Making a Winter Shelter For Stray Cats - Stray Cat Outside My House

Parasites: Cats that spend a great deal of time outdoors have a much higher chance of getting both internal and external parasites than their indoor counterparts do. While external parasites like fleas and ticks are fairly easy to detect, internal parasites can grow undetected for weeks or even months, causing serious problems down the road.


Heavy rocks and cement blocks from an unused pond were put on the bottom of the tarp to hold it down.


The other morning, after having had three nights with BELOW zero temperatures as low as -23 below F, I saw some sort of paw prints in the snow as I was leaving home for church. Little paw prints that may or may not have belonged to a cat, a rabbit or a small dog.


There are people and organizations that specialize in helping feral cats through the trap and release program. Your veterinarian is likely in contact with local persons who can help you. You can also get more information about feral and stray cats at the Alley Cat Allies, (alleycat.org), a national online organization.


Feral cats by nature do not directly interact with man but have learned to coexist. Feral cats associate with other feral cats and sometimes they will associate with stray cats but not often. Like their ancestors, the wild cat, they tend to keep with their own and resist outsiders. They survive quite well without our help but can present a problem if your home is in their territory. The feral cat will likely be hostile to you and your pets that will cause problems with your own pet's behavior.


In some countries, it can be summer all year round. In such climate where the sun can be burning hot, you may hope for it to rain to bring the temperature down or go somewhere where air conditioning is available. Like any other person, your cat cannot agree more to that. It is necessary for you to take extra precautious of your cat's health during hot season to prevent it from suffering from dehydration. Unless you are able to understand what your cat is telling you, you have to constantly observed your pet's behavior or at the very least, give it a cooler living condition in order to prevent it from overheated.


Taped the boxes shut and cut an entrance hole in the side.


Next we covered the insulated boxes in heavy duty plastic to keep them (boxes and cats) from getting wet. Large heavy duty garbage bags could be used instead.


If that's not feasible or if he gives you grief because he "MUST" be outside, here are a few things to consider doing to make his outside stay safer for him:


If you are one cat owner who likes to take your cat in your car wherever you go, make sure that your cat is never be left in a parked car during hot summer. By leaving your cat in a parked car even for a short while may cause harm to it. Have you ever notice that the temperature in your car can increase rapidly during hot days. This can even happen when you are parking under a shade due to the reasons that the sun will not fixed at one position and that heat travel from hot regions to cold regions. Unlike dogs, cats may not be able to alert passers-by of its discomfort and they could pass out and die in as short as fifteen minutes. So, make it habit to take your cat with you after parking your car.


· A domestic feral cat will gladly eat your food but never let you get close so trapping is the method of choice.


Making nighttime off limits: Nighttime is when the most problems happen for cats because it's when most fights and car accidents take place.

About the Author

by Jamarcus Henderson

Build Your Own Cat House - Cat House Plans.

Uncovering Secrets and Techniques In Cat Depression Treatment by Selena Aguilar

One of her co-workers mentioned that the herbal cure for depression had solved a relative's bout with all the "blues". The march of time as well as the arrival of my very own children have mitigated the yearly bout of Scroogitis, nonetheless it wasn't until a gift with the most bespoke Santa hat south from the North Pole that I began to field a personal defense contrary to the mock jocularity of the season. But in the eleven numerous years of serving Potiphar, surely Joseph couldn't find out how his brothers would turn out bowing to him. Cat Depression Treatment

In your head, you are feeling that you usually do not measure approximately everyone else.
Treatments such as the Emotional Freedom Technique are also available, which can really help many parents deal using negative thoughts and feelings.
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The B-vitamins are extremely important in preventing and treating depression.
Studies demonstrate that a majority of tension sufferers also show indications of clinical depression. Depression selfhelp action #1: People can only get the best people with your authorization. Be sure to member that individuals all go over the stages of grieving in a different pace. Avoid over-processed fare that may wreak havoc with your blood-sugar level because the brain and nerves easily pick up its fluctuations and decide on your mood.

Experienced preachers know if the words they're giving on their audience are received by the people listening or are bouncing to them.

Did you are aware that one out of ten women are afflicted by post partum depression.

If the cause is always to deeply buried being found, then homeopathic therapy is based on your individual symptoms.
* "We all have problems, we ought to get ourselves together sometime".

John's Wort and it has been employed for over 2000 years, first like a diuretic from the Romans.

If you continue your eyes closed while you focus on yoga breathing it works much better because the less stimulation your nervous system needs to process the quicker you relax. But if these symptoms are persistent you might be struggling with depression. Sometimes a profound depressive illness just like psychotic depression state is associated with some kind of psychosis, as being a break with reality, delusions and hallucinations.

This kind of depression isn't as severe as bipolar disorder I.

This may be due to the upbeat tone and rhythm in the music, the lyrics or perhaps an association including the image from the crooked 'smiley' through the film clip linked to the Bon Jovi song - you can also remember this music video where the singer autographs a CD cover having a doodle of your smiley face which then gets sent around on the phone and internet until it really is appearing everywhere.

You can perform literally anything which will improve your mood and make you happier.
When you hear "January," think of days cut short, clouds, and gloomy skies. Closing day was October 31, maybe that would be a warning.

Depression normally impacts unfavorably on our thoughts, behaviors, feelings, emotions and eventually our physical well-being. Things change, as situations appear to always change our outlook on life itself. Concentration, memory, logic and reason are affected in that there is a definite interruption.

These chemicals, that are known as the neurotransmitters, are accountable for carrying signals to and from your nerves and brain. Statistics show people that cut themselves, but additionally shows teens that have other varieties of self destructive behaviors, like anorexia along with other eating disorders.

About the Author

Name: Jana Becnel
My age: 24
Country: Great Britain
City: Wheelock
Post code: CW11 6AH
Street: 54 Trinity Crescent

Here is my blog: Cat Depression Treatment

How to Lessen Hairballs for Your Cat by Ron Ayalon

Every cat owner is well familiar with the horking' sound that their cat makes every week or two that results in a compact hair sausage being deposited on the floor. Owners generally become fairly blas© after cleaning up a few hairballs, but you should also be aware of how they form, how to prevent them from developing as frequently, and the complications that can arise.

