Understanding Cat Communication and Behavior - Feline Speech

By Stephanie Cooke

Cats communicate with each other and you, their owner, using a wide variety of sounds and body language. With a bit of study and observation, you should be able to work out exactly what she is trying to tell you.

Vocal Communication
Cats are capable of making a wide variety of sounds, ranging from howls and purrs to chirping noises. Here is a quick guide some basic cat sounds and what they mean;

Meowing is the most common sound a cat will make, and can mean any one of a number of things depending on tone, pitch or volume. A soft meow is usually a greeting to her owner or a cat companion. If the meow is more strident in tone, it is usually a demand for something, ie food or attention. The louder and more strident the tone, the more urgent the demand. A repeated, loud meow is a very strong demand and is very difficult to ignore. However, she will sometimes use a soft, higher pitched tone if she is asking more politely.

A scream will indicate that she is in pain, or very distressed. Screeching is used when emotions are running high, such as prior to a fight. And we have all heard the unearthly wailing of two cats trying to intimidate each other prior to conflict- often in the middle of the night!

A purr is used to show contentment, although cats have also been known to purr when injured. It is thought that the vibration purring causes aids the healing process and soothes cats. If she meows whilst she is purring, she is feeling very relaxed and content.

A cat will growl as a warning, for instance if you are playing with her and she wants you to stop. Persistence will usually result in physical attack, so be warned. Hissing is used as a serious warning or intimidation; the cat's next move would almost certainly result in an attack.

A soft chirruping call (known as the chudder) is used to attract attention, or as a gentle greeting. You may see your cat watching birds through the window, and making an odd little 'chattering' sound. This is very common when they are watching prey they cannot reach, and it is not known whether this is meant as a threatening sound or caused by frustration.

Domestic cats tend to vocalise more than cats in the wild, probably because they have learned that this is the best way of attracting human attention. If you observe your cat over a number of weeks, you should become very familiar with her own unique 'vocabulary'.

For more tips and resources for having a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat, visit us at http://cattrainingtips.wordpress.com and http://www.squidoo.com/problemcatbehavior

The Warning Signs of Older Cat

By Paul Kramer

An annual veterinary checkup is a must for every cat in your home. It allows the vet to monitor your cat's health and alerts her to any potential health issues. During the checkup, your cat will get a complete nose to tail examination and receive updates on vaccinations or medications.

The vet will check his vital organs, inspect him for fleas, worms, or other parasites, examine him for lumps or growths, and check his teeth, weight, and temperature. Sometimes the vet will ask for a stool sample or draw blood for tests. This is a good time for you to ask any questions that you have about your cat's diet or to mention specific concerns that you have about his health.

Veterinary care will vary as your cat grows, matures, and ages. Kittens need to see the vet several times during their first year to get vaccinations and to be spayed or neutered. Because the body changes as cats age, older cats (including seniors and geriatrics) should get a complete physical twice a year.

Many cats start experiencing signs of aging at ten years old. As cats advance in age, their bodily functions slow down, and they undergo a general dulling of the senses. They sleep more, play less, and become more sensitive to temperature changes. Older cats also become more vulnerable to injury and disease because their immune systems are slowing down and becoming less efficient.

With aging, the heart does not pump as well. Circulation decreases, and the cat becomes more sensitive to the cold. The lungs lose their efficiency, making him prone to respiratory infections and other ailments. Kidney and liver function also decline, and there is an increased risk of disease, diabetes, urinary tract problems, and incontinence. Some older cats will have problems using litter box.

Older cats also may develop brittle bones, joint or tendon pain or injury, loss of flexibility and mobility, and loss of muscle tone. They may not be able to jump up and down as they once did. Also, the coat thins out and becomes dull or gray. The claws become brittle and may need to be clipped to avoid becoming snagged on objects. Seniors may lose teeth or develop gum disease. Those with sensitive teeth may have a hard time chewing dry food. As a cat ages, his eardrums thicken, resulting in hearing loss, and he can develop cataracts and lose vision clarity.

Your feline companion can live an average of 15 to 19 years, so take good care of him. You are his best friend, and he is relying on you to make him comfortable in his golden years.

To learn more about 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 Give Their Cats Vaccinations

By Paul Kramer

It is important to vaccinate your cat against disease. If you own a kitten, ask your vet which shots he needs and when. In general, kittens receive their first series of inoculations when they are approximately eight weeks old. The vet will schedule booster shots three to four weeks after the first series of vaccinations. As the kitten grows, he will need booster shots every year (or every three years, depending on the vaccination and the vet's recommendation).

Talk to your vet about the vaccination process, and ask her to explain each vaccination in detail. Be sure you understand what each type is for and why your kitten needs or does not need it. Always ask questions if you are confused about any aspect of your cat's health care needs.

It is always a good idea to get a medical history from your cat's former owner. This allows you to know all about his previous medical care. You will know when he received his last physical and which vaccinations (if any) he has already had. However, if you adopt a stray and have no medical history for him, tell the vet that your cat needs a complete checkup and all necessary vaccinations. Do not assume that your adopted stray is healthy and disease free.

Based on your cat's lifestyle, if he is an indoor only cat or a single cat, the vet may recommend that you skip some vaccinations because he will not have had any exposure to disease. If you have a multiple cat household, make sure that each one is vaccinated. One sick animal could make your healthy pets seriously ill.

Occasionally, kittens and adults have mild reactions to vaccinations. The symptoms include sneezing, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Whenever your cat gets a vaccination, observe him after you bring him home from the vet's office and be alert for signs of a reaction. If he has a reaction or serious side effects such as vomiting or trouble breathing, take him back to the vet at once.

To learn more about the different types of Vaccinations and 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 Find a Veterinarian Part 2

By Paul Kramer

Choose a veterinarian who makes you feel comfortable, takes the time to talk with you, and answers your questions completely. After all, you are entrusting your cat to this professional and paying for the service.

Evaluate the cleanliness of the office, including the exam rooms, and the helpfulness of the staff. If the staff acts impatient with you or other clients or does not want to answer your questions, move on and keep looking.

Some owners prefer to use a vet who specializes in feline medicine and has a cats only practice. Such a vet has a lot of experience with feline medical issues and keeps up to date on the latest studies, procedures, and other cat specific medical information. These vats also have cat sized medical equipment and surgical supplies on hand, which makes the visit much less stressful for your cat. Also, there will not be any barking dogs in the office. If you find a feline only veterinary clinic in your area, it is worth checking out to see if it meets with your approval.

After you have found the vet whom your are going to use, keep her name, address, phone number, office hours, and the directions to the clinic in a convenient place. If you or another family member has to take your cat in for medical attention, all the information will be easily accessible.

During treatment, if the vet recommends a surgical procedure or a remedy that you do not agree with, do not by shy about getting a second opinion. Ask another vet what the alternatives are, and ask for advice on the best course to take. Trust your instincts when it comes to your cat's health care.

If you are dissatisfied with the vet's advice, if it seems questionable, or if a condition shows no sign of improvement, get a second opinion. Your cat will thank you for it.

A healthy diet, annual veterinary checkups, and up to date vaccinations should keep your cat in perfect health.

To learn more about the different types of Veterinarians and 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 Find a Veterinarian Part 1

By Paul Kramer

Your cat or kitten is relying on you to give him a good home and to provide him with the best care possible for his entire life. It is up to you to make sure that he receives all the necessary veterinary checkups and vaccinations. The best way to keep your cat healthy is to find a veterinarian who will help you every step of the way, through each stage of his life.

How do you find a veterinarian? If you have never owned a cat before, do not worry, finding a vet is easy. Ask everyone you know who has a cat which vet they use and how they like the service. After you have gotten several recommendations, call each practice and explain that you are looking for a vet for your cat. Ask the following questions:

- Is it a cat only clinic?

- Does the vet own cats?

- What are the clinic's regular hours? Does it offer night and weekend appointments?

- Is there a vet on call in case of an after hours emergency? (If not, what does the clinic recommend that you do with your pet?)

- What are the fees for office visits and vaccinations?

- What are the payment options?

Based on the answers you receive, you can either schedule an in person meeting with the vet or keep searching. Remember that the professional whom you choose will be vital in maintaining the health of your cat. Take your time and find the right vet, not just any vet.

Once you have narrowed your choices down to two or three candidates, go to each office and talk to the staff, ask for a tour of the facility, and meet the vet (if possible). Bring a list of questions that you have about her experience with cats, and discuss her practice, what veterinary association she belongs to, and if she also practices general animal care. Do not be shy about getting straight answers.

