Cat Breeds

By Joseph M Sabol

When you decide to get a cat for a pet, then there will surely be a number of things that you will have to consider. One of these pertains to cat breeds. This is because there are various cat breeds in the market, and choosing amongst the many choices can be confusing altogether. Thus, it would be better do some research on the different cat breeds so that you can choose the best one for your family. This is because cat breeds do differ in terms of shapes, sizes, and demeanor.

One of the popular breeds is the Abyssinian, also known as the Aby cat. If you want to have a playful cat, then you should consider this breed because the Aby cat is very energetic and has quite the personality. The great thing about this cat is that it is also very loyal to its owner and it is also very attentive.

Another popular breed is the Balinese cat. Back in the day, the Balinese is known as the Longhaired Siamese cat simply because the markings on Balinese cats are quite the same as that of the Siamese breed. The only difference is that the tail of the Balinese is actually more plumed in appearance. If you want a cat that is particularly attentive to you, then you should consider getting the Balinese because it does not feel any inhibition about giving attention to its owner. This is because the Balinese also enjoys having the attention of its owner. And since this cat is particularly energetic, make sure to leave it with a chew toy or a plaything when you go off to work. This way, your cat will be able to keep himself entertained.

The Manx is another breed that deserves mention. In appearance, you will definitely say that the Manx is just like any other cat. However, do not be surprised to see a Manx that does not have any tail. Because of certain mutations in this breed's spine, most Manx cats have very short tails, and some do not have any tail at all. Moreover, if you want to get a cat that you and your family can play fetch with, then the Manx is definitely the breed to get.

These are just some of the top cat breeds that dominate families today. If you are still not too sure which breed to go with, you can ask the help of your vet. This way, your very can help you decide which breed is the best for your family.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

Please Do Your Part - Keep Your Cat Indoors!

By John Wilton

The number of songbirds killed by cats each year is significant. This problem will worsen if left unchecked. Even well fed domestic house cats when left outside will kill birds. Cats hunt out of instinct even when not hungry. Even de-clawed cats are effective hunters and it is widely know that a bell on a cat's collar is no deterrent.

Consider this: it is typical for a domestic female cat which is kept indoors to become sexual mature at five to nine months of age. A free roaming cat can become sexually active much sooner than that. Cats from the same litter can mate and female cats, especially in milder climates, can become pregnant any time of year. The average gestation period of a cat is under 70 days and the litter size ranges from three to six (or more) kittens. It is not uncommon for cats to go back into heat one to two months after giving birth - some sooner. Cats can have up to five litters per year. This would give just one female cat the potential to have 15 to 30 kittens (or more) per year. The cycle starts over again when these kittens become sexually mature in five to nine months. You do the math...
There are an estimated 60 million or more pet cats in the United States (this does not include the millions of strays and feral cats). Studies show the percentage of cat owners that allow their cat outside to be conservatively 25% or more. Cats allowed outdoors are not only a threat to birds but also at risk themselves (example: car vs. cat = car winning nearly every time). Neither of these losses is necessary.

The American Bird Conservatory's citizen education and action program Cat's Indoors! encourages responsible cat ownership. You can find recommendations on how you can help on their website. The National Audubon Society has passed a Resolution on Cats supporting the need for action.
Please do your part - keep your cat indoors!

SpeakBeak.com helps birders discover information about birding, bird identification, migration, habitat, conservation, tours, optics and much more. Find out more at http://speakbeakblog.blogspot.com/ This content is provided by John Wilton. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Cat Supplies - A Way to Stop the Scratching

By Jennifer Akre

If there is one complaint that most cat owners have about their beloved feline friends it is their constant habit of scratching things they shouldn't be scratching. While you can't always stop them from this habit, after all it is in their nature, there are a few cat supplies you can get to try and save your furniture and other valuable items from becoming a victim of a scratching frenzy.

The right toys to scratch

The first way to keep your kitten from getting in trouble by digging it's claws into everything in your home is to give it the right cat supplies to scratch. You should purchase scratch pads or posts for your cat, so it has something appropriate to use for a nail workout. One important thing to keep in mind is that you choose a scratching platform that is the right size for your cat. Your cat should be able to stretch to its full capacity when using the scratching item you have purchased. Often a way to take care of this need is to purchase a cat tree piece of furniture that is tall enough for your cat to stretch out and scratch and also has a place for your cat to climb, play and even curl up and sleep. This is a way to take care of two necessary cat supplies in one shot.

Water bottle or gun

Cats need to scratch. That's just a fact of life. It's the way they trim their own nails. But what they scratch is something you can have a little control over. While some people scold or even try to spank cats to stop them from scratching items they should not be scratching, a better way is to have a deterrent that your cat doesn't like, but is not harmful. This is where water bottles and water guns come in. these simple cat supplies can go a long way towards convincing your cat there are better things to claw in the house. Once your cat starts to dig at something it is not supposed to, a quick squirt of water in the face will change its mind.

Soft Claws Instead of Declawing

Another option is to make sure that when your cat decides to claw something that it won't do any damage. Some people consider declawing a cat to reach this end, but many doctors and humane societies say this is not a humane way to treat your pet. Additionally, if your cat ever goes outside, it will have no defenses against another animal. Instead, consider making your cat's sharp claws softer. One of the greatest cat supplies in recent memory is called soft claws. These are plastic tips that can be put on your cats nails and turn them into soft plastic, non-scratching, tips. Think of it as press on nails for cats. The trick with these is that they take a little work to get on. You should ideally start when your cat is young, and train them to get used to the process of putting the nails on and keeping them on.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous pet area by using elegant cat furniture and gorgeous dog furniture that rivals your own or adds to your decor rather than blighting it.

Spaying and Neutering Cats - Price

By Gary Pearson

The spaying and neutering cats price can vary tremendously from state to state and even between neighbouring areas. Your location is not the only factor which will affect the cost.

The spaying and neutering of cats is desperately important, particularly with regard to feral cats. There is a tremendous overpopulation at present with millions of cats living on the streets and the shelters full to overflowing. The population of unhomed cats is growing faster than they can be re-homed. For this reason it is very important that the spaying and neutering cats price is affordable by all owners. There are some dedicated people who are not regular cat owners, but have taken on the responsibility of caring for a colony of feral cats nearby. These kind hearted folk forego many of the pleasures that we associate with keeping a cat such as the affection and fun and loyalty. They get little back in that way from their animals. What they do get is a very hefty bill from the veterinarian when they have a whole colony of cats to spay and neuter. For this reason there are a variety of payment schedules and feral cat spaying and neutering is often cheaper than that for a domestic cat. This is a great step in the right direction when it comes to controlling the numbers of street cats.

There is no fixed sum when it comes to a spaying and neutering cats price. It will vary from one veterinarian to another and a whole range of other variables. The size of the cat will make a difference. This is mainly due to the anaesthetic required. The sex of the cat will be a factor; the operation for a female cat is more involved than for a male and so therefore the cost is usually higher. The age of your pet may make a difference too. A usual amount to pay would be in the region of $60 to $70 for spaying and $50 to $60 for neutering.

In some areas you may find a spaying and neutering cats price as low as $20. This is a great price and does have some conditions attached. For example you must a resident in that area and have proof of your address. Other schemes will provide a cheap service for households on a low income and proof of this is required. As I mentioned earlier, if you are responsible for a colony of feral cats, or indeed have trapped one in a humane trap, a service will be available in most areas whereby the cat can be spayed or neutered sometimes free of charge. Sometimes you will find that vaccines will also be available. Very often such a service will require the ear to be tipped so that it easy to see that the cat is not fertile.

Although it is easy to get a reasonably price spay or neuter for your pet, it is also easy to be overcharged. There are reports of some practices charging as much as $200. Be warned and make sure that you know what is included in the costs and do not forget to consider such extras as pain killers.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about spaying cats visit Spay Neuter Clinics Now for current articles and discussions.

Dealing With Cat Anxiety - Part 2

By Doris Canova

Cats find consistent routines and predictable environments very comforting, so try to keep your cat's activities on a schedule. Playtimes, mealtimes, and bedtimes should occur at approximately the same time every day. Cats with anxiety related elimination problems also may spray, but do so for other than hormonal reasons. Instead, something in their environment causes them to become anxious. Cats commonly start to manifest their stress or anxiety by what is politely called inappropriate toiletary behavior.

