How the Experts Choose Their Cat's Scratching Posts

By Paul Kramer

All cats and kittens are compelled to scratch as part of their natural behavior. Scratching is beneficial because it allows them to shed the sheaths of their claws and to stretch. You must provide at least one good quality scratching post. If your cat does not have a scratching post to use, he may resort to scratching your furniture or cabinets. In a multiple cat household, each cat should have his own scratching post.

If you are a cat lover with a big heart, you may want to adopt every homeless cat in the animal shelter, but be realistic. You cannot take in every stray that comes along. So how many cats are too many? It depends on the size of your home and your budget. Each cat you adopt will need plenty of space in your house, his own litter box, food dishes, and annual veterinary care. Owning 3 cats is realistic, but owning 10 or 15 could quickly become unmanageable. Some cat owners like to start out with a pair of kittens. They can play together and grow up together, while others are content with one cat who becomes a devoted companion. However many cats you adopt, make sure that each one is given lots of love and the best care possible.

Your local pet supply store will have a variety of scratching posts from which to choose. Most are made from wood covered with carpeting. Some are made of sisal string, cardboard, or natural wood. When choosing one, make sure that it has a sturdy, side base so that your cat cannot knock it over when scratching. The post should be tall enough so that he can stand on his back feet, anchor in his front feet and claw away.

Place the post near the area in which your cat normally sleeps. They like to stretch and scratch after they wake up from a nap. If you have a large home, you may want to buy a few scratching posts and place them all over the house so that your feline companion always has one nearby.

This section will discuss a bit on kitty condos. A trip to the pet store will give you many ideas about the types, sizes, and styles of cat condos or perches available. Some condos are designed like playgrounds, with perches, ledges, hideaways, and toys to keep your cat entertained. Depending on your budget, you can buy carpeted condos that double as hideaways and scratching posts or towers with several levels that allow your cat to sit up high and survey his domain.

Instead of relying on metal ID tags, some owners use microchips to identify their pets. A veterinarian can inject a microchip directly into your cat or kitten. The chip does not harm him, and it can be inserted at about eight weeks of age. It is a permanent form of identification, and it cannot become lost or removed by the cat because it is placed under the muscle near the shoulder. If your pet gets lost and is turned into an animal rescue organization or shelter, the workers will scan him and use the special code on the chip to contact you. Whether you opt for micro chipping or the more traditional metal ID tags, remember to update your contact information if you move.

Keep an eye on the condition of the scratching post. If it becomes worn out or frayed, replace it with a new one.

To learn more about the different types of scratching posts for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

Cat Toys - Five Great Toys You Can Make in Minutes for Free

By Liz Allan

Cat toys play an important part in the world of kitty entertainment. If cats don't get enough stimulation through playing, they'll often resort to other means of "amusement" such as destroying the sofa and performing trapeze acts on the curtains.

Buying cat toys is a case of trial and error. If you're fed up with your Kitty turning his nose up at most of of the toys you buy him, here are five ideas for cat toys you can make at home in a few minutes - for free. He should love these, but even if he doesn't, you'll have wasted very little time and no money!

1. Box of treats. Get a small, empty cardboard box (about 3 or 4 inches long, 2 inches wide and 2 inches deep). Make sure it's sealed, then cut a circular hole in one end that's a bit bigger than Kitty's paw. Put some of his favorite dry treats and also maybe some catnip into the box. Kitty will have lots of fun fishing the goodies out with his paws!

2. Baking foil football. Get a square of aluminum baking foil (about 6 inches square), put some catnip onto it and then scrunch it up into a ball. Throw it for Kitty a few times to get him interested. I'm amazed at the number of cats that prefer this to expensive cat toys.

3. Super scratching log. Bring in a dry piece of log from outside with the bark still on it. If your kitty is an indoor cat, he'll especially like this, because it's something new that he doesn't normally get to scratch. You can make it even more appealing by sprinkling catnip around it.

4. Fishing rod fun. Tie a piece of elastic to the end of a 12 inch or so piece of bamboo. Tie one of Kitty's favorite toys to the other end of the elastic. You can dangle this in front of him as you're watching TV. He'll love it, and you'll be entertaining him with minimal effort.

5. Kitchen roll roulette. Get the cardboard inner tube from a used kitchen roll and seal it at one end. Put a selection of small cat toys, dry treats and catnip into the tube. Put your hand over the open end and shake the tube from side to side so that the goodies are fairly evenly spaced along it. Place the tube on its side on the floor. Kitty will get the treats near the open end first, but will then have to use his imagination to get the ones further away!