To learn more about the different types of Veterinarians and 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.

First Aid For Cats

By Paul Kramer

If your cat becomes injured or stops breathing, would you know what to do? Every owner should be prepared to assist her pet in the case of an injury or medical emergency. While minor cuts and scrapes can be treated at home, use first aid to keep your cat alive until you can get him to the vet for medical treatment.

Take your feline to the vet immediately if he is hit by a car, poisoned, shot, has any serious burns or bites, is attacked by an animal, or has any of the following:

- a deep cut or wound that will not stop bleeding
- A pus filled wound and a fever
- a temperature over 105 degree Fahrenheit
- an eye injury
- bloody diarrhea or vomit
- broken bones or tail
- paralysis

Your vet can recommend a book devoted to first aid care for cats that covers any possible scenario (such as how to set a broken bone or what to do if your cat is choking), but here are some first aid basics for all pet owners:

- Keep a well stocked first aid kit in an accessible location in your home. The kit should include adhesive tape, gauze pads, cotton balls or swabs, a rectal thermometer, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, topical antibiotic ointment, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, and a small thick towel.

- Put the name, address, phone number, and directions to the vet's office or 24 hour emergency clinic near the telephone. Make sure that all family members know where it is.

- Learn how to perform CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation on a cat (and kitten). Ask your vet to do this safely so that you do not accidentally harm your pet.

To learn more about the different types of First Aid for your cats and cheap 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.

An Obese Cat is Likely to Have Many Health Problems and a Reduced Life Expectancy

By Liz Allan

The number of obese cats is increasing at a fast rate. An obese cat is far more likely to suffer from health problems than a cat that's a healthy weight. This article lists the main health problems that obese cats face, and tells you how you can check if your cat is overweight.

Some of the most common cat health problems that obese cats face are:

Cardiac problems:
The strain on the heart and clogging up of the blood vessels can cause heart failure or a heart attack.

Lung problems:
Extra fat on the chest prevents proper lung expansion, so the cat gets out of breath easily. Lung
infections such as bronchitis are more likely to develop.

Skeletal problems:
The extra weight the cat's skeleton has to carry takes its toll. Stiff joints, back problems and arthritis may eventually develop.

Diabetes:
The cat's body can't cope with all the excessive food, so its blood sugar rises. If this can't be controlled, it may need insulin injections.

Liver problems:
Deposits of fat on the cat's liver can cause liver failure to develop.

Urine problems:
Urinary tract infection is more likely to occur in an obese cat than a healthy one, because an obese cat can't keep his butt clean by washing it - because he can't reach it.

Weakened immune system:
Obese cats are less able to fight off infections than their healthy counterparts.

In addition, giving anesthetics to obese cats is much more risky than giving them to healthy weight cats. Diagnosis of illnesses is also more difficult because the extra fat hinders the vet's examination.

What does all this mean for an obese cat? A reduced quality of life and a shortened life expectancy. For the owner, amongst other things, it means considerably higher vet's bills. If you think your cat may be overweight but you're unsure, look at him from above. You should be able to see a waistline below his ribs. If he's long haired, you may not be able to see it, but you should be able to feel it. Also, you should be able to feel his ribs.

If your cat is overweight, it's in his and your interests to get him back to a healthy size. You should visit your vet in the first instance, who will advise you on the best diet and feeding regime for him.

Liz Allan has 25 years experience of caring for cats. For more information on cat health, visit http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com/cat-health-advice.html. For more information on cats, including advice on dealing with cat behavior problems, visit her website: http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com.

Litter Training Your Kitten

By Jasmine Tupniak

You might be all excited because you just brought home your cute and cuddly new addition to your family. You know how much happiness your kitten will be bringing to your family, but is your newest addition trained to use a litter box yet? If not, there is no need to worry. By the end of this article you will be able to train your cat in no time at all to use the litter box and not your house plants.

It is really important for you to begin the lesson of litter box training your kitten immediately after bringing him or her into your home. Depending on the age of your new family member will depend on the length of time it will take before you no longer have to worry about the possibility of finding waste in unacceptable locations throughout your home. If your cat is still fairly young, it will be much easier for you to train him or her to use only the litter box.

The first thing you should do is show your kitten where the litter box is. If your cat is still young, you can even take one of the front paws and gently dig for two or three strokes in the litter. As frequently as once an hour place your kitten in the litter box until he or she uses it. At this time, praise the cat and even give him or her a treat.

Placing your new family member on a schedule for feeding will help you in establishing the times your cat will need to relieve himself. Feed at the same time everyday. Typically, a cat will relieve himself when he wakes up, after some exercise and after a meal. Knowing these times for your cat will make it fairly simple to stay on top of the litter box training.

Cats are very clean and sensitive to smells. This makes it vital that the litter box is kept clean at all times. If there is too much waste in the box, your cat will find a better location to relieve himself. This location can very well go unnoticed for quite sometime.

It is common for some housebroken cats to begin to refuse using the litter box. This can actually be for a few different reasons. One is stress. Everyone and everything deals with stressful situations in different ways. Also, make sure you are cleaning the box thoroughly and have not changed the type of litter you have been using. Not using the litter box can be your cats way of dealing with stress. Another possible reason for your cat to no longer be using the litter box is a UTI, or urinary tract infection. You should contact your veterinarian to try and solve your cats problem.

Jasmine Tupniak For more information on kitten and cat care, visit My Kitty Care Site

Kitten and Cat Care - Caring For Your Cat

By Jasmine Tupniak

Keeping your cat happy requires you to also keep him or her healthy. If he or she is not in good health, it is virtually impossible for him or her to be happy. You know yourself, when you are not feeling well that you are not a happy outgoing person. So, can you honestly expect anything different from your cat?

You should be sure you are feeding your cat the appropriate food for his or her needs. This means, if you are feeding a kitten, it should be fed kitten food and not cat food. Also, as your cat increases in age, it will need to change food types. Senior food for your cat might be the best choice. Always talk to your vet before you change your cats diet.

If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, there are special foods that are designed to meet their needs. Also, you can purchase specially formulated food for cats with hairball concerns or even urinary tract concerns. There are several different types of food designed for specific circumstances for cats. Speaking with your vet will help you in finding the one food that will best meet your cats individual needs.

Make sure your cat goes to the vet on a regular basis. It is important that your cat receives all necessary immunizations and checkups to maintain proper health and wellness. If you frequently bring your cat to the vet for checkups you will have a greater chance of being notified if there is a health related issue that can potentially have ill effects on your fur ball.

If you have any type of concern with the mood of your cat, eating habits, litter box issues or even a difference in the grooming your cat does, be sure to notify your vet immediately. These could be warning signs to a severe health issue. The sooner you are able to get a diagnosis, the sooner your cat can be back to his or her old self.

It is important that you also groom your cat on a regular basis. Brushing him or her once a week or so can give you bonding time as well as a time to check over your cats body. You will be able to notice any unusual bumps and lumps that are not typical. You can also stimulate re-growth of fur and stimulate a shiny coat of fur on your cat.

Although cats despise water, it is important that they get bathed as well. This can be quite difficult for you to do alone. It might prove to be well worth it if you have your vet or a groomer give the bath. Regular bathing eliminates the dead skin cells and dirt from under the cats coat.

Jasmine Tupniak For more information on kitten and cat care, visit My Kitty Care Site

Do I Need to Groom My Cat?

By Jasmine Tupniak

As you probably already know, cats are very clean critters. On any given day, you can find your cat washing himself and cleaning his entire body with his tongue. This is a way for your cat to be sure they always look their best and are clean. However, is self cleaning benefiting your cat, or does he still require a bath from you or a groomer?

There actually are several benefits to having an animal that will clean himself on a regular basis. The first benefit for the owner of the cat is the soft and silky fur that does not require much effort on your part. The cat pretty much brushes their own fur while they are grooming themselves. This means they are taking off the dead fur. The benefits for the cat include better circulation of the blood throughout their body and their muscles are being used, so they are toning at the same time. Wouldn't it be nice if we were toning our bodies when we brush our hair?

There are ways that you can assist in keeping your cat clean and well groomed in addition to him or her doing it themselves. For example, brushing your cat will enjoy the full body massage as you are promoting the re-growth of new fur and maintaining the healthy shine of his or her existing coat.

Depending on the length of the fur on your cat can vary the time that is required to fully brush him or her out. You should only use a soft bristled brush when you are grooming your cat. This will make it a pleasant experience as well as a safe one for you and your cat.

