Feline Health Tips - Three Easy Steps to Happy Cats

By Tim Whiston

Feline health is all about maintenance. This article will give you three easy steps for keeping your cat(s) happy and healthy on a long-term basis.

Cats are independent creatures in many ways. If you follow a few simple guidelines your feline friends will enjoy maximum health and a very long life.

Use the information below to formulate your own feline health care plan:

Feline Health Tip #1 Choosing The Right Food

It's critical that you feed your cats a high quality food product. You might save money by going with a dollar store brand of cat food, but the end result will be poor health and possible even complications.

A quality food will ensure optimal feline health by providing the proper nutrition. A good product like Science Diet, Iams, or Eukanuba will boost your cat's energy levels, give them a healthy, shiny coat, and support a strong digestive system.

Also, a higher-grade food will not contain the kind of fillers and junk found in low-grade stock. Such byproducts can cause digestion problems and sluggish performance over time.

Feline Health Tip #2 Providing A Cat-Friendly Environment

Feline health experts agree that cats living indoors full time live longer than cats that are allowed to go outside frequently. Obviously felines will encounter far fewer hazards in your home than they would when wandering the streets or countryside.

However, cats love being outside. So you may want to allow some outdoors time if you live a safe distance from a busy road and there are no free-roaming, aggressive dogs in your area.

Even cats that live inside can endanger themselves through their tendency to investigate unsafe areas. Go over your home as if you planned to childproof it to avoid problems that arise form curious felines.

Keep cleaning chemicals and other toxic materials locked away. Cats might be attracted to the sweet smell of cleaning solutions.

Also be sure any heating/cooling ducts are protected with the proper grates to prevent cats from getting stuck in the ductwork. And avoid leaving easy access to standing water in kitchen sinks or bathtubs.

Feline Health Tip #3 Cat Maintenance

It's a good idea to pay close attention to your cat's eyes, mouth, ears, and feet. Look for any liaisons, discharges, or other signs of injury or illness so you can prevent infection or serious complications resulting from their active lifestyle.

And be aware that cats are vulnerable to a whole range of dental, respiratory, and ear/eye complications. By keeping a close watch on any new developments or major behavioral changes you can stop an illness from becoming too serious.

Any changes in eating or drinking habits should be taken seriously. If a cat becomes disinterested in food or water or becomes unable to use the litter box contact your vet without delay.

These three very simple tips can help you keep your cat(s) happy and healthy for a very long time. These wonderful creatures rely on you to keep them healthy and safe, and diligence in this regard is a small price to pay for the companionship they offer.

For more easy, practical tips on keeping your cats in an optimal state of feline health be sure to visit the author's cat health care site now.

Feline Health Tips - Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose a Few Pounds

By Tim Whiston

Feline obesity is a threat to the health and lifespan of your cat. This article will help you work with your cat to lose the needed weight with minimal struggle.

Feline health is, in many ways, common sense. Since cats are mammals like us, many of the same basic premises apply.

When a cat is overweight, he or she is at risk for heart problems, diabetes, and the exact same complications obese humans experience. Good feline health practices for reducing obesity are the same tactics used for people who need to shed a few excess pounds.

Essentially your cat needs to take in fewer calories and get a little more exercise. That's all there is to it unless there is some genetic setback causing the feline obesity.

You might think it's hard to get your cat on a diet and exercise program, but in truth it's quite easy. Where you lead, your feline friend will follow.

The first step is to ask your vet what your cat's target weight should be. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a good range to shoot for with a basic physical exam.

Fewer Calories In Your Cat's Diet

Once you have a target weight goal, you'll need to start by adjusting your cat's caloric intake. Your vet can recommend a good food with fewer calories.

Also you can adjust the current feeding schedule. If you're leaving food in the bowl all day long, start feeding your cat twice a day instead.

Take the bowls up after your cat eats in the morning and set them out again for the evening meal. Again, once the cat has had a good meal, take the food up again until the next morning.

Clearly if you have multiple cats it might not be as easy to manage your obese feline's diet. If you don't want to put all cats on a reduced schedule just find a food with fewer calories and eliminate treats until the target weight is reached.

