Potty Train Your Cat

Cats are neat animals. They are also intelligent enough to be trained. Given those characteristics, it will be very easy for owners to teach their pets. Here are some tips to guide owners in training their cats to use litter boxes.

1. Cleanliness is a must for cats.

Sometimes, even if the cat is already trained in using litter boxes, the owner usually finds his pet urinating or defecating just a few inches away from the litter box. The cat wants to use the litter box, and this can be proven by the proximity of the waste to the litter box. However, because the litter box is dirty, the cat opted not to use it.

The point here is that cats prefer to expel body wastes on clean areas. So make it a point to regularly check if the litter box is always clean and ready for your cat’s use. The cleanliness of the area where the litter box is situated must also be checked frequently.

2. Cats do need privacy.

Do not expect your cat to defecate or urinate in busy areas because they also have the need for privacy. That is why most cats prefer to do their thing behind furniture, or in corners of rooms.

To solve the problem, place litter boxes in areas where cats would be less likely to be disturbed.

3. Cats must be comfortable in using their litter boxes.

Comfort is an issue in training cats to use litter boxes. If cats don’t find using litter boxes convenient on their part, why will they use it?

Check if your cat is comfortable using open or closed litter boxes.

4. Take it easy.

Most cat owners who train their pets for litter box use lack patience. Thus, after a short period of time, they give up, or they use force in training their cats. Both actions are wrong.

One must learn that patience is an important trait needed in training cats.

5. Cats seek rewards for a job well done.

If your cat uses the litter box, but did not feel that you appreciated its efforts, there is no reason for your cat to repeat using it again.

Make the task of using the litter box enjoyable and fulfilling for your pet by giving rewards. After a while, your cat will be accustomed to the habit.

6. More cats = more litter boxes.

Place more litter boxes to accommodate all your pets. Place them based on your cats’ preference.

Generally, training cats to use litter boxes is an easy thing for an owner who knows his cat well.

The benefits of cat ownership – Part 1

We are a great national of pet lovers.

It is documented, that there are over 60 million cat owners in the US and 17.6 million in the UK.

These furry creatures come with a huge and long-term commitment. They are highly curious creatures communicating with the world around them through body language and a small range of verbal noises.

There is a wealth of documented research showing that spending time with your furry friend will help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and actually help recovery from illness.

Some Medical professionals believe that the cholesterol and blood pressures can be lowered when their patient’s pet cats sit on their lap. The warmth and love emanating from their body has many special healing qualities.

They also make good nursemaids; studies have shown that heart problems patients’ recovery time is increased. The vibration of the cats purring can help relieve tension helping the owner to relax. They are also good listeners often lending a quite ear to those who need to talk about emotional problems or are just lonely, they have a knack of knowing when we require some extra tender loving care.

Some families like us, consider our pet cats an integral part of family life, rather like another member who brings great social and health benefits to all ages.

After a great deal deliberation to what kind of pet to buy our daughter we decided on a small kitten. This little creature came home from our local pet shop and we are still unsure who picked whom. She was lovable and very independent, needing considerably less attention than our previous pet dog.

Our small shy child, who had many physiological and learning difficulties often, isolated herself from family life, was developing feelings of concern for her new friend’s welfare. In return, “Tabbies” rewarded our daughter with small gifts of baby birds, field mice, friendship and unconditional love. Spending time playing and having fun.

Over the first year we observed that our daughter’s social and speech skills were developing, together with a sense of responsibility for someone other than herself. The benefit’s for our family are immense.

How to protect your cat from cat diseases – Part 2

As a cat owner, you naturally worry about preventing disease in your feline friend. Many cat owners don’t know that one of the greatest hazards to a cat’s health is commercial cat food. As shocking as this sounds, it is the truth. Commercial cat food is one of the main instigators of disease in cats.

