How Do I Eliminate Cat Odor From My Small Apartment?

By Katherin Towers

Although kitty is a very clean animal, he can still produce a very distinctive odor, especially in a small apartment. The cat odor emanating from your apartment can lead to complaints from your neighbors, not to mention your significant other if he or she is not a cat lover. In addition, if you move out, you may be required to get rid of the cat odor.

Much of the distinctive cat odor comes from cat urine, cat spray and cat poop. Cat spraying (watch their distinctive posture: they stand straight up and lift their bottoms high in the air to spray a mixture of urine and pheromones) is both the easiest and hardest cat problem to fix. Easiest because neutering kitty will largely prevent the problem. Hardest because trying to discover why your neutered cat decides to suddenly start spraying is an exercise in frustration that can have you pulling your hair out.

The stink from cat poop is pretty easy to deal with. The first thing to do is ask your vet to recommend the best cat food for kitty. Different breeds have different needs, and not all brands of cat food are available where you stay. Feed kitty right, and he will poop less, and what comes out will also be less smelly and easier to clean up.

Litter training your cat will help to cut down on the stink from both cat urine and cat poop. Use the best cat litter and it will absorb the smell when kitty does his business in the litter box. Based on reviews from Amazon customers, Odor Lockers Fresh Scent Clumping Cat Litter and Fresh Step Premium Scoopable Clumping Cat Litter are the best at controlling cat urine odor. While some cats don't like them, using a covered litter box can further reduce the odors from your cat.

Of course, you need to scoop both the poop and pee daily, as well as replace the litter weekly. For some cat owners, this work can quickly turn into a chore. If you feel this way, try an automatic cat litter box. Most cats do not like automatic litter boxes, but if kitty takes a shine to it, your life will become much simpler. These litter boxes will detect when he has done his business, and rake or scoop up the poop and pee into a separate compartment for easier disposal. Many of them claim to be able to last up to one month without the need to replace the litter. Downside is that the litter comes in its own cartridge and is more expensive.

You may also find it helpful to put some kind of odor remover near the cat litter box. Use something based on carbon or activated charcoal. Some cat owners find that the stuff made to get rid of fridge odors also work well for cat odor.

Even when kitty is litter trained, accidents can still happen. In such cases, you need an enzymatic cleaner to really get rid of the cat urine odor. A regular cleaner just isn't enough. While it will remove the stain, an odor that will attract your cat to pee in the same spot will still remain. An enzymatic cleaner which is often recommended is Nature's Miracle, although any other enzyme cleaner formulated for cat urine will do as well.

These enzyme cleaners are not as cheap as regular cleaners, so you may not want to use it everywhere. If you turn on a blacklight (or ultra violet lamp) in the dark, it will illuminate all the spots stained by cat urine. This will help you do a more effective spot cleaning.

If you have carpets, remember to clean not only the carpet, but both the backing and the floor underneath the carpet. Don't forget the air vents either. Even though kitty does not pee or spray there, the smell from the rest of the apartment can still soak in there.

Removing or preventing cat odor can be a chore, but is not rocket science. Follow the tips above to prevent trouble from the other members of your family or neighbors.

Do you have a problem with cat odor in your small apartment? Visit http://cattraining.kelvinmart.com/ to learn more about cat behavior problems and how to eliminate cat odor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katherin_Towers

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Best Gifts For Cats Made Easy

Do you have a gift list that includes a true cat lover? If so, you're in luck! Buying for a cat lover is more simple than ever, particularly with the selection and specialty items available online. Before you select the first kitty-themed item, pause to consider the following idea. The best gifts for cat lovers are unique and specific to their cat.

Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, think of the following:

What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient favor or have? Many potential offerings to cat lovers are also breed specific. If possible, buy a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite pussy cat.

If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out the cat's gender. Many cat-themed gifts are gender-specific, so you should ask what sex your recipient's cat is.

Does your recipient like to dress up your cat? If you are getting a gift for someone who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of things to wear, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier. Don't assume that the friend dresses their cat, however.

Now that you've taken a few moments to think of your recipient's cat, here are the top 6 gifts that any cat lover would be pleased to be given.

1. A cat-themed picture frame. What better way to communicate your love for your pet than putting the pet's picture on display? People looking for gifts for cat lovers would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to show their beloved pet. You may care to ensure your intended recipient doesn't already own a lot of cat picture frames. This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it is not uncommon for avid cat lovers to possess more than one cat picture frame.

2. Cat-themed jewelry. It may be common to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry. Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a nice piece of jewelry. If you have a close friend who you think would enjoy this type of offering, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to offerings for cat lovers that carry a wonderful selection of cat-related jewelry. For an even more personal effect, you can also have these type of gifts inscribed with a message as well.

3. Cat-related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books. Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully-designed calendars are available for purchase. The selection can be incredible with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented. This is an outstanding choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, typically if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed. If you want to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient. Another great choice is to locate a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.

Gifts for cat lovers may include a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like. Consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book. Most cat lovers will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.

4. Cat themed clothes and coffee mugs. Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters. You can often find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.

5. A work of kitty art. Cat lovers abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related. For the true cat lover, a lovely cat sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift. You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art. For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to paint a portrait of your friend's cat!

6. A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine! For people looking for gifts for cat lovers, the die-hard cat fanatic will love a subscription to a cat themed magazine. If you can't get cat-related magazines at your local newsstand, go to your local pet supplies store. You'll see other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can enjoy to be receiving for many issues to come.

For more info, see Best Gifts For Cats and The Best Gifts For Cats. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Cat Fanciers.

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The Cat - An Ultimate Athlete!

By Audrey Frederick

We all are aware that cats can move and move rather swiftly. We know that they are considered cunning and great hunters, but what most of us do not know is why are they can move so easily.

As a life long cat lover and the caregiver of many (notice I did not say owner) I decided to do some research on the agility of the cat and thought maybe you would like to know what I found out.

With the information found researching the Internet and articles I have found in various veterinary journals, I have learned how a cats moves.

If you were to ask Mother Nature, who is the most athletic animal in the world, she would answer, "the cat." Biologists say cats have not changed in the last 10 million years. Big cats and little cats all move the same. Their agility and flexibility is almost identical. All cats do the same pouncing, stalking low to the ground and running at top speed to catch their prey. It is an inborn trait that has never changed.

Compared to humans and dogs, cats are superior athletes. Not only can they move in ways we cannot imagine, the neurological transmission of signals to the brain and back to the body are faster than that of a dog, this gives them a faster responsive time in order to catch their prey.

All cats have 7 cervical vertebrae like almost all mammals, 13 thoracic vertebrae (humans have only 12), 7 lumbar vertebrae (humans have 5), 3 sacral vertebrae like most mammals (humans have 5 because of our upright nature.) Cats also have (except for the Manx and Bobtail) 22 or 23 caudal vertebrae (humans have 3 t0 5 fused into an internal coccyx.)

The extra lumbar and thoracic vertebrae take into account the cat's great spinal ability and flexibility. The caudal vertebrae form the tail of the cat and are used as a counterbalance to the body during quick movements.

Cats also have free-floating clavicle bones, which allows them to pass their bodies through any space into which they can fit their heads.

