Home Remedy to Clean Cat Urine and Neutralize the Stinky Odor

By Catherine Conway

If you're a cat owner, you're more than familiar with the smell of cat urine. It's a very distinct, pungent odor that nobody likes. Cats don't always eliminate in the litter box, which can happen for many reasons; sometimes it's because the litter box isn't as clean as the cat likes, and sometimes it's because the cat is stressed or sick.

The real question is, how do you clean cat urine? Will you ever be able to get rid of that awful cat urine smell? Yes, definitely. Although there are many cat urine cleaning products you can buy, there is a home remedy that works just as well. It's cheaper, too. Here's what you do:

1. Blot up the cat urine stain. Use a few sheets of paper towels, an old rag, or old clothes that you're never going to wear again. Stand on the rags or paper towels to absorb as much of the urine as possible (make sure you're wearing shoes). Repeat this step with fresh paper towels until all the moisture is absorbed.

2. Soak the area with a mixture of vinegar and water. Use a solution of about half vinegar and half water. The vinegar will help neutralize the odor and kill some of the bacteria that contribute to the urine odor. Let it set for about three minutes, then blot it up. Try to get the area as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step.

3. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the cat urine stain.

4. Mix together about half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a few squirts of dish washing detergent. Test this solution on a small, concealed area of your carpet to make sure it won't bleach or stain the fibers. If the test run is successful, work this solution deep into the cat urine stain with your fingers; you may want to wear gloves for this. Let it dry completely.

5. Now all you have to do is go over the stain with a vacuum cleaner.

Ta-da! The cat urine odor and stain should be taken care of. However, if the stain is a particularly bad one, you may need to give it another thorough cleaning.

Catherine L. Conway is a freelance writer who has had to deal with many a cat urine stain in her lifetime. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a way to stop your cat from urinating where he shouldn't? Visit http://www.changecatbehavior.com to start learning about cat behavior and why they will sometimes refuse to use the litter box.

Cat Stress Symptoms

By Catherine Conway

Does your cat seem anxious? Has he started exhibiting new behavior, such as roaming around the house and meowing as if his heart is breaking? Is he starting to poop and pee everywhere EXCEPT in the litter box?

Cats don't suddenly change their habits for no reason. Even if the change is positive, such as an aloof cat becoming extremely affectionate, it could mean that something is wrong. Your cat might be stressed or even sick.

One of the most common signs of stress is when a cat stops using the litter box. Maybe he starts peeing on your towels or pooping on your dirty laundry instead. Sometimes it's just your cat's way of telling you that the litter box is filthy. Other times it means the cat has a urinary tract infection.

Another sign of stress in cats is when their personality undergoes a radical change. A confident, independent cat might suddenly become clingy and anxious. A cat that's in pain might start running around the house more often, hopping up on counter tops and knocking over breakables. Or he might become suspicious and unfriendly, lashing out at anyone who comes near him.

If the cat's grooming habits change, that's another telltale sign of stress. Your cat might stop grooming himself completely, resulting in dirty, matted fur. Or he might groom himself too much, licking and chewing certain areas until he gives himself bald spots.

Sometimes the signs of stress in cats are more subtle. The cat's daily habits might gradually change. Maybe he eats less than he used to, or he can't seem to get enough food these days. Or maybe a cat who lived a nocturnal lifestyle for years suddenly becomes active during the day.

A change in behavior usually means that your cat is feeling bad. It's best to get him checked out by a vet to see if there's anything medically wrong, then go from there.

Catherine L. Conway is a freelance writer, and she loves cats. She also knows how frustrating it can be when your cat suddenly starts urinating everywhere except in the litter box. Do you have a cat that's peeing everywhere, scratching up furniture, or generally being destructive? You don't have to choose between your cat and the furniture. Visit http://www.changecatbehavior.com to learn why your cat is acting out and how to stop it.

How to Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

By Joseph Devine

Cats can be quite beautiful creatures that can also be great house pets for you and your family. Cats are unique pets that need certain care and attention in order to continue to be happy.

The first thing that you should understand is that cats are lovable pets that can really make a home feel warm and comforting whenever you get home to see your cat. Although they may seem like independent pets, they do need to have a certain amount of attention from their owner. You must remember that they are a pet just like any other pet so you have certain responsibilities that need to be taken care of.

Cat's are very clean and stable animals so you should be prepared to have their water and food bowls clean on a daily basis. Keep in mind that the cat will most likely put pressure on one side or another of the bowl so make sure that the bowl will not be able to tip over easily. Another factor to consider is the litter box that the cat will use. Some cats can be quite picky about what type of little box they will use. Some cats are determined to only use a litter box that smells like they think it should. You should also make sure that you clean your cat's litter box at least once a week to make sure that your cat is still willing to use it.

The next factor that you should consider is keeping your cat's nails cut short. The reason that you would probably want to do this is because they will need to make sure that everyone is safe. If you don't keep your cat's nails trimmed neatly, there is a chance that they could hurt both themselves and you by scratching or clawing at something or someone. Although you might want to cut them yourself, it is usually not recommended that you cut your cat's nails because of the dangers to your pet. Cat's have a vein that runs down their nails which is called the quick. If you cut into the quick on a cat, there is a chance that it will make the cat bleed and will definitely hurt the cat. It is usually recommended that you take your cat to the vet in order to have their nails trimmed or cut at all.

Cats overall can be great pets, they just require some love and compassion in order to keep them both happy and healthy.

For more information for your cat, contact the Atlanta Vet Clinics at http://www.atlantaveterinarianclinics.com Joseph Devine

Symptoms of Cat Rabies - Know What to Do

By W. P. Allen

A well-known virus which is present in the saliva of an affected animal is rabies. The disease is passed on to cats and other animals by a bite; therefore, the symptoms of cat rabies should be known by all cat owners.

There are many animals that are carriers of the virus but not actually affected. However, unfortunately, for a majority of cats that are bitten by an affected animal, the final result is death.

The disease is transmitted when an infected animal bites a non-infected animal. Rabies does not live for a great length of time outside of the host and remains in the carcass of an infected animal for less than 24 hours. Rabies is shed in incredible quantities in saliva. However, when an infected animal bites another or a human, it does not necessarily mean that the other animal or human will become infected. Humans, cats, and dogs are only mildly susceptible to rabies, unlike bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes that are more susceptible to the virus.

However, when most animals are bitten by another that is infected, the virus spreads through the nerves and to the brain. It is a relatively slow moving virus, with the average time of incubation being between 2 to 6 weeks in cats before is it is exposed to the brain. Once the virus reaches the brain, it moves to the salivary glands and this is where is can be spread through a bite.

Even though there are three stages to rabies, not all stages will always be evident in your cat. The three phases of symptoms of cat rabies include:

• Prodromal Phase

This is the stage whereby you cat may show the earliest, non-specific symptoms such as apprehension, anxiety, solitude, nervousness, and a fever. It may be a case that friendly cats become shy or irritable and may just snap, whereas aggressive cats may become affectionate. It is also possible for your cat to develop more fever spikes and erratic behavior which lasts for one or two days.

• Furious Phase

Cats are particularly prone to developing this phase. The symptoms of cat rabies in this phase are restless and irritability. They may also become hyper-responsive to auditory and visual stimuli. Cats will begin to roam and become vicious. This will then lead to them being disorientated and then have seizures and eventually die.

• Paralytic or Dumb Stage

This stage usually develops within 2 to 4 days. Cats may begin to salivate because they are unable to swallow. Deep breathing and a dropped jaw may be experienced as a result of the diaphragm and face muscles becoming increasingly paralyzed. The cat will become weaker and eventually go into respiratory failure and die.

You, as a cat owner, may not be aware that you car has been bitten by an infected animal. Therefore, it is extremely important that you always keep a close eye on the symptoms of cat rabies and take your feline friend to vet if you see any of the above symptoms.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Symptoms of cat rabies may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Sick Cat Symptoms - Know What to Look For

By W. P. Allen

Always keep a lookout for sick cat symptoms in your pet cat, because it's not wise to ignore these symptoms. You know your cat best. And often if you notice any aberrations in its behavior then it might be a symptom of some disease. Diseases like diabetes affect cats too. And you know your cat is stricken with this disease if it drinks abnormally large quantities of water and empties its bladder all over the place.

Usually animals and men cough, if they have some obstruction in their throats which they want to get rid of. So, whereas, a sudden fit of coughing in your cat is okay, you shouldn't ignore it if it persists for more than a week. Take it to a doctor, for it is a sick cat symptom. It could be an obstruction in his windpipe or something more serious, like pneumonia or bronchitis.

