Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Does Your Cat Need A House?

Our affection for cats often leads us to spoil of loved pets. A fancy post especially for scraching? No problem. The best food on the market? It's only money. A good value for an artificial mouse carved out of scrap material? Here's the credit card.

But what about a special house for your cat? Is that worth the expense? If your cat were a dog, there would be no question. Dogs have inherited the willingness to sleep in dens from their ancestors like wolfs. An anxious or overtired puppy is often happiest tucked away in its carrier or crate.

Cats, however, have the blood of lions flowing through their . Lions do not look for a den for them. They lie out on veldt sunning themselves and surveying their kingdoms. That's what your cat wants to do as well. He or she will, therefore, take a dim view on being shut away in a carrier or crate like a puppy.

Another reason not to purchase a house for your cat is that the odds of your feline actually sleeping in it are astronomically low. Has any one seen cats sleeping in accordance to it's owners wish? You can spend fifty dollars on a faux sheepskin cat bed, and ten minutes later, you'll find the cat sleeping in your laundry basket or sprawled across your futon.

Let us come to terms with it. Your cat doesn't need a special house. He or she already has the run of your house.

But, if you are determined to spoil your cat by buying it the best cat house in town, here are a few options to consider.

Wicker Cat Bed - PetSmart

The Wicker Cat Bed is available through PetSmart and will cost you around forty dollars. It has the potential to be a winner, because there's a bed on top of the basket as well as a hole on the side for your cat to crawl into the basket. Your cat may also get a kick out of scratching at the wicker. Considering the plethora of available options, even the most choosy pet cat will not be able to avoid noticing this living space.

Cat Hutch - Dura Craft

This hutch, which retails for around $35, is like a teepee for your cat. An opening to the side crawl making way to the cushions will lure any pet cat to live in a house. And if your cat finds other…er…uses for the hutch, both the cushions and the outer cover are machine washable.

Half Moon Multi Tier Tower - Green Duck

For $130, you can make your cat a condo dweller. This cat house is wonderful for scratching, climbing, and napping. It sould not be closed from all ends and allow the kitty to survey it's dwelling place. If your cat must have a house, this is definitely the way to go.

Cat and Its names

Whether you are a first time cat owner or you have had cats before, it can be a difficult process to select an appropriate cat name. If you have had cats before you have no doubt experienced issues in selecting a cat name, Henry soon became Henretta. Perhaps you named a cat Tiny and later they outgrew their name. By following a few ideas you can find the perfect cat name for your four legged companion.

Many people will find a cat name in surrounding things and areas. Cats have been named after people, song titles, movies and other things that appeal to their owners. One thing that is certain, there are almost as many ways to find and select a cat name as there are cats.

Choosing A Cat Name

Anyone who has had a cat knows how independent they can be and if you are a first time cat owner you will soon find out the range of their independence. Consequently cats used to a routine and often difficult to train. Dogs are easy to name since it is known that they hear hard consonants. However, cats typically learn a name better when it is only two syllables or names that end in ‘ie’ or ‘y’ which makes it a little more difficult to choose a cat name.

As Cats carry themselves gracefully an aristocratic long name always suits them. However, if you select on of these names for your cat you will soon find yourself shortening it for every day use. Sometimes when a name has to be shortened it may not sound good or it may not be the type of cat name you originally had in mind. Therefore, you should consider this when naming your cat.

Kitten Names

If you are getting a new kitten then you should be even more careful with choosing a name. People typically think of naming their kittens after their cute appearance. However, you should keep in mind that kittens quickly turn into cats and the name you selected may no longer work. You do not want your cat to be stuck with a name that doesn’t match them for the rest of their life. Changing name may also create confusion in the cat's mind and your pet might lose it's interest in you completely.

While finalising a Cat name the right stratergy is to take your own sweet time. It process gets simplified if you resist the instict of eary name selection and wait for a week or so and consider all available options. Take a little bit of time to sit back and watch your cats character and personality. However, always keep in mind that the name you select for your cat will also be the one that you are calling out in the middle of the night when neighbors might be able to hear. So choose your cat name carefully.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Cat Meow: The Art Of Communicating With Your Cat

Cat lovers have a way of communicating with their cat. When they hear a cat meow, cat lovers would have this sense of understanding of what their cat wants. For some people, understanding what their cat wants comes so naturally that a stranger would often wonder if the owner actually speaks cat language. Well, whether a person do or do not speak cat language, a cat meow would definitely tell you something by merely paying close attention to the tone of the cat meow.

How Does One Understand A Cat Meow?

Body language that accompanies the cat meow would help to comprehend what your cat is trying to tell you. If your cat meow incessantly and would start walking towards the food dish, this means that your cat is hungry and would like to be feed. You see, your cat has a way of telling you what it wants so pay close attention to the tone of the cat meow and the body language that accompanies the tone.