Liz Allan is a cat behavior expert with 25 years experience of caring for cats. She lived and worked in a cat rescue centre for 3 years, and has fostered hundreds of cats at home. For more ideas on ways to entertain your cat and advice on dealing with furniture scratching, visit http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com/cat-behavior-explained.html To find out how to deal with common, frustrating cat behavior problems, visit her website: http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com/index.html

Part 2 - Discover the Russian Blue Cats and Other Different Cat Breeds

By Jan Roos

As you will recall from Part 1 of this article the first question asked was; "Are Russian Blue Cats smarter than the other different cat breeds? The truth is many of their breeders and owners believe they are. However, their belief comes from the respect and love they have for their own personal pet . The following information will give you more information, so you can determine if the Russian Blue feline is smarter or not.

Most of the breeders and owners have no scientific data to back up their opinion. They tend to base this opinion on the fact of how loyal the animal is to them. Also it's amazing ability to attune itself to their adopted families moods at a moments notice. Thus leading them to think the animal can read their minds.

In addition the Russian Blue Cats have been known to learn how to open things such as windows and doors. They have also been known to play hide and seek, fetch and other parlor tricks. Again this is a learned behavior on the part of the Archangel Blue. Many of the owners and breeders feel that only this breed is capable of such behavior. Not so!

Frankly, that is a false assumption on their part. A great percentage of the other different cat breeds are intelligent enough to be trained to do the same thing. It all comes down to the patience of the trainer and the willingness of the feline to learn the tricks.

But there is one thing which should be noted about the Russian Blue; it is extremely loyal to its owner and will go to great lengths to please them. As you know cats can be very independent and act just the opposite from what the Archangel Blue does. However, one of the breeds which are very similar to the Russian Blue Cats is the Javanese.

This particular breed is considered to be extremely intelligent and extremely loyal to its master. The Javanese will respond to the mood of their master, by even attempting to communicate with different sounds. Many of the owners and breeders say this form of "talking" is distinctive to what is taking place at the time.

They seem to have the capability to communicate:

• Pain

• Contentment

• Pleasure

• Anger

• Fear

• To get attention

• and others

As far as intelligence they also are quick learners and have been known to fetch, hide and seek, find hidden objects and other learned behavior.

Now let's compare the Russian Blue with more different cat breeds. How about the American Bobtail for instance?

If you were walking along side a country road and you spied an American Bobtail, your first thought would be; you're looking at a real bobcat. Their most distinguishing characteristic is of course the all natural bob tail. The bob tail, along with the muscular body and haunting eyes of a wild creature, has fooled more than one person.

However, you will find this beautiful creature ready to open its heart to you and your family. This feline loves to ride on your shoulders or catch a cat nap in your lap. One of the things which will blow your mind about the American Bobtail is a wonderful personality and it's adaptability to change.

Even though they look like a cat from the wilds they interact extremely well with children and believe it or not dogs. You will spend many hours watching this little clown like creature entertain you with his antics. Often times this playful little cut up will instigate a game and will continue to pester you until you play along. Because of its high degree of intelligence they are very easy to leash train and teach other tricks.

As you can see the Russian Blue Cats and other different cat breeds have much in common. Each cats owner and breeder say they are the best and the most intelligent. Actually you will find out that the cats have conspired together to keep their loved ones on their toes. Until next time!

~The Cats

Jan Roos If you're looking for a great ebook on how to get rid of your cat's behavioral problems visit this blog. http://catschool.blogspot.com/

4 Tips About Cat's Ringworm and Your Children

By Jan Roos

Did you know that your cat's ringworm is not a real honest to goodness worm? That's right cat lovers. Your cat isn't infected with a worm, but a fungus. If you're into big names the medical term is dermatophytosis. Let's keep it simple and use ringworm throughout this article. This article will give you 4 tips about your feline's ringworm.

1, Your Cats Ringworm And Your Children.

Ringworm is extremely contagious. Your cat can pass it on to your children, you and other animals. You or the kids can infect someone else or another pet. Not only can it be passed on to others, it can be spread to other parts of your body or the bodies of your child or pet.

It is imperative that you have your animal treated as soon as possible. In addition, if your child or you, are infected you should consult with your family physician. In most cases if the fungus is treated properly you will start to see improvement within the first few days.

Within 7 to 10 days there should be a complete recovery from the fungus. However, the doctor or your vet may recommend continued treatment for up to 2 or 3 weeks to make sure there is no reoccurrence of the infection.

