Sunday, November 27, 2011

Who's to Blame When Your Cat Pees Outside the Litter Box?

"Who's to blame?" You may be thinking, "Well, my cat, of course. It's not my fault my crazy cat pees outside the litter box! I'm not the one who is urinating in the entry. I'm not the one peeing in the corner of my home office. It's the cat! Who else could be to blame?

Well, I guess I'm the one who must break the news to you about this situation. You may very well be the one who is facilitating your cat's unacceptable behavior. And let me tell you why.

Cats, who are extremely clean animals, view their litter boxes much like we do our toilets--places to deposit waste. The difference between your cat's litter box and your toilet, however, is that we get to flush our toilets after every deposit. Cats don't.

Now imagine that your toilet s plugged up. You and those in your household keep using the toilet again and again, and the waste and smell accumulate. Yuck! Pretty soon, you're looking for somewhere else to do your business because the growing mound of urine-soaked fecal matter pouring over the sides of your toilet and onto the floor. You're disgusted by the sight! You're repulsed by the smell! Someone clean up this mess!

That someone is...you.

Now, think of what you ask your cat to do. Your cat dutifully deposit waste in the litter box, scratches up some sand to help cut down on the smell and goes on his or her way. When your cat returns, the last pile is still there. Yet, your cat follows the rules and uses the box again.

Now, let's say more than one cat lives in the house. Not only are your cats asked to use a box that has its own feces and urine, they are expected to step over piles left by other cats as well. Your cat is disgusted by the sight! Your cat is repulsed by the smell! Someone clean up this mess! Who?

Once again, that someone is...you.

Your cat doesn't want to use a filthy litter box anymore than you want to use a bathroom with a plugged up toilet. In fact, it may be even more repugnant to our cats because of their heightened ability to smell odors you and I don't notice.

So, don't blame your cat if he or she chooses to go someplace other than the litter box. Stick your head inside the box and take a deep whiff. If it's not a delightful aroma, it's time for you to scoop and refill the box with fresh, dry litter.

Carmen is an avid cat lover and expert on cats...especially the naughty ones which is why she started Bad Kitty Solutions. To get download a copy of her fun and free article called A Tale of a Tail: Is Your Cat's Tail Trying to Tell You Something, go to http://www.carmenreneeberry.com/BK-Sign-Up.html


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Do You Speak Cat?

No matter how strongly some adoring cat lovers insist that their cats talk to them, felines are not able to actually speak English, or any other human language for that matter. Cats do, however, communicate their feelings, needs and desires in cat language. As with any language, it must be learned to be understood - and that is the purpose of this article - to help you learn how to speak Cat.

Since you are reading this publication, it's likely that you are living, in your estimation at least, with a Bad Kitty. But here's something I need to share with you right up front. I don't really believe there are any bad cats-only kitties who are trying to tell us something that we're not able to decipher.

The behavior we may find so appalling, such as peeing outside the litter box, scratching our furniture, spraying our suitcases while we're packing for a trip, is simply our cats' way of letting us know what's going on right under our noses. (Speaking of noses, many of us have misunderstood what our cats are telling us by peeing outside their litter boxes).

Most cat lovers realize that cats communicate in all kinds of ways. For example, cats tell us a lot through their meows. Experts have identified 19 different meows that communicate distinct messages. That's pretty incredible!

There are a host of other ways cats communicate such as who and what they scratch, on what and on whom they pee, where they point their ears and various other behaviors and body language. But these signs aren't what this article is about.

My focus is on the messages cats give through their tails by which they express their emotions, tell us how they feel physically or, most troublesome, the delineation of their territory. What is your cat's tail trying to tell you?

Dog lovers brag about how their dogs run to the door to meet them, wagging their tails with delight. What do cat lovers have waiting for them when they get home? Well...for us the scene is a little different.

When we walk in the door and our kitties may not even look up. A warm greeting may come in the form of a long stretch, a few licks to the paws to make sure they look their best, and a slow saunter to see if you have snackies.

If our cats are in an especially demonstrative mood, they may wrap their bodies around our legs and leave their tails lingering a moment longer to let us know they care. Not only have they expressed their affection, they have marked us as their own.

Cats "mark" who they consider theirs, leaving their scent as a sign of ownership. Smalls glands on cats' heads and cheeks explain why they head-butt or rub the sides of their faces on us. But there are not glands on their tails, so why wrap their tails around us?

We've all seen out kitties dutifully clean their privates. Not my favorite scene, but one that all of us with cats have witnessed.

In addition to cleaning themselves (cats are fastidiously clean), they lick their anal glands and spread their scent along their tails and over their bodies. When the rub up against us, they're not just being affectionate, they are claim us for their own. I am flattered...I think.

