The Good and Bad of Free Feeding Versus Schedules Feeding of Cat Food

By Paul Kramer

Many people prefer to make dry cat food available so that their cats can eat whenever they want to. Such free feeding works well for many cats and cat owners. For other, schedules meals are more conducive to good health.

For one thing, some cats overeat when give an all you can eat buffet. Garfield is not the only fat cat around. If you have more than one cat, feeding individuals portions on a schedule will enable you to notice if one of them stops eating, which is often the first sign of illness or injury.

With your older cat, it is especially important to know that she is eating properly. If your cats eat different foods, schedules meals are the only way to control who gets what. If your cat is used to being free fed, she may not be amused if you switch to schedules meals.

But no matter what she may think, you are in charge, and she will adjust to eating on schedule in a few days. The night before the first day of the new feeding schedule, pick up your cat's food but leave the water.

The nest day at mealtime, put the food down for about half an hour. If your cat is used to snacking as she pleases all day, she may be hungry and gobble her food. Or she may turn up her nose and walk away, thinking that you made a mistake that has now been corrected.

Whether she eats or not, pick up the food after half an hour unless she is actively eating. Do not give her any more to eat until the next mealtime. If you have more than one cat, separate them during meals, or supervise so that everyone gets their fair share.

An elderly cat in particular may eat more slowly and have trouble keeping another cat from taking her food. It may take your cat a day or two to catch on, but she will. Schedules meals will soon be a normal part of daily life.

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How the Experts Safeguarding Their Treasures From Their Cats

By Paul Kramer

Most cats are not destructive, we only think they are. If he knocks a figurine off a shelf, it is nothing more than playtime for him, but a severe loss to us if it is a priceless heirloom. To safeguard your treasures, try attaching them to the surfaces.

Generally, such things as the table lamp and the curious are kept in the same locations, so fastening them will not ruin your décor, and there are adhesives now available that will not damage the finish on your tables or shelving.

Your cat may engage in unacceptable behavior if you change his routine or leave him alone for a period of time he considers too long. He may ignore you or go about the house unrolling the toilet paper, knocking magazines and knickknacks off every surface, and generally rearranging anything movable if he is really mad at you.

If yours is a working cat on a farm or ranch, he will have to learn to avoid the dangers of livestock and moving vehicles on his own as there is little you can do to help him. Make sure that you keep his vaccinations current and ensure that he has a dry , comfortable place to sleep.

Check with your vet as to what flea preventives are recommended, such as a monthly oral dose or topical treatments. If these are not available, a flea collar may help a little, as will dustings of flea powder on both his body and his bedding.

If your cat is unaltered and goes outdoor, you will need to check him frequently for wounds inflicted by other tomcats. If females have kittens, they should be provided with a secure retreat to protect the young from predators, even their own father may be a threat.

So, if you have an outdoor cat, you should ensure that he is neutered. This will also help to reduce the number of unwanted kittens that are born every year, many of which become feral and pose a threat to wildlife.

An outdoor cat is at risk of flea and worm infestation. You will be fighting a losing battle trying to rid your house of fleas as well, because he will reinfest your home each time he returns.

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How the Experts Feeds Their Feline With Homemade Cat Foods

By Paul Kramer

Some cat owners prefer to prepare the meals they serve their feline friends. If you have time to research, plan, shop, and prepare the food, as well as room to store the ingredients, you may prefer to make your cat's food yourself.

Some homemade diets include cooked meats, vegetables, fruits and grains. Others focus on raw ingredients, including meaty chicken and turkey bones, organ meat (liver, kidney, heart, brain, tongue and tripe), and eggs.

You can add grebe leafy vegetables after running them through a food processor or juicer to break down the cellulose. Some people also add one or more of the following: vegetable oils, brewer's yeast, kelp, apple cider vinegar, fruits, raw honey, dairy products (particularly raw goat milk, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt), and small helpings of grains.

The major attraction to homemade diets, whether raw or cooked, is that you know what your cat is eating because you select and prepare the ingredients. Of course, having to select ingredients and prepare your cat's food is also a drawback because of the time required to shop, make the food and clean up.

Proper handling of ingredients, especially meats, is an essential part of preparing homemade pet food. Raw meat and poultry contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning and may also harbor parasites and their eggs and larvae.

These unwelcome critters may endanger not only your cat and other pets, but also you and your human family, so utensils, containers, and work spaces must be kept scrupulously clean. Many people wear plastic gloves when handling raw meat. Whether or not you do, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

Unlike pet food manufacturer, you do not have a full time staff of nutritionist and researches at your disposal, so if you feed your cat a homemade diet, you will have to spend time learning as much as possible about feline nutrition to ensure that you provide all the nutrients your cat needs.