Unlike most dogs who will take a lick of two at their paws and consider that they have groomed enough, cats are grooming dynamos. Even tiny kittens will start grooming at a very early age and this continues throughout the life of the cat.

The tongue of a cat is covered with little hooks which easily pick up dead and loose hairs when the cat licks herself. Cats spend a considerable amount of time during the day cleaning, so the opportunity of collecting hair is great. The hair that is taken up by the tongue is inevitably swallowed and enters the digestive system. The greater portion of the swallowed hair passes harmlessly through the stomach and intestines and is deposited in the litter box. However, some always remains and will develop into a hairball in time.

Other than being disgusting, most hairballs cause no problems at all for your cat. Unfortunately, sometimes a hairball blockage can occur in the stomach or intestines - at times a mega-hairball will form in the stomach that takes up the entire space of the organ. There are clues that will tell you that your friend may be having problems with a hairball:

- You cat may become constipated - normal passage of stool will be prevented by the hairballs.
- Conversely, your cat may have diarrhea as the intestinal irritation from the hairballs causes food to pass too quickly through the system.
- Cats with blockage have no energy and will simply lie around.
- If your cat attempts to vomit (dry heaves), but is unable to bring anything up, the hairball may be too large to expel in the normal way.
- Appetite will fall off dramatically when blockage occurs.
- A large hairball can press against the lungs, causing the cat to wheeze and cough.

At this point, you will have to consult your vet to have him or her resolve the hairball problem. The first step will be palpation of the cat's abdomen, followed by an x-ray. If a large hairball is present anywhere in the gastrointestinal system, surgery must be done to remove it. This can be very expensive so owners should make every effort to prevent hairballs from forming in the first place.

It would be completely unrealistic to suppose that you can prevent your cat from swallowing hair at all, but there are some things that you can do to help keep hairball problems at a minimum.
Brush your cat. Not surprisingly, long haired cats are much more likely to develop problem hairballs than short haired ones. However, a daily brushing of your cat will help remove most of the loose hairs before they do begin to form a ball. Starting this when your cat is young is a good idea not only to help prevent hairballs, but also to provide a nice time for you and your cat to interact together. After the brushing session is complete, run a damp cloth over the fur to pick up any stray hairs. Brushing will be very important if your cat undergoes an annual shedding.

Some cats are more dedicated to grooming than others, and these super-groomers are more likely to develop hairball problems. You can help to keep the cat's tongue in his or her mouth by providing a new toy or two and by playing with the cat - both of you will probably have a great time.

Oral lubricants are available at pet supply stores or through your vet. These help keep matter moving through the digestive tract more quickly and getting the hair out of the system will prevent the formation of hairballs.

Fiber rich cat foods have been found to be valuable at preventing hairballs. As with any new food, however, introduce it slowly to prevent any stomach upsets.

Cats can pick up human hair from the floor when they groom, and this can be a problem especially if the humans in the house have long hair - it will go down right along with the cat hair. Regular vacuuming can help keep these hairs out of your cat's insides.

And lastly, don't let your cat become obese; fat cats are more likely to be constipated, which slows down the normal passage of matter through the intestines and contributing to hairball accretion.

About the Author

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Easy Ways to Know if Your Cat is Happy by Igor Purlantov

Cats are very intelligent animals that express various emotions including fear, grief, jealousy, anger and love according to animal rights advocate Igor Purlantov. For those that are lucky enough to have a cat in their home, it is important to know if your feline companion is happy.

Finding out if your cat is happy can sometimes be a difficult task since cats are very good at hiding their true feelings says Igor Purlantov. Here are several ways to help you know if you have a happy cat:

Playful Behavior
Cats enjoy playing with others that they like and trust. Any amount of playful activity, from running back and forth and playing catch to simply patting your leg or face for attention is a good indication of happiness. Cats can learn how to play catch and when they do it is a great sign they are happy.

Body Language
Cats that keep their whiskers slightly forward and their fur smooth with a relaxed tail are generally happy and curious. When a cat has their tail straight up in the air, they are greeting others around them that they consider friends. A relaxed happy cat will rest with their front paws tucked under, their ears forward, and their eyes half open. A cat that shows a sudden dilation of the eyes is having a sudden boost of happiness and excitement.

Eating Habits
Cats that are happy have a nice healthy appetite. Each time a cat tries to get you to give them more food and treats, they are simply playing with you and thus being happy.

Shiny Coat
Having a shiny coat of fur is a very good indication that your cat is in good health and thus happy. A shiny coat is also a good sign that your cat is getting the necessary nutrition and enjoying regular grooming which they enjoy.

Confident Behavior
A happy cat will show interest in their environment and will be responsive when approached. Some cats enjoy taking a proactive approach and touching everything new around the home while others may simply watch from a distance. In either case, a happy cat will react to a stranger with caution rather than fear and a confident cat will generally have the highest amount of happiness.

Vocal Cats
Cats are very good at giving vocal cues to indicate what they are thinking or feeling. Some cats are more vocal than others and like to engage in long conversation to show they are happy. Quiet cats on the other hand may express happiness with silence, and vocalize to express unhappiness. Higher pitched sounds are generally happy while lower pitched sounds can mean they are frustrated or being demanding.

Grooming Behavior
Cats that are happy enjoy grooming themselves so that they look their best. Cats that enjoy grooming other cats and even their human companions are also happy and are showing that they trust you. Although not all cats enjoy grooming others, cats that groom one another are happy with each other and enjoy each other's company.

Bathroom Behavior
When a cat starts missing the litter box and going elsewhere, this is a good sign that something is wrong and they are not happy. A happy cat that is adjusted and content with their environment will always use their litter box.

