Healing Peace

By B. Reinbold

Insanity! My darling, my Kitty, My Peace, was in pain, and we had no way to help. He couldn't urinate, and his stomach had bloated. Nothing eaten would stay down. All through the night he would scratch in the litter box and sometimes vomit bile while there. Oh, what could I do?! My sweetheart, my friend, violently pained into weakness, and all I could do was watch.

Panic! Early morning, I heard the sound. A growling mew. Startled, my eyes shot open. What a sound, what a horrible sound, it is when someone dear groans in pain. Sweet, patient Peace, had become worse, his discomfort was escalating. He growled again, this time I saw it was accompanied with a rippling spasm. Could I afford a vet? No choice! Find the phone book now!

There, a place specialized for cats. I had to get him there, but how, with the car not working? I called my daughter and son-in-law. Waiting and waiting with no answer, but at last there was a response. I had called the vet and it turned out that my daughter had called the same vet. My son-in-law was soon there and we had to move Peace.

We hurried him into the waiting room. Peace's expression revealed so much. He hurt so badly.

Hope! We were seen into an examination room, where a doctor lightly examined him. "Catheter" she said, "Overnight stay" "We'll show you the estimate first"

"Why weren't they doing anything?" I thought. "He needs help now."

More waiting. It was hard to look at Peace without tearing up. This creature that trusts me, who I am absolutely powerless to help, is getting worse, while they go to talk numbers!

Finally, she came back. "Around..." she said.

Despair! How can it be! "I can't afford that" I said.

"Oh", she said, "Then the only thing I can do is suggest you find some place that is cheaper."

Peace moaned and rolled over. A second away from tear we left after my son-in-law paid for the 'exam' and then left the clinic.

"Now what?" I wondered, and then I did start to cry.

But my son-in-law had been calling my daughter while were in the clinic and my daughter had called another vet. The appointment was within a very short time.

On the way there I thought for a minute that Peace had become comatose.

"Oh no!" I thought "How could I have let this happen to him?"

At last we got to the clinic. We went in and got into an examination room.

Waiting. Tense, and somewhat nauseated from what was happening to Peace. I answered the questions put to me concerning how long the condition had Been going on.

The doctor will be in a minute. She's seeing other patients and is fitting Peace in."

The doctor came. Do I dare hops she will help where the others couldn't? Would my Peace still be alive at the end of the day? The doctor explained that there had to a long procedure (the one described by the first clinic). If there had only been a partial blockage, she could have gone with a more simple procedure. However, my dear Kitty was dealing with a complete blockage.

"I'll get him drained now, he's pretty full. They'll bring you a full estimate of what I'll have to do." She lifted him gently and cradled him in her arms.

"He sure is a sweet one." She said.

"Yeah he is." I said, nodding my agreement.

Then she left.

A minute later someone came with the some papers, one showing a special dietary food, and another bearing the estimate. I wondered, "Could it be afforded in order to have him completely healed?" The estimate was a lot less and between us all it could be worked out and fortunately so for Peace.

http://new--start.blogspot.com/

What is Cushing's Disease in Cats?

By Audrey Frederick

It is a disease named after a neurosurgeon who first described this disease in humans about 100 years ago. Cushing's disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands, a pair of bean shaped structures sitting just above the kidneys.

These glands like other glands in the feline endocrine system manufacture and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream that facilitate and regulate a bunch of bodily processes.

Of the many hormones that are secreted, one of the most important ones is a hormone called "cortisol" - a hormone that is involved with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, muscle development and many of the other things related to tissue growth and repair.

And if that is not enough cortisol also is essential in an animal's "fight-or-flight" response. In stressful situations, the adrenal glands bring additional cortisol into the bloodstream, which in turn releases stored energy, that is in the body to help a cat cope with the situation it is in. It can also help fight infection in the case of sickness or surgery.

Since this hormone is of such importance to a cat's system, it needs to be controlled in a proper manner as is flows through the cat's system. An excess of this hormone can be very dangerous for a cat. An excess can cause the cat's body not to metabolize nutrients properly, diminish cardiovascular efficiency, reduces muscle strength, interferes with normal blood-clotting functions and hurts the body's ability to ward off infection.

What are the symptoms of Cushing's disease? A cat with Cushing's disease may show an increase in thirst, increased appetite, excessive urination, a potbelly and its skin may bruise or rupture during routine handling.

You may realize from reading the above that some of the symptoms sound like diabetes and that is true, due to the excess cortisol on the blood-sugar metabolism, up to 90 percent of cats with this disease become diabetic.

Cat's with advanced cases of Cushing's disease may also develop hair loss that tends to show up on both sides of the body or on the inside of the thighs. The areas will not itch (unless there is a skin infection, too) it is just a response to too much cortisol in the body.

This disease usually occurs when cats are middle-aged or older and is usually found more in females than males.

According to the reports that I have read, there are two types of cancers that can cause this disease, one is a small, benign, slow growing tumor in the pituitary gland. It is very small and does not cause any type of neurologic problems for the cat, the only thing it does is create an over abundance of adrenocorticotropic hormone, (ACHT) which in turn tells the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. As a result the adrenal gland will get bigger because of all the exercise (just like a muscle will.)

This condition is called pituitary-Cushing's disease and is believed to be the cause of 80 percent of the cases of this disease.

The other 20 percent of cases are caused by cancerous growths on one or both of the adrenal glands, which causes the gland to become enlarged and thus produces excess cortisol. This type of cancer has a 50-50 chance of being benign or malignant. If it is malignant chances, are it will spread to the lymph nodes or the liver and other vital organs.

What are the treatment options? First of all the disease has to be diagnosed. This is done by having a complete blood count, a blood chemistry panel, urinalysis and a few other tests done.

If Cushing's disease is diagnosed, treatment may involve drugs that will selectively destroy part of the adrenal gland that is producing too much cortisol. Drugs seem to work much better on dogs with this condition than on cats. Unfortunately surgery is usually the answer for cats.

Since the pituitary tumors are too difficult to remove, the alternative is to remove one or both of the adrenal glands. This surgery requires extensive postoperative care. The surgery will only work if the cancer has not spread to any other parts of the body.

The prognosis for survival is quite good, although cats having this surgery will have to be on medication for the rest of their lives and must have tests several times a year to evaluate their condition. Diabetic cats must have their blood chemistry, water consumption and urine output monitored frequently.

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

Steps for Removing Cat Urine from Carpet

By Annie Clark

You walk into your living room, and inhale a terrible stench. Your cat has urinated on the carpet. Fast action is necessary to permanently remove that awful odor and stain.

Soaking up the urine is the first step. Dry stains will require wetting first. Steam cleaners should not be used for removing the liquid as the heat may permanently set the odor and stain. Using white bath towels or white paper towels to ensure that color doesn't transfer from the towels to your carpet, place the towels on top of the stained area, and put books or another heavy object on top. Let the towels and object set overnight so that you can soak up as much liquid as possible. Be sure not to use your foot to apply pressure, as you may end up tracking urine through your house.

When the carpet is completely dry, apply a cat urine removal cleaner. Common household cleaners should not be used as they will not be able to completely remove the odor. Enzymes, chemicals or bacteria are needed to break down the urine and stop the odor. Cleaners containing ammonia should not be used, as the smell of ammonia may make your cat choose to urinate in the same spot again.

Before applying the cleaner, test the product on a hidden area of carpet to make sure there is no discoloration. Soak the stained area thoroughly along with the area surrounding the stain since the liquid may have spread in the pad underneath the carpet. Put some foil or plastic wrap over the treated area so that the carpet will stay wet longer and allow the cleaner more time to work.

When the area is dry, baking soda can be sprinkled over the carpet and vacuumed up for a fresher scent. Check to see if the urine odor has been completely removed. If not, then follow the steps outlined above and treat an even larger area of carpet in case more has been spread underneath the pad.

If the odor remains after two treatments, the pad may have to be replaced. Before you lay the new pad, treat the subfloor with sealant so that urine can't get trapped in the concrete or wood below the carpet.

Odor from cat urination in inappropriate places can be difficult to eradicate. If you follow the above steps, you have the best possible chance of removing cat urine from carpet.

For more tips on Removing Cat Urine from Carpet and Cat Urine Removers visit the Feline Info website.

Cat Training In 10 Minutes - Really!

By Aaron Michaels

Does your cat seem too stubborn to train? Then you've come to the right place! Believe it or not, you can begin training your cat in as little as ten minutes.

You will need a couple of inexpensive tools to get started. Take the time to invest in a small spray bottle, which can be found in the gardening or health & beauty section of your local discount store. Also stock up on a variety of interesting cat toys.

Problem Number One: Your cat is constantly getting into "trouble." You always catch him using your furniture as a scratching post. He keeps doing it, no matter how many times you've scolded him.

