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Just What Is A Cat Condo?

December 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment



Just what is a cat condo? Is it a timeshare in Miami? A place where snarky women go to argue (“Cat fight!”)? Nothing so glamorous or tabloid-worthy. It’s a phrase used when talking about cat furniture.Now what, you may ask, is cat furniture? Your little tabby Fifi may already act like she owns your couch. And sure, it’s soft enough to keep her comfortable during a nap. But it’s not really her own space, is it? Besides, wouldn’t you like a couch you didn’t have to constantly brush cat hair off of?

Some kitty owners find furniture like these condos and towers to be a great addition to their household. These products provide a wealth of interesting activities for cats to do. Constructed of sturdy poles and rigid platforms covered in various types of fabrics, cat condos are a type of “Romper Room” play toy just for cats.

A kitty condo might be around 5′ tall, or it might be 2′ tall. The price varies according to the size, with the larger size demanding a higher price due to the amount of materials used. Freight or shipping can also play a role in cost although many online retail stores offer free shipping.

If you’re in the market for a cat condo to entertain your cat, first think about your cat’s activity level (is she a jumper? A sleeper? A scratcher?) and weight. Also, if you are a multi-cat household then you should factor in the amount of use a cat condo might get.

Cat condos have platforms for resting which also serve as ledges for jumping. Many will have hanging toys or ropes for kitty to play with. In any case, if you think your cat would benefit from some additional physical exercise and mental stimulation, then a cat condo may be for you.

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Feline UTI – 5 Symptoms to Help You Spot a Cat Urinary Tract Infection

November 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Chances are you have had a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point. You probably remember that awful burning, itchy feeling and your mom telling you to drink cranberry juice. But, what symptoms would your cat display if she had the same kind of infection?

First, let’s quash the myth that feline UTI is a “female” problem. Just like humans, both male and female cats can develop a feline urinary tract infection. Second, while UTIs are more common in older pets, this does not mean you should ignore symptoms in younger cats. Third, the problem will not resolve itself if you simply ignore the symptoms.

When dealing with a cat urinary tract infection, many pet owners observe certain behaviors and assume a psychological problem instead of a physiological one. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats with a UTI suffer intense pain as they strain to urinate. Just like people who are affected by UTI, she also is afraid to urinate, because she does not want to experience the painful burning and itching that accompanies it. In an attempt to avoid these symptoms, she exhibits changes in her potty behavior.

Here are 5 classic feline urinary tract infection symptoms that you should recognize:

1. Urinate outside of the litter box
2. Constant licking of the groin area
3. Unusually edgy or spastic behavior
4. Tail or rear-end biting
5. Withdrawn behavior

Consider each of these symptoms to be a message from your cat that she may be experiencing a cat urinary tract infection. If you find her licking her crotch area more than usual, or discover that she has peed on the kitchen floor, in the basement, or even in the bath tub, these are clear signals that she may be suffering from a UTI, especially if you notice blood in the urine.

Wherever she may relieve herself, avoid the temptation to scold her. Chances are she is leaving clues that she has a cat urinary tract infection. She is already miserable and doesn’t need to be scolded. By taking appropriate measures, you can reduce her needless suffering.

You can address the more severe side effects of traditional veterinary medication and long term use of antibiotics by using a feline UTI treatment that is based upon natural or herbal remedies.You should know that there are simple natural pet care options available to treat and prevent a feline urinary tract infection. These may include Barberry and Bearberry as well as Cantharis as a natural solution that can help you prevent and treat this debilitating condition in your cat.

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How to Train a Cat

November 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
L. Zackarian asked:




Cats are very intelligent, loving animals and they make great companions. They are much more independent and less needy than dogs, making them a perfect pet for someone who has a busy lifestyle. Owning a cat is very rewarding, and provides you with a wonderful creature to love, with an added convenience of not demanding as much of your time. Once you have decided to adopt, make sure to take the time to learn how to train a cat.

Despite their independence, your cat will still require a bit of your time to teach it proper household behavior. Start teaching your cat when it is still a kitten for the most success, as animals learn bad behaviors over time and the sooner you start training, the better. Decide what you want to train your cat, then prioritize. Always stick to teaching one thing at a time. Your cat will stay more focused if you teach one task at a time.

If you notice any bad behavior issues such as scratching furniture, biting, or chewing on objects, they should be addressed first. If you notice your cat is chewing on things, make sure it does not have access to any electrical cords in your home. Start training with whatever behavior problem poses the most risk to your cat and proceed from there.