Cats are very sensitive to their owner's emotions, so if you're nervous during thunderstorms, your cat probably will be, too. Learning to calm yourself will help both of you. Cats who display this type of behavior generally follow their owners around everywhere, rather than explore the outside world. They may even continue the suckling behavior and chew and suck on their owner's cloths and even hand.

Cats can be very social animals and they can experience anxiety when they are separated from their owners. Cats like to know when their big cat mom and/or dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job that drastically changes your household routine and lifestyle, your cat may get seperation anxiety

Aggressive behavior can be sign of stress anxiety. Owners who claim that cat play fighting did not present a problem until the cat was six or seven years old are ignoring one vital fact. Up until that age (middle age in cats) he will have taken his fights elsewhere. When the behavior is exhibited in the owner's presence, attention can be withdrawn by turning or walking away, or some form of remote indirect punishment not associated with the owner could be used.

Owners should never physically punish their cat; even a harmless tap on the nose may be viewed as a challenge and the cat may become even more aggressive. The most effective reaction to status-induced aggression is to ignore the cat completely.

Ask your veterinarian about giving a tranquilizer to the cat to reduce cat anxiety and possibly help reduce destructive behavior. A comprehensive dietary supplement designed for animals exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally induced stress is also available from your veterinarian.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very intertaining and fun. Please visit our site today for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - http://www.besthousecatcare.com or our blog for more information - http://www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com

Dealing With Cat Anxiety Part 1

By Doris Canova

Some stressful situations that can cause cat anxiety for your cat are: being alone in the house, or when visitors to the home, another new pet or family member, moving to a new home, visits to the veterinarian, adjusting to a new environment, and multiple cat households. Unfortunately, when cats suffer from stress and anxiety, they generally communicate it in a very clear way that can really turn humans upside down. One of the real signs that usually tell us is that they are not using the cat litter box.

Cats with separation anxiety don't howl and bay like dogs and they don't chew on doors and windowsills in frantic attempts to escape. Their misery is far less obvious and it sometimes takes a sleuth of an owner to appreciate what is going on. Separation anxiety in cats is a less common phenomenon and typically gives rise to behaviors that are not as destructive as those of a dog suffering from separation anxiety. It is so uncommon in cats that it was not till recently that the disorder was considered to be absent in the feline species.

Separation anxiety is a very distressing condition for pets and their owners. Although it is difficult to treat, the long term benefits of having a happier and healthier pet are well worth the time spent training your pet. Separation anxiety: canine and feline and human beings alike, are all prone to and suffer from active bouts of stress due to environmental, emotional, and physical factors. Such stressful times can not only be harmful to your pet, but also to you as a pet owner.

Cats normally are fastidious groomers and as much as 30 - 50% of their time awake is spent performing some type of grooming behavior. One uncommon sign of cat anxiety may be excessive grooming, to the point of creating a bald spot on one or two areas of the body. Cats may show their distress in other, less obvious ways such as becoming too anxious to eat when left alone; or vomiting only when the owner is not there.

Article by Doris Canova. We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. To see products that will help make experiences with your cat even more enjoyable, visit our website today - http://www.besthousecatcare.com Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Please visit our site today for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - visit our blog for more information - http://www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com

The Truth About Feline Rhinotracheitis

By D Swain

Feline rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. This virus is highly contagious, but usually only causes mild symptoms in mature cats. However, this disease can be fatal to kittens if they develop pneumonia.

Transmission

As mentioned earlier, the virus that causes rhinotracheitis in cats is very contagious. It can be transmitted to your cat if he comes into contact with contaminated cages, food dishes, or litter boxes. Also, cats can become infected if they come into contact with discharge from an infected cat's eyes, nose, or mouth. As the owner, you also have to be careful as you can harbor the virus on your hands or clothing.

Symptoms

Cats affected with feline rhinotracheitis show common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. This includes sneezing, coughing, and discharge from the nose. Some cats also get secondary bacterial infections that can prolong the disease. Other symptoms that may develop include loss of appetite, corneal ulcers, and a fever.

Treatment

To keep your cat from getting a secondary bacterial infection, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Feline rhinotracheitis usually goes away on its own within ten days, so no other medications may be necessary. However, you may be able to give your cat nasal drops to decrease the amount of discharge from the nose.

You will need to make sure your cat is consuming enough food and fluids. If not, he may need to have a feeding tube. You should also make sure to minimize your cat's stress and keep him indoors. The room should be warm and have plenty of ventilation. You should also try to have a humidifier in the room.

Prognosis

If affected by feline rhinotracheitis, your cat should fully recover within ten days. If he develops a secondary bacterial infection, recovery may take a little longer. In some cases, this condition causes the cat to suffer chronic nasal discharge and sneezing.

Feline rhinotracheitis is usually a mild condition. However, there are many other diseases and conditions that may affect your cat in the future such as feline distemper So, stop by cat-illnesses.com to learn about more of these other conditions like feline hypertension

Four Types of Feline Allergies

By D Swain

Much like people, cats can suffer from allergies too. There are four types of feline allergies. They include flea, inhalant, food, and contact. Let's take a look at these four different types.

Flea
Most cats don't have much of a reaction to a flea bite. However, some cats can have a severe allergic reaction to just one bite. The intense itching will prompt your cat to chew or severely scratch himself. This can cause the hair in the area too fall out. Your cat can also develop open sores which may open him up to a bacterial infection. It is important to practice very good flea control if your cat is allergic to flea bites.

Contact
Some cats also suffer from contact feline allergies. Various materials around your home can cause an allergic reaction. Common items bedding and flea collars. This type of allergy is easy to treat, as you simply have to keep your cat away from the offending material.

Food
Some felines develop an allergy to certain ingredients in their food. Most cats develop this type of allergy after consuming the food over a long period of time. Common ingredients include eggs, wheat, corn, chicken, milk, and beef. If your cat develops a food allergy, he may suffer respiratory problems, digestive problems, or severe itching. You will have to keep an eye on what foods your cat eats. In some cases, your cat may have to take medications such as steroids or antihistamines.

Inhalant
One of the last types of feline allergies is the inhalant variety. This is the most common form. Cats can be allergic to dust mites, mildew, mold, or pollen. If your cat is allergic to pollen, he may experience flare-ups at certain times of the year, just like people. Cats that are allergic to mold, mildew, or dust mites may experience reactions throughout the year. Some cats are treated using hypoallergenic shampoo, while others undergo desensitization.

Feline allergies can be very troublesome for your cat. However, there are many other diseases and conditions that may affect your cat in the future such as feline hypothyroidism So, stop by cat-illnesses.com to learn about more of these other conditions like feline asthma

Keeping Your Kitten Free of Parasites

By CS Swarens

If you have recently added a cute little kitten to your household, you certainly want to make sure it leads a healthy and happy life. As such, there are several things you should watch out for in order to make certain your kitten doesn't become ill. Namely, there are several different parasites that can make your kitten ill. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent the parasites from causing harm to your kitten.

Ticks

Ticks can attach themselves to your kitten and cause infection while sucking away its blood. There are several oral and topical medications, however, that you can use to help prevent tick infestations. If you do find a tick on your kitten, however, you can remove it with a special tick removal instrument or tweezers. Just be certain to remove the tick carefully so you remove its entire body and head. In addition, you should either burn the tick, rip it in half, or dump it in a bottle of alcohol in order to make certain it is dead.

Fleas

It is important to take steps to prevent fleas rather than trying to get rid of them once they have established themselves on your pet and in your home. In fact, once they have infested your home, you may need to call in a professional to get rid of them. By using oral and topical medications, however, you can minimize fleas and prevent them from becoming a problem. When selecting flea medication, be certain to select a product that is safe for a kitten.

Heartworms

Heartworm can be transmitted to your kitten through mosquitoes, which means your kitten is at a greater risk of becoming infected during the warmer months. By giving your kitten preventative medication each year, however, you can reduce its chances of becoming infected.