Interestingly enough, the tail of a cat acts like a rudder and in moments of speed and turning will move to the opposite side of the turn in order to keep the cat balanced. Cats without tails have trouble with balance.

The tail is also used as sort of a decoy, when a cat is hunting a bird. You may have seen the tip of a cat's tail moving back and forth, and thought it was from the excitement of the chase. It really is a type of ploy, to keep the bird interested in the movement of the tail, so it does not notice the cat.

Birds do not like snakes, but birds need to eat a lot of food and many birds when seeing a snake will keep an eye on it. Since the tail does resemble a snake, (with a little stretch of our imagination,) the bird keeps eating and our friend the cat sneaks up on it unnoticed.

Cats have unique shoulder blades (the scapulas); they are connected to the cat's forearms in such a way that the cat can crouch low to the ground for long periods of time. This ability to crouch down aids the cat in catching its prey.

Cats also have collar bones, (the clavicles) which are considered to be free-floating and allow the cat to move its body into any space it can fit their heads. Our clavicles are fixed and a dog only has what can be called a remnant of one, however a dog can also fit into tight spaces.

Cats have such powerful hind leg muscle power that even the strongest of humans could not compete with a cat when it comes to jumping. The front legs are equally powerful and cats can rotate their legs back and forth at a much greater range than most mammals.

Cats and dogs walk directly on their toes, with the bones of their feet making up the lower part of their leg. Cats also walk very precisely, like all other felines; domestic cats walk with what is known as a direct register. They walk by placing each hind paw almost directly in the print of the corresponding forepaw. This minimizes noise, visible tracks and provides sure footing for the hind paws, when cats navigate rough terrain.

All cats have retractable claws with the exception of cheetahs, which allows them to silently stalk their prey, you may have also noticed that cats have a protrusion on their front paws, often called the "sixth finger." This 'sixth finger" is the carpal pad which is located on the inside of the front "wrists" and it does not function in normal cat walking, but it is thought to be an anti-skidding devise used while jumping.

Cats can voluntarily extend their claws on one or more paws at a time; most of the time cats keep their claws sheathed with skin and fur around their toe pads. This keeps the claws sharp by not wearing them down by walking around and allow silent stalking of prey. Some think cats are ambidextrous and can use either paw, some cats however favor their left paw, which is controlled by the right side of the brain and controls movement and also shows that your cat is highly intuitive.

Cats have rather loose skin, which allow them to turn and confront an enemy even when it has a grip on them.

A cat's senses are attuned to hunting; they have a highly advanced state of hearing, great eyesight and touch receptors (whiskers) which make them great hunters. Whiskers help a cat with both balance and determining the width of a space. The whiskers help a cat feel its way around, especially at night. These whiskers act like tiny fingers transmitting information to the brain, they are an important part of a cat's awareness of its body and motion in space.

However, as athletic as cat is, it can suffer injuries. A cat has the natural ability to right itself during a fall, so that it lands on its feet. A complex organ in the inner ear, which determines a specific sequence of events, governs this ability.

In simple terms, this organ sends a message to the brain about the position of a cat's head in relation to the ground. In fractions of seconds, the brain commands the head to change position, in order to protect it. When the head is level, the cat flips the top half of its body around to face the ground, then flips the rear and uses its tail to adjust for any over balance. The cat lands on the ground with all four feet and its back arched to cushion the impact.

A cat can do this whole sequence from a distance as short as one foot and it takes a total of 1.8 seconds to accomplish it. Experts say a cat can survive a fall of more than 60 feet. All I can say to that is "wow."

In case you are wondering how does a cat know how high to jump. We have a six-foot privacy fence around our back yard and when our cats want to go out front they generally jump to the top of the fence and then jump down. I am always amazed to see them do this in one quick leap. Apparently this is a rare ability in the animal kingdom. A cat's face is flat between the eyes, so that both eyes can easily work together, it is because of this, that the cat can visually judge distances with remarkable accuracy. The cat can actually see three-dimensionally and focus more sharply. Amazing is it not?

Cats generally stay active for a good many years of their lives, the only thing that can impede their normal flexibility and balance are injuries and arthritis. Sometimes we are not aware that our cats have been injured and it is during their later years that these pre-existing conditions show up. Arthritis of course, can show up any time.

Cats are secretive about how they feel and you need to be alert in order to notice any changes in your little athlete's movements or behaviors. Some things you should be aware of are:

• Excessive licking over the hip area, which may indicate pain
  
• Not wanting to jump anymore on the couch or bed
  
• A change in gait, walking a little strangely
  
• Crying out when being picked up
  
• Lack of interest in playing or doing other things it liked to do.

Many of these symptoms are treatable and you should take your cat to the vet should you notice anything different about its behavior.

The reason cats do not like to let you know they hurt, is that it is ingrained in their brain, as a protection against predators and is something they have never forgot. So it is up to us to be more aware of our cat's actions.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Frederick

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How to Find Your Missing Cat

By Larry Chamberlain

Has kitty taken an extended holiday?

Okay, your cat is missing. Naturally you are worried and want to find your pet as soon as you can. Keep in mind that cats do not usually leave home and most often a missing cat is found, but it is best to start your search as soon as you realize that your cat is not around.

Before you search the outside world make certain that your cat is not inside your home. Have you checked everywhere? The basement, loft space, that spare bedroom that never gets used, your shed and garage? How about closets? In the refrigerator, yes cats can become shut in refrigerators, you open the door to take something out and without you noticing your cat slips in. Check also your washing machine, dryer, anywhere at all that your cat could have slipped into.

Alright, you are certain that your cat is not on your property. Is your cat an "indoor" cat that has somehow got out? Then your pet is not likely to be far, sure she or he will be curious about all the new sights and smells and will likely take time to sample them.

On the other hand your pet could have been threatened and chased by a dog, another cat or some other animal. Search the area around your home. Look in neighbors sheds and garages, ask permission of course, and ask your neighbors to help you search.

Don't forget to look up! Cats that are being chased tend to bolt up trees. They are extremely good at climbing up, you know this from your cat climbing your drapes, but because of the way they are designed, they are not so good at climbing down.

So there is your missing cat high in the branches, the threat has gone but your cat can't climb down. Sure she may cry out, but maybe not. So look up trees just in case.

Look also in any small space that your cat could possibly squeeze into, and cats can squeeze into some very small spaces to get away from an attacker. Again don't assume that your cat will cry out, even if you are calling her name. She may be very frightened and confused and prefer to stay where she is safe if she thinks that the whole world is her enemy, so you have to look, using a flashlight will help.

If your cat is an unaltered tomcat then he could have roamed a long ways off in pursuit of doing what comes naturally. He won't come home until he has had his way, and sorry to say, as an un-neutered tom will think nothing of dashing across busy highways to get what he wants, there is the possibility he won't make it home. This is only one of the many good reasons to have your cat, male or female, neutered.

If you are satisfied that your missing cat is nowhere close to your home you will need to widen your search. Enlist help. Also ask people who are regularly in the area, mail carriers, people who walk their dog, moms taking kids to school, if they have seen your cat.

Cats are often more active at night so that may be a good time for a search even in the places you've searched in the day. But don't search alone at night.

Post flyers around the area that your pet was lost in, these can be very successful. Include a photograph of your missing cat and some information, but withhold some. Give your phone number but not your address. If you offer a reward do not state how much on the flyer. Don't forget to regularly check that the flyers are still in place.