If your cat has a long thick coat of fur, you should use a comb that will help you untangle the knots and mats in his or her fur. There are combs designed specifically for cats with long hair. The teeth are very wide, this help to catch the tangles and gently remove them without causing any discomfort to the cat.

You do not have to give your cat a bath once a week because he or she should be covering the cleanliness part pretty well. Although, in is healthy to bathe your cat. This can be quite a daunting task for you, so consider having your vet or groomer do this for you. Typically, a cat does not completely rid itself of the dirt and dead skin cells under the fur. So, he or she will need some help.

If you are taking on the chore yourself of bathing your cat, be sure to use only approved products. You should also be very careful around your cats eyes and ears when shampooing and rinsing him or her. Also, if you have never done this before, you will need to be extremely careful, or you will get scratched and even possibly bitten.

Jasmine Tupniak For more information on kitten and cat care, visit My Kitty Care Site

Considering Declawing Your Kitten? There Are Other Options

By Jasmine Tupniak

When your kitten starts to get into that playful destructive phase and begins to shred your furniture I'm sure that there must be a strong urge to consider having your cat declawed. Many experts agree that this really should be your last resort not only because it is a painful procedure for your kitten to go through, but it can also lead to a reduced quality of life. The aim of this article is to provide you with some of the consequences of having your kitten declawed as well as provide some helpful alternatives that may reduce the possibility of any your furniture or possessions being destroyed.

What are the Consequences of Declawing your Kitten?

There are many consequences to the health and well being of your kitten if you decide to go down the route of declawing. The obvious is that the procedure is very painful. The pain and swelling can last up to two weeks. This may be a problem for you because the cat will require more hands on attention from you. Even with new techniques in declawing, such as laser surgery, your kitten will still go through enormous amounts of pain for a few weeks after. You will have to also consider the cost in having the claws removed at the Vet's office as well as the pain medication after the procedure.

Something that you may or may not have considered is how the procedure with affect how your kitten goes to the litter box. Kitty litter is very abrasive on your kitten's paws so a cat that has had their claws removed is more prone to infections from the irritation that can occur on the kitten's paws. An alternative to kitty litter would be to use shredded news paper, but this is going to require that you shred the paper for the box. Shredded paper is also not as convenient as kitty litter when it comes to removing the waste.

If you do have your kitten declawed expect to see a change in their affectionate and cuddly personality. It has been reported many times that cats compensate for not having their claws by reverting to biting. Cats use their claws as a form of self-defense. When you remove the claws, they start to use their other form of defense, which is biting. This can lead to many owners giving up on their kittens because it isn't the experience that they envisioned. The pain that your kitten goes through after the procedure can also cause him/her to be very agitated and irritable.

The declawing can also affect your kitten later on in life. Not only do cats use their claws to help them stretch their muscles, tendons, and joints, but they also play a crucial role in helping the cat walk on their toes. Without claws, your cat may have problems with its joints due to not walking correctly and may also effect their muscle tone and agility.

What are the Alternatives to Declawing?

The simplest and easiest way to prevent your kitten from ripping up your furniture is to purchase a scratching post. A tip to enticing your kitten to use the scratching post is to buy some spray cat nip. Spray some of the cat nip on the scratching post and bring your kitten over to it to get acquainted. It will start to associate the scratching post with a good time. If your kitten is still scratching the furniture, the material on the post may not be to its liking. You may want to try getting the same material as the furniture for the scratching post. Also place the scratching post in the area of your home that your cat is doing its scratching.

Clipping your cat's nails is also a good way to reduce the damage that your cat can do with its claws. The other option along this train of thought is to have your cat undergo a flexor tendonectomy. In this procedure, the vet will cut the tendons that your cat uses to extend his/her claws. This will cause the claws to permanently retract. If you do have this procedure done, you will have to remember that your cat's claws will have to be trimmed a minimum of every two weeks. The downside to clipping your kitten's nails is that you may have a very hard time holding him/her still when trying to get the nails clipped.

There is now adhesive nail covers that you can you use with your cat. It has been reported that the application of these covers is very easy to do and will cost about $20 for a six month supply. The negative to applying these caps is that you will have to hold your kitten for a few minutes to give the glue a chance to dry. One of the many positives is that they come in different colors so you will be able to get creative with your cats claws.

If you are dead set on getting your cat declawed, consider getting a cat from the humane society that has already been declawed.

Jasmine Tupniak For more information on kitten and cat care, visit My Kitty Care Site

What Cat Breed is Right For Me Quiz

By Ian Pennington

If you're seeking to rear a meowing pet to fill your life with excitement or if you're naturally inclined to getting a cat, you must first take what cat breed is right for me quiz. This is to make sure you get the right cat according to your preference of a pet and how you can deal with her animalistic behaviors. Is she as sweet as you are or energetic as you expected? What are you as person, as a child and as a lover? Know those things.

What cat breed is right for me quiz is also a way to find out what pet fits you depending on your personality, age, gender, relationship to your family and friends, and how you'd like to spend a sunny day. More questions focus on whether you are a loner or sociable type, what best describes you, how pretty you think you are, whether you love children or not, how often you groom yourself, your favorite toy, and where you'd rather sleep if you were a cat.

Results to the usual questions in what cat breed is right for me quiz will be reflective of your personality and the type of cat can get along with you well. If you were a cat, what would you likely resemble? If you are the laid-back type of person but naturally passionate and relational, the best cat breed for you is Persian. Persians have been a favorite among household dwellers since 1871. These cats create close bonding and establish loyalty to their owners. If you own a cat, you have picked the topmost favorite.

After taking what cat breed is right for me quiz, results will show you certain explanations that make you suitable to own Maine Coon. That is if you are gentle and sensitive. This cat breed needs nurturing care just like Persians. If you are genuinely loving but not fond of grooming yourself daily, just when necessary, the Exotic Cat fits you. This Cherub-faced and plush breed has a dense and short coat that only requires twice a week combing.

Surveys show that 37.7 million households in the United States own a certain cat breed. As per what cat breed is right for me quiz, these cats reach a number of 90.5 million being reared by a loving pet owner. Either having a mixed or purebred cats, cat owners take pet ownership is taken passionately. Another cat breed that's popular is Siamese. This fits those who are communicative by nature. Siamese cats are big-eared, friendly and slim. More cat breeds include: Abyssinian for playful and busy people; Ragdoll for sloppy folks; American Shorthair if you want an average body style; Oriental that is dressed in two hair lengths; and Sphynx if you seek for lively and energetic breed.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cats, please visit Best Cool Pets for current articles and discussions.

Symptoms of Cat Rabies

By Ian Pennington

Not many would ever think a cat be inflicted with rabies as well. Yes, cats do, not just dogs. When do you know your cat is manifesting symptoms of cat rabies? For all you know, rabies is a lethal health treat caused by virus. This rabies may bring unfavorable situations to your beloved meowing pet.

You need to fully understand the symptoms of cat rabies before you give her some medical attention. Symptoms come in three stages: prodromal, furious and dumb or paralytic stage. If you notice your cat is being anxious, apprehensive, tensed and fevered for two days, then she might be inflicted with rabies. If your cat is acting restless, irritable, defocused, extremely responsive to visual excitations and vicious, then she may be manifesting the furious phase of cat rabies.

Symptoms of cat rabies are also detected when seizures attack. If your cat shows no interest in eating or perhaps unable to munch in food, she may have rabies. Worse case is that she may execute deep breathing and her jaws start to drop due to paralyzed facial muscles. Prolonged weakness of muscles and nerves will lead to respiratory failure which may cause death.

When a cat is bitten by an animal, she may possibly develop cat rabies which will result to destruction of the central nervous system. Cat rabies can also cause respiratory infections, urinary tract troubles, feline distemper, diabetes, flu, vomiting, kidney disease and conjunctivitis. Although rabies rarely attack cats, it's still extremely cat the owners must be aware of the symptoms of.

Keeping an eye on your cat's health is primary. Symptoms of cat rabies should be prevented from worsening as early as possible. If any of the indicators is noticeable in your dearest feline, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian. Not only is rabies transmitted by an infected animal, it is also brought through aerosol infection or ingestion of carrier animal. You must note that rabies lingers most likely in an animal's saliva. So, if your cat is bitten by a dog or any rabies-bearing animal, she will be infected with rabies as well.