Sick cat symptoms need to be verified and thus your cat needs a check up with its vet. Coughing is not a very innocuous thing, it could indicate apart from bronchial diseases, lung tumor, or even cardiac arrest. Under no circumstances should it be taken lightly.

FIV or feline immunodeficiency virus infection is a cause for serious concern in cats. In common parlance it's called retrovirus. It is a type of virus that the cats' immune defense systems can't detect immediately. Only when they grow in numbers to a large body, they launch an attack on the antibodies of your cat. So it ruins the cat's immune system, and weakens it, so it can't fight against other diseases. This ultimately may cause death, since the cat is unable to fight against diseases.

Sick cat symptoms are very marked in cats that experience this tension between the immune system and the retrovirus. Loss of weight and energy, fever, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes are common signs of this disease. This type of disease also heightens the chances of your cat being stricken with leukemia. If your cat evinces any such symptoms, don't waste any more time, take it to the vet and get it tested for FIV.

Cats need as much attention as children, and like we don't ignore the illnesses of our children, we should also pay adequate attention to the health and well being of our cats. Since they cant tell us if they feel ill, we have to keep a look out for sick cat symptoms, so that we are able to provide medical assistance where needed and assure them a healthy and happy life.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Sick Cat Symptoms may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Cat Pregnancy Symptoms - Know What to Look For

By W. P. Allen

Cat pregnancy symptoms are quite visible just a short while after the cat's mating session. This happens due to the impacts of the progesterone hormone. A cat usually conceives within a short period after mating and right from this time till she weans her newborn 8 weeks old kittens, she remains moody. Her manners alter and so does her temper- all due to the hormonal changes that take place in her body.

In the initial couple or maybe three weeks, you will not be able to notice any specific cat pregnancy symptoms. However, in case you feel that your cat, might be pregnant, then hunch over her stomach and inspect her nipples. Do not even try applying this technique to your partner or your neighbor- well it can end in an entirely varied reaction!

In case your cat is three weeks into her pregnancy, then her nipples will definitely be a radiant pink in color.

Inform your vet. He needs to verify the pregnancy. Once that is verified, you can discuss a healthy "pre" as well as "post" birth program regarding your beloved cat and the newborns. You will have to look for 4-8 new homes for the kittens and you will have just around six weeks to decide on the places. This is of course, after your vet, assures you of the pregnancy of your cat. Also, notice your cat's behavioral patterns and changes in mood and temper during this period.

Initially, the heat cycle ceases. She stops getting into quarrels, she turns quieter as well as more easygoing. She also becomes much more loving and friendly to her keepers. These are basic cat pregnancy symptoms. She hardly moves out of home. She stays back home most of the time and you will notice that even after delivery, she keeps herself close to her kittens.

The hormone, progesterone, calms her down and also lets her feel protected and assured. However, she can pounce and fiercely assault a stranger, if she feels that her kittens might be harmed by the stranger. But she always will begin with just threatening the stranger and only if the stranger keeps moving closer will she pounce. The stranger is then left with no choice but to run.

Well, we know that mothers protect their children fiercely well.

The father does not look after or care for the kittens. Cats are predominantly mother biased species as it is the mother who protects as well as brings up the kittens. The mother, who gives birth, generally, takes care of her litter but other females also look after them in the mother's absence. Whether a kitten will live or not rests completely on the mother's care and concern.

Do not nudge or push her in the fifth week when you notice tiny ball like protrusions in her belly. Be very tender and mild when you touch her. Please ensure that you do not poke her at all- you might just destroy an embryo or even lead to a miscarriage.

The sixth week will have your cat's nipples round and swollen. Actually they are filled with milk that your cat will require to feed her kittens, once they are born. She is accumulating the milk just for them.

No matter what the cat pregnancy symptoms are, allow your cat, to be herself when she is pregnant. In case she is the one who loves strolling out of the house, allow her to do so. But do forbid her to scale heights. She will probably feel that she is just alright and will be able to keep her equilibrium in check. What she will not understand is that she will be unable to do so as the load of her babies has altered her position of equilibrium.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Cat Pregnancy Symptoms may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Cat Poisoning Symptoms - Know What to Look For

By W. P. Allen

If you are a cat owner, it is immensely important for you to know about cat poisoning symptoms. Anything injurious to our body is known as poison. Cats, at times, get in touch with things like insects, dead animals and toxic plants because of their curiosity of pursuing objects such as trivial game or wood piles, weed thickets and storage ports. It is a tough job to know the cause of poisoning because of the existence of a mixed bag of poisonous plants and shrubs, unless the owner is an eyewitness to it. Consequently, sometimes the object remains unknown, whereas, sometimes we point out the wrong ones.

Household chemicals, plants, trees and shrubs can all be harmful for a cat and the cat owners should have an apt knowledge of it. When you suspect a case of poisoning, the job of a vet becomes easier, if you can particularly name the object causing this poisoning. Some plants and household chemicals are mentioned here that can affect your cat; although, it is tough to know about the agent once your cat steps out.

In spite of not consuming some plants, its contact with your cat's skin can create irritations. Fig plants, chrysanthemums, poinsettias are some instances. In fact, amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping Charlie plants or flowers can prove to much more dangerous for your cat. Vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and heart and respiratory ailments are the symptoms if such objects are consumed by your cat. In case, if your cat has consumed any toxic plants, seek advice from your vet. These are some typical cat poisoning symptoms.

A veterinarian's clinic should be your cat's destination if it starts giving signs of nervous system involvement. Either have the sample of vomit along with you or the best option is to bring the poison in the actual container. Get in the refuge of CPR provided your cat is unconscious, trembling or not breathing but at least, give the first aid at the drop of a hat.

Antifreeze can be dangerous for your cat but other Chemicals (i.e. a toxic chemical) and cleaners can also give birth to poisoning of your cat. Antifreeze can create seizures and it often kills a cat. The cats like it and get it off of the garage floor from a puddle. So, be sure about cat poisoning symptoms.

Getting in touch with the National Animal Poison Control Center is the best option if you suspect your cat being poisoned. They provide several treatments and can even tell you what to do next. A vet usually strives to make your cat vomit in order to take out the poisonous toxins. Toxins like turpentine or gasoline get on your cat's hair and need a washing. Vegetable oil and mineral can also be good. Convulsing, breathing problem and unconsciousness suggest the possibility of toxin affecting the cat's nervous system. Such cat poisoning symptoms require a medical care because it is dangerous.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Cat Poisoning Symptoms may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Cat Illnesses Symptoms - What You Should Know

By W. P. Allen

A pet cat can provide a lot of love and companionship, and can be a friend beyond measure. However, they need to be taken to the vet whenever they display any cat illnesses or cat illness symptoms. They too need a lot of love and care, and when a cat lives in a domestic setup, they often need human intervention in their healthcare, for they too fall prey to cat illnesses.

To understand and provide the required cat healthcare, it is important to get to know your pet kitty well, and that is best realized by observing your cat closely. Cats often do weird things, but there are some signs which imply that they need medical attention urgently. If you care for the health of your cat, you need to be able to recognize these symptoms.

If your pet visits his or her litter box often and tries to urinate but cannot, they may have a urinary tract infection. This is a serious condition and these may be caused by either bacterial or crystalline irritants and the 'sand' caused by these irritants are quite harmful for cats, especially male ones.

These sand crystals may pass through the feline urethra and can cause severe irritation and in extreme cases, urethral spasms. If these somehow manage to lodge themselves at the tip of the cat's penis, then it may prevent the cat from passing urine in a normal manner.

If the cat is unable to pass urine, then it will need to be taken to the vet in order to be unblocked. If they are not unblocked in a timely manner, then it might lead to severe kidney damage or even lead to the bladder bursting. These conditions may lead to the death of your cat. To prevent these, you can put your cat on a specialized diet, which has a lower magnesium and phosphorus content. Any such diet changes must always be cleared with your vet first, after a full physical exam.

There may be many kinds of cat illness symptoms, but a single symptom, by itself is rarely the case. As any body who keeps cats will tell you, cats vomit every now and then. This is usually to rid them of a hairball. But if vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, it usually means a serious problem, and you should immediately take your cat to a vet. Similarly, if your cat refuses its food, then it might be a matter of serious concern, unless it is resolved by trying a different flavor of cat food.

Cats, may at times be feverish, and then they might need veterinary attention. For a cat , the normal temperature is 101.5ฐF. If the temperature crosses 102.5ฐF, then it is a matter of serious concern. A cat's temperature is most accurately measured from its anus, though your cat may not appreciate its temperature taken in that manner.