2. How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Ringworm?

You should understand that in some cases there will be no outer signs of the fungus infection on some cats. However, your cat can still be a carrier and infect you, your children and your other pets. If you suspect your animal is a carrier call your vet.

If this is the case how can your cat or you be a carrier? Actually that is pretty simple to explain. The fungus can be anywhere. It can be in the grass, on the sidewalk, flowerbeds and can even be in the air ducts of your home.

During the incubation period of the fungus it develops spores, which can be picked up by your pet or you. When your animal or you move about the spores will drop off into the carpet, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Therefore the spores then can be picked up by your heating and air conditioning unit to be circulated through out your home.

3. How You Can Identify The Cats Ringworm.

First let's talk about how ringworm can be spotted on your favorite feline. In most cases you will spot the fungus on the head, around the ears or eyes or on the paws and nails of your cat.

Generally this is demonstrated by the circles of hair loss or flaky red skin in a circular form. You may notice your kitty scratching and licking the wounded area. Furthermore you may well see an increase in broken hairs and patches of flakey skin on the pets bedding, the carpeting, your clothing or your furniture.

One area you need to think about checking closely is the cat's paws. There is a variety of the fungus, which seems to concentrate in the pads of the paws or under the nail beds of your pet.

Second let's talk about how to spot it on your child's body or on your self. Very likely you will have an itchy sensation, in the area, where the fungus has penetrated the skin. As it continues to fester you will see a red circular pattern on the infected area. You may also observe dead looking skin flakes. Again you should contact your doctor in the event you see an outbreak on you or your child.

4. What Are The Treatments For Your Cats Ringworm?

At last there is some good news. Ringworm is easily treated by your vet and you. In the majority of the cases the vet may prescribe an antifungal cream and shampoo. It's usually a matter of shampooing your favorite pet every other day and applying the cream as directed by the vet.

Surprisingly enough your personal physician will recommend a very similar treatment for you or your child. It's possible they may prescribe and antifungal soap and cream. However, the doctor may just tell you to pick up the soap and cream across the counter at your local discount store or drugstore.

In conclusion you, your children and your wonderful pet can be infected by cats ringworm. But it is easily treated and cured with the proper medication.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended for any type of medical advice for you or your pet. It is intended for information purposes only. Always consult your personal doctor and your pet's vet in case of a medical problem.

Jan Roos Visit my blog all about cats. http://catschool.blogspot.com/

Motherly Instinct in Male Cats

By Libeth Maldo

My good kisser cat (the subject of my article, "How to Teach A Cat to Kiss") is a castrated five year old male mongrel.

When another kitten took refuge in my house, I was apprehensive because I wasn't sure how my first cat will react. Would he be happy to have a playmate? Or would he be antagonistic and jealous if he would see another cat sharing with him my love and attention? Upon introduction, he gave the kitten a passive look then rolled his eyes and shifted his attention to the vacuum cleaner. He would softly snarl whenever the kitten came near him. I had to think of a probable solution to a problem that might possibly arise when time comes that the two cats could not get along well together. It was farthest from my mind to get rid of the little kitten for he already charmed my heart. I decided to keep the kitten at the basement and let the older cat stay inside the house.

I learned two things:

1. It's not good to make the kitten and the older cat stranger to each other.
2. Cat owners must take initiative to create a friendly atmosphere for the two cats by allowing both to mingle with each other. But always be on guard to protect the kitten from being bitten or scratched by the older cat.

If you are in the same situation as mine, you can observe the behaviors of your cats as they go through the process of getting to know each other and become more than friends in the future.

At first, the older cat will go far whenever the kitten approaches. The act insinuates that the bigger cat avoids the kitten because he does not want to harm the kitten. It is also a gesture that he can possibly accept the kitten's presence. He then starts to play with the kitten by allowing it to play with his wagging tail. There may be an instance when the cat becomes overexcited that he can hurt the kitten unintentionally. You can always call his attention but don't scold the older cat. Instead, let him lick the kitten. Then encourage him to play again with the little one. As the older cat licks the kitten, there is a certain character trait that is being developed in him.

In the case of my good kisser cat, a motherly instinct was developed in him. He took care of the kitten and pampered it. Even now, that the kitten is already a matured cat, the older cat still pampers it.

Experts explained that the behavior of a female is developed among castrated male cats because the estrogen hormone is the only hormone present in the cats' body after the source of testosterone was removed. It creates a tendency for male cats to behave like females. Estrogen and testosterone are both present in humans and animals. In females (both human and animal), the estrogens are dominant over the testosterones and in males (both human and animal), the testosterones are dominant over the estrogens.

