideas on cat houses and cat accessories, giving the online consumer a chance to find a wide variety of [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat furniture or [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat houses. Surround your kitty with the comfort he or she deserves. Click today - Shop: [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat trees.
It is the middle of the night and your cat is running around the house like there is no tomorrow. You tell it to stop, you play with it a little bit, but nothing works. Now, before you jump the gun and think your cat has behavioral problems, take a quick minute to look around and see if your cat has things to jump around and play on. If the answer is no, then all you need to do is buy some cat furniture, which is a great way to tire your cat out during the day so you can get a good night�s rest.
When it comes to cat furniture, there are many different options to choose from. For example, maybe you want an area where you cat can both sleep and play, then a fantastic option for you are kitty condos. Not only would one provide a nice area for your cat to get 40 winks, as seen by a lovely enclosed sleeping areas, but one would also be a great way for him to get rid of that aggression. He can scratch, paw, and jump on and off of it all that he wants without fear of it getting ruined because they are made of durable materials, like wood and carpet. Or, if you just need a spot where you cat can jump on and just have a good time, then the perfect choice for you are cat trees or cat gyms. All of these options are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly into your home
Along with the kitty condos, cat trees, and gyms, there are also other cat furniture options available including scratching posts, platforms, perches, and steps and ramps along with plush cat beds, which is a nice choice for if you want your cat to rest in comfort and style. And, maybe you already have all the cat fixtures that you need for your space, but you still want to get something new and fun for your cat. Well, there are a ton of cat accessories to choose from that allow you to do just that. For example, did you know that you can get jewelry for your cat? Yep, you can and other wonderful accessories like toys, fun feeding gadgets, and even decorative cat carriers. To see the many options, do not get in your car and drive to the local pet store, instead just log onto the internet and do some online shopping.
So, if your cat is driving you crazy at night, then it is probably because he does not have a place to play and get rid of his energy during the day. For a great way to tucker that little guy out, purchase some wonderful cat furniture, it is a fantastic way for your cat to get rid of that excess energy. Get some today so you can have a good nights� rest tonight.
As an animal lover and owner of cat supply sites, Jennifer Akre reviews product information and shares ideas on cat houses and cat accessories, giving the online consumer a chance to find a wide variety of [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat furniture or [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat houses. Surround your kitty with the comfort he or she deserves. Click today - Shop: [http://www.simplycatsupplies.com/]cat trees.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
How to Give a Cat a Bath
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._R.J._Peters]Dr. R.J. Peters
Giving the cat a bath has been the subject of many a joke and funny story, but the bottom line is this: Cats don't need baths.
However, that said, it does come up now and then, because some cats do get into situations that require bathing. But it's not needed as often as some would have us believe.
Nature has provided the cat with a means to keep itself as clean as necessary... its "sandpaper" tongue. Cats are masters of self-grooming, as well as shared grooming. In fact, grooming is a major part of every cat's life, not only for self-cleaning, but as a social mechanism for bonding with friends and family.
Mother cats keep their kittens immaculately clean, simply by their daily schedule of almost constant licking. The reason is primarily a survival tactic: Elimination of odors and residues in the nest is essential for preventing discovery by predators.
This is also why mother cats often move their nests every week or so. There is only just so much disinfecting a mother can do with her tongue. It becomes necessary to move to fresh quarters frequently to stay safely away from enemies. And enemies often include other cats... in particular, male cats who did not father the kittens. Stray tom cats will kill all kittens in their territories in order to force the females back into heat so they can father their own kittens. But that's another topic for another day...
The simple truth is that cats are driven to maintain their cleanliness, and they do it by licking themselves and other cats and kittens they are close to. They do not need human help to do this.
However, since they domesticated themselves to us and willingly subject themselves to our lifestyles, certain situations can arise where we may need to administer the dreaded... ugh... bath.
Indoor cats may escape to the great, but unknown, outdoors from time to time, and find themselves mired in something awful, perhaps grease, oily mud, spoiled substances found near trash areas, or even an encounter with odor-causing varmints, such as skunks.
Show cats may not get out much, and they may not become smelly, but their professional careers may depend on looking their fluffy best.
The lucky cats are those who actually like water. Most cats regard all bathing events as either mildly annoying, or anywhere along the scale to abjectly terrifying.
It is our duty, then, to minimize the discomfort and to maximize the more enjoyable aspects of this humiliating or frightening experience.
If you have the luxury of time and are raising one from kittenhood, it's a good idea to begin teaching kitty that water can be safe and pleasant... as long as you make sure that it is. Playtime might include a little water splashing, if they go for it, or letting them retrieve a toy from a pan or sink full of water. Allowing kitty to sit on the bath tub rim while the humans bathe might also help give them the idea that it's not so bad. Cats learn by observation, so seeing you or the kids in the water might help them to see that being there is OK.
The main things to remember are to be gentle when handling kitty, but firm (a struggling wet cat can be pretty slippery!), keep the water warm, not hot, and keep the session as short as possible. Keep an upbeat attitude. If you act happy and pleased, at least you will not be transmitting negative feelings to the cat. Use gentle products that will not burn their skin or eyes, and be positively certain that nothing bad happens while they are in the water.
Also remember that bathing a cat is not a regular necessity. Some humans have a cleaning obsession and will overbathe their cats. It just is not needed, and could even dry out their skin as the bathing removes the natural oils, and you could find your kitty suffering from an uncomfortable skin condition.
Dry kitty in a big fluffy towel right away, and if they don't mind it, a warm blow-dry with a hair dryer can help shorten the drying process. Be sure to speak softly and reassure your little sweetie that you still love her!
Dr. R.J. Peters has an extensive background in health care, animal care, journalism, computer repair and systems administration. She has co-authored a book on PC security, writes articles over a wide spectrum of topics and has numerous ebooks available on the Internet. Visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/catbath.html for some very funny bath photos.
Giving the cat a bath has been the subject of many a joke and funny story, but the bottom line is this: Cats don't need baths.
However, that said, it does come up now and then, because some cats do get into situations that require bathing. But it's not needed as often as some would have us believe.
Nature has provided the cat with a means to keep itself as clean as necessary... its "sandpaper" tongue. Cats are masters of self-grooming, as well as shared grooming. In fact, grooming is a major part of every cat's life, not only for self-cleaning, but as a social mechanism for bonding with friends and family.
Mother cats keep their kittens immaculately clean, simply by their daily schedule of almost constant licking. The reason is primarily a survival tactic: Elimination of odors and residues in the nest is essential for preventing discovery by predators.
This is also why mother cats often move their nests every week or so. There is only just so much disinfecting a mother can do with her tongue. It becomes necessary to move to fresh quarters frequently to stay safely away from enemies. And enemies often include other cats... in particular, male cats who did not father the kittens. Stray tom cats will kill all kittens in their territories in order to force the females back into heat so they can father their own kittens. But that's another topic for another day...
The simple truth is that cats are driven to maintain their cleanliness, and they do it by licking themselves and other cats and kittens they are close to. They do not need human help to do this.
However, since they domesticated themselves to us and willingly subject themselves to our lifestyles, certain situations can arise where we may need to administer the dreaded... ugh... bath.
Indoor cats may escape to the great, but unknown, outdoors from time to time, and find themselves mired in something awful, perhaps grease, oily mud, spoiled substances found near trash areas, or even an encounter with odor-causing varmints, such as skunks.
Show cats may not get out much, and they may not become smelly, but their professional careers may depend on looking their fluffy best.
The lucky cats are those who actually like water. Most cats regard all bathing events as either mildly annoying, or anywhere along the scale to abjectly terrifying.
It is our duty, then, to minimize the discomfort and to maximize the more enjoyable aspects of this humiliating or frightening experience.