And certainly stop giving your cat people food! Especially in cases of feline obesity it is counterproductive to share people food with your cat.

Feline Exercise Program

Chance are your cat is already somewhat active. Even cats who "sleep all day" have at least one activity period during the day.

Felines are polyphasic, meaning they have multiple periods of sleep and activity during the day. You may simply be unaware of when your cat is running and playing.

Your job is to get your cat involved in a period of exercise and brisk physical activity for about ten minutes each day. And you can do this by simply playing with him or her.

Drag a string, throw a catnip ball, or do something else to intrigue your cat into motion. Keep him/her running, jumping, and swatting for ten minutes or longer without stopping.

You can use catnip to stimulate your cat if needed. Many felines get a rush from this herb and will become more active for several minutes after rolling in or eating it.

It takes a little focus on your part to correct a feline obesity problem. But you owe it to your cat to put forth the effort on this because after all, you are the parental figure in this relationship.

For more easy, practical tips on keeping your cats in an optimal state of feline health be sure to visit the author's cat health care site now.

Using Flower Essences With Cats

By Nedda Wittels

Are you are trying to integrate a new cat into your feline family? Do your cats fight with each other? Is your new cat grieving its lost human companion who had to go into a nursing home? Flower remedies or essences are helpful in many situations. Choosing the right essences is facilitated by knowing what the animals are thinking and feeling. As an Animal Communicator, I can gather this information and choose appropriate remedies.

Flower remedies are the vibrational patterns of flowers in liquid form. Each flower's unique energy pattern models specific healthy emotional vibrations. When the bio-electrical systems of the animal align with the model, not only may an animal's emotional state and behaviors change, but sometimes even physical illnesses will be helped to resolve.



One client had six cats and had rescued a seventh. When she tried to integrate the new female, the cats fought and there was chaos. A new cat will cause a shifting about of everyone's position in the group dynamic. In this instance, the new cat was fairly dominant. She was unwilling to come into the group at the bottom of the pecking order. The currently dominant cat wasn't about to give up her position. The other five cats had their various relationships and ranks, but now all positions were fluctuating.

First, I explained to each feline what was going on and why the person wanted to keep the new cat. I also gathered information about how each cat felt about the new one and about their individual willingness to cooperate. I talked to the new cat to get her perspective as well. We all brainstormed for solutions that might help smooth out the process.

Then I chose flower essences. While continuing to use Rescue Remedy, I added Walnut to help each cat cope with a major life change; Quaking Grass, to help each cat's vibrations find harmony and flexibility in the group energy; Chicory for the one cat who tended to be jealous and manipulative; and Tiger Lily to reduce aggressive behavior during the shift. In addition, I suggested that the client mist the house twice a day with some Rescue Remedy diluted in water, creating a calming atmosphere. The human agreed not to behave in ways that showed favoritism towards the new cat.

The cats began to settle down quickly once they were on the essences. Over a period of months, the new cat was integrated without anyone getting hurt.

Flower essences start working immediately, yet work gradually and gently. Sometimes behaviors change quickly, but the essences should be given for several months to assure a sustained transformation. Flower essences will not change someone's personality, although they can take the edge off of an extreme behavior.

Another client had a male Abyssinian cat who told me he was "a God" and who was beating up on the female cat in the family, a American Short Hair, because he felt she didn't "worship" him appropriately. His person was astonished. "Does he think my husband and I worship him?" she asked. The Abyssinian answered, "Yes." He said that his people thought he was beautiful; they fed, petted and admired him as much as he wanted. The female cat was sweet, but not very self- confident, especially as the male would swat at her each time she walked past him.

We set this goal: to boost the female's confidence while lowering the male's aggressive tendencies. For the male I chose Vine, for being domineering, inflexible, and a bully, combined with Beech, for intolerance, and Tiger Lily, for aggression. For the female I chose Larch, to build self-confidence, combined with Centaury, for allowing oneself to be bullied. As a result of the essences, the male cat stopped his aggressive behavior while the female no longer ran madly past him. The situation resolved quickly because the right flower essences were used. The male's beliefs about himself did not change; his concern about the female cat and his behaviors towards her did.

