Most people think that when cats purr they are happy and contented. We are not attempting to disprove that, we are merely supplying additional information as to what the purr may do. This research does not determine how the purr is created, that remains a mystery held only by our feline friends.
A kitten is able to purr by the second day of life, and although he can't meow and nurse at the same time, he can purr and nurse. And the mother cat often purrs back, probably to reassure the kitten. Purring in cats serves as a signal to the nursing mother cat that all is well with her babies and that the milk supply is reaching its destination. She, in turn, purrs, letting the kittens know that she, too, is in a relaxed and cooperative mood. It is believed that purring among adult cats and between adult cats and humans is derived from this primal parent-offspring context. But contentment is not the sole condition for purring. A more precise explanation is that purring signals a friendly social mood and can be employed by an injured cat to indicate the need for friendship. It has been observed that cats in great pain often purr loud and long.
All smaller felines, including the domestic cat, purr! Since the 1970's no one has pursued research into the 3000 year old question, "Why do cats purr?" Perhaps it is because, first we didn't have the knowledge we have now, and second, it was simply easier to assume that cats purr when they are content, which cannot be argued-they do purr when they are content. However, there is more!
As any cat owner knows, there are different "meows" for different emotions. A cat owner knows the difference between their cat's "fearful hiss" and "food meow". This cannot be applied to the purr however. Cats purr even when they give birth or when severely injured. There are cases of cats purring when they are under great stress, as well as when they sit on your lap. The purr is produced under differing emotions or physiological states. .
Natural selection insures that a particular trait be advantageous to an animal. Admittedly, there is some benefit to be obtained from purring to one's self or to kittens, (a sort of kitty lullaby if you wish).Yet, there does not appear to be a strong 'survival' advantage to this behavior. For the purr to exist in different cat species over time, there would have to be something very important (survival mechanism) about the purr. There would have to be a very good reason for energy expenditure (in this case creation of the purr), when one is physically stressed or ill. It would have to be somehow involved in their survival.
Well, guess what? There is ...
Unfortunately, there has been no research that has attempted to explain the extraordinary ability cats have for healing themselves. However, science has shown that the cat's purr is much more than just relaxing, it is the vibration that it produces that is the key! Interestingly, science has known for many years that vibrations at specific levels or frequencies cause healing changes in the body. They can, for example, support bone growth. Bone fractures heal faster and weakened bones begin to strengthen and rebuild.. But it's the cat's "healing by association" that most people find interesting: That ability of a cat to sympathetically help cure illnesses in people simply by being around them! Studies have also shown that owners, especially senior citizens, who have cats have lower blood pressure and can live longer than humans who don't own pets. Many individuals swear they can ease or completely eliminate their migraine headaches simply by lying down with a purring cat next to their head. There is documentation that low frequencies are helpful with regard to pain relief. This vibration stimulation has been found to relieve suffering in 82% of persons suffering from acute and chronic pain.
It is thought that this research could help explain why cats purr, and here is why:
Study groups have recorded many cats' purrs and have discovered that cat purrs create frequencies that fall directly in the range that is ideal for bone growth. A dying cat who could not breath (they were considering euthanasia), was found to breath normally once it began purring. The purring opened up the cat's airway, and improvement was "remarkable" and the next day commenced to eat!
Is it possible that evolution has provided the felines of this world with a natural healing mechanism for bones and other organs? Possible! Being able to produce frequencies that have been proven to improve healing time, strength and mobility could explain the purr's natural selection.
Considering the studies performed by scientists it is certainly not a leap of faith to speculate that the cat's purr is a healing mechanism. Having a natural way to increase strength, and decrease healing time, would indeed be very advantageous and would explain the purr's development. This riddle has lead researchers to investigate how cats purr, which is also still under debate.
Because cats have adapted to conserve energy via long periods of rest and sleep, it is possible that purring is a low energy mechanism that stimulates muscles and bones without a lot of energy. The durability of the cat has facilitated the notion that cats have "nine lives" Purring may provide a basis for this feline mythology., While it is likely that cats purr when they are happy, it is more plausible that cat purring is a means of communication and may assist in the healing process of both the cat and it's owner.
Coming next: cat connection to human companions.
Author Bio: Denis Schwartz
60 y/o retired researcher who just happens to own... 2 cats.... yup, you guessed it! Nappping Persians!! The website: [http://www.nappingpersians.com] is dedicated to them and my life partner.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/396527
When it comes to cat supplements, people have a lot of doubts. Apparently, cat owners do not realize that their cat needs a good dietary supplement apart from food to stay healthy and active. As someone who has read a lot about pet care, I have a lot of information that I want to share with you folks. So, let me try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dietary supplements for cats.
Why does my cat need cat supplements?
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that question, I would be a millionaire by now. Seriously, a lot of people have the same doubt. My answer is simple - your cat needs supplements because it is not as healthy as cats in the wild.