Intestinal Parasites

There are a number of different intestinal parasites that can infect your kitten. These include:

• Coccidia
• Giardia
• Hookworms
• Roundworms

It is generally necessary to deworm kittens, as many are born with roundworms. After the initial deworming, it may be necessary to deworm the kitten on a regular basis. By treating your kitten early, you can reduce the chances of your kitten becoming seriously ill.

Prevention Through Vaccinations and Nutrition

In addition to using oral and topical medications to prevent parasites, it is also a good idea to get your kitten vaccinated. There are several vaccinations available to help prevent parasites as well as other illnesses that commonly affect kittens, including feline leukemia, gastrointestinal viruses, rabies and respiratory infections. These vaccinations generally need to be started when the kitten is six to eight weeks old and then given every three to four weeks until the kitten is sixteen years old.

Proper nutrition can also help to prevent illness and is particularly important for kittens. If your kitten does not receive the proper nutrition, it may not grow properly and can experience nutritional illnesses and developmental problems - all of which can be prevented with proper diet.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065 For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com Research over 45 cat breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/cat_breeds_a_z.html

Should You Declaw Your Cat?

By Barb Jensen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barb Jensen lives in upstate New York with her two cats. http://kittykorner1.blogspot.com

How to Teach a Cat Tricks

By Annie Clark

While you may have never seen a cat do tricks like roll over or sit, they can be trained to perform or not perform certain behaviors. Dogs are eager to please their masters, but unfortunately, felines could care less. The main two methods for how to teach a cat tricks involve either positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.

Many cats do best when trained with rewards. Treats or food bits tend to work well. Common dog reward tactics like giving playtime or enthusiastic praise will not work. Watch your pet for clues about well-liked foods and treats, and use these for training. In fact, you may want to limit these treats only to your training sessions for extra motivation.

At first, give your animal a treat every time the desired behavior is performed. Later, you should only give the treat intermittently so that a treat is not expected each time.

Patience is key when working with felines. Any frustration or negativity on your part will only alienate your pet from the training process.

Negative reinforcement may be effective with some cats. The best method is squirting your animal with water when you see an undesirable behavior such as jumping on the counter. Yelling will only scare him or her, and no training will result. Felines also react negatively to harsh punishment, so physical force should never be used on your pet.

Cat training can be a tough process since they have their own ideas about what they will and will not do. You can learn how to teach a cat tricks or other desirable behaviors such as staying off of your kitchen counter.

Are you having difficulty with teaching your cat to do tricks or to stop problem behaviors? Learn the secrets of Cat Training Visit http://www.felineinfo.com for more cat articles and products.

What Removes Cat Urine?

By Luke Blaise

Today there are many great products on the market that will remove cat urine. If you don't want to spend the money on one of these cleaners, then many at home products will work just as well, if not better.

First of all if you if you can't find out where the cat urine odor is coming from you can use a black light to help locate where the cat urinated. Black lights can be bought fairly cheaply, if you feel like you can't find out where the odor is coming from.

There are many household combinations of cleaners that will remove cat urine. A warning though before you try any combinations that you find: do a test spot on your carpet first.

There are many different types of carpet out there, and these cat urine remover products might not work for all carpets, so do a test spot behind your couch first to be sure it doesn't stain the area.

What removes cat urine?

1. White vinegar is a tried and true method and also removes the odor.
2. Dilute hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will also work.
3. Most carpet cleaners will also do a pretty good job of urine removal.
4. If it is bad, you might even need to do a carpet shampoo.

After you have removed the stain it is important to ask yourself why your cat is not using the litter box. Cat behavior problems are very common, and there are many easy and quick solutions to help train your cat to use the litter box.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Spraying

By Luke Blaise

Why is your cat spraying and what can you do about it? There is nothing more irritating than having just cleaned up after your cat and then seeing them spraying again or smelling that odor. Luckily there are several things you can try to do to stop this behavior.

Cat spraying is a natural thing for cats to do. Cats spray for a number of different reasons. They spray to mark their territory, they are stressed, or they are looking for a mate.

One way to decrease spraying, although not always a guarantee that it will stop, is to neuter your cat. This is one of the most effective methods to decrease and stop the amount of spraying in your house.

Another way to decrease spraying is to find out where your cat is spraying. Normally cats will usually spray the same area. Once you find out where your cat is spraying you can either block that area, or put an over powering odor on it before they get to it.

You could block the area with a box or other object, or close the door if the room has a closing door. If this is not possible you could try putting perfume on the area or other smelly products to try and make your cat think twice about going there again.

There are many ways to prevent or stop your cat from spraying, but you should find out why your cat is spraying in the first place. Cat spraying and other cat behavior problems are fairly common. Luckily there are many great books available today to solve your cat problems.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Problems?

By Luke Blaise

Cat problems come in many different forms, but most of them can be categorized as behavioral problems. Cat behavior problems are one of the most common reasons why cats are given up to shelters each year, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Cat problems usually are broken down into two categories, either aggression or litter box related problems. Almost all problems with cats fit into these two categories.

Aggression problems include, biting the owner, nipping at your toes, scratching, and hissing. Feline aggression problems are usually solved with play therapy. It is usually a simple matter of just retraining your cat to bite toys and not you.

Litter box problems involve everything form urine on carpets, to spraying, to not covering their feces. This is a broad category and there are specific solutions to each individual problem.

For spraying and marking problems, usually neutering or scent masking will work. For litter box problems the solution could simply be getting a larger litter box and avoiding automated cat litter boxes. Self-cleaning cat litter boxes are usually too small for large cats. Also the noise associated with these machines scares many cats away.

Cat problems are very common. Whenever dealing with these issues, it is important to find out why your cat is doing this rather than just trying to cover up the mistakes.

By educating yourself about cat behavior problems you can easily solve most behavior problems by yourself at home. In rare cases it would be good to seek veterinary help.

Get this great resource: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Behavior - How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the Furniture

By Luke Blaise

Is your cat scratching your furniture? There is nothing more frustrating than buying a beautiful and expensive piece of furniture, only to have your cat scratch the wood or leather with its nails. Fortunately there are many things you can do to prevent this from happening again.

There are a number of ways to get your cat to stop scratching the furniture. Soft claws, declawing, clipping, furniture guards, and scat mats can all be used either alone or in combination to stop your cat.

Soft claws is a product that covers your cat's nails. It kind of goes over each nail like a tiny glove, and it stays on with glue. It can be hard to put on by yourself, which is why many people have their vets put them on.

Declawing is another option, but should only be done as a last resort. The advantage of declawing is that it is a quick procedure, but has some long-term complications if done improperly. You should consult your vet for this option.

Another option is to always make sure your cats claws are clipped short. This requires constant vigilance on the owner's part, but it can be done.

Furniture guards and scratching posts are very good alternatives to these other methods. Place these near where, or over where the cat is scratching and the problem should stop.

There are also electronic devices today, called scat mats, that emit a loud noise of an animal comes close to it. This works well if you want to keep your cat off your new couch.

There are many more ways to alter your cat's behavior. By learning to train your cat you will build a better bond with them, and both of you will be much happier. Find some good books on cat training, and go from there.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Behavior - Cleaning Cat Urine

By Luke Blaise

Cleaning cat urine can be a frustrating experience. From the smell to the stain, it can be hard to remove from your carpet. Fortunately there are lots of products on the market, and even products you have at home that can help you clean up cat urine right now.

When you find an area of carpet that has cat urine on it, start by soaking up as much as you can. The hardest part is removing the urine from the carpet pad underneath the carpet. This pad holds onto the urine and is the source for most of the lingering smell.

To get the urine out of the pad lay a cloth down over the stain and place a heavy plant or some books on top of it. Using this weight helps us to get water down to the urine to try and dilute it. It is almost impossible to remove all this urine from the carpet pad but at least you can try and dilute it as much as possible. By diluting it you remove much of the odor source.

After you have done the soaking of the carpet pad with water, it is time to try and remove the stain, if there is one. If you don't have a commercial cleaner ready, try using white vinegar or dilute hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Whenever you try a new carpet cleaner, be sure to test a small area of your carpet, like behind the couch, just in case it damages your carpet.

