1001Cat

Wisdom Cat For Cat Lovers

2009-11-20T22:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday will never come again, but you have today.
Nurture your relationships with your cats.
Remember where we all came from.
When you really like a cat, show him.
Care and caress.
Listening to a cat you love purring, is sometimes all the help he needs.

You have two ears and one mouth, use them in the same proportion.
If you know your cat is sick, do you best to get him/her to a vet.
Move forward, not backward.
All cats are bron free.
Practice kindness and love 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Respect their nature.
Your money is not your life.
Never put of saying " I love You ".
The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
Conduct yourself with dignity.
It takes more than years to reach maturity.
Love your cat for who she/he is, not for what you want her/him to be.
Every path leads two ways.
Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground ( Theodore Rosevelt ).
Impatient and anger shorten life.
Old age can be a great period of calmness with cat on you lap.
Think positively and good things will happen.
Never underestimate the power of a cat.
Don't try to force a cat to live as you wish them to.
Every cat have a unique past, present and future.
When communicating, give away the power along with the job.
Be gentle
The thinnest line is between love and hate.
Barking dogs seldom bite.
But meowing cats in pain, does.

When you love a cat, you need to love both the good and bad.
Think before you commit to something.

Responsible Cat Owner.

2009-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

Why cat? Cats brings joy to our lives. Sometimes, human's love change from time to time... but, cats love are unconditionally .. won't change... no boundry, and no end; forever.The fantastically unique characteristics of cats, could even bring out the urge to some cat loves to write poetry and rhyme among the best (and worst) of us, and stir our senses. But, being a cat lovers, you got to be a responsible cat owner too. And that involves more than devotion and love - it also requires proper cat care that helps enrich our cats' lives. Here is your site to get information, talk, share your passion dan learn how to take care of a cat.

Cat Care

Cats bring joy to our lives. Being a responsible cat owner involves more than devotion and love – it also requires proper cat care. That's why Purina is dedicated to delivering the knowledge, expertise and state-of-the-art science that helps enrich our cats' lives. Learn how to take care of a cat here.

Vaccinations

All kittens need to be vaccinated according to the schedule provided by your veterinarian. Cat vaccines protect against feline leukemia, feline distemper, upper respiratory infections and rabies. Veterinarians usually recommend giving a young kitten a series of these vaccinations starting when the kitten is six to eight weeks old, and continuing every three to four weeks until the kitten is about four months old. Remember most vaccines must be given over a period of time and require multiple veterinary visits. So check with your veterinarian and get ready for a happy, rewarding friendship with your pet. Below is a recommended vaccination schedule for your new kitten. Vaccination protocols will vary from state to state, so please consult your veterinarian.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule*

Disease Age At First Vaccination (weeks) Booster Vaccination Intervals (months following initial series)
Caliciviral Disease (upper respiratory) 6-8 12
Feline Leukemia 10 12 or 13 and 14*
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) 6-8 12
Pneumonitis (Chlamydiosis) 6-10 12
Rabies 12-16 12 or 36**
Viral Rhinotrachetis (upper respiratory) 8-10 12

*Vaccination protocols will vary. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss your cat's vaccination needs.

**Depending on which type of vaccination your veterinarian recommends and local laws.

Administering Medication

Giving pills to your cat is easier when you know how. It's hard to deceive a cat because most pills can't be hidden in a bite of cat food. Besides, cats are both curious and suspicious, so they will nose around any new food item.

Just put the pill where the cat has to swallow it. The most effective way is to put the cat on your lap, with its back to you so that she can't get away. Then grasp the teeth of the upper jaw and tilt the head backwards gently. Holding the pill between your thumb and index finger of the other hand, use the other fingers to gently pry the cats mouth open. You can then drop the tablet down the throat. Sometimes you'll need to give it a gentle push. Be sure to talk soothingly to your cat during this process, and reward her when you are finished.

Your cat won't like this until she gets used to it. So remind yourself that it's for her own good.

Feeding Cats For Life Stages

Feeding Kittens

Kittens require about twice the energy per pound of body weight as a mature cat. Kittens should be completely weaned by six to eight weeks and be accustomed to a regular diet of a complete and balanced growth-type food for kittens. It is recommended that kittens be fed three to four times a day during this period of rapid growth, and a source of fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Moistened dry food or canned food left at room temperature can become unpalatable and may even spoil if left out for several hours, so uneaten portions should be removed and discarded after one hour. As with other animals, any diet changes should be made gradually over a 7 to 10 day period to avoid causing digestive upset.

Kittens tend to be "occasional" eaters as they take a large number of small meals throughout the day. After consuming a small portion of the food, the kitten leaves and returns at intervals to eat. This behavior should not be confused with a reluctance or refusal to eat. If food refusal is prolonged and/or the kitten shows signs of illness such as listlessness, diarrhea, repeated vomiting, discharge from the eyes or nose, straining to urinate or constipation, or unusual hiding in dark places, a veterinarian should be consulted.

From seven months to one year, kittens should be fed twice a day. Kittens should be fed as individuals, and amounts to feed will depend upon activity and body condition.

If a cat becomes overweight, her food intake should be lowered. A veterinarian can help the owner assess the cat's body condition and, if necessary, help plan an appropriate weight reduction program.

Feeding Adult Cats

An adult cat with normal activity requires only a maintenance diet. A good-quality commercial cat food that is complete and balanced for maintenance or for all life stages is appropriate to feed to adult cats. Cats should be fed as individuals, and the factors that influence the amount of food a typical adult cat requires to maintain good body condition include activity level, temperature, and body metabolism. An ideal body condition is one in which:

The animal is well proportioned,
Has an observable waist behind the ribcage
Ribs can be felt with a slight fat covering over them
Because cats tend to be nibblers or "occasional eaters," they should have access to their food throughout the day. And, as with other animals, an available source of clean, fresh water is important.

Cats require a higher level of dietary protein and a different nutrient balance than dogs. Like kittens, mature cats require the addition of taurine to their diet. For this reason, cats should only be fed a complete and balanced cat food and never a dog food. A cat can be fed a maintenance diet after she is one year of age. Maintenance diets are not appropriate for kittens, or pregnant or nursing females.

Even when all factors are the same, two cats of similar size, age, and activity may need different amounts of food simply because they have different metabolism rates. A cat's appetite and total food consumption will vary from day to day. Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat are not problems in adult cats unless they persist for several days or the cat shows symptoms of illness. If this happens, your cat should be examined by a veterinarian.

Feeding During Pregnancy

While nutrition is a key factor in keeping a cat healthy, its importance is heightened during gestation and lactation. Diets labeled for adult maintenance, intermittent feeding, or therapeutic uses are generally inadequate for gestation and lactation. A diet selected for feeding during this time should be labeled as nutritionally complete and balanced for all life stages or for growth and reproduction. If a maintenance diet is fed prior to breeding, a gradual changeover should be made to a diet appropriate for reproduction during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Throughout gestation, the female may show a slow, steady increase in body weight and at the same time a gradual increase in food intake. Hormonal and behavioral changes that occur during reproduction may cause periods of under eating, overeating, or not eating. However, if under eating is prolonged, or if the female's body condition begins to deteriorate, she should be examined by a veterinarian for health problems. As littering nears, a female may also lose her appetite. Usually within 24 hours after delivery the female's appetite will slowly increase.

Feeding During Lactation

Females may have to be fed two or three times per day, and fresh water in a clean dish should be available. Dry food should be fed moistened during lactation to increase the female's food and water intake, and to encourage kittens to start nibbling solid food.

When kittens are three to four weeks of age, interest in solid food begins and the female's interest in nursing declines. Moistened food in a shallow dish should be available to the kittens for several hours each day.

For females that continue to maintain significant milk production, mammary congestion and discomfort can be a problem. Resolution of this problem may be hastened by limit-feeding the queen according to the following procedure:

On the first day of weaning, the queen should not be fed, but a source of clean water should be provided. The kittens should be separated from the queen and offered food and water. Dry food moistened with warm water may help stimulate the kittens' food intake. On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th days after weaning, limiting the queen's food to 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 the usual amount, respectively, is recommended. By the fifth day, food intake should be resumed to the queen's normal amount fed prior to gestation and lactation.

The Later Stages

Some veterinarians believe that cats reach their geriatric years around age 12. Other experts are more generous, categorizing cats as being "old" at about 15. When your cat is between the ages of 12 and 15, be on the lookout for behavioral changes. You may notice that he catnaps a lot more. It's normal for some old cats to sleep more than 18 hours a day.

Because an older cat rests more and moves less, he may need fewer calories. Your veterinarian can suggest ways to reduce his caloric intake and still make sure he gets all the nutrients his aging system needs. And however tempting it may be to treat him to table scraps, it's really not wise. Overfeeding a cat at any age - especially with fatty foods - is actually setting him up for obesity and related health problems in the future.

Let's Make A Different

2009-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

Nothing matches the unconditional love of an animal who wants only to please us. Our pets are sometimes our first and best friends. We're calmed by our cats' purrs, revitalized by our dog's energy, and warmed by the love offered without reservation by our animal companions.