Symptoms usually scatter through the nerves toward the brain. The virus will gradually spread through your cat's body in 2 to 6 weeks. As soon as it reaches the brain, it will dwell on the salivary glands. But before it could even reach the salivary glands, your cat will start to manifest any of the three phases of rabies symptoms. A few early indicators can be detected when your cat is roaring loudly and bumping on any object she sees. Lack of bodily coordination is also an early symptom you have to act upon. Have your cat diagnosed by the most proximate vet.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about rabies symptoms, please visit Your Friendly Pets for current articles and discussions.

STOP Pulling Your Hair Out! Here is How to Handle Cat Etiquette!

By Ian D Bramwell

Introduction
Cats are organised creatures, in that they have areas in which to do their duties: Eat, sleep, hunt and play to mention a few. In the following paragraphs I am going to deliver to you a brief outline of some of their etiquette. By having even a small grasp of this you will derive more pleasure from your cat as you have a better understanding of their behaviour. The first of these is territory, so let us have a look there.

Territory
This is their area! It a realm that they have established and will defend with vigour. This little patch is used to hunt in, play in, be safe in, and it is kept in good condition to help attract a mate.
Obviously with such a number of uses there is a necessity to ensure that other cats know who it belongs to. This is called marking and it is done by scent. These scent marks all come from a common source: inside the cat but they take many forms.
ท Spraying
ท Urine
ท Scratching
ท Rubbing
All of these provide more than mere indicators as to who owns this particular turf. Cats can actually tell the age, sex, and even the health of the cat that left the marker. Pretty important if you are a young Tom cat looking for a mate and you find a young Queen's area. Or vice versa in today's world.

Your cat indeed any cat is a very observant creature and each likes routine in their lives. They will investigate any change to their normally orderly territory. This allows and makes it easier for them to be master/mistress of all they survey.

Vanity
Cats are incredible vain! There is no getting away from this fact. They clean themselves completely several times a day. There is a routine that a cat generally follows in its cleaning that goes something like this:
ท Licking their lips
ท Licking the sides of their paws
ท Using these wt paws to rub the head, eyes and ears
ท Move onto the legs and shoulders
ท Next the sides or flanks as they are sometimes called
ท From there it is on to the genitals
ท Hind quarters (back end)
ท Finally the tail

It is possible for a cat to spend anything up to four hours a day doing this. Can you imagine taking a shower for four hours?
They also love to be fed, pampered and played with as the centre of attention. Woe betides anyone that forgets the routine as they will remind you in their own way.

Sleep
They love their sleep! In fact they can spend as much as 15 hours a day asleep, if only. Someone did a bit of research into cats sleep and discovered that an eight year old cat has only had its eyes open for the equivalent of three years. It has also been recognised that a cat has three different types of sleep:
1. The short cat nap.
2. Long but light sleep.
3. The full on deep sleep.
It is also possible for a cat to alternate between these different types of sleep as well.
Cats love to sleep in a safe area where they can see what is going on around them. This also allows them to be alerted to anything unusual going in their territory as well.

Conclusion
Work hand in hand with your cat to develop these natural instincts and you will have one happy puss. Simply create some safe environments for them that suits their wants and needs. Make them feel wanted and pampered and that they really are part of the household. There in brief you have the outlines of cat etiquette, what it means and how by you recognising it you can have a better more fulfilling relationship with your pet.

Ian David is not just a cat lover, no he is a cat fanatic! Visit his website at http://www.understandyourcat.ian-david.co.uk to get simple, unique, secrets on cat behaviour and health that amaze the professionals for FREE! Ian's FREE E-course 'Understand Your Cat' is crammed full of tips and techniques that will amaze you and make your cat the talk of the town. Subscribe for FREE at http://www.understandyourcat.ian-david.co.uk

Four Common Causes of Feline Anemia

By D Swain

Feline anemia develops when there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. It is a symptom of disease, but is not a disease itself. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of feline anemia.

Kidney Disease

One of the most common causes of anemia is kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When there are not enough hormones to stimulate red blood cell production, your cat will develop feline anemia.

Parasites

Parasites can also cause your cat to develop anemia. These parasites sometimes destroy red blood cells. The most common culprits include hookworms, ticks, and fleas.

Trauma

One of the next causes is a traumatic injury. Some injuries can cause damage to your cat's internal organs. Some forms of trauma can also sever one or more blood vessels. Both of these conditions will cause blood loss and anemia.

Viruses

Another cause of feline anemia is a viral infection. There are two common viruses to blame, namely the feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus. Other diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disease are also common causes. This condition can also result if your cat ingests certain chemicals or toxins.

There are many different things that can cause feline anemia. Kidney disease is one of the most common. Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and hookworms can also destroy red blood cells. A traumatic injury such as a car accident is another cause of anemia.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as feline hyperesthesia syndrome, stop by cat-illnesses.com

Four Causes of Feline Kidney Disease

By D Swain

Feline kidney disease is a common problem for older cats. However, it can affect cats of any age. There are many different reasons why your cat could develop this disease. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes.

Toxins
Toxins are one of the leading causes of feline kidney disease. Cats will readily lick antifreeze if they come across it on the ground. It will quickly destroy your cat's kidneys if treatment isn't sought immediately.

Other toxins that can cause this disease include solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. Also, medications that your cat may be taking can cause problems with the kidneys. Medications for humans such as aspirin and antibiotics are also common culprits.

Cancer
One of the next causes of feline kidney disease is cancer. Cancer rarely originates in your cat's kidneys. In most cases, the disease has spread from another organ. Older cats are most often affected by cancer of the kidneys. However, cats of any age can develop it.

Blood Flow
Another cause of feline kidney disease is inadequate blood flow. If blood doesn't flow properly through the kidneys, they won't be able to remove wastes effectively. This will allow toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream. Inadequate blood flow through the kidneys can be caused by drugs, dehydration, or heart disease.

Cysts
Cysts are one of the final common causes of feline kidney disease. These cysts can occur in both kidneys and will enlarge over time. As they grow, they will begin to put pressure on kidney tissue. This will reduce the kidney's ability to filter waste products.

As a cat owner, you want to keep your special friend as healthy as possible. To learn more about various cat illnesses such as feline pancreatitis, stop by cat-illnesses.com.

Why Do Cats Groom?

By Audrey Frederick

Bet you never wondered, why your cat grooms itself. More than likely you thought "the silly cat does not have anything better to do." Not true! There are some very good reasons for the whole cat grooming process.

First of all, have you ever watched the ritual a cat follows when grooming?

No? Well, there is almost a universal way cats groom themselves, meaning most cats follow it to the letter. First the paws, then the sides of the face, behind their ears and then their chest area, the next time you see your cat sitting down to start grooming, watch it.

A normal adult cat will spend up to 50 percent of its waking time grooming itself. Some cats will do less (like overweight cats) and some will do more (longhaired cats) and if they get into some sort of a mess, a cat will even spend more time cleaning up.

Yes, cat do like to be clean and grooming gives them something to do, but there is a method to their madness.

Many of the things a cat does as part of its ritual grooming process has been instilled in its genetic makeup for centuries, as part of its survival mechanism.

Cleaning up after eating is nature's way of protecting the cat from predators. We feed our cats processed cat food, but in the wild they ate birds, mice and other small prey, as a result they would get blood on their fur and in order to remove the scent, washing was necessary.

A mother cat cleans her kittens and cleans up very well after giving birth as natures way of protecting her and the kittens from predators. The scent of blood would attract others that could kill them. Kittens learn to clean themselves within a few weeks after birth.

Grooming is also a form of temperature control. Cats do not sweat as we do in the heat of summer, they sweat a little through their paws and by breathing, but grooming does most of the cooling off. The saliva on their fur evaporates and thus cools them. In the winter, grooming spreads around their natural oils and thus insulates them from the dampness and cold.

Licking is a way to reduce stress, should a cat feel stressed, reduce anxiety (like when they are scolded) and help to calm them, if they are in pain. Licking a wound may prevent infection, as it is believed that the saliva contains enzymes that act as an antibiotic. Licking also removes parasites a wound and other parts of the body.

Cats express friendship toward other cats by licking them. Kittens will groom their littermates after they have learned to groom themselves as an act of affection.

Adult cats for some reason know the exact spots to lick on their friends. They will lick the head, neck and face of their friends, knowing that these are the hard spots to reach when self grooming.

It has been often thought by us humans that cats lick us because they are enjoying the salt on our skins, but that is not the truth. If your cat decides to give you a lick, it is a sign that you are a friend and that you are accepted into their family, regardless of the fact that you are not furry.