If you are fortunate enough to have a cat that actually gets off the couch to acknowledge you, you'll be greeted by a tail flying high like a flag-pole-a grand expression of feline friendliness. A tail, held up, tells us that our cats are confident in our love for them. If they are especially happy to see you, their tails may actually quiver!

Another, although often unwelcomed, expression of affection is "tail-in-the-air, bottom-in-your-face" position. Not only are our cats excited to see us, we are invited to sniff their posterior regions. Cats gain a great deal of information from each other through the sense of smell, and our cats assume we have these faculties as well.

Perhaps the most affirming way cats express their love is to sit on our laps, curled up with their tails gently wrapped around them. Snuggled close, often with a purr, they are at peace, contented with being close, with the knowledge that they are safe and loved.

Carmen is an avid cat lover and expert on cats...especially the naughty ones which is why she started Bad Kitty Solutions. To get download a copy of her fun and free article called A Tale of a Tail: Is Your Cat's Tail Trying to Tell You Something, go to http://www.carmenreneeberry.com/BK-Sign-Up.html


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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Is My Cat Peeing or Marking?

The answer to that question is Yes! It is easy to mistake peeing outside the box with territorial marking. But they have quite different meanings to your cat. Until you know the difference and can determine whether your cat is urinating or marking, it will be all but impossible to get to the root of the problem.

As you know, before any of us can solve a problem, we need to know what is causing the situation. A key factor that many cat owners over look is that there's a difference between your cat urinating or marking.

Both urinating and marking can create a suffocating ammonia smell inside your home. However, they are quite different activities rooted in distinct motivations. Until you understand what your cat is trying to say to you, you won't be able to effectively solve your problem.

Urinating
Urinating is the simple act of emptying one's bladder. We use the toilets and we want our dear kitties to use their litter boxes. If you observe carefully, you'll notice that your cat stands or squats and pees onto a horizontal surface. We are pleased when that horizontal surface is the inside of the box,but when that surface is your bed spread or the dining room carpet, we're not nearly as delighted.

A cat may urinate outside the box for many reasons. Urinating around the house is most common among cats who are yet to be neutered or spayed. Getting your cat "fixed" has a 90% chance of eliminating this unacceptable behavior. However, if your cat is one of the 10 you'll need to find another way to get this unacceptable behavior to stop.

The most serious cause of out-of-box peeing is illness. Your cat could be sick and need medical assistance. Urinary tract disease can be quite serious, so an appropriate first response is a quick trip to the vet.

Once you eliminate health issues, you can assume that your kitty is most likely expressing anxiety, anger, fear or a host of other emotions. My housemate, Carolyn, has to be careful to empty her suitcase and put it away promptly from returning from a trip, or her male cat, Tru, will take it upon himself to pee on the top of the open case, soiling her clothes. He hates it when she leaves for any extended period. He let's her know of his displeasure when she returns by peeing on her stuff.

Carolyn has learned to empty her suitcase soon after her arrival and put it back in the closet before Tru has a chance to pee on the contents. She also gives him extra attention when she returns to make sure he feels loved. These two actions have helped keep her suitcase clean and Tru much happier. Getting to the root of your cat's emotional issues will help you come up with an effective strategy.

Marking
Marking, in contrast to a health or emotional issue, is a territorial statement. For the thousands of years cats lived outside and on their own, they survived by marking their territories by spraying a pungent mixture of urine and chemicals from their anal glands. To the discerning nose, the aroma of regular urine is distinct from marking spray. Granted, both are equally unappealing when in the confines of your home, but I, for one, can tell the difference by smell alone.

A second way to tell whether our cats are urinating or spraying is to watch them in the act. Cats pee on horizontal surfaces with their tails held parallel to the ground. Cats mark from a standing position, tail held high and target vertical surfaces, like your kitchen cabinets or the back of your sofa. Wayward urinaters may be saying, "I'm sick" or "I'm upset." Marking cats have one message: "This is mine!" They feel like their territory is threatened and are making a clear, albeit aromatic, statement.

Once you've determined if your kitty is sick, upset or possessive, you can better formulate an effective strategy to help your cat meet its needs so that you can, once again, live in an ammonia-free breathing zone. Check out some of my other articles to help you come up with the best strategy for your situation.

Carmen is an avid cat lover and expert on cats...especially the naughty ones which is why she started Bad Kitty Solutions. To get download a copy of her fun and free article called A Tale of a Tail: Is Your Cat's Tail Trying to Tell You Something, go to http://www.carmenreneeberry.com/BK-Sign-Up.html


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Why Is My Cat Spraying All Over My House?