Cleaning cat urine can be a frustrating job, but by going after the urine in the carpet pad, you can remove much of the odor. Now that the carpet is clean you have to find out why your cat is not using the litter box. This is where a good book on cat behavior is useful.

Get this great report NOW: Solutions to Cat Behavior Problems

Cat Behavior - Cat Toilet Training

By Luke Blaise

Cat toilet training may seem impossible but it can be an easy thing to do. Many people have trained their cats to use a human toilet already. Cats are very intelligent animals and can learn and be trained quickly.

Before we start there is one important teaching guide you need to know. Whenever you are training your cat, always make slow and changes over many days. This is the best way and also the easiest way to train your cat to use the toilet.

To start your cat with toilet training, start by slowly moving the litter box from where it is, to right next to the toilet. The cat has to be used to being in the bathroom and be comfortable eliminating in there.

Now once your cat is comfortable with using the litter box when it is right next to the toilet, place the litter box on top of the toilet. It may take your cat a week to get used to this idea, because cats like to feel protected when they eliminate. It is a new feeling for them to be so high when they eliminate.

Once they get used to this, buy or fashion a litter box that will sit down into the bowl and that hangs onto the surrounding rim. Again this phase of training may take a week or so, but be patient.

Now once your cat learns to eliminate into the litter box while standing on the toilet seat, then you can try and remove the litter box entirely. Obviously this is the hardest and most difficult step to teach. But, with lots of patience you can toilet train your cat.

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Training Your Cat to Use a Litter Tray

By Liz Canham

Do you dread trying to get your cat to use a litter tray? Don't despair - it's really quite simple to train a cat.

Any cat owner will tell you, cats are wonderful pets to have around. They are tame, cuddly and are indeed beautiful. Most cat owners want them to be indoors, to keep them safe and clean always. However, that same owner can also tell you that one of the downsides is needing to deal with their pet's waste.

But that should not be a drawn out problem if you take the time and proper care in training your cat to use the litter tray.

Cats should be trained early on, starting when a kitten is around 8 weeks old. Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself.

Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train. For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes. Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.

Before any training commences, make sure you have the right litter box. Choose one that is made of durable plastic for easy washing. It should also be deep enough to contain just a little less than 2 inches of soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litter.

Do not think that by putting more litter in the box will mean fewer times you would have to change it. Your cat will very likely refuse a soiled box even if there's a lot of litter in it.

Cat litter comes in different varieties of grades and scents. However, the benefits of scented litter only affects the pet owners. In fact, cats dislike scented litter because it seems unnatural to them. They will very likely reject eliminating in the box and go somewhere else.

The kind of litter grade your pet will prefer varies with each one, but it is observed that cats are particularly fond of smaller grades. Perhaps this is because smaller grains make the litter softer.

Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place as cats do not like to be watched when they do their toilet.

Now that you have a good litter tray set up, it's time to teach your pet to use it.

For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray. The cat should be introduced to the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.

Lead your cat to the box. Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue the cat with the texture of the litter, inviting it to step into it.

Encourage your pet once it steps inside, speaking to it in gentle tones. Make the cat feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place. Whether your cat soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone. Eventually, your pet will like the litter box and do its business there.

When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for its good behavior. If it soils elsewhere, just pick it up straight away and put it in the litter tray. Under no circumstances should you punish the cat for not using the litter tray.

Finally, be consistent and patient. Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.

Owning a litter tray trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the training stage.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover

Training Aids For Cats

By Liz Canham

I don't know if obedience classes for cats exist, but it seems unlikely. The idea of independent cats being paraded around on leads is somewhat hard to deal with but despite what dog owners would have you believe, cats can be trained using a few simple aids.

Feeding Time

Be consistent in the times that you feed your cat. Although they obviously can't tell the time as such, cats appear to know when it's their feeding time if you keep to the same time daily. A well-fed cat is unlikely to beg at your dinner table, particularly if it has already eaten when you sit down to your meal. If the cat does beg at table, remove it at once to its own food bowl.

Scratching Post

Cats need to claw at something. In the wild they use tree trunks but if you have no trees or have an indoor cat, a scratching post is a must in order to save your furniture and carpets. Whenever the cat shows signs of clawing where it shouldn't, pick it up and take it to the scratching post. Soon enough it will learn what it can claw at and what it can't.

Repellent

A liquid repellent can also be applied to furniture to stop cats from scratching, as the taste is dreadful to a cat. However, apply a very small amount to fabrics in a hard to see place to start with, just to make sure that there is no adverse reaction with the material.

Toys

A bored cat often becomes a badly behaved cat and kittens love to play but even older cats need exercise. Ping pong balls are great for a game of football - many cats are very dextrous and watching them is as entertaining for the owner. Something on the end of a piece of string which they can bat about and attack as you dangle it in the air or drag it along the ground is also fun for owner and cat. Wear your cat out with some strenuous exercise and it will be too tired to be naughty.

Treats

As with dogs, treats are a useful training aid for cats as they can be used as a reward for a task achieved or just for good behaviour. Some cat treats have other benefits such as removing plaque from the cat's teeth and preventing fur balls.

Water Spray

A water spray is useful to train a cat that fighting with other cats or using your best plant pots as a toilet is not acceptable behaviour.

Cat Grass

Cats instinctively eat plant matter or grass to induce vomiting when they have a fur ball. If you don't want your best plants eaten, provide a pot or two of specially grown grass for cats. It will be a lot better for them too.

Observation Post

Cats like to have a good view of the world. If you don't want them sitting on the backs of your chairs or on your window sills, provide a specially built high up place for the cat to sit. As with the scratching post, if they make for your sofa back or bookcase, pick them up and put them on their observation post.

No matter what training aids you use, training your cat will still require patience but it will pay off in the end.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover

Cats - How to Keep Them Off Your Garden Safely

By Liz Canham

You may be the biggest cat lover in the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you want them digging in your flower beds. Here are some tips to keep them off your garden safely.

It is unfortunate that not only will stray cats come and use your garden for their toilet and raid your rubbish bin for extra snacks, but those of your neighbours will too. In fact, if you're a cat owner, you will probably have noticed that your own cat rarely soils in YOUR garden - after all, why would they want to mess up their own territory?

However, cat lover or not, if you want to keep cats off your garden, please don't put down poison or any other substance that will actually harm the cat. After all, the point is to keep them away, not kill them off.

There are a variety of products available which will repel cats without hurting them at all.

Powder

You can just sprinkle powder where you don't want cats to go. Some of these powders are referred to as "cat pepper" which will actually make the cat sneeze and others contain a scent which imitates that of another animal. Either way, they'll stay away in future.

The powder is not harmful to plants.

High Frequency Sound Producer

Because of the difference between what cats can hear and what humans can hear, the sound that this machine makes will deter cats from coming into your garden while you won't be able to hear a thing.

Liquid Repellent

This is not of much use for flower beds, etc. but if you want to keep cats away from garden furniture, it can be effective because the cat will pick it up on its paws and when the cat grooms itself, it will taste awful.

Scent Neutraliser

The scent neutraliser will do what it says on the tin, which is to neutralise the scent of other cats. The odour that cats leave behind them often attract other cats, so the scent neutraliser should be applied to the normal route that feline visitors take in your garden.

Water and Air Sprayers

These work in much the same way in that they each have a sensor which detects movement. The air sprayer is a stand-alone alone device which emits a blast of air when it senses movement. Cats find this frightening and will hastily remove themselves. The water sprayer needs to be attached to a hose pipe but the end result is the same.

Electrically Charged Mats

These mats are powered by batteries and deliver a small electric shock which a cat will find most uncomfortable. However, this should be reserved for the most persistent of offenders as it doesn't entirely fit the term "harmless".

All these simple devices should ensure that your garden is free of unwanted cats without harming them at all.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover

Is Your Cat Scratching the Furniture?

By Kathy Davison

SCRATCHING FURNITURE

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats but unfortunately it can ruin your furniture. The first thing to do is give the cat a scratching post of its own.Scratching posts are essential for a cat's well being: A good stretch and scratch tones up the muscles and keeps the claws in trim by stripping off the outer layers and sharpening them up. The blissful look on your cats face as it claws stretch and pull show you how deeply ingrained and how necessary the scratching behavior is.Out of doors a cat will usually find its own scratching place but inside a scratching post is essential. Some of the posts in shops are too small. They should be at least 30 in high so that the cat can reach its full height.Some manufacturers make posts that stretch from floor to ceiling.