I have lived with cats most of my life and today we have four entirely different cat companions. Each one has its own personality and behavior patterns, each one possesses characteristics we absolutely love and some we love to hate. Everyday I learn something new about them and I am constantly amazed and amused, along with being grateful that I have them as they have touched my life in so many wonderful purrfect ways.

Cats are amusing and cats are irritating, sometimes all at once. If you love being kept on your toes, fall in love with a cat. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

How to Choose a Good Cat Scratching Post

By Steven Dybka

Cats are very interesting creatures, they are excellent companions and give us happiness throughout our days, so after all cats give to us we need to also give back to them in ways that will make them happy as well. One of those ways we can give back to them is to supply them with a proper cat scratching post to satisfy their scratching needs, cats need to scratch, it is part of their nature but the cat posts they are scratching does not necessarily satisfy their scratching urges.

Believe it or not but not all scratch posts are created equal, maybe to a human we think who cares what kind of scratch post the cat uses, but to the cat it is a completely different story, their scratch post is part of their livelihood and is an absolute necessity for a cat to have a good scratch post.

A few things to look for when choosing a proper post for your cat would be first of all the height of the post, The height should be high enough for your cat to fully stretch out while using the post, at least 30 inches tall, if your cat is fairly large in size and he or she is using an 8 inch scratch post, that will not be sufficient for your cat and they will probably look for more adequate scratching solutions such as your couch.

With that said lets move on to the second most important factor in choosing a cat post which is stability, why do you think your cat scratches your couch, because it feels good? Yes, and also because your couch is stable, it does not move or wobble while your cat is scratching it which makes your cat more satisfied, but the whole point to having a scratch post is to avoid from having your cat from destroying your furniture in the first place. That is why you must supply your cat with a stable post.

A third important factor in choosing a good scratch post would be the actual scratching surface, some posts use a carpet covered surface, some posts use bare wood as their scratching surface and some posts use plain untreated sisal rope, every cat is different, some prefer carpet or wood but most prefer sisal rope as their scratching surface and besides that sisal rope will outlast all other scratching surfaces when it comes to shredding. Cats like sisal over any other scratching surface because sisal is more rough to the touch and cats like a rough post to scratch which makes sisal the obvious choice.

One more important factor in choosing a cat post will not necessarily make any difference to your cat but it will to you, and that is the quality and appearance of the post, cats will scratch anything you put in front of them being a good quality post or a cheap low quality post but we as humans know that we would rather choose a post that will last and will also be pleasing to look at because lets face the facts, most cat posts are not to pleasing to look at.

That's where our cat posts differ from most cat posts, our posts are not just cat posts but we like to consider them as quality cat furniture as well and we have one simple goal in mind when we build our cat posts and that goal is simple, we want to make your cat happy.

We love animals and they deserve only the best, they give so much to us as people that we tend to take for granted sometimes, pets are truly a gift to us and we should only give the best in return to them.

If you would like more information on our posts please visit our website at katcondo.com and if you have any questions about our products you can contact us through our website and we will get back to you a.s.a.p. In the end the choice is yours but whatever cat scratching post you choose for your cat just let it be a safe and smart choice. Steven Dybka is owner and operator of Demesco at http://www.demesco.com We manufacturer and import various pet products and other items. One of our products we produce is the Kat Condo cat scratching post for cats, more information is available at http://www.katcondo.com

Understanding Cat Communication & Behavior - Body Language

By Stephanie Cooke

The Tail

A cat's tail can act as a very good indicator of her moods and feelings. A happy, relaxed cat will hold her tail straight up; the higher the tail, generally speaking, the happier the cat. She will come to greet her owner or feline companion with her tail held high, often just bending over slightly at the tip.

A cat who is fearful or unsure will carry her tail half raised, and an unhappy cat will carry her tail low. A scared or angry cat may fluff her tail up to try to make herself appear larger and more threatening to adversaries. A cat's tail will twitch when she is excited or playful, and some cats may twitch their tails out of sheer pleasure when being petted.

If a cat is swishing her tail from side to side in broad movements, this can signal annoyance. If she does this when you are playing with her, you may wish to stop or she could follow up with a physical attack. A cat will lash her tail rapidly back and forth if she is really agitated or angry, and an attack may certainly be imminent, so be aware!

If a female cat crouches down, making treading movements with her back legs and holding her tail to one side, she is making a sexual invitation and is likely to be on heat.

Ears

A cat will hold her ears upright and forwards when relaxed and happy, or greeting her owner or other companion. If they are very upright, she may be alert and listening to something she finds exciting or intriguing.

An unhappy cat, however, will hold her ears back, indicating nervousness and possibly impending aggression. Twitching ears can also indicate a cat who is unsure about the situation in which she has found herself. A cat who's ears are flat back against her head is definitely feeling aggressive; it is thought that this posture offers the ears protection against attack or in a fight.

Eyes

If her eyes are wide open, she is alert and interested. A cat who half closes her eyes is feeling sleepy and relaxed. If she takes a long and slow blink, this means that she is feeling very relaxed and content; a cat will communicate affection for her owner or feline companion by looking into the eyes, averting the gaze and slowly blinking. If you do this to her, she is likely to reciprocate the gesture.

Other body language

A cat will arch her back and bristle her fur when feeling threatened or aggressive, to try to appear as large and intimidating as possible to enemies.

A cat who is feeling totally relaxed and at ease will roll over onto her back and expose her belly- this is her way of showing that she has complete trust in you, as she is potentially exposing herself to attack. Be aware though that cats do not like having their bellies rubbed- do this and you are likely to feel her claws!

Cats will often greet a feline friend or owner by touching noses, or rubbing their faces along cheeks or ankles. As well as being a sign of affection, they have scent glands in their cheeks, so this action marks you with their scent as a sign of 'ownership'. You will probably see her marking items of furniture this way, to establish her 'territory'.

Cats will also lick each other in a sign of mutual grooming and affection. A cat will often lick her owner to show her affection. If you take time to study your cat's body language, you should get a much better understanding of how she is feeling.

For more tips and resources for having a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat, visit us at http://cattrainingtips.wordpress.com and http://www.squidoo.com/catcommunication

Secrets of Bonding With Your Cat

By Stephanie Cooke

There is no doubt that owning a cat can be a very rewarding and pleasurable experience. This article contains tips and hints to help you to get the best out of your relationship with your pet cat.

First of all, remember that staring directly into a cat's eyes can signal aggression to them. The first step to bonding with your cat is to look into her eyes, then look away whilst blinking slowly. This is how cats show affection to a feline companion or owner, and if done regularly will help the bonding process and help her to trust you.

Pet her often, if she enjoys this. Take the time to find out where she likes being stroked; this is easy as she will purr louder and show signs of pleasure when these areas are being petted. Try under her chin, her forehead and the bridge of her nose. Most cats also enjoy daily grooming, especially if introduced to it at a young age. Always be gentle when grooming and stop when she has had enough.

Make sure you keep to a feeding regime; cats thrive on routine, so feed her at the same time each day and she will love you for it.

Don't try to pick her up unless she likes this, and don't do this when she has just eaten or if she is not in the mood; she may try to struggle free and hurt herself. Never try to restrain her against her wishes.

Never punish her by hitting her; cats can not equate physical punishment as a consequence of their actions. She will become fearful of you instead. Bad behaviour is much more effectively punished by withholding treats (not meals) or by saying 'no' loudly and clearly.

Ensure her needs are met, give her plenty of fuss and show her the respect she deserves, and you will have a happy and healthy cat who thinks the world of you!

For more tips and resources for having a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat, visit us at http://cattrainingtips.wordpress.com and http://www.squidoo.com/catcommunication

How to Show Your Cat You Love Her

By Stephanie Cooke

Cats make wonderful pets, and although they are traditionally very independent animals, they can also be very affectionate. The best way of gaining her love is to first show her that you love her. This article aims to give you some tried and proven techniques.

These techniques tend to work best with young cats, but if your cat is older, don't despair- it may just take longer, so be patient with her. Use caution at all times, and be prepared to try again another day if she backs away or shows signs of fear. Until she has become used to you, always let her approach you rather than force attention upon her.

Cats will greet each other by rubbing heads or noses; obviously you may not want to rub noses, but you can get her used to having your head near her. Pet her and wait until she is in a relaxed and happy state, and then gradually move your head nearer to her; there is no need to talk whilst you do this, although some people find it helps to make small purring noises. Get down to her level; if you are standing up, towering over her, she can find this threatening. Crouch down if needs be- don't loom over her as she will find this intimidating.

