Cat Breeds

By Joseph M Sabol

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please Do Your Part - Keep Your Cat Indoors!

By John Wilton

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

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

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

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

Cat Supplies - A Way to Stop the Scratching

By Jennifer Akre

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

The right toys to scratch

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

Water bottle or gun

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

Soft Claws Instead of Declawing

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

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

Spaying and Neutering Cats - Price

By Gary Pearson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dealing With Cat Anxiety - Part 2

By Doris Canova

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dealing With Cat Anxiety Part 1

By Doris Canova

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

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

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

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

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

The Truth About Feline Rhinotracheitis

By D Swain

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

Transmission

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

Symptoms

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

Treatment

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

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

Prognosis

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

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

Four Types of Feline Allergies

By D Swain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping Your Kitten Free of Parasites

By CS Swarens

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

Ticks

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

Fleas

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

Heartworms

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

Intestinal Parasites

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

• Coccidia
• Giardia
• Hookworms
• Roundworms

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

Prevention Through Vaccinations and Nutrition

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

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

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

Should You Declaw Your Cat?

By Barb Jensen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Teach a Cat Tricks

By Annie Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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