All too often, though, animals become victims of vicious acts of cruelty, leaving those of us who are animal lovers enraged and frustrated at the senseless of it. "Animals have no legal rights," we're told, or "they're just property." More humane people realize that no animal or person deserves to be tortured or tormented, regardless of their legal status. A cat should be treated as a lifelong companion, a fellow creature to be loved and cared for, not a "disposable" entity that is easily replaced.

How can you make a difference??

Stay informed of current animal welfare issues, sign petitions and write letters to your congressman. Treat your own pets well, and pass along the word!
Many wonderful and caring people have created web sites or web rings that inform visitors about specific issues of abuse or educate them about animal care; below are just a few. If you maintain a "causes" site, please contact them directly.

Educate - Don't Amputate - extensive information about declawing.

Pet Guardian Responsibility - a privilege and life commitment. Low Cost or Free Spay/Neuter Programs in the United States - an excellent (and growing) resource if you haven't yet spayed/neutered your pets. (Love that Cat) If you live in Utah, visit No More Homeless Pets' Spay/Neuter page for coupons and other discounts, or see when the mobile spay/neuter Clinic will be visiting your area.

A "birth control pill" for feral cats is under development. Read$ about it here.

Please Support Keeping Cats Indoors - why you should keep your cat indoors (Divine Felines)

Have your cat(s) spayed or neutered and vaccinated against disease. It's your fault if "Momma" keeps getting pregnant. Your one-time spay/neuter investment helps your own town in the long run, as there will be fewer abandoned cats that won't have to be dealt with. Plus, you won't have to (try to) find homes for 5 or 6 kittens every few months.

If at all possible, keep your cat(s) inside - a friendly cat who roams the street is, unfortunately, easy prey for animal abusers. An inside cat won't be hit by a car, acquire a disease from other wandering cats, or be mauled by a neighbor's dog. Cats can be perfectly happy inside all the time!

Do not declaw your cat(s).

Volunteer at your local animal shelter or privately-owned rescue organization. If you can't set aside the time, send a few dollars to your favorite organization

Or, ask them what supplies you can provide - if your cat has outgrown its carrier, for example, your local rescue organization would greatly appreciate it!

Do not offer the kittens for FREE. Bad people sell them to laboratories, use them for sacrifices, or practice all forms of horrible abuse on them. At least interview the people and get their home address.

Don't turn away visiting cats. Try to find their owner; or, if they are wild, seriously consider investing in them long-term as your "outside cats"--give them food, water, and shelter, and take them to the vet to be spayed or neutered. The lifespan of a "feral" cat is much shorter than that of a well-cared for inside cat, but you can improve its quality of life by caring for it responsibly.
Adopt adult cats from rescue organizations or animal shelters, since those cats are in immediate peril of being put to sleep. If you must have a pedigreed cat, purchase it from a "family" cattery, not a "mill" that keeps its females constantly pregnant and in a kennel away from family members.

Do not give an animal as a present unless you are sure the person wants it--if they don't, it will end up at the animal shelter and be put to sleep, or abandoned on the street. If you are a parent and give your child a cat or kitten, recognize that you are responsible for the animal as well as the child--don't presume that the child will always remember feeding time. Ensure that the child plays gently with the new companion.

If you have a web page, provide links to the sites listed above (remember, there are many excellent sites in addition to them). And, sprinkle a few "cats love" from around your site to subtly educate visitors to your site.

Why can't you keep these cats...?

2009-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

The answer is: But every cat should be able to have at least one litter. Keep her inside, then the male cats won't bother her. Spaying/neutering your pet prevents unwanted litters and needless suffering.

Seventy thousand (70,000!!) kittens and puppies are born every day just in our

country. These unwanted kittens are tossed out the door, and join feral colonies, scrounging for food each and every day. They suffer from hunger and/or disease, become an annoyance in the neighborhood, and either continue to add to the population, or are killed. Spaying/neutering your pet ensures it will have a longer, healthier life. It prevents unwanted litters, needless suffering, and an increase in taxes to pay animal shelter costs.

2. "I don't like the smell of the litterbox."

The answer is; Changing the kitty litter frequently nearly eliminates the odor. That's just the way it is.

3. "I'm allergic to cat fur."

The answer is; There are several treatments available for allergies.

4. "He gets hair on the beds and upholstery."

The answer is; Brush him daily; you'll both enjoy it.
Most cats enjoy being brushed, and will soon come running as soon as they see the brush in your hand. Daily or frequent brushing will greatly minimize the amount of loose fur settling in the corners of your house, and will also prevent a lot of hair balls being coughed up.

5. "He keeps scratching the furniture."

The answer is; Cats are easily trained to use a scratching post.
Train your cat to use a scratching post. It should be sturdy and tall enough to let the cat stretch to his full height. If he still persists in scratching the furniture, try placing a few balloons or pieces of aluminum foil around the area. The noise of a bursting balloon or crackling foil should frighten him off without hurting him. Many times you can simply "redirect" him to the scratching post, and he will eventually get the idea.

6. "He keeps getting into fights with other male cats; he sprays everywhere."

My comment; That's just the way all males are. He's defending/marking his territory. Having him neutered is the solution. You don't want to take away his manhood; you'll have to put up with it.
Persistent spraying occurs in unneutered males as a form of territory marking. But some unspayed females spray also. Neutering should stop the spraying habit in most cats -- especially if done while the cat is still young. Note that in some cases, a cat who has been neutered and hasn't sprayed, may start doing so when it is very stressed, such as when you bring a new person or animal into the house. If that happens, lavish a great deal of affection on the cat and try to eliminate the stress factor.

7. "He has worms, or he's always shaking his head and spraying black gook around."

The answer is; Check with your vet - both of those are easily fixed.
Medication for the treatment of worms is easily and inexpensively obtained from your vet. If your cat is constantly shaking his head or scratching at his ears, he has ear mites. Treatment options from your vet for ear mites may include: medicine which you put in his ear; one or two shots of medication; or using an ear dropper to put a few drops of slightly warmed mineral oil in his ear; or (new) a vial of liquid that you break open and put on the kitty's skin between his shoulders.

8. "I'm going to have a baby and I've heard that cats suck out their breath."

The answer is; That's an old, untrue, wives tale.
Many superstitions still abound about cats. Here are some more.

9. "He spits up hair balls on my new carpet."

The answer is; There are several excellent carpet cleaners and ways to minimize hair balls.

10. "My boyfriend doesn't like cats."

The answer is; Don't decide too quickly; your relationship with your cat may outlast your human relationships. You should not always obey whatever the man in your life wants.

11. "I thought cats were cheap to keep."

The answer is; Keeping a pet is a responsibility, just like raising a child.

12. "The kitten shreds my drapes."

The answer is; All kittens are playful, but will calm down in a few months. Give her "approved toys" such as a kitty tree, so she can exercise. And since the draperies are already shredded, you can replace them with horizontal blinds, so kitty can go through them to sit on the windowsill.

13. "She wants to sleep on my bed."

The answer is: Your cat thinks you are simply another cat (a rather large one. For that reason, she wants to sleep where you are, to cement the bond. If you really don't want kitty to sleep in your bed, keep the bedroom door closed.

14. "He picks fights with my children."

The answer is; Um, maybe your kids are picking on the cat? Cats are generally very tolerant of children, and will defend themselves only if they are being hurt. Don't let your youngster pull your kitty's tail or ears, and show him the proper way to carry the kitty. Instill in your child a respect for all lifeforms; studies have shown that serial killers started out abusing animals.

15. "I can't afford to take him to the vet."

The answer is; The cost of owning a pet is considerably less than that of raising a child, but it is, nonetheless, a responsibility. You are literally responsible for another life. Spay or neuter your pet, and have your pet vaccinated against disease. Give your cat the most healthy food (no, it doesn't have to be the most expensive), and the care of a good veterinarian (yes, do shop around - quality care is not ensured just because he's a vet, and be aware that all fees are not the same at all offices).

16. "He keeps jumping on the counter."

The answer is; To keep your cat off the kitchen counter, stack a few baking pans or other noise-making devices along the edge of the counter so that they fall down when the cat jumps up. In many cases, though, you can simply pick the cat up off the counter, say "No!" firmly, and drop him (firmly but not sufficient to hurt) onto the floor.

17. "He sleeps on the hood of my new car."

The answer is; Keep the kitty inside; it's safer and better all around.
Get in the habit of hitting the hood of your car a couple times before starting the engine, just in case a "neighbor's" cat is sleeping under the hood.

18. "She tears up our Christmas tree."

The answer is; You can purchase a small bottle of a substance that can be sprayed onto your Christmas tree that will persuade him to stay far away. The spray can also be useful for keeping him off of furniture; be sure to follow the directions and don't spray directly on that beloved Victorian antique, however.

19. "He shreds the toilet paper."

The answer is: Keep the bathroom door closed at all times.
Load the roll so the end no longer rolls over the top.