Why should you withhold some information? Because unfortunately there are lowlife that will claim to have found your cat, when they have not, for a chance of the finders reward. Never hand over reward money before you have your pet back safe and sound.

Check with cat rescue centers and shelters. Don't wait to do this as many shelters are so overwhelmed with stray and feral cats that they can't keep them long. Your cat may have been wearing identification, but tags, and indeed the collar itself can come off. Don't just phone the shelters, visit them, your cat may be hard to identify from a description given over the phone.

Check with all local veterinarians too. It just might be that your missing cat has been injured and taken to a veterinarian's office. You will also need to contact the highway department or any other agency that deals with road kills. It would be better to know if the worst has happened.

Have you, or any of your neighbors, had anything delivered to, or collected from, the home recently? It is not unknown for cats to investigate delivery vehicles and get taken away. Check with the delivery company just to make sure.

When you have searched everywhere for your missing cat, search everywhere again. Remember that, although sadly some cats are lost forever, most often a missing cat is found. But you must not give up hope too soon and keep searching. Likely your cat will be back with you before you know it.

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

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Toilet Training Cats - How To Toilet Train Your Cat And Why It Will Save You Time And Money

By NJ Brighton

Toilet training cats is one of the best ways to save time, money and years of frustration. Many people look to toilet train their cats because it's a very cool thing to show off to friends and family about. However...

The real reasons people are toilet training cats are far more beneficial. So, here's how and why you should be toilet training your cat as soon as possible...

According to a recent survey by Arm & Hammer(R), 88 Percent of cat owners are concerned with their cat's litter box and overall maintenance.

From this insight alone, it is no wonder people are interested in toilet training cats; as cat litter will continue to cost pet owners an increasing amount of money. Not to mention the hassle of constant maintenance keeping the litter tray fresh and clean.

According to this same survey, there is a clear message that cat owners are more concerned than ever about their cat's litter box cleanliness and odour.

The survey also demonstrates that 69 percent of cat owners report that litter box odor is one of the worst things about owning a cat. In fact, many go to great lengths to mask odor with 45 percent having used room deodorizers or air fresheners to hide litter box odor. A further 44 percent are overly concerned about how the foul smell of cat litter affects their hygiene and comfort levels within their own homes.

Since smelly litter boxes can be a source of major embarrassment for all cat owners, some have taken to hiding away the litter box to avoid these situations.

-- One-quarter of cat owners place their cat's litter box in the bathroom.

-- 23 percent of owners stick the litter box in the basement.

-- 8 percent go so far as to hide the litter box in the closet!

Despite their best efforts, one in five cat owners report that they've been embarrassed in front of guests because of their cat's litter box odor. The days of hiding the litter box are over, because Odor Alert contains six times more baking soda.

You're probably reading this because you're looking to avoid these common cat litter problems via toilet training your own cat [http://trustusreviews.com/cattoilettraining]. That's a great idea, and you should consider getting your cat toilet trained as soon as possible to save these common hassles, costs and discomforts.

However, toilet training cats is not easy. In fact, without the right guidance, it might not ever happen. To begin with, you should consider the following...

1. The age of your cat.

Although toilet training cats is applicable to any aged cat, it is more effective to toilet train a cat that is still relatively young. Kittens are the most receptive, able to learn easily and fast. Cats in the one- to three-year range are still pretty young, though. At that point I wouldn't worry much about the age factor at all; if your cats are generally bright and sociable, you should make out okay.

2. The number of cats you have

Usually, there is only one cat in question. However, it is also possible that you wish to toilet train many cats at once. If this is the case, you must consider which one to reprimand if there is a mess up. Confinement is a good idea but not always practical. Also, if all cats are being trained simultaneously, it can be difficult to monitor and keep tabs on their progress. Howevever, with the right cat toilet training guide, you can easily avoid such problems.

3. Balancing issues

Although I can't help smile with empathy and "awww, bless" like feeling when I hear stories of young kittens or "dizzy" cats who fall into the toilet or bath, I would say that a cat with particularly poor balance should be monitored and possibly avoided from toilet training. However, it certainly wouldn't do any harm to try and see how you get on. In most cases, cats have exceptional balance, co-ordination and lightening fast reactions, so this shouldn't really be an issues for the majority of people.

After you're ready to get started, I can't recommend a specialist cat toilet training guide [http://www.trustusreviews.com/cattoilettraining] enough. Don't opt for the general cat behaviour guides as you might be wasting time and money with something you probably don't need right now.

Toilet training cats is tough without full instructions, as cats are naturally prone to "do as they please" and certainly won't see the huge benefits of using a toilet as you would!

Toilet training cats can actually be very simple and quick to master. All it takes is some expert cat training knowledge on your side, and soon you'll be competing for the porcelain throne before work each day! However, you DO NOT need to waste time learning the secrets of the expert cat trainers...

Check out [http://trustusreviews.com/cattoilettraining] and you'll see the exact same cat toilet training program that I used to have my cat king of the toilet in less than a week (and no, I am not an expert cat trainer).

I'm NOT kidding, if you don't believe cat toilet training is possible, check out the video whilst you're there. You'll be amazed at what you can get a cat to do!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NJ_Brighton

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Are Your Cats Playing or Fighting?

With multi, cats can play rough. Outdoor cats that stay outside or can go outside will also play rough with other cats. Biting your ankles or arms can be play for your cat. Cats that have extra energy to play and have difficulty finding ways to release their energy can be a very playful cat.

What is the difference in playing and fighting with the cats?

Cats that are not familiar with each other can be fighting and not playing. Dominant of one cat to another, screaming, hissing continuously during what looks like the playing are signs of fighting. In addition, if a cat gets hurt, this is a signs cats are not playing. This is a sign of your cats are really fighting. This is important to learn and get additional information about especially if your cat is an outdoors cat and encounters another cat. You will be able to tell if fighting or playing is going on. Leaving your cat outside and not know the playing for fighting can have effects on your cat's behaviors and stability for going outside again.

Distraction is the best way to separate fighting cats. With any type of interfering can cause pain to both you and the cats. Make a loud noise, firm voice, cats do not like loud noises this is a good way. Have spray bottles handy to use. Cats do not like to be sprayed with water and this will stop them. Once they have stop immediately separate the cats with close doors so they are not able to see each other. This aggression will need to be dealt with carefully. Allowing cats to continue to fight will end up with a cat being hurt and with fighting; this could cause diseases in the cats. This will become expensive with having to take the cat to the veterinarian for medication and some time stays at the vets for care and treatment.

Cat play is a natural for a cat and you should not interfere with the playing. Exposing other actives for the cats can help with the playing, when the playing seem to get to intense. Have plenty of toys for the cats to play with, their own scratch post, or their own area to play in.

With multi cats in a home, you will want to create an environment for each cat to have a place to feel comfortable. Some cats are able to adapt to other cats in the home and share. With different breeds and natures of the cat, will also depend on the cats being able to share one area. There are cat breeds that are just naturally a single pet and will not fit in the home with the presents of other cats or dogs around. These types of cats will have high stress and quick aggression towards other cats. You can get more information on the type of breeds that will live together and those that need their space. There are plenty of books and internet sites for you to check out.