Solution: Fill your trusty spray bottle with water and keep it handy. The next time you see kitty stretching out those claws, give him a quick squirt with the water bottle. He will be startled enough to stop, and he will eventually learn not to do the bad behavior.

Problem Number Two: Your cat is very mischievous when you are not at home. He seems to get into everything unless you are supervising him at all times.

Solution: Give your cat more toys! Cats are very curious creatures, and they tend to "misbehave" when they are bored. Keeping your cat occupied will make him a more people-friendly pet. Rotating different toys for him each week will also help, so he never tires of the same toys.

These techniques are much more effective than scolding, and can get you well on your way to a happy cat in less than ten minutes. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is always more to learn about training these wonderful pets.

For more tips on Cat Training In 10 Minutes, visit Cutting Edge Cat Care at http://www.cuttingedgecatcare.com/cutting-edge-cat-training-tips.html - You can also get a free mini-course on cat care. See you there!

Cat Care - 6 Tips From Cutting Edge Cat Care

By Aaron Michaels

Owning a cat can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life... If your cat is well-behaved! Training your cat does not have to be difficult. You can get started training your feline friend to behave the way you want her to with these 6 tips:

1. Punishment is pointless.

First and foremost, keep in mind that your cat is not a dog. Sounds obvious, but punishing your cat will only result in frustration - for both of you. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative attention. So the next time you catch your cat doing exactly what you want him to do, heap on the praise!

2. Toys are tops.

Have you ever heard that "curiosity killed the cat"? When your cat is in trouble, he is probably not being "bad," he is just bored. Always have a good variety on kitty toys to give something fun to do. Rotating toys will help, too. That way you can give your cat new toys to play with each week, without breaking the bank.

3. Water works.

Keep a small spray bottle filled with water on hand. If you ever do catch your cat red-handed, you can stop him right in his tracks. The next time your little pal uses your furniture as a scratching post, startle him by squirting him with the bottle.

4. Blow him back.

When your cat is just in your face, smothering you with more attention than you can handle at the moment, blow right in his face. It's unpleasant, but not harmful, and he will more than likely back off and give you some space.

5. The eagle eye is essential.

Your curious kitty will find plenty to occupy himself when he can see all the activity outdoors. Birds and squirrels will keep him interested (and out of trouble) for hours.

6. Quality time is key.

Lavishing attention on your cat every day will go a long way toward building the bond that will result in a lasting, happy relationship with your pet.

With these 6 tips, you are well on your way to a happy life with your feline friend. For more tips on cat training, visit Cutting Edge Cat Care now. You can also get a free mini-course on cat care at http://www.cuttingedgecatcare.com - see you there!

Box Training Of Cat - 3 Foolproof Steps

By Aaron Michaels

If you have never box trained a cat before, it could prove to be a little bit frightening. The stakes are high, after all; you don't want your cat making mistakes and not using his litter box correctly! Fortunately, there are a few quick steps you need to take to properly box train your cat. Follow these and you should be on your way to a well-trained kitty.

Step One: Get Two Litter Boxes

No matter how many cats you have, many veterinarians and pet behaviorists recommend that you have one more litter box than cats. So if you have only one pet cat, you should have two litter boxes. Two cats require three boxes, et cetera. Having enough litter boxes should make your cat comfortable and encourage regular use.

Step Two: Find The Right Spot For Each Litter Box

Cats tend to be a little shy about using the litter box. They don't want to use it in front of everyone, or in a public place. Can you blame them? So find an out-of-the-way space for the litter box, such as in a little used corner or inside a closet. Give your kitty his own little area, and he will much more prone to use the box regularly.

Step Three: Get Scoopable Litter

One of the greatest inventions for cat owners in recent years is scoopable litter, also known as clumping litter. This will enable you to remove just the soiled litter, leaving behind the clean litter. Just like people, cats like to be clean. In fact, if you don't promptly remove the soiled litter, you may find that your cat won't use the box. Remove all the "clumps" of litter daily, and clean out the box once a week, and your cat should be very happy to use it regularly.

Once you have your litter boxes properly set up, simply show it to your cat, and he will most likely know exactly what to do with it! But what if you run into some problems? If your cat begins to have accidents, you will need to do a little troubleshooting. There are a few special precautions you will also need to take if you are box training a kitten, or a very small cat.

Fortunately, we have just the information you need at Cutting Edge Cat Care for proper Box Training Of Cat. We also have a free mini-course on caring for and training your cat. Visit us at http://www.cuttingedgecatcare.com/cat-house-training-basics.html today.

Cat House Training - What You Need to Know

By Thomas Kellerman

Kittens make a great addition to your home, but they can be difficult. Finding out what the right cat care choices are, and making sure that your kitten is well trained can be difficult. While most cats catch on to the litter box pretty quickly, some will have trouble with cat house training. There are many reasons why you and your new pet might be having a problem. Some of them are more serious than others, and some are easier to deal with.

Cats tend to be creatures of habit. That means that if things they're used to change, or if they find themselves in a stressful situation, litter box behavior can suddenly go downhill. If your cat has recently been moved to a new house, has a new person or animal to deal with, is on a different schedule than usual, or is even confronted with a new piece of furniture, accidents may happen. This doesn't mean your cat house training has failed. It just means that stress is causing your cat to forget his or her manners.

The best way to avoid this sort of problem is by reducing the amount of stress your pet goes through. If you need to introduce a new person or animal, do so slowly, and in short bursts at first. Let your cat get away if he or she needs to. Moves should be accomplished as quickly and easily as possible. Be sure to keep the same sort of litter box arrangement as your cat had before. For new cats and kittens, it's worthwhile to find out how their previous boxes were set up. This is a simple kind of cat care that can make your pet happier, and reduce your headaches at the same time.

Most of the time, cat house training is easy. Older cats that already know how to use the litter box will take to a new one quickly. Kittens may need to be placed in it and taught how to scratch in the litter, but they'll catch on fast, too. Be sure to reinforce good behavior in your kitten. If you see your pet sniffing in corners or scratching about, that's the time to place him or her in the box. When your kitten or cat uses the litter box, be sure to offer a reward. This reinforces good cat house training behavior.

If your kitten does have an accident, make sure you try to figure out why. Some cat house training problems can be indicative of an illness or other physical issue, and should be treated by a vet. Others can be solved with simple behavioral reinforcement, or removing a stressor from the cat's environment. Punishment does no good in most cases, since your cat doesn't know what he or she did wrong.

Thomas Kellerman is a caring and loving cat owner with more than 20 years experience in cat care and training. For an in depth look at Cat House Training click on the link below. http://www.OurCatSecrets.com

Cat Dental Care Secrets - What You Need to Know

By Thomas Kellerman

Taking care of teeth isn't just something that applies to humans. If our cats don't get the right care, they can also suffer from dental problems. Fortunately, it's not too hard to give your cat proper dental care. All you need is a few minutes every once in a while. Here's how to provide the right cat dental care.

Many dental problems in cats are caused by the same thing that humans suffer from - plaque. It forms on teeth between brushing, and is made up of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. It starts out soft, but quickly hardens, becoming tartar. This brown substance is pretty unsightly, but it's not just unattractive. When more forms, it can push up under your cat's gums. That causes infections and lost teeth.

Prevention, as always, is the best medicine. If you avoid the formation of tartar, your cat's teeth will be in a much better shape. Many cats will even put up with regular brushing. Start when your cat is young, and don't bring out the toothbrush to start. Stroke the outside of your cat's cheeks with a finger, until he or she gets used to the feeling. Once this stops being a problem, you can put a dab of cat toothpaste on your finger and allow the cat to taste it. Popular flavors include meat and poultry.

After the toothpaste and the stroking motion have been accepted, you can put a little toothpaste onto a toothbrush intended for cats. Slowly and carefully, brush one or two teeth, to get your cat used to brushing. Over the next few days, you can increase the number of teeth you brush at a time, waiting till your cat becomes willing to allow you to do so before proceeding to the rear teeth. These are the most important to brush, but stop brushing before your cat starts fussing. It's important for your pet not to dislike tooth brushing. Eventually, you'll be able to brush for about thirty seconds on each side of the mouth. You don't have to worry about the inside surfaces of the teeth, which are harder to get.

In addition to brushing (if your cat will tolerate it), you should feed a diet that requires a great deal of chewing. Too much moist food can accelerate plaque and tartar buildup. Dental chews will also help clean your pet's teeth. You can feed one or two a day to help with your cat's dental care. Basic cat care is essential for a happy and healthy cat.