Flower essences can be used with most species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are non-invasive and do not conflict with prescribed medications. If you are having a behavioral or emotional problem with an animal and you would like to try a holistic approach, consider using flower essences. With the assistance of an Animal Communicator, you are more likely to hit on just the right combination, with the added benefit of understanding your animals' perspectives. This helps achieve the desired results.

Rev. Nedda Wittels, M.A., M.S., is a telepathic Animal Communicator, Spiritual Counselor, and Shamballa Master/Teacher, offering private sessions in telepathic communication and in healing for humans and animals. She teaches workshops in telepathic communication with all species and in Shamballa Multidimensional Healing. She can be reached at 860.651.5771 and http://www.raysofhealinglight.com

Giving Cats Medicine Made Easy

By Nedda Wittels

My two cats, Violet and Sakkara, are a lesson in contrasts when it comes to taking medication. With Sakkara, a buff colored tabby, all I have to do is offer her a pill and her mouth opens like a baby bird whose parent has just returned to the nest. Violet, my highly opinionated Siamese, cautiously sniffed everything and rejected pills immediately as inedible and possibly poisonous. She also doesn't want me to open her mouth for any reason. Even attempts to admire her teeth are rejected out of paw.

So Violet and I needed a system of giving medicine that would work 100% of the time for her and for me. I had to learn how to give the medicine in a way that made taking it easy for Violet. Violet had to learn to allow me to open her mouth, swallow the medicine, and still be relaxed and in my lap. She also had to teach me what was comfortable for her and to let me know what wasn't working.

Violet is very good at spitting out pills. She is also small, muscular, and strong, and can wriggle around easily in my arms. She is very quick, and there is no way I can chase her and catch her, and even if I could, both of us would end up exhausted, exasperated, and emotionally revved. It was a challenge to find a way to give her medication that wouldn't be traumatic for either of us.

Part of the solution was to use Bach's Rescue Remedy, the well known flower essence formula that reduces stress and trauma. I also decided to desensitize Violet to the process of taking medications. I soon discovered that we needed to develop a rhythm so that all the pills and liquids would be consumed while both of us were still calm and speaking to each other politely.

Anitra Frazier, in her book, "The New Natural Cat," gives some excellent descriptions for medicating cats. This proved to be a good starting place as I began learning to give meds. Today, I can hold either cat in my lap without a towel wrapped around her and give any needed medicine. Here are some basic principles that work for us.

Patience is essential. Decide that you will be patient with yourself and your cat. Leave plenty of time so you don't feel rushed.

Decide that you and your cat are going to LEARN together. Tell your cat why you are giving the medicine and ask for your cat's cooperation. Tell your cat you are learning how to do this and ask your cat to help you learn. Animals can understand you when you say their name and speak clearly, lovingly, and fill in details using mental pictures.

Before you begin giving medication, be lavish with your use of Rescue Remedy. You can't overdose with a flower essence. Take plenty of it yourself. Put it on your cat's lips and nose pad, or even on his paw pads. Do this several times until you both feel the calming effect. It also helps to take some deep relaxing breaths and to open your heart center.

Success depends upon how you define it. I define "success" as a peaceful training session that ends peacefully. While getting medicine into your cat might seem like the highest priority, in the beginning, your highest priority is for you and your cat to have a positive experience. When you succeed in creating a positive experience, subsequent medication sessions will become easier and easier.

Prepare in advance by setting out everything you will use prior to picking up your cat.

When you go to get your cat to begin the session, think about something else - anything else. Cats are telepathic and know what we are thinking. They can move quickly and disappear when they know you have medicine on your mind.

Never chase your cat to catch him to give medicine. You are intelligent enough to come up with ways to make chasing unnecessary. Plan ahead. Trickery is best avoided since cats learn fast and the same trick may not work more than once.

Be firm and gentle with your cat when giving medicine. Do not handle her roughly, but do hold her so that getting away is not a possibility. If your cat gets away, do not chase, but instead try again at a later time.

After giving the medicine, be sure to praise and thank your cat for cooperating. Most sick animals know you are trying to help them and really do try to get the medicine down especially when you've explained why they need it.