Some people like to nuzzle their cat, as this is how cats show affection to others. If you want to do this, start by gently breathing on her neck, and progress to gentle nuzzling movements round her head and neck. Exercise caution however, as she could nip you if startled.

Cats love to play, even older cats, so make time each day to play with her. They love small, light balls, feathers, or anything which can be dangled, but don't let them play with string or rubber bands unsupervised as these can be swallowed.

Some cats like to be groomed, others hate it- be prepared to experiment. If your cat enjoys this, it can be a source of pleasure for both of you. Never force her into being groomed however, and be prepared to stop when she has had enough or this will cease to be a pleasurable experience for her.

Talk to her often; let her get used to the sound of your voice. Use soft, quiet tones. Some cats prefer high pitched sounds; again, don't be afraid to experiment.

With a little time, the bond between you and your cat could be closer than ever.

For more tips and resources for having a happy, healthy, well-behaved cat, visit us at http://cattrainingtips.wordpress.com and http://www.squidoo.com/problemcatbehavior

How to Stop Your Kitty's Spraying Problems

By Ruth Walby

You just know you have the BEST cat in the whole, wide world. You sometimes wonder how you got so lucky because you've never had any problems from day one! Then out of the blue your Little Angle turns into a cat possessed! What in the name of mousy tails is going on?

At some point in every relationship between human and cat the day comes when your cat misbehaves in an unacceptable way. It's just a fact of life when you have a cat for a pet. Your kitty will do something that is quite normal and natural for him but you will classify as a major offense. Don't think kitty has gone crazy or hates you. It's usually just a cat being a cat.

The most common problem owners have with their cats is urination and defecation outside the litter box. Sure, every kitty will have an "accident" once in a while, especially the very young, the very old or a cat that is upset emotionally. It's up to you to take steps to prevent the problem in the first place and definitely prevent kitty from repeating the problem again and again.

A general rule is one litter box per cat. A variation of this is one box more than you have cats (3 cats=4 litter boxes). Locate the box where it's convenient, safe and private for kitty. Remember to remove "deposits" everyday and clean it once a week and rinse with a lemon juice and water solution. This removes the ammonia smell from the box, which can make kitty reject it.

If it seems that spraying on walls, floors or furniture is what's happening and not the occasional accident, this may be a territorial behavior problem. It is best to fix this by reducing any social stress or home environment stress he's being subjected to that is new in his life. This can be as varied as a new piece of furniture that smells strange to him, painting a room or remodeling, more visitors than he's used to in the house, a new baby or a new pet.

It's not uncommon for a neutered male to "spray". The primary cause is insecurity in his territory (your home.) Help him increase his confidence and feeling of security by giving him lots and lots of praise, love and attention simply for just being there with you. Reassure kitty he is the most wonderful, special cat in the world. Bring him treats and toys and play, pet, talk and stroke him everyday to rebuild his self worth.

Some other things you can try is take a blanket or towel he sleeps on or a piece of clothing of yours and rub it on the furniture so the scent he smells is familiar. Introduce a new baby or a new pet gradually and don't forget to make kitty still feel loved. If your cat is not used to lots of people around the house or loud noises, it may be better for him to be placed in a quiet room with his food, water, litter box and his blanket or your shirt for comfort until things quiet down. Sitting, talking quietly and stroking him periodically while he's there will help calm him and let him know things are OK and you still love him.

Just remember-NEVER, NEVER hit a cat for doing something, which to them, is natural. This does not teach discipline to the cat. It only teaches your cat the fear of humans and that your hand and you can't be trusted to give love all the time.

Ruth Walby

Solving a cat's behavior problems takes special know-how and training along with patience. Learn the steps you need to take to correct your kitty's behavior HERE or HERE We have what you're looking for to get your kitty's problems fixed and the sweet friend you know and love back with you.

Help! My Kitty Has Turned the Whole House Into His Litter Box!

By Ruth Walby

While you're complaining about what your kitty is doing to your house, are you listening to what your kitty is trying to tell you? He's only doing what he can to tell you something is wrong in the only way he knows-peeing on everything in sight.

There's no one solution that will fix this problem. It could be one thing or it could be a combination of things like a medical ailment, a sanitation problem, the wrong litter, the wrong size litter box, the location of the litter box, the introduction of another cat or person into the household or even emotional stress from moving, new carpets, remodeling, new furniture, new food or a change in the habits of the household.

Actually, kitties get upset quite often over simple things. They are creatures of habit that don't like for their routines or surroundings to be changed at all. Some kitties adjust quickly and others just go all nuts.

IS IT MEDICAL?

The first thing to do is make sure it's not a medical problem. Look to see if kitty is straining while trying to urinate in his box. If the answer is yes, get him to the vet as quick as possible. It's probably a urinary problem and will need medical care. If, after the problem is fixed, he still avoids the litter box it's because he's learn to associate the pain he was having with the box.

Get a new box, perhaps a different scented litter and start litter training all over again.

CLEANING PROBLEMS

Cats are just as particular as people when it comes to their "bathroom. Some will use it even if it hasn't been cleaned for a week and others want it cleaned daily. If the litter box isn't kept up to your cat's expectations he will just start "going" on the floor, the furniture or the laundry on the floor. So keep their box clean on a daily schedule and avoid any potential problems.

LITTER & THE BOX

Cats are funny when it comes to where they're going to do their "business". You'd think that because they came from the wild that any old thing would be good enough. Guess again!

When kitty has become used to using one type of litter it's usually very hard to get him to change. The only way is do it gradually with a combination of two litters, weaning him off of one. Just expect this to take time.

The same type of finicky behavior can be had for the litter box itself. Some like the box covered and out of site. Others won't "go" if they think someone is watching them, are to close or if they feel trapped when noise approaches them. Trial and error will tell you which your kitty prefers and where he prefers it.

EMOTIONAL STRESS

This area is so much harder to fix and yet is usually the #1 cause of the problem. Some cats adapt to changes without any problems while others have a very hard time adjusting and show it by urinating where they're not supposed to. Some questions to ask yourself to help find the answer would be:

1. Has a new member been added to your family (a baby, another cat, a dog or a human visitor) or has one left recently, like going off to school or a death in the family?
2. Is there stress in your life that kitty is picking up on?
3. Did something happen that scared kitty while he was on the litter box or near it? Like a loud noise inside or outside of the house.
4. Have you moved into a new home or apartment?
5. Have you remodeled a room? Have workmen been coming and going in his territory? Remember, it's your house but it's still his territory.
6. Have you moved the litter box to a different location?
7. Has there been an outside neighborhood cat that's been bothering your inside kitty? Can your kitty see, hear or smell the other cat?
8. Have you changed kitty's food lately to something he doesn't like?
9. Has your daily routine changed? Have you started a new job or just been gone a lot and kitty is now alone more than before?

If the answer to any of these questions was "YES", then it's time to help kitty de-stress. No, I don't mean some sort of kitty spa! You need to spend quality time with him each day until the problem is resolved. After all, he's part of the family too, isn't he?

Spend time playing with kitty every day. This doesn't have to be for long periods, even 5-10 minutes; two to three times a day is great. Pet him, hold him and talk gently and lovingly to him as often as possible. Make sure he gets lots of attention.

If you're introducing a new baby into the home, have the baby's things out a couple of weeks before your due date. I've found that leaving a small cloth with baby powder on it and another one with a little formula on it in baby's crib, the rocker you'll be using and other places where baby will be, helps kitty get used to some of the new smells attached to baby.

If you're bringing in a new pet, keep the new pet in another room with the door closed for about a week to let them get used to the smell of each other. Give your old pet lots of attention. Sit by the closed door with kitty on your lap and play with the new pet from under the door. Kitty then understands you still love him and the new thing behind the door might be OK to have around. Introduce them gradually to each other, a few minutes at a time and then longer and longer until things seem to be all right. There will be a certain about of combat to settle who's king or queen, but that's to be expected. Just don't let it get out of hand.

If you're changing kitty's food you need to do it in graduated amounts, mixed with his old food, until he's completely weaned on to the new food. Don't rush it-this may take a couple of days or a couple of weeks depending on how kitty and his tummy accepts the new food change.

Establish a daily routine as quickly as possible if you're going to be away from home or changing you times for being around the house. Kitty needs to know when you'll be home, when his litter box will be cleaned, when playtime is going to be, when bedtime is and most important of all-when his mealtime is.

Cats are definitely creatures of habit. They like things to be done the same way and at the same time, each and every time. After all, they were once worshipped as gods, right? And, we all know, it's good to be the king!

Ruth Walby

Visit HERE or HERE to learn how to help get your beloved kitty back to doing "business" the right way.