Sleep Patterns
Although some cats may sleep more when they are depressed, the location of where they sleep can be a good indication of happiness. Cats that enjoy sleeping close to other cats and seek them out are happy and showing that they enjoy being around others. If your cat sleeps next to you then be happy to know that your cat trusts you and enjoys being around you as much as possible. And if your cat is sleeping on its back, this is the ultimate sign that they feel safe and secure in their environment and are very happy. 

About the Author

Igor Purlantov is an animal rights advocate that follows and writes about animal news and trends to help raise awareness of animal rights and protection. You can read and learn about his work on http://www.igor-purlantov.info or follow him on twitter @igorpurlantov

http://igorpurlantov.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-easy-ways-to-know-if-your-cat-is.html

http://igorpurlantov.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/new-easy-ways-to-know-if-your-cat-is-happy/

Cats and Dogs Together - Are They Compatible? by Tarun Kr Das

Cats and Dogs Together - Are They Compatible?

An old stereotype exists about dogs and cats being incompatible, but many households across the globe have a dog and cat, or even several dogs and several cats, living in complete harmony. Though many conflicting characteristics make up these two species, they can often not only co-exist peacefully, but also become the best of friends.

Cats and Dogs, Living Together!
Sometimes, people are forced to blend a cat household and a dog household together, such as when couples marry or when adult children move back home. Other times, animal lovers just need to expand their love opportunities to include other species. Whatever the reason, this change in environment can be very disruptive to all parties. To reduce the stress on everyone, you can follow a few simple tips to allow the household to gradually adapt to the changes in activity, odors, schedules and status.

Dog Breeds That Accept Cats
Pet owners should understand that some breeds are naturally hostile to cats and will chase and attack them. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to provide a safe environment for both species. These breeds include greyhounds and borzois, sight hounds that instinctively chase small, furry prey. Cat-friendly breeds include the Labrador retrievers, poodles and collies. Of course, individual differences can make the adjustments easier or more challenging. If you get a dog from a shelter, choose one that was raised in a household with cats.

Cat That Accept Dogs
Cats will generally learn to accept a dog in the household as long as the canine respect the cat's space. Fortunately, cats can jump to get away from a dog when that space is violated. The cat will determine how much "closeness" is allowed and will hand out "discipline" to the dog if required. Manx cats are one breed that is known to get along well with other animals in a household, but individual cats may have problems adjusting.

Growing Up Together
The best and easiest way to have both dogs and cats in your household is to have them grow up together. Acquire the kitten and puppy around the same period of time, and they will always be accustomed to having an animal of a different species in their household.

Introducing Your Puppy To Your Cat
Puppies are full of boundless energy without a lick of restraint, so you will have to be the controlling force in keeping the animal in check while the cat gets used to him. Put the cat in a separate room so that she will be unmolested in her own space. Put her bowl, cat toys and any other articles that will make her feel comfortable. It's a good idea to start the puppy training so that he will obey your commands Allow the puppy into her space on leash and only under strict supervision. Let the cat watch the puppy from a safe distance for a time, so that she can become accustomed to the high level of energy, but don't allow the puppy to get too close to her. After a time, the cat may want to investigate at a closer range. Make sure she can safely do so by keeping the puppy on leash. If the puppy becomes rambunctious, remove him from the area. Observe your cat for signs of distress or aggression. Extend these sessions to longer and longer periods. After the puppy no longer considers the cat a threat or new "toy," try taking him off leash. If he behaves, allow the two to interact in a gentle manner. If he gets too rowdy, the cat may take a swipe at him to warn him off. The introduction may take several weeks for successful adjustment between the two animals.

Introducing A Kitten To Your Dog
Introducing a new kitten to an existing dog is similar. Many experts feel no face-to-face meeting should occur for the first week to allow the newcomer to become comfortable in the new surroundings and to allow the existing pet to get used to the new smells and activities in the household. The initial plan is the same, putting the kitten into a separate space with all that she needs. Introduce the new kitten to other cats in the household before introducing her to the dog. When this is done to satisfaction, bring the dog into the safe room, on leash, and allow the two animals to watch each other. Make sure that the dog does not show aggression to the kitten. Correct him for bad behavior and praise him for calm behavior. Allow the kitten to approach the dog on her own terms. They may sniff each other to become familiar. Be ready with a hand on the leash or a water pistol to separate them. You must repeat this encounter procedure many times to ensure that the two will not act aggressively. When you are certain that the dog will not attack the kitten, you can then try taking off the dog's leash, but only when you are there to supervise. Keep the animals separated when you leave the house. Ensure that the dog and cat have separate feeding areas where they will be undisturbed. A pet gate will keep the dog away from the cat-feeding bowl and litter box.

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About the Author

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CAT OF THE MONTH: Charles Barber!!

Congratulations to our July Cat of the Month: Charles Barber! I love a cat with a good people name and who can resist a story about a cat who defeats all odds! He is clearly a SUPERCAT!

Charles Barber 13yrs old. Rescued at 1yr from shelter. Has more than 9 lives! He has survived being hit by a car, being blinded in one eye by another feline (his sister may she R.I.P), bit by raccoons...you name it! He remains a precious sweet soul who loves his puppy!

Congrats to Charles and his pet guardian Arielle G.! We love this big orange tabby!

Stop Your Cat From Spraying

When you spot your cat stand by a door or any other object at home, lifts its tail then urinates then you know that it is spraying on the door or object. Perhaps if you are a neophyte in the cat world, you do not know what spraying means. When a cat is new to a place, it is bound to make that place its territory by spraying. It is not a cat's dilemma as not knowing its own litter box; rather, it sprays for marking a definite location. It is natural for them to spray and usually it is ordinarily done by cats outdoors. Yet, there are cat owners who complain about their cats spraying indoors. It could be troublesome for a home owner if a cat sprays inside the house. Do not worry too much as for every difficulty, there is a solution.

The reason why cats spray can either be one of the following: for marking a location, for calling a mate or for relieving stress.