If your cat’s behavior problem is scratching your furniture, you need to consider purchasing some furniture or cat trees that will belong to your cat. Cats are territorial and scratching at things is one way that they mark their belongings. It is also how they groom and condition their claws and exercise. This behavior is a natural instinct for cats so teaching them not to scratch is not an option. However, you can teach them which items belong to them, and praise your cat when it does scratch the appropriate things. You can also use catnip as a great way to attract them to the items you prefer they scratch on. Catnip comes in a dried leafy form but also available in a spray form. The spray form is just as effective as the herb form and is much less messy and when used, you will find your cat cannot resist the items that have been treated with catnip.

Your cat may seem disinterested in learning at times but be persistent with training. The more time you spend with your cat, the stronger your bond will be. Your cat should respond well to teaching. Offer cat treats as a reward to reinforce the learning process. The more time you spend, the more you will get your cat to respond. If you learn how to train a cat the right way, you can prevent future unwanted behavior problems and your cat will be a happy, well mannered member of your family.

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Cat Dander Problems? – 5 Ways to Reduce Cat Dander

November 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Debbie Davis asked:




Cat dander (tiny flakes of dead skin) is constantly being shed by your cat. Dander is invisible to the human eye because it is so tiny-approximately 2.5 microns, with a micron being defined as 1 millionth of a meter. Cat dander is light-weight so it travels easily and once airborne becomes a trigger for those with dander related allergy and asthma. What a choice to have to make—keeping your cat or being able to breathe! But whether you are allergic or not, here are 5 ways to reduce cat dander so you and your cat can co-exist and live happily ever after.

1. Select a Short-Haired Cat If you have not already adopted a cat, choose a short-haired cat as they tend to produce less dander. Burmese, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, and the Shorthair American Curl are all breeds with short hair. Even if you are already in love with a long-haired cat, keep the shorthair breeds in mind when adding to the family. Shorthaired cats should be bathed only once every six weeks to keep their skin from becoming too dry.

2. Groom Regularly Give your cat a bath once a week with a shampoo that your veterinarian approves. Baths not only reduce dander, but remove excess hair. Brushing you cat outside daily will also improve the overall health of the skin, remove lose hair, and reduce dander. If you are sensitive to cat hair and dander, when brushing your cat try using a high efficiency particle arresting mask that can be bought from most hardware stores; and if it helps, use the mask when bathing your cat as well. If grooming your cat causes you too much discomfort, think about asking a friend to do it in exchange for a favor from you; pay a high school or college student to help, or even an assistant who works at your veterinarian’s office who might want to make extra money. Before creating a grooming schedule, check with your veterinarian to make sure it is best for your particular cat.

3. Feed a Nutritious Diet Feeding your cat a healthy diet specific to his needs as determined by your veterinarian will enhance your cat’s skin, and coat, and allow your cat to more successfully fend off disease. In general, since cats are carnivores, they need a meat-based diet to stay healthy. Healthy skin and coat go a long way towards reducing cat dander and shedding.

4. Reduce Fabric-Covered Surfaces This piece of advice can be used as an excuse to redecorate or it doesn’t have to be. Overstuffed sofas and chairs, draperies, and carpet are all havens for cat dander. And once there, the dander is tricky to remove. As you replace furnishings in your home, think about replacing carpet with hardwood floors, drapes with shutters, shades or blinds, and overstuffed furniture with leather, wood, or rattan. These are all surfaces that are easier to wipe down, and you are more likely to be able to remove more of the cat dander.

5. Use a HEPA Air Purifier A high efficiency particle arresting or HEPA air purifier is designed to remove airborne particles as small as .3 microns. Most cat dander is approximately 2.5 microns in size so this type of purifier will easily remove cat dander and hair. The advantage of a well built HEPA purifier is that it is designed to operate 24 hours and will constantly filter the air of the dander that your cat is constantly producing.

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Facts and Health Care Problems About British Shorthair Cats

August 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Moses Wright asked:




Upon first glance, the girth and features of a British Shorthair may give the impression that they are a slothful, laid back breed. On the contrary, as descendants of British farm cats, this breed is a highly skilled and a mighty hunter.

History – Bred in the nineteenth century, the British Shorthair was a favorite in many households until distinct breeds began popping up in the mid-twentieth century. A few British Shorthair enthusiasts continue tirelessly to ensure this breed does not die out. It wasn’t until the late twentieth century, that these wonderful cats were introduced in the United States, where cat fanciers became enthralled with their unusual personality and size.

Appearance – There are a variety of colors and one shade was so popular; it was the only shade and color credited by cat associations for years to come. British Blue was the name of the color of choice, but after World War II, this distinct color of British Shorthairs almost became nonexistent.