If you have the luxury of time and are raising one from kittenhood, it's a good idea to begin teaching kitty that water can be safe and pleasant... as long as you make sure that it is. Playtime might include a little water splashing, if they go for it, or letting them retrieve a toy from a pan or sink full of water. Allowing kitty to sit on the bath tub rim while the humans bathe might also help give them the idea that it's not so bad. Cats learn by observation, so seeing you or the kids in the water might help them to see that being there is OK.
The main things to remember are to be gentle when handling kitty, but firm (a struggling wet cat can be pretty slippery!), keep the water warm, not hot, and keep the session as short as possible. Keep an upbeat attitude. If you act happy and pleased, at least you will not be transmitting negative feelings to the cat. Use gentle products that will not burn their skin or eyes, and be positively certain that nothing bad happens while they are in the water.
Also remember that bathing a cat is not a regular necessity. Some humans have a cleaning obsession and will overbathe their cats. It just is not needed, and could even dry out their skin as the bathing removes the natural oils, and you could find your kitty suffering from an uncomfortable skin condition.
Dry kitty in a big fluffy towel right away, and if they don't mind it, a warm blow-dry with a hair dryer can help shorten the drying process. Be sure to speak softly and reassure your little sweetie that you still love her!
Dr. R.J. Peters has an extensive background in health care, animal care, journalism, computer repair and systems administration. She has co-authored a book on PC security, writes articles over a wide spectrum of topics and has numerous ebooks available on the Internet. Visit http://www.theproblemcat.com/catbath.html for some very funny bath photos.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Snow Leopard
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Omer_Ashraf]Omer Ashraf
Perhaps the most beautiful of all big cats, the Snow Leopard is an amazing animal. Living at altitudes higher than those of most predators, the Snow Leopard creates a niche for itself in some of the most difficult terrains and hostile climates in the world.
Panthera Uncia, the Snow Leopard, is frequently grouped in small cats owing to its inability to roar, even as it is gifted a predator as any other felid. The cat is characterized by its nearly meter long tail that helps protect its face during extreme cold and enables it to balance itself while encountering adverse topography. The weight ranges from 80-130 lbs. Males are larger with a squarer face. The feet are bigger and furrier for its size relative to other cats, helping the leopard tread over snow. The coat is very attractive with thick fur and beautiful rosettes characteristic of leopards. In winter the coat gets more white than yellow.
Owing to inhospitable terrain and difficult habitats, Snow Leopards have evolved to be specialized predators and opportunistic hunters. They take a variety of prey, including animals much bigger than themselves.
Their leaping ability (45 feet) surpasses even that of the cougar enabling the marvelous cat to surprise its prey and encounter the hilly ranges of its territory. Distributed over a large mountainous terrain in South and Central Asia, Snow Leopards hunt a number of animals including boars, ibexes and rodents.
Conservation efforts over the past few decades have helped bring Snow Leopard population out of imminent threat of extinction. Numerous national parks and protection programs have sprouted in local countries with aim at boosting the numbers in wild, complemented by successful breeding in captivity. Numbers in the wild, though, hover around five to six thousand - the conservation status still being 'endangered'.
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on [http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/snow-leopard.html]snow leopard.
Learn more about cats here: http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com
Perhaps the most beautiful of all big cats, the Snow Leopard is an amazing animal. Living at altitudes higher than those of most predators, the Snow Leopard creates a niche for itself in some of the most difficult terrains and hostile climates in the world.
Panthera Uncia, the Snow Leopard, is frequently grouped in small cats owing to its inability to roar, even as it is gifted a predator as any other felid. The cat is characterized by its nearly meter long tail that helps protect its face during extreme cold and enables it to balance itself while encountering adverse topography. The weight ranges from 80-130 lbs. Males are larger with a squarer face. The feet are bigger and furrier for its size relative to other cats, helping the leopard tread over snow. The coat is very attractive with thick fur and beautiful rosettes characteristic of leopards. In winter the coat gets more white than yellow.
Owing to inhospitable terrain and difficult habitats, Snow Leopards have evolved to be specialized predators and opportunistic hunters. They take a variety of prey, including animals much bigger than themselves.
Their leaping ability (45 feet) surpasses even that of the cougar enabling the marvelous cat to surprise its prey and encounter the hilly ranges of its territory. Distributed over a large mountainous terrain in South and Central Asia, Snow Leopards hunt a number of animals including boars, ibexes and rodents.
Conservation efforts over the past few decades have helped bring Snow Leopard population out of imminent threat of extinction. Numerous national parks and protection programs have sprouted in local countries with aim at boosting the numbers in wild, complemented by successful breeding in captivity. Numbers in the wild, though, hover around five to six thousand - the conservation status still being 'endangered'.
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on [http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/snow-leopard.html]snow leopard.
Learn more about cats here: http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Cat Behavior: Is it Normal... or is it Diabolical?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robert_Gallegos]Robert Gallegos
At first sight the title of this article seems a reasonable question for any cat owner. As with most individual members of the human race, we tend to orient our personal world into our own system of logic, predictability and orderliness. We establish our routines and habits to fit a life style that gives us a comfort level free from the fears that always seems to surround us. We are continually reminded of those fears whether it's broadcast yellow journalism espoused by the news media, or from neighborhood gossip by people who seem to need such excitement because they are either just bored, or think that you're in need of some kind of realistic jolt into seeing things the way they do. As narrow as that may seem, there's no doubt that each person organizes their home into some kind of system, that is a life style, that encompasses the concepts of order and predictability with logical results that ensures peace, comfort and tranquility.
It's about that time many will decide they would like a pet to complete the picture. Some may want the company of a pet because they live alone; others might want surrogate children, either because they don't have any yet, or maybe their children have grown and flown the nest. Of course, there are those who just appreciate the easy love and fidelity pets seem so easily capable of. Many will opt to get a cat. It's here that the peace and tranquility you have established and come to know and expect is sure to be interrupted, if not challenged.
The introduction of any new pet, and cats in particular, will require a new way of thinking. With this new way of thinking, to be a successful cat owner will depend on how well one can incorporate balance and perspective, as an evaluation of oneself, into their new relationship. In other words, one needs to balance their own personal needs and the needs of their cat with a perspective that allows them to see the relationship in the long term as well as on a daily basis.
There's a lot hidden in that last paragraph.
Balance and perspective as an evaluation of oneself requires complete honesty when analyzing ones emotions and reactions to a given situation. Any biased rationalization of an event or circumstance just won't do when one is seeking the 'truth' of a situation.
A person's needs can be either emotional (a harmonious, peaceful and happy home environment), spiritual or physical (food, warmth & shelter). The same goes for your cat. She has emotional and physical needs not dissimilar to your own. As for the spiritual needs of either people or cats, we'll leave that for other discussions.
Perspective is necessary to perceive a relationship with your cat as a long term affair, what you might call the forest, in light of the activities of day to day living, or the trees that make up a forest. Moreover, reactions to a given situation can change from one day to the next, some of which can have an altering effect on the long term view. You can see that moving from the long view to the short view and back again requires a good measure of mental agility.
So, what's all that got to do with cat behavior?