A cat, just like other territorial type of animals, wants to mark its territory. In order to do this, it sprays a bit of urine on its territory. The smell of the cat's urine will alert other cats and animals to get off its property. It is natural for cats to spray on things, so extend a little understanding towards your cat.

Pheromones are a substance that animals utilize to communicate. This substance is released with the urine sprayed by cats in heat. This hormone is similar to fingerprints because animals use this to identify the kind of creature that sprayed in the location. Often, this hormone is released when cats are in heat. The pheromones tell the other cats that it is searching for a mate. Other cats in heat are attracted towards the scent of the urine due to of the pheromones. This serves as an open invitation to get engaged in procreation. Later, you will get kittens in the house.

Getting rid of stress is another reason why cats spray. It could be stressful for a cat to find another of its kind in its territory. When it catches a glimpse of another animal, it also sprays. The spraying of urine allows the cat to release some of the built-up stress generated by seeing another creature in its territory.

The scent of cat's urine can be odious. The problem is sometimes the cat sprays inside the house. The urine can stain furniture and leave foul odor. When your cat sprays, do something at once like shooing it away.

The most effective way to eradicate this spraying behavior is by neutering or spaying the cat. This applies to both male and female cats. The spraying activity will immediately stop after being neutered. Since a male cat will no longer mate after being neutered, it will get rid of its spraying. It is important to consider whether you do not want to breed your cat or otherwise because spaying or neutering is irreversible. Do not spay or neuter if you still wish to have kittens. Consider another option. It is best to ask for your vet's opinion regarding spraying if you do not want to sterilize your cat.

Find out how cats spray [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/what-to-do-when-your-cats-spray/] is affected when you neuter a cat [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/what-to-expect-when-you-neuter-a-cat/]. Check here for more information on cat marking [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/understanding-cat-marking/].

About the Author

Kitty Bee is the owner of two lovable cats.

Cat Training: Scratching by Romolo Lerza

Cats have a strange way of saying that they like you, they leave marks in a lot of places of your home. You will frequently know if the house you're in has a cat for a pet yet without seeing the cat. You will be able to see scratch marks in practically each corners of the house. Scratching is very normal behavior for cats and there are lots of factors as to why they do this. A few cats scratch furniture or flooring in order to discharge pent up energy inside of them, they scratch so they become fatigued instead of restless. An additional reason they scratch is because they want to get rid of some parts of their claws or they want to sharpen their claws. Cats also mark their territory by means of scratching surfaces or leaving their scent on it. Cats additionally scratch surfaces for the reason that they want to flex their bodies and move their muscles.Most owners take time to train their animal to change this type of destructive behavior. Kitties can be disciplined to follow instructions so they can also be disciplined to change their behavior towards objects and people. When cat training scratching should be one of the areas you should focus on. Because this is a natural trait for them, you can't actually prevent them from scratching but you can change where they do it. You can provide your cat with things that it can scratch freely. You have to observe what kinds of objects the cat likes scratching, look at where it is situated and aim to figure out what its texture is. You will have to make the cats preferred scratching object appear unappealing by covering it or by spraying it with an odor that cats do not like. Look for a scratching post that will match the consistency of the thing your cat likes scratching and place it close to the area where this favorite object is found. Make sure that the new scratching post has the precise same texture as the preferred object and remember to make it steady. When the cat utilizes the scratching post give it goodies and pet it lovingly. If that cat really comes to like the scratching post, you can gradually move it to a better location. These movements should not be big jumps, keep in mind that you need to take it slow with cats. The much loved scratching object of the cat has to remain unappealing until you are certain that the cat will not go back to using it and has really taken to the scratching post.
You will typically progress with altering this behavior gradually but surely. Just stick to it and you will see results in no time.

About the Author

As a pet lover and someone who devoted his life to animals I consider myself an expert trainer and the one person you can go to when needing advise with regards to your cats. [http://www.howtotoilettrainingcats.com]

Discover How to Treat Cat Bites and Scratches Without Risk of Infection by Madeleine Innocent

I think I'm a rescue freak. I can't bear to see an animal in need. I don't care what animal it is, I'll help them all. However, cats seem to have their own way of finding me. Once two stray cats turned up on my doorstep, the day after I had moved in.

I think they have good bush telegraph.

Or maybe I was a cat in a past life...

Catching abandoned animals can be tricky, though.

Some years ago, I adopted a very frightened young cat. Before she had properly settled in, she managed to escape from the house and luckily, ran up a nearby tree.

I HAD to retrieve her as otherwise she would run feral, not knowing where home was.

I knew I was in for a hard time. Happily the tree wasn't very high and a short step ladder was sufficient to get myself to her level. Then the fun started. She kept backing herself further and further down a narrow branch, until she could go no further. By now, she was really frightened.

I made a grab for her.

She fought and bit and scratched, but I managed to hang on. Somehow we made it back to the house and she bolted to hide under a bed. Well, she was safe, if traumatised. I'll deal with her later. How about me?

My arms and hands were covered in deep scratches and bite marks which were beginning to become sore and swell up.

I found my bottle of homoeopathic Ledum and started dosing myself. Within a couple of doses a few minutes apart, I could feel the pain ebbing away.

A few more doses and there was really only the marks left, the swelling having gone down. A few days later and they were gone too.

How I wished I had known of this remedy some years earlier when I was in a similar situation. Then, my hands and arms were swollen and very sore for over two weeks.

The most obvious problem in such a situation, apart from the pain and swelling, is the risk of infection. Because the remedy had worked quickly on the immediate symptoms (the pain and swelling), I knew it would prevent any infection, and it did.

Ledum is a great acute remedy for any puncture wound. This can be from a cat bite (or any other animal), a splinter, a shard of glass, a vaccination, a rusty nail, a poisonous spider or snake bite. They're all puncture wounds. I routinely give parents and pet owners Ledum to take before and after they have their child or pet vaccinated. This helps with any swelling and limits the harm.

