Choosing a Ragdoll Cat

By Mary Freeman

When I was growing up, our family always had indoor-only cats. I grew up with at least one pair of cats (Siamese) around all the time, and there became my love of cats.

When I got married, both my husband and I decided to choose a cat for our new life together. Our criteria was, a family friendly cat which we could keep indoors, a cat which got along well with young children (as we were expecting a child), and a cat which was easy to groom and had a great temperament. Oh, and my husband liked large cats too.

After extensive research over several months and several cat shows, we finally decided that the Ragdoll cat was our perfect pet, and purchased a Mitted Seal Point male who we now call Bijou.

The following information should help you when choosing a ragdoll cat:

The Breed

The Ragdoll was first bred in the 1960's in the USA. It was a cross between a Birman and a Persian-type cat. The breed was found to be so relaxed and laid back that it could be easily compared to a child's ragdoll when picked up. Ragdolls are slow to mature and reach full maturity in 3-4 years. Neutered males can weigh between 13-20 lbs, females about 5 lbs less. It's important to note that these are indoor only cats and should never be let outdoors unless supervised. This breed is so sociable, they can easily be taken by strangers. The coat of this cat is more like rabbit fur than standard cat fur. Although these animals are long hared, they are easy to groom and shed very little with no matting in the fur. A mystery to us indeed, but we like the low maintenance.

Personality

When choosing a Ragdoll cat, you want to take into account that Ragdolls are gentle and affectionate cats.They are sociable and loving and get along with children, other cats and dogs without problems. Although you may read that Ragdolls are quiet cats, that's not the case with ours. Bijou is very vocal and will let you know when he wants to be fed as well as "singing" for us sometimes at night when the lights go out. Although our 7 year old is quite rough with him, he tolerates the squeezing and tugging well. Our ragdoll has never once bitten anyone and probably never will as he is so laid back. One other thing: the ragdoll will frequently follow you around the house like a dog and is quick to come to you when called, and ours is no exception. He also loves to lay down with you on the bed and seems to be with you wherever you are.

Colors

Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are only four colors accepted by the Cat Fancier's Association: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. The colors come in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patters, so when choosing a Ragdoll cat, you will need to do your research to determine which you like.

When choosing a ragdoll cat, you will want to determine if you want a sweet tempered, family oriented cat. If so, then the big ragdoll might be the ideal cat for you.

If you are looking for more information about the Ragdoll cat, I can highly recommend a guide which will provide you with Ragdoll cat specific tips for every stage of your cat's life. Click on the Authors website below if you want the best advice to make your ragdoll happy, healthy, and well behaved, www.squidoo.com/choosing-a-ragdoll-cat

Mary Freeman is an accomplished Author who writes articles on her interests. To access her Ragdoll Cat website, please visit http://www.squidoo.com/choosing-a-ragdoll-cat

Understanding Cats' Behavior

By Joseph M Sabol

Pets can be difficult to understand, and in the case of cats, this can be quite frustrating as well. Thus, it helps to do some research on what to look out for so that you can better understand your cat's behavior. Here are some tips that you can keep in mind for this.

Your cat's tail makes a great indicator of your pet's feelings and mood. When his tail is held straight up, this is an indication that he is happy and feeling relaxed. In fact, the higher the tail is held, the happier your cat is. Thus, when your cat greets you with a high tail when you get home, you are sure that he is in a very good mood.

However, when your cat's tail is half-raised, this is a strong indication that he is feeling a bit scared or fearful for some reason. Perhaps a loud noise shook your cat's nerves, leaving him perturbed. Moreover, if your cat's tail is hanging so low, then you should check on him because this indicate that he is feeling sad and low at the time. But when your cat is angry, then his tail would appear fluffed because he is making himself appear stronger and larger to outside threats. When your cat is playful, his tail just might twitch often as well.

But one thing you should look out for is when your cat lashes his tail back and forth in a rapid motion. This is a telltale sign that your cat is extremely agitated as of the moment. There just might be enough reason for your cat to attack what he perceives as threats. Thus, you have to be on your toes when this happens.

You should also watch out for your cat's ears. When they are held upright and in a forward position, this means that he is feeling happy and relaxed as well. But if the ears are positioned extremely upright, this means the cat is in attention and is actually listening to something in the vicinity.

Unhappy cats, on the other hand, would have his ears held back. This indicates aggression and nervousness. Cats that twitch their ears are also those that feel unsure about certain scenarios. But what you should look out for is when your cat bends its ears flat against his head. This is a strong indication of your cat feeling very aggressive. In fact, your cat just might take on an attack position later on.

These are just some of the signs that you should look out for, to better understand the behavior of your cat. Understanding your cat better is the key to having a harmonious relationship with your pet.

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

Kidney Failure in Cats - How to Provide the Best Care Possible

By Sarah Caney

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a common cause of illness in older cats. Unlike some other organs such as the liver, damage to the kidneys cannot be repaired. Signs of renal disease are usually seen once at least 70-75% of the renal tissue has been irreversibly damaged and, once established, CRF is generally a naturally progressive condition. The rate of progression of disease can vary hugely from cat to cat. There is no cure for CRF and in people with this condition, dialysis treatment followed by renal transplantation are the main options. Neither of these treatments are currently available in the UK, although it is possible to improve the quality of life of affected cats by employing a variety of medical treatments tailored according to the individual's needs. In recent years many treatment advances have been made and there are now more options available to owners wishing to care for their cats with CRF. Before discussing these treatments in detail, it is important to consider what normal kidney function is and therefore the range of problems that cats with CRF may have.

In normal cats, the kidneys play many vital roles which include:
Elimination of waste products, drugs and toxins from the body via the urine
Regulation of the body's acidity, electrolyte levels (calcium, phosphate, potassium, sodium and chloride) and water balance
Production of hormones such as erythropoeitin (required to stimulate production of red blood cells by the bone marrow) and renin (important in controlling water and salt balance)
Activation of vitamin D (important in control of blood calcium and phosphate levels)
Regulation of blood pressure

Signs of CRF develop when two thirds to three quarters of renal function has been lost. Cats with CRF are vulnerable to problems including:
Accumulation of protein breakdown products (including urea and creatinine which can be measured in blood samples) which is associated with clinical signs of illness (e.g. nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
Dehydration
Acidosis (increased blood acidity)
Electrolyte abnormalities
Anaemia (partly due to lack of production of erythropoeitin)
High blood pressure (systemic hypertension)

CRF cats often show non-specific signs of ill health such as a variable or poor appetite, weight loss, depression and sickness. An increased thirst is seen in about one third of cats with CRF although this clinical sign can also be seen with various other conditions common in middle aged and elderly cats such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus ('sugar diabetes'). Diagnosis of CRF therefore requires collection of blood and urine samples for analysis. Most commonly a diagnosis is made following identification of azotaemia (accumulation of the protein breakdown products creatinine and urea in the blood) and loss of urine concentrating ability (i.e. the urine is more dilute than it should be). Further tests may be required in some cats to identify the cause of the renal disease. For example ultrasound examination of the kidneys is usually a straightforward technique for identification of polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Management of cats with CRF involves a range of treatments tailored according to the individual's needs.

What is the ideal diet for cats with kidney problems?
It is common to prescribe specific dietary therapy since this has been shown to improve the quality of life and survival of cats with CRF and may reduce the rate of progression of disease. Renal diets typically have restricted levels of high quality protein which limits the amount of protein breakdown waste products for the ailing kidneys to excrete. Levels of phosphate are also restricted since cats with CRF have a tendency to retain excess amounts of this in the body which can contribute to their feeling unwell. Renal diets have increased amounts of potassium and B vitamins which CRF cats are vulnerable to losing in their urine and increased numbers of calories which helps CRF cats with a poor appetite to maintain a normal body weight. Renal diets usually have lower levels of sodium in them which may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure developing.

It is possible to prepare home cooked diets for cats with CRF and veterinary recipes are available for this purpose. Most owners do not elect for home cooking protocols as this is very time consuming and therefore not a practical option in most cases.