I've been relieved from my worries before-the thought of seeing my two cats quarrel. It's indeed a wonderful experience to see two matured cats loving each other like mother and son. And it is me now who is jealous because the kitten that I love so much prefers his "surrogate mother" than his loving mistress.

A cat lover. She has three grown up cats and one kitten. Most of her writes are dedicated to her pets. Each of her cats has distinct personality and she enjoys sharing wonderful stories about them and at the same time able to share some tips on how to take care of cats and how to teach them some tricks.

Potty Training Your Cat in Four Simple Steps

By Derek Carroll

A new kitten! That's great. Of course, for most people, the first thing on their mind, is "what a beautiful kitten". Very soon though, the practicalities of looking after any pet will set in and you will be trying your hand at potty training your new cat. No problem... as I am about to show you here, it's really easy. You may not know it, but, most mother cats will have already potty trained their kittens before they are weaned. If the mother has already done that then it's going to be a lot easier for you, trust me. Either way, it only takes a couple of days if you follow the steps that I give you here. It sure is a lot easier to clean a litter box than having to clean several messes off your floors.

Potty Training - The Basic instructions:

Firstly, you should invest in a good litter box. Look for one of the hard plastic ones - they're the best. One thing to watch out for when you have a small kitten is that the lip is low enough for the kitten to get inside. Sometimes it's hard to find the right type of box - with the lip low enough - depending on where you live. If that's the case for you, don't worry, just use an old phone book for the kitten to use as a stool.

The next most important thing for potty training your cat is your choice of litter. You will find two types at the market, the non-clumping and the clumping kind. Both of these will do the job really well and there is practically no difference between them. Many prefer the clumping kind as they say it will be easier to clean the litter box, but personally I've found no difference. It's your choice really which to use when potty training your new cat.

Step 3: When potty training your cat you will need to put about 2 inches (that's 50mm) of sand in the litter box. If the box you got is smaller then you can just fill it about one third of the way up with the cat litter of your choice. When you are buying your litter box be sure to pick up a good quality scoop for cleaning up the used litter and whatever else is left behind. You should be able to find the scoops beside the litter boxes in most shops.

Finally, when potty training your kitten you have to put the cat directly into the litter box after it has eaten. Do this immediately as the majority of cats will need to use it at this time, and obviously that's the best time for you to show them where to go. A good tip that can be helpful to bring out a cats natural instincts when potty training your cat is to gently scratch the surface of the sand when you place the kitten in the litter box. This works because cats naturally dig and cover their waste in the wild.

Remember, potty training your cat is just one part of any complete cat care program. There are many breeds of house cat and sometimes it can be hard to choose from among them.

Save Your Furniture - How To Combat Cat Scratching

By Paul Sutton

One of the eternal bugbears about owning a cat is scratching in the home. Many, many people have been driven to distraction by tattered armchairs, carpets, curtains and wallpaper, and at times it can appear that nothing is safe from kitty claws once they get into the zone! But why do they do it, why are some cats more scratch-intense than others, what cat scratching posts and cat scratching furniture is most effective, and what can you do to protect the ฃ1000 sofa you just invested in?

WHY DOES MY CAT SCRATCH?
Scratching and clawing is a behaviour that goes back to a time well before felis catus was a domesticated pet, and stems from the impulse to keep the claws sharp for hunting and climbing. It removes the old nail sheath to reveal a fresh, sharp point. So trying to rid the cat of scratching is a hopeless task. In some countries, the USA being a prime example, de-clawing is a fairly common practice, involving a veterinary surgeon removing the claws altogether. However, as scratching is an instinctive and natural behaviour this is seen by many as both cruel and unnecessary as it's painful and potentially complicated. Avoid it.

Scratching is normally an outdoor behaviour, but some cats will sharpen their claws indoors either because they grow to like the texture of carpet or the shape of your favourite armchair, or simply because they don't get out enough! Others claw out of contentment or upon waking as they stretch the muscles of their back, legs and front quarters - it's like cat yoga! And others use it as an attention-grabbing mechanism as it invariably provokes a response from their owner, or as a means to deposit scent from glands in their paws on strategic places around the house to mark their territory in the same way as rubbing up against things does.