20. "She doesn't like the new kitten we bought."

The answer is: Give her time, and show them both the same amount of attention. If your existing cat displays animosity toward your new one, it is probably feeling jealous. A very workable solution is for you to sit down, with a cat on each side, and pet them both at the same time. This will let your existing kitty know he's not being replaced in your affection, as well as subtly inform the new kitten that his new sister/brother is his equal in your eyes.

21. "He kicks out too much litter around the litter box."

The answer is; I've heard that some people have trained their cat to use the toilet. How about getting a bigger litter box, or a covered one? If your cat pushes out too much kitty litter, the litter pan may be too small, or the sides may not be high enough. Numerous shapes and sizes of litter pans are available, including those with high sides and a lip, or completely enclosed.

22. "He demands too much attention when I watch TV." Your answer is.

The answer is; If your cat craves attention while you're sitting quietly, why not go ahead and indulge him by letting him sit next to you on the sofa, and petting him softly? If he persists in bothering you, you might want to ask yourself if you've remembered to feed him. Or, you might want to give him a very good hug, to show that you do love him, so that he can be calmed and satisfied. I did that, and it works :)

23. "He used to play, but now he sleeps all the time."

The answer is; Cats get boring when they get old. Sometimes cats get bored - do you invite him to play with you?
Cats spend at least 18 hours out of every 24 sleeping, and will sleep even more if they're bored. Spend some time daily with your cat, letting it chase a feather or string. [Aside: You might want to invest in several toys and keep them in a basket - though your cat won't put them back in the basket, you may be surprised to find that they go to it regularly to pick out a favorite toy to play with.]

24. "I changed furniture, and her fur doesn't match my new colors."

The answer is; You are entirely too much of a dolt to have a pet.

Declawing?

2009-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, I almost always had a cat. Back then, a cat was just a replaceable "thing" to most people, and if one got run over, killed by the neighbor's dog, poisoned, or just disappeared, there was always another cat to be found. I loved each of the cats and kittens that I had - but there were lots of them, one after another, because a cat was, well, just a thing. Most veterinary procedures were viewed as an unnecessary expense, because the cat (and kittens) usually lived outside all the time and if it disappeared, well, there were plenty more where that one came from.

Fortunately, attitudes have changed over time. These days many people recognize that animals should not be treated as a disposable possession. Pets are vaccinated, fed the best foods, kept safely inside, pampered, and loved. Much of the time they are treated as a member of the family. Certainly, I've gotten wiser as I've gotten older, and my cats have benefited from that.

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of people bringing cats indoors has been a trend toward having them declawed for their owner's personal comfort. It's done to preserve that beautiful sofa in the living room, or because the kitten looked down at the owner from the curtain rod a couple of times. I'm concerned that people think - because declawing is apparently such a common practice - that it is a good and safe and reasonable thing to do.

Declawing a cat is not a good or safe or reasonable thing to do.

Look down at your hands and imagine having your fingertips, up to the first knuckle, being cut off. THAT is what happens when a cat is declawed.

Declawing is not just simply removing what you see - the claw. Declawing is multiple amputations. Motor and sensory nerves are cut, damaged, destroyed. While cats can go home safely the same day from most surgical procedures, vets usually recommend that a declawed cat remain overnight at their facility because of the possibility of bleeding to death.

Recovery from the surgery is typically slow and always painful (how could it NOT be painful??). Since cats walk on their toes, this procedure can hinder the sensations and enjoyment involved in walking, running, springing, climbing, and stretching in the future. Declawing can traumatize your cat and change his temperament forever - he may become untrusting, fearful, a biter or a hider. He can no longer defend himself as he was intended to be able to do ("but he's an inside cat so he doesn't need to defend himself" is a rationalization, not a reason!). If the surgery isn't done correctly, your cat may literally be crippled for the rest of his life, or you may have to pay a second fee to have the problems corrected.

Please know this: With a little work, you CAN train your cat to use a scratching post and preserve that beautiful sofa and lace curtains. You will find detailed instructions on how to do this in my Cat Care Tips and Tricks article.

Tips And Tricks

2009-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Discipline in General

The first and most important thing to remember is that she's a cat, not a very short, 4-legged person. It also helps to realize that she will likely think of you as a very large cat, admittedly with some peculiar non-cat foibles (such as an appalling lack of talent at mice-catching). Try to look at things from her viewpoint--she really does have a reason for what she's doing.

Second, never, ever hit your cat. I have found that an attempt to be reasonable, as odd as that may sound, works best. (Example: King was in the habit of taking other cat's tidbits out from under their nose; he'd been doing it for years. As I was sitting on the kitchen floor one day, giving out handouts, I observed him doing this - I pushed my hand up into his face, pushing him back slightly, and said, "King sweetheart, we DON'T steal from each other."

He hasn't done it since; in fact, he looks up at me to ask permission to eat another cat's leftovers when they walk away.)

Using the same reprimand word works best - though I tend to talk in full sentences to my cats (they are, after all, much more intelligent than anybody else's cats), most people find that simply saying "NO!" in a firm, no-nonsense voice for all infractions works well. If he won't listen, keep a squirt bottle of plain water handy (be sure to keep the bottle away from your children, so they don't use it as a toy against your cat). Or toss your keys toward him - not at him - so the noise will startle him. My youngest cat knows when she's not suppose to do certain things, so if she's being "bad," I whistle and she almost always stops what she is doing.

Getting Your Cat to Come to You

Unlike dogs and children, cats are unlikely to come to you just because you want them to obey. However, a cat who knows he will be warmly petted, brushed, will receive a treat, or an extended period of lap-napping, is more likely to get up, stretch, look casually around, and then wander over to you (displaying, for all intents and purposes, the attitude that it was his idea in the first place). No animal will come to you willingly if you are raising your voice or if they think they are going to be punished.

Cats, by the way, respond best to names that end in an "ee" sound. You will most likely get a better response if you shorten Prince Zadrach of Dominquez' name to Zaddy, for example. Too, they seem to respond better to a higher-pitched tone of voice.

See related article Does Your Cat Come When You Call?

Your Cat and Plants

To prevent your cat from digging in the dirt around your houseplants, go to your local craft store and buy a few pieces of the plastic needlepoint mesh. Cut it to fit the pot, with a slit and an opening for the plant. Place it on top of the dirt. Or, dampen a cotton ball with oil of clove, then bury the cotton ball just below the surface.

To stop him from chewing on houseplants, you can buy Bitter Apple from your local pet store and spray it on the leaves. Here is a list of plants that are toxic to your cat.

To keep cats out of the garden, pour 2 quarts of water into a large watering can and add 5 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons dry mustard, 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons chili powder. Mix it and sprinkle it around flowers and bulbs.

Chewing on Electrical Cords

Coating the cord with a pasty mixture of cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, nail-biting nail polish, or orange/lemon peel seems to work in most cases. A better solution might be to put the cords into a cardboard tube, which has the added advantage of keeping them all in one organized bundle. You can purchase mailing tubes, or simply save the cardboard tubes from your wrapping paper. If it's ugly, cover with Contac paper.

Your Cat and the Curtains

Cats like to climb. You may end up doing both of you a favor if you simply put blinds or roll-up shades at the window so the cat won't be tempted to shred or climb any curtains. We use vertical blinds here, since the cats can just push them aside to get to the window sill. You might want to review the information on window curtain safety as well as the available window covering options at the Window Improvements website.

For safety sake, make sure that the pull-cord is not a loop; cut it so there are two strings so neither your cat nor your child will inadvertently get it caught around their neck.

If you must have curtains, you could try installing tension rods that will fall down (frightening, not hurting) the cat when they climb.

The Garbage Can

If the smells and tidbits in the garbage can continually peak your cat's interest, get one with a lid, or keep it under the sink.

Unrolling the Toilet Paper or Shredding Kleenex

Personally, I am always amused when a cat goes in and rolls all the paper off the toilet roll. However, most people are not as tolerant (or easily amused) as I am - the solution I've suggested to others is to simply install the toilet roll so the edge of the paper doesn't roll over the top toward the front. When your cat discovers he can no longer unroll the paper, he'll probably stop trying and you can install subsequent rolls so it rolls off to the front. There are options you can purchase - like a hidden toilet paper holder. If you're a crafty type, make your own cover: buy an inexpensive white plastic notebook, cut it down to the width of the toilet paper insert. Then use double-sided tape or velcro to stick it to the inside top of the holder. Kitty won't be able to get her paws on the toilet paper roll.

If your kitty persists in pulling out pawfuls of facial tissues from the box, turn the box upside down.

The Carpet

A few owners have a problem with their cat shredding the carpet, even with a convenient scratching post. First, look at the scratching post from a cat's viewpoint: it's covered with carpet .... this stuff on the floor has the same feel. Hmmm.... Since it's less costly to replace the scratching post than the carpeting, try getting a post that is covered with sisal fabric or rope, corrugated cardboard, or carpet turned wrong-way out.