If you research the ingredients of your cat’s food, then you will discover the secrets that pet food companies have tried to keep hidden. You will see that the pet food industry is really an extension on the human food industry. It serves as a waste removal, if you will. What is unfit for human consumption ends up in a bag or can wrapped in an attractive label, and sold to consumers for their loving pets. Those juicy beef steaks and delicious looking vegetables are nothing but ink on paper and they most certainly do not exist in commercial cat food.

Animal by-products serve as the meat protein source in cat food. It may be in the form of meal which means that it has been rendered. To render something is to remove the oil from fat by melting. Some of the animal by-products that go into commercial dog and cat food are: euthanized cats and dogs, road kill, chicken heads, animal spleens, decomposing animal carcasses, and possibly tumors and diseased tissues. Rendering plants process these “by-products” into a dry protein product and sell them to pet food companies. The drug which is used to euthanize cats and dogs still exists after the rendering and extruding processes, which means that it delivers toxicity to your pet.

The CVM (Center for Veterinary Medicine) is part of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and bears the main responsibility for animal drugs, pet foods, feed ingredients, and additives. The CVM has stated: “CVM has not acted to specifically prohibit the rendering of pets. However, that is not to say that the practice of using this material in pet food is condoned by the CVM.”

Sadly, there’s more. If you read the ingredients label, you will find that up to seventy percent of cat food may consist of grain. Most cat foods also contain corn which is a known allergen to many dogs and cats. Grains and corn are used as a cheap source of energy in dog and cat food. Grains consist of complex carbohydrates, which increase the production of insulin. If your cat has too many grains, it will result in the overproduction of insulin. This can lead to obesity and diabetes. Other health issues linked to feeding cats too many grains are:

Got A Cat As A Pet? Here’s How To Keep Them Healthy…

Our pet cats are often as close to us as members of our family.
In fact, they virtually are members of our family! That’s why
cat owners should know as much as they can about cat health.
Here are the major things to know about caring for your pet cat
in a loving way:

GROOMING: Long-haired cats should be groomed regularly for
optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less frequently
than once a week.

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your cat eats.
Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as your
cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for
it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a
well-fed cat.

OLDER CATS: Some diseases occur simply because your cat is
getting older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems.
As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and they may need
special diets.

LITTER: The litter box can be dangerous to both cat health and
human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s
litter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish
of baking soda near the litter area.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if
a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems.
If your cat is scratching a particular area often try a
delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

DECLAWING: Declawing your cat can be a major factor in Cat
health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to
remember to keep them inside at all times.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult
or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of
depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone
imbalances.

STRESS: Your cat can easily get stressed out. Stressful
situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even
changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the
effects of stress on your pet, buy a tranquilizer for distance
travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can
escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Make sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze cannot be
reached by your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure
to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

PARASITES: Parasites such as ringworms, heart worms and rabies
can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or
uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

MOUTH: Cats often have mouth diseases and this can influence cat
health. Cats are just as prone to gingivitis as humans. For
problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s
teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat
health is whether your pet goes outdoors. Cars, children, other
animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by
keeping your cat indoors.

Taking care of your cat is critical to your cats health.
Hopefully this article has provided you with information that
will make your pet’s life much safer, healthier, happier and
longer

A guide to cat food ingredients

They say “You are what you eat.”. The same applies to our pets. A pet who is fed a top quality food will have fewer health problems over its lifetime. A pet who is fed a lesser food, will likely exhibit problems, which may be as simply as weight concerns, or as big as cancer. The sad thing is that many times owners are not even aware if their pet is healthy or not. A sadder fact is that most cat owners do not even know how to tell if a food is good or not.

Cats are true carnivores. They require meat in their food. Unfortunately most commercially available cat foods use a lot of filler, usually carbohydrates. As a result the cat must eat more food to get the nutrition. The lower quality foods also use FAT to give the pets a glossy coat. Many owners feel a glossy coat = a healthy pet = good food. In combination with the lower quality of the food, the cat must eat a lot more food, thereby eating a lot more fat and carbs. Thus contributing to obesity and feline diabetes. As food brands vary from country to country and each brand may change its’ formula from time to time I will not get into brand names. I will refer to the more common ingredients and discuss why they are good or bad.