Thomas Kellerman is a fellow cat lover and trainer. To find out more about cat dental care or Cat Care Secrets. Please visit the site below: http://www.OurCatSecrets.com

10 Cat Training Tips For Training Your Cat in 10 Minutes

By Thomas Kellerman

You might have heard that it's impossible to train a cat. While it can certainly be difficult, and is a lot different from training a dog, it can be done. You just have to learn to be one step ahead of your cat. Here are 10 cat training tips that can make house training your cat in 10 minutes a possibility.

cat training in 10 minutes might sound hard to believe, but you can pick up all the basics you need right away. Then, you just keep reinforcing the right behaviors and following the basic rules of cat training.

1. Never punish your cat. By the time you discover what your cat has done, chances are that he or she has forgotten all about it. Punishments can be confusing, and might even be associated with something else.

2. Reinforcing good behavior, instead of punishing bad behavior, is one of the most important of the 10 cat training tips. If you see your cat doing something good, give him or her a reward right away. This can be a treat, or some other pleasant thing, like a pat on the head, or a little bit of catnip.

3. Most cats prefer to be on a schedule. That's why you might get woken up at six am for feeding time, even on the weekends. Feed your cat at the same time every day, and try not to make too many changes in the environment. If you have to do something different, keep an eye on your cat to make sure that he or she isn't too stressed out. Stress from environment and schedule changes can cause "bad" behavior.

4. Even a good cat can't always say no to temptation, whether it's in the form of playing with your best suit or knocking things over. Treat cat proofing the house like baby proofing the house, but remember that this baby can climb up on shelves and tables if there's something interesting up there.

5. Bored kitties are ones that want to get into and knock over things. Make sure there are lots of toys and other things to keep your cat entertained, especially if you're away.

6. Always be consistent. If you change your behavior, your cat training isn't going to stick. The cat won't absorb the lesson if you keep changing it.

7. Make sure you spend time with your cat. If you're constantly away, you won't get to know your cat, and bonding won't happen. When you know your pet well, you'll easily be able to read the body language that says a bad behavior is on the way.

8. Make sure your cat gets good care. While this doesn't seem like a cat training tip, it really is. If your cat isn't getting the right food, health care, and other environmental things he or she needs, this can result in less effective training.

9. Make bad behavior unappealing. This isn't the same as punishment. If you arrange your home so that scratching the couch is more difficult than using a scratching post, or other bad behavior is difficult, your cat is less likely to do it.

10. Love your cat. Sounds silly, doesn't it? However, a cat you don't really love is one you'll have a hard time connecting with enough to train. If you and the cat aren't really getting along, it might be time to change something.

While training your cat can be a daunting process, these 10 cat training tips should help point you in the right direction. You can find more detailed help on subjects such as house training your cat at the website listed below. I hope these tips helped you het on your way to a happy and healthy pet.

Thomas Kellerman has been a cat owner for more than 20 years, for more information on Cat Training in 10 Minutes. please visit: http://www.ourcatsecrets.com/10-must-have-cat-training-tips.html

Cat's Bad Urine Behavior

By Steve Kettle

One of the most common Cats Bad Urine Behavior problems is really not a house training issue. The problem I'm speaking of is urine marking, or spraying. Urine marking is when your cat simply deposits a small amount of urine on the furniture legs or walls of a room, virtually any vertical surface or structure in an effort to "mark" his territory. Before we can fix the problem we have to understand why he does it.

Why Do Cats Mark?

There really are quite a few reasons why cats mark:

-Territoriality: in other words, the cat is letting other cats in the house know when they are in "his"

territory.

-To announce his sexual availability

-It could be because of stress or anxiety

-A new pet or even a new baby or in-law is introduced to the home

-A change of location: some cats mark if the owners have moved into a new house

-Overcrowding: too many cats in the house may change the amount of attention he gets!

-A change in our own lifestyle...a new job or a change in the hours we work and are away from home

Which Cats Are Most Likely To Mark?

All cats mark! And, unfortunately, it's not likely that we can predict which ones are going to become "sprayers". But, thank goodness, there are some cats which are more likely to mark than others.

From the most likely to the least likely they are:

-Unneutered male cats(tom cats)

-Neutered male cats

-Female cats that have NOT been "fixed"

-Spayed or"fixed" female cats

If you have an unneutered male cat you can almost 100% expect him to spray everything in sight. That awful unmistakable smell of cat urine will soon infiltrate your home! By having Old Tom neutered, the bad odor will be eliminated and most of the spraying will stop. I say "most" because it is estimated that approximately 10% of neutered male cats and about 5% of neutered females will still mark.

There really is no hard, fast and guaranteed method to stop cat marking, there are a few steps that should be taken that will at the very least, reduce the problem.

-Take your cat for a complete checkup. You need to be certain it is not a physical problem that is causing your cat to pee outside of the litter box. Have your vet do a complete urinalysis to eliminate any medical reasons for his behavior.

-Have your cat neutered. This is the single most effective way to stop your cat from spraying.

Statistics show that over 85% will stop marking once they are neutered and over 75% stop at once.

-Behavior modification. This will require much time and effort on your part, but will be well worth the effort. A tin can with a few pennies inside, which, when shaken makes a loud noise, will be a good start. When you catch him in the act, shake the can near him and maybe even shoot him with a good squirt of water from a water pistol. You may want to redesign the area of your home where most of marking takes place. Cats are instinctively clean animals. They don't like to use the bathroom near where they eat or sleep. Move his food dish and sleeping area into the area where he marks.

-Make things easy for your cat. The main reason they mark is territorial. Try eliminating this need by reducing the number of cats you keep in the house. Make sure there are plenty of litter boxes ... At least one more than the number of cats in the home.

Just use common sense when dealing with this problem behavior. If you notice your cat has a conflict with another cat or pet in the home, you will need to keep them separated. Eliminating stress for your cats will eliminate stress for you FROM your cats! If you need professional help, start with the library or check online for a good book or manual on cat health and behavior training. There are several to choose from and some are quite effective.

Stopping bad cat urine behavior can be quite a chore. I hope this tid-bit of knowledge has been a help.

Steve Kettle is a freelance writer and publisher of a pet website. You can visit it at http://www.pawspawspaws.com

Cat Behavior Basics

By Sara Taylor

Why is you cat not using the litter box? Why is she scratching the couch, again? Why is he always jumping on the counters?

Most people do not think cats have behavioral problems. However as most cat owners know kittens need to be taught not to jump up on the counter, eat from the sink, use the litter box and more. Many owners run into problems both with kittens and older cats behavior.

Probably the most common problem is the litter box. While most kittens automatically use it, it seems later in your cat's life they decide the whole house is a toilet. There are any number of reasons why a cat, of any age could stop using the litter box.

A major reason, believe it or not, is people simply forget to clean the litter box. If your cat starts going outside the box the first thing you need to try is cleaning the box, twice a day for a few weeks.

If the cat still does not go in the litter box, you need to see a vet. Your cat could have a bladder infection, that could be life threatening if nothing is done soon. This is especially a risk to kittens. If you do not take immediate action your cat will keep going outside the box, and even when cured of a bladder infection, they will still go outside the box due to habit and associating the litter box with pain.

If your cat is not sick, and your box is clean there still are other things to do. Many older cats do not want to walk down stairs to go to the bathroom, therefor, especially if your cat has arthritis put a litter box on every floor of the home. Try this step with multiple cats, of any age, because occasionally cats can get territorial over their litter box not allowing another cat to use it.

The next biggest problem with cat behavior problem is cats scratching the couch. The first thing you need to do is buy more scratching posts. Many cats do not use their scratching post because they do not like the carpet on it, or its location. Get a variety of scratching posts and move them around the house, and block areas of the couch and other areas your cat likes to scratch with the post.

For playful kittens try attaching one of their favorite toys on top of the scratching post, as the kitten trys to grab the toy they will realize the purpose of the scratching post.

If all else fails you can try sticky tape on the areas they like to scratch, although tape constantly on your couch can become annoying to everybody else in the house.

Jumping up on tables and counters is another common behavioral problem with cats. The main mistake people make here, is yelling at the cat. Although it gets them off the counter, you have just reinforced the idea that they only have to follow the rules when you are around. A better option is to discreetly use a squirt bottle and try to not have the cat see you. This way you are not connected as the person who enforces the rules, the counter, or area they jump on is.

A way to prevent problems early on, as far as personality, friendliness and how well your cat listens is to socialize with it, especially with kittens. Kittens need attention, and in order to grow up to be friendly cats they must be around humans as much as possible. Never get a kitten unless you can devote time with it all day, almost every day, until it is at least 9 months old. If you can not spend all of this time off work or school, get an adult cat, who was well socialized as a kitten.

There are endless possible behavior problems for any animal, and even covering all of them for cats could make a dictionary sized book. Check out my reference for more information on other problems.