The instincts of cats have been ingrained over eons of evolution. The qualities that distinguish a cat from all other animals (people included) can be listed as follows:
Cats are nocturnal: Cats learned a long time ago that they could find prey and avoid predators by doing their hunting at night. Physiologically, they evolved senses that allowed them to be quite successful at night time activities. Senses such as eyes that could detect motion in very little light. Hearing that allows them to accurately pinpoint a prey's movements in the dark. Their hearing range far exceeds that of humans so that they can not only hear noises people can't, but they can communicate in those ranges, too. They've the ability to lay a scent trail that doesn't require light to follow which is useful when escape from predators can be the difference between life and death in total darkness.Cats are territorial: A cat will mark off an area with her scents and claim it for herself. Usually her territory would be just large enough to support her, and any of her kittens, with a food source in the form of prey. Her scent marking also warns other cats that this is her land and it would be best if they just move on.Cats are solitary: Except when mating, cats are used to living alone. This is closely related to the territorial aspect of the cat's personality. In order to keep from spending all their time marking a territory, the claimed land is usually small enough for only one cat. Besides, to many scents can be confusing especially if she is trying to escape a predator in the dark of night. Cats are predatory: They have learned to be quite proficient at hunting, especially for small nocturnal prey. The cat's hunting technique can be divided into four phases: StalkingCatchingKillingEatingMost cat owners are familiar with the staking phase. All cats will stalk from kitten-hood. But, the success of any cat's ability to stalk, catch, kill and eat prey is solely dependant on what their mother teaches them when they were a kitten. If they didn't get good training in these predation techniques, they may be less than stellar at being a predator. Still, the instinct to act out all four phases is inherent in every cat's nature.
Cats are maternal: Because a cat is solitary and her territory will only provide prey for her and her brood, it's necessary for the kittens to learn a lot before mom kicks them out of the house. Otherwise, there would be too many mouths competing for a limited supply of food. Not to mention all the different scents cluttering up the territory. The maternal instinct has to be strong to teach so much in a short period of time. Unlike pack animals that will share in child rearing, a cat has only herself to rely upon to successfully raise her brood and perpetuate the cat species.So, when someone decides to own a cat as a pet, they should realize that the cat comes with some pretty deeply ingrained characteristics. Most see only a package that doesn't require a lot of attention (unlike dogs), is basically clean and doesn't have to be house trained. But, then when a person's logical sense of order and predictability comes into conflict with the basic natural instincts of a cat... the fur begins to fly!!
When a cat's feeling at home, she will rub her cheeks against prominent pieces of furniture, your pillows, or your leg. Most people find that an endearing quality. She's really marking her territory which she shares with you. If she becomes stressed (due to a change in or invasion of her environment such as a move to a new home, or the introduction of a new pet or family member), or due to certain illnesses, she may feel the need to mark her territory a little more strongly, say with urine. In both cases she is marking her territory, but only one marking is acceptable to you. The other can cause you fits and wonder why you brought her home in the first place. Your reaction will have a lot to say about you and how you evaluate circumstances. It will say less about your cat since she will only be doing what comes naturally to her.
It's sometimes hard to believe, but cats really aren't diabolical.
I know that there are many who'll disagree with me. But, I've found that cats are just as loving, faithful, playful and needful of attention as any dog. They just manifest those qualities in a different manner which is unique to cats in general. Mostly, I've found that with an understanding of the instinctual feline characteristics, many of the problematic behavioral confrontations people have with their cats can either be corrected, albeit with some compromise on the person's part, or avoided altogether. Yes, you'll have to be smarter than the cat. And, being smarter than anything requires a lot of work. In the end, cats aren't diabolical, or out to make your life miserable; they don't try to get even, even when you think they should. They just do what comes naturally. Whether what they do is normal or not... that depends a lot on their childhood experiences. Something even people have a hard time being. Normal, that is. Kitten-hood experiences and how they relate to adult cat behavior will be discussed in the next newsletter. For now give yourself a little test. Without looking at your cat, ask the following questions:
What color are your cat's eyes and coat?Describe the quality of your cat's coat, skin, teeth and gums.What sex is your cat? Is your cat neutered or intact?How much does she/he weigh?How much does she/he eat and drink every day?When, how much and how often does she/he urinate and defecate?If you can answer these questions, then you are on your way to really knowing your cat and a big step towards a peaceful coexistence which you both want, for sure. Learning her instinctual drives will complete the picture. Then your life together will be remembered as a life of harmony. Not of strife or d�tente. Or worse with her staring at euthanasia or becoming feral.
Work in Progress: Coming to [http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com ]Cat Lovers Gift World will be a section entitled Cat Behavior which will discuss the concept of the cat's natural instincts and how they affect the cat in her relations with people.
Robert J Gallegos, author of http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com a web site dedicated to proper cat care with quality cat lover gifts based on an understanding of cat behavior, instincts and the unique requirements for healthy cats as pets. Cats are the newest of animals to be domesticated and still have one paw in the wild. It's a major reason why they're so mysterious and resistant to human expectations. Robert is a life long lover of cats. He is dedicated to sharing his understanding of the cat experience, reducing the epidimic feral cat situation, and helping cat lovers to provide the best care for their cats.
At first sight the title of this article seems a reasonable question for any cat owner. As with most individual members of the human race, we tend to orient our personal world into our own system of logic, predictability and orderliness. We establish our routines and habits to fit a life style that gives us a comfort level free from the fears that always seems to surround us. We are continually reminded of those fears whether it's broadcast yellow journalism espoused by the news media, or from neighborhood gossip by people who seem to need such excitement because they are either just bored, or think that you're in need of some kind of realistic jolt into seeing things the way they do. As narrow as that may seem, there's no doubt that each person organizes their home into some kind of system, that is a life style, that encompasses the concepts of order and predictability with logical results that ensures peace, comfort and tranquility.
It's about that time many will decide they would like a pet to complete the picture. Some may want the company of a pet because they live alone; others might want surrogate children, either because they don't have any yet, or maybe their children have grown and flown the nest. Of course, there are those who just appreciate the easy love and fidelity pets seem so easily capable of. Many will opt to get a cat. It's here that the peace and tranquility you have established and come to know and expect is sure to be interrupted, if not challenged.
The introduction of any new pet, and cats in particular, will require a new way of thinking. With this new way of thinking, to be a successful cat owner will depend on how well one can incorporate balance and perspective, as an evaluation of oneself, into their new relationship. In other words, one needs to balance their own personal needs and the needs of their cat with a perspective that allows them to see the relationship in the long term as well as on a daily basis.
There's a lot hidden in that last paragraph.
Balance and perspective as an evaluation of oneself requires complete honesty when analyzing ones emotions and reactions to a given situation. Any biased rationalization of an event or circumstance just won't do when one is seeking the 'truth' of a situation.
A person's needs can be either emotional (a harmonious, peaceful and happy home environment), spiritual or physical (food, warmth & shelter). The same goes for your cat. She has emotional and physical needs not dissimilar to your own. As for the spiritual needs of either people or cats, we'll leave that for other discussions.
Perspective is necessary to perceive a relationship with your cat as a long term affair, what you might call the forest, in light of the activities of day to day living, or the trees that make up a forest. Moreover, reactions to a given situation can change from one day to the next, some of which can have an altering effect on the long term view. You can see that moving from the long view to the short view and back again requires a good measure of mental agility.
So, what's all that got to do with cat behavior?