DRY CAT FOOD

The FIRST FIVE ingredients are the ones you want to pay most attention to. If the top ingredient is a good meat source, but the remaining four are filler, your food may not the best.

If the food indicates that it is Human Grade it means the food is fit for human consumption. If it does not say human grade then it can even be meat from animals who were euthanized.

Chicken Meal, Lamb Meal, Turkey Meal, etc – GOOD Any meat marked with “MEAL” following it is a good source of actual meat. One of these MUST be the first ingredient listed on your bag. Chicken, Turkey and Lamb, being the gentlest on a cats tummy and the least likely to cause allergies. Fish Meal, such as salmon or tuna, should never be the first ingredient, as fish is high in calcium it may contribute to urinary tract problems.

Meat Meal, Animal Fat,. Etc BAD Any unspecified meat is mystery meat. It can come from ANY animal that died and was rendered that day. In the past there have been pet foods found with dog or cat in it. When you feed mystery meat, you contribute to pet allergies as the food will not be consistent from bag to bag.

Corn and Corn Gluten Meal BAD if in any of the top 3 positions. A filler really, corn is of no nutritional value and is a common allergen. Corn is a carbohydrate, and

Challenges of having many cats in one household – Part 3

Everyone I know has a little cat that are in there home all cozy and energetic. Who wouldn’t want a friend when no one els is around? I certainly would want one if I was alone or sad, especially when I have a bad day at work. The little cat just comes up to you and purrs, but be aware that the may have a bad day too.

The number one thing people mistake when finding a pet is it’s personality. I know a cat is a nice looking fur ball, but at times they could be outspoken. Then, the cat would mount and attack you for no apparent reason, but you can sometimes change this with training and discipline of the cat. For me I have a adult cat and about five others in my big house. If you are going to have lots of cats at least have a house. I don’t recommend you to have so many in a trailer though. A trailer is not a good environment for a animal nor it si for a human. I live in a house like I said.

If you go out one day and your furry friends fallow you this is a danger at the most ext ream. The little thing is not smart and mite kill itself in the road. Always close the door behind you when going out of the house, and be couscous. The next challenge of having cats in your home is them being so destructive. To tackle this situation you need to train your cat. I know this sounds like a retard but its true. They way you do it is you have to smack it on the nose, talk to id, and pat it with lots of attention. I took the process and in about a month they learned. I mean all the basics of a human except in cat form. I think ist just astounding to me, but I don’t know about you.

All cat owners say that they take a nice little dump every so often, so you need o have some ways to overcome this. What I do is put a big, round, and toilet like litter box in the house. I surely have a little cat room so they can do there dumping in peace. My cats have some much poop and owners don’t always like to clean up the box. For five cats and five litter boxes I dump them five times a week. It’s like one nasty dump every day.

A cats nature is to kill and attack for food, so let the cats out side for a short time to hunt. Also have some litter boxes that are very big and strong. Discipline you pets in a natural way and most of all don’t leave the door open. You will be a fantastic owner if you fallow these easy and at the same time hard steps. I don’t even think there hard.

The benefits of outdoor cat enclosures – Part 1

Outdoor cat safety is one issue most cat owners do not think about. You get a new cat or kitten. Provide some cat toys and think this will satisfy your new pet. Then you discover that your cat wants to go outside. He has been sitting looking out the window. Trying to get some fresh air and sunshine. So you let him out. I have done this in the past with a new cat, so I know the feeling.

Then you discover he has not come home. Maybe missing for several days. Or, if he does come home, he is injured.

The dangers that await a cat left roaming on his own are endless.

Antifreeze leaking from a parked car, a neighbor who dislikes cats digging in her garden beds, dogs, garage doors left open to air out that may contain rodent products or other pesticides, and on and on.

Other cats. Cats are territorial and if not neutered, cat fights erupt.

Depending on where you live, coyotes are a huge threat to a cat’s safety. Coyotes can run 60 miles per hour and will eat anything. A cat is no match for the coyote’s swiftness.