Hitting your cats will not accomplish any thing; this will make your cat fear you, as this will lead to no communication with your cat. Training will be impossible, as communication is the most important thing when training your cat. Physical punishment to any animal is never a good thing to any animal. Remember your cat is a companion and a friend. We, as humans, would never physical or mentally hurt our love ones or friends.

Remember if the cats are not fighting and are just playing with each other, this is a sign of good communication with each other. Allowing the communication to continue will help the relationship with the cats and with you. Communication is a great tool when trying to train your cat.

Tony Robinson is a webmaster, international author and cat lover. Visit his website at http://www.officialcats.com

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Elderly Cat Care

By David Beart

Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.

Feeding Time

Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to them. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.

Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won't be as much of an obstacle.

Many cat owners find that their cat's coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.

Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet's eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.

Grooming Elderly Cats

Another element of proper care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn't just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.

It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don't want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat's coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.

Vet Visits and Medication

When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.

Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.

Pet Insurance

Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll them into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.

The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.

Activities of the Elderly Cat

The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is "chase their owner." Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.

Most cat experts agree that a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.

David Beart is the owner of the Professor's House http://www.professorshouse.com. Our site covers such topics as Family Holidays http://www.professorshouse.com/family/, relationships, home care and other household issues.

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Cats and Toxic Substances

By Audrey Frederick

We all know that cats are curious creatures and tend to stick their noses into things, just to give them a smell. Cats live by using their noses to decide what is good or not and will not eat anything that does not smell good to them.

However, we tend to think of dogs as the critters that get themselves into situations where they can be poisoned, as they tend to put everything, good and bad, into their mouths.

I will agree that in the situation of putting things in their mouths, cats have much more sense, but on the other hand, because of their natural curiosity cat tend to get into as much trouble as dogs.

There are many household items that tend to present dangers of a toxic nature to cats, some things that we would not even think about.

Potpourri for example can be toxic to a cat. No, not the smell, but the liquid, as many of us simmer potpourri to create a calming atmosphere. I can almost bet a cat would not drink the liquid, but should some spill on a cat's fur and the cat in turn lick it off, when it is grooming itself, it can be toxic. As there are cationic detergents and essential oils present in the water.

Essential oils are another thing we have around the house and do not spend much time thinking about. However, these too, can present a danger to a cat, as they are easily absorbed through mucous membranes and a cat's skin.

Hard to believe but the cationic detergents used in fabric softeners, sanitizing products used in the home and soaps and lotions we use to kill germs can cause a cat serious skin problems. If this product is absorbed by the skin, it can cause ulcerated sores and if ingested, inflammation of the mouth, tongue and esophagus. It is important that you keep your cat away from these products. Should your cat suffer any of these symptoms call your vet at once.

Jewelry can also be detrimental. No, not rings and things, but the new fun stuff like the glow jewelry bracelets and glow sticks. They contain a liquid that can cause death to a cat through respiratory paralysis. How does a cat get into the liquid, usually through play by biting into the glow stick or bracelet? The liquid tastes horrible. As a result the cat will more than likely over react to the taste and may drool or throw up. Should this happen quickly try to get the taste out of the cat's mouth by diluting it with milk, tuna fish water or some of the cat's food. To be certain the cat did not get any of the liquid on its fur, take the cat into a dark room and if it glows, quickly wash the residue off the fur with warm soapy water and rinse.

Snail bait, something we use to kill snails and slugs, has a product called metaldehyde in it that can cause neurological problems in a cat. The bait usually comes in the form of tablets, powder, granules or a liquid and if it gets on the cat's fur and is ingested when the cat is grooming itself can cause some serious problems.

If you use this product at home, keep a watchful eye on your cat. A reaction to the product can cause a cat to pant excessively, act disoriented, drool, vomit, have muscle tremor and much more. Should you notice any of these symptoms call your vet immediately.

Another thing you would not think about is the flea treatment used on dogs.

Canine permethrin is extremely dangerous to cats. Should you use a product containing this chemical on your dog, do not let your cat near the dog until the product has completely dried on the dog. Should your cat get any of this on its fur and lick it off it could be deadly to the cat.

Easter lilies and any other members of the lily family are toxic to cats. By that I mean all parts of the lily are poisonous to a cat, should the cat bite into it. Chewing on a leaf can cause renal failure and if not caught at once can cause serious problems for the cat and huge veterinarian bills

Antifreeze can be a serious problem also. Cats and dogs too, love the taste of antifreeze and it is toxic to both pets. Should you spill some antifreeze on the garage floor or in the driveway rinse it off at once. Be watchful if your car tends to leak antifreeze onto the driveway.

Over the counter medicines, do NOT give your cat any over the counter remedies for any type of ailment unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

The list of things that can harm a cat are endless and as a result make no attempt to even think of giving your cat an aspirin, Tylenol, any antacid for upset stomachs, cold remedies and be wary of your prescription drugs. A cat's metabolic system is unique and cannot handle products that humans and even dogs can handle. So if you value your cat's life do not attempt to self medicate your cat, call your vet, that phone call may save you many dollars.

Last but not least are rat and mouse poison pellets, keep these away from your cat as they contain an ingredient that stops the activity of vitamin K. Ingesting a pellet can cause your cat to develop a serious bleeding disorder.

One of the most important numbers you can post in your house in case of an poison emergency with one of your pets is the ASPCA Poison Control Number it is toll free (1-888-426-4435.) They also have a website that has a great deal of information on it http://www.aspca.org.

Keeping our cats healthy is an important job and one each of us should take it seriously.

Keeping our pets healthy is very beneficial not only to the pet, but to our pocketbooks. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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Cat Owners Guide to Grooming Your Precious Pet

By David Peters

Most cats will lick themselves all the time. This is there way of keeping themselves clean. However, a cat owner can further help with improving the cat's overall hygiene. Read further for simple tips on grooming your short-haired feline friend.

Short haired cats do not need to be groomed as often as long haired cats need it, but it is recommended to be done at least twice a week (versus every day for long haired cats). The reason why is to make sure that the cat is free from flees and ticks, and to check for any other abnormalities, such as bald spots or inflammations of the skin.

Your cat's overall health will be greatly improved by keeping its hair neatly combed and wash, and trimmed periodically. The best type of brush for a short haired cat would be one with very short bristles. Too long of bristles, especially if the bristles are metal, can cut your cat's skin. Be sure when combing your short haired cat that you use the proper comb for it.

Even though a short haired cat is less likely to get hair balls or mats (chunks of cat hair stuck together or tangled), it is still possible. Be careful when trying to remove them, especially in older cats. Before cutting off a hair matt, make sure that you insert a comb underneath the matted hair, above the skin. Then, very carefully cut with a cat grooming scissors, and be sure not to scratch or puncture the cat's skin.

One brush contains extra small pins, and a small enough head to make brushing cats very easily. Be careful to brush the direction of your cat's hair growth, otherwise you may hear it snarl. (Washing your cat's hair in the wrong direction is like petting an animal's hair in the wrong direction, and causes discomfort to the pet.)

Another necessary step in helping keep your cat clean and well groomed is to give the cat a bath. It is recommended to take a towel and a small carrier into the bathroom with you in case your cat gets upset before, during or after the bathing routine. The cat can be placed in it until he or she calms down.