Some of you might have noticed that cats in the wild often eat a lot of plants. Guess what? They don't do that randomly. They only eat plants which have medicinal properties. They do this often to cleanse their body and stay healthy. Since your domesticated cat does not have access to such herbs, it needs natural supplements to cleanse its system and stay healthy.
What do these herbal cat supplements contain?
The name gives you a hint, doesn't it? They contain herbs and other substances which have amazing therapeutic effects.
Can you name some of these herbs?
There are a large number of herbs used in making these natural supplements, but some of the names that come to mind immediately are Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Indian Ginseng, Milk Thistle, and Cat's Claw.
Just how good are these herbs?
They are very good at what they do. They cleanse your cat's body by flushing the toxins out of its system, improve its immune system, strengthen its vital organs and improve their functioning, nourish its blood, keep its blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control, fight and neutralize the free radicals which damage its health, increase its energy level, and more. In short - they help your cat live a long and healthy life.
Are these herbs safe for my precious little cat?
Yes, they are very safe. In fact, one of the main reasons why a lot of people have turned their attention towards these cat supplements is that they do not cause any side effects. A number of clinical studies have confirmed that these herbs do not cause any harmful side effects in domesticated animals like cats and dogs.
Are these herbal cat supplements approved by the FDA?
The herbs I have mentioned above are approved by the FDA. However, there are a number of products on the market which are not approved by the FDA and they could be harmful to your cat's health. So, you need to choose your product carefully. Choose a product which meets the guidelines set by the DSHEA (Dietary Supplements Health Education Act). Visit the website of the company and see if their products are manufactured in a GMP certified facility under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
Everything looks fine. But are these supplements very costly?
Not really. A month's supply of a high quality supplement which contains the herbs mentioned above will cost you less than $50. In other words, they cost you less than $2 a day.
How long should I continue giving these cat supplements?
Since the herbs I have mentioned here are very effective, you will see a great improvement in your cat's health in just a few weeks. However, you should continue giving these supplements regularly to get the best results. A regular dose of these herbs can improve your cat's disease resistance capacity and promote good health and vitality. So, I would suggest you make these supplements a part of your cat's regular diet.
Kirby West is a strong and dedicated advocate of natural health for cats. His research into alternative treatments is ongoing. Please visit [http://www.pet-treatment-trends.com] where you can learn about the natural remedies that Kirby has discovered in the course of his research.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2574511
TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Introduction
2. Basic Cat Info
2.1. Communication
2.2 Adaptability
2.3 Senses
2.3.1 Hearing
2.3.2 Seeing
2.3.3 Smelling
2.3.4 Tasting
2.3.5 Feeling
2.4. Behavior
2.5. Breeding
3. Popular Names
4. Beds
5. Carriers and Crates
6. Games
7. Toys
8. What Makes cats So Affectionate
9. Facts
INTRODUCTION
The question of whether or not a cat's love is real might seem ridiculous to those who do not own cats. Dogs might claim the title of man's best friend, but everyone who has lived with cats knows they're simply too awesome to want to be friends with. Some might argue, however, that those who own cats apply human characteristics to non-human entities. Well, those who argue that all animals take care of their young ones just because of instinct have obviously not spent time with a cat. This article has helpful information about cats, together with just about everything you might want to know to help you and your precious cat in living together.
BASIC INFO
Communication
Cat communication has many varieties of vocalizations. They consist of mewing, purring, hissing, growling, trilling and grunting. Cats have cat pheromones and a number of specific body languages as well.
Adaptability
Like other felids, cats have a similar anatomy. They are very strong with quick reflexes, flexible bodies, sharp retractable claws, and very sharp teeth that are adapted to killing small prey like mice.
Senses
Hearing
Cats are known for having astounding senses. A cat's outer ear flap takes in sound from every direction, which then goes down their ear canals to the eardrum. After the sound vibrates on the eardrum, the middle ear changes the vibration to sound waves and sends them to the cat's cochlea and finally the brain. A cat can hear from twenty hertz up to approximately 65,000 hertz. Since a cat responds more readily to a high pitch than a low pitch, this might be the reason a cat seems to like a woman better with a high-pitched voice. The ears are also assist cats in balance. This is the main reason why cats normally land on their feet when falling.
Seeing
The feline eye structure has the cornea, the lens, the retina, the iris, and the tapetum lucidum. The tapetum lucidum is a layer of mirror-like cells that reflect small amount of light, helping a cat to see. This is why a cat only needs 1/6 of the light that a person needs so as to see clearly. Nonetheless, cats cannot see in total darkness. They also have a third eyelid known as the haw to protect their eyes. A cat's pupil is elliptical to help control the quantity of light that enters. In semi-darkness, their pupils dilate and become almost flawlessly round. A cat's pupil can dilate 3 times more than that of a human being.
Smelling
A cat relies on its sense of smell to establish its territory, and to know if food's safe to eat. A cat's nose has almost 200 million nerve cells, making its sense of smell fourteen times more sensitive than that of a human. Astonishingly, a cat can remember a certain smell for the rest of its life.