Cats with CRF often have a poor appetite and this can be exacerbated by offering special kidney diets which may not appeal to the cat. In some cases, the use of appetite stimulants such as the anti-histamine cyproheptidine (trade name Periactin) or anabolic steroids can be helpful in stimulating an adequate appetite. More recently some vets have been treating cats with persistently poor appetites by placing a feeding tube into the stomach. Feeding tubes can be placed into the stomach using endoscopy and are referred to as PEG tubes when this is done (percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy tube). Although an anaesthetic and short period of post-operative hospitalisation is required to place the tube, once in place these can be used for prolonged periods to administer food, liquids and medicines to the cat.

How can dehydration be treated and prevented?
Cats with CRF are vulnerable to becoming dehydrated since they are unable to produce concentrated urine. Encouraging cats to drink and maintain normal hydration is helpful, if possible, and moist diets are probably preferable. Offering flavoured water may encourage cats to drink more (e.g. fish broth) although it is important to not offer salty liquids as these can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other problems developing. Many cats with CRF do however prefer the dry kidney diets and it can be difficult to encourage drinking. In recent years, one treatment that has received a lot of attention is administration of fluids under the skin by the cat's owner (subcutaneous fluid therapy).

This is not currently a common recommendation in the UK although many USA owners of CRF cats are finding it a simple and valuable technique for helping their cat. In severe cases, dehydration may require treatment with intravenous fluid therapy (i.e. cat admitted to a veterinary surgery and placed on a drip). Giving additional fluids at home can therefore be helpful in preventing this. In addition, extra treatments such as potassium can be added to the fluids. Subcutaneous fluid therapy usually involves giving around 150 ml of fluid under the skin twice a week. The technique is well tolerated by most cats and owners include one report of a 19 year old cat with CRF that has been managed for 6 years using subcutaneous fluid therapy as part of the management protocol. If necessary, the regime can be changed to more frequent fluid administration. The owner will be trained in how to perform this technique by a veterinary surgeon or nurse - it is important that the fluid is given correctly in a sterile manner so that infections do not occur at the site of injection. Some cats do not tolerate this procedure and so it may not be suitable for all cats with CRF.

How can electrolyte problems be treated and prevented?
Electrolytes are salts present in the body which are required for normal cellular functions. The most common electrolyte imbalances in CRF cats involve potassium and phosphate. CRF cats are vulnerable to losing potassium in their urine which can cause a reduction in the blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia). Hypokalaemic cats can become very weak and lose their appetite. Although renal diets contain increased amounts of potassium in them, some cats with CRF can still develop low blood potassium levels. Additional potassium can be supplied to these cats as a powder, tablet or liquid.

CRF cats are vulnerable to accumulating phosphate which can make them hyperphosphataemic (have high blood phosphate levels). Oral phosphate binders are drugs which bind to phosphate present in the diet and limit what is absorbed by the cat's bowel. These drugs may be needed in CRF cats whose blood phosphate levels stay high in spite of dietary therapy or in those cats that will not eat a prescription diet.

How can systemic hypertension be treated and prevented?
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs in 20 - 30% of cats with CRF and can have serious consequences such as blindness. Monitoring of blood pressure is therefore important so that high blood pressure can be identified and treated rapidly where it occurs. Most practices now have facilities to measure blood pressure in cats and this is a technique which is simple, pain free and only takes a few minutes to perform. In those cats requiring treatment, anti-hypertensive drugs (such as oral amlodipine or benazepril) can be prescribed. Most cats need once daily therapy to maintain normal blood pressure.

What other treatments may be needed?
Additional treatments which may be prescribed according to the needs of the cat include:
Erythropoietin: Anaemia is common in cats with CRF and one reason for this is the decreased amounts of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys. Erythropoietin is a hormone that triggers red blood cell production by the bone marrow and treatment of anaemic CRF cats with human erythropoeitin can be helpful in reversing the anaemia. Unfortunately, this treatment can be expensive and may not always have a lasting effect as the human hormone is recognised as a foreign substance by the cat's body which eventually produces antibodies to the drug preventing it from having a useful effect. Another possible side effect of this treatment is development or exacerbation of high blood pressure so cats receiving this treatment need to be carefully monitored. There is research underway in two US universities to develop a feline erythropoietin which would be much more helpful and should not result in antibody production by the cat.

Iron supplementation: Some anaemic CRF cats are iron deficient so measuring iron status and considering iron supplementation may be useful. Iron is required in production of haemoglobin, the oxygen carrying molecule in red blood cells.

Anti-sickness pills for vomiting: cats with CRF may suffer from what is known as uraemic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach due to retention of waste products and hormones which the kidneys normally excrete). Anti-sickness treatments including antacids and anti-vomiting drugs can be very helpful at treating this problem which may help the cat to feel much better.

Prevention and treatment of acidosis: Cats with CRF are vulnerable to becoming acidotic (ie their blood is more acid than it should be). This has many consequences all of which make the cat feel more unwell. Where at all possible, cats with CRF should not be fed acidifying diets (these diets are often prescribed for cats with lower urinary tract problems such as cystitis and bladder stones) as this increases the likelihood of acidosis. Treatment for acidosis involves use of drugs like sodium bicarbonate.

Calcitriol (vitamin D therapy). Although still somewhat controversial, many clinicians have used this treatment in certain selected CRF patients and found it beneficial at maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphate.

ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril (Fortekorฎ, Novartis): This treatment has recently been advocated based on research in people with CRF in which ACE inhibitors were found to increase the survival times. Data from a recent clinical trial in cats with CRF suggested that cats receiving this therapy had a better quality of life (as assessed by their owners), a reduction in the amount of protein they were losing in their urine and slightly increased survival times. Fortekor did not reduce the parameters used to assess renal function (e.g. blood urea and creatinine levels). In the same clinical trial, a specific sub-set of cats with CRF which were losing large amounts of protein in their urine showed an excellent response to Fortekorฎ treatment (dramatically improved survival, appetite and weight gain). Unfortunately this manifestation of CRF accounts for only a small proportion of all cats with CRF.
ACE inhibitors also lower the blood pressure and so may be prescribed as anti-hypertensive therapy.

Antibiotics: recent studies showed that up to 30% of cats with CRF suffer from a bacterial cystitis at some point in the course of their disease. In some cats this infection may spread to the kidneys further compromising the renal function. In other cats, the bacterial cystitis is a consequence of bacterial infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Cats with CRF may be more vulnerable to the development of bacterial urinary tract infections since the urine they are producing is so dilute. Unfortunately, in many cases the bacterial infection does not cause signs of cystitis (such as urinating more frequently, straining to urinate and passing bloody urine) which makes diagnosis of this complication difficult. Diagnosis requires collection of a urine sample which is assessed for microscopic evidence of bacteria and inoculated onto bacterial culture media for growth in a laboratory. A course of antibiotics, in some cases for weeks or months, may be needed to successfully eliminate bacterial urinary tract infections.

Other medications not discussed may be required in some cats with CRF and it is important to modify the treatment according to the specific requirements of each individual cat. The FAB website (http://www.fabcats.org/) contains useful information on renal disease as does the following web site which was designed by an owner of a cat with CRF http://www.felinecrf.com/

What is the prognosis for cats with CRF?
The long term outlook for cats with CRF is very variable ranging from a few weeks post diagnosis to many years. CRF is believed to be a progressive condition in most, if not all, cats although the rate of progression may vary considerably according to the cause of the disease and other individual factors. The prognosis is also affected by other issues including whether the cat has any other medical problems which influence its condition and how severe the consequences of renal disease are. For example, cats with anaemia caused by CRF often have a very poor long term prognosis as this is difficult to treat effectively for long periods of time. Owner and veterinary monitoring of affected cats helps to assess the severity of disease and rate of progression which ensures that affected cats receive all of the treatments that they need to help maintain good health. Care of affected cats at home can be very rewarding as well as helpful in ensuring that CRF patients have the best quality of life for as long as possible.

A comprehensive book 'Caring for a cat with kidney failure' by Dr Sarah Caney is available through her website as an e-book or as a printed on demand softback.