If Ledum is given quickly after a bite, it will prevent an abscess. Abscesses are common in cats who fight other cats, or in cats who hunt.

A quirky keynote of Ledum is that they are cold, but feel better for cold applications. Heat aggravates the situation. So if the area of the bite feels relief from cold applications (we're not talking about the numbing effect of ice here), Ledum is the first remedy to use.

If the remedy doesn't help the acute symptoms (pain and swelling), then infection could set in. If relief is obtained from the remedy, it will also stop infection, even tetanus. So it's important to keep an eye on this.

The homeopathic remedy Ledum is available from homeopaths, homeopathic pharmacies, health shops and now even some chemists. It is in any homoeopathic first aid kit.

About the Author

Madeleine Innocent is a practicing homeopath, a specialised modality of natural health care. She treats both people and animals in her busy West Australian practice. Madeleine loves to spread the good work of homeopathy and other areas of natural health care and writes extensively on the subject.

For a complimentary ebook on how to naturally treat some common ailments at home, visithttp://www.twolegsandfour.com.au or http://www.twolegsandfour.blogspot.com

4 Alternatives To Declawing Your Cat by James Laurie

Your cat scratching the furniture, carpet and other places around the house can cause considerable damage and some people think the answer is declawing the cat. Declawing can cause damage to your cat's paws and possible behavioral problems. I would like to provide you with four safe alternatives to declawing your cat.

Trimming Claws- Trimming your cat's claws is something that should be done periodically anyway. You should start to trim at an early age to get your cat used to doing it. They will never like having it done. But they will learn to tolerate the trimming, while vocally protesting the indignity of it all. Never use scissors to cut claws because that will shatter the claw and be very painful for your cat. Talk to your veterinarian about how to properly trim your cat's nails and choosing what type of trimmers would be the best to use.

Scratching Post- Choosing a sturdy, heavy, tall post is the one of the best alternatives to declawing your cat. It must be tall enough so they can stretch out and get a good grip on it and it has to be sturdy and heavy enough so that it won't move. If it moves or falls over they will stop using the post. The post should be made of a good gripping material like carpet or rope. I personally have had better luck with carpet than with rope. Place the post near or, if you can, on the area being scratched. As an extra bonus to help entice your cat into using the post, sprinkle it with a little bit of catnip on the top and base. Your cat will love you for it.

Use Double Sided Tape- Using a double sided tape is another great alternative. Taping the areas that are being scratched gives the area an unpleasant feeling. Cats don't like sticky feeling or having the hair on the paws pulled and they will avoid the area. Using double sided tape and a scratching post can be a very effective combination to a scratching problem.

Cat Claw Covers- Claw covers are fairly new and I have not personally tried them yet. The word that I've heard is, they work great. However, like declawing, you must keep them in the house, because the claws are covered and, it reduces the ability to defend and escape. Before applying them you will need to trip your cat's claws. The covers are filled with nontoxic glue using a syringe and slid over the nail. They should last between 4 to 6 weeks before falling off due to natural growth of the claws. Keep an eye on your cats paws to see when one falls off. You can then replace it quickly. The first few times applying claw covers you may need some help doing it, as your cat will wiggle around, and it is possible to get glue on their paws and glue their toes together. An added bonus to using cat claw covers is the fact that they also come in assorted colors, creating a great effect.

As always, before doing anything new with your cat, always consult your veterinarian.

About the Author

I have been working with cats for over 30 years, by volunteering at private cat rescue shelters, with feral cats and having a number of cats at home. If you are having litter box issues with your cats I would like to help point you in the right direction. Visit my website http://www.catpeesonbed.com/

Why Cats Flip For Catnip by Cody Nervis

If you've at any time watched being a cat "flipped" around refreshing catnip maybe you have been struck aided by the query; "what leads to Catnip to affect cats that way?" Catnip is without a doubt an unusual phenomenon amongst cats, it has the skill to alter your cat's tendencies like practically nothing else can. So what specifically would be the purpose for what scientists have coined as "the Catnip effect"?

Sad to say for these types of inquisitive minds the actual cause of why Catnip affects cats in these types of a manner stays largely a mystery. There may be on the other hand much that we do know about Catnip and cats even though we usually do not hold the final solution of precisely "why?" nevertheless answered.

The Technology Things

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and can be a perennial herb from your mint household and is in truth also known as "Catmint". It is a plant indigenous to Europe but may be exported and is now observed all through together with the United states and Canada.

The energetic ingredient in Catnip is surely an oil; Nepetalactone, which can be discovered within the leaves of your plant. This will be the motive that you are able to seek out Catnip in a very bottle or spray kind in some pet retailers.

Other Uses For Catnip

Catnip isn't only good to stimulate action in cats, it can also be used by humans as an herb for the medicinal tea which might soothe toothaches, enable versus coughs, and may well also complete as being a rest assist. Furthermore, Catnip might be utilised as an herb on salads or other food items as has been the case for centuries in France. Recently Catnip has also been garnering favor being a pure insect repellant rivaling the effectiveness of several retailer bought varieties of repellant.

Catnip and Kitty

Catnip has an effect on approximately half of all cats. What determines no matter whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is often a genome that's inherited (or not inherited because the circumstance may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, usually do not react to Catnip right up until reaching about three or more or four weeks of age and starting to be sexually mature. Older cats are also much more possible to possess a diminished or non-current response to Catnip, which potential customers scientists to consider that the Catnip effect is dependent at least partially on sexuality and which the response may very well be anything like an aphrodisiac. Additional including to this belief may be the similarity of your sexual pheromone found from the urine from the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product or service in Catnip).

Cats that is often traced to regions exactly where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated housecat will not be the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip impact, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and also lion are acknowledged to react a lot exactly the same way the frequent housecat would. It can be interesting to observe that while Catnip can act like a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it might conversely act as being a relaxant if ingested. For that reason, you could possibly see a distinct, virtually opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to consume the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter getting the more typical habits).