When you are finished, do not allow your cat to jump out of your arms. Cats will interpret this as a successful escape, and it is important that they believe that escape is not an option. Instead, gently put your cat down.

As I was writing this article, Violet told me she has some additional comments to share. Since the feline perspective is important here, I suggest you take her advice seriously:

"Pills that are slippery go down more easily. Pills rolled in butter that has been softened to room temperature slip down just fine and taste good, too!

"Cats cannot swallow pills when their mouths are held shut and/or their heads are tilted back.

"Cats cannot swallow and breathe at the same time. We feel like we are choking if you give us too much liquid too quickly or too many pills in a row, and we panic. Please give us time to breathe between swallows and to lick our lips.

"Take frequent breaks. This gives us time to breathe and you can stroke and pet us, which is relaxing. Remember, finding your cat's natural rhythm for swallowing and breathing is important to keeping him calm.

"When you take a break, check to make sure you are still relaxed and not holding your own breath. Make sure your heart center is still open.

"If a pill or liquid has a bad taste, Nedda gives me a few drops of plain water with a clean dropper after I swallow it. This helps wash away the bad taste and I really appreciate it."

For a step-by-step outline for teaching yourself and your cat to work together when you give medicine, please visit my website, http://www.raysofhealinglight.com and read the article, "Teaching Your Cat to Take Medicine." Remember, the basic principles are to be patient and relaxed yourself, take your time, encourage your cat to help you, and find a rhythm that works for both of you. Although you may currently dread having to give pills or liquid medicine to your cats, the time may come when doing so will save your feline's life. In just a few short learning and desensitization sessions you can transform a difficult or seemly impossible experience into a relatively pleasant one for both of you. Rev. Nedda Wittels, M.A., M.S., is a telepathic Animal Communicator and Shamballa Master/Teacher offering private sessions in telepathic communication and in healing for humans and animals. She also offers Spiritual Empowerment Sessions for people awakening to new consciousness. Nedda teaches workshops in telepathic communication with all species and in Shamballa Multidimensional Healing. She can be reached at 860-651-5771 or at http://www.raysofhealinglight.com

10 Ways to Look After Your Cat

By Martin Davis

Cats are very independent creatures, but as their owner they still rely on you to provide them with food, water and a safe place to stay.

1 - Fit your cat with a collar and attached to it details relating to you including your telephone number. This way if your cat does happen to get out and goes missing then the chances of them being returned to you will be greatly improved.

2 - Today you will also find that it is a legal requirement that your cat is actually micro chipped. This is something that your vet needs to do and normally they will inject the small device between the animal's shoulder blades. As well as you having a copy of the identification information this is then entered into a database and so if animal is lost a quick swipe of the animal will tell if it is the one.

3 - Although many cats like to be able to go outside if you live in a built up area it is best if you keep them confined to your home. Ideally look at providing them with plenty of things such as a scratching post so that they don't get bored and start to damage your furniture instead. Plus it is a good idea when you go out to restrict them to one room only in the house (i.e., the kitchen) and make sure that they have everything that they need.

4 - It is important with any pet including cats that they go to the vet regularly not just for checkups but for boosters of their vaccinations. If you are unsure which vet to use, ask a friend, neighbour or a family member if they can recommend someone.

5 - You may not like it but having your cat spayed or neutered is extremely important especially if they are allowed to roam outside. Not only will your cat be a lot healthier but this will help to prevent you ending up with more cats than you wanted.

6 - You need to ensure that you provide your cat with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they have a good continuous supply of fresh water. If you are unsure just what you should be feeding your cat then speak to your vet and they may recommend something for them. Certainly it is best for young cats (kittens) and older cats that they are give food specifically designed for them. A quick search online and you will see there are plenty of products now available suitable for all types of cats no matter their ages.

7 - As mentioned you need to prevent your cats from doing things that you find undesirable. Although you may not believe it but just like dogs a cat can be taught to do things. However, it will take quite a lot of time and effort on your part and certainly you will need lots of patience with your animal if you want to stop such problems from arising such as them jumping up on to kitchen counters or tables.