If the cat is always scratching (or worse) at a particular spot in the carpeting, the reason might be due to a strong smell in that one spot - go to the vet or pet store and get an enzymatic cleaner specific for pet smells, then clean it thoroughly.

Dirty Chins

You may notice that your cat has a dirty chin - little black spots that look like acne. Simply put, it IS acne. And it can be quite painful, so you should take steps to get it cured as soon as possible. Though you might want to check with your vet, who can provide you with some medicine, you might want to try this first: Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide (pour some on a clean white washcloth, and sponge off the chin). You'll probably need to do this twice a day for a week or so.

Next, take a look at the food dishes: how often do you clean them? Are they plastic? Are they very deep? Cat food dishes should be cleaned on a daily basis, particularly if you are feeding canned food. Plastic dishes may aggravate the acne, and deep food bowls definitely will. (Ours eat out of glass custard dishes.)

Also see Sloppy Eaters below.

Biting

Does your cat bite when he plays? Respond as a cat: hiss at him. Or scream in painful agony; he'll stop (though he might not play with you for a long while). I had a cat that accidentally drew blood while we were playing - I put my arm up to his nose so he could smell the droplets of blood, and he never bit again.

The Counters and Table

In our house, cats are allowed to get on the kitchen counter because that's the only way they can reach "their" two-shelf, rug-covered greenhouse window. They are not allowed on the kitchen table. It took 2 days to untrain Galahad and Stanley (for the previous 10 years, in a different household, they had been allowed on the kitchen table, even during meals). I simply picked them up, said "NO! You can't be on the table" and dropped them gently but firmly onto the floor. Some people resort to more intense retraining - spraying the cat with a water bottle, tossing it out of the room, etc., but use those as a last resort.

Stacking pots and pans near the edge of the counter, so they clatter and fall when the cat jumps up, will likely prevent him from jumping up in the future. You can also tape strips of velcro - the looped side on your counter temporarily; landing on the stiff loops may be uncomfortable enough to get your message across. Or, you might want to invest in a more high-tech aversion solution: a scat mat.

By the way, it took 2 days to convince Su-Su that she COULD now get up on the counter, after I installed the greenhouse window. I had to pick her up off the floor, put her on the counter, and gently nudge her toward it.

Scratching Furniture/Declawing

First, please note that declawing your cat so he won't scratch your furniture is cruel and inhumane. It is the equivalent of cutting off your finger up to the first knuckle. There can be serious physical and psychological effects.

Instead, you should train your cat to use a scratching post. Other alternatives include a quick, painless trimming of his claws (which you can do at home using special clippers) or covering the claws with soft sheaths (which you can purchase relatively inexpensively).

Scratching is one of your cat's most ingrained instincts. Keep a scratching post near where the cat usually sleeps or, if he has already picked out a corner of your sofa, keep it next to that chosen spot. You may need to train your cat to use his scratching post. Do not pick him up and put his paws on the scratching post (that will only make him want to avoid it). Make the scratching post appealing to him: rub catnip on it or mist it with catnip spray; drape a heavy string (a long leather shoelace works great) over it and wiggle it to catch his interest; put treats on the very top.

Important: Invest in a scratching post that is 24" or 30" tall, with a sturdy base - your cat may be using the arm of the sofa because he can stretch higher than his scratching post will allow. Most of the ones you will find at the store are only 18" high so you may need to visit a pet supply store.

I recently found THE best scratching post for our cats! It's made out of rough sisal (NOT the rope, a weave!). It's tall (29 inches), doesn't fall over, doesn't wobble, and doesn't slide across the floor. And, of course, the best part: all the cats love it. It's called the TopCat Sisal Scratching Post.

A few cats don't like scratching on a vertical post, but will scratch willingly on a flat scratching pad. If your cat prefers a flat surface, you can either buy one of the cardboard scratching boxes (typically available from mail order or pet stores), or buy a scrap of plywood and a carpet remnant, large enough to fold around onto the back of the plywood. Cut the corners on an angle, fold the carpet remnant over the wood, and tack the carpet on using carpet tacks or heavy-duty staples.

Sometimes changing to a scratching post that is covered with sisal rope or a different texture will kindle his interest in the post, as well.

An additional idea, one that worked well when there were more vacant rooms in the house, is to follow the instructions above for a flat-surface scratching pad, then mount it on the wall at a convenient height for the cat, in a hallway or in the laundry room.

Other solutions: If he's scratching wood furniture, rub strong-smelling furniture polish into it. For sofa and chair sides, cover the edges of the sofa with heavy plastic (available at your local fabric store - typically used to cover footstools or protect tablecloths - you can buy twist-pins while you're there to hold the place neatly in place) or aluminum foil for a retro, funky look (use velcro or double-stick tape to hold in place). Or spray a cloth thoroughly with one of the sprays formulated for keeping a cat off the furniture, and pin it to the sofa, chair, or your speakers (don't spray directly onto the furniture). Or, put strips of self-adhesive velcro (loop side out) on the favored scratching spots. If all else fails, everytime you see him actively clawing the furniture, spray him lightly from a bottle of water (do this only when he is actually scratching, not when he is approaching or leaving the furniture).

Related pages: What About Declawing?, Choosing the Scratching Post

Safety tip: If you have a "cat tree" (typically covered with carpeting for easily climbing up and jumping off of) for your cat, please anchor it securely to the wall or floor so there will be no chance of it falling on your kitty and injuring him.

The Litter Box

Some 10 years ago, I decided to solve the smelly cat-box by simply using a stainless-steel buffet double-boiler pan. Those are used by restaurants (and buffets) to hold food; they're about a foot wide by two long. The stainless steel is not scratched by the claws (so it does not retain smelly stuff), and is easily cleaned (CLR lime remover does wonders).

And to keep spills from getting all over the place, I leave it in the bathtub, which I can rinse with the hand-held shower sprayer (it also makes me clean it with bleach whenever I take a bath - you might have guessed that I'm a bachelor...).

Jim Qwilleran, hero of Lilian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who books, uses a turkey roaster for his cats' litter box.

Adding a New Cat

The solution I have found to work best is to give the new cat, especially if he is an adult, his own room for a couple of days, one that isn't another cat's favored room, of course. (The younger your cats are, the less time will be needed by the way; older cats, like people, become very set in their ways and don't welcome change.) Keep the door closed, and visit the newcomer frequently, talking with him and petting him. Remember he'll need a litter box; preferably, feed him in the room for at least the first day as well. Then, open the door for longer and longer periods, so he can come out and explore.

When you see one of your existing cats go into the room, follow him inside - then sit on the floor, one cat on each side, and pet and talk to each at the same time. The idea is to demonstrate to both of them that they are each mutually loved and appreciated. It is very important in a multi-cat household that you give each cat the same amount of affection - they will have enough to deal with amongst themselves when establishing who's top-cat, without you compounding the situation by showing favoritism.

Petting and Stuff

Most cats like to be stroked on their forehead, between the ears (Libby will approach me, throwing back her head to make sure I do the forehead-thing). They also like to be skritched under the chin and along the throat. If they trust you a lot, they'll roll over onto their back for stomach-skritching. Always pet a cat in the direction of its fur, and be aware that the spot just above the tail is sensitive - some cats adore being scratched there, others hate it. If your cat suddently nips you while you are petting it, it may be because he's "overdosed" on the pleasurable sensations: some cats can tolerate only a few minutes of being petted, while others will happily doze in your lap, being stroked for hours.

Whenever I walk through a room in the house, I pet any cat walking by or lying within arm's reach - they seem to enjoy the acknowledgement of their presence.

If your cat isn't a cuddle kitty and tries to jump out of your arms, don't force him to stay. (Help him down gently, don't let him jump out of your arms.) You can build up his "tolerance" to being held by picking him up frequently for a quick cuddle, and can extend it usually by a few seconds or minutes each time. Note, too, that your cat is more likely to want to snuggle when you want him to if you pay attention to him and play with him at other times.

Ever wonder why your cat becomes a real pest when you start talking on the phone? A popular viewpoint is that the cat doesn't see the person you are talking to, so he assumes you are talking to him.

Never pick up a cat by the scruff of its neck, even if it's a kitten. Pick him up with one hand under his chest, and with the other, scoop up his back feet. I hold my cats with two hands - one under their back feet, with the front paws resting over my other arm or shoulder.

Moving with Your Cat

Your cat should be the last thing you "pack up," and if you're moving only across town, you should have the furniture in place at the new house before he arrives. If you're moving farther, his carrier should be roomy, certainly tall enough that he can stand up and turn around; it will help him very much if you put something in with him that has a familiar smell - the towel from his basket, for example. If he'll be in the car for several hours, a litterbox, food and water are essential - and yes, if he isn't allowed in your hotel room, the litterbox should be in the car where he can use it in privacy; there's no way you are going to get him on a leash and to do his "business" on command on a grassy parkway.

When he arrives at the new house, if you're still arranging furniture, or if the movers are coming and going, put him in a quiet, safe room out of traffic and keep the door closed. Do check on him periodically (talking to and petting him each time), and make sure he has the necessities (litterbox, food, water, and a comfy place to sleep).