Your cat holds it tail high, most often from a standing position, and lets fly its most pungent substance. If your cat sprays, you'll find the evidence about a foot or so above the floor depending on how tall your cat is.

You may ask, "Why does my cat ruin my house?"

The answer is simple: Because your house is your cat's house.

Cats spray for one reason and one reason only-to mark their territory. Human beings aren't much different. We set boundaries on land to establish who owns what-only, for the most part anyway, we don't use piss as markers. Cats do, however, and they have done this for thousands of years so it's going to be an uphill battle to get yours to stop. But you are not helpless in your quest. Here are some things you can try.

1. Get your cat spayed or neutered

Both male and female cats spray, although males are most often blamed. Spraying is greatly reduced by getting your pet spayed or neutered. Un-spayed females will spray when they are in heat and looking for Mr. Right Now. Spaying greatly reduces this behavior in female cats.

Neutering male cats is almost as effective. Animal experts claim that neutering male cats eliminates spraying in 90% of studied cases. Those are pretty good odds. But don't dismay if your cat is among the 10% who continue to spray. There are more options.

2. Help your cat protect its territory

Since its 100% natural for a cat to mark its territory, the less threatened your cat feels the less marking will occur. Work with your cat's instincts rather than against them.

If you have only one cat, then the threat may be present outside your home. Check to see if stray cats or other animals that might be competing for territory near your house. If you let your cat outside, the scents of other animals are certain to be present. Spraying outside probably doesn't bother you, but your cat may spray inside your house just to make sure that everyone knows this is your cat's territory.

If you have multiple cats in your household who may compete for territory, then it will be a little more challenging for you to play the referee. One way to lessen tension between opponents is to clearly identify the territorial boundaries.

Too many cats live at my house (I will be the first to admit this) because a friend, my mom and I decided to move in together. We are all cat lovers so we combined three households of cats.

Cats die off but somehow we get new ones. Our cat population averages around 8 cats at any time. Needless to say, cat marking can be a real problem for us. We humans are clear about which cats belong where, and we do what we can to facilitate these territories.

Tru and Kate rule Carolyn's room. Sassy stays with my mom. Socrates roams the halls and can be found most often in my daughter's room. And I, alas, have Little Kitty, Sonny, Simone and Sierra in my bedroom. Sierra (female) and Sonny (male) are dominant cats. Both spray from time to time, but by working with our cats' needs rather than against them helps diminish the spraying considerably.

One way to strengthen a cat's sense of ownership is to provide each cat with its own litter box placed well within each cat's territory. This also helps to diminish urinating outside the litter boxes-more a sign of stress than dominance. The goal is to let our cats know they are loved by lavishing them with affection, and to decrease threats to their territory.

3. Never Punish Cats!

Yelling at or hitting your cats is not only mean, it will backfire on you. When you increase your cat's stress level, they will lift their tails more often, not less. While dogs associate their owners' displeasure with their own behavior, cats make no similar connection. If you holler or try to smack them, they assume you are the crazy one, not them. Cats, as you probably know, have never been fully domesticated. They merely give us the pleasure of meeting their needs and letting us stay in their homes.

Carmen is an avid cat lover and expert on cats...especially the naughty ones which is why she started Bad Kitty Solutions. To get download a copy of her fun and free article called A Tale of a Tail: Is Your Cat's Tail Trying to Tell You Something, go to http://www.carmenreneeberry.com/BK-Sign-Up.html


View the original article here

Friday, November 25, 2011

Cat Food: Many Choices

As I began researching articles about cat food, I found many with authoritative documentation and some with personal opinions. I personally wanted to know what would be the best to feed our mature cat. He has been on dry food since birth with expensive treats and occasionally a few pieces of meat - table scraps - of cooked chicken, beef, tuna, salmon or pork. This may not have been the most correct choice.

Our cat Simba, is strictly an indoor cat. He has always had good health and has a beautiful, glossy, smooth, orange tabby coat. He has starting vomiting a little bit, which appears to be unprocessed dry food or treats, and occasionally hair balls. I will leave the hairballs for another article. In this article I will look at cat food options. I decided to find out what kind of cat food we should get for him or if a dietary change is needed.

In my opinion, it often the 'cost' that drives the consumer's decision on what cat food to purchase, even though our cats are very precious to us. I am sure we want the best food we can afford to give our pet, and what is best for him. In evaluating the issue, I believe that 'costs' can be evaluated in two ways.