HOW CAN I CORRECT MY CATS BEHAVIOUR?
The most important and most obvious solution is to provide a suitable place for your cat to carry out its natural behaviour. There are numerous designs of cat scratch furniture on the market, from simple cat scratching posts to cat trees that offer a cat somewhere to play and sleep at the same time. The point is simply that your cat doesn't know that your sofa cost ฃ1000, and wouldn't care if it did!

A combination of materials such as sisal and carpet gives your cat options, and a cat scratching post should be rugged enough to withstand some rough treatment. Going for the cheapest option available can be a false economy as, not only may it not last very long, but your cat simply won't use a scratching post that topples over every time she claws it.

A step up from this is a post that incorporates toys to encourage the cat to use it, but either of these designs used in conjunction with catnip in spray or leaf form should be an adequate scratching solution. If budget's not such an issue, then there are some fabulous cat trees and cat furniture around that look great in the home and provide a fantastic place for your cat to scratch with specially-devised pads for your cat to get her claws into, as well as furniture to sleep and play on.

HOW CAN I GET MY CAT TO USE HER SCRATCHING POST?
Whichever you choose though, there are a few tips to get your cat to use the scratcher rather than your sofa! Firstly, gently drag your cat's paws down the post when it's new so that it leaves scent and gets the idea that this is a great place to claw. If/when she claws elsewhere, take her to the post and do the same thing - eventually she'll get the message. And praise her when she does! Used in combination with catnip, this is usually very effective.

Be patient though - don't punish your cat for scratching elsewhere as this can cause insecurity and make the problem worse. When you do this you're effectively telling your cat that scratching is bad, which will make her nervous and more insecure...and likely to scratch more. Before you know it you'll not only have a carpet-shredding cat but a neurotic one!

Instead persist with gentle reminders, scenting the desired area with her own smell and with catnip and removing scent from the offending area using a mild solution of biological washing liquid. You can also try putting a few drops of orange essential oils around the area you want the cat to avoid, as cats don't like strong citrus smells, or sticking double-sided tape to the couch.

Hopefully, with a blend of observation and patience on your part together with a suitable piece of cat scratching furniture, you can minimise the damaging effects of scratching and save that sofa!

Paul is a director of online pet accessories supplier http://www.thepetextraordinarium.co.uk The Pet Extraordinarium is devoted to sourcing the best quality products for cats, dogs and rabbits, enhancing their and their owners' lifestyles, and to raising awareness of animal welfare and pet care issues. Before establishing http://www.thepetextraordinarium.co.uk Paul enjoyed a ten year career in PR and marketing.

How to Find Your Missing Cat

By Larry Chamberlain

Okay, your cat is missing. Naturally you are worried and want to find your pet as soon as you can. Keep in mind that cats do not usually leave home and most often a missing cat is found, but it is best to start your search as soon as you realize that your cat is not around.

Before you search the outside world make certain that your cat is not inside your home. Have you checked everywhere? The basement, loft space, that spare bedroom that never gets used, your shed and garage? How about closets? In the refrigerator, yes cats can become shut in refrigerators, you open the door to take something out and without you noticing your cat slips in. Check also your washing machine, dryer, anywhere at all that your cat could have slipped into.

Alright, you are certain that your cat is not on your property. Is your cat an "indoor" cat that has somehow got out? Then your pet is not likely to be far, sure she or he will be curious about all the new sights and smells and will likely take time to sample them.

On the other hand your pet could have been threatened and chased by a dog, another cat or some other animal. Search the area around your home. Look in neighbors sheds and garages, ask permission of course, and ask your neighbors to help you search.

Don't forget to look up! Cats that are being chased tend to bolt up trees. They are extremely good at climbing up, you know this from your cat climbing your drapes, but because of the way they are designed, they are not so good at climbing down.

So there is your missing cat high in the branches, the threat has gone but your cat can't climb down. Sure she may cry out, but maybe not. So look up trees just in case.

Look also in any small space that your cat could possibly squeeze into, and cats can squeeze into some very small spaces to get away from an attacker. Again don't assume that your cat will cry out, even if you are calling her name. She may be very frightened and confused and prefer to stay where she is safe if she thinks that the whole world is her enemy, so you have to look, using a flashlight will help.

If your cat is an unaltered tomcat then he could have roamed a long ways off in pursuit of doing what comes naturally. He won't come home until he has had his way, and sorry to say, as an un-neutered tom will think nothing of dashing across busy highways to get what he wants, there is the possibility he won't make it home. This is only one of the many good reasons to have your cat, male or female, neutered.