Ensure that there is no way he can get outside, even if for some reason you have allowed him to be an outside cat - he may very well try to "go home" if a door is open to him. Even after you've settled in, make sure he is perfectly comfortable and happy with the house, which may take several days at least, before you open the door for him.

Some cats are perfectly comfortable with exploring a whole new house all at once; others are going to head for the room where you are or a hiding place like a closet, and will venture out very slowly. (The first night at this house, my cats at the time stayed within inches of me and didn't leave the bedroom till I got up the next morning; when Stanley and Galahad arrived here, they boldly left the bedroom within 15 minutes after their arrival; Buster spent 2 days hiding in the mattress and might still be there if I hadn't shut myself in with him and talked to him for 2 hours.)

Generally speaking, once the furniture is in place so the smells are familiar, he'll adjust quite quickly; but this is a stressful time for him (as it is for you), so you'll want to be sure to pet him and talk to him frequently, to reinforce that this is a "good thing" and not some frightening punishment. You might even want to "tour" the house with him in your arms, so you can explain to him what's happening.

Note that if your cat is easily stressed, your veterinarian can provide you with a mild tranquilizer to help him cope with the move.

Fluffy is Pregnant

A female kitten reaches sexual maturity (goes into "heat") between the ages of 6 and 10 months. How do you recognize her "heat period"? This is what you can expect: rolling around on the floor, almost in a frenzy; rubbing her backside against you or any other fellow creature; yowling loudly at the door or window; arching her tail and standing with stiff back legs whenever she is touched. Most veterinarians recommend spaying before the cat goes into her first heat, at around 5 months, for the cat's future health and wellbeing. The heat period will typically last between 4 and 7 days - and will get longer and more frequent if she isn't bred. She will have several (by the second or third time, you will be thinking "MANY") heat periods over the course of a year.

With that said, if Fluffy "somehow" gets outside and finds a mate (you've probably got about 5 minutes to catch her before she does), she will be pregnant for about 9 weeks (between 62 and 65 days). A female can and will mate several times (with every willing male) during her heat period; kittens in the litter, therefore, can have different fathers.

You don't need to do anything special for a pregnant cat, other than keep her safe, comfortable, and out of stressful situations, until the last week or so - then she will need more food and will start looking for a place to build a "nest." You can provide her with an out-of-the-way spot in a closet or back room - but be aware that, especially if this is her first pregnancy, you may wake up to discover her giving birth in your bed.

If the cat appears to be in any distress during the birthing process, call a vet for assistance immediately. If there are no problems, the whole thing will usually be over within an hour or so. And get Fluffy fixed as soon as the kittens are weaned, please.

Bathing Your Cat

Some of the readers have been sending me this tip that she saw in a cat's magazine years ago: Best way to bath a cat is find an old window screen, place it in the tub or sink, the cat will dig its claws into the screen and stay there the entire time of bathing. I don't know wheather it'll will work or not, but i bathe my cat at my kitchen sink while singing to them.. and it works too, they didn't ran away :) from me, so far

Also see the humorous story Cat Bathing as a Martial Art and the more serious The Gentle Art of Bathing a Cat.

Sloppy Eaters

Most of my cats insist on taking the food out of their dishes and dropping it on the floor to eat. Those who don't do it intentionally seem to end up with the same result as well. I tried putting down placemats - that ended up being inconvenient. Then, I bought a vinyl tablecloth (with a bright, multi-color pattern), cut off about 18"-24" along the width, and put that on the floor under the dishes. I'm pleased to report that the floor is much cleaner now, the drops of food blend in with the colors of the tablecloth, and keeping the area clean is a lot easier: I just roll their tablecloth up and shake it out in the garbage can, then wash it off while I'm doing the dishes. I also bought a matching tablecloth for the "peoples' table."

Another "new" thing at our house: a cat drinking fountain! This handy little thing has been worth its weight in gold - the water is always fresh (it recycles through a charcoal filter), the bowl doesn't get hard water deposits, the cats enjoy drinking from it - and the sound of water rushing is very pleasant for all of us!

Baffled by your cats?

2009-11-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

The Cat On The Wall
By Alex

The gentle ginger cat on the wall,
Sits all day and into the night purring softly,
He wakes one morning to a surprise,
Sitting on the opposite wall!
He wriggles and fidgets,
And twists and turns,
He stretches and yawns,
And slides slowly into the shadow,
And out of the sunlight,
He’s happy to sleep and rest,
And let his body be free,
His emerald eyes glow in the dark,
Then suddenly they disappear.

CAT POEM
By Matt

There once was a cat as sly as the moonlight

And as sneaky as a fly.

It was as playful as a mouse and as mischievous as a fox.

It was as grateful as a lion and as mysterious as an owl.

It was as stubborn as a tiger and as fierce as a rhino.

It was as discreet as a monkey and as clever as an elephant.

It was as flexible as an orang-utan and had completely black fur.

This particular cat had eyes of diamonds and had claws of ruby.

My Cat Pickle

My cat Pickle was a loveable cat.
Her silky soft fur was ginger and white.
She was always there to greet me.
She slept purring loudly in my bed at night.

My cat Pickle was a playful cat.
She would chase her twitching tail.
She silently stalked birds in the garden.
She energetically pounced on the mail.

My cat Pickle was a scaredy cat.
She was terrified of our dog Tilly.
She would hiss, spit and arch her back.
It always looked quite silly.

My cat Pickle was a special cat.
I miss her in our house.
Now she is in cat heaven.
I expect she is trying to catch a mouse.

By Joseph Tanswell

Cats; snuggle and hiss

Fiercely independant
but craving attention
a fiesty cat falls in
love with it's
family

Sunshine Lazy Cat Haiku

Sunshine lazy cat
Rolling on the dusty floor
In your warm grey fur

A cat's rhyming advice on the economy

The power of the paw
is like the power of the purse
you think you have it hard
but the others have it worse
don't limp around in pain with
a thorn stuck in the bottom
just open up that piggybank
and share 'em if ya got 'em!

Shannon He watches me with patience

As I work a feverish pace
To meet another deadline,
I ignore his loving face.
His rumbling song beats time for me
As fingers fly and brain engages
Nods off and purrs outrageously,
While I complete these pages.
Soft shadows drift across the screen
As daylight filters to an end
I sigh and put the mouse aside
And turn to face my purring friend.
I recognize at times like this,
How lucky to be me,
To have this faithful Golden Boy
Who loves me unconditionally.

THE SINGING CAT

Stevie smith

It was a little captive cat
Upon a crowded train
His mistress takes him from his box
To ease his fretful pain
She holds him tight upon her knee
The graceful animal
All the people look at him
He is so beautiful
But oh he pricks and oh he prods
And turns upon her knee
Then lifted up his innocent voice
In plaintive melody
He lifted up his innocent voice
He lifted up, he singeth
And to each human countenance
A smile of grace he bringeth
he lifted up his innocent paw
Upon her breast he clingeth
And everybody cries, Behold
The cat, the cat that singeth.
He lifted up his innocent voice
He lifted up, he singeth
And all the people warm themselves
In the love his beauty bringeth.

cats

Cats cats they eat rats
Cats cats they hate bats
Cats cats lay on mats
Cats cats hate being fat.

Famous
by Naomi Shihab Nye

The river is famous to the fish.
The loud voice is famous to silence,
which knew it would inherit the earth
before anybody said so.
The cat sleeping on the fence is famous to the birds
watching him from the birdhouse.
The tear is famous, briefly, to the cheek.
The idea you carry close to your bosom
is famous to your bosom.
The boot is famous to the earth,
more famous than the dress shoe,
which is famous only to floors.
The bent photograph is famous to the one who carries it
and not at all famous to the one who is pictured.
I want to be famous to shuffling men
who smile while crossing streets,
sticky children in grocery lines,
famous as the one who smiled back.
I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous,
or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular,
but because it never forgot what it could do.

The Naming Of Cats

by T. S. Eliot

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey--
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter--
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum-
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover--
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS,
and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

Cat

by J. R. R. Tolkien

The fat cat on the mat
may seem to dream
of nice mice that suffice
for him, or cream;but he free, maybe,
walks in thought
unbowed, proud, where loud
roared and fought
his kin, lean and slim,
or deep in den
in the East feasted on beast
sand tender men.The giant lion with iron
claw in paw,
and huge ruthless tooth
in gory jaw;the pard dark-starred,
fleet upon feet,
that oft soft from aloft
leaps upon his meat
where woods loom in gloom
far now they be,
fierce and free,
and tamed is he;
but fat cat on the mat
kept as a pet
he does not forget.