The best way to take care of your cat is to look out for any strange symptoms and immediately take it to a vet. Taking your cat to the vet for a check up should be done as soon as possible and on regular intervals for checkups. Here are a few common cat illness symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting
• Abnormal urination
• Diarrhoea
• Eye discharge
• Ear discharge
• Fever
• Skin problems
• Sneezing
• Lack of appetite
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Coughing
• Excessive thirst
• Depression

So, if your kitty shows any of these cat illness symptoms, then do not hesitate to take her to the vet as soon as possible.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Cat Illnesses Symptoms may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Cat Distemper Symptoms

By W. P. Allen

If you are a pet lover and treat your cat like your child, you need to be wary of cat distemper symptoms and take immediate action, if you see any. Known as cat distemper or Feline Panleukopenia, this disease is a nightmare for millions of cat lovers around the globe. It affects all animals belonging to the cat family, including endangered species of big cats.

However, dog lovers need not worry because this disease does not spread to man's best friend. It is quite a rampant infection, especially in cities and it spreads from cat to cat through contact with an infected animal. Nevertheless, it is not necessary that keeping a cat away from direct contact with an infected animal will do the trick.

The disease can also be contaminated through the infected animal's secretions or any article that has been previously contaminated through contact with the infected cat. Human beings are safe from Feline Distemper, but they also act as carriers of the infection.

If your hands or clothes are contaminated with secretions of the infected animal, another cat coming near you will be exposed to the disease and get infected. Fleas are also carriers of this infection. If you notice cat distemper symptoms in your dear pet, you can be rest assured that the infection has found its way into your cat's body through one of the sources mentioned above.

Since kittens do not have a highly developed immune system, they are at the receiving end of cat distemper symptoms. Thus, one needs to be extra careful when dealing with kittens because they tend to get this disease very often.

The usual cat distemper symptoms include high fever and loss of appetite. However, in some cats, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration are also indicators of feline distemper. As soon as you notice these symptoms, you must rush to the vet because this disease is a killer. Till date, there is no specific treatment for the disease, but early detection and use of supportive fluids and antibiotics can go a long way in ensuring that the cat lives.

The best way to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease is vaccination. Kittens, sometimes, inherit a short-lived immunity from their mothers but it is nothing permanent. The first doses of the vaccine should be given when the kitten is six to eight weeks old. The vaccination needs to be repeated when the kitten is twelve weeks of age and sixteen weeks of age. This completes the dosage but an annual booster is required to ensure that the cat remains immune to the disease.

Keep your cat away from strays and other cats until its vaccination is administered properly. Even in instances where you rescue cats or bring new ones home, avoid bringing them in contact with others before vaccination. Take care of your cats and ensure that you take them to the vet immediately in case you see any cat distemper symptom.

Your cat's health may be in trouble. Cat Distemper Symptoms may signal something that's terribly wrong. Know what to do and how to respond.

Choosing a Scratching Post For Your Cat

By Tara Nemeth

You already know that cats love to scratch - you see the evidence on your furniture, drapes, and carpet. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed, to blunt damage to your furniture, and using a harmless deterrent like Sticky Paws will definitely help you save your furniture and greatly improve your relationship with your cat.

The easiest and cheapest solution to solving the scratching problem however, is to offer your cat two or even three quality cat scratchers. The good news is that quality cat scratchers are easy to come by, and can cost as little as $12-16 dollars. Here are some tips for choosing a good quality cat scratcher:

1. Choose an angled scratcher or scratching post that goes straight up and down. Cats like to stretch and scratch at the same time and angled scratchers give them this opportunity. All cats I know love the Alpine Scratcher. Avoid scratchers that lie flat on the floor.
2. Pay attention to the sturdiness and stability of the scratcher. Your cat needs a scratcher that will not move or topple over every time he goes to scratch.
3. Look for a scratcher that is made from cardboard or covered in sisal. Outdoor cats love to use trees as their scratching post and sisal and cardboard provide a similar feel; as well, both surfaces help cats to shed the outer layer of their claws - one of the reasons cats scratch in the first place.

If you have tried all of my suggestions and you are still having problems, it is time to call in a behaviorist. Please do not resort to having your cat declawed. Trimming your cat's claws is a healthy and usually painless process. Declawing on the other hand is a surgical procedure, also called onychectomy, in which the animal's toes are amputated at the last joint. Most people do not realize that a portion of the bone - not only nail - is removed. Declawing may result in permanent lameness, arthritis, and other long-term complications. It is actually illegal in many countries. To learn more about declawing and how you can help rehabilitate big cats that have been maimed from declawing operations, visit The Paw Project.

Tara Nemeth is the Director of Field Development for Petlane, a pet product company offering the best toys, treats, gifts, and health and safety items for dogs, cats and birds. People, pets and pet products are Tara's passions. She lives in California with her husband and her 6 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jade. She invites you to visit her company's website and for great pet parenting ideas, see her blog at http://petlane.wordpress.com

The Norwegian Forest Cat

By Omer Ashraf

The Norwegian Forest Cat is an attractive cat with a pretty coat and good looks. This cute cat originated centuries ago in Northern Europe. It is known thus in its native lands as Norsk Skogkatt, meaning literally 'Norwegian Forest Cat'. Though it is a natural breed, it is neither a wild cat nor feral. In face it was quite common as a domestic cat in Norway before it was formally appreciated and recognized as a breed in Germany in the late nineteen thirties.

The cat's appearance is a customization to the wintry climate of Scandinavia. The coarse double layered coat protects it from cold and the large size retains warmth better as in case of the Maine Coon. In fact many consider the Norwegian Forest Cat to be an ancestor of the Maine Coon, even as the former is slightly smaller in size. Males reach close to twenty pounds in weight occasionally, with females being half that size. Coat exists in a variety of colors and patterns and is woolly underneath and glossy on the surface. Profile is straight and hind legs are longer than front legs. Face is triangular with almond shaped eyes, tufted ears and an overall expression that is quite sweet and endearing.

A slow growing breed, Norwegian Forest Cats take between four to five years before they are fully developed. They are compact and independent felines and are quite capable of moving about in the outdoors and withstanding cold climates. Their distinct bushy tail and impressive mane are not just a source of great beauty but also effective protection in low temperatures.

Intelligent and playful, the Norwegian Forest Cats share many attributes with Maine Coons. They are sweet yet not overly demanding and are quite adept at grooming and maintaining themselves, being at ease in a large household. These robust animals are good climbers and are well built for an active lifestyle.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Norwegian Forest Cat.

Solve Your Cat's Behavior Problems Today!

By Jovan Johnson

Your cat's behavior problems are becoming a problem and you need to learn how to stop your cat's behavior problems. Great, just know that every cat owner goes through the same thing and its nothing against you. Let's not forget that cats are animals and until you educate yourself about cats then you will forever cry out for help!

Here are some tips for your cats behavior problems and how to solve them:

My cat is aggressive to my friends

There are many reasons why your cat is lashing out at your friends or at any guest at your home for that matter. Most cat aggression problems are mainly because of a medical problem that the owner does not know about. Check your cat and if it is not a medical problem you will have to get a cat training book. (Remember you have to educate yourself)

My cat likes to bite a scratch me when we play together. This is really common and you just need to protect yourself when playing with your cat

• Cut your cats claws
• Play with your cat arms length away
• Use toys that you cat throw or hang over you cats hands
• Ware a long sleeve shirt
• When your cat scratches pull away slowly and tell them know in a firm tone

My cat growls and hisses when I try to move him from a particular area

This is a cat aggression problem that is common amongst male cats. This is your cat attempting to control a situation through territory aggression. The signs are:

• Tail swishing
• Flattened ears
• Dilated pupils
• Growling
• Hissing

The most complete way to deal with your cats behavior problems is to just ignore your cat, because it just wants attention and believe me this will pay off.

Get a cat training book Here's a great cat training book that I recommend that goes into very good details. If you're serious about cat training then get this book!

Solve Any Cat Behavior Problem

By Jovan Johnson

So let me guess, your reading this article because you have a cat behavior problem and you don't know what to do about it. Right? Is your cat out of control and you just don't know what to do to stop you cat behavior problem.

Here are a couple of bad cat behavior problems and how to solve them:

My cat uses my carpet as the litter box This is a recall common cat behavior problem and most cat owners just don't know how to solve it. Try these tips:

• Make sure your cat litter is not scented
• Do not use cheap dusty cat litter
• Place litter box in a quiet, non busy place
• Change litter frequently

My cat scratches everything! Just about every cat owner has to deal with this cat behavior problem, so don't think that your cat does not like you. Here are some tips to help stop this:

• Trim your cat claws
• Pay attention to your cats scratching patterns (does he like to scratch side to side up and down). Once you figure this out you can buy a scratching post that fits his needs
• Your cat is telling you that he is bored and you need buy some toys
• Cats are curious, divert there attention to other things

Cat aggression problems This cat behavior problem is not good at all and you need to fix this as soon as possible before he hurts a child or you! There are a couple of techniques that have worked for me for year now:

• Find a secret weapon, cats hate surprises so what you can do is get a horn, a water spray bottle, or something that will startle your cat.
• After you have your secret weapon use it right after your cat displays bad cat behavior.
• Right after you surprise your cat say "no" in a firm, not loud, tone.