Dr Sarah Caney, Chief Executive, Cat Professional http://www.catprofessional.com/index.html

Sumari's Choice

By Rebecca Jablonski

I believe, know in fact, that everything in existence has consciousness. Everything in this universe is composed of energy, and as such embraces the vast intelligence of its source.

All beings choose to come here to this Earth, and they choose when to leave it. If it were left up to chance, then everything else would be left up to chance, or luck, or what have you, and then life would be a chaotic mess with no cohesion. Life comes when the time is right for life, and death comes when the time is right for death. This is true for all of life, and so it was true for Sumari.

Sumari, small and thin like her namesake: the family of Sumari, also affectionately known as "wild and crazy micro kitty" or simply "baby girl" is just a cat. Or cat in physical form, filled with the consciousness of the many versions of life as she chooses. Who knows the inner mind or "soul" or aspect personality of the cat? We identify the physical body as the only tangible evidence of the existence of our beloved pet, yet there is much more. That I can assure you.

Sumari came home one Sunday morning with a glint of fear in her eyes, heavy breathing, mouth slightly open, and clearly not wanting to be touched. Unusual for this sweet, loving little kitty. By Monday she looked quite ill, and had consumed neither food nor water.

By Tuesday it seemed inevitable that she would die, at only a year and a half of life with us. We told her we loved her. We told her that we wanted her to live because we loved her so much, but we also told her that if she wanted to die we loved her enough to let her make that choice. It was her choice, of that I was sure.

I did try to research her symptoms and figure out what I could do to help, but nothing seemed to fit. I also believe in the body's ability to heal itself, if supplied with the proper nutrients and freed of the usual environmental poisons which inhibit healing. I do not believe the body can be drugged into health, and so my only therapies were love, EFT and a drop of water in her mouth when I could. (Go to Gary Craig's EFT site to learn EFT, and surrogate EFT for others). I used "surrogate" EFT, imagining my self to be Sumari and tapping on whatever I could come up with to help her heal.

With her beautiful eyes sunken in, her breath in rasping gasps and her mouth hanging open, death seemed so much more likely than life. She did not want to be touched, and got upset at the feel of just a drop of water on her lips. She remained in this state through Wednesday, no food or water for three days at that point.

Love and EFT were all I could give but even so, the healing began. She moved a bit that night, though with a heart-wrenching feebleness. Thursday, weak and fragile, she caught a moth and ate it. Was the hunter back? The mole-catcher, persistently bringing food to her beloved humans seemed to be making a comeback. And so it was. The death-mask lifted, ever so slowly, and wild and crazy micro kitty emerged from the depths and came back to us. My beautiful baby girl, always the size of a kitten, was back to her talkative, inquisitive self soon enough. Slowly regaining her strength, she had made her choice, and life it was!

A life of play, whether it be hide-and-seek, chase the human, race after the laser pointer or wrestling with the other cats. A life of adventure, climbing to the roof and gracefully soaring to the deck below, or coming in the window on the most daring of whims, or climbing trees and making her way back down without a hint of fear. A life of love, purring contentedly, talking and snuggling, my Sumari is back. The hunter, though, is not. No more gleefully toying with dead things, bringing lunch to the family. I don't know why, and she's not telling.

Sumari chose life, and for that we are thankful.

Rebecca Jablonski http://catloverssite.info/ http://creatingwealthandhealth.info/

The Experts Solution For Cat Scratching Behavior

By Paul Kramer

If your cat does not have at least one scratching post, get one or two. This should solve most of the inappropriate scratching problems. Ideally, each cat in the household should have his own scratching post, and it should be in a place he can easily find it.

If you have a scratching post, examine it. Is it worn or all scratched out? If so, it is time for a new post. If the post is new and your cat does not want to use it, rub some catnip along the sides and top.

This will attract him to the post, and he will associate the pleasant scent of catnip with scratching. You also can dangle toys off the top of the post or place treats at the top. The more appealing the scratching post is, the more your cat will use it.

If you catch him scratching something he should not, correct him with a loud "No" and clap your hands. This will startle him and he will stop what he is doing. Pick your cat up and move him to the scratching post.

Place his front paws on the post and make scratching movements. If he does not seem to understand, run your fingernails down the post and pretend to scratch the post yourself. Praise your cat whenever he uses the post, and give him a treat afterward. He will make the connection that when he scratches the post he gets rewarded.

To prevent your cat from scratching things when you are not home, cover the edges or corners of the furniture with plastic strips or double sided sticky tape. Pet product manufacturers sell transparent, non toxic strips or double sided tape designed to repel cats without harming them.

Declawing is not an appropriate solution for a scratching problem. Pet supply stores sell little plastic caps that fir over a cat's nails. You can also trim the tips of your cat's nails every few weeks, which will prevent him from clawing anything.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Scratching Behaviors 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 Expert Guide on Solving Cat House Soiling and Cat Spraying

By Paul Kramer

It is not pleasant when a cat suddenly starts leaving messes on the floor or spraying urine on the walls. Owners who are frustrated with house soiling and spraying often punish the cat by rubbing his nose in the mess which only makes the problem worse.

In some cases, the frustrated owner drops the cat off at the animal shelter because she feels that he is out of control. House soiling or spraying is the number one reason why many cats are abandoned at animal shelters.

To figure out why your pet is suddenly misbehaving, you need to understand him. In the wild, male cats mark their territories by spraying trees and other objects with urine so that other cats in the area know who the boss is. Although cats usually bury their feces, a feline who needs to feel dominant will leave his waste uncovered as a way of staking out his territory. It is his way of letting other cats in the area knows that he is the dominant male. Sometimes cats in a household will repeat this unwanted yet natural behavior. Why? There could be several reasons.

Why do cats house soiling or spraying? Sometimes the easiest answer is the most obvious one. Frequently, well behaved cats start spraying or soiling when another cat is introduced into the household. The established cat does what comes naturally and marks his territory to let the newcomer know who rules the roost.

If you have just moved to a new house, your cat may soil or spray because he smells the scent of a previous cat or dog on the carpet or on the walls. Again, he is trying to prove dominance over the other cat's scent.

Unneutered males feel the urge to start marking their territory as they reach sexual maturity. Having your cat neutered should solve this problem. A cat also may start spraying or house soiling because of a medical condition, such as a bladder infection or blockage, or a kidney problem. If a new cat has not been introduced into the household, and your kitty starts spraying or leaving messes, call the veterinarian and schedule a complete physical. It is best to rule out any potential medical condition early.

Litter box problems are a common cause of house soiling and spraying. If the litter box is dirty, if the cat does not like the litter, or if another cat or a person is bothering him while trying to use the box, ht will avoid it and eliminate elsewhere.

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 to Find a Lost Cat Like the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If your cat becomes lost, act quickly. Any delay in searching for your pet will make finding him harder. Go outside and call his name. If he does not normally go outside, he will be overwhelmed and may not leave your yard.

If your cat is trained to come when you call him, he may come running right back to you.

Ask everyone you know to help you look for your pet. Post flyers with a photo, description, your phone number, and your address all over the area. Call the local animal shelter or animal control agency, and give them a description of your cat and contact numbers where you can be reached.

Next, call the newspaper and run an ad. Keep looking for your cat on your own, and call local animal shelters and rescue organizations every day to see if anyone has turned in an animal fitting your pet's description.

All cats, even indoor only cats, should wear a collar with an id tag at all times. If your pet is micro chipped, it will be easier and faster for someone to call a phone number on the id tag than to find someone to scan for a microchip.

Cats are creative and can find many ways to get in trouble around the house. Some common feline behavior problems is clewing on or digging up houseplants. Cats who eat plants may be looking for extra roughage or greenery in their diet.

Buy some cat grass (grass that has been especially grown for cats and that is safe for them to eat) at your local pet supply store and offer it to your cat. It should solve the nibbling problem.

If not, spray the leaves of the plant with a mild solution of soap and water or cat repellent. You also can hang your plants from hooks or move them to a place where they can not be reached.