Tasting
Although a cat only has 475 taste buds, while humans have 9,000, it has unique papillae to make up for it. Its tongue is covered with numerous small projections that hook downwards, giving it a rough, sand-papery feel. The papilla helps them scrape meat off bones and hold their prey. Cats also have problems tasting salty and sweet food since their taste receptors favor high-fat and high-protein tastes.
Feeling
Cats have an average of twenty four whiskers on their face; these hairs very thick and are rooted three times deeper. Whiskers are very sensitive to detect slightest changes in air current. They are also used to see if a cat can fit through a gap. Not only are the whiskers all over a cat's face, but they are also on the back of its front legs. Whiskers are replaced whenever they fall off. A cat's fur has unique sensitive nerve ending that detect a slight touch. Their paws are also very sensitive to touch.
Behavior
Free-ranging cats are lively both day and night, though they tend to be more active at night. The timing of a cats' movement is quite flexible, meaning that house cats can be more active early in the morning and late in the evening (crepuscular behavior). This is due to greater human activity that occurs at these times.
Breeding
Under controlled breeding, cats are easily bred and shown as registered pets, a hobby called cat fancy. Failure to control their breeding by neutering has led to large numbers of feral cats. This has led to extinction of countless bird species.
POPULAR NAMES
Every cat loving person would want to give his/her cat the best name. If you take a look at a number of the most popular cat names, the lists will almost at all times have similar names on them. Nonetheless, the reputation of cat names differs from one nation to another. The ranking of most admired cat names can be easily assessed, from pet insurance registrations to breed registries. The United States' biggest pet insurer, (VPI), releases yearly rankings of their most popular cat names
Top cat names seem to be Max, Tiger, Princess, Shadow and Ginger. These cat names seemed to be constant over the years; they are still on most lists of popular cat names. Shadow, Tiger and Ginger are no brainers; it is pretty self explanatory why somebody would choose these names. Abby and Max, however, are a little less understandable.
Either way, there're quite a few names that will keep resurfacing on the top lists every now and then. Some of the most common cat names recently are Lulu, Misty, Charlie, Dexter, Ma, and Oliver. Perhaps the oldest and the traditional favorite is the name Mitten that's still used today. Today's popular cat names seem to come from culture movies such as Disney films, for instance, Nala, Simba, and Tinkerbell. Some fashionable and fitting cat names are related to their fur coloring like Midnight, Java, Crow, Shadow, Cinder and Ebony for black cats. No matter where the muse comes from, sometimes the names just come to us as if by celestial intervention.
Top 5 Names:
Max
Bella
Whiskers
Chloe
Kitty
BEDS
On average, a cat spends 2/3 of the day sleeping. Every cat considers its routine nap a must when it comes to its daily duties. As the individual requirements for each playful feline are different, so are their cat bed preferences.
Whether your cat prefers to nestle in a warm corner or under the sun, nearly all cats prefer warm and comfy places to sleep. From chic luxury cat beds to pyramid-shaped cat beds and pads, there's a large variety of styles obtainable to suit your cat's preference.
When browsing through different styles of cat beds, whether you consider covered beds, heated cat beds or luxury cat beds, remember that your main aim is to choose the type that will offer your cat the comfort and warmth that is just right for it.
CARRIERS AND CRATES
Cat containment and travel is made comfortable, easy, and convenient with the correct cat carriers and crates. There's no doubt that dogs and cats differ from one another in many ways. As every cat fanatic knows, cats just do not seem to share the pleasure their canine counterparts get from vehicle rides, regardless of duration or distance.
Cat carriers are intended to make vehicle rides more bearable for your playful felines, ensuring their comfort and safety. There're also a variety of moveable cat carriers that are obtainable in both soft and high-impact materials.
You should choose one that is easy to clean to help contain yours cats together with their good health during the drive. Offer your cats with safe and moderately trouble-free travel as well as a pleasant travel experience with convenient cat carriers and Crates.
GAMES
Domestic cats, particularly young kittens, are well known for their love of games. Cats engage in play fighting, with one other and with humans as well. This behavior imitates hunting and is important in helping young kittens learn to stalk, capture, and kill their prey. Many games have also been invented for cats.
Top Games
The Crazy Cat
This is one of the best games for cats on the Android market. The game is specifically written for you and your cat! CrazyCat HD will certainly amuse both you and your fuzzy friend with pretty animated critters that you control with your phone while your cat runs around your tablet screen.
Friskies Cat
Friskies is one of the companies that are excited to feed cats' senses with playful games. The movement, colors, and game-play have been examined and tested for utmost feline fun.
Cat Fishing
Cat Fishing is an all-new cat game that's designed particularly for cats. Tap "start" and begin watching your cat play. The more your cat catches, the more difficult the game gets.
Catnip mouse
This is a common game among cats. Skillful hunters, Munchkins love this game, but after they finish playing, they desire a warm lap to burrow into and strokes from a tender hand.