Get cat training book! Here's a great Cat training book that I strongly recommend. It will teach how train your cat to use the litter box guaranteed! It's a really great book check it out. And not only will you learn litter training but you will learn how to solve any cat training problem in a couple days!

Litter Training Kittens Step by Step

By Jovan Johnson

Let me guess, your kitten is not using the litter box and it's driving you crazy. If so continue to read and you will learn some real helpful tips. Litter training kittens is not because the kitten does not like you, it's because you are not kitten educated and it really make you and your cat frustrated. Litter training kittens can become a little frustrating but don't worry her are some tips to keep in mind:

1. First and foremost you need to understand that a kitten learns how to use the litter when its mother teaches it how to do so. So now the mother kitten is not around, so that leaves you to teach your kitten how to train your kitten

2. Never place your litter box in the bathroom unless you have nowhere else to place it. Also do not place your kittens litter box in any busy place at your home, it does nothing but makes your cat feel uncomfortable.

3. Use great litter! If this is not new to you then you have nothing to worry about it, for those who use really dusty cheap litter, stop it now. It does nothing but hurts your cats lungs and the texture does not feel great your kitten.

4. Do not use scented litter! Yeah I know it smells good to you but you are not the one that has to use that area to go potty. Scented litter turns your kitten away from it because they want to smell themselves in there litter. It complicates the whole going to potty for the cat.

5. Empty the litter box completely once a month At least. This by itself will make litter training kittens much easier. Just dump the litter in a handy trash bag. Do not use any type of strong home cleaners to clean your kittens litter box.

6. Use a cat spray! Most cat owners don't really know that there are sprays on the market that help you attract your cat to there litter box, check your local pet store and see which one will be best for you.

7. Get cat training book! Here's a great Cat training book that I strongly recommend. It will teach how train your cat to use the litter box guaranteed! Its a really great book check it out. And not only will you learn litter training but you will learn how to solve any cat training problem in a couple days!

Litter Training Cats Step by Step

By Jovan Johnson

Litter training cats can be really easy the hard part is to figure out what you (yes you) have been doing wrong. Litter training cats can be easy and it can be hard but if you follow the simple guidelines below then you will not have to worry. Many people think that their cat's litter problem is because their cat does not want to use the litter box. That is not true it's because you just have a lack of cat training education.

Litter training cats (the simple way):

Litter training cats is a very common problem so here are a couple of things you may want to check as soon as possible.

Check your litter box

Is your litter box large? Is it small? This has a big affect on your cat so do not take it for granted. If you have a small cat and your cat does not want to use the litter box, it could be because the litter box is to big or your cat is to big and the litter box is to small. Your cat will become uncomfortable and that will cause your cat to use the floor instead.

Where is the litter box?

Do not place your cats litter box in a busy spot, its not going to make your cat want to use it if everyone is walking around your cat. Do not place your cats litter box around it bed or food. Do humans eat where they use the restroom? I hope no, so treat your cat the same way.

Use sprays

There are a lot of sprays on the market that help you attract your cat to use the litter box, check your local pet store and see which one will be the best for you

Schedule eating

Put your kitty on a regular eating schedule and you will know when its time for your cat has to use the litter box.

Clean litter

Very very important tip! Make sure you clean the litter box as frequently as possible. If you don't this makes your cat not want to use the litter box and will force your cat to find a new place to potty. Are Sick of your cat litter problems and Need more help? Click here for step by step training and finally learn how to end any cat problem

Get a cat training book Here's a great Cat training book that I strongly recommend. It will teach how train your cat to use the litter box guaranteed! Its a really great book check it out And not only will you learn litter training but you will learn how to solve any cat training problem in a couple days!

Cat House Training Made Simple

By Jovan Johnson

You finally decided that you need some good-oh cat house training. Great, but where do you start? I will give you the roadmap to cat house training in this article, so if you're serious about really learning how to train your cat, you are at the right place. The sad story is that most people go out and just buy a cat because they just want a cat. But prior to even getting a cat there is a list of things that you have to do.

Cat House training roadmap:

1. Buy the right litter box. This is something that is really overlooked by just about every cat owner. Most people go to there local pet store after they get the cat (must buy litter box before you get the cat) and jus pick any litter box. If you did this and are wondering why you cat is peeing on your carpet, then it is because you got the wrong litter box. It may be to big for your cat or to small.

2. Do not use cheap litter for your kittens litter box, it's just that simple. Cheap cat litter does nothing but makes you cat potty on your carpet and hurts your cats health. Yes, your cat health is at jeopardy when you use cheap cat litter and that is due to dusty litter. this cheap dusty litter get caught in you cats lungs and may give your cat breathing problems. And your cat just does not like it because it does not have a good texture.

3. Buy toys! Your cat is not going to be a happy cat if there are not any toys to keep it busy. Cats are really curious by nature and they do not like to be bored. So buy different types of toys at first, then after a while you will see what type of toys your cat love to play with. This step by itself will make cat house training so much more easier.

I wish I could give you a list of every cat house training tip I know but your best bet to fully learn how to train your cat is in tip 4.

4. Get a cat training book! Here's a great Cat training book that I strongly recommend. It will teach how train your cat to use the litter box guaranteed!

It's a really great book check it out. And not only will you learn litter training but you will learn how to solve any cat training problem in a couple days!

Cat Furniture - the Perfect Way to Welcome Home Your New Cat

By Jennifer Akre

You adopted a new cat from the local humane society and are looking for a way to really make it feel at home. There is a pretty easy way to do this and along with giving her all your love, all you need to do is purchase some nice cat furniture and have it in place by the time you bring her into your home.

With cat furniture, you get a lot of options and the first thing that you should probably have in place for your kitty is a cat house. This selection sits between two to three feet off the ground and will feature enclosed areas where your cat can go inside and rest. If you have more cats, you simply get one that is taller and what's nice is that it not only gives your pet a comfy place to sit, but it's also very durable and easy to maintain as most of them are crafted from some sort of wood that is then covered in a sturdy fabric with carpeting being the most commonly used. Now, if you don't have enough room for a cat house, a cat bed is also a nice option.

Once you have a nice spot where your cat can go to feel safe, then it's time to get cat furniture that offers your pet a nice place to play. One nice choice are cat trees, they are designed after real trees since they have a center pole that have limbs sticking out of it. Like the cat house, it will usually be made out of some sort of wood and then covered in a durable fabric like carpeting. Along with cat trees, there are other fine options where your cat can play including kitty gyms that are like a more deluxe version of a cat tree since it can have ramps, perches, and even hanging toys built right into it. Scratching posts are another great idea if you are short on space, but still want to give your cat a nice place where it can claw at instead of your own furniture.

If you're looking for a great way to both shop for cat furniture and cat supplies, simply flip on that computer of yours and do some online shopping. In no time at all can you browse all the offerings from the many online stores. What's great is that you can easily compare products and their prices, so when you do decide on something, you can get it at the best possible price available. And, probably the nicest thing about online shopping is how your purchases will be shipped right to you, so now having to waste time and money by making a trip outside of your home. Talk about convenient.

So, if you have brought a new cat into your home, make sure that home is an inviting one by investing in some new cat furniture. Without it, your cat might feel lost and unsafe, something that you definitely do not want to happen.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces to make them a great spot for your pet. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor environment perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Today, she shares her insight when investing in luxurious cat furniture and dependable cat houses. Each would be a great way to pamper your cat.

Kittens, Cats and Wildcats!

By Gary Madden

There is nothing any more heart warming than having your favorite cat curled up in your lap purring gently as you scratch its ears and chin. Second, is having that independent acting feline come up and start rubbing itself between your legs as it purrs lightly.

Cats are great pets, because they can be so cuddly and warm, but then they can also be very easy to manage because they can choose to be very aloof and independent at will. But, it can really get bad when they decide they no longer have to use the litter box even the special self-cleaning litter box you so excitedly purchased. Then when they decide they need to stretch and scratch and its favorite place is the upholstered leg of your wife's favorite sofa.

In fact, cats can really get ornery when they decide to...chewing up house plants and scratching and biting, etc. This is when someone says, "We're going to have to get rid of this cat!" Its ruining our house and our life. Hold on a minute...there is HELP!