To learn more on how to find a Lost Cat and 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 Use Daily Playtime in Their Cat Training Session

By Paul Kramer

All cats and kittens need daily playtime. Cats who do not get enough play or interaction with their owners can become bored, restless and develop behavior problems. A bored cat will find ways of amusing himself, such as eating your plants.

Set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day to play with your feline friend. Your cat will look forward to your scheduled playtime and will miss it if you skip a day. Play not only makes your pet socialized, but it is a great way to give him the exercise he needs while keeping his mind and instincts sharp.

Kittens need little or no encouragement to play and often play so hard that they wear themselves out. If you have more than one kitten in the house, you will not have to worry about scheduling playtime because kittens will play each other constantly throughout the day.

Make sure that your cat has plenty of safe toys out when you are not home so that he can amuse himself during the day. Every so often, buy a new toy and introduce it to your cat, and then rotate out an old toy. He will find the new toy interesting, and in a few days you can bring back the old toy. Your cat will think the old toy is new again.

Cats love to play games, and you can throw a ping pong ball down the hallway and have your cat chase it or swat a plastic call for your cat to hit back to you. They also love cardboard boxed and may use them as toys, a scratching post, and as a bed. Your cat may also invent his own games of chase or tag with you or other pets.

A happy, well socialized cat is a dream to have in the home. Cat lovers know that their cat is not a statue meant to be ignored and realize that the more they socialize with their pet, the more interest he will take in his owner's activities.

Cats are intelligent animals who need stimulation and interaction in their world. Spend some quality time socializing with your feline companion, and see what he is trying to tell you and you may be surprised by what you learn.

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 Teach Cat Tricks During Cat Training Session

By Paul Kramer

Unlike dogs, cats do not have an innate need to please their owners or obey commands. They have their own reason for doing things. In most cases, they need to be asked or persuaded to do something.

The easiest way to motivate your self interested cat is to make the action worth his while. This is best accomplished with a bribe of some kind, usually food. If you feed your cat on a regular feeding schedule, it will be easier to train him with a food reward.

Schedule your training sessions about an hour before feeding time, when your cat is hungry and he will be an alert student.

So, how do we train a cat? First, but a clicker, which is available from a pet supply store. A clicker is a piece of plastic with a metal tab that makes a loud click sound when pressed. The clicker will help your cat associate the click sound with the completion of the right move and the reward (a treat) that follows.

You also will need to have a small supply of healthy treats on hand to use as rewards. Training your cat to come to his name is a simple trick, and it is a good way to expand your pet's intellect while reinforcing the bond between you.

It will also come in handy if you need to find your cat or want him to come to you. Many owners are surprised to discover that their cat has taught himself to come when called without any formal training sessions.

This is one of the easiest tricks to teach a cat, and it is good foundation for learning other tricks. To teach a cat to come to his name, go into another room and call him. Keep calling until he comes. When he comes, click the clicker. Then praise him and give him the reward.

Repeat the training several times in one room, and then move to different rooms in the house. In time, your cat will learn to come when called because he has associated his name with something pleasant, which is a reward.

You can also train your cat to come when called and then have him go into his carrier. To do this, train him to come to his name and give him his reward inside the carrier. Your cat will associate the carrier with the treat.

To learn more about the different types of 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.

How the Experts Solve Cat Scratching Behavior

By Paul Kramer

It is natural for cats to scratch. They have scent glands located in between their toes that allow them to mark their territory when they do so. If your formerly well behaved feline is clawing up your furniture, you need to figure out why.

What are the causes of cat scratching? One reason that cats scratch where they should not or did not previously is because something in the house has changed, and it is making them feel stressed, bored or insecure. If you have recently adopted a new cat, the established cat may feel the need to mark his territory to let the new cat know that he is the dominant feline.

Anew baby in the house or visiting relatives could also stress the cat and he may vent his frustration on your sofa.

Some cats scratch a piece of furniture that has been brought into the home because it smells different. Scratching to leave his scent behind is the cat's way of making the new chair blend in with the other scents in the house. If you buy furniture at a yard sale or antique store, your cat may smell the previous owner's pet on the furniture and might scratch it to rid his house of the other scent.

To cure his inappropriate scratching behavior, you need to direct his attention to the one object he should be scratching that is his scratching post.

If your cat is acting up and you cannot understand why, take him to the vet for a complete physical. In some cases, behavior problems such as house soiling and scratching are caused by a medical problem.

If the vet cannot find a physical reason for the behavior, then it is likely caused by an emotional upset, and you may want to contact a professional animal behaviorist for advice.

Do not just give up on your cat. Do everything you can to help him through this difficult time.

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 Solve Cat House Soiling and Cat Spraying Part 2

By Paul Kramer

If you catch your cat about to spray or in the process of eliminating, pick him up and place him in a litter box. This will make it clear that this is where he should go. When uses the box, reward him with lots of loving praise and a treat. If all else fails, after meals, confine him to a small room such as the bathroom with a litter box in it. Leave him in there for a few hours or until he uses the box.

If your cat is trying to use the litter box but misses the target, try stitching to a covered or hooded type, or get a bigger box with higher sides. If it is in a corner, move it out a little so that he can maneuver better, and spread some newspapers around the outside of the box to catch any accidents.

If you have a large house, your cat might be confused about where the box is. Place a small nightlight near it, and consider putting a litter box on each floor of the house. Cats who have accidents almost always know that they are doing something they should not but they may be confused about the location of the litter box.

Older cats may be house soiling accidents because as they age, they lose muscle tone, including muscles that control the bladder. They may not be able to hold it until they get to a litter box. If your cat has arthritis, he might need to have a box with lower sides that is easier to climb on and out of.

Remember that is your cat is not using the litter box as he should; something is not right in his world. Although it is frustrating, do not give up on him. Once you do a little investigating and figure out the problem, the solution may be something as simple as buying a different brand of cat litter.

To learn more about the different types of discount 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 Solve Cat House Soiling and Cat Spraying Part 1

By Paul Kramer

So, what are the solutions for cat house soiling or spraying? If your cat refuses to use the litter box, there are several ways to address the problem. First, make sure that every cat in the house has his own litter box. The boxes should be separated far enough from each other so that each cat has a sense of privacy.

If your other cats are using their boxed but one is not, try moving the cat's box to a different room. Other cats in the house may be bullying him when he is trying to use the box, and separating them should solve this problem.

If you have recently switched to a different brand of litter, your cat may not like the scent, type, or feel of it on his paws. This can cause him to avoid using the box. Switching back to the old brand should return everything to normal.

Some cats use the bathtub as their own personal litter box. They may choose to do this because they do not like the litter in the box, because the box is dirty, or because it is the wrong size. To prevent this, leave an inch of water at the bottom of the tub. This will dissuade your cat from using it. Place a clean litter box next to it and your cat will get the idea of where he should go. Close the bathroom door to prevent him from going in, and leave a litter box in front of it or close by. This way, when he wants to use the bathroom, he will find a litter box waiting for him.

If your cat has soiled in another area, clean the area thoroughly with a product designed to remove pet stains. Cats can smell where they have eliminated before and will return to the same spot. If your cat keeps returning to this area, make that spot unappealing. Place wide strips of plastic wrap, double sided tape or aluminum foil there. Cats do not like the feel of it on their feet and will avoid it. Pet supply stores also sell nontoxic cat repellent that can be used to dissuade them from returning to the same place.

To learn more about the different types of 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.

How the Experts Identify Cats' Misbehave and How to Solve It

By Paul Kramer

Cats are intelligent animals who can learn to understand the rules of living with people. However, sometimes your well behaved feline may appear to act up for no apparent reason. Getting to the root of the problem and understanding why he is acting out is the best way to correct the unwanted behavior and return harmony to the household.

So, why do cats misbehave? Cats do not misbehave out of spite. They simply do things that seem natural or make sense to them. To correct problem behaviors, the owner must figure out what her cat is trying to communicate and then redirect the unwanted behavior toward an acceptable positive behavior.

With patience and consistent reinforcement, the cat will make the connection and the bad behavior will be changed. No matter what your cat does wrong, never yell at him or hit him because this will not make him correct his mistake. Striking any animal is cruel and will make him distrust you which could lead to more behavioral problems.