She does not have to eat a fully balanced diet every day, but over several days she needs to take in the proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. If not, all your work will be in vain.

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

How the Experts Choose Between an Indoor Or an Outdoor Cat

By Paul Kramer

You will need to consider the type of companionship you want from your cat and where you live and your lifestyle before deciding whether yours should be an indoor or an outdoor cat. As a responsible pet owner, you should decide whether you will let your new cat outdoors before you introduce him into your home.

If you live close to busy streets, it is best to keep your cat strictly indoors for his own safety. However, if you have reasonably large yard or live on a farm, you may prefer to allow the cat the freedom to wander indoors or outdoors, as he chooses.

The choice is yours, but there are certain points to consider before making the decision. If your cat is kept strictly indoors, you can place a carpeted shelf on a windowsill and open the window to give him the benefit of fresh air and sunshine through the safety of a screen.

And he can chatter at the birds as they flit by without harming them. Many indoor or outdoor cats are loving companions, although for their own protection, they must retain many of the wild instincts necessary for survival.

Be aware that your indoor or outdoor cat may bring some of these instincts home. Even if he is neutered, he may still mark his territory every time he enters the house. He does this by spraying against a door, a piece of furniture or even your bed.

Outdoor females, whether intact or spayed, may also engage in this behavior and, occasionally, the totally indoor cat may as well. If you have an enclosed yard, your cat may enjoy spending time outside, but keep in mind that he is not totally safe as he can easily wander out of the yard and other cats can wander in.

The dangers your cat may encounter outdoors range from being attacked by neighboring cats or dogs to being stuck by an automobile. An abscess can result from a cat or dog bite, but it may not be visible until the infection has spread via his bloodstream through much of his body.

To learn more about the different types of Indoor And Outdoot Cat And Cheap Pet Meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://callpetmeds.com/Dog_Medications.html 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 Food Recipes - Quick, Easy, Nutritious

By Madeleine Innocent

For years, I thought that the best cat food was bought from the supermarket, in tins, packets and boxes. After all, the labels said things like "scientifically proven" and "recommended by vets" and "low ash", things that seemed to indicate to me the manufacturers knew what they were talking about.

I don't doubt, that you do or perhaps did, feel the same.

It's easier to assume the best if you have high demands on your time. And who hasn't these days?

It was only when I started looking at a more holistic way of treatment, that I began to run into the idea that perhaps commercial pet food wasn't the best way.

After all, the makers of such food are normal people trying to make their business pay. It's tempting to cut corners. And the more corners you cut, the easier it becomes to do more.

Now, you're probably as concerned as I am about the lack of quality in commercial pet food. From the low grade meat, to the meat-by-products, to the high fat, to the synthetic nutrients, to the chemical preservatives. Even the cans aren't safe, with BPA in the lining leaking into the food.

Really, the only way to ensure your family or your pet is getting proper nutrition is to make it yourself, from scratch.

And, of course, just as you and your family want variety, so too does your cat.

So you're looking for some inspiring cat food recipes?

Cat food recipes that are quick to deliver after a hard day's work?

Cat food recipes that are nutritious and balanced to ensure your cat's ongoing good health?

Cat food recipes that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Well, you've come to the right place!

When I adopted the idea of home made cat food I struggled with providing my cats with food they would eat and what was healthy. It took a lot of trial and error, but I got there in the end.

Now I know what the most nutritious cat food is, I know what cats like and I can vary the meals so they get something different every day of the week.

I thought others might like to learn from my experiences, rather than make their own mistakes. Why reinvent the wheel? This other has gone before and ironed out the wrinkles for you!

Cat food recipes must contain the essential meat that cats need, but just by varying one ingredient, you can create a difference that will stimulate your cats appetite.

And it's just so easy!

OK, I admit, it's not quite as easy as opening a can or box. But then, I'm guessing you're looking beyond that, for quality and health enhancing nutrition.

Good quality home made cat food recipes are fun to make, easy to do and ensures your cat's optimum health.

The emphasis is on good quality.

I've read many different cat food recipes which really aren't worth the paper they're written on. It's obvious that the writer hasn't done any research into the dietary requirements of cats.

My cat food recipes are based on what I have researched, but also what holistic veterinarians are saying, as a body. They're saying what really works, what diseases, often serious, melt away with a proper diet, made from good quality home-made cat food recipes.

Enjoy!