Cats really can be trained. Wildcats even can be transformed into kittens. But, you have to either have a trainer come in or learn what to do yourself. I read recently where a lady in Texas found 11 renegade wildcat kittens and transformed them into wonderful house cats. In fact, she has written a book that she guarantees will help you do the same thing or at lease stop your cat's bad behavior. Here is an excerpt from Liz Barton, "The Cat Wrangler" says about her book:

To give these little bandits the best chance at a happy home I had to train them first. So I hit the books with feverish intensity soaking up everything I could find about cat training. After countless hours pouring over encyclopedias of information, after frustrating trial and error, I finally discovered the secrets of cat behavior.

And then... In less than 13 days, those 11 renegade kittens were transformed into well-behaved housecats.

But I didn't stop there.

To this day, I've read and studied more than 100 books and articles about cat behavior, cat health, and cat care...interviewed dozens of vets, animal shelter and adoption center volunteers...and listened to stories of happy cat owners.

For over four years now, almost everyone I know turns to me ...the 'cat wrangler'...for advice whenever their cats take a walk on the wild side. The truth is I get a kick out of helping other cat lovers build wonderful relationships with their cats by using my training methods.

So when that sweet little freshly weaned kitten comes home and in a short while grows up into Garfield and takes over the house ... there is hope. Some people claim that cats cannot be trained, Liz Barton has proven otherwise. In fact there are lots of book out there support this, but I highly recommend Liz's book, "Cat Behavior Secrets" that comes with two surprise bonuses and an iron-clad money back guarantee.

Hold on ... Help is on the way!

Married with two children age 22 and 13 and two beautiful pets, I have been a pastor for over 30 years. Since 2005, I have been working online to develop a secondary income due to the onset of a progressive disability that at this time has rendered me unable to stand or walk on my own and forced me to resign my life-long profession. I have been blessed to find a way to secure my family's financial future and hope that you purchase with confidence on any of my Sites. It is my desire to provide you excellent products at affordable prices. http://nicedogshop.com

Shea Butter For Your Cat

By Dr. Robyn Tisdale Scott

If one of your family members is a short, four legged little guy that says, 'meow,' you may have noticed that from time to time his skin can seem irritated. If your cat has problems that make him itch, or you notice that his skin is scaly and dry, he may have sensitive skin. Cats can have sensitive skin just like people, although we don't think about this all of the time, because all we see on our cats is fur. However, there are many things which might cause your cat to have irritated and dry skin. Before you rush out to the vet for an expensive visit, you should know that there are some things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable and have healthier skin.

If you give your cat regular baths, make sure that you are not bathing him with a harsh shampoo. Some pet owners use flea shampoo every time they bathe their cats because they want to keep the fleas away. However, there are some pretty harsh ingredients in these types of shampoo. Rather than bathing your cat in a flea shampoo, try some sort of flea collar or repellent. Switch out the flea shampoo for baby shampoo, or a cat shampoo that is designed for sensitive skin. Kitten shampoo is normally more gentle and soothing than other types.

Another thing you can do is switch foods and see if it makes a difference. There is always a possibility that your cat is experiencing a food allergy which might dry out the skin, irritate it, or make your cat itch. If you try a different food for a week, and notice that your cat seems to be doing well as far as his skin goes, you may want to make a permanent switch. Sometimes this is all it takes for your cat to return to normal and to alleviate the skin issues which cause your cat to be itchy and irritated. However, sometimes it has nothing to do with the food, and your cat simply has sensitive skin. In this case, you want to find something that will help heal the skin and make your cat more comfortable.

Shea Butter is great for cats with itchy and dry skin. It is full of healthy vitamins and minerals which protect a cat's skin and heal it. It keeps your cat's skin moisturized and alleviates itching and irritation. It's very simple to use Shea Butter for your cat. Simply rub it between your hands to warm it and melt it a bit, and rub it into your cat's fur and down to his skin. Make sure that you get a generous amount on the skin, so that the Shea Butter will work to combat skin irritants. It will help get rid of the reason your cat's experiencing itchy skin, and it will work to make your cat more comfortable while the skin is healing.

We love our cats, and we hate to see them miserable. Using the tips and ideas above will really help your cat get back to normal soon. This makes for a happy cat. When the cat is happy and satisfied, so is his owner!

For more information about Shea Butter, please visit http://www.purelyshea.com Dr. Robyn Tisdale Scott is a Clinical Pharmacist who used her clinical expertise and pharmacology skills to develop Purely Shea, a Certified Organic Shea Butter based line of skin care. http://www.purelyshea.com

Why Won't My Cat Use His Litter Box?

By Darlene L. Norris

If your kitty has stopped using the litter box, you are not alone. This is probably the number one complaint among cat owners!

When a cat stops using his litter box, he's trying to tell you something. And since cats can't talk, the trick is figuring out what it is.

The first thing you need to do is take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Please note that if your cat is straining in the litter box and can't pass any urine, he has a medical emergency and needs immediate veterinary care.

If your cat has had a urinary infection in the past, he may associate the litter box with pain and stop using it. You may need to try a different type of litter box if this is the case.

Your elderly cat may have arthritis, which would make it painful for him to get into and out of the litter box. Modifying the box so your cat can get in and out more easily should help.

An unneutered male cat marks his territory by backing up to a wall, raising his tail, and spraying urine all over the area. Having your cat neutered usually stops this marking behavior.

Be sure to keep your cat's litter box clean. Whenever I forgot to clean my kitty's box, she would express her displeasure by using the floor next to the litter pan. She always got her message across!

The type of litter box can make a difference too. Some cats like covered litter boxes, while others don't. And if you clean the box with something that smells strong, it could irritate your cat's nose.

Even cat litter can be a factor. If you've adopted an older cat, he may be used to another type of cat litter. Different litters have different "feels." He may be used to the gravelly feel of clay litter, or the sandy feel of clumpable litter, or the softness of shredded newspaper. And if the litter has a strong scent, or gives off a lot of dust when he's scratching in it, your cat may stop using his litter box.

Going to the bathroom is a private business for people, and it's no different for cats. Be sure the litter box is in a quiet place, away from the main traffic areas in your home.

Something you may not have thought of is that a cat needs to know that he can escape from danger, if necessary. Try to put his litter box in a place where he can see people or a dog or another cat coming.

If your cat was startled by something while he was using the litter box, he may have decided that it's too scary to go in there, and he may start using a place that he thinks is safer.

Too many cats using one litter box be a problem too, especially if they don't always get along. In multiple cat households, the rule of thumb is one litter box for each cat, plus one more. So if you have two cats, ideally you should have three boxes.

Some cats don't adapt to change very well. A new addition to your household, whether it's a new baby or a new kitten or puppy, can upset your cat and cause him to start eliminating in places he shouldn't.

Moving to a new home, or even moving the litter box to a new location can also cause your cat to abandon his box.

Why has your cat stopped using his litter box? There can be many reasons; sometimes it's a process of elimination to figure out why.

Darlene L. Norris invites you to read How Can I Get My Cat To Use The Litterbox? for the solution to your litter box problems. Visit http://yourcatcareguide.com/wordpress now to sign up for The Cool Cat Care Ezine, and receive your free copy of Pamper Your Cat, a collection of 100 recipes for treats and main dishes for your favorite kitty. Your cat will love you for it!

What Kind of Cat Litter Should I Use?

By Darlene L. Norris

Cat litter is a pretty recent product. Believe it or not, it was only invented in the late 1940's.

Before that, most people just used dirt from their gardens for litter. Sand was another choice, if it was easily available. Some people used ashes, and others just used shredded newspaper.

Today we have an incredible assortment of cat litters available. How do you choose the best one?

To answer this question, you need to think like your kitty. A common mistake is to choose something you like, instead of considering what your cat may like.

Your cat is more interested in the smell and texture of the litter. You are more interested in odor control, how easy it is to scoop, and if it's safe for your cat. What it comes down to is, will your kitty use it?

There are many types of cat litter available. Your options include traditional clay litter, clumping (scoopable) litter, and alternative or natural litters made from paper, corncob, orange peel, wheat, wood, grass, silica, and even peanut shells.

Clay litter is the most widely-used because it can absorb between 75% and 100% of its weight in moisture. Just remember that cats don't like stepping on wet litter. Plus wet litter smells bad, both to humans and cats. So you'll need to keep the feces scooped out, and change it twice a week to keep both you and your feline friend happy.

Clumping litters are very popular today. The cat's urine causes the litter to form clumps which can be scooped out. This is great because you don't need to change all the litter. You just replace what has been scooped out. Your cat likes the soft texture, and there's less odor, since the odor source has been removed.