To modify your cat's behavior, you must catch him in the act of doing the wrong thing, correct him, and then show him what he should be doing instead. Try to correct the unwanted behavior as soon as you notice it because the longer the habit continues, the harder it will be to break. In time and with enough reinforcement, your cat will learn what you expect of him.

Boredom is a common cause of bad behavior. Usually as soon as a bored pet has his attention redirected, the unwanted behavior stops. Acting out is a lonely cat's way of asking you to pay attention to him.

Schedule regular playtimes with him and give him a lot of attention to alleviate his lack of stimulation. Having fun toys around so that he can amuse himself is another way of keeping him out of trouble.

Any sudden behavior changes in your cat's normal personality should be watched closely. If two or more bad behaviors crop up suddenly, it could be a sign of a medical condition, and he should then be taken to the vet for a physical exam.

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 Do Tricks and Treats For Cat Training

By Paul Kramer

Contrary to popular thought, you can teach your cat tricks. Some are even eager to learn and will look forward to training time. Others may not be interested in learning and will not respond to trick training.

Do not try to turn your cat into something he is not. You will not be able to force him to learn anything or do anything if he does not want to.

Some owners teach their cats fancy tricks such as rolling over, fetching, jumping through hoops, sitting up, or shaking hands. Other cat owners teach their cats practical tricks that are useful in everyday life such as coming when called or walking on a leash.

Training requires time, patience, and consistence reinforcement on your part. Cats will learn if you teach them, and some go on to have showbiz careers. There are entire books and websites devoted to trick training, but the basics are here.

Should I give treats for training? The treats used as a reward should be something special that your cat loves but he does not get when he is not training. Treats can be small morsels (pea sized portions) of canned cat food, a cat treat, or a bit of tuna or cheese.

To keep things interesting, change the flavor or type of treat every few days so that your cat gets an unexpected surprise. Make sure that you are providing something healthy, and never overfeed treats.

What to do when meeting with a new cat? When you or your children come into contact with someone's new pet cat, make introductions slowly (after getting permission from the owner, of course).

Here is how:

- Bend down to the cat's level and address him by name in a soothing voice.

- Make brief eye contact and extend your hand for the cat to sniff. If he comes to you, let him sniff you. This is his way of meeting a new person, and he is also checking you out.

- If the cat rubs against you, you are accepted and you can pet him. The best areas to pet are the back, sides, head, and the base of the tail. Some cats do not like their ears, stomachs, tails, or feet touched, so you should avoid these areas.

If the cat likes you and wants to visit, he will come closer and accept your attention. If he leaves, he is not interested in you and does not want to be petted. Never grab a cat to pet him, and do not try to force a cat to stay if he does not want to, he will not appreciate it.

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

Cat Training Tips From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

Involving children in playtime with the family pet will help to create a strong bond between them and teaches them to see the cat as a friend. Show your child games that she can play with the cat, such as swatting a ping pong ball back and forth or chasing a piece of string.

Allow her to learn by example by letting her see you play with the cat. Always supervise young children when they are playing with pets to make sure that they do not accidentally play too roughly or hurt them.

So, what are a few of the training tips?

Here are a few cat training tips to make training successful:

- Keep training session's fun. Never scold or hit your cat.

- Use your cat's name often when praising him.

- Practice twice a day for five to ten minutes at the same time every day.

- Practice in a quiet place that is free from distractions.

- Let your cat learn one trick completely before building on it or teaching something new.

- Click the clicker immediately after your cat does what you want him to do.

- Practice training when your cat is alert and hungry.

- Always end training sessions on a positive note and with a treat.

Having a well adjusted and happy cat can make all the difference when sharing your life and home with him. Spending daily quality time with him is important, and understanding his thoughts, moods, and behaviors is a great way to establish a loving bond between you.

Animal behaviorists believe that the more time you spend interacting with your feline friend, the closer your relationship will be and the more communication you will establish. This will increase trust between you and your cat will become more affectionate toward you.

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

Cat Jumping Behavior Problem Solutions From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If your cat likes to leap onto the counter or table or anywhere else he should not, make the area as unattractive and unappealing as possible. Pet manufacturers make nontoxic repellents that you can spray in most places.

Cats do not like the bitter scent and will avoid it. You also can cover the area with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or double sided sticky tape. Or you can always clap your hands loudly, and say "No!"

Then pick your cat up and place him on the floor or in his cat condo. Keep doing this until he understands. It is always a good idea to show him the correct place to sit or jump, such as his cat condo, a chair near a window, or another acceptable area. This is your way of telling him "You do not belong on the counter, but you can sit on this chair."

Do your part to help your cat do the right thing. If he goes onto the counter or table in search of a snack, do not leave food out to tempt him and then punish him for doing what is natural hunting. Some cats like to investigate the sink and will lick leftover food off dirty dishes or pots.

If your cat does this, cover the dishes with soapy water. He will quickly decide that it is something he does not want to taste. Another solution is to remove the temptation and put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash them right away.

As with children, cats need to learn what eh boundaries are in the home. With a little reinforcement and training, you can cure your cat of jumping where he should not.

An over stimulated cat could frighten or scratch a child. Always instruct children to ask permission from a cat's owner before trying to pet or play with an unfamiliar feline.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Problem Behavior and discount 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.

Cat Jumping Behavior Problem Explanation From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

Cats are agile and can leap up to five times their height. They like to be in high places to survey the world. Many cats explore off limits areas when their owners are not home. If your cat is jumping up on places he should not, you can easily train him to stay off those areas.

So, what are the causes for cat over jumping? Cats are curious and like to explore. Many jump on things to get a better view of the room or to reach a window where they can bird watch. If your cat is jumping onto the bookcase or chair to look out the window and you do not mind, that is fine because there is no need to correct him.

But if he is jumping on the dining room table during dinner or leaps onto the counter while you are cooking, that behavior should be corrected.

Cats often jump onto places because there is a reward in it for them. If your cat has jumped onto the counter before and found a piece of lunch meat or cheese, then he is going to return to the counter to see if there is another reward waiting.

Some owners inadvertently create bad jumping habits in their cats. For example, if you let your cat sit on the table when you are paying bills, he will think he can go there all the time, including when you are eating.

If you do not want him to jump on the table, do not let him up there at all. If you let him up there sometimes, you will encourage the bad behavior and confuse him about the rules and what is expected of him.

Be consistent because if you decide to make something off limits, it must remain off limits all the time.

If your cat has a problem behavior such as play aggression, teach your children to leave him alone unless he approaches them for attention.

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.

Cat Biting and Cat Grabbing Problems - The Solutions From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If you are playing with your cat and ht suddenly rolls onto his backs, grabs your hand in his front feet, and starts biting you, you have been the victim of what is called play aggression.

Although this behavior is a natural reaction based on the cat's instinct to stalk prey and defend himself, it is an unwanted behavior that must be corrected.

So, what are the causes of cat biting and grabbing? Kittens learn to stalk their prey by practicing their hunting skills on their littermates and their mother. They roll around wrestling and even nipping each other. This rough play stimulates the kitten, and he seems to go wild kicking his back feet, biting and clutching prey with his front feet.

This is what your kitten or cat is doing when he bites or grabs your hand while playing. To some owners, it might be cute to see their kitten attacking their hand but when the kitten grows up, he will continue this habit. You will not find it cute when an adult cat latches onto your hand.

So, what are the solutions? To prevent your cat from using play aggression on you, never pretend that your hand is a toy and allow him to attack your fingers. Always use a cat safe toy when playing with him, and he will not see your hand as something that can be pounced on.

If you are playing with your cat and he becomes over stimulated and grabs you, do not pull your hand away. It will only make him grasp onto you harder. Let your hand go limp and say no loudly. After a few seconds, he will relax his claws and you can move your hand.

Redirect your cat's pent up energy toward his scratching post or a toy, and let him wear himself out. This also will show him the right objects on which to vent his energy. After a few moments, he should calm down.

A cat who stalks you and then grabs your ankles when you walk past is also showing a sign of play aggression. Most cats will just grab your ankles with their front paws and hang on for a second, then run away. In this case, the cat is not trying to hurt you but he is bored and is looking for someone to play with.