When bathing the cat, it is best to use the proper shampoo. A gentle cat shampoo that lathers up pretty good is recommended. Either that, or if a cat has dandruff, it is best to use a shampoo that will help reduce the dryness and flaking of the cat's skin. If the cat does not have dandruff, but instead has fleas, be sure to use a flea shampoo, and the proper flea comb to remove them.

Other grooming tips, when applied can help giving your cat a bath much easier, and safer. One tip to remember before putting your cat into the bathwater (usually in a sink or baby bath pan, because cats are too small to fit in a bathtub) is to make sure that your house temperature is at least 70 degrees, so your cat does not freeze when taken out of the water to dry.

Furthermore, before you put your cat into the bathwater, sure to check the temperature of the water, so it is not too hot or too cold for your cat. The part of the hand that provides the most accurate indication of water temperature is the on the back of your hand, or on the wrist. Best results for providing the right water temperature is to make sure you periodically test it when you are filling up the sink or other bath basin with water, and not afterwards.

One more tip to remember when it is time to bathe your cat is to keep on hand at least two towels on hand. One should be used for drying, and the other towel should be used for wrapping. For greater warmth, a blanket can also be used after towel drying to prevent the cat from getting a cold or sickness.

To protect the cat's ears while bathing, you can insert cotton balls into your cat's ears. Inserting these cotton balls can reduce the chance of ear infection from forming, especially immediately after the cat is removed from the bath water.

When you remove your cat from the bath water, be sure to quickly and thoroughly dry the cat off.) This, along with making sure the cat's ears are plugged will taking a bath will help fight against the possibility of cold or sickness when the cat's wet body is exposed to the air (even if the room temperature is 70 degrees, because the water is usually slightly hotter than that).

After you give your cat a bath, it is better to let your cat rest for a little while, especially if the cat is upset from having to take a bath. When your cat is calm, and then will want to comb and/or trim his or her hair, and check for matted hair. Again, cats with short hair are less likely to have tangled hair, but if there is, you can use a cat hair detangler to spray onto the coat of hair. This will help make combing through the tangles easier.

When trimming a cat's hair, be sure that you have the proper grooming scissors, and be sure that you using a comb underneath the scissors, so you do not scratch or puncture your cat's skin. If you do not feel comfortable cutting your own cat's hair, or if you do not have the patience you can hire a professional pet groomer who will do it for you. However, if you just keep in mind to just make sure you cut evenly, without hurting the cat, you will be just fine grooming your cat at home.

Complete Pet Guide [http://www.completepetguide.com/] is committed to bringing you high quality resources and information on dog and cat pet care and training. For great articles, resource and tips try Complete Pet Guide Blog [http://www.completepetguide.com/blog]

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The Black Cat - Superstitions and Beliefs

Black Cat Superstitions

As superstitions go, fear of a black cat crossing one's path is of relatively recent origin. It is also entirely antithetical to the revered place held by the cat when it was first domesticated in Egypt around 3000 BC.

A black cat crossing one's path by moonlight means death in an epidemic. ~Irish superstition

All cats, including black ones, were held in high esteem among the ancient Egyptians and protected by law from injury and death. So strong was cat idolatry that a pet's death was mourned by the entire family; and both rich and poor embalmed the bodies of their cats in exquisite fashion, wrapping them in fine linen and placing them in mummy cases made of precious materials such as bronze and even wood - a scarcity in timber-poor Egypt. Entire cat cemeteries have been unearthed by archaeologists, with mummified black cats commonplace.

Dread of cats, especially black cats, first arose in Europe in the Middle Ages, particularly in England. The cat's characteristic independence, willfulness, and stealth, coupled with its sudden overpopulation in major cities, contributed to its fall from grace. Alley cats were often fed by poor, lonely old ladies, and when witch hysteria struck Europe, and many of these homeless women were accused of practicing black magic, their cat companions (especially black ones) were deemed guilty of witchery by association.

One popular tale from British feline lore illustrates the thinking of the day. In Lincolnshire in the 1560s, a father and his son were frightened one moonless night when a small creature darted across their path into a crawl space. Hurling stones into the opening, they saw an injured black cat scurry out and limp into the adjacent home of a woman suspected by the town of being a witch. Next day, the father and son encountered the woman on the street. Her face was bruised, her arm bandaged. And she now walked with a limp. From that day on in Lincolnshire, all black cats were suspected of being witches in night disguise. The lore persisted. The notion of witches transforming themselves into black cats in order to prowl streets unobserved became a central belief in America during the Salem witch hunts. Thus, an animal once looked on with approbation became a creature dreaded and despised.

Many societies in the late Middle Ages attempted to drive cats into extinction. As the witch scare mounted to paranoia, many innocent women and their harmless pets were burned at the stake. A baby born with eyes too bright, a face too canny, a personality too precocious, was sacrificed for fear that it was host to a spirit that would in time become a witch by day, a black cat by night. In France, thousands of cats were burned monthly until King Louis XIII, in the 1630s, halted the shameful practice. Given the number of centuries in which black cats were slaughtered throughout Europe, it is surprising that the gene for the colour black was not deleted from the species... unless the cat does possess nine lives.

Many people believe that a black cat brings good fortune and also, that anyone who finds the one perfect, pure white hair in an all-black cat and plucks it out without being scratched, will find great wealth and good luck in love.

In Britain, on the Yorkshire coast, wives of fishermen believe that their menfolk will return safely if a black cat is kept in the house.

A black cat in the audience on opening night portends a successful play.

In the south of France, black cats are referred to as "matagots" or "magician cats." According to local superstition, they bring good luck to owners who feed them well and treat them with the respect they deserve.

Black cats were once treated like royalty in the homes of English sailors, who believed that keeping them happy would ensure fair weather when they went to sea. They became so high-priced that few sailors could afford them!

"Whenever the cat of the house is black,
The lasses of lovers will have no lack." ~ English Proverb

Black cats aren't bad luck everywhere. In the English Midlands, a black cat as a wedding present is thought to bring good luck to the bride.

General Cat Superstitions

A cat is very often kept as a lucky mascot in the theatre and disaster strikes any actor who dares to kick it!

In Normandy, seeing a tortoiseshell cat foretells death by accident.

English schoolchildren believe seeing a white cat on the way to school is sure to bring trouble. To avert bad luck, they must either spit, or turn around completely and make the sign of the cross.

A cat sneezing is a good omen for everyone who hears it. ~Italian superstition

If a cat washes behind its ears, rain is coming. ~English superstition

A cat sleeping with all four paws tucked under means old weather ahead. ~English superstition

It is bad luck to cross a stream carrying a cat. ~French superstition

Never kick a cat or you will get rheumatism; never drown one or the devil will get you. Throughout the world it is considered to be bad luck to mistreat a cat. This worldwide respect for the cat is probably rooted in those ancient religions in which the cat was a sacred animal and where retribution would befall those who harmed it.

In Scotland in 1590, the witch John Fian and other members of his coven, were charged with having raised or attempted to raise a storm, so as to drown King James VI of Scotland (and the First of England) then returning from Denmark. Fian and his accomplices used cats, by flinging them into the sea, to effect their devilish purpose.

In what was known as Bohemia, in western Czechoslovakia, the cat is regarded as a symbol of fertility and one buried in a field of grain will guarantee a good harvest.