The answer to this problem is a cat enclosure. This environment provides safety while allowing your new pet to be outside and safe at the same time. Enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

Once you have a design for your new enclosure, you can begin thinking about what to put in it.

The possibilities are endless.

Cat shelves can be built into the sides of the enclosure or built like a picnic table for perching. An old ladder, properly anchored into the ground provides a great area for climbing and perching, since cats really enjoy heights.

The garden area can be planted with plants that are not poisonous to cats.

Plants to grow for a cat include: catmint, catnip, thyme, sage, parsley,chickweed, lawn grass, wheat or oat cereal grass.

Finding catnip plants in the nursery or local home depot is costly. The best way is to start your own catnip plants.

First, find some quality catnip seeds. Do a Google search and you can find some that come in quantity of 1/4 oz and more. Since not all the seeds will germinate, it’s best to place many seeds in each pot.

Moisten a bag of seed germinating potting soil so it is moist but not soaking.

Put the moistened soil in several small plastic pots. Take a pencil and make 1/8″ holes. Using a plastic spoon, put several seeds in each hole. Since catnip germinates in darkness, cover all seeded holes with moist soil.

Cover all your pots with plastic wrap. Cover with a towel.

Germinating takes about 2 weeks. Also, catnip does not require heat to germinate.

Every day, take off the plastic tops and moisten with the spray bottle. Soil must be kept moist for germinating to take place.

After about 10 days to 14 days, the little green shoots will appear.

Your pots are ready to be placed in a south window.

Catnip is very hardy once established. Once it is moved to the garden area, it will produce beautiful purple blossoms about mid summer.

It will reseed itself over time and continue to spread in your garden.

There are many resources on the Internet to build your own cat enclosure. It does not have to be fancy or huge for that matter.

One key element to the success of your enclosure is to provide a pet door. Your new pet can come and go as he pleases.

Pet doors come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some fit into a traditional door or even a sliding door.

Once your enclosure is up, you can let your new cat or kitten out with peace of mind.

Everyone benefits from this action.

Your animal gets the benefit of the outdoors. You get peace of mind knowing he is safe.

Dog and cat owners beware: Menu foods recall – Part 2

Are you killing your dog with dog foods? That is a question that dog owners everywhere should carefully consider. Several different types of dog foods that are sold on a commercial basis have been found to have a devastating effect on the health of these pets. Research has been conducted for many years regarding this very important topic, and the evidence indicates extremely devastating results the dog food that we purchase for our pets may be doing more harm, than good! Premature death may be experienced by dogs that consume products sold on a commercial basis. In this article, you will be given the information in order to determine are you killing your dog with dog foods?

Commercial dog food that claims to provide animals with nutrition, a healthy coat, and a high level of physical fitness has actually been found to be quite harmful. Diseases and even death may be experienced by the pet that consumes this type of food. Unsuspecting pet owners go out into the market and various stores on a daily basis in order to purchase food for their pets. These individuals will typically see several different types of dog foods on the shelves. Many will claim nutritional balance, while others include advertisements such as those that state that the dog food will be efficient in developing the health of the pet. These pet owners have no idea of the dangerous ingredients and toxins that are used in the processing of the dog food.

There are several chemicals and toxins that are contained in standard dog foods. These are considered to be so potent that they are no longer permitted to be used in foods that are consumed by humans. However, they are approved for our pet dogs which is very unfortunate. The following medical conditions have been experienced by people who consumed the same toxins, and chemicals that dogs consume on a daily basis if they are fed commercial based dog foods:

Failure of, or the development of cancer in the kidneys Cancer that forms in the bladder of the individual Cancers that were located in the spleen and stomach The loss of hair ranging from mild to severe Gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea Visual problems, such as blindness The development of Leukemia The dysfunction and failure of the liver, and other major organs in the body The weakening of the immunity Allergies that can be mild to severe in nature Many have given birth to children with birth defects

As you can see, these substances really resulted in many problems when it came to human consumption. The same issue is likely to occur when it comes to pets that consume it. However, dogs are much smaller than people. It can result in a quicker onset of symptoms, and even death! If you want to ensure the health of your pet, you can bypass all the commercial foods and simply create your own dog food. If you want to learn dog food secrets that can educate you on the health of your pet,and teach you how to create healthy foods.Remember, the health of your pet is depending on this!