However, some cats sink their claws in and kick with their back feet. Although they are just playing, this behavior can be unnerving to guests and may frighten small children.

Learn the signs of play aggression so that you will know when your cat has had enough stimulation. If his ears go flat against his head, his tail puffs up, and he rolls onto his back, stop play immediately and let him calm down.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Biting, Cat Grabbing 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.

Information Regarding the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

By Omer Ashraf

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a viral disease-causing agent that is often recorded in domestic cats around the world. The pathology that it causes is known as Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a long-term disease marked by lowered resistance of the animal's defense system, leading to various opportunistic infections.

This virus, also known as FIV, is often recorded in free roaming outdoor cats. Once the virus enters the victim's body it spreads to the lymphatic system. Next it may lead to feverish condition and other relatively mild symptoms before becoming dormant, just like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, for a long time. After a period of several months or years, the virus may finally reemerge and attack the body's protective white blood cells - lowering their numbers and as a result weakening the diseased animal's defensive capability to a degree that makes it quite exposed to opportunistic illnesses.

Even with the illness and risk of death associated with FIV, exposure to it is not always lethal. Often the cats act as carriers and with a nutritious diet and good veterinary care, they can live a normal and healthy life for some time. Alongside the added care it is important that the feline be sterilized and not go outdoors where it may infect other cats or acquire other illnesses. If there are other felids in the vicinity, they may be separated. Usually though the risk of transmission to other house cats is low in a normal household. The virus does not infect other animals and people. Therefore there is no need to euthanize a cat that has been diagnosed with FIV. The Association of Feline Practitioners recommends against it and advises routine checkup and care.

In order to prevent your pet from contracting this disease, make sure that it doesn't go outdoors unsupervised for long periods of time. Spayed or neutered cats and the ones that stay indoors are the ones least likely to come into contact with the virus. A vaccine is available that is said to protect against FIV but its efficacy is not firmly established at the moment. Therefore, at the moment, prevention is better than cure!

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

ScoopFreeT Automatic Cat Litter Box

By Matthew Finn

When my household was a one cat town, I didn't have too much of a problem keeping her litter box clean and shiny and smelling fresh. But when my darling tabby decided to get married and present me with two fur-baby grandchildren, well, the litter box became a great source of distress for my family. We found that coming home after a long day, we were met with some really unpleasant odors and no one wanted near the litter box.

I decided to go down to the local Petsmart and see if there really was such a thing as a scoop free automatic cat litter box. I walked around the cat supply area and was just about ready to give up when I spotted two different scoop free models in the corner. The boxes were pretty big, so I sat on the floor, turning the cartons over and over to read the instructions and refill information I debated over the cost of the items (a pretty hefty $124 on the scoop free model I wanted) and the refills (about $20 a refill). After all consideration of every plus and minus, I chose the ScoopFreeT automatic cat litter box above it's competition, and I have to say, I'm really glad I did! Here's why:

I brought it home and was so pleased to see it didn't take a rocket scientist to put it together. The litter refill is included with the original kit, and it dropped in as easily as they claimed on the box. It is just amazing that the product didn't require a lot of confusing instructions or hassle to get it started.

We plugged the ScoopFreeT automatic cat litter box in, and had it make a run through to even out the litter. The kittens were intrigued and actually jumped in right away, checking it out and eventually taking care of business in it like it had always been there for them. Mama kitty was a little apprehensive, but eventually decided to try it out too. All three cats would peek over the edge after jumping out and watch the rake go across. They seemed mesmerized by the fact that the nasty old dropping disappeared right away. I have to admit, I sat there the first few times with them, awestruck at how well this item really worked.

After about a week and a half, we could tell the litter was on its last legs, so we changed the bottom tray for a new fresh one. Let me tell you, this is so fantastic because you don't touch the box even once, and there is no smell or mess in the ScoopFreeT automatic cat litter box! For three cats, after a week and a half, we opened the lid, pulled out the liner/box, closed the lid on it, and slid in the other one. Right away, the product realigned itself, raking the new litter nice and even and preparing to scoop up at the next potty break.

I personally would like to hug the person who invented this machine! At first I thought it was a little pricey, but at the cashiers, they gave me a $30 discount for being a Petsmart member, and now that I see it really does what it says it will do, I probably would have paid twice the asking price for the ScoopFreeT automatic cat litter box. My cats are happy, my nose is thrilled, and this product shows there are still some companies out there that really deliver what they promise!

Matthew Finn is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about litter boxes, please visit Best Litter Boxes Online for current articles and discussions.

Litter Training a Kitten - Clay Cat Litter Vs Crystal Cat Litter Vs Clumping Cat Litter

By Katherin Towers

Litter training your kittens is an important responsibility as a cat owner. If you also own the mother cat, and she is litter trained, then your job is much easier. She will teach her kittens how to use the litter box. All you need to do is provide more litter boxes for the growing kittens and scoop up the litter everyday.

Originally, people used sand when litter training a kitten. Sand is easily available, helps to absorb the cat urine and makes handling cat poop much easier. It is still used by some cat owners. Unfortunately, cats often track sand all over the house.

For this reason, clay cat litter is more popular. Clay cat litter is more absorbent than sand, and has a larger grain, so your cats are less likely to track it around the house. Compared to sand, it is also works better to get rid of cat urine smell. Some cat owners use clay-based oil absorbent, which is cheaper and works just as well. Clay-based oil absorbent is actually similar to clay cat litter - except that it is made for industrial use. Both of them make use of granulated Fuller's earth for its strong absorbent properties.

The next major advancement in cat litter was the invention of clumping cat litter. As its name suggests, it clumps together when your cat pees on it. As it forms a solid mass separate from the other litter in the box, it is much easier for you to scoop up without having to change all the litter in the box. While clumping litter is great for your adult cats, some cat lovers have expressed concern in using it when litter training a kitten. There is some worry that the kitten will eat the litter and be harmed when it swells inside the stomach. There is no scientific evidence at the moment, but as cat lovers it is better to be safe than sorry.

Crystal cat litter is the latest scientific advancement in cat litter technology. It uses silica gel, which absorbs cat urine even better than clumping cat litter. It lasts so much longer than any other litter - you just need to stir it after you scoop the cat poop to prevent cat urine from pooling in the litter box. One problem with crystal cat litter is that there is no warning when it becomes saturated. The next time your kitten uses the litter box, it could leave a puddle behind. Crystal litter is also lighter than clay cat litter and clumping litter - your kitten might track the silica gel around your house. As cat lovers, there is another concern - we can also find silica gel in our pill bottles, where they are labeled "Do Not Eat". Is it safe for litter training a kitten, especially since even adult cats are very sensitive to poisons.

For cat owners who want to be more environmentally friendly, you can also try biodegradable cat litter. This is usually made from material which naturally decomposes, including wood pellets, recycled newspapers and sawdust. Some brands of biodegradable cat litter can actually be safely flushed down the toilet, unlike normal cat litter. Unfortunately, like many other things which are environmentally friendly, biodegradable litter is also more expensive than the normal kind.

As you can see, you are spoiled for choice when litter training a kitten. You can use clay cat litter, clumping cat litter, crystal cat litter or even biodegradable cat litter. For kittens, clay is probably the best and safest choice.

Do you want to learn more about litter training your kittens? Click here to learn more about litter training a kitten.

Urinary Tract Infection in Cats

By Joseph M Sabol

If you think that only human beings can be afflicted with urinary tract infection or UTI, then you just might be surprised to learn that cats do suffer from such an infection as well. In fact, studies show that more cats suffer from UTI than dogs. Thus, it would pay to learn more on the subject if you have a feline under your roof. This way, you can find effective feline UTI remedies early on.

For the most part, veterinary medicine does not really produce results that are encouraging. Sadly, this is in spite of the fact that the condition would be met with pet antibiotics that are quite costly. Nevertheless, without these antibiotics and immediate treatment, the condition could worsen and could very well become chronic in nature. This could jeopardize the condition of your pet further, easily adding veterinary expenses on that already hefty bill. There is then a need to be informed about the prescribed veterinary treatment methods that are currently being practiced.