The Japanese prefer their own native short-tailed cat - the Japanese Bobtail - because they are less likely to bewitch humans. Japanese sailors have long taken tricoloured or me'kay cats on their ships to bring them good luck. The figure of a cat with its left paw raised is commonly seen in gift shops in that country, where they are sold as souvenirs. It is believed that the beckoning cat brings good fortune to its owner.

Sailors believe that if a ship's cat mews and appears to be cross, they will face a hard voyage - but if it is bright and lively, there will be a brisk "following" wind. It used to be said that a contrary wind at sea could be raised by shutting a cat in a canister. Throwing a cat overboard resulted in an immediate storm. No sailor would dream of doing this, however, since it was considered good luck to have a cat on board.

It is said that in the southern regions of France, if a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat's tail, she will have to wait twelve months before she finds a husband.

A celtic belief was that kittens born in May were badly behaved and troublesome. In Celtic mythology, the month of May was a time of ill-omen.

Occult powers are often attributed to cats. It is said that they also have the power of hypnotism. A cat with three different hues in its coat protect one against fire and fever.

An American hill country superstition says that a cat can decide whether or not a girl should get married. The debating bride-to-be takes three hairs from the cat's tail and wraps them in paper, which she then places under her door step. If in the morning, the cat hairs are arranged in a Y pattern, the answer is Yes,but if the hairs form the letter N, the answer is no.

It is said that to dream of cats is unfavourable as this denotes treachery. In Tasseography - fortune-telling by tea leaves - a cat signifies false friends and deceit; someone lies in treacherous ambush, probably a false friend.

If the household cat sneezes near the bride on her wedding morning, the marriage will be a happy one.

When a cat washes its face in the parlour, company can be expected.

It is said that a cat looking out of the window is looking for rain.

In America, black and white and also grey cats are considered to be lucky.

It is unlikely to hear a cat crying before setting off on a journey. If this happens, return and find out what it wants.

No cat which has been bought will ever be any good at catching mice.

Indonesians and Malays believe that if you wash your cat it will bring rain.

In Western Europe it is widely believed that if a cat washes over its ears, it is a sign of rain.

When cats rush about wildly, clawing at curtains and cushions, it means that wind is coming.

When cats sit with their back to the fire, look out for frost or a storm.

There you have it!

Irene Carson is the administrator for the Elvira Mistress of The Dark Horror Forum and horror movies message board located at http://mistressofthedarkhorrorforums.aimoo.com Discussion includes splatter horror, classic horror films, upcoming horror movies and the latest in horror news. You may repost this article as long as all links and original content are included.

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Chatter Box Cats - Understanding Our Feline Friends

By Kate Tilmouth

As humans we are used to communication via words and facial expression. However our feline friends don't have this ability and so instead use many other ways to communicate their message to us and other cats. Now it would be impossible for us to be able to compile an A to Z of cat language, as it is far too complicated and subtle and besides they don't use our alphabet. However with a little patience and observation we too can learn to understand and perhaps communicate with them.

Cat communication range from vocal sounds, smell, body posture and tactile contact and use all of these methods to communicate with each other. But they have also learnt that with a little patience on their part they can also teach us to understand their meanings and get us to do exactly what they want.

The sounds made by individual cats can vary, however it is possible to give each communication sound and behaviour a generalised meaning, giving us a basis of an understanding of their language.

There are seven basic cat sounds which have their own unique meaning and although the sounds may vary slightly from cat to cat and be affected by the situation, they do basically mean the same thing and easier for us to categorise them by there meaning rather than their sound. The seven basic sounds/meanings are:

Fear

Pain

Attention seeking

Anger

Follow me

Friendly

Attack

The fear sound is a throaty yowling and is designed to give the signal "I am afraid of you but don't come any closer or I will attack you". They may also spit and hiss, which looks very aggressive but combine this with their low body posture, indicates fear. The hissing is believed to resemble the sound a snake makes when it is about to attack and is a sound that most animals have an inbred fear of, even if they have never seen a snake in their lives.

Pain is a very distinctive scream sound, which once heard turns the blood cold. It is essentially a sound used by Kittens, designed to bring the mother cat running to their aid. However domesticated cats keep their kitten vocabulary to talk to us, because they see humans as their surrogate mothers. They therefore continue to use the kitten language and will scream when in pain in the hope that a human will come and rescue them.

The general meow of a cat is designed to attract attention from either the mother cat or from a human. Its message is "I want". Owners of cats will begin to recognise their own particular cats meows and be able to associate them with particular things, like "I want food", "I want to go out" etc.

Caterwauling is the name most people would associate with cats at mating time. However the sound is actually used in situations of aggression. The sound varies in volume and tone as the aggression turns into a fight and is displayed by both male and female cats. The reason it is associated with mating time is because the scent of the female cat will attract many male cats to the same area, this is something that they are not comfortable with and so the caterwauling is the sound of male cats warning each other off.

The pleasant little chirrup sound a cat will give us when they come in or go out is often thought to be a greeting. It certainly sounds very friendly and certainly gets our attention. However this sound is made by the mother cat calling her kittens to follow her. So in fact when the cat comes in, it is saying "follow me", usually to the kitchen.

Purring is one of the most familiar sounds we associate with our cats and is often considered to be made by a cat that is contented. In deed this is one meaning of this sound, however the sound is also displayed between cats themselves. It is believed that the purring sound is a signal to say, "I am in a friendly mood and come in peace", or "everything is ok". It can often be heard between two cats greeting each other and by mother cats when her young are suckling, indicating to them that all is well. Strangely a cat in pain may also purr, this is not to say they are happy but is a way for them to comfort themselves.

The teeth chatter or clicking sound a cat makes is often displayed when a cat spies a bird or other prey. It is a rather unusual sound and serves no real purpose other than to indicate that it has seen something it would like to attack. The chattering jaw is the same action carried out when a cat bites it's prey and so in a way the cat is imaging doing this when it makes this rather amusing sound.

A cat also use body language to communicate with each other and in fact is the main way cats in the wild talk to each other. By watching our cat's body language we can learn to understand their mood and by aping these postures will be able to convey to the cat that we mean them no harm. This especially useful when homing a new cat.

Eye contact is seen by a cat as a threatening action and is why some cats react badly to people with glasses. So by not looking at them directly in the eye you are saying to them that you are not a threat. Also if you are trying to approach a nervous or frightened cat, try to lower your body down to the ground, this will also indicate to them that you are not a threat.

A cat's tail is also a good indication of their mood. A happy cat that is coming to greet you will hold its tail straight up, perhaps with a slight curl at the top. Whereas as a tail that is flicking from side to side is the sign of an angry cat that may just be considering attack, so leave well alone.

By studying our cat's subtle body movements and vocal sounds we begin to tap into the cats world. Perhaps enabling us to develop a greater understanding of why they behave in certain ways which we as humans find strange and unnecessary, which may ultimately lead to a much stronger bond between man and cat.

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

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Top Ten Behavioral Cat Myths & Misconceptions

MYTH #1 - My cat urinates outside of the litter box because they are mad at me. It happens most frequently when I go away, so I know for sure that it's done out of spite.

