By Maria Kuzmiak
Did you see that wink? Hear that purr? See that tail held high? Make no mistake about it. Your cat is trying to tell you something! Cats use their tails, heads, paws, eyes, ears and vocal sounds to communication with people and with each other.
For example, when your cat rubs her head against your leg or paws you with her claws, she is telling you that she really likes you and is claiming you as her own. Cats have scent glands on their chin, lips and paws that they use to mark their territory. Have you ever seen your cat paw at the floor around his food dish? He is saying, "This food is mine!"
The position of a cat's ears or tail can also tell you what he is thinking or feeling. If his ears are straight up, he is ready to have some fun and wants to play. If his ears are flat or sideways, he is wondering what you are up to. If his ears are down, he is on the defensive, and if those ears are down and held back, he is angry! Similarly, when your cat holds his tail straight up, he is feeling contented and happy. A twitching tail usually means he wants you to back off. If his tail is big and bushy, he is angry.
Cats also communicate with their eyes. If you look carefully, you will be able to tell what she is trying to say. When she winks or blinks, it is a sign of affection. She is saying, "I love you." If your cat is looking at you, she is listening to hear what you have to say, but if she is staring at you intensely, she may be challenging you and letting you know that she wants to be left alone. When your cat's pupils are slits instead of big and round, she is feeling confident and attentive. A cat with cloudy eyes may not be feeling well, or she may just be very relaxed and ready for a nap.
Do You Speak "Cat"?
More than likely, you have also noticed that your cat can speak! In fact, there are more than a dozen vocal patterns that cats use to communicate. These include purrs, trills, meows, chatters, chirps, hisses and growls. When cats meow, they actually pronounce vowel sounds. Meows are almost always directed at people. In fact, it is believed that domesticated cats learned to meow as a way to speak to humans; they do not meow to each other in the wild. When your cat meows, you probably know what she wants. She may be hungry, stuck behind a door or trying to tell you that she sees a fly. Short, high-pitched meows are pleasant conversation or requests. If you ignore her meows, you may notice that they become lower and more drawn out as she gets more and more frustrated. Chatters and chirps also express frustration, while hisses and growls mean that she is frightened or angry.
When your cat is very content, you will probably hear her purr. Purrs are very comforting sounds that are believed to be vibrations of the cat's vocal chords. The cat does not open her mouth to produce this sound. While purring is usually associated with a feeling of extreme contentment, cats who are anxious or stressed may also purr. In such cases, they are probably attempting to calm themselves down.
Maria Kuzmiak is a freelance writer and webmaster of http://www.coolcatpages.com She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their three cats.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Cats - Owners Of Humans
By Alan Beggerow
A human can own a dog, or a dog can own a human. Not so with a cat! There are no two ways about it. Wherever cats are kept, they rule the roost. Of course cats can be very loving pets, as cat people will tell you. But it is on the terms of the cat! Some facts about our feline friends:
A cat's heart beats twice as fast as a humans at rest. Between 110 to 140 beats per minute.
Giving a cat a bath is no joy ride, but 25 percent of 'owners' that do bathe them blow dry them afterwards.
Cats usually wag their tails when they are in a state of inner conflict.
When cats are content they will knead their humans or any other creature they won with their paws. This is thought to be a carry over from their kitten days, as kneading Mama while nursing stimulates milk flow.
One of the most brilliant persons of history, Sir Isaac Newton, not only enriched the world of physics and mathematics. He also invented the cat door.
If your cat insists on scratching on your furniture, try putting lemon or orange scent on the area. Cats hate citrus odors.
Cats, along with giraffes and camels, are the only animals that move both their left feet, then both their right feet when walking.
A cat needs only about 17 percent of the amount of light humans need to see in the dark
A cat can see up to 120 feet, and have peripheral vision of about 280 degrees.
A group of adult cats is called a clowder, a group of kittens is called a kindle.
For proper nutrition and health, a cat needs 5 times more protein than a dog.
21 per cent of U.S. homes have at least one cat.
On a yearly average, human pets of cats spend $2.5 billion on cat food and $295 million on kitty litter. http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com/index.php?pr=Cats
Alan Beggerow along with his wife Cathleen owns and operates Cathleen's Bargain Basement, an online business that offers custom made apparel and hand crafted teddy bears by Cathleen, and also offers a selection of jewelry, home decor, Asian motif items, and much more. Visit them at http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com
A human can own a dog, or a dog can own a human. Not so with a cat! There are no two ways about it. Wherever cats are kept, they rule the roost. Of course cats can be very loving pets, as cat people will tell you. But it is on the terms of the cat! Some facts about our feline friends:
A cat's heart beats twice as fast as a humans at rest. Between 110 to 140 beats per minute.
Giving a cat a bath is no joy ride, but 25 percent of 'owners' that do bathe them blow dry them afterwards.