To learn much, much more on cat behavior and behavior problems go to http://catbehaviorinfo.blogspot.com/

Pet Nutrition and Health - Cats Have Special Needs!

By Richard Monson

Cats have always been independent and privately opinionated. Their attitude and instincts come from generations of being scavengers and predators. For their size cats have very muscular leg muscles giving them the opportunity to pounce on prey from a crouching position. In the wild their food was/is composed mostly of birds and rodents giving them needed protein and other nutrition.

Many domesticated cats live much of their lives in homes where food and litter boxes are provided to their satisfaction. Couches, chairs, low tables and other hiding places give them the private shelter they require and enjoy. Most will ask for attention on their terms and make themselves available when they want it. Many of these four footed creatures are dedicated to one person's attention and will hide when children and others attempt to pet them.

Domesticated cats that live in homes do not have an opportunity to spend much time outside. Pet Parents provide the necessary amenities for the cats such as: Litter box, exercise areas, toys and food. A common problem that cats have is urinary infections. These seem to result from less outdoor exercise and less captured prey. We supply dry cat food that provides good nutrition, but all this leads to less moisture intake. A simple help would be to provide canned cat food. Canned food usually contains a higher quantity of water and other liquids forcing a greater intake of necessary moisture to flush the urinary system.

Read the labels on cat food packaging and take into consideration a few things: Meat and protein sources, grains, vegetable sources and green food (phytonutrients), mineral content, vitamins, etc. One very, very important ingredient to AVOID is any form of chemical preservatives. These preservatives (BHA and BHT) are included to keep the food "preserved" or artificially "fresh"! Do not buy food that does not have an expiration date more than 6 weeks away!

An additional important note is: Meat is generally accepted as a protein source, but when you see deboned meat products listed it is referring to the bony carcass that is scraped to remove all the cartilage and tissue: This is "deboned meat product".

Take the time to compare all the foods you are considering. Be aware that mass producing commercial pet food companies do not have you or your pet's best interests in mind.....the bottom line is their guide.

Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and health. His interests in chemistry, physics and biology have provided him with the curiosity to look for answers beyond the usual methods. His pet website is at: http://NotablePets.smmsite.com/13397

Cat Care Tips - 10 Tips for Cat Lovers

By Kurt Schmitt

Given the differences between humans and felines, it's amazing that we get along the way we do. These cat care tips deal with subjects such as preventing litter box problems and letting your cat act on her instincts. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy your lives together.

1. Lay your hands on your cat often -- some cats just don't like to be picked up no matter what. But, if you can start handling your cat often when she's a kitten, chances are good she'll better accept it later in life. She'll also do better when it comes time to get checked by the vet or have her claws trimmed.

2. Give your kitty an exam -- weekly (or more often) grooming sessions can be used to examine your cat for health issues. Check your cat for ear mites, fleas, and signs of injury, swelling, or pain, swelling, or injury. Examine your cat's gums and teeth, eyes, ears, skin, and extremities for obvious problems.

3. Provide a window seat -- domestic cats love warmth so much that they've been known to singe their fur on hot stoves. Cats love to sunbathe, so set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can have her place in the sun.

4. Make kitty an indoor cat -- following the recommendation from every major cat care organization, keep your cat indoors for better health, safety and a much longer life. Cats can live out a healthy life indoors. They can get the level of exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.

5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her -- no, I'm not saying to let your cat hunt rats. Instead, bring out the hunting instincts in your cat by spreading some treats around the house. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. One of my cats likes it when you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down. Try it.

6. Provide enough litter boxes -- follow the one plus one rule - one box for each cat in the house plus one more. This ensures that there's a fresh, available box to use at any given time. Some cats don't like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.

7. Clean the cat litter box twice a day -- clean the box twice a day and change the litter every few weeks, thoroughly scrubbing the box and disinfecting with bleach when you do. Keeping the box spotless will help prevent any possible cat litter box problems that might arise.

8. Play with your cat often -- dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you'll help lower her risk of diabetes and other diseases. You might get some exercise out of it too.

9. Provide a variety of interesting cat toys -- always leave your cat's favorite toys accessible, but rotate the others to keep it interesting. You should not leave your cat unsupervised while playing with most toys, however, as injury can occur. Also, a shoe lace, belt, or rope, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy. Playing with toys provides exercise for your cat, and fun for both of you.

10. Get your cat a playmate -- every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can't pay attention to your cat, another cat in the house will. A second cat around the house will offer comfort, encourage exercise, and reduce boredom. Bored kitties are candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.

Encouraging your cat to exercise will keep her in shape, and encouraging her instincts will make her a better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social. Keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. In addition, the cat care tips above concerning the litter box will save you some possible headache. Preventing boredom will keep her happy, and keep both of you out of trouble.

For at least 15 more practical cat care tips see Kurt Schmitt's cat lovers website for details.

Cat Arthritis - What Are the Symptoms and How Can You Help Your Pet

By Kate Tilmouth

Arthritis in an elderly cat is as common as it is in an elderly person. Just like humans their cartilage wears out and becomes thin allowing for bones to rub together causing inflammation and pain.

Knowing if your cat has arthritis is something that only a vet can accurately diagnose however there are various symptoms that might lead you to suspect that your cat is feeling their age and a little creaky. It may become noticeable that your cat starts to walk with stiff legs and becomes more and more reluctant to go outside, preferring instead to sleep more and generally be less active. Picking up your cat may also become something that you do less as they tend to cry out as they are lifted, this could be due to pain in their joints.

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis there is unfortunately no cure for the condition, but there are medicines that can be given which will ease the inflammation and pain for your pet. Your vet is likely to prescribe one of the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that are similar to the human drug ibuprofen; as well reducing pain they will also slow the progression of the illness.

As a cat owner it can be difficult for us to see our pets in discomfort and not being able to get around as much as they used to. The desire to want to provide your cat with as much help and support to cope with the arthritis and through their old age is natural and luckily there are a few things that can be done to make your pets life a little more comfortable.

Making sure that your home is cat friendly and that it is easy for your arthritic cat to get around is probably one of the easiest things you can do. Make sure that their bedding is placed on a low surface and that it is easy to climb into. The bed should also be well padded to make it as comfortable for old bones as possible, there are even special orthopaedic cat beds available that help to distribute body weight so that joints are not under any pressure.

Make sure that litter trays do not have high sides, which would be difficult to climb in and out of and place all food, and water bowls on the floor in a safe area where the cat will not be disturbed. Even floor surfaces should be made easy to walk on. Polished floors can be slippery and difficult to walk on with stiff legs; placing mats down in areas where your cat normally spends their time is a good solution.

A cat with arthritis will need special food to meet their dietary needs, which will help support their system to fend off illness and to keep their bones as strong as possible. If possible home prepared cat food is the best option as it allows you to only feed your pet the best food without any of the synthetic preservatives found in commercial food. The types of food which would help your pet are fresh meat, raw vegetables with added pet vitamins and daily supplements, but it is always best to check with your vet to make sure that certain foods are ok to feed to your cat.

If preparing your own homemade cat food is not for you, there are plenty of top quality cat foods available on the market that is suited for the elderly cat. However do check that they do not contain ethoxyquin preservatives, BHA and BHT nitrates, as these over time can be harmful to your arthritic cat.

Keeping your cat as active as possible is also to be encouraged with a cat with arthritis. They will not want to do much and so will require some gentle persuasion on your part. Keeping them active is important for two reasons. Firstly an inactive cat is prone to put weight on which will increase the pressure on their joints. Secondly it will help to keep the joints mobile and not to stiffen too much. Even a very gentle game of chase the string or find the treat once a day may make all the difference for your cats long term mobility and health.

More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site http://www.our-happy-cat.com A feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you. Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth

Why Cats Have Hairballs And The Care Needed To Eliminate Or Reduce Them

By Jay Grey

Cats are notorious for being clean. To achieve their high need to be clean they spend a large part of their everyday life grooming themselves. Grooming is done by licking its fur with a course brush. In this case the brush is their tongue.

A cat's tongue is a rough surface which is comprised of many small bumps that are similar to barbs. The barbs are called papillae that are made of keratin. Keratin is the same material that human fingernails are made of. The barbs are arranged on the tongue and lean backs toward the back of the throat. When your cat rakes its tongue against its fur these barbs are raised and form many backward type hooks. While these hooks are beneficial in combing through the fur it also catches lose hairs which are then swallowed.

Some of this fur is passed through to the intestinal track but most of it can not be ingested by the cat. The main reason cats can not readily pass the fur is because of a lack of fiber in their diet. Cats that suffer from a fiber deficiency will have an accumulation of hair in the back of their throat or stomach. The only recourse a cat has is to expel the hairball by throwing it up. These hairball episodes are preceded with gagging and retching.