The best way to Use Catnip With the Cat

Catnip can prove for being an incredibly helpful instrument for your number of widespread problems along with your cat. If you happen to be lucky sufficient to own a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then listed below are a few ideas to suit your needs and your furry very little friend.

How to Prevent and Treat Cat Hairballs by Claudia Escobar

Cat hairballs can really become a problem for your cat, especially if they occur frequently. What causes hairballs? Cats are very clean animals. They wash themselves constantly, and in the process, they ingest a lot of fur. Eventually, all that hair builds up creating a hairball. Cat hairballs are not only uncomfortable for you cat, but they can also lead to other problems like constipation. There are ways, fortunately, to reduce and even prevent hairball buildup.

So if you already own a cat, or if you just adopted a cat, and need information on cat hairballs, here is some information about the symptoms and prevention of hairballs. You'll also find information on cat hairball remedies.

Hairball Symptoms

A hairball problem is somewhat easy to spot. Your cat will start hacking and coughing, followed by vomiting. These episodes might occur frequently, especially if you have a long-haired cat.

Even if you don't see your cat going through what I call a "hairball episode", you can still see the evidence: a ball of hair on the floor, or the carpet, or wherever your cat chose to spit out the ball. Usually, a hairball is an long mass of hair, similar to a cigar in shape. It is definitely not a pretty sight.

Hairball Prevention and Treatment

The easiest step to help you prevent hairballs is brushing your cat on a regularly basis, preferably every day. Even if brushing does not completely eliminate hairballs, it will reduce the amount ingested, thus reducing the frequency of the problem. Furthermore, brushing your cat will help your cat stay in great condition. And remember that a grooming session is always a great bonding opportunity.

If despite your efforts, your cat continues to have a hairball problem, try a hairball remedy. Consult your vet, and he or she will suggest the best treatment for your cat. Some common hairball remedies include petroleum-based gels, which are given orally. You may also give your cat a fiber-rich diet, or special-formula food designed to prevent hairballs.

And finally, you may also try home treatments, like giving your cat a little bit of butter once or twice a week. Canned pumpkin is another known home remedy used to treat hairballs. You can mix a bit of pumpkin with your cat's wet food. Again, always consult your vet before using any of these remedies.

About the Author

Claudia Escobar is the owner of two 10 year-old tabby cats. For more information on cat hairballs or cat lovers gifts, you can visit her site http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com. You may publish this article provided you do so in its entirety and include this resource box.

Experiencing A Cat Health Problem

Cats rely on its human companion about their health problems. It is up to the pet owner to whisk off his cat to its doctor for diagnosis. Encountering a cat health problem has the same process when we get sick, go to our doctor to discover what's wrong and what medicine to take to feel better, the only difference is that you are the one to take your cat to the hospital which, you can load into a cat carrier.

Observing a Cat Health Problem

It is necessary to be aware of your cat's behavior especially that they are introvert and independent creatures. A couple of issues that can indicate misery in your cat include continuous scratching, for instance, which could stem from an active flea problem or your cat could have allergies. A bit else to look for is drooling, shying away from everything that gets too close to the face and the incapacity to eat dry food. This can hint you that the cat has a bad tooth that could require extraction. Check their paws for splinters that can become infected or broken nails.

Recognizing a Severe Cat Health Problem

Observing your cat going back and forth to the litter box with no results can signal a cat urinary health issue. This health problem can be found in both male and female cats and can be caused by residues building up in the tract making it impossible for the cat to urinate. This can rapidly turn out to be a precarious sickness for your cat and should you observe this behavior, call your veterinarian right away and tell him the situation. In nearly all cases, an instant visit to the doctor is obligatory so the veterinarian can put a catheter in the cat to vacate the bladder. If this is not executed, the urine can back up into the kidneys.

Treating a Severe Cat Health Problem

Determining a cat health problem requires understanding your cat's behavior because it enables you to care more for the health and well being of your cat. Put your decision on the hands of a veterinarian to find out the course of treatment necessary for your pet once a cat urinary health problem arises. In this way, you must be updated with information relating to a cat health problem that your feline may be encountering along with cat related problems. This in turn helps you in determining the signs of distraught when your cat is not in a good condition.

About the Author

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Andy Immotna has been maintaining a number of premium membership websites that constantly provides members with resell rights products and highly valuable information products that may be added on membership sites or article directories.

CAT OF THE MONTH: Mookey

Mookey is a 6 year old Manx, which means he was born completely without a tail. He was rescued from an animal hoarding situation in North Carolina by Prince William/Raleigh County Animal Rescue. He then went to live with his foster family Andrew and Kristen and is considered a "foster fail" since they loved Mookey so much they decided to adopt him! He loves sitting on laps and kneading. He enjoys stretching out and dangling his leg off of things which we like to call "trucker foot." A shy, but affectionate boy, Mookey is in LOVE with belly rubs and frequently will put his bikini patch on display while awaiting pets. Congrats Mookey for being our June Cat of the Month!

Common Behaviors Of Cats And Their Meanings

How well do you understand your cat? Even if it were only days or decades, perhaps you have observed a cat's actions. The acts of your pet are different from other animals. Some people think it perplexing when they see their pet behaving in a strange way. You may have a dilemma in raising your pet if you fail to read your cat's action. It may be difficult to find out what your cat means when it acts differently but there are methods to uncover your kitty's mystery.

You probably have become aware of your cat pushing an object (e.g., cabinet, stool, table leg) or a person. Then it strokes its head against the individual or thing. You will most probably notice this action done on individuals with allergies to cats or to those who have other animals. The cat does this because it wants to mark the person or object as its possession by putting a hint of its spit on that person or thing. This kind of cat behavior can be irritating for others. In the cat's point of view, however, the individual or object stands as someone or something odd; thus, it exhibits this action to establish it as part of its property.