Enthusiasts of this breed, wanted to preserve conserve the unique blue hue, bred the remaining blue shorthairs with Blue Persians. This created an increase in the gene pool and literally saved the specific shade from utter elimination. There are different colors to choose from which consist of white, bi-colors, smoke, tortoiseshell, point colors with orange or blue eyes.

The British Shorthair has a roundish head and wide cheeks as well as a thick and relatively short tail. The British Shorthair, also known for its stockiness, is a large specimen of cat weighing in at a substantial nine to eighteen pounds.

British Shorthair Cat Behavior and Characteristics – It is not a cat that demands incessant attention and affection. This breed behavior is highly content to go about its day doing its own thing. The British Shorthair is not suitable for those who desire friendly felines as this breed is not as socially inclined. You are ale to easily satisfy the breed’s emotional needs by keeping its food bowl filled and the cat can look after its own entertainment. There is little need to cuddle or entertain this breed in order to keep them content.

As the British Shorthair doesn’t need constant attention, it is a good choice for a family with limited time on their hands.

British Shorthair Cat Health Problems – With a long ancestry and lineage, the gene pool diversity of the breed is generally healthy, although there is a problem one should take note of.

Type A Blood is the common blood type of domestic cats; but, the British Shorthair might have a rare blood type, Type B blood. It is an issue of concern should an operation be needed one day. You should have your local vet check you British Shorthair’s blood type to ascertain if it is a rare blood type, to decrease the chances of confusion late on.

It is easy to care for and groom your British Shorthair. With the texture of their coat being rough and thick, a once a week combing should be sufficient to remove loose hairs and particles of dirt.

If your short on time, but still want a cat, the unassuming, self contained personality of a British Shorthair is definitely worth looking in to. It’s sure to be a perfect fit.

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Things to Consider Before Owning a Cat

August 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Gordon Bloomfield asked:




Cats can make great pets, they have personalities of their own and can be a brilliant companion for families or older children. But what things are important to consider before owning a cat? It is important to take many things into account before giving your feline friend a new home.

Cat behaviour:

It is important you actually like the way cats behave before even considering having one. Cats can be affectionate and loving but they are also independent creatures that may spend a lot of time outside. You should be aware of this before getting a cat to avoid being disappointed. Cats also can be quite demanding in many ways, asking for food, to be let out or in at the strangest times. They also like to hunt, not all cats will be good hunters, but if you aren’t willing to clear up after their escapades this could be an issue later on! Cats are also fairly playful, although they will sleep often many cats will love to be entertained when they are awake so you need to make sure a member of your family will be happy to play with your new pet!

Lifestyle:

You also need to take your lifestyle into consideration. Cats dislike change so if you have to move often you might want to think about a different sort of pet. Cats also demand a certain amount of time to keep them healthy and happy. Tasks such as grooming, feeding, medical care (such as de-fleaing and worming) and of course playing all take a considerable amount of time which has to be worked into your routine. Cats are however, independent creatures so will tolerate being left alone for a number of hours, providing access to food, clean water and shelter is provided. If you go on holidays you also need to make arrangements for the cats care while you are away.

Finance:

Although not hugely expensive animals to keep you should always think about the cost of keeping an animal before giving it a home. Things to keep in mind is their food cost, although most cats are happy on basic cat foods some may have restrictions, such as allergies, which means a higher quality food needs to be provided. You should also consider the basic health costs, such as regular flea treatments and wormers. There will also be the vets fees should your cat become injured or ill, you may even decide to take out insurance to cover this, which are all things you should research and consider. Lastly there are the one off costs, or the initial outlays of owning a cat. Microchipping, to ensure you can prove the cat is yours should it get lost, vaccinations, not just as a kitten but also throughout the life of your pet. There are also the sundries, such as bowls, toys, and bedding.

Other considerations:

After thinking about all of the above you should also think about the members in your family. Are they all prepared to take responsibility for the pet? Are they all comfortable with the idea of having a cat? You should also think about any pets you already have and if they will get along with the new family member. Another point to think about is if anyone in the household has allergies, if so you should think very carefully if having a cat would be suitable.

Obtaining a cat

Once you have thought about all of the above and having decided to get a cat, you should think about where you are going to get your new feline friend from. During the spring there are many adverts for kittens. Some of these are free to a good home, some already have flea treatments and Microchipping and sometimes the people will ask for a small price to cover the cost. This is of course speaking for the majority of cats that are ‘moggies’, in other words the common British shorthair cat, with no pedigree. These cats have varied and interesting personalities, not to mention looks as well! Maybe you might want a pedigree cat, which although the care may be slightly different or more demanding you will know what to expect from your new pet. The best place to source these cats is from cat magazines and online private websites from breeders.