8 - If you want your cats coat to remain looking good then you need to be regularly grooming them, especially if the cat has long hair. Grooming long haired cats regularly will help to prevent their coats from becoming matted, plus it also helps to remove loose hairs as well. Although short haired coats don't need so much grooming as long haired breeds by brushing them regularly you are stopping them from ingesting the loose hairs when they groom themselves. If they ingest too much hair it can form into hairballs which if they cannot expel can lead to other health issues for your cat.

9 - You may not believe it but it is a good idea to actually spend some time playing with your cat especially if they are kept in the house all the time. It not only helps to stimulate them physically but mentally as well, plus the bond between the two of you will be strengthened.

10 - Finally whenever you spend time with them carry out your own checks. This way if you spot any abnormalities in your pet you can take them immediately to the check to have the problem looked at further. When doing your own checks start at the head and work your way down the body. Check the ears make sure that they are clean and they are not producing any unpleasant odours. Next look at their eyes are these clear and bright and focus on you and check to see if there is any discharge. Then you come to the teeth this may be difficult initially but once you are able to make sure the gums are pink and there hasn't been any build up of tartar on them. Plus you may not want to but see if their breath smells bad. The final thing to do is check their nose for any kind of discharge and when touched it should feel warm and dry.

Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your cat as long as you keep these in mind then you will find that you will have a healthy and happy animal.

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Hand Raising a Kitten - The Story of Ricky Bobby

By Kaitlin Cooper

My family has owned cats for well over 20 years. We were in no way prepared for what our dog, Shamrock, brought home one day. In this huge German Shepard's mouth was a tiny newborn kitten we ended up hand raising.

Shamrock was a sweet, loving dog who took to our 4 cats instantly. We adopted her when she was 2 years old from a shelter. One day she came to us and literally spit out a kitten no more than 3 inches long, with an umbilical cord still attached. We searched for the kitten's mother, but never could find her. There was nothing we could do but try hand raising this kitten ourselves.

Even with tons of cat experience, nothing prepares you for hand raising one. We had no idea what to do, so we researched information on the internet. Through lot of trial and error, we learned what worked best for our kitten whom we named Ricky Bobby.

We researched formula, techniques, and tips to getting him to eat well and grow healthy. The odds of a kitten that young making it were slim to none. Since we had no idea if Ricky Bobby had received vital colostrum from his mother, we were unsure if he had gotten valuable antibodies he needed for a good chance at a healthy life.

There were many times we didn't think this kitten would make it, but here he is 2 years later, healthy and happy. He did suffer an inner ear infection that leaves him permanently crooking his head to the side. He however, runs and plays and acts like any other normal cat. Well, normal may not be the word to use for him! Since he was hand raised he acts more like a human than any other cat we've ever owned. He uses his paws like hand and gets into many more things than a normal cat would dream of.

Hand raising Ricky Bobby was a tough, but awesome experience. He is a very special cat and we will never forget him and his amazing entry into our lives.

Learn more about Ricky Bobby and hand raising kittens by checking out my blog Kitten Care. You can also find many useful articles and tips on kitten care and products.

7 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Kittens

By Kaitlin Cooper

There are some human foods that are highly toxic to cats and kittens. As you may well know, kittens and cats are super curious and can get in quite a lot of trouble. They also have a very slow metabolism, which makes some foods more toxic to them than other pets such as dogs. Make sure to keep the following seven foods away from your kitten.

1. Chocolate. Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but don't know that it is toxic to cats and kittens too. Chocolate contains theobromine which kittens tend to metabolize very slowly. Humans can metabolize it just fine, but in kittens it is toxic and will affect the nervous system.

2. Caffeine/coffee/tea. Caffeine is toxic to cats and kittens and can cause death. It only takes a few teaspoons of caffeine to fatally poison a kitten. be very careful leaving these drinks out where they can get into them.

3. Grapes and Raisins. There is an unknown toxin in these foods that can damage a kitten's kidneys.

4.Macadamia nuts. These nuts also contain a toxin which affects nervous and digestive systems.

5.Mushrooms. These contain a toxin that cause shock and death in kittens.

6. Onions and garlic. These are dangerous raw, cooked or in a powder form .These foods contain sulfoxides which cause anemia by damaging red blood cells.