Many cats prefer the sand-like texture of the clumping litters as it's easier on their paw pads.

Keep in mind that some clumping litters clump better than others. The less expensive ones that break apart easily are harder to scoop. You should also change the litter completely at least once a week. A better quality clumping litter is easier to scoop every day, and may last longer.

A natural litter may appeal to you, but it may not appeal to your cat. If it has a texture and smell different from what your cat is accustomed to, she may not recognize it as cat litter. If this happens, she may try to hold her urine, which can lead to health problems, or she may use your carpet instead.

Avoid perfumed litters. They may smell good to you, but most cats are repelled by them.

If you want to start using a different kind of cat litter, buy a new litter box for it. Keep the old box (and litter) until you know that your cat is actually using the new litter. Let your kitty discover the box on her own. You may want to take some urine or feces from her old box and put it in the new one so that she gets the idea. If she likes it, great! If not, go back to the old litter.

Once you and your furry friend find a litter you both like, stick with it to avoid litter box problems and cat urine odor.

Darlene L. Norris invites you to read How Can I Get My Cat To Use The Litterbox? for the solution to your litter box problems. Visit http://yourcatcareguide.com/wordpress now to sign up for The Cool Cat Care Ezine, and receive your free copy of Pamper Your Cat, a collection of 100 recipes for treats and main dishes for your favorite kitty. Your cat will love you for it!

Stress and Litter Box Problems

By Darlene L. Norris

Is your cat stressed out? You may not realize it until she stops using her litter box.

Cats are creatures of habit. They don't like surprises. So when something happens to upset your cat's daily routine, she may respond to the stress by urinating someplace other than in her litter box.

Moving to a new home is probably the ultimate stressor for your cat. It's pretty traumatic for your cat to suddenly be in a new place she doesn't know.

You can't really prepare a cat for a move, but you can do a few things to make your cat feel more secure. When you get to your new home, keep your cat in one room for a day or two. Be sure she's surrounded by familiar things like her food and water dishes, her bed or favorite pillow, something she can hide in like a box or a large paper bag, and most importantly, her litter box.

Whenever I moved, I always gave my cat something that smelled like me, like a sweatshirt that I had worn. This helped her to feel more secure since she could smell me even if I wasn't there.

Remember to give your cat lots of extra attention every day. Most cats settle down in a few days and start feeling at home again very quickly.

When someone new joins your cat's household, it can be extremely upsetting for your cat. A cat can be terrified by a new baby. Suddenly there's something loud that smells very differently, and it's usually in your lap! Give your cat lots of love and extra lap time if he's a lap baby, and he should adjust quickly.

A new kitten or puppy can stress your cat to the extreme. Your home is your cat's territory, and suddenly, there's another animal there! She may mark "her" territory by urinating all over your house.

Introduce your cats to each other slowly. You may want to keep the newbie in one room for a few days with his own litter box and food and water dishes. Don't be surprised when they sniff each other under the door and then hiss or yowl or swat at each other. This is their way of getting acquainted.

When you let your new kitty out, they may growl and spar for a couple of weeks until they get used to each other. If you want to speed this process up, try wiping each cat's fur with a separate towel every day. Then put each cat's food dish on the other cat's towel. Your kitties will associate the positive experience of being fed with the other cat's scent, and they'll come to tolerate each other much faster.

Be sure each cat has his own secure hiding place he can retreat to. Give each of your kitties equal amounts of love and attention. You'll need a litter box for each cat, plus an extra one, which means that if you have two cats, you should have three boxes.

Cats do have a "pecking order." If a cat leaves the household, it can cause tension among your remaining cats until they establish who the new "head cat" is. This tension can also cause litter box problems.

If you've had two cats who have been together all their lives, and one dies, it can be just as hard on your remaining cat as it is on you. Your cat will probably miss his buddy and may look for her for a few days. Shower your furry friend with lots of love and attention during this adjustment period.

Stress can be a big factor in litter box problems. If you can identify the cause of the stress and remove it, you can solve your cat's urine odor problem.

Darlene L. Norris invites you to read How Can I Get My Cat To Use The Litterbox? for the solution to your litter box problems. Visit http://yourcatcareguide.com/wordpress now to sign up for The Cool Cat Care Ezine, and receive your free copy of Pamper Your Cat, a collection of 100 recipes for treats and main dishes for your favorite kitty. Your cat will love you for it!

How Can I Train My Kitten to Use a Litter Box?

By Darlene L. Norris

Usually you don't need to train a kitten or cat to use a litter box. But it's important to establish good litter box habits before your sweet adorable kitten become a problem cat. The following tips will help prevent problems before they start.

Kittens and cats are clean by nature. You can start training a kitten when she's three to four weeks old, if you need to. Most kittens train themselves to use the litter box by the time they're 12 weeks old. But sometimes the stress of going to a new home makes a kitten forget to use its box.

Kittens, like human babies, have an elimination reflex after they eat. So after you feed your kitten, set her in the litter box. She'll learn to associate her box with this reflex.

If you see your kitten sniffing around or squatting down in a corner, pick her up and gently put her in the litter box.

Be sure the litter box is close by. A kitten can't "hold it" like a mature cat, so don't expect her to travel too far! It's also important that she can actually get into the litter box. You may need to use a box with lower sides for a small kitten, or make a step out of a piece of wood or a small flat cardboard box.

The location of the box is important too. A quiet, safe area is important. If you have a dog or an older cat, be sure that the other animal can't bother her when she's her litter box.

Don't put the box near her food dish. You wouldn't eat in the bathroom, and your kitten won't either. She'll probably find another place to do her business instead.

Avoid putting the litter box on a carpeted area, if possible. Your kitten might like the texture of the carpet better than her litter, and start going outside the box.

There are many types of cat litter available today. Avoid cedar-based litters or litters with a strong perfumed scent. Your kitten's sense of smell is much better than yours, and a strong-smelling litter may make her go elsewhere. It can be helpful to use the same litter used in her first home, if possible.

When you clean her box, don't use a strongly-scented cleaner for the same reason. Use a mild cleaner, and rinse the box well.

It's important to keep her box clean and as free of odor as possible. If you use a covered box, you may need to scoop more often, as the cover traps odors. Some cats won't use a litter box with a plastic liner because the urine pools and smells bad to your cat.

If your kitten is not using her litter box, try using a different kind of litter. Clay litter may be hurting her paws. You may need to try a soft, scoopable litter instead.

Also be sure you have enough litter boxes in your home, especially if you have more than one cat. Sometimes cats are not good about sharing!

Start your kitten off right, and you can avoid cat urine odor problems in the future!

Darlene L. Norris invites you to read How Can I Get My Cat To Use The Litterbox? for the solution to your litter box problems. Visit http://yourcatcareguide.com/wordpress now to sign up for The Cool Cat Care Ezine, and receive your free copy of Pamper Your Cat, a collection of 100 recipes for treats and main dishes for your favorite kitty. Your cat will love you for it!

Maine Coon Cat Lover

By Daniel Coburn

You love your Maine Coon Cat, and you want to socialize with other Maine Coon Cat Lover's as well. There are many reasons for doing so - aside from the social aspect of it. When you associate with other Maine Coon Cat owners, you will learn a great deal of information, and you may even find a mentor to get you started with shows.

In fact, cat shows are an excellent place to meet other Maine Coon owners. Here, you can not only see their cats, but you can also talk to them about their show preparation and how they care for their cats in general. Take the time to talk to the cat owner's at these shows. There is a great deal to learn, and numerous contacts to be made. Carry cards with you that have your contact details on them.

Find out if there is a Maine Coon Cat club in your area. You may be surprised to find out that there is. Talking to the breeder in your area - or as close to your area as possible - is the best way to find these clubs. In most cases, the breeder will be a member of the club, and can give you contact details and information for joining.

Contact national organizations that have local branches as well. This is another way to connect with Maine Coon Cat owner's in your area. These organizations typically hold regular meetings. You should become a member of these organizations, as a Maine Coon Cat owner.

There are numerous online resources for connecting with Maine Coon Cat owners around the world as well, and you should definitely take advantage of those resources. Many of the organizations maintain email lists, but you can find a slew of email lists devoted to Maine Coon Cats through Yahoo Groups as well, at groups.yahoo.com.

Be prepared for an onslaught of mail if you don't choose the daily digest feature! These lists have many members who are conversing and sharing information throughout the day, and there will be a great deal of email in your inbox. It is a good idea to set up an email account especially for these lists as well.

Ask your breeder about other Maine Coon Cat owners in the area. Often breeders keep up with the people who adopt their kittens. Obviously, the breeder will maintain the privacy of the other owners, but you can give him your contact details and ask him to share them with his other clients. You can also ask your veterinarian to give your contact details to other Maine Coon Cat owners who are his clients.