You can also make your own scratching post by gluing a piece of high quality carpet to a piece of wood. This can then be fixed to the wall.A concealed corner is a good spot. You could even wrap sisal rope closely round a table leg. If you are using a scratching post position the post in front of the favorite area for scratching and rub some dried catnip into it as an extra incentive. As the cat gets used to the post start moving it towards its permanent position. If the cat then uses the post and your favorite chair you will have to employ deterrent methods. The simplest is to wrap a piece of plastic around the corner as cats dislike the feel of plastic under their paws. If the fabric will take it an alternative is a couple of strips of double sided sticky tape which are guaranteed to discourage your cat.

A more elaborate method is the balloon method. Buy a packet of balloons and sit on the floor blowing them up. The cat will soon come over to see what you are doing. Once it begins to sniff at the balloon burst one in front of it. Repeat this couple of times until the cat realizes they are bad news then attaches a couple of them to the scratched area of furniture. The cat will walk around them warily and you can remove them after a week or two when the habit has been broken. Any of the deterrent methods may have to be reinforced from time to time if the cat goes back to his old ways.

Kathy is a full-time lecturer in Human and Animal Health in a college in N.Ireland. She also has an online business dedicated to cats and dogs. http://www.kathydavison.com/catproblems.html

Bonding With Your Cat

By Joseph M Sabol

Who says bonding with your cat is not possible? This is the common assumption cat owners have; they figure that you can only bond with a pet dog, and not a pet cat. However, such bonding is still very much possible. And when you do establish such a relationship with your feline, nothing really beats that rewarding feeling. So, how do you forge this relationship with your cat?

One very important thing you have to remember is that looking into your cat's eyes directly would mean aggression to your cat. Thus, you should not do this at all. What you should do, rather, is to stare into your cat's eyes and then look away while blinking your eyes slowly. This is very effective since cats actually do this when they show their affection to their companions. If you do this often, you will find this very helpful in the end.

Another thing that you can do is to pet your cat often. Of course, you need to determine first if your cat is fond of this because there are some cats who do not like to be stroked at all. how do you determine this then? Easy! All you have to do is stroke your cat, and if it purrs louder and louder, then this is a strong indication that it enjoys being petted. Try petting your car under the chin, the bridge of the nose, and the forehead.

Cats like to groom themselves. In fact, your vet would most likely tell you how you cat likes to spend a large portion of the day just grooming itself. You can foster bonding by grooming your cat as well. Remember to be as gentle as possible when grooming your cat because its fur might become tangled in the brush or comb you are using.

And when it comes to feeding, make sure you stick to a particular feeding time. Cats like routine when it comes to feeding so if you practice this, your cat would appreciate you more for it. However, refrain from picking up your car especially after a meal. This will disrupt the digestion process and will only cause discomfort for your cat.

Do not ever punish your cat. Cats cannot really relate punishment to bad behavior, unlike their canine counterparts. Should you physically punish your cat, it would just end up becoming scared of you. this would defeat the purpose of bonding with your cat so you should avoid doing this.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

Remove Cat Urine Smell - Action Plan

By Jennifer Laurie

Anybody who has ever had a cat will know what a genuinely unpleasant odor cat urine smell is and how challenging it is to eliminate. It can be an intense smell and the cleaning techniques typically utilized for other cleaning situations are not efficient. You will need to take further action to totally eradicate the smell of cat urine.

Obviously getting rid of cat urine odor from carpeting is going to be a lot harder than getting rid of it from hardwood, tiled or linoleum covered floors. The actions outlined in this article will allow you to effectively clean cat urine from your furniture, carpets and any other surface that has been urinated on. You won't need to use harsh chemicals to remove cat urine and it won't matter whether you need to treat new stains or stains that are old and have dried out.

Start by detecting the areas where the stains are obvious or where smells are apparent. If you can't see the marks but you are able to smell where they are employ a stain detecting achromatic light fo find them. You might want to crouch down and smell your carpets and floors to detect the precise areas. Check anything additional that's at your cats spraying level, like walls and curtains.

You will then need to vacuum the affected area so it would be advisable to install a new bag in your vacuum cleaner if it uses them. Liberally apply a brew of a third of a cup of white vinegar, two thirds of a cup warm water, one quarter of a cup of mouthwash (needs to contain alcohol) and a quarter of a cup of dishwashing liquid. Leave it alone for approximately forty five minutes.

Softly scour the total area in a circular movement with a soft clean brush and absorb the left over wetness with clean white paper toweling. Liberally soak with warm water and leave it for around fifteen minutes then sop it up with more clean white paper toweling. Once again completely vacuum the total area and liberally dust with baking soda. Allow it to settle for at least a couple of hours. Vacuum substantially once more.

Congratulations, you should now have a house free of cat urine smell once again. And by following these actions you have achieved it without the utilization of abrasive chemical cleaning products.

Jennifer Laurie has been involved with Cats all her life and has a wealth of information to share with you. To read more helpful advice and solutions to this problem please go to How To Remove Cat Urine Smell Information

Remove Cat Urine

By Jennifer Laurie

One of the most frustrating things about owning a cat is the unacceptable behaviour of inappropriate urination. I know this as I have experienced this problem first hand. It can drive you nuts especially if your cat has previously been meticulous about using the litter box.

What inappropriate urination means is that your cat decides to urinate in places other than his litter box. He might decide that your carpet or furniture is a suitable place to eliminate. However if you are able to understand the reasons behind this behaviour then you will be able to employ restraining techniques or perhaps medical therapy, which will in most cases result in the behaviour being resolved.

To understand this behaviour then you need to know that there are two types of inappropriate urination. The first one is house soiling where the cat will use your carpet/floor as he would his litter box, by scratching and squatting and then releasing a puddle of urine. He may even try to cover the puddle after he is finished.

The second type is spraying where your cat will back up to a surface and let loose a small amount of urine. This is usually done as a display of territorial or sexual behaviour and doesn't have anything to do with whether he has a need for urination.

If your cat starts displaying this behaviour you should get him examined by your vet so as to rule out any underlying medical problem that may be the cause of the problem. If there is a medical problem then this needs to be addressed first before any behaviour modification takes place. If your cat has a problem that is causing him pain on urination he will avoid the litter box as he will think that this is what is causing him pain. The likely cause of painful urination is cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder.

If your cat is older then he may be suffering from arthritis. If this is the case getting in and out of the litter box is probably painful for him and he will find other places to urinate that don't require him to lift his legs. Other disorders such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism can cause your cat to drink more therefore produce more urine. The need to go will increase and your cat may not be able to make it to the litter box in time.

Other reasons for your cat to develop an inappropriate urination problem:

It could be that the litter box is dirty. Cats don't like to use a dirty litter box so you should change the litter daily making sure to wash the litter box in hot soapy water at least every couple of day.

Your cat may not like the brand of litter you use. Or he may not like the location of the litter box.

Stress is another cause of this problem. Cats are creatures of habit, they don't like disruptions to there daily routine. If you have multiple cats this can cause stress. Some cats don't like sharing the litter box with other cats and will look for other places to urinate. You may find pooping is also a problem in a household with several cats. Urination problems are hardest to solve in a household with multiple cats. Not impossible, but harder.

If you have had your cat de-clawed then it may be too painful for him to scratch in the litter. De-clawing is a very painful procedure and it is not recommended that you do it. De-clawing is essentially an amputation of not just the claws, but the whole phalanx, that is up to the joint, including bones, ligaments and tendons. If you catch your cat in the act of urinating in an inappropriate place don't yell at him or chastise him as this will only add to the stress he is feeling and will make the situation worse. Instead pick him up and take to the litter box a place him in it so that he knows what you want him to do.

In the majority of cases, the problem may be resolved if the primary cause can be treated. To read more about this distressing problem please go to the address in the resource box below. There I will discuss the types of urination behaviours in more depth and I will offer some solutions to the problem.