If you are satisfied that your missing cat is nowhere close to your home you will need to widen your search. Enlist help. Also ask people who are regularly in the area, mail carriers, people who walk their dog, moms taking kids to school, if they have seen your cat.

Cats are often more active at night so that may be a good time for a search even in the places you've searched in the day. But don't search alone at night.

Post flyers around the area that your pet was lost in, these can be very successful. Include a photograph of your missing cat and some information, but withhold some. Give your phone number but not your address. If you offer a reward do not state how much on the flyer. Don't forget to regularly check that the flyers are still in place.

Why should you withhold some information? Because unfortunately there are lowlife that will claim to have found your cat, when they have not, for a chance of the finders reward. Never hand over reward money before you have your pet back safe and sound.

Check with cat rescue centers and shelters. Don't wait to do this as many shelters are so overwhelmed with stray and feral cats that they can't keep them long. Your cat may have been wearing identification, but tags, and indeed the collar itself can come off. Don't just phone the shelters, visit them, your cat may be hard to identify from a description given over the phone.

Check with all local veterinarians too. It just might be that your missing cat has been injured and taken to a veterinarian's office. You will also need to contact the highway department or any other agency that deals with road kills. It would be better to know if the worst has happened.

Have you, or any of your neighbors, had anything delivered to, or collected from, the home recently? It is not unknown for cats to investigate delivery vehicles and get taken away. Check with the delivery company just to make sure.

When you have searched everywhere for your missing cat, search everywhere again. Remember that, although sadly some cats are lost forever, most often a missing cat is found. But you must not give up hope too soon and keep searching. Likely your cat will be back with you before you know it.

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

Spaying Or Neutering Your Maine Coon Cat

By Daniel Coburn

In many cases, when you purchase a Maine Coon kitten from a breeder or a shelter, you will be required to sign an agreement. That agreement may cover a great deal of territory, but one area is almost always covered - spaying and neutering. The breeder or shelter may require that you have the cat altered by the time it reaches a certain age.

Kittens can be spayed after they have reached four months of age, but your veterinarian may prefer to wait until it is six months old. Many Maine Coon breeders do their own spaying and neutering, before the kitten is adopted, and often suggest spaying and neutering at around fourteen weeks of age.

The reason that veterinarians have postponed neutering and spaying is that anesthesia is used, and in the past, using anesthesia on kittens was tricky. Today, there has been a great deal more research done on this and the practice has been perfected - enabling veterinarians and breeders to spay kittens earlier in life.

This practice cuts down on the possibility of someone adopting a kitten, and failing to get it spayed or neutered later. Maine Coon breeders worry about this especially, since they want the breed kept pure, and they do not want any unplanned litters. This is also an effort to prevent inbreeding between siblings at an early age. This is the only benefit of early neutering.

There are those who object strongly to EAA, or Early Age Altering. These veterinarians and associations believe that EAA leads to an increased risk of fracture to long bones, obesity, a negative effect on overall growth, changes in behavior, and an increase in disease risk. They also feel that using anesthesia on kittens is too risky.

Spaying and neutering overall is not cruel to the animal, and they actually experience minimal pain. In most cases, they only experience mild soreness for a day or two. Spaying is usually more expensive than neutering. In case you are not aware - and many people are not - females are spayed, and males are neutered.

If you want to breed your Maine Coon kitten at some point, this is something that you will need to discuss with the breeder - often before the kitten is even conceived. The breeder generally charges a much higher fee when breeding rights are given to the new owner. Note, however, that only kittens that come from titled parents have any real monetary value. So, if your kitten doesn't have titled parents himself, you need to look for a litter that does come from titled parents.

Unless you plan to breed your Maine Coon, it definitely needs to be altered. Otherwise, a male will constantly be 'spraying' to mark his territory and a female will keep you up days and nights when she goes into heat. Also note that when you enter shows with your Maine Coon, you must specify that the animal has been altered, and he or she will enter class divisions specifically for altered Maine Coons.

http://mainecooncatworld.com/ http://www.bestpetarticles.com

Getting to Know Your Cat

By Clark Tran

Spay or Neuter a New Cat
Millions of cats are euthanized each year in shelters due to the overcrowding of animals. Cats can easily have over 10 kittens in a given pregnancy leaving owners with problem of trying to find homes for these kittens. There is an easy remedy to this problem and that is spaying or neutering your cat. Not only is this the responsible thing to do but it is better for your cat. If unspayed female are more at risk of developing the following conditions: breast cancer, pyometra, tumors of the uterus & ovaries. While unneutered male cats run a risk of developing testicular cancer.