Aggressive Cat Behaviour – the Causes

Aggressive behaviour in our pets is normally associated with dogs. We hear of cases of dog attacks all the time in the newspapers and whenever we encounter a new dog, our first reaction is to be weary of it in case it becomes aggressive. This is not normally our first reaction to pet cats, thus sometimes resulting in a bloody hand.

Cats like all other animals will display aggression when a threatening situation arises, the difference with a cat is that there are many different reasons for their aggression and knowing what will trigger an attack will help us to understand our cats behaviour and help us to prevent the situations arising.

The first thing to understand is that it is not in the cats interest to be involved in a unnecessary fight as this could result in injury to itself which could threaten it’s survival. So in most cases aggressive behaviour is either used as a warning signal or for survival purposes such as territory rights or for food.

Aggressive behaviour can be displayed in many ways, from the straight full on attack to subtle body movements designed to be intimidating. These body signs include, fluffing of fur, arching of back, low-pitched growls, crouching and hissing. In most cases these body signals are enough to warn off the potential enemy without an actual fight being necessary.

There are many different causes for cat aggression and by understanding the reasons for the behaviour cat owners will be able to react correctly towards it.

Some cats will become aggressive during a normal petting session for no apparent reason, often shocking their owner who is totally unprepared for the attack. Often this behaviour occurs in a timid or less social cat that may find petting pleasant for a short time but then may feel trapped by the situation and warns you off with a quick bite. Understanding your cats temperament and their likes and dislikes to being petted will reduce the risk of this aggressive behaviour.

Predatory aggression arises from the cats natural instincts to hunt for prey and when the opportunity for this is reduced by being kept inside for most of the time, is redirected in attacking other animals or humans who by pouncing on hands and feet. These attacks can be headed off by placing a bell on the cats collar so that you can hear them coming and my making a loud startling noise if an attack is imminent. Stooping the cat in their tracks.

Many owners find that game time with their cat can leave their hands covered in scratches and bites. This play aggression is a learned behaviour and or rather that they haven’t learnt that when playing they should retract their claws. Using only toys to play with your cat rather than hands will reduce the likelihood of injury and any games that do result in a scratch should be stopped immediately. Over time the cat will learn that the game will stop when they bite and scratch their owners and they will stop this aggressive behaviour.

Fear is another major reason for a cat to behave aggressively. It is their normal instant reaction and can sometime manifest itself in strange ways. Trauma aggression is one of these strange manifestations of aggression and is often one of the most misunderstood behaviours. This aggression is displayed towards another animal or person who is totally unrelated to the initial reason for the fear in the cat. It can stem from hearing loud unexpected sounds, having their tail stepped on or even from another pets visit to the vets. These incidents cause stress and fear to the cat who needing to retaliate against this fear will attack the first creature or person they come across. Unfortunately this aggression can continue for some time until the cat has re-established friendly relations again with the object of their aggression.

The main reason for displays of aggression from pet cats is usually based around territory and hierocracy between other cats. As cats are not pack animals like dogs they require there own space and have to feel that they are master of that space. So cats sharing the same living space inside will often display bouts of aggression towards each other to reaffirm their status in the house, these are not usually serious fights and should be allowed to happen without our intervention, as peace should return to the home quite quickly. The outside battle for territory is constant and one that as cat owners we have to accept as apart of their natural behaviour and not one that we can prevent. In most cases these fights will result in a scratched nose or bitten paw.

Aggression in cats is always a reaction to something else and should never be seen as bad behaviour. By understanding the reason for the aggression will help us to react to it appropriately and will in the long-term help us to build a better relationship with our pets.