Gus - The Theatre Cat

by T S Eliot

Gus is the Cat at the Theatre Door.
His name, as I ought to have told you before,
Is really Asparagus. That's such a fuss
To pronounce, that we usually call him just Gus.
His coat's very shabby, he's thin as a rake,
And he suffers from palsy that makes his paw shake.
Yet he was, in his youth, quite the smartest of Cats
But no longer a terror to mice and to rats.
For he isn't the Cat that he was in his prime;
Though his name was quite famous, he says, in its time.
And whenever he joins his friends at their club
(Which takes place at the back of the neighbouring pub)
He loves to regale them, if someone else pays,
With anecdotes drawn from his palmiest days.
For he once was a Star of the highest degree
He has acted with Irving, he's acted with Tree.
And he likes to relate his success on the Halls,
Where the Gallery once gave him seven cat-calls.
But his grandest creation, as he loves to tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.

"I have played," so he says, "every possible part,
And I used to know seventy speeches by heart.
I'd extemporize back-chat, I knew how to gag,
And I knew how to let the cat out of the bag.
I knew how to act with my back and my tail;
With an hour of rehearsal, I never could fail.
I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts,
Whether I took the lead, or in character parts.
I have sat by the bedside of poor Little Nell;
When the Curfew was rung, then I swung on the bell.
In the Pantomime season I never fell flat,
And I once understudied Dick Whittington's Cat.
But my grandest creation, as history will tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.

"Then, if someone will give him a toothful of gin,
He will tell how he once played a part in East Lynne.
At a Shakespeare performance he once walked on pat,
When some actor suggested the need for a cat.
He once played a Tiger--could do it again--
Which an Indian Colonel purused down a drain.
And he thinks that he still can, much better than most,
Produce blood-curdling noises to bring on the Ghost.
And he once crossed the stage on a telegraph wire,
To rescue a child when a house was on fire.
And he says: "Now then kittens, they do not get trained
As we did in the days when Victoria reigned.
They never get drilled in a regular troupe,
And they think they are smart, just to jump through a hoop.
"And he'll say, as he scratches himself with his claws,
"Well, the Theatre's certainly not what it was.
These modern productions are all very well,
But there's nothing to equal, from what I hear tell,
That moment of mystery
When I made history
As Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell."

Adopting A New Cat?

2009-11-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

What is the wisest thing to do, before adopting your first little angelic cat? .

Everyone knows, adopting your first cat is a huge step, just like adopting your first child. It must not be taken lightly. Eventhough cats have the reputation for grooming and taking care of themselves, it doesn't mean that we don't have to care for them. So, before rushing around to your relatives and friends house, or shopping around for the little furry sweetheard kitten in the pet store window, why don't we do some homework first, so we can avoid lots of mistake done by the new cat owners. When everything is done properly, we'll get a healthier, happier and long term relationship with your darling cats, beyond your dreams.

Never adopt in Haste

Anything you bought on "impulse" a new handbag, a pair of new shoes, clothes, you'll always regret it in the end of the day. Maybe, you can always change (not return, in my side of the planet) it within 24 hours, if the fit isn't right - and that's a big maybe, of course. No harm done. You don't hurt the feeling of you handbag shoes or clothes if you returned them. Nobody suffer any feeling of rejection if that's what happened. But, it's totally a different thing, with a living being such as cats and kittens. Just as it could be a totally a diffrent thing, when adopting a child.

You have to consider from every angle, before adopting a new cat to be as part of your family - of course with the blessing of you whole family members first.

Among the Questions to Ponder, before doing any adopting

1• Do you think that you can afford a cat, financially?

A new cat/kitten will be much like having a new baby in the family. New cats might need alot of attention and responsibility. Do you thing you could have the time and the money for the new cat, when at the same time you also have to take of your own children?

Most children love kittens, unfortunately, they might love them to death, literally. Of course, the new kitten might inflict deep scratcher too to you children. It's wiser for you to wait for a few more years before adopting any cats, or you can alway get an older cat that knew how to survived around children.

3• Is your soft and your lovely fluffy persian carpets extremely important to you?

As everybody knows, all cats need scratching exercise, and what will be their first victim for scratching surface? To avoid this from ever happening, a good scratching post. (I don't agree with the nail clipping... it's I took away the cats only self protection) It's not so difficult to train cats to use a litter box, because they will be move by their own instinc to look for the litter box themselves. The only thing you have to do is, to always keep litter box clean. Beside making sure you put your cat ahead of you furniture and other inanimate objects (just like you put ahead your children ahead of your furniture), you'll be okay .

4• Will an adult be responsible for feeding the cat, keeping the litter box clean, and grooming the cat regularly?

This is very important to be be consider seriously. It fine to teach children about responsibility about pet care, but the real care of feeding the cats is the every day responsible of the adult.

5• Will you be able to treat the cat as your family member?

Cats are known to be very social animals and love attention from their humans. The
bond between you and your cats, will last for a lifetime. A lonely, neglected cat will soon misbehave which to amuse herself. You to slave youself to your cats, day and night... but 15 minutes a day of play time and petting will make the difference between a happy cat and a nuisance one.

7. Are you ready to spend your some of time and money on being a responsible owner of a cat that carries with it certain financial obligations?

Just like when you have a baby as new family member, which will come with responsibilities and attention with cost. What happen if neglec your new baby's health? It goes the same way with neglecting a kitten's medical needs; vaccinations, spraying and neutering cats. Veterinary care and medical emergencies?

8• Is there any space enough for your for a cat?

These are only simple questions, actually. The easy answer is that a cat can find comfort anywhere they want; in a kitchen apartment, under the bed, in the corner of your living room, given the right conditions.

* * *

Hopefully, you passed the above questions with flying colors :) and start having a beutiful kitten a new member of your lovely family Post Options Labels for this post:

Guidelines for Cats

2009-06-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Doors

Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get door opened, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. Once door is opened, it is not necessary to use it. After you have ordered an "outside" door opened, stand halfway in and out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold weather, rain, snow, or mosquito season. Swinging doors are to be avoided at all costs.

Chairs and Rugs

If you have to throw up, get to a chair quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get to an Oriental rug. If there is no Oriental rug, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so that it is as long as the human's bare foot.

Bathrooms

Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything . . . just sit and stare.

Hampering

If one of your humans is engaged in some close activity, folding clothes for instance, and the other is idle, stay with the busy one. This is called "helping", otherwise known as "hampering." Following are the rules for "hampering":

Don't get your self in this situation. When supervising cooking, sit just behind the left heel of the cook. You cannot be seen and thereby stand a better chance of being stepped on and then picked up and comforted.

For book readers, get in close under the chin, between eyes and book, unless you can lie across the book itself.

For knitting projects or paperwork, lie on the work in the most appropriate manner so as to obscure as much of the work or at least the most important part. Pretend to doze, but every so often reach out and slap the pencil or knitting needles. The worker may try to distract you; ignore it. Remember, the aim is to hamper work. Embroidery and needlepoint projects make great hammocks in spite of what the humans may tell you.

For people paying bills (monthly activity) or working on income taxes or Christmas cards (annual activity), keep in mind the aim-to hamper! First, sit on the paper being worked on. When dislodged, watch sadly from the side of the table. When activity proceeds nicely, roll around on the papers, scattering them to the best of your ability. After being removed for the second time, push pens, pencils, and erasers off the table, one at a time. When a human is holding the newspaper in front of him/her, be sure to jump on the back of the paper. They love to jump.

Walkin

As often as possible, dart quickly and as close as possible in front of the human, especially on stairs, when they have something in their arms, in the dark, and when they first get up in the morning. This will help their coordination skills.

Bedtim

Always sleep on the human at night so s/he cannot move around.

Play

This is an important part of your life. Get enough sleep in the daytime so you are fresh for your nocturnal games. Below are listed several favorite cat games that you can play. It is important, though, to maintain one's dignity at all times. If you should have an accident during play, such as falling off a chair, immediately wash a part of your body as if to say "I meant to do that!" It fools those humans every time.

Cat Games

Catch Mouse

The humans would have you believe that those lumps under the covers are their feet and hands. They are lying. They are actually Bed Mice, rumored to be the most delicious of all the mice in the world, though no cat has ever been able to catch one. Rumor also has it that only the most ferocious attack can stun them long enough for you to dive under the covers to get them. Maybe YOU can be the first to taste the Bed Mouse!

Toys

Any small item is a potential toy. If a human tries to confiscate it, this means that it is a good toy. Run with it under the bed. Look suitably outraged when the human grabs you and takes it away. Always watch where it is put so you can steal it later. Two reliable sources of toys are dresser tops and wastebaskets. There are several types of cat toys.

Bright shiny things like keys, brooches, or coins should be hidden so that the other cat(s) or humans can't play with them. They are generally good for playing hockey with on uncarpeted floors.

Dangly and/or string-like things such as shoelaces, cords, gold chains, and dental floss (& Q-tips) also make excellent toys. They are favorites of humans who like to drag them across the floor for us to pounce on.

When a string is dragged under a newspaper or throw rug, it magically becomes the Paper/Rug Mouse and should be killed at all costs. Take care, though. Humans are sneaky and will try to make you lose your dignity.