Jennifer Laurie has been involved with Cats all her life and has a wealth of information to share with you. To read more helpful advice and solutions to this problem please go to How To Remove Cat Urine Smell Information.

Will a Neutered Cat Spray?

By Gary Pearson

This is a burning question for many tom cat owners who are getting a little tired of their pet marking his territory in a rather sociably unacceptable way. If he is just a kitten and not started spraying, then the chances are that he never will. Intact older cats will spray to mark their territory to let others know that they should accept him as the boss and often it can be a sign of insecurity. Much of this is hormone related and once the tom has been neutered the problem will end. No more spraying!

That is the theory. The reality, however, is not always the same. Some cat owners that have had a problem with their tom spraying have had their cat neutered only to find that the problem has continued. So, how long will a neutered cat spray for?

The usual answer would be for around two weeks following their operation. This will allow time for the testosterone to leave their body. It is an idea to eradicate all signs of their previous spraying whilst they are quietly recovering from their operation. This way, when they are back on the feet the area will be fresh and they should have no desire to start spraying again. It is quite a traumatic time for your cat and you should try to give them extra affection so that they feel comforted and secure. This should help them to be a spray free cat! If after this time you find that you cat is still the same as before and nothing has changed with regard to his spraying habits, it may be that you have one of the exceptions to the rule. It may be that testosterone was not his only reason for spraying. So, why will a neutered cat spray?

If, after two weeks, your cat is still spraying, it may be due to a behavioural problem linked to insecurity. Do everything that you can to make your cat feel secure, especially if there are other cats in the immediate neighbourhood. Also try to keep a regular routine for him. Cats get comfort and security from routine, so always feed him at the same time for example. Also, make sure that his litter tray is kept clean and fresh and try to clean it at approximately the same time each day. Hopefully he will spray less and less. Keep the areas where he does spray very clean and odour free as this tends to discourage them from using it as a territory marking spot. It is difficult to answer "why will a neutered cat spray?", but more often than not it is just psychological and can be helped by behaviour therapy if necessary.

As you have discovered, there is no easy answer to the question "will a neutered cat spray?" The only answer really is probably, and hopefully not, but perhaps!

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about neutering cats visit Spay and Neuter Clinics Online for current articles and discussions.

When to Release Spayed Feral Cats

By Gary Pearson

With so many feral cats roaming our streets and countryside it is becoming important to spay or neuter as many as possible. They can then be returned to their habitat to carry on the work they do in keeping the rodent population down. Although we have a problem with the overpopulation of cats, we would have a huge problem with the overpopulation of rodents without our colonies of feral cats! Therefore the trap/spay/release programme is now being widely used. There are some points that you should know about prior to getting a humane trap for your local feral cats and taking them to the vets. Once they have had their operation you will need to know when to release spayed feral cats back into their environment.

A feral cat is probably not very good when it comes to social skills. They are not used to human contact and you would be foolish to think that they will be cuddly like a fully domesticated cat. If you undertake the responsibility of trapping a feral cat and having her spayed, you will have to consider what you are going to do until she is fit to be returned to her life out on the streets. Not only do you need to think about when to release spayed feral cats but also her care whilst she is with you.

Once you have your feral cat in a humane trap, make sure that the veterinarian and everyone working with her, is aware that this is a feral cat. She will need to be treated very differently from domestic cats. Firstly she will be very scared as she may have had little, or no, human contact let alone visits to the surgery. Secondly, if the staff are not aware that she is wild then they may receive quite nasty injuries from trying to be friendly with her. The treatment that she receives during the course of her operation and aftercare may well affect her recovery time. Considering when to release spayed feral cats must take into account how quickly they have recovered from the shock of their visit to the veterinarian and their operation. The more they are stressed the longer it will take. When you have her back with you, keep a cover over the cage to keep her calm until you can release her.

She should be kept in the cage for 24 to 36 hours following the operation, assuming that all has gone well. If you think that there may be a problem, take her back to the veterinarian for immediate attention as you need to have her well and back in her community as soon as is possible. This is only a guideline for when to release spayed feral cats. Obviously if she is unwell and at risk of infection this time limit must be extended. You must not release her if you fear she could be at all unwell.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about feral cats visit Spay and Neuter Site for current articles and discussions.

When Can a Cat Get Pregnant?

By Gary Pearson

It is not easy to answer the question "When can a cat get pregnant?" if you are referring to the minimum age. The majority of cats will be sexually mature at around six months and so will be able to conceive from this point. Some, however, do not have their first cycle until they are a year old. You will find that the timing will vary from breed to breed. If you have a pure bred cat you will be able to get information from the relevant society so that you will be forewarned. For example, Persian cats have their first heat cycle much later than some other breeds.

The best advice is to assume that your cat will be an early starter and, unless you are an experienced breeder, have her spayed whilst she is still young. Your kitten will need to have started her first heat cycle to become pregnant and the signs that this is happening are usually quite clear. You will probably find that she will start rubbing against your legs more than usual and some have a habit of rolling around from side to side. They can become quite noisy in some cases, with lots of meows and sometimes an unusual yowl. Even if your cat is usually quite noisy, you will still notice an increase. It is from this point on when a cat can get pregnant.

Most cats will have a breeding season. This is dependent upon where you live as it is regulated by the amount of daylight hours. Cats in the northern hemisphere will have a breeding season that will approximately cover February through to September. This, however, is only a rough guide. Some cats will continue in a breeding season all year round, particularly those that live inside. If they are not out in the open very much they will not be so controlled by natural light and a false continuous cycle may be triggered. If you are needing to know "When can a cat get pregnant?" regarding specific times of the year, then unfortunately there is no certain way of telling and you must assume that your cat is able to conceive throughout all seasons.

There are some surprising facts regarding when a cat can get pregnant. Do not think that because your cat is nursing she will be safe from pregnancy. Kittens take just two months to become fully weaned. After this time Mum may carry on nursing them but this is not necessary. A cat that has just had kittens can become pregnant before she has finished weaning her previous litter. She can become pregnant almost immediately. If you going to have your cat spayed after her first litter, you must wait until she has weaned the kittens but make sure that you keep her away from male un-neutered cats during this time to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Sexually mature cats are nearly always fertile and able to become pregnant. Even an older cat can still conceive. They do become less fertile with age, but pregnancy in an older cat cannot be dismissed.

So, in answer to the question "When can a cat get pregnant?" ... pretty much anytime!

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about breeding cats visit Spay and Neuter Now for current articles and discussions.

Tips on Providing the Best House Cat Care

By Doris Canova

Tips On Providing Cat Care

The best cat care is extremely important to a kitten so that they can grow up to be healthy throughout the rest of their life. The best house cat care is one of the most important subjects for responsible and loving cat owners to be aware of. It involves prevention, understanding, and sometimes treatment of a possible life-threatening disease. The best house cat care is also affected by lack of exercise and poor diet. You can love your house cat into a state of being unhealthy without enough exercise and proper nutrition.

Talk to cat owners who may have an older cat. Ask them about cat health care for their older cat or consult your vet. What are the problems and what are the right foods and nutritional needs? That will fall under the term older cat care. If your cat does not receive the proper food and nutrition, they may have problems with their health. Talking about best house cat care health in advance will make it easier for everyone when the time comes.

Natural cat food is always a welcome one for all pet owners. There are brands of cat food that contains no chemicals and has lots of white meat and vegetables. The prices of these products will vary, but cat health is most important. A balanced diet of the correct protein and vitamins will be priced higher than the "store brand".

Heat and humidity degrade nutritional value, so do your best to buy fresh food. Once opened, for good cat health, his dry cat food should be stored in a sealed pet feeder container to preserve freshness.

Bad breath is an unhealthy sign of possible gum disease. Your cat should have strong white teeth without odor. The most popular opinion seems to lean toward dry cat food for best cat health care. It will give your cat strong gums, good healthy teeth, and that will give them clean breath.

As for soreness in your cat, heat is a good soother. Heated cat beds or a heated throw will give much relief to this painful complaint. Massage is often beneficial but should be administered with care. Your vet will give you complete direction as to how long to do it.