The elimination of a hairball should be expected from time to time but if it is a regular occurrence it could be a cause for concern. Cats that have many bouts with hairballs can develop a loss of appetite and become constipated.

Your first course of action should be to cut down on the amount of hair ingested by your kitty. Brushing your cat will remove excessive hair. Short hair cats require 2 to 3 times of grooming per week while daily brushing might be advantageous for a long haired cat.

Increase the amount of fiber your cat receives. There are commercial products as well as natural remedies that can be tried. Specialized cat food and treats are available with the intent of reducing hairball build up. Some owners supplement their cat's food with canned pumpkin. Grass is another form of fiber that can be tried. The grass comes in a variety of types ranging from wheat, rye, and oat. These grasses can be purchased at pet stores. Please do not use lawn grass that has been chemically treated as this can be dangerous to your pet's health.

If your cat is frequently expelling hairballs and is exhibiting a lack of appetite you should consider consulting with your veterinarian. They will be able to determine if you cat is plagued by an under lying illness which needs to be addressed.

The elimination of hairballs may be reduced greatly with a little help from you. It is well worth a try and it will most certainly be a relief to you and your cat.

Jay Grey has owned and cared for his own pet cats for years. He is also owns and runs Cat Care Zone at http://catcarezone.com For a free mini-course about cats delivered directly to your email box visit: http://catcarezone.com/newsletter-home.html

Cat Behavior Problems - A Cat Behavior Training Crash Course

By Jane Newell

As a cat owner, you already know that there is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable furballs we all know. Sometimes your cute cat can be a huge problem to the household too; Scratching furniture, breaking knick-knacks and ornaments, and ruining your stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do.

There are reasons for cat behavior problems and by being aware of these reasons, you can be capable of helping your cat behave. Here are some things about cats which cause behavior problems, together with tips on how to help your cat behave.

1. Cats misbehave when they are bored.

When cats don't have much to do, they have a habit of doing obnoxious things around the house. This may be caused by them looking for attention, or they may just need something to do to get rid of some pent up energy. Whatever the case may be, these behaviors can be solved by setting aside specific time periods for you and your cat to play. Remember not to play immediately after your cat has been misbehaving because your cat will associate its misbehavior with you giving it more attention.

2. Cats are nocturnal animals.

Cats are more active during the night hours because they can do more exciting activities at this time. Knowing that your cat is more active at night, play with your cat and keep her busy in the morning hours. By doing this, your cat will be too exhausted to do things when it is time for you to sleep.

3. Cats misbehave more if they are not spayed or neutered.

You can expect more cat behavior problems when your cat goes into heat. Expect a lot of misbehavior for cats who are confined inside their homes when this happens! Get your cat spayed or neutered to alleviate these types of problems.

4. Cats mistake your reaction to its misbehavior.

Owners usually get upset when their pets misbehave, but they are not real clear in showing their pets that they do not approve of the bad behavior. When owners are not real clear when they reprimand their cats for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them. You must be clear with your reactions to bad behavior. If your cat misbehaves, you need to make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game.

Remember that cats seek rewards and they will avoid punishment. Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when she is misbehaving. By associating punishment with misbehaving, cats learn what behavior is not acceptable.

5. Cats enjoy playing with certain items in your house.

There are certain objects that cats love around the house. It may be a curtain, a pillow, a couch, or any object they take a liking to. The good thing is they hate certain smells too. You can buy a spray with an unpleasant smell on those things to keep cats away.

By being aware of what causes cat behavior problems, owners have more chances to correct these bad habits and behaviors!

Free 10 Day MiniCourse for all cat owners and lovers to help strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Jane has owned cats for over 30 years. She has become an unofficial "cat expert" in her neighborhood and among her circle of friends. She loves to share and exchange information with other cat lovers. For more information on cat ownership, health, and training Visit Jane's Website

Your Cat Is Your Greatest Teacher

By Gary Evans

Have you ever noticed how completely satisfied your pets are? Especially cats. When you give them your full attention, they want for nothing more!

One of my most favorite manifestations to date was manifesting a cat into my life. Because of my landlord's decision, I am not allowed to own any pets, however I put out the request to have a cat because I really love them.

Within a month of having this desire I've manifested a beautiful black and white cat that comes and visits me every now and then. Every so often she will come to my window wanting a little attention.

Since meeting my new 4 footed friend, my own spiritual connection has been greatly increased. My connection to what I call source energy is so much easier because when I'm around this cat I'm finding it easier to become present in the moment.

Why is this? Because our animals are connected to source energy and they allow it into their lives continuously. They do not stop the source energy by holding limiting thoughts and instead they just get on with life and enjoy what life has to offer them.

You can learn so much from a cat by observing their presence.

Cats also have a magical ability to bring you into alignment when you give them your attention. Two things happen when you're giving attention to your cat...

First off, when you pet your cat, you're sending out a vibration of love and appreciation. These are the emotions at the top of the emotional scale and are the feelings you must have within you to manifest more abundance into your life.

Secondly, you're also becoming more present in the moment as you're removing your attention away from your thinking and putting your attention into petting and stroking your cat.

Both of these benefits are MASSIVE. They are the states of consciousness you must get into in order to bring more abundance into your life. You cannot receive things that you want when you feel miserable, but you can and will manifest them when you're in a state of appreciation and feeling love.

So the next time your cat wants a little of your attention, don't see it as a nuisance. Instead see it as a way for you to become more aligned with things you want. Remove your thoughts from the equation and give your attention to that sweet putty cat.

Manifesting Reality Isn't Hard Work After All Get your free report on manifesting miracles right now by visiting: http://www.manifestmiracle.com/free

Recipes for a Cat With Kidney Problems

By Frank Temple-Brown

Sadly the most common form of death in cats is renal failure referred to as CRF (Chronic Renal Failure). Equally sadly most cat owners do not recognise the signs of this disease until it is too late. Lack of this knowledge has a direct link to your cat's longevity. Nearly 75% of kidney damage and loss occurs before the owner notices that something is wrong The purpose of this short article is to expose the link between diet and this disease. The most important lesson is to start your cat on a diet that keeps it healthy for a long and active life with you.

First, lets look at the signs and symptoms:-

1. Weight loss


2. Throwing up food


3. Becoming lethargic


4. Loss of appetite


5. Pulling out large lumps of fur from the coat, plus poor hair coat

Acting strangely as:

1. Seeming not to recognize you, eating litter


2. Increased thirst


3. Frequent urination

This is not an exhaustive list; however it contains the most common signs. Now let's look at what can be done to protect your pet before it is too late.

If you see these symptoms in your cat then clearly you should take it to the vet. Blood and urine samples will be taken for analysis as well as an X ray. This will often show that at least one kidney is enlarged, sometimes greatly. There can also be calcium deposits in both kidneys. Once the blood and urine tests are complete this will invariably determine a diagnosis of CRF. Sadly this condition often results in the cat's death.

In humans there is no cure for this and the treatment is dialysis or if one is lucky a kidney transplant. To do this for a cat would clearly be prohibitively expensive.

That, briefly, is CRF. But here is the real point. What can you do to ensure this does not happen in the first place? To digress for a moment, I was aware that the cats I grew up with lived to a great age, so much so that we felt they were part of the very fabric of the house! Fluffy, a big marmalade cat lived to be 26 and Sooty 28. The reason for their death was given as plain old age by our vet.

Why then, did I loose my first two cats so quickly, one at 7 and the other at 9 years? I seemed to have done everything correctly; from getting them the usual veterinary injections to buying what I thought was good quality food. The more I thought about it the more it hit me that my parents never bought ANY food for their cats. My mother prepared all her own food and fed them a mixture of raw and cooked food. Both thrived on it for a long and noticeably active life. Both cats hunted and returned with the usual "disgusting" mixture of live mice and dead rats! Needless to say, both had to be wormed from time to time. Strangely enough, I have since discovered that these rodents also contain some important ingredients! One of which is taurine, an essential dietary nutrient necessary for a healthy heart, good eyesight and immune system.

When I bought my first cat I, like most cat owners, headed for the pet store and bought the usual commercial brands thinking I was doing the right thing. After all, the cat ate the stuff it liked and left what it did not. There did seem to be a lot of waste, a far cry from my mother's cat food where she had two cats dancing round her feet and climbing up the kitchen units.

The latest research shows that commercial pet food is thought to have serious deficits in its nutritional content. This is often due to destruction by heat in the processing. Animal fats (mostly saturated) are added to make the food taste better along with colouring, preservatives and other chemicals. All this is a far cry from what a cat would eat in the wild. The result of this processed and unnatural food is a build up of toxins in the blood, lymph nodes and tissues of your cat's immune system, making your cat susceptible to disease.