First, we can get the best from the grocery store. Much of our decision is probably based on the advertising we hear or see through the media, and occasionally from a friend. It is often that we are at the store, cat food is on our list, our selection is on sale, it says it's 'natural' or some other persuasive word on the label, and we place it in our cart with little thought to read the ingredient list. At home, our cat likes it when we feed him the selected food, so we think we have made a good choice.

Second, we can do a lot of research, decide to go to a pet store or make a purchase online for a good quality, high protein cat food, and know from what we have read that it is a good choice, and 'cost' didn't really become the deciding factor. Our cat's health became the more important issue.

Some cat owners are probably a little on both sides when selecting the cat food; I know I am. Cost is important, but the quality of health our cat enjoys is also very important. We enjoy spoiling our cats, and our cats love to be pampered, so sometimes we supplement our cat's food with cat treats. Spoiling our cats with treats may not be a good decision either. He may want more because he is not nutritionally satisfied with the cat food we give him. How do we make the right decision?

As with ourselves, we feel better when we eat better, and so will our cats. Let me briefly share with you some information I found it articles that I researched.

1. Whole meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, etc. vs. cat food with 'meal', 'by-products', 'animal digest', and added sugars. Analysis: Whole meat is best, as you may know. If you really want to know what goes into some inexpensive pet food, and your stomach can stand the information, take the time to read about it on the web. Many of the products put into pet foods should not be ingested by any living thing, and these are products are put into pet food by many large pet food companies.

2. Grain based vs. grain free cat food: Analysis: Cats do not need grains. Most grains are used a fillers in canned cat food and as binding agents in dry cat food. Some manufactures believe that grains will add protein content, which it does, but cats need meat protein, not grain proteins. Some cats may also develop allergies to wheat or corn when added to their food.

3. Cat food with vegetables and fruits: Analysis: Often you can observe that vegetables, such as peas or corn, go right through a cat's digestive tract without being processed in the intestines. Cats process meat proteins, but not vegetables or fruits.

4. Dry cat food vs. Canned/moist cat food: Analysis: Dry cat food is not natural. It has carbohydrates for fillers, such as grains, to hold it together. The label may indicate that it has high protein content but most of the protein is grain or milk protein, not meat protein. Don't, however, feel that canned cat food is the only answer because it may also contain fillers including grains, meal, by-products, milk, etc. Several articles suggested that a combination of dry and canned may be the best for your cat.

5. Raw meat vs. high-protein canned cat food: Analysis: I never felt this issue was totally resolved. It has much to do with the individual cat and his owner. Canned food is more convenient and has a longer shelf life, and should be kept refrigerated after it is open. Raw food takes more preparation and has a shorter refrigerated shelf life. You can read discussions on this subject on several cat forums.

6. Grocery store cat food vs. pet store or online high quality cat food: Analysis: I believe that we could all come to the conclusion that a high protein from meat is the better choice, and that product would probably best be purchased at a pet store (which also carry the grocery store brands), or online.

In conclusion, here are a few final thoughts.

* Even thought the cost is higher with a better quality cat food, your cat will eat less because it is a better protein and he is nutritionally satisfied. He won't eat as much, and he will be less likely to develop liver or other diseases. You, therefore, will have less expensive vet bills, and a happier, healthier cat.

* Read the labels, do research (other than asking friends and listening to or reading ads), and become an educated consumer. Purchase the cat food you feel is best for your cat.

* Consider the age of your cat. A kitten shouldn't eat the same cat food as your mature cat. The brands will indicate on the label which food is best for your age of cat.

* Introduce any dietary changes slowly, probably over the course of a week or so.

* Research the web, read books, or talk with your vet so you can decide which cat food is best.

All cat foods are not the same. Your cat's taste buds may like some brands or meats better than others. Purchasing the cat food you feel is best will give you peace of mind by giving him the best cat food you can afford, and he will feel better and more satisfied as he adjusts to his new diet.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian

Having had cats and dogs most of her life, Lori Kniff is concerned about the health and safety of our best friends, our dogs and cats.

Please go to the website http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com/, and you will find those items that will keep your pets safe, healthy, happy and content.


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Caring for Your Cat - An Outdoor or Indoor Life

Cats are lithe and athletic animals that enjoy exercise. Many cat lovers believe that it is cruel to keep a cat restricted to the house all its life. However, other owners may consider that the risks of allowing their cats outside are unacceptably high, or they may live in high-rise apartments with no access to the outdoors.

If all circumstances are equal, it is up to you to decide whether to keep your cat indoors or out. There are advantages and disadvantages to both lifestyles, but don't impose any sudden changes on your cat once it has adapted to one or the other. If you want an indoor cat, make this decision when you first bring your kitten home or find an adult whose habits fit in with your own.