Cat Furniture - Making Your Own Cat Scratching Post

By Robert Hampel

Cats need to scratch. That's their way of exercising toes and removing old claw sheaths. Aside from that, it just feels good. You can buy a cat scratching post, make your own, or see your sofa destroyed. Cat furniture does not have to be complex or difficult. It does need to be stable, though. Let's think about a basic cat scratching post. There are only 3 components; a base, a post, and a top. We'll look at each.

The base. A cat scratching post needs to be stable. A post that tips over when in use can scare your cat away, often never to return. The base should be at least 16" by 16" square and cut from 3/4" plywood or particle board. The base can be painted, covered with cut pile carpet, or covered with fabric. Carpet will hold up better, and, if you have scraps from your home it will match your d้cor. Cut pile carpet will not snag your cat's claws like shag or loop. The best and easiest way to make a base is to paint the edge of the board and hot melt the carpet to the surface. Fast, easy, neat. Make the base first.

The post. The scratching post itself is made from two pieces of 2x4 nailed together. Typical post height should be longer than your cat is tall (stretched out). Cats like to stretch when scratching. Most commercial cat scratching posts are 26" to 30" tall. Nail your 2x4's together and cut both ends square. You will wrap the post with 1/4", non-oiled, sisal rope. This kind of rope is sold at most hardware stores or home centers. To determine the amount of rope you need you can figure about five feet for each inch in post height. For example a 30" scratching post would need 5 x 30, or 150'. Sisal is the best cat scratching medium and is very inexpensive. To wrap the post first drill a quarter inch hole about one inch deep anywhere very near the bottom edge of the post and at the top edge. These are where you will anchor the rope. Attach the post to the top of the carpeted base with four 3" long deck screws. Screw tightly right through the carpet. Squirt some hot melt glue in the hole you drilled and insert the end of the rope. Now it's just a matter of wrapping the rope around the post. You must wrap it tightly. After every ten or twelve wraps, while maintaining tension, use a hammer to tap the wraps together. If you skip this step your cat will end up compressing the wraps when he uses the post and you'll have a gap at the top. When you get to the top use your hot melt again to anchor the end of the rope in the hole you drilled before.

The top. The simplest top for this cat furniture is just a wooden cap that keeps the rope from slipping off. You can buy decorative fence post caps at home stores or just cut a piece of wood about 4" x 4.5". Simply nail or screw the cap in place. If you really like your cat you could give him a cat perch by making a wooden box with inside dimensions of 14" x 14" x 3". Screw the box to the post with 3" deck screws and hot melt another piece of carpet in place. If you spray the post with catnip extract your cat will go crazy over his new post.

Depending on just what you have to buy this project can probably be done for $30 or so. You can check http://www.katsrule.com for inspiration and ideas.

Bill of materials.
Scrap carpet, at least 16" x 16". Cut pile is best.
Plywood, 16" x 16".
Two 2x4's between 26" and 30"
Sisal rope, about 150'.
Wooden top cap, 4" x 4.5"
Deck screws, 3"

Bob Hampel has been kept by contented cats for 35 years. He has some standing in the feline community having built cat furniture for it's members. He currently owns http://www.katsrule.com and invites you to browse for serious cat furniture for serious cat lovers.

Self Cleaning Litter Box - Is it the Right Solution?

By Robert Grazian

You will come across variety of litter boxes that are available in the market. It is better for you to choose one that can complete your requirement, need and budget. If you are looking for one then you should consider many factors before you buy.

It is advisable that you think about the material that is used to manufacture litter boxes. Make sure that you pick one that has scratch free material. Basically, scratch free material should be used on the walls. At the same time, you should think about the size. You should know that the size of the litter box should be comfortable for your pet as well as to you. It is true that they should be carried easily. Therefore, it is better for you to make sure that you purchase one that can picked from different angles. On the other hand, you should think about the bottom as well. A majority of them will not have hard surface on the bottom. You should choose a litter box that is has a double layer cardboard on the bottom of the box. This will increase the durability.

If you are planning to purchase litter box then you should know that you might end-up spending lot of time and effort in cleaning it. It is important to wash it properly. This will help you to maintain the level of hygiene and sanitation. There are some professional cleaners in the market that will help you to clean it. However, hiring a professional cleaner may be costly for you. Therefore, it is better to clean it yourself. It is not difficult to clean a litter box. However, the task is time consuming.

If you are not ready to send lot of time besides cleaning then you can purchase a disposable litter box. You will come across many people who would prefer to use them. This is the best solution to maintain hygiene. At the same time, you don't have to clean the box every time. Whenever the box is dirty you can replace it with another disposable litter box. It is an amazing way to save some amount of time.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about self-cleaning litter box visit My Kitten Care for current articles and discussions.

The Truth About Spaying and Neutering For Cats

By Paul Kramer

All cats should be spayed or neutered by the time they are six months of age. Cats who are neutered or spayed live longer, healthier lives than those who are left intact, and many generally become more affectionate.

Neutered (or castrated) males will not have a tendency to spray to mark their territory, and if they are allowed to go outside, they will not be as inclined to fight with other cats or wander the neighborhood. Neutering is a simple procedure and may require an overnight stay in the vet's office.

Spaying a female is a little more involved and is often more expensive than neutering. She will undergo surgery to remove her reproductive organs and also will need to spend the night in the veterinary clinic. A spayed female will not go into heat or cry to be let out to look for a mate.

If you adopted your cat or kitten from an animal rescue organization or shelter, he may already be altered. Many pet organizations spay or neuter all animals they put up for adoption to avoid contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.

Bring your child to the vet's office for an educational experience. Depending on her age and level of understanding, you can explain why your cat needs to see the vet (or cat doctor) even if the animal is not sick. Some older children are very interested in their pet's health care and will be happy to be included in the exam room at this time.

Ask the vet to explain each step of the process during the checkup. If your child has questions about the cat's general behavior or health care routine, encourage her to ask the vet directly. Most are happy to answer questions from children and are pleased to see them taking responsible role in pet care.

To learn more about the different types of Spaying And Neutering and 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.

The Truth About Holistic Medicine and Holistic Healing

By Paul Kramer

Holistic veterinarians practice holistic or complementary veterinary medicine. In contrast, conventional veterinary medicine focuses on managing the body by treating physical injury or trauma, providing vaccinations, or prescribing antibiotics.

A holistic vet treats the whole cat (mind, body and emotions) and the cause of the illness or disease, not just the symptoms. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic medicine does not use drugs, chemicals, chemotherapy, or other treatments that harm the system. For example, a holistic vet may recommend vitamin or mineral supplement to boost the immune system during an illness, or she may speed the healing process along with herbal or plant remedies.

When presented with an ill cat, the holistic vet will explore every aspect of his life, including diet, home environment, exercise and other pets in the home, and recommend changes that will achieve balance in all areas. Holistic medicine places an emphasis on natural foods, including vitamins, and a diet free from preservatives or chemicals.

If you would like to find a holistic vet in your area and you can not get recommendations from friends or family, contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association or AHVMA at their website. Your chosen vet should be willing and able to answer any questions about holistic medicine or treatments.

If your cat has a specific health concern or issue, ask the vet what natural treatments are available and what she recommends. Ask about potential side effects, and decide for yourself if the treatment is right for you and your cat.

As a conclusion, many cat owners prefer holistic veterinary medicine because it does not use drugs, chemicals, chemotherapy or other treatments that harm the cat or kitten system. Your cat depends on you to provide him with the best care possible for his entire life.

To learn more about the different types of Holistic Medicine and 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 to Apply Advantage Flea to Cats

By Paul Kramer

You might have already known by now that the best anti-flea remedy for your cat is Advantage Flea Medicine. Just in case, here are some refreshers for you. Advantage is far different from other flea and tick medicines that you can see online or offline. Advantage's active ingredients do not cause skin irritation and the possibility of losing a lot of fur. Advantage starts to work immediately instead of hours or days and you only need apply little amount either in your pet's shoulder or in places where your little fur ball is used to curl up and around. Advantage is also cheaper but with high quality. Now, do you remember what Advantage flea and tick medicine is? But the other question is, do you know how to apply Advantage flea to cats?

Actually, this product is probably the easiest one to handle and to apply. What you just need to do is to apply a pre-measured dose even just once every month to your pet at the base of their hair or between the shoulders. That way, there is no mess to deal with and it won't leave your pet's hair or fur slimy and all or even greasy.