The tide is rapidly turning against MRM (mechanically reclaimed meat) for human consumption. It is now thought that this sort of processed food seriously depletes our natural vitality and immune system. The same is true for cats. "You are what you eat" is a familiar phrase, and your pet is no different. Its natural diet would be raw red meat, bad in large quantities for us, but not for a cat, it processes and uses its food very differently. It is this lack of the correct food which includes raw red meat that can give your pet serious health problems.

In order to be healthy and active your cat needs the nutrients, enzymes and amino acids found in raw meat plus the fat. Without these a cat can develop such problems as skin diseases and problems with its coat. We all know that a dull coat is a sign that your cat is not well.

Back from my digression! Action, I banned commercial food, both wet and dry, and returned to my mother's way of caring for and feeding the cats. I now source and prepare my own cat food. To date our two new cats are both over 20 years old, happy, active and still hunting. My vet's bills are almost zero and I save money by NOT going to the pet store.

If your pet is ill already with renal disease your vet can help prolong its life with medication, and you can help by giving your cat food you can create easily and cheaply!

A renal diet should be designed to limit the intake of sodium and phosphorous. Protein should be high quality and restricted in order to try to decrease the waste products the kidneys have to filter out. The cat should have plenty of fresh water. By giving your cat what it would normally eat in the wild, many of the human-like health problems they suffer can be prevented. Our cats are not couch potatoes, and were never meant to be!

For more information and help please visit us at http://www.catfoodrecipes.com Frank Temple-brown Frank and Anne have lived with, loved and bred cats since they were both kids. Recent revelations of the horrors of the 2007 - 2008 pet food recall led Frank and Anne to totally re-evaluate how they cared for their pets. They now source and prepare all their own cat food. The change in both their cats have been dramatic, their health, energy and sheer vitality changed so much. Check out this site and find out how you can improve your cats life. http://www.catfoodrecipesonline.com

Does Gourmet Cat Food Really Taste Better?

By Derek Rogers

In recent years, there has been a serious surge in the production of so called "premium" or "gourmet" cat food, and people are beginning to wonder if these more expensive brands on the market are actually worth all the hype, and of course the money. These gourmet brands are meant to taste more lavish than the traditional products found in the average supermarket. Gourmet cat food sales are increasing at a very fast rate in an industry that is consistently evolving to produce higher quality products. The question that pet owners need to ask is whether the additional cost of these luxury products is really worth it?

One of the primary reasons why there is such an increase in demand for these products is because consumers are looking for products that are closer to the quality of home prepared foods. Current research is supporting that inferior ingredients in cat food can be detrimental to the health of the cat more and more people are looking for healthier alternatives. Many gourmet brands are touting the ability to provide high quality, natural cat food products based on ingredients that are more wholesome than traditional commercially prepared foods.

Every year we seem to see an increase in cat disease, obesity and other serious issues which can now be rectified to a degree by the healthfulness of gourmet cat food products. Most so-called gourmet products come in smaller packages which tend to discourage over feeding in order to fight obesity. These small packages are attractive both to consumers who are looking for dietary management, and for those who are looking for convenience when feeding their pets.

Many pet food brands, like Purina for example, offer a variety of different types of gourmet cat food these include "Fancy Feast" and "Gourmet Gold" for example. These brands claim to be restaurant quality, and come in a variety of different types and choices. The obvious benefit to the manufacturer is that they can demand a higher price for these luxury products. This is by putting increased care into the design, presentation and manufacturing of the food the company can fetch increased profits. Because consumers know the products are of a higher quality, they are generally willing to pay more.

There seems to be an implied understanding that the higher price means the higher quality when it comes to food products. This is not completely true, because gourmet cat food is not always offering a healthy balanced diet. The more common, discount brands can still create a balanced and healthy diet when mixed with the right ingredients. Cat owners should not assume that the gourmet brands are necessarily better.

Instead, they should consult their veterinarian to appraise which brand and food is ideal for each individual cat's needs. This is the most ideal way to determine which type will best suit your cat's requirements nutritionally. While improved taste may be the greatest feature of many of these products, gourmet cat food does not necessarily mean it contains improved nutrition.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For advice on pet food, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of cat supplies.

Cat Training Made Easy

By Buddy Tripp

"It's like herding cats!"

We've all heard that expression when someone is trying to describe an impossible task. And as a cat owner I certainly could sympathize with it. With my cats I knew I needed to discover a method for cat training made easy. My three cats, Jalepeno, Thai, and Cricket were all feral when I got them. I work at a place where people would often just drop off a litter of kittens in the forest. So my co-workers and I gathered them up, got them neutered and gave them away. Hence the need for cat training made easy.

It's hard enough to get tame cats to behave how you want them to, let alone wild cats. My cats, at first, didn't seem to feel the need to use the litter box when the kitchen rug was fine, or perhaps any convenient house plant. And if you've owned a cat I don't need to tell you the shape my hands and arms were in. But since they go outside I didn't want to de-claw them (which I hate to begin with).

But it's my house not theirs so I realized I needed a good system of cat training made easy- Easy enough for me to understand and simple to put into action. And frankly, my vet wasn't much help. The problem is there is a lot of information about dog training. Dogs are pack animals and always obey the pack leader. If that is you then you're all set. But cats are far more independent. And while they love their people, they seem to be quite content living solitary lives.

What you need to do is "get into" your cat's mind. You have to learn how felines think. While you don't want to inhibit their natural instincts, you DO need to pinpoint the exact reason why your cat is misbehaving and modify her behavior. You too need a good approach to cat training made easy.

Fortunately for us someone came up with just such a method. A wonderful woman by the name of Liz Barton researched cat behavior and came up with a tremendous method for controlling your kitty. She came up with:

• 8 common symptoms of a stressed-out cat


• 7 ways to keep your cat from ruining the furniture


• 2 things that cat's look for in a scratching post

And dozens of other handy tips to make you and your cat's lives a happier one together! I know it's worked for my family and our dear kitties. All I can say is, "Thanks, Liz!"

Buddy Tripp is a husband and father and proud keeper of three peaceful cats. If you are interested in finding out more about Liz Barton's revolutionary method for Cat Training Made Easy just click here: Cat Training Made Easy

Pet Urinary Tract Infections - UTI Solutions

By Bruce Maul

Pets can also contract urinary tract infections, much like humans do. Most likely, cats are more prone to bladder infections than dogs and these could have a debilitating effect on the felines mobility and overall systemic health. If you have previously received treatment for an infection of this sort and endured all the related discomforts, imagine how much more painful this condition would be for a little kitty; to urinate amidst a buildup of crystallized urine passing through its tiny urethra.

At a glance, it would be difficult to determine if poor kitty is suffering from a bladder infection, much less notice the minute urine crystals discharged. Should you suspect a UTI condition, you could buy a urine pH test strip and administer it at home over a sample of your cats urine. Nevertheless, bladder infections can be directly observed through the aberrant actuations of your pet that constitute as symptoms to this disease. Symptoms may appear as gullible as the repeated self-licking of genitals; frequent urination that is more indicative of the infection; and the more obvious symptoms of pain while passing urine and in case cloudy or bloody formations become discernible over urine. Whatever the case may be, these symptoms are telltale signs of a bladder infection that should signal an immediate trip to the veterinarian for immediate consultations. Otherwise risk the complications that would go from a simple loss of appetite, to fevers and acute infections.

It is common practice to administer antibiotics to kill the bacteria-causing infection spawning within the confines of your pets bladder or kidneys. Yet recent medical findings reveal how prolonged use of anti-bacterial drugs can disrupt the delicate balance of your pets immune system in the course of providing relief. When this happens, poor kitty may not fully recover from the infection to instead suffer the ordeal of recurring UTIs throughout its lifetime.

Homeopathy is a fast rising, alternative treatment to synthetic drugs that is proven safe and effective for the treatment of your pets disease, even for prolonged medication. You might want to try herbal remedies such as Berberis Vulgaris with its potent extracts acting as naturally occurring anti-bacterial agents that not only stunt the growth of bacteria but also enhance the immune function. The Arctostaphylos uva ursi is another popular herb used as an antiseptic that is known effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Nowadays, herbal remedies are conveniently available through bottled medications. To obtain the therapeutic benefits contained with the abovementioned herbs, one could try a product such as a PetAlive UTI Free. Makers claim it is safe, free from undue side-effects and completely cures urinary tract infections in both cats and dogs.

Consider clearing your pets bladder infections the natural way and help your cat purr its way back into health.

Bruce Maul is a partner in Goldf Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed, Herbal Remedies and other health related products. Learn more about Herbal Remedies by visiting http://www.myherbalremedystore.com

Taking Care of Your Cat

By Bertie Birchfield

Providing proper veterinary care and regularly grooming your cat are good ways to practice preventative care. Routine grooming, assessing your cat's health and watching for any changes in her condition will help keep her healthy and happy.