Now, what if your cat starts rubbing itself on your leg and producing some soft cat meow? Typically, this means that you cat wants to be petted and cuddled. Cats are really very sweet creatures and they like to be cuddled so pay attention. Now, what if your car start to make that harsh cat meow and its fur stand up? The fur is a good indicator of the mood of you cat, if erect, it implies that the animal is agitated and angry. And and hostile cat looks quite offensive with erect fur imparting it a bigger look than real. If your cat meow and move away with its fur standing up, do not push it. Your cat is not in he mode to play with you so let it be. Cats love to have sometime on its own so if your cat shows some resistance when you try to cuddle it, don’t force it.

The cat meow of a sick cat takes on some other dimensions. If you hear your cat crying in the night in that soft pitiful sound, there is a big chance that your cat is not really feeling so well. Check your cat and find out what is wrong. Forget that cliché that your cat has nine lives because there is no such thing as cats having nine lives. As soon as you realize that you Cat is not keeping well, immediately bring it to a Veterinary doctor to avoid any complications.

Monday, January 26, 2009

The Truth about Cat Flea Medicine

If you have pets you know that fleas can really be a big annoyance. If you are allergic to fleas your self you may find that they are painfully irritating as well. A good cat flea medicine can help you keep pest free all year long.

I am allergic to bites from fleas and I have had my share of painful experiences with these little buggers. I know that when I see my pet scratching and squirming that I need to invest in a cat flea medicine that will do the trick, the last thing I want is for boys bedding of my little one for be infected, not only for my cat but for me as well. I will get nasty welts from a few bites and I want to avoid this by any means possible.

I try to keep my pets chemical free so I avoided getting cat flea medicine in order to try natural methods instead. Nothing really worked. Most of the home remedies for these pests are lacking and they are basically ineffectual in keeping my boys bedding sets free of fleas. One item did a little better than the rest.

A flea comb is a good method that can replace cat flea medicine but I don’t recommend it on a regular basis. The comb is useful when your cat is unable to take medication because she is having kittens or she is nursing kittens. Cat flea medicine is not for pregnant and nursing cats.

I make sure to use the comb instead when a feline is expecting a litter and when she is nursing them. Once the kittens are grown and ready to move on I start the mother on the cat flea medication again after consulting with the vet.

Since I have cats and dogs in my house I use two different treatments. It is important to remember that dog and cat flea medicine are quite different from one another. You should avoid using dog products on felines because they can be harsh on your kitty’s system.

This can be a little tricky. Some bottles are difficult to read and others can be really vague. Just because a product boasts insect and boys bedding control does not mean that it is cat flea medicine. You really want a product designed specifically for your pet. When in doubt, talk to you vet.

I found that the veterinarian is the single most important resource when it comes to making sure that my home stays flea-free. The perfect cat flea medicine will be preventative in nature. Hopefully, we won’t see another one ever again.

Discover How To Relieve Cat Urinary Problems With Five Natural Remedies For Pets

Ever wondered if there's something you can do at home to prevent or treat cat urinary problems?  Here's a list of five natural remedies for cat bladder infection, along with how to choose the best natural remedies for pets.

Feed Your Cat A High-Quality Canned Food

But, you say, this isn't a natural remedy.  Actually it is.  Feeding your cat the best diet possible is the easiest natural way to keep him healthy and prevent future problems due to poor nutrition. 

Did you know that cats that eat only dry food are chronically dehydrated?  Dry food has an extremely low moisture level, compared to canned food.  Cats are meant to get most of their water from their food, so many of them don't drink enough water, which can lead to cat urinary problems.

Fresh, Clean, Water Is A Must

Lots of clean, fresh water is another natural remedy that promotes bladder health in your cat.  Your tap water may taste funny to your cat, so give him filtered water to make it more appealing to him.  If your cat still won't drink enough, you can add a little extra water to his canned food to increase his moisture intake.

Recommended Supplements

If your cat has developed a feline bladder infection, try giving him a daily dose of between 250 and 500 milligrams of vitamin C.  Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve the pain of a cat bladder infection.This vitamin soothes an irritated, inflamed bladder and helps in healing also.

Too high a dose of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so start with a lower dose and increase it to find the best dosage size for your cat.

Cranberry is a well-known remedy for cystitis, which works by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder.  Avoid the super-sweet cranberry juice at the grocery store, and give your cat cranberry capsules instead.

Herbal Pet Remedies

Many of these same herbs that people have been using for centuries can be used on pets, too.  The best-known herbal pet remedies for feline urinary tract infections are uva ursi and Oregon grape holly.

Uva ursi, a strong diuretic, also kills bacteria in the bladder and supports urinary tract health. 

Oregon grape holly contains berberine, a natural antibiotic that's effective against strep and staph bacteria.  It also relieves inflammation in the bladder.