7. Fat trimmings from meat. This can cause pancreatitis in kittens.

This is by no means a full list of foods that are toxic to cats and kittens. There are also many other harmful materials that your kitten needs to stay away from such as nicotine. Any kind of raw meat or eggs can carry salmonella which is bad for humans and kittens alike. With kittens having a slow metabolism many things are more harmful to them. If you think your kitten has ingested something potentially harmful, please consult your veterinarian

Has a little ball of fur and energy won over your heart like they have mine? Check out my blog Kitten Care for all kinds of information and products for your furry friends. Find some great tips on litter box training and how to raise an orphaned kitten.

Kitten Safety

By Doris J Canova

Cat lovers already know that they enjoying a purring, happy kitten in their lap, more than the company of a cat who just stares at you like you have two heads, but your kittens safety is vary important as well. Kittens love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do this inside is wonderful. Try hiding favorite cat toys, such as a crinkly ball inside a cat tunnel and for even more excitement, try dangling a cat wand at one end when kitten is inside the tunnel. Kittens are naturally attracted to movements and sounds that trigger their instinct to stalk prey. Cats are often most active in the early morning and early evening. Exercise and vigorous playing can help get rid of excess energy and keep your kitten calmer for the remainder of the day. Take time out from your day to spend time playing with your kitten. Kittens don't like sharp sounds like those that come from a squeaky toy. Save the squeaky toys for the dogs and get your cat a catnip mouse instead. Cats are perfectly happy as inside pets so long as you provide them with enough toys and attention. If you're away from home for long period, you might consider having two kittens for company.

Cats will swallow ribbon or string, which will not pass. It will require surgical removal. Tie up traverse rod cords and pleated shade cords; you must keep these out of a reach, for your kitten safety. Cat's teeth, like our own, are susceptible to cavities and tartar so regular oral hygiene is essential to keep them clean. Cats will climb and then try to defy gravity all the time, and we get to enjoy it when gravity wins. They need something tall and sturdy like a scratching post so that they can scratch on it, and not the furniture. Cats are reluctant to use a litter pan that is too close to the cat's food so you must keep them far enough apart. When you get a new kitten or even an older cat go slow, don't rush it. Let your new cat come to you in its own time.

Cats scratch to mark their territory, not to just to sharpen their claws. When your kitten doesn't have the ability to use this marking behavior because you have had them declawed, they may find it necessary to mark their territory with urine and feces instead. Cats are well known for their bed hogging abilities. They can have you clinging to the outer edge of your bed while they are comfortably sprawled out, full length occupying nine tenths of the bed. We know this to be true even in our own household. When the cat takes a nap "don't crowd me" is the command!

For kitten safety, kittens generally do not overeat, so food should be made available at all times. There are automatic cat feeders that keep your kitten's food fresh and water fountains to keep water fresh as well. Always be sure to feed your kitten a good quality kitten food. Cats are carnivorous and they become mature at around seven to eight months old. Before this time their protein requirements are higher and the protein should be of animal origin. If you have children, the litter pan will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but the kitten can have access easily.

Cats can teach child compassion and caring, and provide companionship. However, before you bring a kitten or even an older cat into your home, consider your lifestyle and expectations. Then go out and choose the pet accordingly. A kitten will be a wonderful and amazing pet, and bring hours of delight for the children, as well as the adults.

Grooming your kitten encourages a healthy shine on his fur and keeps him looking sleek and healthy. As with all good habits, it's sensible to establish good grooming early on, so it becomes a normal part of your kitten's life. Groom them regularly for your kitten safety please follow your vet's instructions carefully when it comes to worming and other treatments.

For your kitten safety anything found on the floor becomes a toy, so keep floor areas clear of things that may hurt them or that they can swallow. You may want to have a yard stick so that when she bats it away you will be able to retrieve your lost items from under the refrigerator, stove, and furniture. Special note: don't know why, but anything that can be pushed off a flat smooth surface probably will be, so place your breakables high up where kitty can't get them or in a closed cabinet or closet. Remember these guys just love a challenge!