FALSE! While it is true that cats can develop behavioral problems involving inappropriate elimination, the most common causes of urination outside of the litter box are medical ones. Frequently subclinical medical problems flare-up during times of stress, and indeed they may become clinically evident for the very first time during a period of stress. Stress adversely affects the immune system and exacerbates underlying disease(s). Stress also heightens pain perception, and in so doing, can exacerbate out-of-the-box behavior caused by underlying medical issues which cause pain.
Cats who experience any sort of discomfort while eliminating, whether it occurs during urination or defecation, quickly learn to associate that discomfort with the litter box itself (a fairly logical conclusion!). For instance, cats who have bladder stones, urinary crystals, urinary infections, bladder inflammation, constipation, or diarrhea, will often start urinating and/or defecating outside of the box. By bringing your cat to your veterinarian and discussing the problem with them, you can discover what the most likely cause for your cat's behavior is. Some medical tests will likely need to be run in order to confirm or exclude certain medical issues as the underlying cause of the problem.
When medical diseases are not responsible for the problem at hand, the next most common culprit is that there is a sub-par litter box situation in the home. Click the link to read advice on giving your cat the best feline bathroom options possible - your kitty will thank you! And again, this is a subject that your veterinarian can help you with; sometimes the answer is as simple as adding one more litter box to your home!

MYTH #2 - My older cat caterwauls at night and makes a huge fuss because they're not getting attention once I've gone to bed.

FALSE! There are a couple of very common medical problems that cause caterwauling in older cats, particularly at night. It is not unusual to hear clients with geriatric cats complain of being woken up at 4 AM from their cat's incessant meowing.
This behavior is frequently noted in cats that suffer from hyperthyroidism, elevated blood pressure, blindness or decreased night vision, and also cats that are experiencing dementia as they age. All of these problems require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian, so if your cat is keeping you up at night with their caterwauling, you are likely not the only one suffering in this situation it is time for a trip to your veterinarian!

MYTH #3 - My cat vomits food and/or has diarrhea when they're stressed, particularly if there are visitors in my home. I don't take my cat to the vet when this happens since it seems to be just a stress behavior.

FALSE! Unless under extreme, acutely stressful situations that incite a response called a vasovagal reaction, cats do not normally vomit or have diarrhea solely due to stress.
Again, stress can exacerbate underlying diseases, particularly disorders that are immune related such as inflammatory bowel disease, a common condition seen in domestic kitties. If your cat is vomiting, regurgitating, or experiencing diarrhea or constipation periodically, particularly when stressed, it is quite likely that there is a medical issue present, one that has been subclinical for a period of time.

MYTH #4 - Cats aren't trainable!

FALSE! Contrary to popular belief, cats are quite trainable, and similarly to dogs, they benefit greatly from the mental stimulation provided by learning to do tricks. Use positive reinforcement when cats naturally display the desired behaviors, and for food motivated kitties include reward with treats and include them as part of their daily caloric intake.
Clicker training is an excellent method of training to achieve reliable results. Karen Pryor's clicker training website is a good place to start (although please do not clicker train your cat to use the toilet: it's not a good idea to deny your cat the ability to express their natural behaviours). Think how impressed your friends will be when they visit and see that your cat knows how to sit and shake paw!

MYTH #5 - My older kitty has started getting aggressive when I brush their hind end so I'm pretty sure my cat is getting cranky and mean from aging.

FALSE! Many cats become aggressive when a particular body part is patted or brushed if they are experiencing discomfort from it. The lower back and hips are common areas in which this phenomenon is seen because as cats age and many develop lumbosacral and hip arthritis a cranky reaction to grooming an older cat's derriere may signify that it is time for an orthopedic assessment at the veterinary clinic!

MYTH #6 - My cat has licked their abdomen bald because they have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

FALSE! While it is true that excessive grooming behavior can be a compulsive disorder in certain kitties, the abdomen is a less common body area than some others for behavioral over-grooming, and it is much more frequently a sign of abdominal discomfort or pain. This abdominal pattern of baldness can also be the result of an underlying dermatological issue.
When the bald area is between your cat's hind legs in the pelvic area, it very commonly signifies bladder and urinary pain such as seen with idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, urinary crystals, and urinary tract infections. Occasionally pelvic over-grooming is also associated with hyperthyroidism in affected cats. When the bald area is more generalized to the abdomen or is higher up than, and does not include, the pelvis it generally signifies gastric or intestinal discomfort such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasitism, eosinophilic enteritis, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A kitty who over-grooms their underside should always be examined by a veterinarian so that medical problems can be ruled out prior to concluding that the issue is behavioral.

MYTH #7 - My older cat is defecating outside of the litter box, even though I added another one upstairs. They're likely doing this because of stubbornness, laziness, or senility.

FALSE! There are a variety of common medical problems that can result in inappropriate defecation, particularly in older cats. While it is always appropriate to have a litter box on each floor, especially for old and arthritic cats, there are still many other medical and circumstantial reasons for why cats will do this, so you cannot conclude that they are just being naughty and/or senile cats!
Any type of discomfort experienced while in the litter box will result in an aversion to using it, so urinary issues, diarrhea, and constipation can all cause this behavior. Additionally, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, high blood pressure, and many other diseases can cause inappropriate elimination. While it is possible for senility to play a role here as well, other medical problems must be ruled out first. This means discussing the issue with your veterinarian and having your elderly cat fully examined and tested for common health conditions.

MYTH #8 - Placing a bell on the collar of my outdoor cat will prevent them from being able to hunt and kill prey.

FALSE! Cats can easily learn to stalk without jingling their collar bells, so this does not necessarily prevent them from successful hunting ventures. The only foolproof solution is to keep your cat indoors or to use a safe outdoor solution such as leash walking your kitty or setting up a cat enclosure in which your cat can enjoy the outdoors.

MYTH #9 - I have more than one cat in my household. My cats have always shared food and water dishes without any problems, so it must be fine.

FALSE! While you may not witness any signs of competition between your cats, it's always best for each cat in every household to have at least one water and one food dish of their own. This prevents guarding of the dishes by dominant cats, and that in general your cats will be less likely to overeat or to eat too quickly in an effort to out-compete each other and finish their meal before another cat comes over and eats it.
Cats should not be fed side by side, but rather on opposite sides of the room, to avoid this type of stress. Even though you may not be aware that one or more of your cats' experiences anxiety about the situation, does not mean that they are not distressed at meal times.

MYTH #10 - My cat lets me know when they're hungry, so I don't have a regular feeding schedule for my cat, and this is okay.

FALSE! While many cats will alert their owners to their hunger, and can even serve as militant alarm clocks in some cases(!), cats are creatures of habit, and they much prefer having reliable feeding times.
Having a haphazard feeding schedule can be a significant source of stress for a cat that negatively impacts their quality of life, irrespective of whether or not they are actually able to communicate their stress to you.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a licensed Veterinarian who works exclusively with cats. She is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website - http://www.catdoctorko.com which is a free information resource and online store for cat owners everywhere!

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Cat Declawing - The Truth

By Claudine Plessis

Nail caps are a safe and painless alternative.

Cat Declawing

What is the use of cat declawing?

