The personality of classic orange tabby cats

An animal’s personality traits are as diverse as those attributed to humans. Cat’s have as individual a personality, as does any human. Personality traits for domesticated animals are part genetic and part environmental. Therefore when choosing a pet cat it is important to observe the behavior of the parent cat and the environment the feline is coming from.

First correction that this article requires is that Tabby is not a feline breed. Tabby actually applies only to the color and pattern of a part of the American or just plain Short Haired breed of felines. Secondly the classic orange color is actually referred to as Red Tabby. This includes all shades of orange from deep reddish fur to the yellow fur. Most people believe it is classic for the tabby to be orange because of the common American stereotypical depiction of this short haired feline. For example, Morris the Cat from the commercials, or the cartoon depiction of the Red Tabby, Garfield. There are Red Tabby long hair breeds, as well.

With that clarified, let us get to feline personalities, in general. It is seems that the common belief is that this color feline has the attitude that is referred to as “Tom”. Tom refers to an outside, un-neutered male cat. The actual definition is: the male of an animal species; tomcat.

Toms are typically believed to be wild and unkempt, with attitudes and a personality one would attribute to such creatures. Again, tabby or tom does not refer to how a cat behaves, as much as it does their color, sex and living environment.

Behaviors common to most domesticated cats are as follows:

Cats tend toward independent behavior. They do not need to be walked. Grooming, being combed or brushed, is not much of a necessity at all. This is particularly true of the short haired breeds. Feeding and watering are necessities, other than that your common house cat will find a comfortable chair, windowsill or high bookshelf to groom himself and nap.

Most cats, indoor and outdoor behave in what would be described as an aloof or uninterested manner. Meaning they do not seem to care much about the goings on of a household. Unless of course they hear the can opener or cat food bag rustling. Humans tend to attribute this behavior as personality, and at times it is the personality. Cats sleep often, this is not just an appearance. They do sleep often during the day. Cat’s are predatory and have the behaviors and habits of a predator, including a night life.

Cats have

Cat food reviews: Purina

Purina Cat Chow has been a staple food for the cats in our home for around the past twenty years and it will remain in our cupboard for as long as a kitty resides in our home. Purina Cat Chow provides all the factors that we are looking for in a cat food. It has amazing nutritional levels for a great price point. It’s fat content ranks in porportion to other cat foods with much higher price tags. Cat Chow has enhanced protein, Omega fatty acids to keep fur shiny and skin healthy, calcium and phosphorus for bone and tooth health, and antioxidants to insure a healthy immune system. It’s fat content is a minimum of thirteen percent which ranks much higher than lower grade cat foods and this fat content level is in the same range as much higher priced kitty foods.

I know these facts because my daughter and I spent a good hour in the pet department one day just reading labels. We did our research and for it’s price point, Purina ranked as the number one nutritional choice that we could make for our cats, and so that is what we did! Purina Cat Chow moved into our homes that day and it has remained there ever since.

My cats are also under the impression that it tastes great. On a past trip to my brothers, my current kitty was offered a store brand kitty food, which was the food that my brother at the time was feeding his pair. Well I can let you know that my kitty took it as a personal insult and decided to starve to death rather than touch that “so called” food! After three days of watching her skulk around the food dish, I gave in, I went down and purchased a bag of vacation Cat Chow. The bowl was emptied almost as quickly as I filled it. The bowl was attacked by not only my kitty, but also by my brother pair of felines, they dove into that bowl as though cavior was on the menu! As my brother watched his precious Pebbles and BamBam searching for any small scrap of this delicious treat that might have escaped them, he like myself was converted, he switched to Cat Chow and hasn’t looked back since.

Although Cat Chow is the product from Purina that I choose for my pets, it is important to note that Purina has a full line of pet food products to meet the special needs of all kitties regardless of their race, age or circumstances. In addition to Kitty Chow for the wee little ones, Purina offers up a full line of “Purina One” products. Here you can choose a dry cat food to suit the specific needs of your pet. You can select an appropriate food for your pet based on his or her condition or environment, a few formula choices available are: Healthy Weight Management Formula, Indoor Cat Formula, Adult Chicken And Rice Formula, Sensitive Systems, Advanced Nutrition Hairball Formula, Growth and Development, Purina One Adult and Purina One Kitten. There is a Purina One product to suit every kitty out there!

Now I can understand that Advanced Nutrition Hairball Formula might not sound that appetizing to us humans, but trust me, Fluffy, Mama, Goofy and Gaffer will love it! Once your kitty gives Purina a try you won’t ever go back to those No Name brands again.

Bon appetit wee kitty!

Tips for general pet care

Caring for Your Pet: Do’s and Don’ts

Most people will own a pet sometime in their life. Some may educate themselves about options in order to choose the best pet. However, given the information in the pet stores and on the internet, learning about pets may overwhelm the prospective owner. This article will give you some pointers on how to properly care for the most frequently owned pet.

Cats

Contrary to popular belief, most cats are very affectionate, require lots of love, and make excellent household pets. If possible, make sure neither you nor anyone else that resides with you has cat allergies. Hair length doesn’t cause allergies, cat dander does. The several different breeds of cat vary in hair length, color, size, body shape, and personality, so it’s important to choose a breed that complements the owner’s personality (if purchasing a pure-bred). Also, some cats “talk” more than others (e.g., Siamese).