Cats usually wag their tails when they are in a state of inner conflict.
When cats are content they will knead their humans or any other creature they won with their paws. This is thought to be a carry over from their kitten days, as kneading Mama while nursing stimulates milk flow.
One of the most brilliant persons of history, Sir Isaac Newton, not only enriched the world of physics and mathematics. He also invented the cat door.
If your cat insists on scratching on your furniture, try putting lemon or orange scent on the area. Cats hate citrus odors.
Cats, along with giraffes and camels, are the only animals that move both their left feet, then both their right feet when walking.
A cat needs only about 17 percent of the amount of light humans need to see in the dark
A cat can see up to 120 feet, and have peripheral vision of about 280 degrees.
A group of adult cats is called a clowder, a group of kittens is called a kindle.
For proper nutrition and health, a cat needs 5 times more protein than a dog.
21 per cent of U.S. homes have at least one cat.
On a yearly average, human pets of cats spend $2.5 billion on cat food and $295 million on kitty litter. http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com/index.php?pr=Cats
Alan Beggerow along with his wife Cathleen owns and operates Cathleen's Bargain Basement, an online business that offers custom made apparel and hand crafted teddy bears by Cathleen, and also offers a selection of jewelry, home decor, Asian motif items, and much more. Visit them at http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Cat Litter Mats - Keeping Your Floors Free From Litter
By Ned D'Agostino
If you have a cat, no doubt one of the problems you face it is having your pet track cat litter from his or her litter box throughout the rest of the house. This can be especially harmful to carpeting or flooring, since not only can soiled litter make a mess, but litters can scratch hardwood or tile flooring, increase carpet wear and tear, and in general cause disrepair for flooring materials. It can also be hard on furniture and make it necessary to professionally clean upholstery more often, since kitties can jump on furniture with soiled paws. Cat litter mats are one way to control this problem.
Just as you wipe your feet at the door when you come in your house after being outside, litter mats go directly in front of your cat's litter box, and serve as a way to keep tracked litter at a minimum and close to the box. They are generally textured rubber mats that "wipe" your cat's feet as he or she leaves the litter box, so that litter that normally would be tracked throughout the house is "wiped off" on the matting and stays in that area. This not only saves flooring, but also makes cleanup much easier, since litter is contained to one area. It also is generally healthier for cats to have this type of matting as well, since the cat will then not lick this soiled litter off its paws but will leave it on the mat so it is not ingested. Litter residue can be harmful. Of course, it also keeps other materials in your home much cleaner, such as clothing, bedding, or furniture.
If you can't afford or don't want to buy a commercial cat litter mat, you can buy a simple rubber bathmat that will do a lot of the work for you. You can cover the bathmat with old blankets or area rugs that have seen better days. Old "loop" rugs are especially useful for this, since their rough texture helps wipe cats' paws off. Old carpeting remnants are also a good substitute. Whatever you buy, these mats should be washable or at least frequently replaceable, since they will pick up smells from the litter boxes themselves and will become soiled over time.
Whether you buy a commercial cat litter mat or make your own by using old area rugs, blankets, bathmat, etc., using these can be a very good way to keep tracked litter contained near the litter box and keep it from being carried throughout your house. This, in turn, helps keep your entire home much more fresh and clean. It will also help protect flooring and carpets, and make them last longer without the type of wear and tear tracked litter can cause. In addition, you'll find life much more pleasant if your kitty does not jump on your bed or furniture with soiled feet. This, in turn, keeps the rest of your family, as well as your pet, much healthier.
For more information on finding a good cat litter mat visit http://www.catlitterboxesplus.com, a popular website devoted to cat owners everywhere. You'll also find information on the different types of cat litter available such as pine, silica, flushable or clumping litters.
If you have a cat, no doubt one of the problems you face it is having your pet track cat litter from his or her litter box throughout the rest of the house. This can be especially harmful to carpeting or flooring, since not only can soiled litter make a mess, but litters can scratch hardwood or tile flooring, increase carpet wear and tear, and in general cause disrepair for flooring materials. It can also be hard on furniture and make it necessary to professionally clean upholstery more often, since kitties can jump on furniture with soiled paws. Cat litter mats are one way to control this problem.
Just as you wipe your feet at the door when you come in your house after being outside, litter mats go directly in front of your cat's litter box, and serve as a way to keep tracked litter at a minimum and close to the box. They are generally textured rubber mats that "wipe" your cat's feet as he or she leaves the litter box, so that litter that normally would be tracked throughout the house is "wiped off" on the matting and stays in that area. This not only saves flooring, but also makes cleanup much easier, since litter is contained to one area. It also is generally healthier for cats to have this type of matting as well, since the cat will then not lick this soiled litter off its paws but will leave it on the mat so it is not ingested. Litter residue can be harmful. Of course, it also keeps other materials in your home much cleaner, such as clothing, bedding, or furniture.