Conventional UTI remedies for cats would most likely involve antibiotics, as mentioned above. However, these would not be limited to just antibiotics. For instance, if your cat is diagnosed with chronic UTI, your vet just might recommend surgery or catheterization. Your vet would also recommend nutritional support so that the functioning of your cat's urinary tract system would be regulated accordingly. Your vet would also prescribe the proper diet that you should prepare for your cat. Commercial cat food is actually perceived as ideal here, provided that this contains the essential nutrients. Aside from cat food, hygienic practices should be observed to prevent further infection. Make sure to provide clean and fresh water as well as clean litter boxes so that healthy urination is encouraged.

Still, just because these are the conventional practices does not mean that they are effective all the time. Plus, there is also that risk of side effects occurring when you use conventional remedies. Because of such side effects, you just might want to try alternative feline UTI remedies, perhaps herbal remedies. Amongst the popular herbs used are Bearberry and Barberry. These herbs are actually natural antibiotics so they can help deal with bladder infections in cats.

Of course, you should not take it upon yourself to choose whatever herbs you want to try. You just might end up worsening the situation. Thus, you should still consult your vet for the different herbs that he or she would recommend for your pet's condition.

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

Introducing a New Feline Friend to Your Cat

By Joseph M Sabol

Cats are extremely territorial so you should be wary if you already have a cat in the house and you are thinking of getting another cat. In fact, most people would choose not to get a second cat. However, this does not really mean that no household would be harmonious when there are two cats under the same roof. Still, if you want to get rid of the nasty hissing bouts that would inevitably occur, there are things you can do to foster a more peaceful environment.

The key here is in the introduction stage. Yes, you will have to introduce your new cat to your first cat very carefully. Doing this the right way would make things smoother in the end. However, it is not going to be easy so you have to be patient with the results here.

The first thing you have to do is enlist the help of a friend. Your friend should be the one to carry the new cat into the house, preferably in some sort of cat carrier so that it would not be too alarming a sight for your first cat. But why get a friend to do this? Your old cat would not be appreciative of seeing you holding another cat in your arms. Thus, you have to get a friend to do this for you initially.

Once you, your friend, and your new cat are inside the house already, make sure to take the new cat into a separate room. Do not attempt to have both cats inside the same room at this stage. You are asking for trouble if you would do this. In this separate room, make sure the new cat has its own sleeping place, a litter box, feeding dish, water dish, playthings, and most importantly, its own scratching post. With its separate room, your first cat will soon notice that there is indeed another cat holding its own territory in the same house.

Cats' sense of smell is very intense so you can expect your old kitty to notice the presence of the new cat by its scent even beyond those closed doors. The key here is to let your kitty smell the new cat in an indirect manner. You can do this by rubbing the new cat with a cloth or towel and then have your first cat smell that material. Eventually, your old cat will become accustomed to this new smell.

After some time, you should then swap the rooms of the cats so that each cat can sniff each other's presence out, making both of them more accustomed to each other as well. Eventually, allow the cats to spend time together in the same room. This may take a few tries, but be patient. If this is still not enough, then you can enlist the services of your veterinarian. This way, you can maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment for both of your beloved felines.

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

Kitten And-Or Cat Training Basics

By Roosevelt Purification

After you bring your cat home it is quite normal that you want him to do some tricks, make him sit down and basically make him do what a dog does. But the bad news is she is not a dog. A cat or kitten has her own way of living and sitting down is not one of them. They will always move around, eat, litter, play with you and basically have fun. But a dog on the other hand can be trained to do chores, be a good boy, and other fun stuff. If you are looking for super obedience, go get a dog.

Since you decided to bring a cat home, here are some of the things they will do and you must know this beforehand to properly train her. She will do many things to get your attention. In fact they tear up furniture, wake you up in the morning and litter nearby you just to get your attention. In order to rid of her bad habit and teach her the proper way of living in your house, you will have to adopt patience and teach him through experience.

Yes, a cat learns through experience. If you put her through a good experience she will repeat it but if it is a bad one she will avoid it. An experience that is good to her is when she wakes you up 5 in the morning. Normally you would find it cute, and praise her. Give her food, water and play with her. But in her mind, she's thinking "Oh Awesome, to get more good, and love I have to wake my dad up early in the morning." So, don't fall for this trap. If she bothers you early in the morning, don't wake up or wake up but don't show her too much affection.

Normally she will bug you in the morning because she doesn't get much attention during day or night. You can eliminate this problem just by having a regular play session with her. In the session basically give her treats, food, relax her by stroking or rubbing.

Do not punish a cat for any behavior. You will need to setup an experience for her. For example bring some toys around your furniture. When you see she's scratching the furniture just say "don't". As soon as she's playing with her toys give her a treat. You can also wrap aluminum around your furniture. Chances are she will not like it, and will attempt to play with her toys. As soon as she does praise her, give her treats.

Next you can easily predict when she needs to use the litter room, because you are in charge of when she's eating. Normally a cat would need to use the litter room after 15 minutes prior to eating. So, after 14 minutes you can just take your cat to the litter room. As soon as she cleans up give her treat, rub her and praise her like you never did yesterday. You will be surprised to see how effective this technique is.

Over all a cat is a very sensitive friend and demanding. She will do everything she can to get your attention. If you act rude with her she won't learn a thing but will repeat it over and over again. It is very hard to teach a cat how to do certain things if you can't catch her during the act. Spend a good amount of time monitoring her activities, and treat her when she does the right thing. Try your best to give a pleasant experience.

Roosevelt Purification is an enthusiastic pet lover. He loves his pets and loves to share his knowledge about them. Do check out his website for a wealth of information on pet training, cat training, dog training and puppy training. http://www.pett-training.info

Male Cats' Sexuality

By Rich Masters

Tomcats spray urine as a means of chemical communication and to mark their territory. This activity, which may be under taken by both entire and castrated males, should be differentiated from normal micturition and abnormal urination associated with Urinary Tract Infections. When spraying, a cat holds its rump high with the tail erect and the tip of the tail quivers. Treading movements are also often seen as the spray, usually about 1 ml, is sent back onto a vertical surface in short jets. Spraying indoors may be triggered by the presence of rival cats, social upheaval (including home decoration) or the loss of human or animal companions.

Castration of entire males usually diminishes or stops spraying and makes the urine less pungent smelling. It is, however, not universally effective; rates of effectiveness have been reported to be around 78%. The administration of progestagens is sometimes effective in both entire and neutered cats. Medication can be given intermittently or continuously. The mode of action is thought to be through negative feedback on the hypothalamus and through calming effects in the cerebral cortex. The use of sedative or psychoactive drugs may also be of help in the short term, while environmental and behavior modification are introduced.

Cat owners should be discouraged from punishing the tomcat in any way after spraying, since this can exacerbate the situation. On the other hand, if the cat can be caught in the act, direct punishment (a jet of water from a water pistol) or a suitable object that, when thrown, physically disrupts the behavior, can be very effective. Cats caught spraying can also be deterred by an unexpected noise, such as that produced by an alarm or throwing a bunch of keys for example.

Source: Cat Heat Symptoms

More information: Dogs Cats Health

Feeding Regimen For Cats

By Rich Masters

The primary ancestor of the cat is actually the small, African wild cat, Felis libyca. This cat's primary prey are small rodents about the size of field mice. Therefore, the immediate ancestor of the cat is not an intermittent feeder like the larger wild cats; rather, it is an animal that feeds frequently throughout the day by catching and consuming a large number of small rodents. Like the majority of wild felids, the African wild cat is a solitary animal, living and hunting alone for much of its life and interacting with others of its species only during mating season. This solitary nature has resulted in an animal that eats slowly and is uninhibited by the presence of other animals.

Most domestic cats consume their food slowly and do not exhibit social facilitation. If fed free-choice, cats nibble at the food throughout the day, as opposed to consuming a large amount of food at one time. Several studies of eating behavior in domestic have shown that if food is available free-choice, cats eat frequently and randomly throughout a 24-hour period. It is not unusual for a cat to eat between 9 and 16 meals per day, with each meal having a caloric content of only about 23 kilocalories (kcal).