Maine Coon Cats are a special breed, and a special breed of humans is owned by them. Again, it is a good idea to meet other Maine Coon Cat owners, to share information and to develop life long friendships based on a common interest. You may have to do a little work to find the Maine Coon Cat owners in your area, but they are there if you look for them!

A great starting guide for owners of Maine Coon Cats.

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

Cat Training - A New Method For Leash Training Your Cat

By Brian Spilner

It's a strange sight: a cat happily walking on a leash. If you remember the first time you put a collar on your kitten, then you are probably thinking that leash training is impossible. Although cats are strong willed and often stubborn, with a little patience and practice getting your cat to walk on a leash can be a possibility.

First of all, why would you want your cat to be able to walk on a leash? Do cats not get enough exercise indoors? There are many reasons an owner may want to leash train a feline. You take your dog out for a daily walk, while your cat looks longingly from the window. Why not take her out? If every time you open the door, your cat makes a run for it, then you may want to provide her the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Some physical problems, such as blindness, may require leash walking. There are a number of reasons why leash training will benefit you and your cat. Think hard, and you'll come up with one!

Like any type of training, leash training will take time. Think back to putting a collar on your cat for the first time. She probably bucked, jumped, and tried everything to get it off. But, what happened after a few hours? She completely forgot about the collar, and you haven't had a problem since. The good thing about leash training is that the collar is already there; you don't have to introduce her to that foreign object. If the collar isn't there, then you should take extra time in getting her accustomed to the collar. Don't introduce the collar one day and the leash the next; allow time between the two events. You may want to use a harness instead of using a collar. Harnesses are harder for your cat to wiggle out of, but the decision is completely up to you. Like introducing your cat to a collar, take time introducing her to a harness; and leave a fair amount of time between the harness and leash introductions.

Once your cat is accustomed to the feel of the collar or harness, then practice attaching the leash indoors. Hold the end of the leash and keep your cat in place. Don't pull or drag your cat; instead, try to keep a little slack in the leash. Let your kitty do what she needs to do to explore the leash. Keep the leash on for a few minutes and then take it off. Repeat this the following day, but keep the leash on a few minutes longer. Try walking around the house with her. Let her lead, while you follow. After a few days, your cat should be accustomed to the feel of the leash. Never get angry with your cat! Remember that training takes time and patience.

The first time you take your cat outdoors on the leash should be relaxed. If you live near a busy street, then consider taking a car trip to a park or other quiet place. You do not want your cat to be frightened the first time she is outdoors. During the first walk, let her lead and do what she wants to do. She will be curious and want to smell different plants and objects. Again, do not drag her or force her to move. It will take time for her to understand what it is you want her to do.

Never underestimate the power of treats! From the beginning, treats should be used to reward your cat. Every time you take off the leash, then give her a treat. If you have a cat that refuses to move while attached to the leash, then grab a few treats and a friend or family member. With you holding the leash, have your helper walk a few steps in front of you and coax your kitty with the treat. This may be a slow process, but your cat will soon learn that moving forward results in a treat.

A cat on a leash may be a funny sight, but leash training can be rewarding for both the cat and the owner. Whether your cat needs more exercise or you just want her to spend time outdoors, teaching her to walk on a leash is a way to make sure she's safe. Take time in training, and slowly introduce her to the equipment. Start indoors and then move to a quiet place outdoors. Always have treats handy to reward her for her efforts. With a little patience, you'll have a leash-walking cat in no time!

This article was written by Brian Spilner a provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring the industries leading companies - PetSafe Radio Fence and Tri-Tronics - at the guaranteed lowest prices.

Cat Urine Problems - How to Remove Cat Urine

By Blake Hygate

If you own a cat or more than one cat, you've likely become accustomed to having to deal with cat urine odors and stains. You clean up the urine odors the best that you can, but what you may not know is that the odor still lingers. Because you spend everyday at your home, you have become less aware of the odors that others immediately smell once they come in the door. If you have friends or relatives that don't own pets, they can smell the odors as soon as the walk in your door and they don't like them.

The worst part is; They're afraid to say anything to you! It's hard to keep up with looking after a home even without pets and having a cat makes it even more difficult. Sometimes your lovable friend has a mind of their own and makes a mess on the carpet or the furniture. These stains and odors are almost impossible to get rid of without calling a professional. Unfortunately professional cleaning services are very expensive and you can't afford to call them each and every time your cat makes a mess.

There are many different ways to clean cat urine stains and odors from your carpet or upholstery. Using household items like baking soda and water, or vinegar and water may prove to be somewhat effective, but may end up only masking the problem. Also, you might want to consider trying mouthwash. There are many, many other ways to remove cat urine, much more than I can discuss in detail here.

Finding lasting solutions to your cat urine problems is something that each cat owner must deal with, whether they like it or not. You don't want to end up with friends or family that avoid your home because of the odors and stains that you barely notice.

Blake Hygate operates a website called What Removes Cat Odors which provides information on cat urine odor and stain problems.

Training Cats

By Alberto Benatuil

When you own more than one cat, you may at times be faced with fighting among them. Even if your cats generally get along well, they can have an argument from time to time. Sometimes these fights are harmless but occasionally they can pose a danger for one of your cats. Only by understanding why this happens can you know how to train your cats and help your pets to get along better.

Cats are territorial felines, and this is one of the main reasons for the worst fights between cats. This problem is more common when you bring a new cat into your home, but it can also happen among cats that have been living together for a long time in the same house. One of them, regardless of its gender, suddenly seems to need to 'own' the territory more fully, and sterilizing cats does not always prevent this, it only makes male cats less aggressive in defending their territory.

A situation that frequently happens and that may seem strange to you is when one of your cats is inside the house looking out the window and sees another cat or dog crossing "his yard". He may want to go out and chase it and if he can't, he may take out his aggression on your other cat inside the house. This is known as displaced aggression.

When you have two or more cats, they will establish a ranking system with one of them at the top, and this hierarchy is established by fighting. Normally the top cat will be a male, the alpha male. If you have neutered males or females, the rank will be established through posturing and threats, usually no more than that. It is frequently very like the play of kittens and the cats will only hiss, howl or try to bite and then walk away as if nothing has happened. But if you have two un neutered males, they may fight a lot and can cause each other some serious injuries. The solution to this problem is neutering or finding a new home for one of the males.

Normally you don't need to intervene in a cat fight, but if you see things are getting nasty you can scare them with a sudden loud noise, such as clapping your hands or shouting. Throwing water at them will also separate them. But never try to get between them if you don't want to be scratched and injured yourself.

Because fighting is normal for cats, there is no point in punishing them for doing it. They will not understand the reason for the punishment. If you can't stand the fighting you should consider what they may be fighting over. It could be over the litter box, the food bowl, or the best place to sit at the window. You can give each cat his own food bowl and litter tray and bed in a quiet place where each cat can retreat to.

You can help your cats get on with each other by separating them and understanding the reason for their fighting.

If you want to know more about how to train your cats and turn them into delightful companions, check out http://www.trainingyourpet.net where you will find all you need to cope with those difficult situations.

Litter Training a Cat

By Samantha Matheny

A good friend of mine just adopted a new adult cat. The bad news is his new cat is not litter trained. So after talking with him for a while, I came up with some tips to ease litter training, and to make it very simple.

Cats are naturally tidy animals. When given a clean litter box in a quiet, accessible location, your cat should naturally use the litter box. Here are some tips for triumphant litter training.

1. Make sure kitty has a clean litter box. No one likes using a dirty toilet!
2. Make sure kitty knows where his litter box is. I found it useful to rake my fingers through the clean litter to show kitty what I wanted him to do.
3. Do not place kitty's litter box near his food or water.
4. Pick up any accidents right away. Make sure you clean with a half vinegar half water solution. The vinegar smell reminds kitty he is not to go potty right there.
5. Clean the litter box daily. I cannot stress it enough. Cats like clean potties!

If you follow these simple rules and kitty still will not use his littler box, try to figure out why.

• Is the litter box dirty? It might not be dirty from your point of view, but you are not a cat.
• Is there a new cat in the neighborhood? Or are the children away from home? Stress is often a reason for kitty to not use his litter box. If none of these fit, it is time for a trip to the vet for a checkup. Any sudden changes should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
  

Want to know more? Come to check out more articles at 4 Legs and A Tail and learn more about teaching and caring for your cat!

Cat Tricks - Tips on Training Your Cat

By Samantha Matheny

Teaching your cat tricks is a fun and rewarding way to encourage certain behavior or even fix a problem behavior with your cat. Teaching your cat tricks enhances your relationship with your feline friend. Here are some tips I learned while working with my kitty.