TOYS
Most housecats, although they are much safer inside, tend to be underactive and overweight. Cats, like dogs and human beings, benefit from exercises and being active, both mentally & physically. So, you need to get our cat up and moving, and there is no better way to persuade out their natural instinct to stalk and hound prey than charming them with cat toys.
Top Toys
Pounce
Pounce is an innovative cat toy that provides the final in interactive play for your cat. It is an electronic mouse that acts like a prey but never stops running.
Dart
The dart toy is designed to engage your feline companion in enthusiastic play. It consists of rotating circular laser patterns that your cat stalks and chases for hours.
Twitch
Be prepared for pouncing, jumping, chasing, and maybe even the sporadic half-twist somersault. The Twitch is an amazing bouncing feather teaser toy that constantly plays with your cat even if you are away.
Bolt
The bolt is an interactive cat toy that plays with your cat, instead of the other way round. It is an automatic laser toy that will have your cat bouncing off the wall.
Why Buy Cat Toys?
They help you build a close relationship with your cat
It helps relieve a cat's boredom and stress
It is a good way of exercising your cat
Cat toys help improve your cat's blood circulation
They build muscle tone and prevent/reduce behavioral problems
WHAT MAKES THEM SO AFFECTIONATE?
Socialization
The first few days of a kitten's life are vital in helping it feel safe and contented around the people caring for him. Regular handling and comforting words at the kitten's early stage increases the chances of it becoming a loving, well-balanced cat. This is also the perfect time to make sure that it does not associate human hands with play toys. Let it play with toys and set aside your hands for holding.
Genetic Factors
Breeding and genetics play a role in your cat's temperament. Of course, your cat does not have to be a pure-bred to be an aristocrat in its manners. A good disposition is not elite to pedigrees, as all loving owners of friendly cross-breeds know. Conversely, some cat breeds are more known for their friendly temperaments. The Bombay cat, for instance, is noted for its affectionate, playful nature on the Cat fanciers' website.
One-On-One
It is a case of sticking to the golden rule, catlike style, by treating the cat how you would like to be taken care of if you were them. Study conducted by the University of Vienna reveals that the more attention you allocate to your pet, the more affectionate it will be in return. Of course you already know that by now! The research, based on in-depth interpretation of how owners interact with their revealed that if individuals spend extra time interacting with their pet, it is more likely to remember the compassion and return the favor.
Mother Love
Your little cat needs you for warmth, food and shelter and when it curls up on your lap, it's showing its appreciation, mainly after dinner! Food's often used as a token of friendliness, and the way that a cat and a human being relates to food are the same in nature to the interaction seen between human care-givers and pre-verbal infants.
FACTS
Below are amazing facts about cats that you probably never knew;
- Can rehydrate by drinking sea water
- A cat sweats through its paws
- Produce a similar brain wave pattern like in humans. This means that they can dream
- Have led to the extinction of several species
- Ancient Egyptians killed anyone who killed a cat
- Switzerland legalized eating of cats
- An infected cat can cause Toxoplasmosis
- A cat's nose is different from another, just like we humans have different fingerprints
- The Japanese consider black cats as a sign for good luck
- Ancient Egyptians used to shave their eyebrows when a cat died
- An Italian tycoon left over $ 13 million to a cat
- Recent study shows that owning a cat reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack
- An adult cat only meows to communicate with humans
- Korea and Japan have cat cafes for you and your cat to hang out
- The CIA spent over $ 20 in the 1960s training cats to spy
- Can die from eating chocolate
- Every year, almost four million cats are eaten in China as a delicacy
- Are America's best pets
- Can swallow their food without chewing
- Make almost 100 different sounds while dogs can only make 10.
- Have thirty two muscles controlling their outer ear
- Cannot taste sweetness
- Sleep for approximately 70 percent of their lives
- The longest cat that was ever measured was 1.23 m when fully stretched
Tom Broadbridge is is a cat lover and entreprenuer -- for more detailed facts and information please go now to http://www.catstimes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9086557
No, is the answer, however, their color vision is quite poor. In the first half of this century scientists were positive that cats were completely color blind and one expert reworked a popular saying with the words: 'Day and night, all cats see gray.' That was the persisting attitude in the 1940s, however during the past few decades more measured inquiry has been accomplished and it's now recognized that cats are able to pick out certain colors, but not, seemingly, with very much finesse.
The reason why earlier experiments neglected to show the existence of cats' color vision was because in discrimination tests cats rapidly caught on to subtle differences in the stage of grayness of colors and then refused to abandon these clues when they were confronted with two colors of precisely the same degree of grayness. Therefore the exams yielded negative results. Employing more advanced techniques, recent fields of study have been capable in proving that cats can tell between red and green, red and blue, red and gray, green and blue, green and gray, blue and gray, yellow and blue, and yellow and gray. Whether they can distinguish between other pairs of colors is still in question. For instance, one expert thinks that they can also can distinguish the difference between red and yellow, but other experts disagree.
Whatever the outcome of these investigations one point is certain: color is not crucial in the lives of cats as it is in ours. Their eyes are much more tuned to seeing in dim light, where they need only 1/6 of the light we do to pick out the same details of movement and shape.