The instincts of cats have been ingrained over eons of evolution. The qualities that distinguish a cat from all other animals (people included) can be listed as follows:
Cats are nocturnal: Cats learned a long time ago that they could find prey and avoid predators by doing their hunting at night. Physiologically, they evolved senses that allowed them to be quite successful at night time activities. Senses such as eyes that could detect motion in very little light. Hearing that allows them to accurately pinpoint a prey's movements in the dark. Their hearing range far exceeds that of humans so that they can not only hear noises people can't, but they can communicate in those ranges, too. They've the ability to lay a scent trail that doesn't require light to follow which is useful when escape from predators can be the difference between life and death in total darkness.Cats are territorial: A cat will mark off an area with her scents and claim it for herself. Usually her territory would be just large enough to support her, and any of her kittens, with a food source in the form of prey. Her scent marking also warns other cats that this is her land and it would be best if they just move on.Cats are solitary: Except when mating, cats are used to living alone. This is closely related to the territorial aspect of the cat's personality. In order to keep from spending all their time marking a territory, the claimed land is usually small enough for only one cat. Besides, to many scents can be confusing especially if she is trying to escape a predator in the dark of night. Cats are predatory: They have learned to be quite proficient at hunting, especially for small nocturnal prey. The cat's hunting technique can be divided into four phases: StalkingCatchingKillingEatingMost cat owners are familiar with the staking phase. All cats will stalk from kitten-hood. But, the success of any cat's ability to stalk, catch, kill and eat prey is solely dependant on what their mother teaches them when they were a kitten. If they didn't get good training in these predation techniques, they may be less than stellar at being a predator. Still, the instinct to act out all four phases is inherent in every cat's nature.
Cats are maternal: Because a cat is solitary and her territory will only provide prey for her and her brood, it's necessary for the kittens to learn a lot before mom kicks them out of the house. Otherwise, there would be too many mouths competing for a limited supply of food. Not to mention all the different scents cluttering up the territory. The maternal instinct has to be strong to teach so much in a short period of time. Unlike pack animals that will share in child rearing, a cat has only herself to rely upon to successfully raise her brood and perpetuate the cat species.So, when someone decides to own a cat as a pet, they should realize that the cat comes with some pretty deeply ingrained characteristics. Most see only a package that doesn't require a lot of attention (unlike dogs), is basically clean and doesn't have to be house trained. But, then when a person's logical sense of order and predictability comes into conflict with the basic natural instincts of a cat... the fur begins to fly!!
When a cat's feeling at home, she will rub her cheeks against prominent pieces of furniture, your pillows, or your leg. Most people find that an endearing quality. She's really marking her territory which she shares with you. If she becomes stressed (due to a change in or invasion of her environment such as a move to a new home, or the introduction of a new pet or family member), or due to certain illnesses, she may feel the need to mark her territory a little more strongly, say with urine. In both cases she is marking her territory, but only one marking is acceptable to you. The other can cause you fits and wonder why you brought her home in the first place. Your reaction will have a lot to say about you and how you evaluate circumstances. It will say less about your cat since she will only be doing what comes naturally to her.
It's sometimes hard to believe, but cats really aren't diabolical.
I know that there are many who'll disagree with me. But, I've found that cats are just as loving, faithful, playful and needful of attention as any dog. They just manifest those qualities in a different manner which is unique to cats in general. Mostly, I've found that with an understanding of the instinctual feline characteristics, many of the problematic behavioral confrontations people have with their cats can either be corrected, albeit with some compromise on the person's part, or avoided altogether. Yes, you'll have to be smarter than the cat. And, being smarter than anything requires a lot of work. In the end, cats aren't diabolical, or out to make your life miserable; they don't try to get even, even when you think they should. They just do what comes naturally. Whether what they do is normal or not... that depends a lot on their childhood experiences. Something even people have a hard time being. Normal, that is. Kitten-hood experiences and how they relate to adult cat behavior will be discussed in the next newsletter. For now give yourself a little test. Without looking at your cat, ask the following questions:
What color are your cat's eyes and coat?Describe the quality of your cat's coat, skin, teeth and gums.What sex is your cat? Is your cat neutered or intact?How much does she/he weigh?How much does she/he eat and drink every day?When, how much and how often does she/he urinate and defecate?If you can answer these questions, then you are on your way to really knowing your cat and a big step towards a peaceful coexistence which you both want, for sure. Learning her instinctual drives will complete the picture. Then your life together will be remembered as a life of harmony. Not of strife or d�tente. Or worse with her staring at euthanasia or becoming feral.
Work in Progress: Coming to [http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com ]Cat Lovers Gift World will be a section entitled Cat Behavior which will discuss the concept of the cat's natural instincts and how they affect the cat in her relations with people.
Robert J Gallegos, author of http://www.catlover-giftsworld.com a web site dedicated to proper cat care with quality cat lover gifts based on an understanding of cat behavior, instincts and the unique requirements for healthy cats as pets. Cats are the newest of animals to be domesticated and still have one paw in the wild. It's a major reason why they're so mysterious and resistant to human expectations. Robert is a life long lover of cats. He is dedicated to sharing his understanding of the cat experience, reducing the epidimic feral cat situation, and helping cat lovers to provide the best care for their cats.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Bobcat
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Omer_Ashraf]Omer Ashraf
The Bobcat is an extraordinary feline. A highly adaptable wildcat of North America, the Bobcat has managed to survive in healthy numbers in a variety of habitats, consuming a diverse spectrum of prey, in both wild and inhabited regions. Classified in the Lynx genus, the Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) is considered generally a more successful hunter than the Canadian Lynx, and is perhaps the best mid-sized predator in the continent.
Twice as big as a house cat, the Bobcat weighs between fifteen to thirty pounds and is usually three to four feet long. Males are generally larger. The size among subspecies is generally subject to terrain, with Bobcats in open northern regions being bigger than their southern counterparts. The coat is usually tan colored with a number of dark stripes on it assisting the cat in its camouflage. The characteristic feature is its small tail (up to half a foot long) that gives it the 'bobbed' appearance - responsible for the species' name. Unlike other lynx cats, the Bobcat tail has a white underside with a black stubby tip - distinguishing the cat. Despite being a small cat, Bobcat is quite muscular and its strong, proportionately long, hind legs enable it to generate tremendous bounds of speed, reaching up to 30mph!
With their keen senses, extreme agility and surprising strength, Bobcats make great hunters - able to take down animals three times their size. The prey animals of this opportunistic wily hunter include insects, rodents, birds, fish, squirrels, rabbits and even deer! At times it may prey even on foxes, small dogs and house cats. The usual hunting technique is to stalk the animal and allow it to come within twenty to thirty feet as the cat lays crouching in wait. The chase is then initiated and the prey is taken down with its sharp retractable claws. The cat then bites through neck, skull or chest of the animal to kill it. In case of large prey animal, Bobcat covers it with leaves or debris to return to it over the next couple of days and feed. The hunting time is usually dusk and dawn, with the cat roaming freely over several miles in its range during the night. Despite its cute appearance, the Bobcat is a very fierce animal and is capable of generating frightening growls and snarls - misleading many to believe its sounds as those of a mountain lion.
Solitary as most cats, Bobcats come together during mating. The female is the sole parent and yields three to four kittens after a gestational period of nearly two months, though not all the kittens make it to adulthood in the wild. The lifespan is nearly twelve years in the wild and over twenty years in captivity. Principal threats include parasites, hunting humans and automobiles.
Despite voracious hunting by humans over last few decades, Bobcats' great adaptability has enabled it to survive in the wild. In fact its success as a specie can be gaged by the fact that despite the great value that has been placed on its fur in history, it is still not even concerned vulnerable as a specie by international wildlife bodies. Its unique survival instincts has even enabled it to create a niche for itself even around urban areas, becoming a constant threat, owing to its great stealth and climbing abilities, to farms and pets . The best idea would be to stay indoors to avoid Bobcats. Other alternatives include keeping a dog in the locality (Bobcats have been known to be hunted and chased up trees by dogs) and notifying the local wildlife officials. Remember it is not interspecies conflict as in big cats, when Bobcats prey upon domestic felines, its just that house cats make up part of the menu of these cunning predators in urban settings!
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on [http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/bobcat.html]bob cat.