What's best about Advantage is it will also take care of the root cause, so to speak. Not only will it target fully-grown lice, fleas or ticks, but it will also maim and destroy flea larvae and eggs as well. This product will use your pet as its catalyst to kill fleas everywhere.

Imagine this. You put Advantage on your cat, then, when it starts to roam around the house, curl up a bit in its own bed or in your carpet or anywhere else especially in dark, isolate and warm corners of your humble abode, it will start killing those annoying and health-threatening parasites.

Then, one more important pointer is, you should continue the treatment every month after that even if it's not "flea season" to ensure that fleas can be completely annihilated. It might not be flea season anymore or yet but larvae and eggs are scattered all over and when it's flea season time again, it's back to the old drawing board for you and your cat.

It might be easy to apply Advantage but always remember this is another form of chemical and with that in mind, be sure you are very responsible in handling this kind of product. If you have children around the house, be sure to safely stack it away, away from their sight.

Also try to remind them constantly that they should not play with your pet while it's still under medication as it can be hazardous to human health, too.

One final note, maintaining healthy living and without compromising everybody's health depends on the proper usage or learning how to apply Advantage flea to cats. As a responsible parent and a cat owner at the same, you have to be aware of the precautionary measures especially when you're handling chemicals. Responsible parenthood and "pet ownerhood" is the key to the success of healthy living and flea-free environment.

To learn more about how to apply advantage flea to cats 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 Identify If Their Cat Has Any Signs of Illness Or is Sick

By Paul Kramer

As intelligent as your cat is, he cannot tell you if he is feeling sick. As a responsible pet owner, it is up to you to be alert for signs of illness and act quickly if you think he is sick.

A drastic change in any area of his life (including eating or sleeping habits, change in general temperament, or bad litter box behavior) is a signal that something is wrong. If you know how your cat usually acts, you will notice when he is not behaving normally.

If you think your cat is ill, take him to the vet immediately. Do not wait and hope that he will get better on his own or that the problem will go away. Depending on the illness or medical problem, delaying treatment could be fatal, and in most cases, waiting makes the situation worse. It is better to be safe than sorry, so seek veterinary advice right away.

A list of common signs of illness follows. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, take him to the vet as soon as possible.

- bleeding

- bloated or distended stomach

- blood in urine or stool

- coughing

- crying, hissing, or growling when picked up or petted

- diarrhea

- discharge from the nose, ears, eyes or anus

- drooling

- excessive eating or drinking

- fever

- labored or rapid breathing

- lethargy

- limping

- loss of appetite or will not drink

- rapid weight loss (or rapid weight gain)

- runny nose and/or discharge from the eyes

- straining in the litter box with no results

- sudden personality change (biting, scratching or hissing)

- third eyelid (haw) exposed for a prolonged period of time

- trouble walking or walking off balance

- vomiting

As a responsible pet owner, you need to be alert for any signs of illness and act quickly if you think your cat is sick.

To learn more about 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.

Feline Panleukopenia Disease

By Omer Ashraf

Feline Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper is a serious disease that occur in cats. It is also known as Feline Distemper. The illness is caused by a Parvovirus that is present everywhere in the environment and has been recorded in many countries. As such most cats are exposed to the pathogen to varying degrees. However, the disease only takes hold in cats with weakened immunity.

Most cat owners are unaware of Feline Panleukopenia since kittens are routinely immunized against it as part of the standard vaccination regimen. The disease thus appears in feral, abandoned and other stray felines that have not received adequate protection. Once the illness takes hold, it is deadly - killing up to nine out of every ten individuals. No cure exists apart from dietary support and loving care. If the cat is able to pull through the acute phase lasting the first week, it is likely to survive and develop complete future immunity against the illness.

Feline Panleukopenia is quite a contagious disease and spreads readily through bodily secretions and fecal route. Often numerous cats in shelters and other crowded settings catch the infection. The virus spreads through the body's lymphatic system upon entry and rapidly enters the bone marrow where it shuts down production of body's protective white blood cells (panleukopenia). The result is a catastrophic decline in body's defensive abilities that often leads to mortality through secondary bacterial infection.

Next the virus moves to the intestines where it destroys the protective gut lining, again exposing the cat to infection as well as causing life threatening diarrhea. Since there is no medicinal cure, the virus completes its natural cycle of progression until either the victim succumbs or recovers enough to combat it. The virus, however, stays in the animal for several weeks and is capable of spreading to other felines even after there are no residual signs of illness in the originally infected cat.

Examination of infected cats reveals high fever, dehydration and lymphadenopathy. Blood picture reveals a universal reduction in leukocyte (white blood cell) count. Therapeutic options are mainly limited and supportive, comprising mainly of fluid infusion and antibiotic prophylaxis to protect against opportunistic infections. In pregnant cats even a mild infection may lead to abortion or cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Feline Panleukopenia.

How to Take a Tick Off a Cat

By Katie Appleby

Ticks are arthropods that survive on our pet animals. They feed on warm-blooded animals, often spreading germs and diseases to our four-legged friends.

Ticks are the root cause of many dangerous diseases. So getting rid of the ticks our cats becomes extremely important. The method used for removing ticks by old wives is quite dangerous. Follow only a proper method approved by veterinarians.

Wearing gloves is essential while taking off a tick from a cat. Once the work is done wash your hands properly. You'll want to remove all the ticks from the cat's entire body.

Pulling them off will remove just half the tick and will not resolve the problem. So get closer to the cat's skin; this can be best done using tweezers. Avoid doing insane things like burning, smothering or drowning the tick. Most likely, you'll injure your cat without removing the tick.

Remember that the saliva of the tick is poisonous and has already entered the cat's skin. Antagonizing the tick will cause the tick inject excessive saliva. The best thing to do would be to grab it firmly by its head with the help of tweezers and quickly remove it.

Many times, the head will remain in the skin. But the head will not cause problems; it is the saliva that will cause problem. The head will be flushed out from the cat's body naturally.

Topical products when applied on the skin of the pet, in between the shoulder once in a month have been effective as well.

Ticks are resilient and can survive drowning. The air sac present in them helps them to survive. Since alcohol is poisonous to ticks, dropping them in it will definitely kill them in less than 10 minutes. If you are unable to remove it personally, take the cat to the vet and he will remove it professionally.

Tick collars prevent new ticks from getting attached and promote detachment of ticks too.

Best of all, you should try to prevent ticks from entering the body of pets. Take extra care while the cat is in the wood or among low bushes and tall grass. Watching your cat while he is outdoors will help him stay pest-free.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about how to take a tick off a cat, please visit Tick Treatment Site for current articles and discussions.

Cat Tick Collar

By Katie Appleby

Collars are a simple and quick way of controlling tick infestation. There are safe on kittens as well as adults cats, and give them with much needed respite from the scratching and itching caused by ticks. Collars are available in all sizes and fits cats of different sizes.

Cat tick collars play an effective role in killing ticks, but should be properly applied. A cat must feel comfortable in a tick collar. So make the perfect measurement by placing two fingers between the neck and the collar. Cut off all surplus parts from the collar after it has been applied properly. This is to prevent the animals from chewing its ends.

Read the instructions given on the packet. Many collars lose effectives upon getting wet. Check if the collar is causing irritation. If so, you may have to use a different product.

Never use collars which contain amitraz, organophosphates or permethrin on cats. Instead use collars containing pyrethroids or carbamates as they are safer for your cat.

Remember to get rid of ticks, the tick has to actively contact with the ingredient. For example, the tick needs to come near the collar and feed on the pet. Only then will the insecticide enter the tick and kill it. An effective tick collar can wipe out the ticks in a matter of 24 hours or even less. This will reduce the danger of transmitting diseases caused by ticks.

The collar must be loosely worn, but secure enough to stop easy removal. Leave sufficient length for the collar to expand, especially for kittens, as a cat will keep growing.

Replace the collar once every four months. Do not use it on sick and nursing cats not on aged and pregnant ones. Repeat treatment only if tick problem persists.

You can make a naturally effective tick collar made from essential oils. Choose absorbent collars that will soak up essential oils. Use oil that is 100% pure, such oils repel ticks. Use an eyedropper, as just one or two drops will be enough. In case the cat is sensitive to strong smells, start with one drop and gradually increase it to two. Avoid citronella as cats are hyper-perceptive to citrus.

The efficacy of tick collars depends on factors such as the climate and mode of utilization. Heat, light, rain, irregular use will reduce a collars effectiveness. The collar needs to be worn constantly for good results.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cat tick collars, please visit Tick Treatment Now for current articles and discussions.