For the cat, it serves it well to perform this pushing and rubbing act. In this world, however, there are some with pet peeves and those allergic to cats. They will try to get rid of the saliva because it upsets them. If they are successful, they will rid themselves with the cat's scent. The feline will, however, repeat the same process if it cannot smell the scent that it left on the guest. This will really pose as a predicament for the individual with allergies or with pet peeves. As a cat owner, you have to explicate to the inconvenienced person why it does this behavior - that it is just a welcome greeting for the cat. What you should do is to talk to the guest and request him to permit your cat to do this behavior. Once the cat does its business, it will leave your guest alone eventually.

Hunting is almost a must for cats. Do not be shocked if your cat is peeking out the window, creating strange sounds and doing bizarre movements. It just has its hunting instinct acting out. If your cat sees a cat or some movement, it will readily be on its paws. Again, do not be shocked because it is normal for cats.

There are individuals who think it baffling why cats pounce at things. Pouncing is one of a cat's favorite activities. Pouncing is part of play for them. Do not stop your cat from doing this behavior unless you want to get some troubles. You and your cat may wind up with trouble breaking a lot of stuff in the house. If you like to manage how your cat plays, buy a toy that it can pounce on. A yarn or a string may even be adequate enough for it to play with. Your cat will surely enjoy your company as it runs after the yarn or string.

If you have detailed understanding of how your cat behaves, you will have lesser problems because you will be dealing with it the correct way. Go beyond feeding and providing litter to your cat. Know your cat a little more by knowing its behavior.

About the Author

Kitty Bee is the owner of two lovable cats.

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Is Cat Food Making Your Cat Sick? by Julia Sage

Are you concerned that what you are feeding your cat is making him/her sick? Are you worried with all the pet food recalls that have happened in the last year? More and more animals today are getting sick, and some of the causes are directly linked to the commercial pet food that we are feeding them.

If your cat has symptoms such as: bad breath, itchy skin, dull dry coats, and intestinal gas, then chances are it is coming from the food they eat. A common disease that can be attributed to diet is diabetes in cats.

Not all commercial pet food provides all of the nutrients our pets need to be healthy at different times in their lives. Some pet food has ingredients that our pets do not need and can cause them to be extremely ill. A common ingredient found in pet food is a preservative called propylene glycol. It is used to keep pet foods moist. This preservative has been linked to anemia and bloat in animals, as well as other conditions.

What is propylene glycol? A petroleum derivative acts as a wetting agent. Propylene glycol is a colorless, vicious, hygroscopic liquid, CH3CHOHCH2OH, which is used in anti-freeze, laundry detergent, deodorant, floor wax, processed foods, and Pet Food.

Factory workers are warned by the FDA to avoid direct skin contact with propylene glycol because it penetrates the skin quickly and can cause brain damage, skin irritation, and kidney malfunction. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for propylene glycol says that it may be harmful by ingestion or skin contact.

The philosophy here is that if used in small amounts, and with other chemicals, that it will not produce harm to our bodies or our pets. Perhaps a small teaspoon or a quarter of a teaspoon will not produce serious side effects if given once. What is ignored is that it is not given once. In addition, most preservatives that are ingested DO NOT pass their way through the body. It is a foreign substance that builds up and stays in the body. Each teaspoon that may remain in the body is added by another -teaspoon, and another, and so on.

If you are using commercial cat food, check the ingredients. If propylene glycol is listed, do yourself and your pet a favor and stop giving it to them.

If this toxic substance is not present, other things to consider to determine if your commercial pet food is quality food are how the ingredients are listed. The ingredients will always be listed in descending order. That means what is listed first, is the primary ingredient.

A whole animal-based protein should be listed first. Stay away from by-products, these are left over's from processing human foods. Avoid other ingredients that are fraction of a whole; wheat middlings, corn gluten, anything that is not a whole grain.

You will want natural preservatives like ascorbic acid, Vitamin E or mixed tocopherols. Cats do not need artificial food coloring or flavors to be healthy. Essential fatty acids are a must; they help to prevent cancer, skin problems, and allergies. Taking these out, as is done in some special formulas will actually harm our pets in the long run.

We as humans are beginning to be more cautious about our own diets and what we ingest. Isn't it time we start considering the same for our furry friends?

About the Author

If this concerns you and you want to learn healthier alternatives that will prolong your cats life, visit:
http://healthycat.blogspot.com

Keep Your Cat Healthy

Plenty of for the well-known cat wellness problems can be owing to the food you give your cat. Just like in human beings, nutrition and also a balanced eating habits can assist you avert journeys to the Vet that happen to be the two discerning and high-priced. And plenty of cat proprietors aren't mindful of some of the undesirable things in business cat meals that often triggers wellness difficulties for cats.

Cats are quite tough critters, and they're extremely very well made to take care of several wellness threats. It is possible to trace the cat's heritage all of the way back again to forty million ages in the past. And most cats had to fend for themselves, regardless of whether they adopted an owner, for years. They earned their continue to keep by keeping modest pests and rodents away from their decided on property.
But any as they became so famous inside the 20th century as household pets, they seldom need to uncover their own meals any longer. I've two that often convey family home a bird, snake, or occasional mouse but that is only for bragging rights. We as owners commonly give you their foremost resource of food and that's clearly an individual motive they stick all over.

Business cat food is mostly a big home business. Cat proprietors are even more than ready to purchase cat food which is marketed. In reality the commercials are certainly executed to appeal to cat proprietors and never much the cat. But what they do not tell you in these adverts is regarding the filler, byproducts, as well as other non dietary objects present in most cat food items.
The arguments are uncomplicated, these substances are far cheaper to supply than excessive protein items like meat and also other high dietary ingredients. Various of such preferred filler things are actually seen for being not effective for ones cat's well-being. Truth be told you can find fairly somewhat of knowledge a couple of few that have been connected to the two urinary tract and kidney problems.

The item detailed as meat byproducts can necessarily mean anything which is other than meat from animals, like hoofs, hair, muscle mass, or whichever. None of those things have a good deal, if any, nutritional appeal and may very well be harmful. Ash is acknowledged for being an induce of urinary tract and kidney concerns which could lead to urination problems, primarily in male cats. An additional point to look at out for are substances and foods dye.