Learn more about cats here: http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com
The Bobcat is an extraordinary feline. A highly adaptable wildcat of North America, the Bobcat has managed to survive in healthy numbers in a variety of habitats, consuming a diverse spectrum of prey, in both wild and inhabited regions. Classified in the Lynx genus, the Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) is considered generally a more successful hunter than the Canadian Lynx, and is perhaps the best mid-sized predator in the continent.
Twice as big as a house cat, the Bobcat weighs between fifteen to thirty pounds and is usually three to four feet long. Males are generally larger. The size among subspecies is generally subject to terrain, with Bobcats in open northern regions being bigger than their southern counterparts. The coat is usually tan colored with a number of dark stripes on it assisting the cat in its camouflage. The characteristic feature is its small tail (up to half a foot long) that gives it the 'bobbed' appearance - responsible for the species' name. Unlike other lynx cats, the Bobcat tail has a white underside with a black stubby tip - distinguishing the cat. Despite being a small cat, Bobcat is quite muscular and its strong, proportionately long, hind legs enable it to generate tremendous bounds of speed, reaching up to 30mph!
With their keen senses, extreme agility and surprising strength, Bobcats make great hunters - able to take down animals three times their size. The prey animals of this opportunistic wily hunter include insects, rodents, birds, fish, squirrels, rabbits and even deer! At times it may prey even on foxes, small dogs and house cats. The usual hunting technique is to stalk the animal and allow it to come within twenty to thirty feet as the cat lays crouching in wait. The chase is then initiated and the prey is taken down with its sharp retractable claws. The cat then bites through neck, skull or chest of the animal to kill it. In case of large prey animal, Bobcat covers it with leaves or debris to return to it over the next couple of days and feed. The hunting time is usually dusk and dawn, with the cat roaming freely over several miles in its range during the night. Despite its cute appearance, the Bobcat is a very fierce animal and is capable of generating frightening growls and snarls - misleading many to believe its sounds as those of a mountain lion.
Solitary as most cats, Bobcats come together during mating. The female is the sole parent and yields three to four kittens after a gestational period of nearly two months, though not all the kittens make it to adulthood in the wild. The lifespan is nearly twelve years in the wild and over twenty years in captivity. Principal threats include parasites, hunting humans and automobiles.
Despite voracious hunting by humans over last few decades, Bobcats' great adaptability has enabled it to survive in the wild. In fact its success as a specie can be gaged by the fact that despite the great value that has been placed on its fur in history, it is still not even concerned vulnerable as a specie by international wildlife bodies. Its unique survival instincts has even enabled it to create a niche for itself even around urban areas, becoming a constant threat, owing to its great stealth and climbing abilities, to farms and pets . The best idea would be to stay indoors to avoid Bobcats. Other alternatives include keeping a dog in the locality (Bobcats have been known to be hunted and chased up trees by dogs) and notifying the local wildlife officials. Remember it is not interspecies conflict as in big cats, when Bobcats prey upon domestic felines, its just that house cats make up part of the menu of these cunning predators in urban settings!
The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on [http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com/2007/06/bobcat.html]bob cat.
Learn more about cats here: http://ailurophiles.blogspot.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
Cat Behavior Problems
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Drew_Pilton]Drew Pilton
Is Cat Discipline Possible?
People often ask me if training cats is really possible. Cats are intelligent animals and will learn new behavior much faster than you think. Many people find it hard to believe that cat discipline is possible but despite their independent nature it is possible to train a cat that a particular behaviour is bad. All it takes is some patience and consistency in their training. So try it and don't give up.
Cats are not humans
It is important to remember that cats are not human beings they think using their own logic and instincts. Your Ragdoll cat probably sees you as another large cat and will communicate with you accordingly.
Violence will not work
A cat will not understand the use of violence as a form of discipline and so will not associate it with their bad behaviour. The only thing this will do is make them afraid of you. Hitting your Ragdoll cat is not a good form of punishment for bad behaviour, the following methods are kinder ways to effectively discipline your Ragdoll cat:
The �Face Push� Technique
For times when you are near your cat when behaving badly �The Face Push� technique should be used. It consists of a GENTLE but firm push back on your cat�s face accompanied by a stern �NO� command. This is a strong message to cats and used consistently will teach him that a particular behaviour is bad.
The Squirt Gun
When your ragdoll cat is further away and needs reprimanding a squirt gun filled with water and a dash of vinegar is a great tool. Just a quick squirt in the face with a stern �NO� command is enough to stop them in their tracks.
The Rattle Bottle
If the above techniques are not practical a small can or plastic bottle partly filled with pebbles or coins when shaken or dropped along with the �NO� command can provide a great deterrent from bad behavior. Avoid over use of this technique to prevent your Ragdoll cat from becoming desensitised to its affect.
Being consistent with these methods will soon teach your Ragdoll cat which behaviour is good and which is unacceptable.
Problems with aggression
Aggression problems in cats is not as common as it is for dogs but for many reasons cats can develop an aggression problem and you must address this as early as possible to avoid impacting the problem with wrong treatment from you the owner. There are different types of aggression in cats and below are the most common:
Play Aggression
Play aggression is the most common form of cat aggression and is usually your cat playing rough. This is almost always because they have been taught to play like this from when they were kittens; this is called �conditioned aggression�.
Conditioned Aggression
As explained above if you have this problem then it was conditioned into your Ragdoll cat from when it was a kitten. To avoid doing this when rearing kittens always divert aggressive play onto toys and other objects like string on the end of a stick. This will help to distance the aggression from you. If necessary use a squirt gun to stop the wrong behavior along with the usual �NO� command.
Pain Aggression
If the aggression problem suddenly appears for no apparent reason it could be caused by pain. Your cat has no way of telling you if it has a medical condition and is in pain so biting or scratching you could be your cats way of either getting your attention or protecting itself. If it continues you should consult your veterinary surgeon to discover if there is a medical problem, which needs treatment.
When your ragdoll cat jumps on the table
This problem is common in cats if they are not taught otherwise. A squirt in the face with the squirt gun or a drop of the rattle bottle along with the �NO� command may be all that is required to deter your cat from jumping up but you must be consistent so that your Ragdoll cat knows why they are being punished.
As mentioned above it is not that difficult to have a cat that is well behaved and knows his boundaries if the above techniques are used consistently.
The author is the writer of 'The Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook, to find out more visit: http://www.ragdoll-cat-care.com
Is Cat Discipline Possible?
People often ask me if training cats is really possible. Cats are intelligent animals and will learn new behavior much faster than you think. Many people find it hard to believe that cat discipline is possible but despite their independent nature it is possible to train a cat that a particular behaviour is bad. All it takes is some patience and consistency in their training. So try it and don't give up.
Cats are not humans
It is important to remember that cats are not human beings they think using their own logic and instincts. Your Ragdoll cat probably sees you as another large cat and will communicate with you accordingly.
Violence will not work
A cat will not understand the use of violence as a form of discipline and so will not associate it with their bad behaviour. The only thing this will do is make them afraid of you. Hitting your Ragdoll cat is not a good form of punishment for bad behaviour, the following methods are kinder ways to effectively discipline your Ragdoll cat:
The �Face Push� Technique
For times when you are near your cat when behaving badly �The Face Push� technique should be used. It consists of a GENTLE but firm push back on your cat�s face accompanied by a stern �NO� command. This is a strong message to cats and used consistently will teach him that a particular behaviour is bad.
The Squirt Gun
When your ragdoll cat is further away and needs reprimanding a squirt gun filled with water and a dash of vinegar is a great tool. Just a quick squirt in the face with a stern �NO� command is enough to stop them in their tracks.
The Rattle Bottle
If the above techniques are not practical a small can or plastic bottle partly filled with pebbles or coins when shaken or dropped along with the �NO� command can provide a great deterrent from bad behavior. Avoid over use of this technique to prevent your Ragdoll cat from becoming desensitised to its affect.