Most areas require your cat in a household to be registered. Keep your cat inside your home for their safety. Train them to wear a collar with your cat's name and your telephone number to distinguish your cat from street cats. Identification helps someone to contact you if your cat is lost.

Kitty cats should be neutered or spayed. Female cats come into their first heat cycle between five and seven months. Spaying eliminates the problem of a female attracting male cats. A male cat who is not neutered can spray urine, which has a strong odor. Keep your cat well fed by giving them a balanced diet. Take it to your vet regularly.

Vaccinations should be current.

Scratching & Spraying

Scratching is important for your cat. So don't punish it for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided your cat with a scratching post or the like. If your cat has already scratched something, cover the item with plastic and she will likely turn to the post instead. Try spraying your cat with water from a squirt bottle. If it continues scratching on the furniture then use a firm "no." When your cat scratches the post, reward your cat with a High Five!

Spraying

Males and females spray urine to mark their territory, Males do it more than females.. Get rid of this problem. Just spay or neuter the cat. Marking their territory begins when they feel their territory is threatened, such as bringing a new pet in the house. There also may be some underlying health problems that may be causing this behavior. So see your Vet.

Cats like stability so a social change may have a pronounced effect on their weird ways. Your cat will eventually adapt.

Kitty Cat Food

Your cat's needs will change as it grows from a kitten into an adult. Providing your cat with a good cat food formula for each stage of it's life gives her nutrition that will help her stay fit and healthy.

Kitty Cat Safety

Your cat depends on you to keep it safe. Taking a few simple precautions and being mindful of your cat's needs will help keep her safe .

New Kittens

Bringing home a new kitten can be an exciting experience. Make sure you meet your kitten's needs by feeding her a special formula kitten food for the first year of its life.

http://www.kittycatcare.com Enjoy Bertie Birchfield

What Is Cat Secret Talk?

By Thomas Kellerman

Most of us are familiar with a variety of cat sounds, including meows, hissing, growls and purrs. A meow can mean anything from "I want food" to "will you play with me?" to "hello there". Some cats, such as Siamese cats, are much more vocal than others. No one knows exactly how the purring sound is made but it usually indicates contentment. Hissing and growling usually mean the cat feels threatened or unhappy about something. Cats, especially very young ones, might make these sounds when playing too.

Cats rarely meow when communicating amongst themselves. They use a combination of body language, tail movement, scent and eye contact. When communicating with humans, cats differ their sounds by rhythm, intensity, pitch, tone and volume, so we can take a reasonable guess at what they are trying to say.

Cats sometimes use sounds when communicating with one another too. If a kitten wanders off, the mother cat might meow loudly and clearly to call her offspring back to safety. A cat might hiss or growl if another cat or intrudes on its territory. A cat enjoying some prey it has hunted will also use these sounds to warn off another cat coming too close.

Cat Sense of Smell and Communication

A cat's sense of smell is acute and highly developed. It is used in several ways to facilitate communication. Two cats living together will sniff each other several times a day. This tells the cats where the other has been, what they have been doing, what they have recently eaten and whether they came into contact with another animal. Cats detect pheromones left by other cats, usually when marking territory. If a cat could talk, it might ask these things verbally but a few sniffs tell them everything they need to know.

Cats living together often groom one another. This provides social interaction, removes parasites and keeps the fur clean. A mother cat recognises the scent of her own kittens and grooms them often to provide comfort, keep them clean and encourage bowel movements.

Cat Talk and Hierarchy

Hierarchy amongst cats is determined by the outcomes of social interactions between the cats. Some factors determining hierarchy include gender, the environment, reproductive status, age, size, aggressiveness and submissiveness.

Hierarchy between cats is different to hierarchy between dogs. Dogs are pack animals and exhibit dominant actions, such as growls, stares or body checks. Cats, on the other hand, don't live or hunt in packs. If two or more cats live together, the hierarchy might be present but humans might not recognise the subtle dominance signals and cat secret talk is used to decide hierarchy. One sure-fire way to upset a hierarchy is to introduce a new cat. The newcomer's status is unclear so the other cats will use their secret communication to sort the situation out.

Cat Communication and Territory

Cats are territorial animals. Their territory is usually a combination of places they share with other cats and other places they consider theirs and their alone. A cat marks its territory by urinating, scratching or rubbing its body on an object. Other cats can see these marks as clearly as signposts, telling them which other cat's territory they are in. Cats can detect pheromones in urine or from a place where another cat has rubbed itself.

With so many ways of determining territory, hierarchy and much more, cats hardly need words!

What is Cat Secret Talk?

Most of us are familiar with a variety of cat sounds, including meows, hissing, growls and purrs. A meow can mean anything from "I want food" to "will you play with me?" to "hello there". Some cats, such as Siamese cats, are much more vocal than others. No one knows exactly how the purring sound is made but it usually indicates contentment. Hissing and growling usually mean the cat feels threatened or unhappy about something. Cats, especially very young ones, might make these sounds when playing too.

Cats rarely meow when communicating amongst themselves. They use a combination of body language, tail movement, scent and eye contact. When communicating with humans, cats differ their sounds by rhythm, intensity, pitch, tone and volume, so we can take a reasonable guess at what they are trying to say.

Cats sometimes use sounds when communicating with one another too. If a kitten wanders off, the mother cat might meow loudly and clearly to call her offspring back to safety. A cat might hiss or growl if another cat or intrudes on its territory. A cat enjoying some prey it has hunted will also use these sounds to warn off another cat coming too close.

Cat Sense of Smell and Communication

A cat's sense of smell is acute and highly developed. It is used in several ways to facilitate communication. Two cats living together will sniff each other several times a day. This tells the cats where the other has been, what they have been doing, what they have recently eaten and whether they came into contact with another animal. Cats detect pheromones left by other cats, usually when marking territory. If a cat could talk, it might ask these things verbally but a few sniffs tell them everything they need to know.

Cats living together often groom one another. This provides social interaction, removes parasites and keeps the fur clean. A mother cat recognises the scent of her own kittens and grooms them often to provide comfort, keep them clean and encourage bowel movements.

Cat Talk and Hierarchy

Hierarchy amongst cats is determined by the outcomes of social interactions between the cats. Some factors determining hierarchy include gender, the environment, reproductive status, age, size, aggressiveness and submissiveness.

Hierarchy between cats is different to hierarchy between dogs. Dogs are pack animals and exhibit dominant actions, such as growls, stares or body checks. Cats, on the other hand, don't live or hunt in packs. If two or more cats live together, the hierarchy might be present but humans might not recognise the subtle dominance signals and cat secret talk is used to decide hierarchy. One sure-fire way to upset a hierarchy is to introduce a new cat. The newcomer's status is unclear so the other cats will use their secret communication to sort the situation out.

Cat Communication and Territory

Cats are territorial animals. Their territory is usually a combination of places they share with other cats and other places they consider theirs and their alone. A cat marks its territory by urinating, scratching or rubbing its body on an object. Other cats can see these marks as clearly as signposts, telling them which other cat's territory they are in. Cats can detect pheromones in urine or from a place where another cat has rubbed itself.

With so many ways of determining territory, hierarchy and much more, cats hardly need words!

Thomas Kellerman has been training cats for many years. To find out more about cat secret talk and how they communicate, just visit: http://www.ourcatsecrets.com/cat-chat-how-cats-communicate.html

EZ Cat Care Tip Guide

By Thomas Kellerman

When you are caring for a cat, the most important things are to be patient and loving. Cat care and training are not difficult but there are some basics you should know. Cats are quick learners but require patience from you. Cats respond to praise rather than punishment. If, for example, your cat pees on the floor instead of in the litter box, and you shout and place her in the litter box immediately afterwards, she will view the litter box as punishment and be even less likely to use it. If you reward her with strokes and maybe a cat treat after she successfully uses it, she will learn much faster. In the article below you are bound to find a cat care tip that will help you.

Cat Care Tip 1 - Training

There are surfaces in your house where you don't want kitty to go, such as tables, kitchen counters and, obviously, the kitchen hob. How do you train a cat to stay on the floor? Cats are naturally inquisitive and like to explore every area they can get into. A firm "no" and a loud clap of the hands can work wonders. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle filled with cold water. Spray the cat once while saying "no" loudly. You might need to give her a gentle push in the direction of the floor, so she knows what you are objecting to. If she goes up again, the mere sight of the spray bottle should be enough to make her jump down. Never leave food sitting on the kitchen counters if you are not in the room. Even a cat trained to stay on the floor will have her curiosity piqued by the interesting food smells.