If you can't afford or don't want to buy a commercial cat litter mat, you can buy a simple rubber bathmat that will do a lot of the work for you. You can cover the bathmat with old blankets or area rugs that have seen better days. Old "loop" rugs are especially useful for this, since their rough texture helps wipe cats' paws off. Old carpeting remnants are also a good substitute. Whatever you buy, these mats should be washable or at least frequently replaceable, since they will pick up smells from the litter boxes themselves and will become soiled over time.
Whether you buy a commercial cat litter mat or make your own by using old area rugs, blankets, bathmat, etc., using these can be a very good way to keep tracked litter contained near the litter box and keep it from being carried throughout your house. This, in turn, helps keep your entire home much more fresh and clean. It will also help protect flooring and carpets, and make them last longer without the type of wear and tear tracked litter can cause. In addition, you'll find life much more pleasant if your kitty does not jump on your bed or furniture with soiled feet. This, in turn, keeps the rest of your family, as well as your pet, much healthier.
For more information on finding a good cat litter mat visit http://www.catlitterboxesplus.com, a popular website devoted to cat owners everywhere. You'll also find information on the different types of cat litter available such as pine, silica, flushable or clumping litters.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Best Gifts For Cats - What To Get Them
By Ron King
Do you have a gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat lover is more simple than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available on the web. Before you purchase the first kitty-themed item, pause to consider the following idea. The best gifts for cat fanciers are unique and specific to their cat.
Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, consider the following:
What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient most like or own? Many potential offerings to cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, get a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite feline.
If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out the cat's gender. Many cat-themed gifts are gender-specific, so you will want to know what sex your recipient's cat is.
Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are getting a gift for a person who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of apparel, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the recipient dresses their cat, however.
Now that you've taken a few moments to think of your recipient's cat, here are the top 6 gifts that any cat lover would be happy to be given.
1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to show your love for your animal than putting the feline's picture on display? People looking for gifts for them would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to show their favorite pet. You may desire to ensure your intended recipient doesn't already own a stockpile of cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it is common for avid cat lovers to own more than one cat picture frame.
2. Feline-themed jewelry. It may be common to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a nice piece of jewelry. If you have a personal acquaintance who you think would relish this type of gift, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to offerings for cat fanciers that carry a wonderful selection of feline-related jewelry. For an even more personal effect, you can often have these type of gifts engraved with a message as well.
3. Cat-related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully-designed calendars are put on the market for purchase. The selection can be incredible with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is an outstanding choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, typically if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you hope to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another superior choice is to get a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.
Gifts for cat lovers may include a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like. Consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.
4. Feline themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can generally find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.
5. A work of kitty art. They abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely feline sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to paint a portrait of your friend's cat!
6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For people looking for gifts for cat lovers, the die-hard cat fanatic will love a subscription to a cat themed magazine. If you can't get cat-related magazines at your local newsstand, see your local pet supplies store. You'll find other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can be happy to be receiving for many issues to come.
For more info, see Best Gifts For Cats and The Best Gifts For Cats. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cat Fanciers.
Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Do you have a gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat lover is more simple than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available on the web. Before you purchase the first kitty-themed item, pause to consider the following idea. The best gifts for cat fanciers are unique and specific to their cat.
Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, consider the following:
What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient most like or own? Many potential offerings to cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, get a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite feline.
If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out the cat's gender. Many cat-themed gifts are gender-specific, so you will want to know what sex your recipient's cat is.
Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are getting a gift for a person who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of apparel, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the recipient dresses their cat, however.
Now that you've taken a few moments to think of your recipient's cat, here are the top 6 gifts that any cat lover would be happy to be given.
1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to show your love for your animal than putting the feline's picture on display? People looking for gifts for them would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to show their favorite pet. You may desire to ensure your intended recipient doesn't already own a stockpile of cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it is common for avid cat lovers to own more than one cat picture frame.
2. Feline-themed jewelry. It may be common to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a nice piece of jewelry. If you have a personal acquaintance who you think would relish this type of gift, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to offerings for cat fanciers that carry a wonderful selection of feline-related jewelry. For an even more personal effect, you can often have these type of gifts engraved with a message as well.
3. Cat-related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully-designed calendars are put on the market for purchase. The selection can be incredible with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is an outstanding choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, typically if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you hope to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another superior choice is to get a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.
Gifts for cat lovers may include a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like. Consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.
4. Feline themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can generally find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.
5. A work of kitty art. They abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely feline sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to paint a portrait of your friend's cat!
6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For people looking for gifts for cat lovers, the die-hard cat fanatic will love a subscription to a cat themed magazine. If you can't get cat-related magazines at your local newsstand, see your local pet supplies store. You'll find other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can be happy to be receiving for many issues to come.
For more info, see Best Gifts For Cats and The Best Gifts For Cats. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cat Fanciers.
Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Check Out The Catnip Video!
By Robert Blake
Is your cat or kitten home-bound and bored out of their minds or asleep? Check out the catnip video for all sorts of great fun and entertainment. Are they stuck with boredom all day while waiting for you to come home and spend time with them? Video catnip is hours of excitement for your little friends. See squirrels, birds, and chipmunks in action, and enjoy your pet going wild for this video!
Video catnip relaxes people and energizes your pets. You'll get best results for indoor cats who are homebound and not used to these animals on a daily basis. Cats understand that they should be hunting these animals, and it allows them the opportunity to see them up close and personal. For best results your cat will be an indoor cat, as the outdoor cat sees scenes from the catnip video already and isn't quite the target market, though they do still enjoy it.
Video catnip is wonderful for cats and kittens of all ages and activity levels. It's a great tool for getting that lazy cat up off its duff and exercising. "Fat cat" may be a phrase referring to success but it is certainly not a good state for your little friend to be in, as it will shorten their lives unnecessarily. We owe it to ourselves and our pets to be in the best shape so we can spend the longest amount of time together that we possibly can.
The catnip video will get your cats and kittens energized. They don't understand television, so you can enjoy them looking to find their prey behind the TV! You may need to help them at first by drawing their attention to the screen so they know to look towards the screen.
Anyone who uses the catnip video is bound to be pleased by the joy of their cat and the sheer excitement. Give your cats and kittens a chance to feel like they are able to participate in wild nature, even if they never get to leave the loving confines of your house. Your little friends will be glad of the chance and you will have the joy of giving them the opportunity. The cat's owners will love the catnip video equally as much as the kitties themselves do; as they can see their little friends go insane with joy of catnip.
Robert Blake runs Happy Healthy Cats. Source article target=_new The Catnip Video.
Is your cat or kitten home-bound and bored out of their minds or asleep? Check out the catnip video for all sorts of great fun and entertainment. Are they stuck with boredom all day while waiting for you to come home and spend time with them? Video catnip is hours of excitement for your little friends. See squirrels, birds, and chipmunks in action, and enjoy your pet going wild for this video!
Video catnip relaxes people and energizes your pets. You'll get best results for indoor cats who are homebound and not used to these animals on a daily basis. Cats understand that they should be hunting these animals, and it allows them the opportunity to see them up close and personal. For best results your cat will be an indoor cat, as the outdoor cat sees scenes from the catnip video already and isn't quite the target market, though they do still enjoy it.
Video catnip is wonderful for cats and kittens of all ages and activity levels. It's a great tool for getting that lazy cat up off its duff and exercising. "Fat cat" may be a phrase referring to success but it is certainly not a good state for your little friend to be in, as it will shorten their lives unnecessarily. We owe it to ourselves and our pets to be in the best shape so we can spend the longest amount of time together that we possibly can.
The catnip video will get your cats and kittens energized. They don't understand television, so you can enjoy them looking to find their prey behind the TV! You may need to help them at first by drawing their attention to the screen so they know to look towards the screen.
Anyone who uses the catnip video is bound to be pleased by the joy of their cat and the sheer excitement. Give your cats and kittens a chance to feel like they are able to participate in wild nature, even if they never get to leave the loving confines of your house. Your little friends will be glad of the chance and you will have the joy of giving them the opportunity. The cat's owners will love the catnip video equally as much as the kitties themselves do; as they can see their little friends go insane with joy of catnip.
Robert Blake runs Happy Healthy Cats. Source article target=_new The Catnip Video.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
What Cat Lovers Should Know About Tapeworms in a Cat
By Nat Williams
Nearly all cats will experience at least one form of worm infection during their lifetime; among the most widespread worm infestations are that of the roundworm and the tapeworm.
What are Tapeworms?
All worms are parasites that feed off the inside of your cat and can make them rather sick. Worms can be transferred from the mother to the kitten; the litter box is also a source of worm infestation - particularly if you have more than one cat.
The tapeworm is made up of a number of segments and each of these segments contains the eggs of the worm. The segments containing the eggs fall off the worm and are excreted out of the cat's body in its stools.
How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?
The tapeworm may have been passed down to a kitten by its mother. However, the main source of the tapeworm is cat fleas. Fleas eat the tapeworm eggs that are passed in the cat's stool - the cat will swallow the flea when it cleans itself and this is how the tapeworm egg enters your cat's body. If you want to avoid tapeworm infestation then you first need to ensure that your cat is free from fleas. If a cat has fleas then it is more likely to be suffering from tapeworms, which attacks the cat's intestinal tract.
Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats
You should watch your cat's behavior. Cats who have tapeworms will show more scratching and licking around their anus. Irritability and loss of appetite are other symptoms that the cat has fleas.