Although it is great to get a new kitten, you should also think about rehoming centres. Many cats are abandoned or given to rehoming centres each year. They are all there for many reasons and there is always a huge variety to choose from, right from little kittens to the veterans, all of which would cherish a new loving home.

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What Type of Cat is Trainable?

July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Neil Groom asked:




Not all cats are trainable and some of them are not easy to train.

Take a look at the different, easy to train cats and some that are not easy to train.

Barman – long hair, easy to managed once a week grooming, very careless loves humans, gentle, affectionate, inquisitive will follow you around the house, very clever.

Siamese – verbal, loving, can be difficult, serious daily play, and contact to their arousing and mental status, and does not like to be left alone.

Snowshoe – An uncommon breed of cat warm, playful, great personality enjoys the indoor living.

Somali is a very intelligent, playful, active, extreme elegance grace, alertness. This type of cat can be gentle, loyal, sensitive, sense of humor cat. Has minimum care for grooming, love to play, loves water, and loves to be next to you or in the lap napping. Will capture you heart.

Pixie-Bob is a very trainable, is a bright, loyal, fully family breed. The hair can be long or short.

American Bobtail is not a wild nature cat. They have an untamed look, medium to large size.

Anatolian is a mild, kind cat, elder cats might have trouble adapt to a classic pet cat life.

Bengal’s are active, clever companions. The best friendly cat they are known for in this breed. Most pet Bengal’s are wild only in looks, not in character.

Ocicat looks like a small wild spotted cat, fully household, energetic, affectionate, and very public despite their wild look; they are gracious, sociable, people-oriented cats without being clingy or intolerable. They are clever, dedicated, extremely adaptable companions.

The most familiar and easily well-known cat is the Persian. This well-known cat is available in a broad range of colors and patterns. A Persian are known for quiet mild temper and a loving cat. Although easygoing, they are playful in their own way. Their long hair mats simply. General daily grooming is required, at least 20 minutes per day, with a one-hour grooming weekly to keep the hair in good condition.

Selkirk Rex is a enduring, broadminded, affectionate cat that enjoys a good embrace is not a good choice for someone with cat sensitivity as the shedding undercoat as of their breeds.

Rag doll is finest acknowledged for its quiet and easygoing nature. Perhaps it is the gentlest and mainly laid-back of breed is biggest fully house breed of cat. Their long hair needs minimum care.

Exotic is a passive, mild cat with a yielding tone. A thoughtful cat enjoys sitting on laps and likes comforts of home. The grooming needs to be done each day with a weekly grooming at least for an hour.

Sphinx is a content friend cat. A huge outgoing, aware, and very inquisitive cat, enjoys the company of humans and other pets. Their skin feels like warm, soft suede, and does need grooming also without the hair.

This is a list of some cats with some traits to help you look for a trainable cat. There are many different breeds of cats to choose from. Choosing one that is right for you and your family can be a fun experience with looking at the different breeds a deciding, which one is the right breed for you. Check out the internet and books for the different breed of cats.

After you have done a research on the different breeds, you might want to consider visiting a humane society. This can give you an idea of the some of the cats that may be looking for. This would be a good idea to be able to find the one, which can fit the needs of the family. Cats have different personalities and traits, some need a lot of attention, and some will need a lot of grooming. With this and other factors about cats will be important to you and your family to be able to have as a friend and train.

Looking for that breed for you and your family will also be a great family project. Making this a great family project will help the cat and family adjust to each other.

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Quick Home Remedy For Cat’s UTI – Does it Exist?

July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Ann Matthews asked:




The idea of using a quick home remedy for cat’s UTI sounds tempting. After all, who doesn’t want to avoid those bills at the vet and giving their pets harsh prescription drugs? There are lots of wives tales out there about what works for cat’s UTI but are any of them legit?

Home treatment to relieve cat’s UTI is usually herbal. Other popular treatments that can be used at home include cranberry juice and Vitamin C. Now don’t get me wrong. Some of these treatments are actually helpful to some extent. When it comes down to it however, you need to use something a lot more powerful than just cranberry juice or some herbs in order to cure your cat’s UTI.

An excellent quick home remedy for cat’s UTI is homeopathy. Not only is it highly effective, but it is also very convenient. You don’t have to do anything as the homeopathic formulas come prepared and ready to go. Look for a homeopathic home treatment to relieve cat’s UTI that contains cantharis and uva ursi. These are two plant-based ingredients that are prized for their benefits to the urinary tract and bladder.