Homeopathic Remedies For Cat Bladder Infection

Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy that is very effective for relieving pain.  It's also useful when your cat is straining to empty his bladder, since it gets rid of the feeling that the bladder is still full, even after it's just been emptied.

Staphysagria also relieves pain and promotes healing of inflamed tissues.

How To Choose The Best Natural Remedies For Pets

You're probably asking how you're going to get your kitty to take four different herbs and homeopathic remedies.  Wonder no more.  There is a product available now that combines all four of these traditional remedies.  It's safe and effective, as well as being easy to use. 

You'll be relieved to know that you can give this remedy right along with any antibiotic treatment your cat is on.  This herbal remedy for pets doesn't interfere with the antibiotics in any way.  And you can continue giving your cat this remedy to support bladder health long after the antibiotic is finished.

Now that you're armed with this information, you can prevent cat urinary problems from sneaking up on your feline friend.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Going For A Cat Make Up?

Cats are beautiful, graceful creatures, and as Halloween rolls around, it's only natural to want to pay homage to their mysterious beauty. And it's always been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Therefore, why not put on cat make up and a cat costume for your next costume party?

Cat Make Up Kits

There are several cat make up kits on the market. Some emphasize the sexuality of a hot blooded female cat, others focus more on the goofiness of the kitten, still others are slightly forbidding, reminding us that the cat is only partially domesticated whatever we may think. Many cat make up kits will transform you into a feline who looks like an extra for a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats

The kits vary greatly in price, but they all come with basic cat make up and instructions for applying it.

Cat costumes are also readily available both online and in costume stores. Again, you'll have a wide selection to choose from--everything from the comic-looking Cat in the Hat to outfits so skimpy a Las Vegas cocktail waitress would be shy about wearing them.

But I Want to Do My Own Cat Make Up!

You can't go too far wrong with a cat make up kit, but there's always the chance that you'll show up for your Halloween event looking just like someone else. In order to become unique, insist on doing your own make up.

You'll need grease paint (color according to your preference), a white highlighter, eyeliner, mascara or false eyelashes, and lipstick and lip liner. If you're really into creating the perfect costume, consider purchasing a latex nose, some spirit gum, and a bristly black paint brush to provide whiskers.

Sufficient references are available on the net enumerating the method of beautifying your cat. Study them to get ideas. Then, take a paper sheet and draw a sketch of a model cat face. Think about the image you want to project. Is your inner cat warm and cuddly, or aloof and mysterious? Are you a kitten or a crone?

When you're ready to start applying your cat make up, do so carefully. If you make a mistake with grease paint, it's hard to wash off. You might want to enlist a friend to help you get your make up just right.

After you finally complete the work, it is finally time for the party. Just remember to conduct yourself with the appropriate amount of feline pride. For a matter of fact, centuries ago, your ancestors too were regarded and revered as gods.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Where to Buy a New Cat?

If you’re planning on getting a new cat for your family, why don’t you start at your local cat rescue?  There are so many adorable pets there that are in dire need of a loving home.  These types of facilities are ideal when shopping for a new cat, because you can get a great deal on your new pet!

The motive for a Cat Rescue?

A cat rescue shelter sells awesome cats at less price than prevailing market price.It is better to visit the rescue shelter with your child and allow them to " rescue" a pet as per their discretion!  These animals may have come from an abusive household, or been a stray their whole lives, they would thrive in a loving environment!  Most local cat rescue shelters offer a spayed or neutered cat, with full shots, de-worming, and flea treatments for less than a hundred dollars.  You’ll end up spending at least that amount on the shots and neutering/spaying alone! 

With so many people neglecting to get their animals spayed or neutered, the number of strays is increasing.  There are not enough homes for these animals.  And to add to that increasing number, there are families that decide that they can’t take care of their pet anymore, or they move to a place that doesn’t allow pets.  Unfortunately, some of these poor little creatures will have to be put to sleep if they’re considered to old for adoption.Statistics reveal that on an average more than 2000 animals are euthanized monthly in absence of adequate rescue resources.  People don’t think about that when they’re dropping their five year old cat off at the cat rescue shelter.  Luckily for you, sometimes the older pets come at a lower price because most families want a little kitten.  It can be much more rewarding to adopt a full grown cat from a cat rescue shelter, leaving you with the knowledge that you may have saved a life in addition to getting a great new pet. 

Most of these animals have has tragic lives so far, they have been dumped, or never really had a family at all, so, many cat rescues take special care in finding these cat’s a good home.  They make sure you are ready for this pet, and they give you as much information as possible about your new friend’s personality so that you know what to expect.They might not actually trying to sell their services, they might just by figuring out the extent of your motivation for buying a cat, and your knowledge about the coming ordeal.  These people love animals, and want to see these pets become part of a special family, maybe even yours.