The Price of having a cat
When people see a cute kitten they immediately decide to adopt it. Once home they realize they have made a mistake. They are not prepared for the responsibility of a cat, not all members of the family are happy to have a cat, resident pets don't adapt well to the new addition or it just doesn't fit into your lifestyle. The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, vaccinations, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Checking the health of your new cat
When a household decides to adopt a cat, be it from the shelter or a breeder a great deal of time should go into selecting the right animal. Have questions about where the pet came from, how they have interacted with the staff, do the pet have a behavior issue, etc. If you are buying from a breeder, ensure they are registered with an appropriate cat council. When visiting the cattery check out the overall health of the animals. Always have everything in writing, including the final cost of the cat, health guarantees etc.

Buying purebreds from pet shops or backyard breeders
If you are buying a cat from a pet shop or a backyard breeder there is probably little chance that a proper screening of genetic problems has taken place. Pet shops generally charge more for purebred kittens than a registered breeder would. Not only this, but they most likely won't have certified paper to ensure their authenticity and health. As a result, you may be buying a cat that could have substantial medical bills in the future or even pass away suddenly.

Seek veterinary help
People don't realize the seriousness of a medical condition & fail to take appropriate action & get the cat to a vet. This may be due to the lack of knowledge they posses or funds. Cat owners should look into the cost of having pet health insurance or a special Cat Fund prepared in case of emergencies.

Flea Control Product
Unless recommended by your veterinarian, cats should be treated with a cat flea treatment only such as Frontline. Pet owners think they will save money by sharing their dog's flea control product with their cats. This can prove fatal as cats are extremely sensitive to pyrethrins & pyrethroids which are often in dog flea products. The use of these on cats can result in death.

An appropriate diet
Cats have very specific dietary needs and as such need a balanced diet. There are many commercially available brands of cat food available which will fulfill your cat's dietary requirements. Don't attempt to feed your cat a home-made diet or other human consumed foods unless you have spent a great deal of time researching, as certain food s can do more harm than good.

Your roaming cat
Some owners feel that having your cat roam outside the home is beneficial for them. In actuality it may do more harm as free roaming cats & their lifespan is considerably shorter than that of indoor only cats, or cats with limited/supervised access outside. Outdoor cats run the risk of being highly stress by been hit by a car, attacked by another cat or dog, plus many other dangers they encounter which is very traumatizing.

Declawing VS not Declawing
Declawing has been a heated debate for many veterinarians, cat advocates, and owners alike. Some veterinarians consider declawing a "routine" surgery, while cat advocates consider it cruel, inhumane, and unnecessary in almost every case. Declawing is not for everyone and cat owners should have all the facts before making this decision.

Litter Box Maintenance
Cats will use a litter box only if it is kept clean, and if the litter is not scented or pleasant to the cat's feet. Carefully maintaining your cat's litter box will almost guarantee that you will not be faced with litter box avoidance problems. Don't try to over clean the box with disinfectant or bleach as cats are very sensitive to these and other chemicals. It is also recommended to have an automatic litter box to help in reducing the maintenance. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside the box despite your careful maintenance, you should immediately suspect a urinary tract problem and call your veterinarian.

For more information on this subject or any additional pet health articles please visit http://www.entirelypets.com

Cat Poisoning Symptoms - Drug Poisoning

By Jackson Franklin

Unintentional overdose with veterinary medications and accidental ingestion of both human and veterinary pills are a common cause of poisoning in cats. Veterinary products, in particular, are often flavored to encourage a pet to take them, and will be eagerly consumed if they are discovered.

Curious cats are often attracted to dropped or rolling pills and may chase and try to eat them. Many people give over-the-counter medications to their cats, without veterinary approval, to treat a variety of symptoms; they believe that what works for people works for cats. Unfortunately, this is just not true.

Cats are unusually sensitive to many medications. Drugs given to cats in human dosages are almost always toxic - and some human drugs cannot be given to cats in any amount. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are very toxic to cats. Cats do not have the necessary enzymes to detoxify and eliminate these drugs.

Specifically, they are lacking the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase. This enzyme breaks down drugs so they can be metabolized. Without it, ingesting certain drugs can lead to the accumulation of dangerous substances in the animal that are left behind when the drugs are metabolized.

Cat poisoning symptoms develop quickly and include abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting, and weakness. Other human drugs that produce a variety of toxic effects and are commonly involved in accidental poisonings include antidepressants, antihistamines, nonsteroidal pain relievers, sleeping pills, diet pills, heart pills, blood pressure pills, and vitamins.