Paper Bags

Within paper bags dwell the bag mice. They are small and camouflaged to be the same color as the bag, so they are hard to see. But you can easily hear the crinkling noises they make as they scurry around the bag. Anything, up to and including shredding the bag, can be done to kill them. Note: any other cat you may find in a bag hunting for bag mice is fair game for a sneak attack, which will usually result in a great Tagmatch.

Food

In order to get the energy to sleep, play, and hamper, a cat must eat. Eating, however, is only half the fun. The other half is getting the food. Cats have two ways to obtain food: convincing a human you are starving to death and must be fed now; and hunting for it oneself. The following are guidelines for getting fed.

1. When the humans are eating, make sure you leave the tip of your tail in their dishes when they are not looking.

2. Never eat food from your own bowl if you can steal some from the table. Never drink from your own water bowl if a human's glass is full enough to drink from.

3. Should you catch something of your own outside, it is only polite to attempt to get to know it. Be insistent. Your food will usually not be so polite and try to leave.

4. Table scraps are delicacies with which the humans are unfortunately unwilling to readily part. It is beneath the dignity of a cat to beg outright for food as lower forms of life such as dogs will, but several techniques exist for ensuring that the humans don't forget you exist. These include, but are not limited to: jumping onto the lap of the "softest" human and purring loudly; lying down in the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen, the "direct stare", and twining around people's legs as they sit and eat while meowing plaintively.

Sleeping

As mentioned above, in order to have enough energy for playing, a cat must get plenty of sleep. It is generally not difficult to find a comfortable place to curl up. Any place a human likes to sit is good, especially if it contrasts with your fur color. If it's in a sunbeam or near a heating duct or radiator, so much the better. Of course, good places also exist outdoors, but have the disadvantages of being seasonal and dependent on current and previous weather conditions such as rain. Open windows are a good compromise.

Scratching Posts

It is advised that cats use any scratching post the humans may provide. They are very protective of what they think is their property and will object strongly if they catch you sharpening your claws on it. Being sneaky and doing it when they aren't around won't help, as they are very observant. If you are an outdoor kitty, trees are good. Sharpening your claws on a human is not recommended.

Humans

Humans have three primary functions: to feed us, to play with and give attention to us, and to clean the litter box. It is important to maintain one's Dignity when around humans so that they will not forget who is the master of the house. Humans need to know basic rules. They can be taught if you start early and are consistent.

Cats as Humanitarians

Humans have a very tenuous hold on reality and it is up to the cats to help them maintain their grasp on said reality. For instance, humans often speak to imaginary friends while holding a small object up to their ear, with no other humans in sight, obviously losing touch with the real world! A cat must put a stop to this as quickly as possible! Climb on the human and get your face right up in theirs and meow very loudly until the human acknowledges you, therefore bringing them back to reality. If that fails, you can use the top of your head to try and knock the small object out of their hand/away from their ear, which almost always succeeds in stopping their talking to thin air.

Human Inconsistency

Humans spend many hours sitting in front of a box with moving pictures, tapping tiny squares on a board with their fingertips...it is rumored that this is actually how humans sharpen their claws! Considering how sanctimonious they are when they catch cats sharpening their claws, humans obviously need a lesson in consistency. One of the best ways to do this is to walk on the board with the tiny squares...that will always get a huge reaction from the human, a good indication that you're actually teaching them something! If that doesn't work, lay on the board or throw up a furball on it! There's no good reason why humans should be allowed to sharpen their claws while forbidding cats to do so!

Cat Speak

Humans will sometimes try to speak in cat language, attempting to 'meow' at you while having no real idea what they're saying! Cats can either meow back and try and fool the human into thinking that there is a real connection going on, or they can stare at the human with a puzzled look on their face...after all, the human just told you that your mother was the whore of every tomcat in town! Did they mean that or did they simply not understand the implications of their attempting to meow? It's hard to say, as the level of human advancement in this area is very limited...about the only 'catspeak' they actually understand is "I'm starving" and "Let me out...NOW!" If they have truly insulted you or your family, feel free to either tell them how stupid they are in cat language or walk away indignantly.

The Eternal Question

When faced with the age-old question, "Is it love, or is it Fancy east?", we all know that it is Fancy Feast, of course. However, it is absolutely crucial that cats not let the humans know this, or the humans might stop sharing this treat with us! Always convince the human that your sudden, intense attention showered on them is LOVE! You can go back to normal behavior after the treat has been consumed!

meeow's brain

2009-05-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Indoor Vs Outdoor Cat

2009-03-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

Do you let your cats outdoors, or do you keep them in?

Do you let your cats outdoors, or do you keep them in? There are pros and cons to each. Some people cats are indoor cats- my family won't have it any other way because it's safer; but what about giving cats the freedom to explore? Is keeping them in captivity (a very nice captivity, but captivity nonetheless) worth it to protect them? Or would cats be happier if they were free to roam outside? Could it be bad for their mental health to keep them in when they want to go out?

All my cats - 3 females and 4 males - are indoor cats, even though I think the male cats are better of as outdoor cats, especialy when they seems to get more chubbier and lazier everyday. Sleeping most of the time, like babies lol... I do think that it's unfair for me to let my cats to miss out their normal feline instinctive things... like chasing birds, climbing and scratching trees and so on,

But if I let them out or if they sneak out due to my own carelessness, I got to run after them, to stop the fighting between my vanurable cats and the street fighter cats outside my home. Not to mention the vetenary clinis, but the scratches I got for trying to separate my cats and the street fighter cats - put me in a situasion where I got to get treated by the doctor myself, can u imagine how hurtful is that?

Well, guys and gals, did you have the same problem? Come and share you experience he with us :)

Poisonous Plants

2009-03-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Poisonous Plant You Should Avoid Bringing Home

Check with your veterinarian before having any plants in your home

Some of the following plants can be toxic to your cat.

Aloe Vera
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (pit)
Autumn Crocus
Baby's Breath
Branching Ivy
Buddhist Pine
Calla Lily
Ceriman
Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves)
Cineraria
Cordatum
Cornstalk Plant
Cuban Laurel
Cycads
Daffodil
Dieffenbachia
Dragon Tree
Easter Lily (especially cats!)
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Fiddle-leaf Fig
Foxglove
Geranium
Giant Dumb Cane
Gold Dust Dracaena
Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy
Hurricane Plant
Janet Craig Dracaena
Jerusalem Cherry
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marijuana
Miniature Croton
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Nephytis
Oleander
Oriental Lily (especially cats!)
Peach (wilting leaves and pits)
Plumosa Fern
Poison Ivy
Pothos
Primrose
Red Princess
Rhododendron
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Satin Pothos
Silver Pothos
String of Pearls
Sweetheart Ivy
Taro Vine
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
Yew
Amaryllis
Apple Leaf Croton
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Buckeye
Caladium
Castor Bean
Charming Dieffenbachia
Chinese Evergreen
Clematis
Corn Plant
Croton
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cyclamen
Devil's Ivy
Dracaena Palm
Dumb Cane
Elaine
Emerald Feather
Eucalyptus
Florida Beauty
Fruit Salad Plant
German Ivy
Glacier Ivy
Golden Pothos
Heartland Philodendron
Indian Rubber Plant
Japanese Show Lily (especially cats!)
Kalanchoe
Lily of the Valley
Marble Queen
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe
Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Needlepoint Ivy
Nightshade
Onion
Peace Lily
Pencil Cactus
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Poison Oak
Precatory Bean
Red Emerald
Red-Margined Dracaena
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Striped Dracaena
Swiss Cheese Plant
Tiger Lily (especially cats!)
Tree Philodendron
Weeping Fig

Are You Cat Lover Too

2009-03-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

Are you a cat lovers too?

Do you think of yourself as a cat lover? Do you proudly say, "I love cats. I've always had a cat or two. I've owned 20 ... 30 ... 50 cats in my lifetime!"

If you told people that you love children, that in your lifetime you've adopted 20 or 30 babies (but, ummm, none of them have ever reached maturity) .... what would people think?

The average lifespan of a well-cared-for cat is at least 15 years or so. Let's say that you're only 25 years old, and have had only 1 cat at a time. Speaking statistically, you could (should?) have had only 2 cats if the first lived to a ripe old age, or maybe 4 or 5 if some of those kittens have had unpreventable or uncurable health problems.

Why haven't those cats you've owned made it to old age? Are they (or you) just really "unlucky"? Have you thought it's "just fate" that so many of your cats were run over in the street, died from some disease, wore out from having too many kittens, were killed by the neighbor's dog, or were murdered by some kid with a b-b gun or misplaced sense of "fun"? Have you been thinking "that's just the way it is, cats don't live very long?" [Aside: I know of at least 2 cats - owned by friends - who lived to be 25 and 30 years old!]

Please: Treat your cats as your lifelong companions, as living, loving creatures who desire and deserve to spend a full lifetime with you. Give them the care they deserve - have each spayed or neutered, vaccinated against disease, and keep them inside and safe!