Madeleine Innocent has been a homoeopath, a natural health therapist, since 2000. She treats both people and animals and finds that when the diet of her patient is addressed, to one that is more in keeping with natural laws, at the same time as her treatment, enormous strides in the resultant good health are made. To underestimate a good, natural diet is to play Russian roulette with life. http://www.naturallyhealthycats.com

Scottish Fold Cats

By Elsa Albro

Scottish Fold Cats have distinctive folded ears which bend forward to lie against the head. These medium sized, rounded cats have a short neck, large round eyes, sturdy legs and a large fluffy tail.

Characteristics

The coat of a Scottish Fold Cat is medium in length, soft and dense with hair that stands away from the body requiring very little grooming. These cats come in most colors and patterns.

All Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight, unfolded ears that do not begin to crease until about 21 days. Most have just one crease, but due to selective breeding some cats have a double or even triple crease that causes the ear to lie totally flat against the head.

The Scottish Fold body type is medium sized with the males weighing in at 9-13 lbs, and the females weigh between 6-9 lbs. These cats have round contours; their bodies appear round and padded with short muscular legs, their heads are domed at the top, eyes are very round, wide set and large, and their noses are short and rounded.

Temperament

Scottish Fold Cats have a sweet nature and gentle temperament. They are sociable and good with children, but also quiet and self-contained. Due to their reputation as loving companions, they are highly sought after as pets and are somewhat pricey compared to other popular cat breeds.

Brief History

The original Scottish Fold cat was a white, long-haired female cat found in a barn on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland in 1961. She had two kittens born with folded ears, one was adopted by a neighboring farmer and cat-fancier named William Ross. Mr. Ross, working with geneticist Pat Turner, started the Scottish Fold breed of cats. In three years they produced 76 kittens, 42 with creased ears and 34 with straight ears.

It is important to note that Scottish Folds cannot be bred to other Scottish Folds due to the danger of an inherited crippling bone problem. However the gene that causes creased ears is dominant, so Folds can be bred with straight-eared cats.

Due to the fear of ear problems such as infection, mites and deafness, Scottish Folds were not accepted for showing in Great Britain and Europe. Eventually this breed was exported to America where it was established by cross breeding with British and American Shorthairs. And, other than a problem with wax build-up in the ear, the initial concerns of ear mites and infections have proven unfounded.

Care and grooming of Scottish Fold cats ought to be kept up as any other housecat; good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits. For more information of your favorite furry pets visit: lovefatcats.com http://www.lovefatcats.com

Where is My Cat?

By Beverly Boisen

My cat Hermie is missing. I can not figure out why because anytime of the day or night when I call him he usually comes. Usually meowing faintly. We lived in the country on acreage and so there was plenty of places to hunt or to hide if a dog comes in the yard, or chases him up a tree as that has happened a few times. Being an older cat fourteen at that time he was healthy and very alert. Well, at first I thought that the reason he did not come when I called him was because he was to far away and could not hear my voice. So I went about my daily chores. But thinking to myself wondering just he went. So the day passed and my daughter arrived from school. The first thing she said was, where is Hermie?

I replied, I have know idea, he did not come when I called him. She was puzzled too. She threw her books down and ran out the door and I went with her. We went out back and looked around, but did not see him lying in the pile of leaves like he does sometimes. So we took turns calling his name, but after a few minutes, nothing. But we did not give up and between the both of us we kept calling, Hermie. Then we heard a faint cry, both of us just about cried and we knew something was wrong. We kept calling him and the faint cry came closer as we followed the cry, and then the cry was so close and my daughter laid down on the ground and looked under the old shed. There he was, just lying and meowing. My daughter pulled him out and his eyes, gums etc were yellow. She wrapped him in a towel and we brought him to our vet. He said he is near death, and that is what our cats do when they are dying, they go to a quiet place and just die. But it could take a day or maybe more. So he gave him a shot and put him to sleep.

We brought him home and found a place in our flower garden for his resting place. So now when your cat doesn't come home, please do not think that he was poisoned or something. Now you will know. He said, when your cat is dying they find a quiet and safe place to die. It is natures way. This is what I tell anyone who tells me they can not figure out what has happened to their beloved cat. And I know by the look on their faces it calms them when I tell them what happened to me when my fourteen year old cat did not come home letting them know, that nothing bad probably happened. I just wanted to tell anyone who reads this article because as you well know we all have had this happen to us, and if I can just put one persons mind to rest this will make me very happy. This happened 20 years ago and this has stayed with me for all this time. But some good has come out of this because now I share my story with all who are now grieving and you know in your heart, your beloved cat had a great life too.