Outdoor Cats

These cats can roam freely, run, climb, and chase birds and mice. Consequently they are less likely than indoor cats to become bored, frustrated, or obese. On the other hand, they are more at risk of street accidents (especially kittens and elderly or deaf cats), fight injuries, and diseases transmitted by other cats. Pedigree cats may become the targets of thieves. It is highly distressing when a cat is missing and the owner does not know whether it has been stolen, taken in by another household, or even killed. Suburban and rural cats are at lesser risk, but can still incur injury, hypothermia, or heatstroke. It is advisable to have a "pet door" that allows the cat to come and go as it pleases and seek shelter from storms, or during spells of cold or hot weather.

Indoor Cats

An indoor existence keeps a cat safe from all such hazards but raises potential problems of a different kind. All too easily, the cat lacks stimulation and activity, leading to behavior problems such as aggression or furniture clawing. Unneutered toms may spray urine in the house, and unspayed females may urinate more frequently when in estrus, in addition to becoming restless and howling all day.

You can make an indoor cat's environment more interesting by building an activity center or indoor gymnasium out of strong cartons with holes cut in the sides, large cardboard tubes to run through, and a climbing tree or ropes to clamber up. A scratching post is a must if you want to spare your furniture. If you live in a high-rise apartment, put screens in the window frames to stop the cat from crawling out through an open window.

Indoor cats tend to spend more time interacting with you through play and physical contact than cats that spend much of their time outdoors. However, keeping a cat indoors will not necessarily guarantee a high-quality relationship.

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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Adopting a Cat - Cat-Proofing Your Home

When you are going to adopt your first cat, you need to do some preparations to your home prior to bringing the cat home. This is to make sure that there is nothing around that can harm the cat, as well as making sure that there is nothing around that the cat can harm.

When cat-proofing your home, keep in mind that cats will eat just about anything and will play with just about anything. With this in mind, you may notice you have a lot of work to do.

Make sure all of your windows have good screens on them. Cats love to hang out in the window, but are also at risk of falling out, if the screens aren't secure or are ripped. Also try to tie up any cords for blinds, as these are potential hazards as well.

In regards to your bathroom areas, make sure any medications are secure and cannot be opened. Cats are smart, they will knock over bottles to get into them. Also, try to get into the habit of putting the toilet lid down. Cats like to drink out of the toilet and can lose their balance and fall in and potentially drown. You can try simply closing the door, but I know lots of cats that can open doors.

You may wish to think about securing your cabinets with baby-locks. They are relatively inexpensive and cats love to explore cabinets. I remember when I first got my cat, I couldn't find where he was. I finally found him sleeping in the cabinet! Luckily it was not one with cleaning fluids, but I did make sure to put locks on all the cabinets--especially the ones with cleaning supplies in them.

Check the undersides of your furniture for holes. Now, this one might seem odd. But, cats love to hide under furniture. When I first got my cat (the same one who slept in the cabinet), he hid another place where I couldn't find him. Finally, I sat on the recliner and heard a meow. The cat had crawled into a hole on the bottom of the recliner and was inside the seat!

Make sure your garbage bins have lids on them. Cats love to play around in the garbage and will make an awful mess if allowed to! Also, if you throw out anything that smells good to them (think chicken, fish, beef), then they may try to scrounge in the garbage for it.

These are all great things that you can do to begin to make your home cat-proof. Good luck with your new cat!

Sally writes about cat on her website Kitten Advice. To find out more tips about cat adoption, try Adopting a Cat?


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Alleviating Stress in Cats

Cats are independent by nature, and like to be in control of things. When they are not, they can become quite distressed. Common causes of stress in cats include moving to a new house, travelling or being crated, visits to the vet, or the presence of other cats within its territory.

Obvious signs of stress include wild eyed frenzy accompanied with the desperate need to escape; irritability, including persistent meowing; urinating or scent marking; and scratching on furniture, bedding, or carpets. Some of these symptoms are often mistaken for errant behaviour, but in order to cure the behaviour, one needs to reduce the levels of stress being experienced by your cat.

Feliway Feline Facial Pheromones (try saying this after you've had a few) is a product recommended by vets to calm and comfort stressed cats, and alleviate unwanted stress related behaviour. This product uses artificial feline pheromones that cats naturally give off from their facial area to mark a safe territory once they feel comfortable and secure within the confounds of the area. Cats do this by rubbing their faces on objects within their territory, giving off facial pheromones to mark the area with their scent, which acts like a kind of kitty comfort blanket that gives them a sense of security and well-being.