Allergies to fleas are another potential house cat problem. Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as hot spots. Fleas carry many diseases and can transmit these to your cat. Fleas carry the tapeworm cyst inside them and your cat's health could be in danger because during routine grooming he could swallow them. One way to help eliminate this problem and provide good house cat care, is to keep your cat indoors at all times. Not only with it help with a flea problem, but will prevent ticks as well.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cat for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Please visit our site today for a wide array of products that will make "His Majesty" very happy - http://www.besthousecatcare.com or our blog for more information - http://www.besthousecatcare.blogspot.com

Cat Breed - Burmese

By David Braybrooke

The Burmese, (meaning 'fortunate, beautiful and splendid appearance') cat was imported from Siam, now Thailand in the 1930's, the first one coming to San Francisco. It has been recognized as an official cat breed since the 1950's - '60's.

This type of cat was divided into two distinct breeds, the American Burmese and the British or European Burmese. They were mated to a Siamese and developed many favorable traits.

The Burmese is a slim, athletic cat with a short, soft, silky, glossy coat that has a satin-like finish. Their coats were originally exclusively brown or 'sable'. These days, they come in a wide variety of colors and hues, including brown, blue, lilac, chocolate, cream, red, champagne, platinum, lilac-cream (lilac torti), blue torti, chocolate torti and brown torti. Colors of limited recognition include cinnamon, fawn, caramel and even apricot!

Their eye-color is gold or yellow and may even be blue or green in hue owing to the interbreeding with the Siamese cat. They are very sociable, friendly with humans and intelligent. Being extremely vocal, they often 'call' to their owners. Burmese cats are affectionate and charming, active and playful but not as demanding as the Siamese variety!

The Burmese kitten has a very inquisitive nature; they are outgoing and accept strangers well. Sometimes, they are even known as 'naughty tortis' as they can be very bold and rambunctious!

This type of cat is lactose intolerant, so milk should be avoided in the diet! They are best fed on canned foods, cheese, some mince and dried biscuits; it is not advised they are fed on solely dry food as this may cause kidney problems!

Burmese cats usually have large litters, up to six to eight kittens; the young are born with coffee-colored coats which develop into their adult colors at a later stage

They are remarkably heavy for their size and are known climbers and longer lived than most pedigree cats, living up to 16-18 years. Minimal grooming is needed as they are very tidy and efficient self-cleaners.

Burmese cats like to exercise and don't put on weight easily. They aren't usually cheap to buy, often fetching prices from $300 upwards but make good pets, although don't tolerate teasing of any kind!

For more great cat articles, please visit: http://fatherspirit-catablog.blogspot.com/

How to Shop For Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

By Bob Schmitt

Self-cleaning litter boxes are a great help to any cat owner. Scooping out the waste from the litter box can get to be a tedious and unpleasant chore if you are doing it by hand. When you are shopping for one of these interesting inventions, look for all the best features.

First of all, the self-cleaning litter box must rake the kitty's waste frequently. If it does not, there is no point in having it. A good unit will have a sensor to alert it when it has been used. It should rake the waste immediately afterwards.

Nighttime raking can keep you awake, especially if the litter box is near your bedroom. Some self-cleaning litter boxes offer a solution to this. They halt their raking for a set number of hours while you sleep and then resume again when that time is up.

To keep things fresh, the litter box should have some type of odor elimination mechanism. A nice touch is a self-cleaning litter box with an ionic air cleaner. This keeps the litter box fresh-smelling constantly.

Another problem that cat owners have is that their cats and kittens drag kitty litter from the litter box into the house. You can get self-cleaning litter boxes that take care of this situation. They have paw cleaning ramps that keep the litter from spreading beyond the box area. Be sure to get one with a ramp that will hold the weight of your cat.

The next question is where the waste will go after the self-cleaning litter box has raked it. Some brands simply rake the waste into a pile at the front of the box. The best choice is a unit that will rake it into a container that is sealed by the unit. Then it can be disposed of easily without handling the litter.

You need to know how the self-cleaning litter box will be powered. You can get ones that run on household current or others that run on batteries. The most convenient choices offer you both options. Then you can use your household current to save you from buying a lot of batteries. Yet, if the electricity goes off you can still keep the box going.

Finally, look for self-cleaning litter boxes with warranties. A one-year warranty is reasonable. In that amount of time you should know whether the box will work as it is supposed to work. When you have found the kind of litter box that meets all your requirements, you can order it anticipating relief from this chore.

For purchasing information visit Bargains Delivered Litter Boxes or PetsDelivered.com

How to Maintain Order in a Multiple Cat Household

By Abby Reid

Some people really love their cats. Why? Cats are the ideal pet. They're friendly, loyal, warm, nurturing and independent. Cats don't require as much maintenance and attention as most types of dogs and are usually clean. Cats can keep you company and are reliable sources of comfort and love. However, owning more than one cat can sometimes be a problem for your other feline pets. When your home contains more than one cat, your animals can develop a pecking order and revert back to natural animal instincts that may place them in competition with one another. To avoid fights or conflict, a pet owner should provide each cat with his own area to scratch, eat and play.

If you think that you are ready to own more than one cat, there are many different steps that you must take to ensure all of your cats' health, happiness and well-being. First, take an honest look at the cat that you already own. Does he seem lonely? Would he benefit from having a playmate? Does he usually get along with other cats? Is he friendly toward humans and other domestic animals? Does he enjoy receiving attention and being held? If so, your cat may thoroughly enjoy having other cats around.

However, some cats strongly prefer being alone and living in solitude. They may be somewhat territorial and resentful of other cats sharing their space.

If you decide to add another cat to your home, you must decide on the approximate age of the new cat. Kittens, although cute and playful, can be a handful and may need a lot of attention and training. Older cats are usually already trained and are less active. They have developed a personality that will probably not change.

If you decide that your home or apartment is ready for more than one cat, there are several precautions that cat owners should take.

• Give your cats room to grow. Provide your cats with furniture, scratching posts, perches and cat trees. Place them in multiple rooms so that your cats can enjoy some time away from one another. Once they become comfortable in their own areas, they will learn to successfully socialize with one another. This is a natural process that you should allow to happen on its own. Don't force your cats to play together. Let them bond on their own terms and at their own pace.
• Frequently fill your cats' water bowls. Make sure that your pets' water and food bowls are always full. This ensures that they do not have to compete for food or nourishment. Provide each cat with his own bowl and feed him at specific times each day.
• Eliminate spraying. Urine marking is often more common when many cats reside in the same home. Applying a feline pheromone spray on risky areas or objects will help reduce or eliminate spraying. Remove stains with an equal parts mixture of water and vinegar.
• Maintain a fresh litter box. If you own more than one cat, you may need to purchase more than one litter box. Each cat should have his own litter box, with at least one placed on every floor of your home or apartment. Ensure that each of your litter boxes is cleaned daily.

By employing a few smart strategies, you can successfully teach two or several cats to happily co-exist. My Three Cats and Co. offers a variety of these necessary items, including both open and closed litter boxes, litter scoops, litter mats and other accessories. My Three Cats and Co. recommends products for furniture protection and to redirect undesirable behavior into a less destructive outlet. No matter how many cats you have, My Three Cats has the latest cat health supplies for all your feline needs.

Feline Health Problems

By Saman Rashid

Similar to the way families are prone to have certain health concerns, such as diabetes or heart problems, the same is true for even the best cared for cat. Cats have some specific health concerns that should be learned if you own or are planning to own a feline friend.

Here are a few common concerns, including eye problems, diarrhea, colds, bites, and urinary or digestive problems:

Cats can catch a cold but it is common and is usually taken care of by their immune system. However, if a cat is not eating and appears lethargic, you should consult a vet for medication.

House cats do not need to worry, but if you allow your cat to go outside even part of the time, he or she may get into frequent fights with other animals. Bites and wounds could come from a variety of animals and should be taken care of by a vet immediately.

Outside cats also need to worry about picking up parasites such as tape worms, which result in diarrhea and vomiting. Vets have the medication to eliminate and prevent these parasites.

Cats that are not neutered can get a urinary tract infection which causes the cat to stop using the litter box and also gives the urine to have a distinct odor. These are symptoms that should be discussed with a vet quickly.