Treatment of Tapeworms in Cats
You should always bring your cat to the vet for a checkup if you suspect it has a worm infection. Your vet will most likely treat your cat by prescribing some deworming medicine, which will almost always get rid of the tapeworm problem. You will also need to clean the cat's bed and areas of the house your cat has access to. Combine the treatment with exercise along with a correct diet and regular checkups and your cat should be free of tapeworms.
Prevention of Tapeworms in Cats
In order to prevent your cat from being re-infested with tapeworms, you will have to keep fleas out of your cat and house. A regular dosage of deworming medicine prescribed by your vet will definitely keep the worms out permanently.
Natalie Williams is the author of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her web site for more tips on treating and preventing worms in your pet.
Nearly all cats will experience at least one form of worm infection during their lifetime; among the most widespread worm infestations are that of the roundworm and the tapeworm.
What are Tapeworms?
All worms are parasites that feed off the inside of your cat and can make them rather sick. Worms can be transferred from the mother to the kitten; the litter box is also a source of worm infestation - particularly if you have more than one cat.
The tapeworm is made up of a number of segments and each of these segments contains the eggs of the worm. The segments containing the eggs fall off the worm and are excreted out of the cat's body in its stools.
How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?
The tapeworm may have been passed down to a kitten by its mother. However, the main source of the tapeworm is cat fleas. Fleas eat the tapeworm eggs that are passed in the cat's stool - the cat will swallow the flea when it cleans itself and this is how the tapeworm egg enters your cat's body. If you want to avoid tapeworm infestation then you first need to ensure that your cat is free from fleas. If a cat has fleas then it is more likely to be suffering from tapeworms, which attacks the cat's intestinal tract.
Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats
You should watch your cat's behavior. Cats who have tapeworms will show more scratching and licking around their anus. Irritability and loss of appetite are other symptoms that the cat has fleas.
Treatment of Tapeworms in Cats
You should always bring your cat to the vet for a checkup if you suspect it has a worm infection. Your vet will most likely treat your cat by prescribing some deworming medicine, which will almost always get rid of the tapeworm problem. You will also need to clean the cat's bed and areas of the house your cat has access to. Combine the treatment with exercise along with a correct diet and regular checkups and your cat should be free of tapeworms.
Prevention of Tapeworms in Cats
In order to prevent your cat from being re-infested with tapeworms, you will have to keep fleas out of your cat and house. A regular dosage of deworming medicine prescribed by your vet will definitely keep the worms out permanently.
Natalie Williams is the author of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her web site for more tips on treating and preventing worms in your pet.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Living in a Cat's World
By Audrey Frederick
As a human you probably do not think much about your cat's world, other than to feed it and pet it from time to time. We think about our five senses and how we use them, but have you ever really thought about your cat's five senses?
A cat has the same five senses that we have, they hear, smell, taste, see, and touch things just as humans do. However, though all five senses are important, touch to a cat is probably the most important.
It uses its sense of touch to "read" its environment. Now, what do I mean by that? There are many cell receptors in a cat's skin that changes mechanical (moving) stimuli into information that the nervous system uses to help produce a cat's rapid reaction time to things.
When you see Miss Puss lying down or standing with her four feet planted firmly on the floor looking into space, she is not daydreaming. Miss Puss is picking up information from her surrounding environment. She can determine whether or not to stay where she is, or flee.
Cats not only pick up information by the sense of touch; they can leave information also. When a cat stretches up to claw a tree (or the couch) she is leaving a message that she was there. A calling card in fact for the next cat to smell and "read."
These receptors not only detect movement or pressure they also detect pain, temperatures and save cats from harm and injury. They attune the cat to its environment, making them aware of what is going on around them, and if it is safe for them to be where they are.
They also possess an extreme understanding of their bodies and of its capabilities. They have what is known as kinetic energy which is energy associated with motion. Cats are very good at being cats.
Cats use their whiskers and paws to hunt with. These are two of the most sensitive areas on a cat; they contain the most number of nerve cells. A cat can use its whiskers, just as a blind person would use a cane. By using its paws and whiskers a cat can determine an object's size, shape and texture.
There are about a dozen whiskers on each upper lip, along with some small ones on their cheeks, a few on the chin, several above each eye and believe it or not some on the underside of each paw. The whiskers are thicker and stiffer and have been implanted with a special follicle that is sealed within the whisker. Whiskers are connected to a muscle and can be moved back and forth. Never cut a cat's whiskers.
Cats use their whiskers to get in and out of tight places; they can use them to convey their mood. Forward and fanned out means I am in a good mood, pushed back toward its head means, watch out, I am mad.
The average cat does not see any better at night than most humans, but their whiskers give them an extra edge as they can detect air currents deflected by objects, as the cat walks by.
A cat's hearing is better then a dog's, it can hear things moving silently inside of a wall. Did you know that a "whole tone" (like in music) that we can hear, a cat hears it as 10 separate tones. A cat can hear ultrasonic sounds (high pitched) that we cannot even imagine.