The spray replicates the natural scent that cats leave when they conduct this scent marking routine, and in so doing, offers a sense of security to alleviate stress and calm the cat down. Feliway feline pheromones offer an effective solution to reducing stress in distressed cats by replicating the cats natural mechanism that it would use to relay a sense of comfort and well-being, in order to help him deal with a stressful situation.

This product can be purchased in a spray bottle, which is ideal for applying directly onto objects, for example spraying inside a travel crate to offer comfort and reassurance and alleviate stress associated with crating and travel.

The Feliway Feline Facial Pheromone Diffuser offers a novel method of keeping a well-adjusted, happy cat that always comes home to snuggle up in a cosy corner, or just laze contentedly around the house. The diffuser plugs into an electrical wall socket, giving off a constant burst of pheromones. Your cat will truly believe that there is no place like home. Besides relieving stress and anxiety in cats, this product is also affective for controlling behaviour such as territory marking by urine spraying, and clawing at furniture, which are often related to stress associated with the introduction of another cat or pet into your home (or rather, the cats home). The diffuser fills the room and the calming action of the pheromones reduces anxiety and alleviates the behaviour associated with territory and scent marking.

The Feliway Feline Facial Pheromone diffuser comes with a 48ml vial, which lasts up to four weeks. Refills for the diffuser can be purchased separately. Feliway Feline Facial Pheromones are also available in a 60ml spray bottle and a 15ml travel bottle for easy portability when needed away from the home environment.

At http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/ we understand how important it is to not only have the latest cat toy, or the trendiest dog collar, but also to make sure the boring bits are covered.

That's why we have a variety of flea, worming and fur treatments.


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Declawing Cats - It's Time for Change

Some months ago when I was fostering a couple of very scared, semi-feral, kittens who were a little prone to scratching I was chatting to a workmate whose instinctive response was, 'Why don't you just get them declawed?' This wasn't said with any sarcasm or indeed any malicious intent it was just a matter of fact solution. Turns out she had grown up with cats, all of whom had been declawed and she had no idea, as many people don't, about what declawing actually entails.

Declawing, or, let's call it by its proper name, partial digit amputation, is by no means a solution to anything. Though it may sound like a routine procedure almost akin to nail trimming, this extreme surgery is far from routine. During the operation the last bone of each of the cat's front ten toes is surgically removed, meaning that muscles, nerves, tendons and blood vessels are irrevocably severed. In human terms this would equate to having the last joint of your fingers chopped off. Doesn't sound so great does it? As you can imagine, this is extremely painful, so painful in fact it is sometimes used as a tester for the efficacy of new pain medications for animals.

Following declawing surgery the cat's feet are bandaged up to prevent the animal from bleeding to death and this is unfortunately just the beginning. What follows is a brutal period of 'healing' which can involve abscesses, necrosis, lameness, lack of balance, suppressed immune system and of course extreme pain and distress. The risks of post operative complications are high and apart from the physical symptoms, almost equally as devastating are the psychological symptoms. Some cats simply never regain the trust they had for their owner (and remember we have a whole network of people to love and support us, for cats, we're all they have in the world). It's a familiar story, a declawed cat, who was once trusting, happy and playful then turns into a morose, fearful creature who often has litterbox problems due the pain of standing in the litter tray and biting problems due to an overwhelming fear of any human contact. Many of these cats then end up in shelters.

There are some vets who refuse to declaw at all but there are many who still do and of even greater concern is the number of vets who ignore their responsibility to educate and properly inform people of the risks and the effects of declawing surgery. Vets after all make a huge amount of money from carrying out this procedure. It is saddening to think that economics may in any way be an influencing factor in the fight to end this cruel practice.

An embarrassing fact is that Canada and the US are the only two countries that really stand out as not having taken a stand and banning this procedure. The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, these are just a few of the countries in which declawing is banned or restricted. The United Kingdom even goes so far as to call declawing an 'unnecessary mutilation'. One very positive sign in the US, thanks to an organization called the Paw Project www.pawproject.org in California, is that municipal bans have been agreed in various cities such including West Hollywood, San Francisco and Santa Monica.

So what can we do? Well if you have a cat who scratches furniture, or know a friend who does, make sure they research and invest in a good scratching post. Encourage the cat to use the post by placing it by the furniture the cat normally attacks and try rubbing some cat nip onto the post for further encouragement. It may take a little time but your cat can easily be trained to use the scratching post instead of your sofa! Make sure your friends and colleagues who own cats are fully aware of what declawing entails so that if they or anyone they know were to think about the procedure they would at least know the full facts. Ask your vet where he or she stands on declawing. Ask them if they recommend it and whether they explain to people about the level the pain and the high chances of complications. Choose a vet to treat your cat who does not accept declawing as a justifiable course of action for a cat who may like the side of your sofa more than a boring scratching post.