Regardless of the breed, all cats require a regularly changed litter box, dry and/or moist food (although crunchy food is much better for their teeth), fresh water, cat toys, a collar, carrying kennel, and a scratching post (unless you choose to declaw your pet or put “soft paws” on its nails). Catnip (and other cat treats), leash, and a pet bed are other suggestions. Avoid feeding your feline milk as adults don’t have the enzymes to digest it.

Whether yours is an indoor- or outdoor cat (indoor cats live longer, are healthier, and do not miss the outdoors), it needs to have an annual check-up with vaccinations. All felines should be spayed/neutered in order to prevent disease and overpopulation. It’s a myth that fixing your cat will harm it. Prior to getting a cat, make sure you have the time to spend with her or him as cats do get depressed and can develop behavioral disorders if ignored (e.g., urinating outside of the litter box).

Remember, most cats live from 10 to 20 years. Teach your children how to touch a cat; most felines don’t like their tails being pulled or being chased. Decide how many cats you’re going to get; most cats love having cat buddies, but some detest other cats. The average annual cost of owning a cat is $500, so budgeting is important.

Dogs

Dogs are the most popular pet in North America. Like cats, the different breeds come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and personalities. Most dogs have dander that irritate allergies, so make sure you are allergy free before getting

Tips On Training Cats For Harness

Cats, like children, have to be harness trained with persistence and concern. Hard treatment and physical stress can only induce fear in cats.

Starting at age six months, a cat can start to undergo the training. Confine the cat in order to diminish its need to wander. It is very vital that the right harness is purchased and used since a cat can easily struggle and free itself from the leash if a puny one is used. The harness should be of sturdy yet of comfortable quality, one that is specially made for cats.

The H shaped harness made of nylon material which is light, although it has buckles for the neck and the catís tummy, is a sure buy. Make sure that there is a metal ring for the catís I.D., which is located near the backside of the cat. The cat size can be measured by using a tape measure for the neck and tummy.

The harness can be placed a little firmer after about five days. It can then be adjusted to a two-inch width off the neck and the catís tummy. Leave the harness on for five to ten minutes each day and do this for two weeks. Keep in mind that cats are more jumpy than dogs so they really need more care and guarantee of a no hard treatment.

Use a walking collar with an L shaped fabric that hugs the catís body. Choose a jacket that is breathable and provides enough aeration for the catís comfort. A 5/8-inch wide nylon harness that has three buckles is used for effortless fitting and strapping. Its collar should be one that can be adjusted from 9-12 inches to prevent suffocation.

Have the cat wear the leash while wandering inside the household for twenty to thirty minutes a day for a week. However, never let the cat out of sight as they may be prone to getting snarled in chairs, tables, etc, and this would frighten him. Once the cat has gotten used to moving around with the harness on, then it can be held on to and the cat is ready for a walk in the park. Felines will eventually realize that there are corresponding limitations attached to being leashed. Position the strap with the ID tag and leash where the cat can snuffle, touch and have fun with it.

Being consistent and patient with the routine is the best key to accomplishment. Cats love routine and habits, following a sequence can make them expect what is next, thus, preventing any straying and disagreement. Once the cat is used to the harness, heíll never even notice its there at all in the future.

Basic cat care tips – Part 2

The History and Care of the Domestic Cat

One of our truly beloved house pets is the cat. It all started millions of years ago when the ancient Felidae family began it’s evolutionary trek into the Felis Genus, which now includes all felines, (tigers, cougars, African lions, jaguars, and many other varieties of cats).

The first evidence of the cat being domesticated came about with the Egyptians, over three thousand years ago. It is assumed that they were the result of both inbreeding and crossbreeding between the smaller jungle cats. These cats were revered and adored by their owners.

Soon, during the ninth century, the enthusiasm of the domestic cat grew. And their traits as excellent mousers and ratters were then fully appreciated.

So now, in 2006 about five thousand years later, we have our wonderful and much diversified domestic cat!

So, is a kitten or an adult cat the right pet for you? Well, let’s consider the habits and makeup of most felines. As we know, they are individualists. They are also independent and dignified. And their intelligence varies from breed to breed, as with any animal.

They tolerate us humans, and somehow seem to run our households with our acceptance!

Is that adorable ball of fluff still right for you? Remember that they will grow up in no time! They need food, water, shelter, care and training. If you decide to adopt an older cat, you won’t have to be too concerned with litter training, as the cat will already have been experienced in this area. But you will have to show your new kitten where the litter box is located. As a bonus with an older cat, she will locate and use the litter box quickly, and you will be able to understand his or her personality fairly soon as the cat starts to live in your home. A new kitten on the other hand, will take a little bit more time and T.L.C.

As for feeding a kitten, a good brand of kitten chow, along with a supplemented soft canned kitten food is recommended. You may want to soften the dry food with a small amount of water. Always have fresh drinking water available! Older cats do very well eating dry cat chow, but they do like the canned food as treats! As always, water needs to be provided 24 hours a day.

Your new kitten will love to play, so make sure you have plenty of toys to keep her occupied and happy! And also make sure that your cat sees the veterinarian for his/her necessary shots, and most importantly, a rabies vaccination at about 6 months. Also, consider having your feline spayed or neutered. Tabby will make a much better pet, and you won’t have to worry about him roaming, spraying on furniture, or unwanted kittens. Most vets run specials on these operations for your pets. They usually place their ads in the various local newspapers.

Have your pet licensed with the local licensing bureau in your town especially if your cat spends time outdoors. Then enjoy the fun and antics of your new, happy and healthy feline friend!