Smell is the next important sense in a cat's life; a blind or deaf cat can lead a fairly normal life as long as its nose is in working order.
From the very moment a kitten is born, smell becomes the most important part of its life. A newborn can find mommy and its favorite nursing nipple just by smelling. A cat has 100 million smelling receptors, while the lowly human has only 20 million. Cats use their sense of smell to "see" their world. A cat generally will not eat unless is can smell its food and decide whether or not it is acceptable to eat. A cat that cannot smell its food will not eat it.
When it comes to taste, cats are carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. Unfortunately cats do not have a sweet tooth; they are about the only mammal that does not have one, as they lack a receptor for sweetness.
One thing that cats do like the most is petting. Cats receive comfort from petting and most cats prefer to be stroked from the head down, following the line of their fur growth. Cats do not like to have their fur stroked backward.
My cat Boots loves to have his face and ears stroked very gently, he will let me do this for a long time. I think, since he is a feral cat, that I remind him of the days when he was with mom. He is also one of the few cats that loves to have his tummy rubbed.
Cats are unique and many have strange behaviors, but no matter what their likes and dislikes are, cats like humans and enjoy human contact.
Living in a cat's world is much different than living in a dog's world. Dog's have masters, cats have staff! Cats were treated as royalty back in the days of the Romans and have never forgotten that. Dogs have been bred through the years to conform to certain standards and behaviors. A cat has always been a cat, no one has been able to breed a cat to chase only yellow yarn balls or to herd mice.
If this article has been of benefit, or you are looking for a new insight into the world of cats and dogs please visit my web site and Sadie Dog's Blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
As a human you probably do not think much about your cat's world, other than to feed it and pet it from time to time. We think about our five senses and how we use them, but have you ever really thought about your cat's five senses?
A cat has the same five senses that we have, they hear, smell, taste, see, and touch things just as humans do. However, though all five senses are important, touch to a cat is probably the most important.
It uses its sense of touch to "read" its environment. Now, what do I mean by that? There are many cell receptors in a cat's skin that changes mechanical (moving) stimuli into information that the nervous system uses to help produce a cat's rapid reaction time to things.
When you see Miss Puss lying down or standing with her four feet planted firmly on the floor looking into space, she is not daydreaming. Miss Puss is picking up information from her surrounding environment. She can determine whether or not to stay where she is, or flee.
Cats not only pick up information by the sense of touch; they can leave information also. When a cat stretches up to claw a tree (or the couch) she is leaving a message that she was there. A calling card in fact for the next cat to smell and "read."
These receptors not only detect movement or pressure they also detect pain, temperatures and save cats from harm and injury. They attune the cat to its environment, making them aware of what is going on around them, and if it is safe for them to be where they are.
They also possess an extreme understanding of their bodies and of its capabilities. They have what is known as kinetic energy which is energy associated with motion. Cats are very good at being cats.
Cats use their whiskers and paws to hunt with. These are two of the most sensitive areas on a cat; they contain the most number of nerve cells. A cat can use its whiskers, just as a blind person would use a cane. By using its paws and whiskers a cat can determine an object's size, shape and texture.
There are about a dozen whiskers on each upper lip, along with some small ones on their cheeks, a few on the chin, several above each eye and believe it or not some on the underside of each paw. The whiskers are thicker and stiffer and have been implanted with a special follicle that is sealed within the whisker. Whiskers are connected to a muscle and can be moved back and forth. Never cut a cat's whiskers.
Cats use their whiskers to get in and out of tight places; they can use them to convey their mood. Forward and fanned out means I am in a good mood, pushed back toward its head means, watch out, I am mad.
The average cat does not see any better at night than most humans, but their whiskers give them an extra edge as they can detect air currents deflected by objects, as the cat walks by.
A cat's hearing is better then a dog's, it can hear things moving silently inside of a wall. Did you know that a "whole tone" (like in music) that we can hear, a cat hears it as 10 separate tones. A cat can hear ultrasonic sounds (high pitched) that we cannot even imagine.
Smell is the next important sense in a cat's life; a blind or deaf cat can lead a fairly normal life as long as its nose is in working order.
From the very moment a kitten is born, smell becomes the most important part of its life. A newborn can find mommy and its favorite nursing nipple just by smelling. A cat has 100 million smelling receptors, while the lowly human has only 20 million. Cats use their sense of smell to "see" their world. A cat generally will not eat unless is can smell its food and decide whether or not it is acceptable to eat. A cat that cannot smell its food will not eat it.
When it comes to taste, cats are carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. Unfortunately cats do not have a sweet tooth; they are about the only mammal that does not have one, as they lack a receptor for sweetness.
One thing that cats do like the most is petting. Cats receive comfort from petting and most cats prefer to be stroked from the head down, following the line of their fur growth. Cats do not like to have their fur stroked backward.