Let's change this right now, let's call declawing what it is and make it history.

Helen Whitehead is a partner in Diamond Dogs Petsitting who provide a range of pet care services to the Vancouver, BC region. Check out their website on http://www.petsittingvancouver.com/


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Cat Urinating Everywhere - Making Your Pets Litter Box More Inviting

If you find your cat urinating everywhere but in their litter box then this may be a message from your cat to you that they actually don't like the conditions of their box.

Cats are very fussy animals and everything for them has to be at a high standard or they'll throw tantrums/start acting up which in this case would be to go about and pee on surfaces in your house because they don't like the conditions of their box.

Thankfully you can easily play around with different things to make the box more inviting to your cat to have them stop urinating all over the house and start using their boxes more often.

The litter inside the box itself is very important to your cat. If you have a new cat then the new litter may take some time getting used to but they may just despise the litter inside the box. If you have an old cat then a change you've done with the litter can cause them to avoid using the litter box and to start seeking out different material somewhere else in your house.

The litter that you put in the box can sometimes be:

Too muchToo littleToo roughToo softSmells off putting

Where you place the box can be a major factor in litter box aversion. For example cats don't have the luxury of using doors when they go to the toilet so if you put a litter box which exposes your pet and makes them feel uncomfortable (such as in the TV room where everyone sits) then they will avoid using this area. Other conditions can pitch in such as the temperature, the lighting, the sound levels etc. The wrong ones will have your cat urinating everywhere.

The cleaning material of the box

If you clean out the litter box with chemicals that you buy from the supermarket instead of those from pet stores for actual cleaning of the boxes then you may be using a chemical that your cat doesn't like. Every time you clean the box with these chemicals a slight chemical residue will be left over which can put your cat off using the litter box.

If you have multiple cats then your cat will have the problem of having to share boxes with other cats. This will give your pets the feeling of being overcrowded and chances are that at least one of them will be urinating everywhere because if there is not enough litter boxes then you may find that cats will mark their territory on one litter box leaving the others to go somewhere else. An idea is to always have one more litter box than you have cats that way they have options and everyone is happy.

I can't tell you the exact reason why you may find your cat urinating everywhere but it is up to you to mix and match these options until you get suitable conditions for your cat. There are more things to take into account though such as stress and medical problems etc. These are all other reasons to explain your cat urinating everywhere.


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How to Cure Cat Constipation

Before you can begin trying to cure your cat's constipation, you need to make sure that this is actually what the problem is. Constipation is the difficult or infrequent passage of stool. Most cats work on a regular routine. If you have noticed that your cat hasn't gone in a couple of days then he may be constipated. However, if he has recently been through a traumatic event, or his litter box has been changed then that may be the reason why he hasn't been going regularly.

The most common cause of cat constipation is dehydration. If your cat is being fed dry food, then you need to make sure that there is always fresh water available for them. If they eat wet food, then they get much of their water from their food, so you do not have to worry about this as much. In an older cat it could be because the muscles in the stomach are getting weakened.

There are two main things you should do to help cure your cat's constipation. The first is to switch him to a high fiber diet. You can do this by switching to a high fiber version of you cat's food (most brands offer this), or you can begin giving him high fiber treats as a supplement.

The other thing you can do is give the cat a laxative. Please only give your cat laxatives which are formulated for a cat. They are made differently than ones for humans. There are two types of cat laxatives available. There are bulk forming laxatives and simple laxatives. If the constipation is mild, then you may wish to try the bulk-forming laxative. This will make the stool softer and make it easier for your cat to use the bathroom. For a natural solution try wheat bran or pumpkin. These options can be used regularly if needed. Simple laxatives are a bit more powerful and are great for infrequent stools. These are not for regular use though, as they can be rough on the cat's tummy if used too often. Two popular examples at Cat-Lax and Laxatone.

If your cat is constipated, please take care of it as soon as you possibly can. If you do not, he can suffer from fecal impaction. This means that the feces was left inside the intestines for too long. It grows hard and forms a blockage. Bits of feces may come out around it looking like diarrhea. If you think this might be the problem your cat has then bring him to the vet ASAP.

Learn about more ways to cure cat constipation


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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How to Choose the Best Cat Carrier

Just about everyone needs to use a cat carrier at some point in their time owning a cat. This may be to take them to the vet, to take them to be boarded, or if you are moving house. It is not generally a good idea to let your cat run loose in a car, no matter how well-behaved they are.