Interestingly, the caloric value of a small field mouse is approximately 30 kcal. It has been suggested that the eating behaviors observed in domestic cats are similar to those of feral domestic cats eating rodents or other small animals. Like the dog, the cat is capable of adapting to several types of feeding schedules. Meal feeding may even be preferred by many owners and cats because it represents a time of pleasurable interaction, characterized by daily and familiar feeding routines of communication, petting and handling.

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How to Travel With Your Cat on a Planes, Boats and Trains Safely

By Paul Kramer

Many owners do not fly with their cats because they feel that pressure changes, crowded conditions, and loud noises are too stressful for them. Some airlines do not allow pets to ride in the cabin of the airplane, and so they transport them in the cargo hold.

This can be deadly. Cargo holds are loud and not pressurized, and they are subject to drastic temperature changes. Some pets have dies from frostbite and heatstroke while riding in them.

Your cat could escape his carrier, and getting lost under these conditions could cause him to suffer psychological trauma. Because of these dangers, many owners refuse to fly on an airline that does not allow pets to travel in the cabin.

Before you buy your place ticket, ask the airline about its pet policy. If someone tells you that it is okay for your cat to ride inside the airplane cabin with you, make sure that you get the agreement in writing. You do not want any last minute surprises at the airport.

Before traveling, buy a sturdy, non collapsible, locking carrier. Your cat should wear his collar and ID tag at all times, and the carrier should be clearly labeled with your name, address and a phone number where you can be reached while on vacation. Some airlines may require proof of vaccination before they allow your pet to fly. Find out what papers, if any, your cat will need to travel with you.

Trains, buses, and cruise ships all have different rules and policies regarding pets. Before finalizing your travel arrangements, find out if your pet will be allowed to travel with you and under what circumstances.

So, in this case, should you leave your cat at home? Depending on your cat's temperament and age, it might be less stressful for him to stay at home. If you are only going to be gone for a day or two, you can leave him home alone. However, your cat will become bored and lonely without human companions.

If you are going to be gone longer than two days, ask a friend or neighbor to visit periodically and check on the cat. She can play with him, replenish the food and water supply, and tend to the litter box.

To learn more about the different types of CatTravel Tips 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 Solve Cat Behavior Problems Like the Experts

By Paul Kramer

Some cats like to forage in the garbage can and eat leftovers. Aside from being messy, this habit can be dangerous. Your cat may accidentally come into contact with cleaning products or other poisonous substances, or he could eat bones that could splinter.

If you catch your cat in the garbage, do not rub his face in the trash. Clap your hands loudly and say no. Pick him up and move him to another room. To keep your cat out of the trash when you are not around, make sure that the garbage can lid is securely attached or buy a lid that he can not open.

You can also move the garbage can to a pantry under the hallway or place it in a cabinet under the sink. Another solution is to empty out the garbage before you go to bed. Most garbage picking adventures occur in the middle of the night.

Although behavior problems can be frustrating, do not give up on your cat and decide that he is not worth the time or effort to make him well again. Most cats turned into animal shelters have been given up on by their owners because they have a problem.

Cats do not misbehave out of spite, they may simply just be doing things that seem natural to them. Cats will often misbehave to get your attention. A sudden bout of unwanted behavior could be an indication of a medical problem. Cats who do not get enough play or interaction with their owners can become bored, restless, and develop behavior problems.

Sadly, these cats are often considered unadoptable and are never given another chance at life. With a little patience, understanding, and reinforcement, you can modify your cat's behavior problems and restore harmony to your home.

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.

Cat Travel Tips From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If you decide to take your cat with you on a cross country trip or away for a long weekend, you need to be prepared. Before you pack him up and go, think about his needs. Does he like to travel in the car? Does he get stressed out in new situations, or does he adapt quickly to new places?

Evaluate your cat's personality and decide if it is best for him to travel with you. Also, consider where you will be staying because some hotels and motels do not allow pets.

Before you leave the house, make sure that your cat is wearing his collar ID tags, and check that the carrier is securely closed and locked. When traveling, stick to his regular schedule as closely as possible. He will not become anxious or stressed if dinner time and playtime still occur at their usual times.

Set aside time each day to play with him and to give him extra attention. The more feels at home while traveling, the more relaxed he will be. You will also need to make sure you bring along everything that he will need while away from home.

The night before you leave, pack his carrier and cat beds, toys, a scratching post, a litter box, litter and scoop, food and a brush.

When traveling, place the cat carrier on the backseat of your vehicle and secure it with a seat belt, or put it on the floor. Do not put the carrier in the trunk.

Never leave your cat or kitten unattended in the car for any amount of time. Even with the window cracked open, the interior of a car can heat up to deadly temperature in minutes.

When traveling, make sure that your child practices safe behaviors around the family pet. She should be instructed never to take the cat out of his carrier. If you are staying in a hotel or at a friend's house, instruct her to be careful around the cat and never let him go outside or leave the hotel room.

If your cat escapes, he will be frightened in a strange place and may be hard to find. Depending on your child's age, she can help to take care of the cat while traveling by playing with him, brushing or feeding him, or giving him a sense of familiarity and comfort.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Travel Tips 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.

Cat Shows Tips From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

There will come a time in your cat's life when you will have to take him on the road, such as when you need to bring him to the vet's office, but what will you do with him when you go away on vacation? It is a good idea to think about the arrangements you will have to make if you travel or go away to visit friends or relatives.

Some owners travel with their cats to and from cat shows. If you have never thought about showing your cat, this guide will give you a brief introduction into the world of cat fancy and give you tips on traveling with your feline companion, wherever your journey leads you.

Cats have been on display to the public for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians admired their grace and elegance, and that fascination has continued until today. Cat clubs and cat fancier organizations hold local, state and national shows.

If you would like to show your cat, attend a few events to see if you like them. Many experienced enthusiasts will be there to answer your questions about how the cats are judged and what the different show classes are. Before you whisk your cat or kitten to his first show, ask yourself if he is a good candidate for it.

So, should you show? Showing your cat or kitten can be a fun and rewarding experience, but only if it is something your cat feels comfortable doing. Not all cats have the right temperament or personality to be a show cat.

If your feline is very outgoing, even tempered, and not upset or made nervous by unfamiliar places, loud noises, or strangers handling him, he will do well at a show. Show cats need to be complacent and unfazed by the commotion, noise, and goings on around them.

Most cats who are entered in shows are pedigreed. They are judged against how close they come to the breed standard, which is a specific written description of what the ideal cat in the breed should look like.

It includes detailed information about height, body shape and size, coat and eye color, markings and tail length.

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.

Cat Shows Preparation Tips From the Experts

By Paul Kramer

If you do not have a pure bred cat, do not worry because you can still enter him in a cat show. Most cat fancy associations allow cats to be shown in one of four categories, Championship, Premiership, Kitten and Household Pet.

If you are interested in learning more about the world of cat shows, contact organizations such as Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the American Car Fanciers Association (ACFA), or the American Cat Association (ACA) for information about shows and local cat club chapters.

These organizations will be able to tell you how and when you can register for upcoming shows and give you all the details about fees, rules, and the different classes being judged. All feline registry associations have different guidelines, so do some research and ask questions about the rules, regulations, and requirements for any show in which you plan to participate.

So, what is the preparation that you need to make for the cat show? If you have decided to show your cat, take him to the vet for a complete checkup, and be sure he is up to date on all his vaccinations. Show organizers may ask you to provide proof that your cat has a clean bill of health.

The night before the show, bathe your cat and give him a good brushing so that his coat is tangle free and shiny. Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to the event and act as a helper whenever you need an extra set of hands. In addition to your cat and a large crate for him to be displayed in, you need to bring a litter box, food and water dishes, and grooming supplies.

Once you have arrived at the show location, you will be given instructions on what to do and assigned a place to set up. Follow the instructions you are given, but do not be afraid to ask questions if you are confused about something. Enjoy the show.

To learn more about the different types of Cat Shows 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.