Different types of cat breeds have different temperaments and personalities. Knowing those traits is important before adopting a cat. Here are some of the more popular Cat Breeds .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2067934
Cats can be elusive creatures, and sometimes the task of getting them to come when called can seem daunting. However, if you approach this in the right way and with the right attitude, it can be much easier than you think! Here are some effective steps that work very well for most cats.
Step 1: Begin by making it a habit to talk to your cat often, and create a strong bond with her through petting, brushing, and spending time together. Take every opportunity to give her your love and attention. Having a good relationship with your cat is very important.
Step 2: Find a special dry treat that she really loves. This should be something that she doesn't have very often, and it will only be used for this purpose. While you are training her to come when called, make sure you don't give her this particular treat at any other time. Please choose something small and nutritious. A snack that is good for your cat's teeth would be ideal.
Step 3: Find a special word that will be used for training her to come. This will become a word that she associates only with this special treat, so think of something that she won't often hear at other times.
Step 4: The next time you give your cat a snack, use the special word. Put one treat in her empty food bowl while speaking the word out loud.
Step 5: Say the word again after she eats the treat. Then give her another of the same treat, and use the word again in the same way.
Step 6: Step away from your cat now. If she protests that she is "starving" you can say the word again and give her one more piece. Then leave the room.
Step 7: About 4 minutes later, repeat the entire process again. Your cat will begin to learn to associate the special word with her special treat.
Step 8: Continue doing this a few times a day for the next several days. Eventually, your cat will learn to come to you when you say the special word.
Step 9: When your cat starts coming to you every time you say the special word, start giving her the treat only once in a while. The rest of the time, give her lots of attention (petting, scratches, playing with a toy, whatever she likes) for a few minutes. Then let her go. Repeat this process a few minutes later.
Step 10: If you have created a strong bond with your cat, and if you have followed the above procedures correctly, your cat will now associate your special word with the extra attention and loves she gets from you. She should now be coming to you when she hears you say the word.
Please remember, the treat must be a small and nutritious snack, not something large, or a whole bowl of food. She will be eating a fair number of these during training, and we don't want her to gain extra weight!
Make sure that you use the special word every day, just so that she will come to you for affection and hugs. If you use it only when it is time to take her to the vet or give her a bath, she will learn to associate the word with unpleasant times and it can undermine the effects of your training. When these types of occasions do come up, give your cat the treat and then wait a little bit before following through with your "hidden motive".
So why does this technique work so well?
What this all boils down to is conditioning your cat to associate your special word with getting attention from you. The word becomes the trigger, to which she responds in order to get something she wants. Once this happens, any time you say the special word your cat comes because she knows she will be rewarded.
As you can see, the bond you form with your cat is the most important aspect of getting her to come when you call. When your cat knows that she will get love and affection from being close to you, then she will WANT to come to you any time she can.
I learned these tips and many others from Mary Matthews' book Ultimate Cat Secrets. If you would like to enjoy a loving relationship with a perfectly well behaved cat, this is well worth a read!
All the best to you and your feline friends,
Beth
I love cats and I believe that every cat and cat lover deserves a happy and harmonious home together. I am always seeking out information about cats and I enjoy sharing it with other people who enjoy them as much as I do. Please visit my blog for more about caring for cats and cat behavior!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3827424
The family cat likes to be just as comfortable as you are. Consider one of the six most common comforts for your growing family feline pet.
The six top cat comforts for your cat are as follows:
Padded Perch: If your cat cannot be outside, he or she would at least like to look out the window once in awhile, and have a cozy place to lie while doing so. This perch usually is filled on the inside with at least one inch thick layer of foam, and a carpeted or faux lamb's wool coating on the outside. This unit comes most often in two different sizes that adjust to most window ledges without use of tools. Besides the cat wanting to rest here while looking out the window, the cat may also want to take a short nap here (thus the pun "catnap").
Another variation of the padded perch is the kind that is mounted to the wall by the use of a VelcroTM stick on. This type of padded perch is usually made in a similar way as the padded perch, and hold up to 40 pounds of feline weight. This is another place for your family feline to take a rest, or catnap (pun intended, really).
Plush Pet Bed: Just like you and your children, your cat would like a warm, comfortable place to sleep at night or to take a nap. This is different from the padded perch, because it is a place for your cat to sleep for longer periods of time. Usually these beds are made with soft, squishy sides and padded bottoms to provide the ultimate resting place for your feline pet. Other variations of the plush bed include a kind with a decorative wooden border, with a soft mattress to lie upon. These beds sometimes resemble miniature day beds, or small corner beds that will fit in small spaces.
If you choose to pamper your feline pet by buying that animal a bed, there are some things you should remember. For instance, you should make sure that the size of the bed is not too big or too small. If the bed ends up being too big, it would be very difficult for your cat to stay warm. If it is too small, the cat could fall out of it, or not be able to stretch out fully. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the size of the bed when purchasing it, to ensure proper fit and comfort for your animal.