Being consistent with these methods will soon teach your Ragdoll cat which behaviour is good and which is unacceptable.
Problems with aggression
Aggression problems in cats is not as common as it is for dogs but for many reasons cats can develop an aggression problem and you must address this as early as possible to avoid impacting the problem with wrong treatment from you the owner. There are different types of aggression in cats and below are the most common:
Play Aggression
Play aggression is the most common form of cat aggression and is usually your cat playing rough. This is almost always because they have been taught to play like this from when they were kittens; this is called �conditioned aggression�.
Conditioned Aggression
As explained above if you have this problem then it was conditioned into your Ragdoll cat from when it was a kitten. To avoid doing this when rearing kittens always divert aggressive play onto toys and other objects like string on the end of a stick. This will help to distance the aggression from you. If necessary use a squirt gun to stop the wrong behavior along with the usual �NO� command.
Pain Aggression
If the aggression problem suddenly appears for no apparent reason it could be caused by pain. Your cat has no way of telling you if it has a medical condition and is in pain so biting or scratching you could be your cats way of either getting your attention or protecting itself. If it continues you should consult your veterinary surgeon to discover if there is a medical problem, which needs treatment.
When your ragdoll cat jumps on the table
This problem is common in cats if they are not taught otherwise. A squirt in the face with the squirt gun or a drop of the rattle bottle along with the �NO� command may be all that is required to deter your cat from jumping up but you must be consistent so that your Ragdoll cat knows why they are being punished.
As mentioned above it is not that difficult to have a cat that is well behaved and knows his boundaries if the above techniques are used consistently.
The author is the writer of 'The Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook, to find out more visit: http://www.ragdoll-cat-care.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Is Your Cat Not Using The Litter Box?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Allen]Thomas Allen
Many people have this problem with their cats! Truth is, there are several things that can cause your cat to stop using their litter box. Medical problems, stress, and litter box conditions are three of the top reasons for house soiling. Fortunately, the problem can be avoided and usually solved by following a few simple steps.
Perhaps your cat is avoiding the litter box because of a medical condition. If pain is caused while going to the bathroom, your cat may avoid their litter box because they identify their bathroom area with pain. If your cat normally uses the litter box and suddenly stops, it is important to make sure it is not part of a medical condition by calling a veterinarian.
If your cat is avoiding their litter box because of stress, look for ways to de-stress your cat. Make sure they have privacy for sleeping and resting. It's important for your feline to have a quiet place to escape from the stress that other cats, dogs or children can cause.
Here are some more quick things you can do to avoid stress on your cat. Provide several designated scratch posts in the house. Toys and catnip can also be a good means for stress relief. If you have an indoor cat, give them a safe place to go outdoors. A fenced yard or a porch can make a nice temporary escape.
Your cat avoiding their litter box due to unfavorable conditions is a problem that is easy to solve. Consider that cats must have privacy in their bathroom area. Sometimes they even prefer a dark room to a lit one. Make sure there are not loud noises in their litter box area. A washing machine or dryer can be irritating and cause your cat to seek a quieter place to do their business.
You might also try using multiple litter boxes in the house. For example, if your house has several floors then put at least one litter box on each floor. Does their litter box have a lid? Try taking the lid off or changing their litter to a different type. (Of course this could also be a cause of your cat not using the litter box as well)
It is usually pointless to punish your cat for not using the litter box. Chances are, your cat will not understand why they're being punished and you will aggravate the problem. First, rule out that your cat does not have a medical condition by calling your vet. Then try a combination of the other methods and you should be well on your way to solving your cat's house soiling problem.
Wait! Don't give up on your cat! A well planned behavior program may be all your kitty needs. Go [http://www.catutah.com/reviews/product1.html]here for simple tips to help you get your feline inline!
Many people have this problem with their cats! Truth is, there are several things that can cause your cat to stop using their litter box. Medical problems, stress, and litter box conditions are three of the top reasons for house soiling. Fortunately, the problem can be avoided and usually solved by following a few simple steps.
Perhaps your cat is avoiding the litter box because of a medical condition. If pain is caused while going to the bathroom, your cat may avoid their litter box because they identify their bathroom area with pain. If your cat normally uses the litter box and suddenly stops, it is important to make sure it is not part of a medical condition by calling a veterinarian.
If your cat is avoiding their litter box because of stress, look for ways to de-stress your cat. Make sure they have privacy for sleeping and resting. It's important for your feline to have a quiet place to escape from the stress that other cats, dogs or children can cause.
Here are some more quick things you can do to avoid stress on your cat. Provide several designated scratch posts in the house. Toys and catnip can also be a good means for stress relief. If you have an indoor cat, give them a safe place to go outdoors. A fenced yard or a porch can make a nice temporary escape.
Your cat avoiding their litter box due to unfavorable conditions is a problem that is easy to solve. Consider that cats must have privacy in their bathroom area. Sometimes they even prefer a dark room to a lit one. Make sure there are not loud noises in their litter box area. A washing machine or dryer can be irritating and cause your cat to seek a quieter place to do their business.
You might also try using multiple litter boxes in the house. For example, if your house has several floors then put at least one litter box on each floor. Does their litter box have a lid? Try taking the lid off or changing their litter to a different type. (Of course this could also be a cause of your cat not using the litter box as well)
It is usually pointless to punish your cat for not using the litter box. Chances are, your cat will not understand why they're being punished and you will aggravate the problem. First, rule out that your cat does not have a medical condition by calling your vet. Then try a combination of the other methods and you should be well on your way to solving your cat's house soiling problem.
Wait! Don't give up on your cat! A well planned behavior program may be all your kitty needs. Go [http://www.catutah.com/reviews/product1.html]here for simple tips to help you get your feline inline!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Training Kittens Not to Bite
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Allen]Thomas Allen
Have you ever heard the expression, "Nip the problem in the bud?� Simply put, it means; "Stop the problem before it starts". The same can be said for raising a problem free cat. Bad behaviors are usually learned as kittens and develop into larger problems as they grow up. When aggressive behavior such as biting and scratching is nipped in the bud, training kittens to become well-behaved cats is much easier.
Playful kittens can be so cute; it's hard to see their biting and clawing as much of a threat. It hurts a little, but not that bad so why not let them bite, scratch, and play with your hands? The reason is simple, you do not want this behavior to continue when they develop sharp claws and teeth; That's when it really does hurt!
Consider that cats in the wild learn to hunt through playful behavior when they are young. This natural tendency is carried over to domestic cats when they learn how to use their teeth and claws through playful behavior. Allowing a cute little kitten to bite and scratch your hands teaches them to use their hunting skills on you! The behavior continues as they develop into full-grown cats and before you know it, you have a cat with a major behavior problem.
Needless to say, you do not want your cat to bite people! Therefore, it is important to remember some rules for play when they are young. When your kitten bites it is not usually necessary to scold, however you should stop playing with them immediately. When your kitten bites or claws your hands, take a "time out", and let them know that playtime is over.
Alternatively, you can divert a biting kittens attention from your hands by using a piece of string, yarn or some other cat toy. Distraction is a good way to keep playing with your kitten if you don't want to take a time out. If they continue to go after your hands, scolding may be necessary.
The right type of human contact is essential to a domestic cats development. If your kitten learns that your hands are play toys at a young age, they will naturally revert back to this behavior as an adult cat. This is the last thing you want if you're trying to raise a well-behaved cat! Training kittens not to bite is a must if you want to keep your cat from biting.
Wait! Don't give up on your cat! A well planned behavior program may be all your kitty needs. Go [http://www.catutah.com/reviews/product1.html]here for simple tips to help you keep your feline inline!