If so, you would be proud to know that you are already one of them now;

FAMOUS CAT-LOVERS

This page features famous cat-lovers, and their cats

--> Famous Figures Who Loved Felines
John Ritter, Actor, loved his pet cats.
Ian Anderson from the rock bank Jethro Tull.
Mollie Hardwick [1916-2003], famous author, had a cat called Hudson.
Jason Singh from the Australian rock band Taxiride.
Ian Anderson the band member from Jethro Tull witters on about Cats.
Freddie Mercury loved his cats who were named: Tom, Jerry, Oscar, Tiffany, Delilah, Goliath, Miko, Romeo and Lily.
Ernest Hemingway, author, owned 30 Cats. His most unusual cat was a six-toed cat given to him by a ship's captain.
Sir Winston Churchill: Prime Minister of England [1874 - 1965]. Sir Winston owned an orange tabby cat named Jock. He commissioned a painting of Jock, who slept in his bed every night and was even taken to all the wartime cabinet meetings.
Nostradamus: Seer and Prophet [1503 - 1566]. The French Astrologer had a cat named Grimalkin.
Edward Lear: Artist and Author [1812-1888]. Edward was devoted to his tabby cat, Foss. His devotion was so great that when he decided to move to San Remo, Italy, he instructed his architect to design a replica of his old home in England so Foss would not be disturbed and suffer a minimum of distress after the move. Lear’s drawings of his stripped tabby cat are well-known, especially those which accompany his rhyme, The Owl and the Pussycat. When Foss died, he was buried in Lear's italian garden.
Abraham Lincoln: American President [1809]. Abraham Lincoln came into presidential office accompanied by Tabby, his son's cat. Tabby was the first of several White House cats.
Sir Walter Scott: Poet and Author [1771 - 1832]. Author of Rob Roy and Ivanhoe. Sir Walter was also an editor, critic and deputy sheriff of Selkirk in 1799. Absorbed in folklore and the supernatural, Scott was devoted to cats, and a portrait of him by John Watson Gordon shows the author at work at his desk with his tabby, Hinx, lying close by. This Tomcat was known to terrorize Scott's dogs.
Sir Isaac Newton: Scientist and Philosopher. Sir Isaac, famous for his laws of motion and gravity, was a confirmed cat lover who was deeply concerned about the welfare of his feline friends. Therefore, so his research would go uninterrupted, and his cats should not feel restricted and be at liberty to wander freely in and out when the doors were closed, he invented the cat-flap.
Michel de Montaigne: French Author [1533 - 1592]. One of Michel's famous quotes: “When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her?”
Alexander Dumas: Author of The Three Musketeers. Dumas owned a cat called Mysouff. This cat was known for his extrasensory perception of time. Mysouff could perdict what time his master would finish work, even when his master was working late.
Amy Carter: Daughter of Jimmy Carter. Amy owned a number of cats including a Siamese cat with a peculiar name "Misty Malarky Ying Yang".
Renoir and Monet: French Artists. The French artists loved cats and depicted them in several paintings.
Charles Dickens: Author. Charles' cat, Willamena, produced a litter of kittens in his study. Dickens was determined not to keep the kittens, but he fell in love with one female kitten who was known as "Master's Cat". She kept him company in his study as he wrote, and when she wanted his attention she would snuff out his reading candle.
Dr Albert Schweitzer: 1952 Nobel Peace Prize Winner. Schweitzer became ambidextrous because of his cat Sizi. When Sizi would fall asleep on his arm he began writing prescriptions with his other hand.
Dr Samuel Johnson: Compiler of the first dictionary. Johnson had a pet cat named Hodge whom he fed oysters and other luxurious treats.
Edgar Allan Poe: Author. Poe used cats as symbols of the sinister in several of his stories, although he himself owned and loved cats. He used his tortoiseshell cat "Catarina" as the inspiration for his story 'The Black Cat'. Catarina was a house cat and during the winter of 1846 when Poe was destitute and his wife dying of tuberculosis, Catarina would curl up on the bed with the dying woman and provide warmth.
Florence Nightingale: Humanitarian. Florence owned a large Persian cat named "Bismarck". She owned more than 60 cats in her lifetime.
Prophet Mohammed. The prophet Mohammed loved cats. The story is told that at one day when he was being called to pray he noticed his cat, Muezza sleeping on the folds of his sleeve. Rather than disturb the sleeping cat, Mohammed cut off the sleeve of his robe.
Pope Leo XII. Pope Leo owned a grayish-red cat with black stripes called Micette. Micette was born in the Vatican and lived with the Pope.
Horace Wadpole: British Essayist. Horace Wadpole wrote lovingly about his cats.
Eyptian Sultan. A thirteenth century Egyptian sultan left his entire fortune to the needy cats of Cairo. For many years afterwards homeless cats received a free meal daily.
Rutherford B Hayes: US President. The first Siamese cat brought to the United States was a gift to the President.
T.S. Elliot: Nobel Prize-winning British Poet and Playwright. T.S. Eliot was a cat lover and he wrote an entire book of poems about cats. His "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" was set to music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and became the long-running musical, Cats.
Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore had a polydactyl grey cat called "Slippers".
Theophile Steinlen: Swiss Artist. Steinlen's Paris home was known as "CatsCorner".
Petrarch: Poet. Petrarch was said to have been even more devoted to his cat than to the memory of his great love, Laura.
Vanna White: TV Celebrity. The world-famous letter turner owns two cats that she mentions frequently on "Wheel of Fortune".
Victor Hugo: Author. Hugo is considered the greatest author in the history of French literature. He wrote fondly in his diary about his cats.
Harriet Beecher Stowe: American Author. Harriet had a large cat called Calvin. He arrived on Harriet's doorstep one day, moved in, took over the household, demanding food and asserting his rights. Harriet enjoyed his company and Calvin often sat on her shoulder as she wrote.
Other Famous Authors who loved and owned cats: Mark Twain, Paul Gallico, H.H. Munro, Walter de la Mare, Thomas Hardy, Lewis Carroll, Beatrix Potter, H.G. Wells, and W.B. Yeats.
Patrick Stewart found his beloved cat (which he named 'Bella') on the set of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION (1987).
Halle Berry fell in love with her cat Play-Doh while on the set of her movie, "Catwoman".
Art Bell owns four cats and often talks about them on his show.
Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull fame offers kitten advice.
Other celebrity ailurophiles: Sue Grafton, Joan Embery, Jo Stanley, Jay Leno, Ellen Degeneres, Kirsten Dunst, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Kate Beckinsale, Tony Amendola, George W. Bush, Billy Crystal, Christina Ricci, Bo Derek, Linda Evans, Martha Stewart, Suzanne Somers, Victoria Principle, Andy Serkis, Joan Van Ark, Vanna White, Pamela Hensley, Warren Beatty, Ronald Reagan, Ann Margret, Whitney Houston, Joe Namath, Antonio Banderas, Rachael Bella, Sally Jessie Raphael, Vivica A. Fox, Betty White, Aaron Neville, Yoko Ono, Frank Zappa, The Osbornes, and Sean Astin.

Swiss Artist Theophile Steinlen Swiss artist Theophile steinlen's Paris home was known as 'catscorner' because of the large number of the former reproduced on a variety of articles.
T.S. Elliot The Nobel Prize-winning British poet, playwright, and cat lover, T.S. Eliot, wrote an entire book of poems about cats. His Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats was set to music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and became the long-running musical, Cats.
Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt had a cat named Slippers, a grey/blue cat. Slippers had a disease, which resulted in him having more than 5 toes on his feet.
Vanna White World-famous letter turner, Vanna White, owns two cats that she mentions frequently on Wheel of Fortune.
Victor Hugo Victor Hugo, considered the greatest author in the history of French literature, wrote fondly in his diary about his cats.
William WordsworthFamous for writing these poems about cats:- The kitten and the Falling Leaves, Kittens! Kittens!, Loving and Liking, See the kitten on the Wall.
Anatole FranceFamous cat lover.
MontaigneFamous cat lover, had a cat that he played with.
Lord ByromFamous cat lover as well as other animals such as dogs, monkeys, eagle, crow, falcon.
Charles BaudelaireFamous cat writer who wrote cats.
The BrontesFamous cat lovers.
Jeremy BenthamFamous British Economist who was famous for his theory on Utilitarianism, was a cat lover.
Samuel ButlerFamous writer who loved cats.
Henry JamesLover of cats.

The Puurrrfect Creature

2009-01-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

Let meet todaythe majestic puuurrfect creature...

sweeter than honey... softer than silk.....infinite beauty...that could sooth our soul, tempered our sadness... such perfect little whiskers on their faces... ears to protect hearing... big beautiful eyes full of curiosity, to look into human's soul for everyone to see.

Short or long tails to wave, while moving down the walk... with poise and true grace... argh, such puurrfect colors!

Always ready to jump like an acrobat, should any danger comes... but so tolerrence to mankind ... puurring and meeowing for all the attention the can get, and showing appreciation

for all the kindness that were given to them....

Snugling on our laps soooo puurrfectly and strangely content... overwhelming our soul with pure joy... The traits of these puuurrrfect creature, mesmerized us beyond belief!