Another thing to remember is to take thought to where in the house the bed will go. You would want to make sure that the space that you have for your pet's bed will be the right size. This will be easier for cats than for other animals, such as dogs, because in most cases cats do not grow to be very large. Therefore, space consideration is necessary, but is not a huge problem. The biggest concern is to find a bed shaped in a way that will help your cat be comfortable.
Scratching Posts: A cat who has a scratching post will feel as if he or she has gone to heaven. This is the best way to keep a cat's claws busy, so it does not scratch up your furniture. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about whether or not the process of de-clawing an animal is humane or not, because in this case it would not be necessary. The cat would have a place to put his or her claws other than the two thousand dollar leather couch you own.
One thing to know about scratching posts is that numerous variations of them have been invented. One scratching post model is a simple pole, usually two to four feet in length attached to the base. This is a small design in which the cat can reach his or her front paws up as far as possible and scratch around it. The cat can scratch around the base of this post as well.
Another scratching post model is the two-story one with a place for the cat to take a nap on the second floor, and on the top of the unit. The outside of this unit is usually carpeted just like a regular scratching post would be, and the inside upper floor and top of unit is perfect for sleeping. This is a great climbing unit for cats as well, and is a perfect model to have if you own two or more cats.
Another scratching post model would be the kind that would represent a small jungle gym for a toddler. It has various places for the cat to scratch, climb, and lie around, and nap. Usually it contains tunnels for the cat to crawl through as well. This particular model comes in an extremely large number of sizes and models, so you are sure to find one that is right for you.
Another type of scratching post would be the homemade model. If you happen to be a crafty person, you can make your own scratching post into one of the models explained above, or even more. Materials needed would be various sized barrels (cardboard or wood would be best), different sized hollow tubes, wooden squares and rectangles (for the bases), nail or staples, and either a hammer or a nail (or staple) gun. Some further instruction can be found online, in a library, or from a friend or relative if needed.
Whether you buy an already made scratching post or construct your own, your cat will love every minute of it, and will probably be grateful you have not cut his or her claws off.
Grooming Supplies: Grooming supplies can mean a multitude of items, even nail clippers or shampoos. However, the kind of grooming supplies and treatments that a cat would most likely enjoy would be when you comb his or her hair. Cats like to be rubbed, especially behind the ears. Therefore, you can use this concept to your advantage when trying to a routine tick or flea check. If you find a brush with bristle ends that are soothing to the skin, your cat would really the sensual feeling of you coming the cat's coat of hair. It would be like a human giving another human a massage or a cosmologist washing a customer's hair before trimming it.
Other supplies used can comfort a cat, but it depends on whether that cat will mind being touched for a long period of time. That would include using shampoos that are as gentle as a baby's shampoo to wash the cat's hair. If your cat does not mind getting wet, the calming of hand washing the cat's fur can be very relaxing to the cat.
One other grooming supply that can be used is a self-grooming arched brush. This arched brush stands upright on a base, and is big enough for the cat to crawl through, but small enough to remove all the loose hair from your cat. Your cat will enjoy this, because most cats love to rub against objects around the house anyway.
Remember these tips about grooming to pamper your cat, because your cat does no more want to be spoiled than a child.
Comfortable Pet Carriers: Most cats do not like being transported in a small pet carrier. However, some carriers can actually provide more comfort than others. Flexible carriers that are shaped like a duffle bag or purse are sometimes recommended over the plastic box shaped ones, and fit in a traveling vehicle a lot easier. These types are often well ventilated, and are usually equipped with a padded bottom for the cat to lie down upon. Some carriers designs come with a rain cover to protect the pet in the event of an outdoor storm while the pet owner takes the cat bike riding. If you are a cat owner, you would be very wise in considering this type of pet carrier over the traditional box type.
Decorative Safety Collars and Jewelry: Another way to pamper your family feline is to make your family cat look great. That way, your cat will feel better going out into the world, mostly because people will respond to how well your animal looks in appearance. Some safety collars have designs on them made from colored rhinestone, beads, or other decorative stones. You can keep your pet near you in style, and the pet will also be safe as well. Be sure for maximum comfort, to find a collar material that will not irritate your cat's skin.
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Most breeds of cat are gradually being bred to be free from the genetic problems that were once found as a result of breeding program but this doesn't stop a cat from contracting some of the most common health problems. The first step in any possible illness is to seek a vet's attention but knowing the basics of these illnesses means you may be able to spot a problem earlier and solve it before it becomes too serious.
Cancer
The most common type of cancer seen in cats is called lymphosarcoma and is a cancer of the lymph system that is connected with feline leukemia virus. It can be in the intestines or in the chest. Another common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which is particularly prevalent in white cats.
Symptoms of cancer can vary but include lumps, swellings, repeated skin infections, weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting as well as difficulties in breathing or going to the toilet. Depending on the type of condition, the treatment can vary from chemotherapy to surgery if it is operable and radiation or immunotherapy treatment.
Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease, of FLUTD, is actually a number of condition that can affect both the cat's bladder and urethra. Symptoms can range from straining when going to the toilet to completely avoiding the cat litter tray. Licking of the genitals excessively, blood in the urine or any other similar symptoms may be a sign of a problem and can be of varying seriousness, with a urethral blockage potentially being fatal.
When it comes to treating the condition, establishing exactly what the problem is will be the vet's first step. After this, the treatment can involve pain medication or antibiotics perhaps sometimes minor surgery if there is a blockage. The cat may also need dietary changes to deal with the problem or to stop it reoccurring.
Infections
The most common type of infection suffered by cats are those of the respiratory tract and some can even be prevented by vaccination. Symptoms of these types of infection range from a runny nose or watering eyes to cough, fever and even mouth sores. Many of these infections are viral in nature so the cat will naturally fight them off but it is always worth checking with the vet, as some of the rarer ones can be fatal if untreated.
Another common infectious condition is called feline panleukopenia. This is a viral infection caused by the feline parvovirus and symptoms include fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration and loss of appetite. There is no medication but watching fluid intake and overall health usually allows the cat to recover on its own, however in kittens under eight weeks it is often fatal.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in cats reduces their ability to process waste and can lead to a dangerous build-up of toxins in the bloodstream. It can come from a variety of reasons including kidney stones, infection in the kidney, high blood pressure and even exposure to toxins. It is also common in cats as they get older. Symptoms can include a decreased appetite, loss of weight, vomiting and diarrhea but others don't have any symptoms at all.
Fleas
While fleas aren't strictly speaking a health problem, their presence can cause health problems. At the very least, cats will scratch and can overgroom, resulting in bald patches. Fleas and their eggs and excrement can also be spotted on the cat's fur. Using flea control products for cats is the best way to deal with the problem but if they show any signs of a negative reaction to the product, get in touch with your vet. Also never use a dog flea control as it has different ingredients and can cause an allergic reaction in cats.
Conclusion
Never use information as a substitute for seeing a vet and getting a professional opinion but by having some knowledge of what illnesses can strike your cat, you may react quicker than someone without the knowledge and possibly even save the cat's life.
For more information about cat health issues and which breeds are the most susceptible to certain illness, see my articles at http://www.thebestcatlitterbox.com/
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Cat training isn't as easy as dog training, cat are usually independent and strong willed. Yet some owners get a great deal out this task, they believe training builds a strong bond between you and your kitty.
Not only will you enjoy kitty training, believe it not so will your furry friend. There are a number of reasons why training equals happy cat so I'll just list them below.
Training helps keep your moggies mind active, just like humans our minds needs to be challenged.
By training your cat it ensures they get plenty of exercise so fantastic if your cat is a little overweight.
It reminds your them who's boss and will help diminish any dominant behaviour.
Anxious cats find training relaxing as it soothed by the repetition of tasks.
It teaches your cat good social skills and promotes interaction.
Methods of Feline Training
Target Training
This is when you get their attention when calling a command. For example if you wanted your kitty to stand on it's back legs while you issue the command to stand hold a stick above your their head and they will naturally go to grab it. Once they stand on their back legs, reward them with affection or a small treat.
Clicker Training
This uses the idea of operant conditioning, this is where the cat consciously associates a particular behaviour with an outcome. This type of training gets it's name due the small device that emits a click when the correct action is being performed by the animal. For example if you were training them to sit on command, the second your cats bum hit the floor you would press the clicker and immediately reward them with a small treat. After enough repetition you can will realise they their own behaviours can acquire them treats. So when they hear the click, they will sit because they know that if they do, there's a treat heading their way.
This type of training has the huge advantage of allowing the trainer to know the exact behaviour that being reinforced, with Target Training the reward may not come immediately after the behaviour so the kitty might associate another behaviour with the treat.
Tips for Feline Training
If you leave your cats food out all day so they choose to eat, restrict them to scheduled meal times just like humans, other wise they will have no incentive - We're not saying starve them, just ensure they're hungry like we are just before a mealtime!
Try training just before meal times this will increase their responsiveness and heighten their senses.
Take it one step at a time when training and be patient, remember if neither of you are enjoy it stop and throw a ball for them instead.
Cats have a short attention span so lessons need to be very short, interesting and fun, otherwise you might just get a look of disdain.
You can get lots more information on caring for cats over at Cat Party [http://www.cat-party.co.uk] we write about cat issues as find the best cat products [http://www.cat-party.co.uk/category/cat-products/].
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As your kitty ages, cat food nutrition can be important to the quality of her life. In general, your cat will probably live over fifty percent of her life as a senior. So what does this mean in terms of finding the best cat food to keep her healthy?
First off, how do you know when your cat reaches "senior status"? You might see a sprinkling of gray on her chin; a small cloud forming over once-clear eyes. Perhaps there's a touch of stiffness in what was once a frisky gait. Any of these can be tell-tale signs that your fuzzy feline friend is entering her "golden" years.
