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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