Continually investigate the label of any cat food (or any business pet foods) to view precisely what is detailed and in what order. The purchase almost always indicates the quantity (initially detailed to be just about the most). A second issue can be to look and feel in the moisture articles and other content, water is great but if a lot of the foods is moisture there is might be a problem with finding plenty of protein and dietary requirements.

So generally check the label of any cat food, similar to we do for our meals. When you see things in there that restrict the diet or that can be known reasons for overall health difficulty to your cat, keep absent. And in many cases while a few substances might be effective in keeping the freshness or preserving the flavor, too various chemical substances are not fine either. And meals dye is for you, not your cat since cats are colorblind. Cats work extra on smell and texture than sight.

About the Author

by Winona Cassondra

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CAT OF THE MONTH: KODA!

Congratulations to Koda our May Cat of the Month!

Hello Everyone!! My name is Koda I am 11 months old and my birthday is June 28th and I cant wait!! I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've been in my furrever home with my mommy and daddy my furr brother Caspurr and furr sisters Pixie and Sammi!! I was so scared when I was separated from my mommy and litter mates but after just a few minutes with my new mommy I couldn't have been happier and all I wanted to do was cuddle with her all day!! Now my brother is very picky with whom he likes and from the first time that we met he treated me like he's always known me!! He was cleaning me and snuggling with me just like my litter mates did so it was as if we were meant to be. Now that I am older though I am very mischievous and I get into everything even though my mommy and daddy tell me not too. I also love my kitty tree that my mommy got my brother and me when I first joined my family. It's so realistic that I feel like I'm a jungle kitty outside!! Though my absolute favorite thing to do is play fetch!! I have so many toys that my mommy gets me and I just love for her and daddy to toss them and for me to bring them back and do it again. I do like to play the most in the middle of the night when my parents are sleeping because that's when I feel like I'm the most invincible and that they won't yell at me for getting into things that I shouldn't be. Sometimes I like to run all over them because I want them to join in on the fun too!! Mommy and daddy never play with me then though. But once I'm done with all of my daily activities I like to snuggle in bed with my mommy and cuddle right next to her on her pillow. That's my safe spot and were I love to spend my time sleeping:-) I love my life and my family and I wouldn't have it any other way!! I hope you enjoyed my little kitty story:-)

RESCUE STORY: Niko

Niko's cat guardian is Kacie D. who brought Niko in as a stray: "He was getting attacked by a tomcat outside my job, so I took him home! He is the sweetest, most loving cat I've had!"  Wow! Good thing he found a loving human like you! 

Ideas on How to Brainstorm Regarding an Exclusive Kitten Names by Andy Weeks

Finding great names with regard to kittens or cats could appear overwhelming at incredibly first. Od course with regard to such a cute kitten you will will need some thing cute as a name. And it should be something you will not get tired of repeating every day regarding the next fifteen to twenty years! It has to fit your new kittens seems, individuality, plus your way of life.

You may acquire millions of options. That's the excellent thing about naming an animal. You may select everything your imagine descibes. He doesn't have to fit within on the gemstone, and no one will make fun of his name if it is seriously off-the-wall. So go ahead, express yourself!

Awesome, and now exactly where to commence from? Well 1 notion is to browse listings of preferred cat names. But, that only could beat your plan to be unique. You want to be distinctive, so why choose the exact same name as everybody else? It is an excellent way to get started, though. It might possibly nicely provide you with ideas.

The fairly first factor to take into consideration with each name is how it'll sound. You happen to be going to need to say it a terrific deal, and you do not want to get tired of it. Furthermore, you want your cat to hear it only. That is why numerous cats have a name with a lengthy vowel sound- they rapidly recognise their name if this carries a lengthy vowel, such as the "e" in Leo.

Names with regard to kittens could reflect the look of them. When you use a black cat, why not consider Luna, Midnight, or Ninja? The white cat could be referred to as Bianca. A tiger cat could be named, effectively, you already know!

The next notion will be to take brainstorming 1 step further. For example, let's say you've a gray kitten. Smokey is an obvious selection. Instead, take into consideration all issues gray. Gray weather makes me think about clouds, storms, how about Twister, or Nimbus (short for the cumulonimbus cloud sort)? Or maybe your kitten is more silver? Platinum may be a clever name. Gold contributes to jewellery, why don't you consider Bling?

You could possibly nicely wish to take into account your kittens identity. Does he or she desire to climb? Is she an overall total snuggle-bug? These qualities may lead in to a name! One time i recognized a kitten that was only outrageous. His operator gave him a local American name that will mirrored his wild characteristics.

Some of the finest names with regard to kittens are ones that reflect your exclusive character. Do you've a favorite author, sports hero, or even hobby? Take some time to think about it, and you might just come up with the best name!

If you might be acquiring two kittens, you may well opt to have their names match. Twin kitten names are fun and convey a special relationship between the kittens. On the other hand, many choose to name every kitten individually. It's completely your selection.

Desire to get outlandish? I have privately recognized a Hosehead, Chainsaw, and Three. There essentially are no boundaries when it comes to particular kitten names!

Several of the ideal names with regard to kittens are human names, precisely given that they are human! Some of the most powerful human name choices are so very man, that they are absolutely quirky and distinctive on a cat!

There is no dash. Get to know your kitten. Spend some time developing and observing him, and in the meantime think about some of these groups:

Individual Names
Mythology
Real Life Celebrities
Novels
Weather
Your Hobbies and Individual Interests
Names regarding kittens can certainly arrive from everywhere. These all supply extremely good creativity, once you decide the perfect name, you will comprehend it!

About the Author

Being a true cat enthusiast Andy Weeks is captivated by not simply his cats, but by everything to do with cats. Andy shares his love to these stylish pets in his site - Kitten names [http://kitten-names.betterpetcares.com/] where you can find the perfect name for your beloved kitten