You're vet is always ready to answer any questions about caring of your kitten safety. Please feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time. Remember it is the behavior you dislike, not the cat, so don't simply rush to give your cat up for adoption if they are being troublesome to you. Most aggressive problems in cats have very simple fixes that with a little time and energy can help your cat be the sweet, lovable pet you want.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Best House Cat Care Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com

Introducing a New Cat Part 2

By Doris J Canova

The next stage to introducing a new cat into your home is to permit the cats to spend time together. Carefully supervise their reaction toward each other. It is good to bring the cats together when they are likely to be relatively calm, such as after a meal or a strenuous play session. Keep a squirt bottle handy in case the cats begin to fight. As the cats become more familiar with each other, allow for longer periods of time together.

Be sure to consider the layout of your home. Some cats like to sit up high, on shelves and on kitty condo perches. A frightened cat will want to hide inside, under, and behind things, so make sure there are hiding places. Keep feeders, water bowls, and litter pans out in the open so the cats do not feel trapped when accessing these areas.

This two-week acclamation period should prove to be an advantage for both cats. It will help the older cat get use used to the idea of having another cat on its turf while the new cat will be busy adjusting to the new home. Since a new home often means a different feeder and litter pan as well as new routines and environments, starting off in a small, cozy space will help keep stress level to a minimum. It's important the new cat have its own litter pan and bowls so that sharing food or illness won't an issue. If the new cat were to come down with an upper respiratory infection, as some feline adoptees do, they won't be sneezing on the other cat or sharing germs via a communal water bowl.

Things have proceeded well. Both cats are eating normally and appear playfully curious about the other. And so comes the day for their first meeting. After feeding the cats and trimming their nails, as with children there comes a time when you leave the room. Leaving the door ajar, we know that it will be up to the two of them to take the next step. Aware that a little hissing, swatting and chasing is to be expected, you will have to step in only if World War III were to start.

Thanks to your careful selection and a slow, cautious introductory period, no one gets hurt and that a little patience, and a lot of love is all that is needed. With love and understanding, they will be playfully chasing each other around the house and napping in a shared patch of afternoon sunlight. Their well planned introduction should result in perfect harmony between the two of them.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Best House Cat Care Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com.

Feline Anxiety and Stress

By Doris J Canova

Cats want to do today what they did yesterday and plan to do tomorrow what they did today. Cats in particular, it seems do not want to have anything to do with change in their environment or even any type of confusion. When their normal surroundings are piled high with everything that was once in another room, they sometimes decide to spray on those things to lower their sweet little feline anxiety/anxiety levels.

Cats like to know when and were their human mom and dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job with late night hours, or work real early in the morning, this can drastically change your household routine and lifestyle and your cat may develop feline anxiety/stress because of it.

Feline anxiety and stress seems to be worse in indoor cats, presumably as a result of their smaller living space. In single cat households, the presence of neighbor's cats in built up areas may act as a stress factor. Cat Toys will teach you how to take care of your cat's exercise needs which is important for many reasons including relieving stress.

When the feline anxiety and stress level continually increases, at some point there will be a behavioral response from that cat. Once the cat has shown a behavioral response, the stress response starts to decline. Stress responses occur in response to both 'good' and 'bad' changes in the cat's environment. As a cat owner, you should know that urine marking (as one possible behavioral response) is highly motivated and that this is just a normal behavior that can be brought on by feline anxiety and stress. It should be noted that it is not unusual for a cat to have a medical problem when the behavior history says that it is only a behavioral problem. For instance, blood tests may be necessary to determine if a medical problem, such as kidney disease, is contributing to the spraying.

Other signs of feline anxiety and stress you may see are excessive grooming or biting at the tail or back. Control is best achieved by decreasing the motivation to perform the behavior. The cat environment of today has been changed considerably over the many years since they have been domesticated and they have adapted by changing a great deal of their instinctive behavior. It should be noted that wild cats avoid humans totally, and that true wild cats cannot be tamed just by raising them in a human household.

There are many causes of feline anxiety and stress and it varies from cat to cat. If you observe your cat closely and try to keep changes in their life and surroundings to a minimum, there should not be a problem.

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun. Best House Cat Care Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy http://www.besthousecatcare.com.