Have you ever heard the expression, "Nip the problem in the bud?� Simply put, it means; "Stop the problem before it starts". The same can be said for raising a problem free cat. Bad behaviors are usually learned as kittens and develop into larger problems as they grow up. When aggressive behavior such as biting and scratching is nipped in the bud, training kittens to become well-behaved cats is much easier.
Playful kittens can be so cute; it's hard to see their biting and clawing as much of a threat. It hurts a little, but not that bad so why not let them bite, scratch, and play with your hands? The reason is simple, you do not want this behavior to continue when they develop sharp claws and teeth; That's when it really does hurt!
Consider that cats in the wild learn to hunt through playful behavior when they are young. This natural tendency is carried over to domestic cats when they learn how to use their teeth and claws through playful behavior. Allowing a cute little kitten to bite and scratch your hands teaches them to use their hunting skills on you! The behavior continues as they develop into full-grown cats and before you know it, you have a cat with a major behavior problem.
Needless to say, you do not want your cat to bite people! Therefore, it is important to remember some rules for play when they are young. When your kitten bites it is not usually necessary to scold, however you should stop playing with them immediately. When your kitten bites or claws your hands, take a "time out", and let them know that playtime is over.
Alternatively, you can divert a biting kittens attention from your hands by using a piece of string, yarn or some other cat toy. Distraction is a good way to keep playing with your kitten if you don't want to take a time out. If they continue to go after your hands, scolding may be necessary.
The right type of human contact is essential to a domestic cats development. If your kitten learns that your hands are play toys at a young age, they will naturally revert back to this behavior as an adult cat. This is the last thing you want if you're trying to raise a well-behaved cat! Training kittens not to bite is a must if you want to keep your cat from biting.
Wait! Don't give up on your cat! A well planned behavior program may be all your kitty needs. Go [http://www.catutah.com/reviews/product1.html]here for simple tips to help you keep your feline inline!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Common Cat Health Skin Problems
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth]Judy Wellsworth
Cats have internal health problems that cause skin conditions in cats. Pruritus affects the skin of cats because of the nerve fibers that control sensations such as pruritus, pain, temperature and touch. In cats, pruritus affects the grooming habits and some scratching is associated with this skin condition. When a cat has excessive grooming habits it may lead to hairballs, military dermatitis, changes in color of the fur and alopecia.
Different Pruritus Lesions That Cause Cat Health Skin Problems
Alopecia is a systematic disease that comes from allergies, malassezia, fungal infections and demodex. Hypereosinophilic syndrome has no known causes, but does have signs such as vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea along with anorexia and eosinophilia. Eosinophilic dermatitis comes from hypersensitivity and mosquito bites. This usually affects the ears, feet and face of the cat.
Ulcers and erosions due to trauma, affects the neck and head of the cat and comes from food allergies, parasites, ringworm, tumors and atopy. Military dermatitis affects the back, neck and the tail. This condition is caused by allergies, infections and parasites. Nodules, affects Siamese cats and is very rare but comes from mast cell tumors. The last pruritus lesion that affects cat health skin conditions is crusting and scale lesions. This comes from ringworm, immune disorders and SLE.
If the pruritus is severe, medications can only relieve the pain temporarily. Once the treatment is finished, the itching reoccurs and causes pain to the cat. It is best to eliminate the problems causing the pruritus than it is to keep a cat on continued medication. If your cat has an allergy, tests can determine what is causing the problem, then treatments will help prevent further pruritus on the cat. Some methods of treating pruritus are topical treatments and antihistamines along with prostaglandins and antimicrobials and in some cases corticosteroids, which are not as safe for cats because of the side effects.
Topical Treatments And Antihistamines for Pruritus
Shampoos and moisturizers that contain anti-inflammatory medication help to reduce environmental allergies and alleviate the pruritus lesions. In some cases, hydrotherapy works for environmental allergies as well. An antihistamine prevents the release of histamines. When given before the release of histamines, antihistamines block impurities from causing pruritus. In some cases, antidepressants are given with the antihistamine treatment for further prevention. Antihistamines are only about thirty percent effective in treating pruritus on cats. Because they are safer than corticosteroids, they are still prescribed to treat [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php]cat health skin problems.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone may cause side effects, but are used as a last resort if the cat does not respond to other medications that are safer. Some of the side effects may cause hunger and thirst, which could result in an overweight cat with kidney failure.
Prostaglandins and Antimicrobials
Prostaglandins help to stop the itching as an anti-itch medication. This type of relief works well after the onset of pruritus. Antimicrobials are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications that protect the cat health skin from pruritus if the underlying cause is from bacterial or fungal infections.
You can also find more info on [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Eye_Health.php]Cat Eye Health and [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Fleas.php]Cat Fleas. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Cats have internal health problems that cause skin conditions in cats. Pruritus affects the skin of cats because of the nerve fibers that control sensations such as pruritus, pain, temperature and touch. In cats, pruritus affects the grooming habits and some scratching is associated with this skin condition. When a cat has excessive grooming habits it may lead to hairballs, military dermatitis, changes in color of the fur and alopecia.
Different Pruritus Lesions That Cause Cat Health Skin Problems
Alopecia is a systematic disease that comes from allergies, malassezia, fungal infections and demodex. Hypereosinophilic syndrome has no known causes, but does have signs such as vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea along with anorexia and eosinophilia. Eosinophilic dermatitis comes from hypersensitivity and mosquito bites. This usually affects the ears, feet and face of the cat.
Ulcers and erosions due to trauma, affects the neck and head of the cat and comes from food allergies, parasites, ringworm, tumors and atopy. Military dermatitis affects the back, neck and the tail. This condition is caused by allergies, infections and parasites. Nodules, affects Siamese cats and is very rare but comes from mast cell tumors. The last pruritus lesion that affects cat health skin conditions is crusting and scale lesions. This comes from ringworm, immune disorders and SLE.
If the pruritus is severe, medications can only relieve the pain temporarily. Once the treatment is finished, the itching reoccurs and causes pain to the cat. It is best to eliminate the problems causing the pruritus than it is to keep a cat on continued medication. If your cat has an allergy, tests can determine what is causing the problem, then treatments will help prevent further pruritus on the cat. Some methods of treating pruritus are topical treatments and antihistamines along with prostaglandins and antimicrobials and in some cases corticosteroids, which are not as safe for cats because of the side effects.
Topical Treatments And Antihistamines for Pruritus
Shampoos and moisturizers that contain anti-inflammatory medication help to reduce environmental allergies and alleviate the pruritus lesions. In some cases, hydrotherapy works for environmental allergies as well. An antihistamine prevents the release of histamines. When given before the release of histamines, antihistamines block impurities from causing pruritus. In some cases, antidepressants are given with the antihistamine treatment for further prevention. Antihistamines are only about thirty percent effective in treating pruritus on cats. Because they are safer than corticosteroids, they are still prescribed to treat [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php]cat health skin problems.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone may cause side effects, but are used as a last resort if the cat does not respond to other medications that are safer. Some of the side effects may cause hunger and thirst, which could result in an overweight cat with kidney failure.
Prostaglandins and Antimicrobials
Prostaglandins help to stop the itching as an anti-itch medication. This type of relief works well after the onset of pruritus. Antimicrobials are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications that protect the cat health skin from pruritus if the underlying cause is from bacterial or fungal infections.
You can also find more info on [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Eye_Health.php]Cat Eye Health and [http://www.aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Fleas.php]Cat Fleas. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Cat Behavior - Cat Not Using Litter Box
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Luke_Blaise]Luke Blaise
Cats not using the litter box is one of the top complaints of cat owners. Why don�t cats want to use the litter box? What can I do to quickly solve the problem? Fortunately many people have been in your shoes before, so there are lots of answers out there.