My cat Boots loves to have his face and ears stroked very gently, he will let me do this for a long time. I think, since he is a feral cat, that I remind him of the days when he was with mom. He is also one of the few cats that loves to have his tummy rubbed.
Cats are unique and many have strange behaviors, but no matter what their likes and dislikes are, cats like humans and enjoy human contact.
Living in a cat's world is much different than living in a dog's world. Dog's have masters, cats have staff! Cats were treated as royalty back in the days of the Romans and have never forgotten that. Dogs have been bred through the years to conform to certain standards and behaviors. A cat has always been a cat, no one has been able to breed a cat to chase only yellow yarn balls or to herd mice.
If this article has been of benefit, or you are looking for a new insight into the world of cats and dogs please visit my web site and Sadie Dog's Blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Understanding Cat Potty Training
By Bobby Wilson
Owning a cat can be a wonderful experience. Whilst they have a reputation for being selfish and arrogant, most cats are in fact very loving and they can bring their owners a lot of joy. However, there is one thing which many owners become frustrated about and that is cat potty training.
Now cat potty training may not be as difficult as housetraining a dog, but it can still be really challenging. Many cats pick up very quickly the fact that they are supposed to relieve themselves in their litter tray, however there are some who can be a little more stubborn!
What You Should Know About Cat Potty Training
The main thing to remember with cat potty training is that patience and persistence pays off. You need to carefully keep an eye on the cat so that you know when they need to relieve themselves and you can then place them into the litter tray. However, cat potty training is not always that simple.
It could be that your cat is relieving themselves everywhere but where they are supposed to. Many cat owners become increasingly frustrated when they have provided a perfectly good litter tray, yet the cat refuses to use it. Now there could be many reasons why your cat is refusing to use the litter tray. You have to remember that with cat potty training you need to provide them with a clean litter tray in a quiet area. So if the litter tray is dirty and it is placed in the wrong area, your cat will not want to use it.
Another reason why cat potty training does not always go so well is if there is something new in the cat's environment. Usually when you bring a cat home for the first time, everything is new and so potty training could take a while. They need to get familiar with their surroundings and they need to feel secure before they can get into any type of routine. If your cat has been with you for a while and they have already undertaken cat potty training in the past, then the problem could be if there is anything new in the house. Has there been a recent addition to the family? Have you purchased another cat?
If you have purchased another cat then your older cat may be feeling a little threatened. This would mean that they start to urinate everywhere in order to mark their territory.
Overall there are many reasons why your cat potty training may not be going so well. You need to get to the bottom of those reasons if you want to solve the problem completely. Generally though it is all just a matter of patience and persistence and of watching out for when your cat may want to relieve themselves.
So if you want to get over with the frustration caused by your cat relieving itself just anywhere and everywhere in your home then get some good, handy tips on target=_new cat potty training here: target=_new http://unique-review.com/potty-training-cat/
Bobby Wilson writes articles on different topics that interest him.
Owning a cat can be a wonderful experience. Whilst they have a reputation for being selfish and arrogant, most cats are in fact very loving and they can bring their owners a lot of joy. However, there is one thing which many owners become frustrated about and that is cat potty training.
Now cat potty training may not be as difficult as housetraining a dog, but it can still be really challenging. Many cats pick up very quickly the fact that they are supposed to relieve themselves in their litter tray, however there are some who can be a little more stubborn!
What You Should Know About Cat Potty Training
The main thing to remember with cat potty training is that patience and persistence pays off. You need to carefully keep an eye on the cat so that you know when they need to relieve themselves and you can then place them into the litter tray. However, cat potty training is not always that simple.
It could be that your cat is relieving themselves everywhere but where they are supposed to. Many cat owners become increasingly frustrated when they have provided a perfectly good litter tray, yet the cat refuses to use it. Now there could be many reasons why your cat is refusing to use the litter tray. You have to remember that with cat potty training you need to provide them with a clean litter tray in a quiet area. So if the litter tray is dirty and it is placed in the wrong area, your cat will not want to use it.
Another reason why cat potty training does not always go so well is if there is something new in the cat's environment. Usually when you bring a cat home for the first time, everything is new and so potty training could take a while. They need to get familiar with their surroundings and they need to feel secure before they can get into any type of routine. If your cat has been with you for a while and they have already undertaken cat potty training in the past, then the problem could be if there is anything new in the house. Has there been a recent addition to the family? Have you purchased another cat?
If you have purchased another cat then your older cat may be feeling a little threatened. This would mean that they start to urinate everywhere in order to mark their territory.
Overall there are many reasons why your cat potty training may not be going so well. You need to get to the bottom of those reasons if you want to solve the problem completely. Generally though it is all just a matter of patience and persistence and of watching out for when your cat may want to relieve themselves.