The old saying that one year in a cat's life is equal to seven "human" years isn't entirely accurate. Pets mature quickly during the first two years of life, level out for their middle years, and then begin to age more rapidly once more during the final third of their life span.
Technically, a cat qualifies as a senior once she's achieved 7 years of age or more. Factors that have an impact on how individual cats age include body weight, nutrition, environment, and overall health.
Thanks to advances in veterinary care and improved nutrition, cats are living longer than ever, giving those of us who love them many more years of their affection and warm companionship. This longevity, however, means that senior cats, just like their aging human companions, become more vulnerable to a variety of health issues and ailments: weight gain and decreased mobility; heart, kidney, and liver diseases; diabetes; dental problems and periodontal disease; behavioral problems and cancer.
Though advances in animal care, better nourishment and better educated owners have helped improve the quantity and quality of these years, studies have shown that senior cats continue to fight with weight as the result of reduced activity levels and a steady decline in senses, nutrient absorption and the ability to digest fat.
"One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," says Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who pioneered a senior wellness program specifically intended to address the unique needs of aging cats at his veterinary hospital, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City.
As cats age, there is a steady decline in their body's capacity to heal itself, maintain standard bodily functions and adjust to tensions in their environment. Illness and weight changes are common during the senior years. Cats are at risk of weight gain in their adult years due to the decline in activity levels and the slowing of their metabolism.
But by the time they reach 11 years of age, weight loss becomes an even bigger concern. The 11-plus years are especially difficult for cats because their sense of smell and taste tend to diminish at this time, which in turn has an adverse affect on their interest in food. The power to absorb key nutritional elements and digest fat begins to declines, making eating itself less efficient.
The unwelcome result is that more food goes straight to becoming waste product, and less is utilized for energy, causing a drop in lean muscle mass and subcutaneous fat, leading to an often dangerous reduction in weight. As well as providing a healthy and well balanced diet, owners of senior cats should closely monitor their cats' activity levels, weight, food intake, grooming and elimination habits and report anything new or unusual to their veterinarian.
The good news is that owners of senior cats can do a lot to aid their aging felines in the maintenance of an ideal body weight throughout their senior years by feeding them a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs. For example, holistic cat food, nutrition from all natural products and processes, is one excellent option for boosting the flagging energy of any cat, but especially a senior. Switching to a raw cat food diet as early as possible in your cat's life will help to keep her golden years much more vibrant and healthy. When it comes the health of your cat, senior food doesn't have to be any different from the food she's been eating all along, as long as it was the best and most natural food to begin with.
Though many of the changes in your cat are standard to the aging process we all go through, others may appear that can indicate a much more critical issue. Scheduling veterinary visits at least twice yearly is good practice for older cats as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if detected early. Fortunately, if you started your kitty off from the beginning by giving her the best quality holistic cat food, nutrition alone will have played a significant part in helping her maintain glowing health when she enters her senior years.
Susan Livingstone built The Cat Bladder Blog because she loves cats, which is just as well since she is basically a slave to their whims. After years of spending money on them, she is now reversing that trend by offering products, information, advice and help to cat owners everywhere -- specifically those who need resources for dealing with cat urinary tract infections. You can visit her site to find many more articles on feline urinary tract health, natural, herbal, organic and homeopathic remedies for the prevention of cat UTI, the best cat urinary tract food, and links to other information on cat medicine and common feline disease prevention.
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If you are trying to keep your cat warm in the winter time there are several easy ways you can do that. Depending on whether or not your cat is an indoor cat or if the cat spends part or all of its time outside, your options for keeping them warm will vary.
Indoor cats have a reputation for loving those nice warm spots, like the sunny spot on the couch in the afternoon. They also like to find warm places like your face when you're sleeping, or snuggling up next to the computer which generates a lot of heat. Keeping a cat warm in winter time indoors is not very difficult.
Generally, any temperature that is comfortable enough for a person will be completely fine for cat. They do, after all, have a fur coat. They can withstand temperatures much lower than we can, and for much longer periods of time. It just so happens that they really prefer warm spots, but that extra warmth is not a necessity for their health.
When it comes to cats who spend time outdoors, however, you may want to provide a special place to allow them to warm up in really cold temperatures. Again, due to their fur, they can withstand temperatures that are many degrees colder than we are able to tolerate. Any snug place that is up off the ground and has any drafts blocked will allow a cat to stay warm simply from its own body heat.
There are products available which owners can use to keep their outdoor cats warm, such as electric heaters, thick insulated bags in which the cat can snuggle, or specially designed igloos, which are designed to reflect the cats heat back toward their body. These products may be unnecessary, but sometimes the peace of mind that it gives the owner is worth the price.
The electric devices, such as a cat heating pad, consume not much more electricity than two small Christmas light bulbs. They are specially designed not to overheat and cause the animal to become too warm. You can find out more at http://catheatingpad.net.
George is a regular contributor to several syndicated blogs. His topics range from parenting tips to strategies for pet owners.
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