Cat behavior problems are one of the main reasons why cats are given over to shelters by their owners. The two most common cat behavior problems involve the cat not using the litter box, and feline aggression.
Cats not using the litter box can be divided into two primary categories; medical and non medical causes. Medical causes could include common diseases like feline lower urinary tract syndrome or lower urinary tract syndromes. Common signs of these are cats frequently urinating in small amounts or painful urinating.
Non-medical causes of cats not using the litter box are primarily due to stress. This stress could be from a new baby or visitor in the house, or even something seemingly as minor as a change in the household routine.
Some causes of cats not using the litter box, have nothing to do with them but with us. Sometimes we forget and close the door leading to the litter box shutting off access to use the litter box. Sometimes we place litter boxes near noisy washing machines that scare the cat away.
Whenever you encounter your cat not using the litter box you should first seek veterinary help. They are the experts in ruling out medical versus non-medical causes of behavior problems. [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]Get easy secrets of cat beahavior modification here
Cats not using the litter box is one of the top complaints of cat owners. Why don�t cats want to use the litter box? What can I do to quickly solve the problem? Fortunately many people have been in your shoes before, so there are lots of answers out there.
Cat behavior problems are one of the main reasons why cats are given over to shelters by their owners. The two most common cat behavior problems involve the cat not using the litter box, and feline aggression.
Cats not using the litter box can be divided into two primary categories; medical and non medical causes. Medical causes could include common diseases like feline lower urinary tract syndrome or lower urinary tract syndromes. Common signs of these are cats frequently urinating in small amounts or painful urinating.
Non-medical causes of cats not using the litter box are primarily due to stress. This stress could be from a new baby or visitor in the house, or even something seemingly as minor as a change in the household routine.
Some causes of cats not using the litter box, have nothing to do with them but with us. Sometimes we forget and close the door leading to the litter box shutting off access to use the litter box. Sometimes we place litter boxes near noisy washing machines that scare the cat away.
Whenever you encounter your cat not using the litter box you should first seek veterinary help. They are the experts in ruling out medical versus non-medical causes of behavior problems. [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]Get easy secrets of cat beahavior modification here
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Cat Behavior - Cat Hissing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Luke_Blaise]Luke Blaise
Cat hissing can be very disturbing for many cat owners. Often times their cats will hiss at them just for approaching them. The are many ways to get your cat to stop hissing at everyone that comes by.
Cat behavior problems are the most common reasons cats are given over by their owners to cat shelters. Among these cat behavior problems that are most common are litter box problems and aggression, cat hissing falls into the cat aggression category.
Cats usually hiss because they are either frightened or trying to scare someone off. Cats that are cornered and think they will be attacked will usually hiss. Cats that are trying to be left alone or trying to get rid of someone will also usually hiss.
One cat owner had a cat that sat on the doorstep and constantly hissed at the new boyfriend or anyone else that came near the doorstep. No matter what she tried the cat would continue to hiss at the new boyfriend. It got so bad that many people when they came to her house would just enter in from the garage.
One thing that helped this cat owner is desensitizing and positive reinforcement techniques. Desensitizing is a common behavior modification tool that many people see great success with.
To use desensitization for a hissing cat, slowly approach the cat until it starts to hiss, and then back off. Slowly over the period of a week or two try to decrease the distance you can approach the cat without it hissing at you.
The other technique is positive reinforcement. In our example the owner�s boyfriend simply started feeding the cat and gave it treats. Once it started to associate him with rewards the hissing went away. [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]The Cat Behavior Specialist
Cat hissing can be very disturbing for many cat owners. Often times their cats will hiss at them just for approaching them. The are many ways to get your cat to stop hissing at everyone that comes by.
Cat behavior problems are the most common reasons cats are given over by their owners to cat shelters. Among these cat behavior problems that are most common are litter box problems and aggression, cat hissing falls into the cat aggression category.
Cats usually hiss because they are either frightened or trying to scare someone off. Cats that are cornered and think they will be attacked will usually hiss. Cats that are trying to be left alone or trying to get rid of someone will also usually hiss.
One cat owner had a cat that sat on the doorstep and constantly hissed at the new boyfriend or anyone else that came near the doorstep. No matter what she tried the cat would continue to hiss at the new boyfriend. It got so bad that many people when they came to her house would just enter in from the garage.
One thing that helped this cat owner is desensitizing and positive reinforcement techniques. Desensitizing is a common behavior modification tool that many people see great success with.
To use desensitization for a hissing cat, slowly approach the cat until it starts to hiss, and then back off. Slowly over the period of a week or two try to decrease the distance you can approach the cat without it hissing at you.
The other technique is positive reinforcement. In our example the owner�s boyfriend simply started feeding the cat and gave it treats. Once it started to associate him with rewards the hissing went away. [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]The Cat Behavior Specialist
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Cat Behavior - Cat Urine Issues
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Luke_Blaise]Luke Blaise
Many owners struggle with cat urine issues. They could range from the cat not using the litter box to figuring out how to clean urine from the carpeting. Cat urine issues don�t have to take up your whole life.
Cat urine issues are one of the most frustrating things people who have cats with behavioral problems deal with. Nothing is more upsetting for a cat owner than to se e your cat suffering and your bed sheets ruined.
The first place you should start off with when dealing with cat urine issues is your veterinarian. There they can rule out any possible medical issues when it comes to cats not using the litter box. Two of the most common medical reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box are feline lower urinary tract disease and a lower urinary tract infection.
Once you have ruled medical causes out you need to start investigating why your cat has stopped using the litter box. One of the most common behavior reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box is stress. This stress could be from a new cat in the house, a new baby, or even a change in the house hold routine.
Another thing to do when dealing with cat urine issues is to make sure you thoroughly clean your carpet or bedding where the cat urinated. You need to do this because if a cat smells urine in that location, it is likely to use that area again for a litter box.
Remember when dealing with cat urine issues go through some basic investigatory steps to find the cause and then come up with a good treatment plan.
Visit my [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]cat behavior blog for great easy tips to help you with your cat behavior problem. Or just sign up for my newsletter: [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]The Cat Behavior Specialist
I also like to help people struggling with the cat behavior problems. Please email me if you need help, I have helped dozens already.
Many owners struggle with cat urine issues. They could range from the cat not using the litter box to figuring out how to clean urine from the carpeting. Cat urine issues don�t have to take up your whole life.
Cat urine issues are one of the most frustrating things people who have cats with behavioral problems deal with. Nothing is more upsetting for a cat owner than to se e your cat suffering and your bed sheets ruined.
The first place you should start off with when dealing with cat urine issues is your veterinarian. There they can rule out any possible medical issues when it comes to cats not using the litter box. Two of the most common medical reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box are feline lower urinary tract disease and a lower urinary tract infection.
Once you have ruled medical causes out you need to start investigating why your cat has stopped using the litter box. One of the most common behavior reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box is stress. This stress could be from a new cat in the house, a new baby, or even a change in the house hold routine.
Another thing to do when dealing with cat urine issues is to make sure you thoroughly clean your carpet or bedding where the cat urinated. You need to do this because if a cat smells urine in that location, it is likely to use that area again for a litter box.
Remember when dealing with cat urine issues go through some basic investigatory steps to find the cause and then come up with a good treatment plan.
Visit my [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]cat behavior blog for great easy tips to help you with your cat behavior problem. Or just sign up for my newsletter: [http://1catbehavior.blogspot.com]The Cat Behavior Specialist
I also like to help people struggling with the cat behavior problems. Please email me if you need help, I have helped dozens already.
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