So if you want to get over with the frustration caused by your cat relieving itself just anywhere and everywhere in your home then get some good, handy tips on target=_new cat potty training here: target=_new http://unique-review.com/potty-training-cat/
Bobby Wilson writes articles on different topics that interest him.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
What to Get Your Cat for Christmas
By Lynne Powell
Cats like the same thing for Christmas that they enjoy every other day of the year--good food, fresh water, clean litter and a bit of their preferred chin scratching, head-to-tail petting and cuddling. However, most cats would not say, "No" to a little nip of catnip in a stuffed toy or slathered all over a scratching post. In fact, they might say, "Yes!" with great enthusiasm in the way only cats can--by rolling all over the catnip area and the odd bit of drooling.
Another thing not many people know that cats like is honeysuckle. It's not as crazy-making as catnip, but spray a little honeysuckle on a toy or scratch post and many cats will get right down and savor it by rubbing their cheeks on it to catch every last bit of scent. I've had great luck in alternating sprays of honeysuckle with scattering of catnip on a stand-up sisal scratch post right next to a chair or sofa that might tempt the cats to sharpen their claws. The catnip and honeysuckle are so much more appealing that the furniture gets ignored. Your claw-sharpening mileage may vary.
Three holiday dangers for cats are:
First and foremost ribbons! String, yarn and dental floss can also be fatal to a cat. Okay, I know you don't wrap presents with dental floss, but I'm just saying that long thread-y things attract cats. If you've ever had your cat lick your hand, you know that their tongues are like sandpaper and thread-things can stick to their rough tongues, get swallowed, and knot up in their guts. Very serious.
All those pictures of cats playing with balls of yarn drive me crazy. The first Christmas that we a kitten, my husband and I narrowly avoided a trip to the pet emergency hospital when he swallowed a ribbon. Fortunately it was a very short ribbon and it came out the other end, but these beautiful things can kill your cat, so please don't leave them out.
Another danger is Poinsettia plants, these are poisonous to cats and should be kept out of reach.
Last but not least, is the water at the base of a living Christmas tree. Some cats are tempted to drink it, and it's safer to securely cover the base so they can't get at it.
On the other hand, one thing cats love about Christmas morning is discarded wrapping paper! A very economical gift to your cat is to let him or her (or them) charge around and attack wrapping paper piles. If you've ever seen a kitten, or even a normally dignified, grown-up cat, once the gifts are opened, diving and scattering wrapping paper or hopping into and out of gift boxes with glee, you can experience the pure, undiluted joy that cats can create at Christmas that few other creatures can!
Lynne Powell Your Cat's Secret Life
Cats like the same thing for Christmas that they enjoy every other day of the year--good food, fresh water, clean litter and a bit of their preferred chin scratching, head-to-tail petting and cuddling. However, most cats would not say, "No" to a little nip of catnip in a stuffed toy or slathered all over a scratching post. In fact, they might say, "Yes!" with great enthusiasm in the way only cats can--by rolling all over the catnip area and the odd bit of drooling.
Another thing not many people know that cats like is honeysuckle. It's not as crazy-making as catnip, but spray a little honeysuckle on a toy or scratch post and many cats will get right down and savor it by rubbing their cheeks on it to catch every last bit of scent. I've had great luck in alternating sprays of honeysuckle with scattering of catnip on a stand-up sisal scratch post right next to a chair or sofa that might tempt the cats to sharpen their claws. The catnip and honeysuckle are so much more appealing that the furniture gets ignored. Your claw-sharpening mileage may vary.
Three holiday dangers for cats are:
First and foremost ribbons! String, yarn and dental floss can also be fatal to a cat. Okay, I know you don't wrap presents with dental floss, but I'm just saying that long thread-y things attract cats. If you've ever had your cat lick your hand, you know that their tongues are like sandpaper and thread-things can stick to their rough tongues, get swallowed, and knot up in their guts. Very serious.
All those pictures of cats playing with balls of yarn drive me crazy. The first Christmas that we a kitten, my husband and I narrowly avoided a trip to the pet emergency hospital when he swallowed a ribbon. Fortunately it was a very short ribbon and it came out the other end, but these beautiful things can kill your cat, so please don't leave them out.
Another danger is Poinsettia plants, these are poisonous to cats and should be kept out of reach.
Last but not least, is the water at the base of a living Christmas tree. Some cats are tempted to drink it, and it's safer to securely cover the base so they can't get at it.
On the other hand, one thing cats love about Christmas morning is discarded wrapping paper! A very economical gift to your cat is to let him or her (or them) charge around and attack wrapping paper piles. If you've ever seen a kitten, or even a normally dignified, grown-up cat, once the gifts are opened, diving and scattering wrapping paper or hopping into and out of gift boxes with glee, you can experience the pure, undiluted joy that cats can create at Christmas that few other creatures can!
Lynne Powell Your Cat's Secret Life
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