1. Remember to be patient. Your cat is an individual, with his own abilities and preferences, just like you. He will pick up some tricks quickly, but may struggle with others. Make adjustments for his personality, and do not lose your temper if training does not go exactly as you planned.
2. If you are leaving food out at all times for him to eat when he feels like it, stop. Enforcing a feeding schedule has two main benefits: it increases the reward-value of food treats used for training, and also introduces some routine into your cat's life, which most cats actually desire.
3. If you are using food treats, make sure your training sessions are just before mealtimes. Your cat's natural desire for food at his regular mealtime will sharpen his focus and increase his desire to obey you, so he can get a treat.
4. Take baby steps. When training your cat, do not jump right into the harder tricks. Making sure he has a solid grasp of the basics will make learning the harder tricks that much easier.

Remember, cats have quite short attention spans and become bored very quickly. Try to keep your lessons short and interesting, and always end your lessons on a positive note.

Want to know more? Come to check out more articles at 4 Legs And A Tail and learn more about training your cat.

Cat's Play - Active Play and Attention - A Lifetime of Love Playing With Your Feline Friend

By Rob Metras

The Hidden Benefits of Playing With Your Cat

Playing with your cat probably is not something you think about very often. We all enjoy playing with kittens. But once those little bundles of energy grow up, cat owners tend to stop playing with them. Maybe that's because they think cats are independent and prefer being left alone. And to a certain extent that is true about a cat.

But playing with your cat is actually an important part of responsible cat care. Besides being fun, playing with your cat is an excellent way to give your pampered pet some exercise. And the cat will not even realize it!

Playing with your cat helps keep your cat from becoming bored, too. That is really important because a bored cat is more likely to develop behavioral problems. Chewing or scratching furniture, aggressiveness, and a tendency to shy away from others are just a few of the problems bored cats develop. A well-established cat care routine can keep this from happening.

Believe it or not, playing with your cat benefits you, too. It is a great way to relieve stress. Throwing a small ball or fuzzy mouse around or dangling some string to see how high your cat will jump is all it takes to start relaxing. Give it a try tonight and you'll see.

Don't be surprised if one result of playing with your cat is a closer bond between the two of you. Cats might be independent, but they need love and attention.

How much time should you spend playing with your cat? A few minutes a day, a couple times each day is sufficient. Even if you are busy, it should not be hard to work that amount of time into your daily cat care routine. And don't worry. When your cat is ready to stop, it will let you know by simply walking away.

Playing with your cats is one method of relaxation and exercise for both them and you. Come to my blog at http://yournewpets.com and find interesting tips and free special reports. Subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you up to date on your new pets.

Cat Got You Stressed Out - Stress Management Techniques For You and Fluffy

By Rob Metras

Wondering how to manage stress in cats? Then start by identifying the cause of your cats stress. Chances are you will find that it is rooted in some type of change, especially that which the cat perceives as a threat to its home. A new job or other life event that causes you to change your routine can also trigger cat stress. So can moving to a new home.

Upon closer examination, many cat owners find that the change that came about in a cats life is the very same issue the cat perceives as being a threat to its home. Adding a new family member, whether human or animal is a perfect example of this double-edged cat stress trigger.

How do you manage stress in cats when a new baby, new job, or new move is inevitable? After all, you can't stop living your life just so you can keep your kittys life on an even keel! The key here is lessening the effects of the change as much as possible.

If you move, keep the cat litter box, bowls and sleeping quarters in the same areas of the home as they were previously located. Another way to manage stress in cats is to prepare a place where only the cat can get to whenever it senses stress nearby. A high perch like a shelf ,cat tree, or kitty condo helps your cat feel safe.

Some cats that perch along window sills exhibit symptoms of stress when seeing other cats and critters outside. Perceived as a threat to the home, you can easily manage this stress by closing windows or shades or closing curtains.. In multi-cat homes, help manage stress by having separate bowls and litter boxes for each cat.

Vets frequently encounter stressed cats. So if you need more help understanding how to manage stress in cats, talk to the experts. With your cats stress under control, yours likely will come under control also, and you won't have to hide under the sofa.

To relieve some of your stress with your animals, find valuable tips on petcare by subscribing to our blog at http://yournewpets.com Get onto our newsletter list and receive special reports of interest to you as a petowner.

Protect Your Cat From Obesity - The Danger of Cat Food

By Paul Kramer

Did you know that approximately 25 to 50 percent of cats in the United States are overweight, and another 5 to 15 percent are obese? Depending on the gender, body type and breed, the average cat should weigh between 9 and 12 pounds (4.1 - 5.4 kg). Cats are considered overweight when they are 10 percent over their ideal body weight, and they are considered obese when they are 20 percent over their ideal weight.

Obesity in cats is a big problem because most people over feed them, which leads to weight gain. Cats are small animals and most only need between 1/4 cup (113 g) and 1/2 cup (227 g) of food twice a day. A cat's stomach is about the size of a 50 cent piece before it expands. Obesity can lead to health problems including feline diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and joint pain.

To determine if your cat is overweight, run your hands along his ribs. You should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. If you feel a thick layer of fat, your cat is overweight and should be put on a diet.

If you have an obese cat, you can help him to lose weight naturally. One way is to reduce the portion sizes of the food that you are feeding. Do not starve your cat or stop regular feedings, simply reduce the amounts of food that he gets per serving. A veterinarian can recommend a good quality diet or weight maintaining food.

Another way to help your cat to lose weight is to increase the amount of exercise that he gets every day. Schedule small blocks of time (five to ten minutes) each day to play with him. It can be a simple game of chasing a string, running after a ping pong ball, or batting a crumpled piece of paper around the house.

Start with short exercise sessions and gradually build on them as your cat's endurance increases. If he likes walking on a leash, take him for a short walk (up and down the driveway) once or twice a day to get him active. Remember, the more your cat moves, the more calories he will burn.

The amount you should feed your cat depends on his size, weight, age, and activity level.

To learn more about how to cure cat with obesity 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.

How the Experts Choose Their Cats Food

By Paul Kramer

As your cat's caretaker, you are responsible for providing him with a balanced diet of good quality food. This means making sure that he eats the best food possible and receives all the vitamins and minerals necessary to live a long and healthy life.

Cats are carnivores, and they require a diet that primarily consists of meat. Left to fend for themselves, cats in the wild will catch a bird or a mouse and consume almost all of it including the bones, feathers or fur, internal organs and muscle meat. The meat and internal organs provide essential proteins, vitamins and minerals, while the bones and feathers are a source of fiber. The prey's stomach contents provide the small amount of vegetable matter that the cats need.

Pet food manufacturers have studied the exact nutritional requirements that felines require to maintain good health. A high quality food containing the right amounts of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals will supply your cat with a daily balanced diet.

Proteins

A cat's diet should consist of approximately 30 to 35 percent muscle meat. Meat contains proteins, enzymes, and amino acids that are essential to the body. Proteins is the body's basic building material and helps to repair body tissue, aids in growth and helps to regulate the metabolism.

Taurine is an amino acid that is essential for the health of all cats and kittens. A taurine deficient diet could produce heart disease, nervous system disorders, stunted growth, eye problems and in severe cases, blindness or death. Kittens require more taurine than adults and kitten formula food contains the proper amount of this amino acid. Make sure that it is listed as an ingredient in whatever type or brand of food that you feed your cat or kitten. Never feed your feline dog food. It does not contain taurine, and it is not nutritionally complete for cats.

Carbohydrates and fats

Carbohydrates should make up approximately 30 percent of a cat's diet. They give the body fuel for energy and add fiber to the diet. Approximately 8 to 10 percent of a cat's diet should come from fats. If fats are lacking in the food consumed, kittens will have a poor growth rate and the skin and coat will have a dry, dull appearance.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins A, C and E are called antioxidants. They help to strengthen the immune system and may reduce a cat's risk of developing certain cancers. Unlike humans, cats are able to produce their own vitamin C, so it is not a necessary additive to their food. Vitamin A helps to maintain good vision and skin tone. Vitamin E helps muscle, cell membrane, and organ functions, while vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscle tone.

B vitamins are important for a healthy coat, skin, and overall growth. They protect the nervous system and aid in the body's metabolic functions. Biotin aids in skin repair, cellular growth, muscle formation and helps digestion. Niacin is obtained from animal sources and is found in meat and liver; it helps a cat's body utilize energy. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help to improve the skin and give the coat a healthy, glossy shine.

A high quality commercially prepared cat or kitten food will provide all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your cat needs.

To learn more about cats food 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.