My name is Beverly Boisen I live in the Adirondacks of New York. I am a graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature. This course has given me the opportunity to write for children, adults or just being able to write professionally. I care about people and their pets therefore writing about experiences I have had and having the knowledge of what I am writing is important for all who takes the time to read. I am a field rep for an holistic pet food company and we care about your pet and you should too. By giving them the nutrition they need Also having the resources is very important. My pet site is MYPRETTYSKIN.COM Also giving a donation to the SPCA is a wonderful way to help animals who may not have a chance for a loving home. I give and it makes me feel very good.

Cat Talk - The Meaning of Mew, Meow and Yeow

By Amy Yang

This is for all you cat owners out there! As cat owners, we all know that cats have a vocabulary all their own and they are good at getting their points across. How many of us have given in to the pleas of a hungry cat demanding to be fed? Or how many of us are greeted with a meow from our kitty pal when we get home? Have you noticed how different those calls are?

I have two cats of my own and they certainly do make sure that they get what they want. I have noticed that they use different calls for different reasons.

The Soft Little Mew

This is my favorite sound. It is just so cute! One of my cats uses this sound to ask a question very nicely. He will bring a toy over to me and set it down right next to me and sit and just give a little 'mew'. It is the cutest thing! Who could resist such a nice and polite request? So I end up tossing the toy a few times.

The Loud MEOW

The loud MEOW when accompanied with a direct stare is a demand. Usually it is around mealtime when they are hungry and they want to be fed NOW!

The Meow-Purr

This sound is characteristic of Maine Coons and is a sound they make when they are feeling good. They are essentially saying, 'Hey, I like you too." It is a meow followed by a purr. It sounds like meowprr. One of my cats is a Maine Coon mix and when I first heard him, I thought something was wrong with his voice and then I thought he just has a raspy voice. But then I did some research and found that the sound is made by all Maine Coons.

The Yeow

Yeow means 'Get off my property!' Or if it is a shrieked Yeow it mean 'OUCH!' In both instances, the cat is under stress.

Cats have a vast vocabulary that extends far beyond these sounds. Once we understand what each sound means, we are in a better position to understand our cats and also to communicate back to them.

Did you enjoy this article? I hope you did. Do you have cats of your own? If you do, I have a blog where I add only the best cat products I have come across. Click the following link to see what products I have rated as the best: http://bestcatcareproducts.blogspot.com/.

Cat Trees - Some Things You Need to Know About Before Getting a Cat

By Jennifer Akre

Thinking about getting a four-legged addition to your family? If you were considering getting a cat, make sure you know what you are getting into before you jump into the ownership of a new animal.

It's important to remember that a cat is a living being. It needs love, attention, and to be treated as a member of the family. So before you decide to take on a cat as your pet, there are a lot of things you need to know about the personality of cats and what they need in order to thrive.

Cats don't train like dogs do.

While a lot of people like to think that cats and dogs are much alike, they really are very different creatures. Sure they both need food, water and love, but after that, they are definitely two very different animals. While dogs will learn all sorts of tricks and thing to do to make you happy, the goal of a cat's life is nothing like that.

Cats are more focused on their needs. While you may want to train your cat to come when called or do tricks, your cat will not do them to please you. That doesn't mean they won't do them, you just have to figure out how to drive them to do what you want. From time to time your cat may do what you want, just because they want to, but that's all.

Cat's need a home base

Cats need a place to call their own. Just like you have your own bed, or may have your special chair, your cat needs its own place to call home. All cats are different, but generally they like small beds they can curl up where they can sleep and feel safe and secure. Some will like a window seat bed so they can enjoy the afternoon sun and seeing what is happening n the yard. Others like to feel as if they are curled up in a den and prefer a dark little bed somewhere in a corner.

Cats like to climb

Cats like the idea of being at the top of the world. In your house this could mean that they are climbing all over your furniture if you don't give them somewhere else to climb and stay up high.

One of the most popular things to give cats is cat furniture. Like, for example, cat trees which are tall structures that give your cats a place to play and climb.

Many cat trees have multiple purposes. They have scratching pads built in so your cat can work its claws. Some have toys that are attached for your cat to play with. Other cat trees have perches on top where your cat can sleep. These cat trees are perfect for most cats because they have the best of both worlds. They are great beds that are far off the ground. This is especially appreciated if you have dogs or small children in the house, as your cat will feel safer off the ground than where the dogs and kids can't torment them. And cat trees provide them with hours of exercise and mental stimulation.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous pet area by using a fun cat tree and soft puppy beds for your furry friend.