Cats will groom themselves and ingest fur which is normal and passes through their system, but it builds up in the stomach. This can cause a fur ball that is lodged in the intestines or digestive tract resulting in lethargy and constipation. Fur balls are usually coughed up. Brushing a cat frequently reduces fur balls.

Luckily, with new medicines, some fatal cat diseases are almost wiped out, including feline leukemia which is prevented with regular vaccines.

Remember your cat will show signs when he or she is sick and should be taken for regular vet visits.

Saman Rashid is an experienced writer who is very knowledgeable about pets. She has written various articles on pets to help people deal with their PET problems. For further details, please visit http://allpetsinformation.blogspot.com/

Heartworm Treatment For Cats

By Max Young

As most pet owners already know, heartworm treatment for cats and dogs isn't the same. Never, under any circumstances, should you give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog - or vice versa. Even though you may own both dogs and cats, you should always give them medicine that is designed for their species.

No matter how you look at it, heartworm treatment isn't easy. Your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, although there are several factors that you'll need to consider. The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet, as he will be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your pet has. He can also find out how the worms are affecting your cat and if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.

Heartworms are a very serious condition, as the worms will feast on the vital areas around your cat's heart. Treatment can be serious as well, especially if something goes wrong. Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms though, in both cats and dogs. Even though you may be able to buy treatment medicine at your local department store, you should always consult with your vet before you give anything to your pet.

Treating your cat for heartworms may indeed be no treatment at all, as cats are extremely difficult to treat. The dying worms have side effects as well, often times causing more than 1/3 of the treated cats to end up with serious problems. Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the worms being there. When a lodged worm starts to decompose, it can lead to very serious problems. Pets that have a serious infestation with heartworms may need to spend some time at the hospital, to ensure that they are properly treated.

Some cats may not be able to take a certain type of heartworm treatment medicine. Depending on the side affects and how the medicine affects the cat, some breeds may not be able to take some of the better medicines. To determine the best treatment options for your cat, your vet will need to run several tests. Once the tests have concluded, your vet will be able to tell you the best options available for treatment.

With all diseases, prevention is a lot better and safer than treatment. Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use. Your vet can tell you what you need to get, and how to use it. This way, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms - and the serious side effects and life threatening issues that go along with them.

Max Young is an information researcher whom presents working information to be used for every day experiences. To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog/cat, click now on the following link. http://www.squidoo.com/why-dose-my-cat-bite

Understanding the Declawing of Your Cat

By Joseph Devine

When you bring a new pet into your home, there are a number of precautions that you need to take in order to ensure that your family and this new pet are safe. Cats can be social creatures with a strong relationship between them and their owners. If you are just bringing a kitten into your home, there are a few things that you should do to help your kitten become socialized well in your home.

Declawing your cat is an option for anyone wanting to protect their cat from being hurt. Before you make a decision such as this, you should take into consideration a few different factors. One of the first things that you should understand is that a cat's claws are not like a toenail. These claws are deeply embedded into a cat's paw. The claws are also attached to the last joint in each of the cat's toes. So, you should realize that taking the claws away may cause severe amounts of pain to the cat because you have to take out the last joint of the toe as well. Another fact that you should consider is that when you remove the claws, the doctor will be required to put the cat completely under in order to cut off the ends of the bones.

Some people consider this type of surgery to be inhumane for the cat. In different parts of Europe, this type of surgery is illegal because of the pain it causes to the cat. Declawing your cat is only an act done in America for our convenience. You should realize that the cat is going to require an extensive amount of time for recovery. Although it may not appear so, your cat is learning how to survive in a different way. The cat will not show any signs of pain, but it will be enduring a lot just to go about its daily tasks.

Declawing your cat is a major decision that needs to be made with both care and compassion. If you are even slightly unsure of your decision, you should not go through with it. You cat is made with claws for a reason, and you should take that into consideration when you are thinking about taking those claws away. Some cats also experience a change in personality when they undergo the declawing process.

For more information on declawing your cat, contact the New York Vet Clinics at http://www.newyorkveterinarianclinics.com Joseph Devine

Bengal Cats - The Hot New Pet

By Joseph Devine

When you are looking for a pet that is really on the exotic side, there are many different options that you can look into. Currently, exotic cats are becoming quite popular because of their overall look and size.

Bengal cats are slowly becoming one of the most popular cats available on the market right now. These types of cats are a new breed and only available at select breeders around the US and the UK. A Bengal cat is a cross between a normal domesticated cat and a Bengal tiger. These cats usually end up the size of a slightly larger house cat with features that generally relate to those of the Bengal. Most of these types of cats are considered exotic or specialty cats. There are many different types of these exotic cats depending on what exactly you are looking for in the color and personality of your cat.

Using a different type of breed such as this tends to show differences in the personality of the cat. These types of cats are much more attached to their owner. They also have slightly longer tails with much larger body frames. The overall size of the cat will make a large difference when it comes to how much this cat is able to eat. You need to be prepared for all that you will be responsible for when you purchase a cat such as this. These cats are also highly intelligent cats that will respond to any command that is given to them. They are also highly attracted to water, unlike a normal house cat. These cats have a tendency to play in and enjoy bath time because of the running water that they get to be around. Bengal tigers generally enjoy running water which is where this trait seems to come from. Most of these Bengal cats are slightly on the expensive side when you are purchasing them from a breeder. The reason they are highly priced is because of the genetic engineering that must take place in order to come out with a cat that looks like a miniature Bengal tiger.

Bengal cats prefer a wet food for their diet and will hardly eat any of a dry cat food. You should understand that it will be hard to find specific food for your special cat so you may have to try a few different brands before you find one that your cat will eat. Because these cats are special, they will usually require a special diet. You should also consider that Bengal cats require a lot of attention in order to continue to be happy in their world.

For more information, contact the Phoenix vet clinics at http://www.phoenixveterinarianclinics.com Joseph Devine

Cat Furniture - There Are Many Great Options For Cats to Enjoy

By Jennifer Akre

Some cats think they're dogs. Usually these are cats that have been raised with dogs and only learned how to act by a canine member of the family. Usually these felines will show traits of both animals - their instinctual cat traits and the learned dog traits. Because of this 'split-personality' you may have to purchase some cat furniture items that are not traditional for cats.

Sleeping Arrangements

Bed time is most of the day if you have a normal cat. But when a cat has been around a dog for most of its life, it may not be sure of what type of bed it should be in. While, by nature, cats usually like to perch high above the world and curl up to sleep, a cat that has been raised by a dog may also think lying on the floor by the side of your bed is a good place. If you have purchased a mat or bed for your dog, you are going to need to buy one of these pieces of cat furniture for your feline as well, so it can have it's own personal space near you.

Watching TV

Lots of dogs love to lounge in front of the TV with their owners and enjoy a lazy evening. Cats who think they are dogs will do this too. Once again, you need to consider the kinds of dog furniture you have and make sure the cat has complementary cat furniture in this space. While you may be tempted to let them split one bed, it is best to give each animal it's own personal space for the days they may not want to be that close to one another. Just like people, animals have their days when they want to be alone. Giving your cat his own cat furniture in the living room will make sure they can.

Meal Time

While a canine cat may run to their food dish beside the dogs when meal time comes up, you should not let them eat side by side. Dog food and cat food are not created the same, yet most dogs don't care and will dive into the cat's food bowl. So, you may want to consider elevated cat furniture in the kitchen. This will allow your cat food bowl to set up higher and keep the snooping dog out of the cat's meal.

Grooming

Many a cat, seeing the dog get a good brushing, will want one too. This is a great thing since the more your cat is brushed, the less cat hair he will be shedding all over the house and your furniture. The one important thing to keep in mind is that you should have different grooming items for each animal. Remember, while your cat thinks it's a dog, it still is a little more fragile than a dog and their skin can be sensitive. You should use a lighter cat brush on your feline to avoid any irritation. Also, note how your cat is responding. Some cats like being brushed in particular ways. Watch his response and change your tactics accordingly.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful for both humans and pets alike. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous indoor area for your pet by using sturdy cat furniture and dog furniture. Each would be a great investment.