All instances of drug ingestion should be taken seriously. If you suspect your cat has swallowed any drug, immediately induce vomiting and coat the bowel as described. Call your veterinarian for further instructions. A specific antidote may be available for the drug in question. Also call a poison control center.

All medications should be safely stored in childproof containers and in closed cupboards. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication. Follow instructions exactly for frequency and dosage. Never assume that a human drug is safe for pets!

For more cat poisoning symptoms, treatments for minor poisoning, and phone numbers for 24 hour poison control hotlines visit http://www.2cathealth.com/cat-poisoning-symptoms.html

Make Cat Food - Safe, Natural, and Delicious

By W. P. Allen

How you ever thought of how to make cat food? Maybe you have thought "why would I want to?" Wouldn't it be easier to go to the store and buy a bag of commercial cat food?

There are those people that have noticed that their cats have become couch potatoes or overweight after eating commercial food for a certain period of time.

Many people will tell you that homemade food is much better for your cat, and you should certainly follow their advice.

When preparing your own food in the house, you will immediately notice a new expression upon the face of your feline. You will witness a great difference in their enthusiasm rather than them being the lethargic couch potatoes that they have been for some time.

Not only this, but because of the pet food recalls of 2007 and 2008, there have been thousands of pet owners worried about what goes into commercial pet food. It is thought that commercial cat food also has serious deficits in its nutritional content.

Because there are extreme temperatures involved in the processing plant, saturated animal fats are added to the food to make it taste better. As well as this, coloring, preservatives, and other chemicals are added. Pets begin to get the same problems as humans who consume junk food, when eating commercial food. These health problems include diabetes, obesity, lethargy, and even early death. For this reason, when giving our feline friends commercial cat food, we are slowly killing them.

So, what should be done? We, as pet owners, should make cat food at home, knowing exactly what ingredients are being added.

It is important to remember that cats are natural born hunters, and they would generally eat raw meat, which does in actual fact contain all of the nutrients that they require. Those cat foods that are made in a rendering plant by adding chemicals, coloring, fat and "meat by-products" that do not in actual fact contain any meat, will not, nor will they ever be, a natural diet.

It is greatly important to us as cat owners, to see our felines active, fit and healthy. It is certainly recommended that you take control of your cat's diet and health. Spend a little time and effort and make your own cat food. Do not let your cat die of ignorance.

Therefore, in conclusion give your cat the life that he deserves by ensuring that he is not fed commercial cat food that is full of rubbish. Take the time to make cat food for your feline friend and provide him with a healthy and long life.

Commercial cat food is loaded with TOXINS that are slowly poisoning your cat! Want proof? CLICK HERE!

Should Cats Be Kept Indoors Or Outdoors?

By Paul Kramer

Should you allow your cat to go outside, or should you keep him as an indoor only pet? This is a topic that many owners disagree about. Some cat lovers insist on keeping their cats inside all the time, while others feel that they are depriving their pets of the fun of roaming free after being trapped inside the house all day.

The major disadvantage to keeping your cat indoors is safety. Cats who wander outdoors often get into serious trouble or may even be killed. If your pet is roaming on his own, you have no control over whom or what he encounters. The outside world is a big place with many hazards, and your cat could run into trouble.

An indoor only cat will not have to face the dangers of the outside world, such as poisonous fertilizers and pesticides, antifreeze, motor vehicles, threatening people (who could steal or injure him), dogs, wild animals (such as skunks, raccoons, snakes, bees and wasps), weathers hazards (frostbite or heatstroke), and even other cats.

A cat who is allowed to stray can come into contact with another sick cat (or other animal) and pick up parasites (such as fleas and ticks) or diseases (such as feline leukemia or rabies). If an outdoor cat is not spayed or neutered, he or she will likely contribute to the cat overpopulation problem.

Meanwhile, ID tags could save your cat's life. If he gets lost, the collar and tag will let someone know where he belongs. Most pets who have IDs find their way home after a brief separation. The ID tag should have your name and phone number on it, along with your cat's name. You can order them from pet supply catalogs or from pet supply sites on the Internet. Some pet supply stores and department stores have automated machines that make engraved ID tags in a few minutes.

Cats that are kept indoors do not have to worry about any of these hazards. As a result of their safe, controlled living conditions, they live much longer. As a responsible owner, you owe it to your pet to do what is best for him, and the best way to know that your cat is safe is to keep him inside.

To learn more about whether cats should be kept indoor or outdoor and the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.