Cat Care Tip 2 - Grooming

Cats are very clean animals and groom themselves every day. They have rough tongues which are ideal for this job. The problem with grooming is that sometimes cats swallow too much loose fur, which can lead to hairballs. Hairballs are uncomfortable for the cat and, in bad cases, might need a removal operation carried out by a veterinarian, which is distressing both for your feline friend and for your wallet! If you have a cat, you will need a cat brush. Even if your cat has short hair, she is still at risk of hairballs. Most cats enjoy being groomed but, if she doesn't seem to, just start off slowly and gently and brush her for a couple of minutes, increasing the time the next day. Grooming is a great bonding experience for you both.

Cat Care Tip 3 - Scratching

Scratching is natural for cats. De-clawing is widely frowned upon, since it causes pain and discomfort and will leave your cat unable to protect herself if she gets outdoors or if another animal enters your home. The easiest way to protect your furniture is to invest in a scratching post. The ideal cat scratching post should be sturdy enough to remain upright when being scratched and coated with coiled rope, carpet or sisal. To encourage your cat to use it, dangle a shoelace from it or rub some catnip on the scratching post. If your cat still seems to prefer the couch, you can clap your hands and say "no" in a firm voice, or place the scratching post in front of the part of your couch the cat scratches. The worst thing to do is pick your cat up and place her paws on the post. This will put her off using it. Sometimes pretending to use it yourself is all the encouragement she will need!

If you follow the above cat care tip guide, you are well on your way to having a happy, loving kitty.

Thomas Kellerman is trained expert in cat care and training. For his free 10 part mini-course or to find more Cat Care Tips please visit the site below. http://www.OurCatSecrets.com

Cat Training Tips

By Steve Kettle

With these cat training tips I hope to destroy the myth that cats are all independent, fickle creatures that just want to be left alone. True, most cats lead a solitary, individual life. But studies have shown that cats are incredibly affectionate and loving by nature...they just need their owners to demonstrate a little leadership and begin some rapport building.

Most cat owners take for granted a cat's ability to learn. After all, a cat will automatically take to the litter box and will clean and preen herself for what seems like hours on end. But, don't underestimate your cat's abilities to learn more advanced things like learning to sit on command, to come when called, to stay or to fetch. Training your cat has another advantage, too! It will enrich her life in the following ways.

-It will build a strong rapport between you and your cat

-The training will underline your authority over her which in turn eliminates dominant behavior

-It will obviously keep your cat's mind active and thus, stimulated

-Training teaches good social skills

-The repetition of training will make anxious and high strung cats become more reassured

So, how do you train a cat?

There are two very popular methods: target training and clicker training.

Target training is where you use a toll to attract your cat's attention and get the desired results. For example, a training wand is held slightly above the cat's head until he looks up and is forced to sit or beg.

Clicker training uses a device that makes a clicking sound. When the cat performs the desired effect, the clicker is sounded at that precise moment. For example, if teaching the cat to sit, as soon as her bottom touches the ground sound the clicker and give her a small treat. With repetition, the cat learns to associate the click with food and recognizes that by "performing" she will get a treat.

Here are a few tips for training your cat.

-Patience, patience, patience. All cats are individuals and will learn at a different pace. She may learn

some tricks quickly while struggling with others. Don't lose your temper if a training session doesn't

go as planned.

-If you leave food out for your cat to eat whenever she wants stop that practise at once. You will want

to use treats during your training to speed up results. This won't work if Miss Kitty has a full tummy!

Plan your training sessions just before a scheduled mealtime. It will sharpen her focus and she will

more readily obey.

-Itty bitty baby steps are best! Build a strong foundation of the basics, like sit, stay and come, before

trying to teach her to give high fives or open a cabinet, etc.

-Remember cats have short attention spans. Keep her sessions short and invigorating. Always try

and end on a positive note.

These tips will get you started with training your cat, If you need guidance, there are a number of cat training manuals and courses available online. While most of the courses tend toward dog training some for cats are quite useful. Your local library may even have a few. Any effort you make will be rewarding for both you and your cat.

Steve Kettle is a freelance writer and publisher of a pet website. You can visit it at http:http://www.pawspawspaws.com

Your Cat And How To Discipline Her

By Ruth Walby

Most days your kitty gives you a special calm and inner peace by showing her love and trust for you when she curls up in your lap and purrs herself to sleep as you gently stroke her body. She makes you laugh as she plays with her toys or speeds through the house.

But there can be those other days...Days she drives you crazy when she scratches your furniture, sneak attacks your ankles, stops using the litter box, knocks over your plants, insists on getting into things and places she's never bothered before or other strange and frustrating behavior you're positive she's doing just to get back at you for some reason. And sometimes you're looking right at her when she does these things!

Your first reaction when any of this happens is to discipline your cat. Let me tell you right now that a cat doesn't respond to discipline in a positive learning way.

First off, grabbing hold of your cat to begin administering the punishment will result in kitty fighting back. She has no idea that she has just done something you didn't like. All she knows is that right now, something bigger than her that has always been kind is holding her against her will. Rubbing your kitty's nose in the piddle she just left will probably get you bit or scratched but will also start a feeling of resentment and mistrust in your cat that may never go away.

A common form of behavior modification many people use on their cats is a squirt bottle. If you are doing this, PLEASE STOP. All you're doing is creating fear and mistrust in your cat that takes you from the "friend" category to the "enemy/predator" category in your cat's mind. You're instilling a fear of water in your cat plus you could accidentally get water in her ear, which can cause other problems entirely.

Your cat needs guidance. You need to teach your cat what behavior you'll accept but temper the lessons with love and patience. You need to begin to understand the basic nature of cats and their instincts. The "why" of their behavior.

An important first step to finding out why kitty is acting like she is is to take her to the vet for a check-up. Once you have the assurance of a clean bill of health, you need to ask yourself what has changed in the home.

The best way to stay in a loving friendship with your cat is to have patience, perseverance. Have you added something new to the house, changed the furniture around, changed cat foods, changed the location of the litter box, changed the litter, added a new pet, added a new baby or had a change in the social situation of the house? There are so many things that can upset kitty that it's going to be like solving a major detective mystery. Start putting all the clues together until the puzzle is finished and the reason revealed. There is always a reason why kitty is acting out. In the end, kitty will thank you for doing this for her instead of giving up.

Research has shown that most pets are given to animal shelters, or worse dumped somewhere; because of common behavior problems their owners didn't want to take the time to fix or didn't know how to solve. Once you understand why your cat is behaving the way she is, you will be able to fix the problems and live peaceably with her again.

Ruth Walby

These links will help you to understand why bad behavior occurs, what you are dealing with, and how to correct it. Remember; never, ever hit an animal for doing something, which to it, is only natural.

Living With The Cat - Chapter 3

By Regine Hehn

If you bought your little new cat from a breeder, they normally already have visit the veterinarian the first time, got their vaccination and anthelminthic therapy. But if you found your little new friend somewhere on the road or if your little friend found you, please take this time and go see the vet.

Unfortunately cats don't drink as much as they should. For females you will not have too many problems, but if your little cat is a male and sure will be castrated one or the other day, you might inform yourself better about the feeding. The industry already observed the great market of dog- and cat-food. But the pellets they sell, are normally too salty for an animal, that doesn't drink that much. The industry uses minerals, artificial smells or pheromones to make the animal some kind of depending to their special food.

For castrated cats this often results in cystoliths, what means, first your little tiger will not be able to pee, than he will feel pain, his blood will be poisoned and he will surely die, if nobody recognizes, what is happening. The operation is everything less, than a pleasure for the animal or for your budged.

If you want to avoid all this trouble, accustom your cat to a well balanced nutrition. Do not only give him dry food. Not even every day! Don't get your cat depending on a special tinned food. Your cat should always eat some fresh fish like sardines, tuna they like too. Give him every week raw meat, like heart of beef, beef tongue or whatever he likes from beef. Once a week he should have a beef liver too. . Of course, there are people who can write a whole book about cat-feeding. You can buy these books, but if you already know the basic things, it will help a lot. I mean a cat doesn't really need a manual, does it.

If you spend every day some twenty minutes playing with your cat, you will become inseparably friends for life. You care about him, he will care about you. I am living with a cat since 25 years; the first was 1 years on my side, wherever I went. My little friend from today is already nine years with me - voluntarily if I may say so. He has the freedom to go where ever he wants to, but he seems to like it, where and how I live. I cannot say what kind of cat-race is the right one for you. I see people with Persian cats, they seem to be very happy. Other love their European shorthair. My little friend is a maine coon and that is, what I am going to talk about.

Regine Hehn is a cats enthusiast and practitioner. She owns and maintains Cat Owner Manual. http://newcatcare.com/what-you-need-to-be-a-cat-owner.html