Two doses daily of a quick home remedy for cat’s UTI like homeopathy is very helpful in promoting better urine flow, decreasing inflammation, and improving the overall health of the urinary tract and bladder. Homeopathy boosts your cat’s immune system and prevents future infections to boot.

It really doesn’t get any better than a homeopathic home treatment to relieve cat’s UTI. Other treatments simply don’t deliver equal results. To top it off, homeopathy is completely safe and natural. There are no side effects to worry about.

You might confuse an herbal quick home remedy for cat’s UTI with homeopathy but the two treatments are actually very different. Herbs work similarly to prescription drugs. High doses are required and they often come with unwanted side effects.

On the other hand, homeopathic remedies are totally side effect free and safe for regular use because they contain only tiny amounts of plant ingredients. These tiny amounts awaken the body’s natural, self-healing abilities and restore balance at a cellular level.

A quick home remedy for cat’s UTI must address the underlying imbalances in the body that lead to UTI in order to be effective in the long run. Conventional treatments merely aim at suppressing symptoms. This can cause serious problems for your cat since UTIs are notorious for recurring so often.

The last thing you want is a cat that is constantly sick. Why not make a homeopathic quick home remedy for cat’s UTI a part of his regular, daily routine? That way you can keep your cat healthy and UTI-free for the rest of his nine lives.

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Persian Cat Rescue – Adopt a New Family Member

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
James V Lunden asked:




A Persian cat is a beautiful addition to any family. There is a beautiful and regal quality to these cats. Their long hair makes them quite distinctive and beautiful. Their long hair also makes them need more maintenance than many other cat breeds.

The level of maintenance required for Persian cats can lead to some owners to neglecting or even abandoning these beautiful animals. As any animal lover would tell you it is always sad to find a neglected or abandoned animal. They need our help in giving them a loving home.

The current economic crisis has resulted in many more pets becoming neglected or abandoned. This includes cats, dogs and exotic pets. It is more important than ever before to consider adopting a pet in need of a new home. Persian cats make a wonderful addition to any household. If you are not familiar with the breed you can do some online research to learn more.

You can find a cat rescue in your general area if you look online. Typically the rescue organization will start to care for the cat immediately which may include shaving a heavily matted coat.

Any cat lover interested in having a cat should first start by contacting a local Persian cat rescue before they consider buying one. Giving a loving home to a rescued cat is important.

There are a number of different types of cats. You can ask about a specific type of cat or ask about any available at the cat rescue when you call them. You will be providing a loving home to a cat very much in need of one. You will find them to be a wonderful addition to your home.

If you are looking for a Persian cat you should start with a call to a local rescue organization.

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What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Cat Which Has Been Abused

May 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Kevin Caldbeck asked:




It would be a lot easier to know if a cat or kitten had been abused, if you could tell just by looking at them. This is not always the case. Although many times the outward signs of injuries, and neglect will be obvious, many times the true abuse will be either internal, or emotional.

While physical abuse is bad, problems associated with emotional damage might prove to be a lot more difficult to overcome.

The good news is that a cat which has been physically abused will eventually start to respond to a loving and caring new owner, once they realize that they are not in danger any longer. If the cat has been emotionally abused, you will have show a lot of patience and the process will probably take a little longer to build up the trust between the two of you.

In both cases, take your time and let the cat take the lead. Don’t try to force them to trust you, let it happen naturally.

She will probably spend most of the time in hiding when you first bring her home, but cats being the curious creatures they are, she will slowly start checking out her new surroundings. It will be at these times that she tries to sneak up on you when she thinks you are not paying attention for a quick sniff.

Don’t make any sudden moves, and don’t try to pet her the first few times. Eventually the trust will be built up, and she will allow you to pet her, and even start responding when you call her. It is very important not to use the wrong types of discipline on any cat, but even more so with a cat which has been abused in the past.

Avoid raising your voice, using newspapers, flyswatters, hands or feet when disciplining your cat. These types of discipline are probably going to be associated by the cat with the trauma it suffered in the past.

Abused cats can prove to be meaner than their well adjusted, and loved-since-they-were-kittens counterparts.

One problem which can arise from this abusive treatment is biting. This is something which cannot be tolerated for any reason. Cat bites can be dangerous and lead to infections. I personally know of people who have been hospitalized for a single cat bite. So always be very careful with any new cat until you both feel comfortable with each other.

Cats for the most part are very content if they have good food, clean water, a clean litter box, and maybe a companion. If you provide these things, you are more than half way to winning her heart. Just add a soothing voice, and lots of love, and you should have a wonderful relationship with your formerly abused cat.

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