The main reason people decide to declaw their cat is to protect their furniture. An untrained cat's claws can be very destructive in a home, damaging furniture, curtains and carpets. Cats like (and need) to scratch and claw at wood and rough surfaces, and if they are not properly trained, your furniture will look very inviting to them. Another reason people give for declawing their cat is to prevent the cat from injuring them. Cats use their claws and teeth to defend themselves and to fight. Small children may mishandle a cat and provoke it in scratching them. Some cats also have a more aggressive or nervous nature and will scratch people when they feel threatened.

Toxoplasmosis and Bartonellosis are two diseases that can be transmitted from cats. It is important to note though, that those diseases are most likely to be contracted from a litter box, or even from biting - but it is highly unlikely that it will be contracted from cat scratches.

Declawing a cat is a selfish and very drastic solution for problems that could be solved in many other ways and may bring forth much more serious problems. Owners that decide to declaw their cat do this solely for their own comfort and do not take in account the problems that may sprout from doing this.

What does the declawing process involve?

Cat declawing is also known as onychectomy and is a much more complex operation than simply removing your cat's nails or claws. The declawing operation is in fact the amputation of each of the cat's toes at the first joint. It involves cutting of the front part of a cat's toes and means cutting through nerves and muscles and removing bone. This operation is extremely painful (it has been proven to be much more painful than sterilizing or spaying your cat) and it will take a long time to heal. Even after the wounds have healed, the cat may suffer from a series of after-effects.

Are there any disadvantages to declawing your cat?

Yes! There are numerous disadvantages, not only to your cat but to you as cat owner as well. Cat declawing is illegal in many countries around the world and considered as inhumane and as a form of animal abuse and mutilation.

Many people don't realize just how painful a declawing operation can be. Scientists have proven cat declawing to be extremely painful and even test new painkiller drugs on cats that are being declawed. Although the cat may not show signs of pain outwardly and seem to be content, it will definitely be in a lot of pain after the operation. Big operations or rather amputations like declawing can hold many of the usual dangers related to surgical complications. A lot of vets also only use the minimum amount of painkillers and anesthetics during the operation, and prescribe no painkillers for the recovery process at home. The wounds take several weeks to heal, and the pain may continue months after the operation.

Complications after a declawing operation are also very common. The wounds may become infected or some of the amputated toes can begin to grow back. Some cats may experience lameness and even be crippled. You may notice a declawed cat trying to scratch at surfaces. They reason for this is because it is common for the tendons of the severed joints to detract and cause a constant feeling of stiffness in their paws.

Cats need their claws for balance and also use it to hook their paws on surfaces and stretch themselves. This stretching forms a very important part of the cat's exercise and muscle toning. A declawed cat will need to learn to walk differently (because it doesn't have any front joints) and its body weight will rest on their feet which can even cause arthritis.

It is very common for declawed cats to develop behavioral problems. It may develop a fear for its sandbox, because scratching in the sand may be painful. So, instead of having a cat that damages your furniture, you will have a cat that refuses to use its litter box. Also, because it has been deprived of its best means of defense, its claws, it may now revert to using its teeth to protect itself and can start to bite people when feeling threatened.

Declawed cats will also not be able to defend themselves effectively against other cats or dogs and can even die in fights.

Because of these behavioral problems developed after declawing, many cat owners become detached from their cats and may even want to get rid of them.

Professional cat declawing

If you do decide to declaw your cat after all, at least make sure that it is done professionally and with as little discomfort to your cat as possible.

The most developed method of declawing to date is laser declawing. Laser declawing is less painful, because bleeding and swelling is reduced.

Always ensure that your cat or kitten is older than 4 months before declawing. It is also not advisable to declaw cats that are old and not so active anymore, because they will take a longer time to recover.

After the operation, your cat may be kept in the hospital for the night, or a longer period of time depending on the cat. When taking your cat home, try to keep it from getting overexcited and prevent it from jumping or putting heavy strain on its paws. It is common for the paws to start bleeding every now and again, but ask your vet's advice if the bleeding alarms you.

To minimize the pain your cat can experience when using its sandbox, put newspaper strips in the sandbox. Sand or clay can infect the wounds on the paws or cause pain when "scratching" in the box. After your cat is fully recovered you can replace the sand again. Your cat may not like the newspapers and this can become a messy affair.

Always look out for the following warning signs, and notify your vet if any occur: Swollen paws and frequent bleeding. If your cat display extreme difficulty in standing up or walking after one day.

Alternatives to cat declawing

Before deciding on such a drastic measure or "solution" as declawing your cat, first consider some of the (often more effective) alternatives. The main reason for declawing a cat is to prevent it from damaging your furniture. Scratching is a necessary instinctive habit for removing the dead cells around its claws, practicing balance and stretching and toning muscles.

Cats are highly trainable animals and can be taught to use only a scratching post for these purposes. There are numerous scratching posts or "cat furniture" to choose from, whether your cat likes scratching vertical or horizontal surfaces. You can even buy "cat trees" with attractive objects hanging from the tree to catch your cat's attention or build your own (just make sure they are stable and won't fall over on your cat).

To train a cat to use scratching posts, and to discourage it from scratching your furniture, you can place netting or foil over your furniture. When you see your cat trying to scratch your furniture, pick it up and put it down in front of its scratching post.

Nail caps can be applied to a cat's claws, this need to be applied every 3 to 6 months depending on the cat. Nail caps will prevent damage to your furniture and to yourself while causing almost no inconvenience to your cat (compared to the serious discomfort caused by declawing). You can also trim your cat's nails frequently to keep it blunt.

For more information about taking care of cats see cat-urine.net

Claudine du Plessis is a cat lover and webmaster of http://www.cat-urine.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claudine_Plessis

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Cat Trained To Use Utensils

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Why Cats Flip For Catnip

By Andrew Markison

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh catnip perhaps you've been struck with the question; "what causes Catnip to affect cats that way?" Catnip is indeed an unusual phenomenon among cats, it has the ability to alter your cat's behavior like nothing else can. So what exactly is the reason for what scientists have coined as "the Catnip effect"?

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. There is however much that we do know about Catnip and cats even if we don't have the ultimate answer of exactly "why?" yet answered.

The Science Stuff

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from the mint family and is in fact also referred to as "Catmint". It is a plant indigenous to Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States and Canada.

The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form in some pet stores.

Other Uses For Catnip

Catnip is not only good to stimulate activity in cats, it can also be used by humans as an herb for a medicinal tea which may soothe toothaches, help against coughs, and may also perform as a sleep aid. Furthermore, Catnip can be used as an herb on salads or other foods as has been the case for centuries in France. Lately Catnip has also been garnering favor as a natural insect repellant rivaling the effectiveness of many store bought varieties of repellant.

Catnip and Kitty

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats. What determines whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).

Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated housecat is not the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way the common housecat would. It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested. Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with your cat. If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.

Catnip and Lazy Cats:

Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are notoriously lazy, choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you haven't already) that your cat is becoming more and more round. This is generally not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting catnip to your cat encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).

Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case, then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more svelte than without a Catnip treatment. Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.

Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture:

If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then Catnip may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly "Catnipped" scratching post and see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post) hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats

If you've never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is advisable to try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a possible catfight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you the satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh, high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his or her own. If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of reach of kitty. Otherwise you'll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow it in a place that your cat won't be able to access it. A room that you always keep closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to Catnip.

Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself (and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It's a win win situation.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Markison

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