There are many different types of cat carriers available. The cheapest ones are simply made from cardboard! These are made to only be used once and are generally only recommended for small kittens. Most big cats will either be too heavy for the cardboard, or will scratch/chew through it.

I think the moderately priced cat carriers are generally the most appropriate for most people. These are ones which are made from a high quality hard plastic or soft fabric. These are well-made, and can carry a larger cat (15+ pounds), and do not hurt your hand while you carry them. It is up to you whether you prefer a soft carrier or a hard plastic carrier.

If you are carrying the carrier quite far, you may wish to buy one which has wheels, much like wheeled luggage, as this makes it easier to transport. If you are traveling by plane with the cat, I recommend a climate-controlled carrier. These are much more expensive, but many cats have become ill or even died from being held in cargo holds which do not have heat. If you need to fly with your cat, I highly recommend this.

For other long travels, you will want to make sure that the carrier has room for a food and water bowl. This way the cat can eat at his leisure. You may also want to put in a puppy wee-wee pad, since the cat may not be able to use the litter box for some time. I always put in a towel or old blanket as well, this helps the cat stay warm if he becomes cold. I also make sure that the blanket carries my smell or the cat's smell, to make it more comforting.

Remember that traveling is very stressful for your cat. You will want to do everything you can to make it as easy as possible for him. Make sure that he is comfortable and well fed. In the car, talk soothingly to the cat, it will calm him down hearing your voice.

Sally writes about cats and kittens on her blog Kitten Advice. Do you want to find out more about cat carriers?


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How to Correct Aggressive Behavior When Introducing a New Cat

Cats become territorial with age. It becomes more difficult to introduce a new cat in a household where one cat has already established its territory. Of course, it is best to either bring different cats into a household at the same time, to introduce them as kittens or to stick with litter mates who are already familiar with one another. However, things do not always work out that way.

You may already have a cat that is bringing so much joy and happiness to your home that you want to add to that joy by bringing in another cat. Before doing so, it is important to recognize that your first cat has already established its territory, and will view the new cat as an intruder. If you are not careful, this could lead to unwanted cat behavior, even an aggressive cat. The following five tips will help you introduce a new cat to your household successfully.

1. The first step is to familiarize the cats with one another. To do this you must use the following methods of socialization, isolation and reverse isolation. Socialization allows your cats to interact and to become familiar with one another. For new cats, you should supervise such socialization periods. When the cats are not socializing then you must keep them separated and in isolation. Once your cats become more familiar with one another, you can then use reverse isolation where you leave the cats alone together for progressively longer periods until they no longer act aggressively.

2. If your cats are acting aggressively, it is always important to catch them in the act and deal with the behavior immediately. A loud noise is useful as a way to break up unwanted cat behavior and is a great tool to stop bad cat behavior. This is only useful, however, if you catch your cat in the act of doing something unacceptable and use a loud noise immediately. A quick response will help the cat associate its bad behavior to the punishment.

3. Give your cat's options when it comes to food dishes, water dishes, litter boxes, cat toys, and sleeping areas. This allows your cats to make their own territories and helps to avoid having your cats fight with one another. It also helps to avoid cat confusion.

4. Never physically punish your cat. This creates more problems than solutions and has long-term effects creating more bad behavior. If you physically abuse your cat, it will learn to associate you with the abuse. Your cat will become scared of you and will no longer be the cuddly little cat it once was.

5. Stay consistent and always be patient since It may take weeks, even a couple of months for your cats to familiarize themselves with one other and become sociable. The wait is frustrating but being patient will pay off.

I have been a pet owner all of my life and for the last thirty years my wife and I have raised over a dozen cats. Please visit my website at: http://tipsaboutcats.com/ is your information source for their health, diet, disposition, and exercise. We even show the basics of making your own cat toys and condos. All tips and proceeds from this website is contributed to our local animal shelter who is short of funds from the county. I have a number of recommended natural food, supplements, products and books that are in my store which will save you time hunting on the web for at http://tipsaboutcats.com/store/. There are two expert interviews in the blog pages that are must reads because they will answer most of your questions and concerns about natural cat health and diet. Please feel free to leave comments on my website where you will also find links to me on Facebook and Twitter.


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Is Cat Furniture Essential For the Modern Kitty?

Cat furniture is virtually recommended these days since our kitty isn't different then you are with regards to being warm and comfortable. That's the reason you'll generally find kitty getting out of bed on the upholstered furniture. The couch and chair are the most comfortable places in the house, to the exemption of the bed. If your cat loves to take a seat on your part of the couch, as well as attempts to kick you out of your comfortable EZ chair by not shifting when you want to sit inside it, then obtain your cat his very own furniture.

Cats aren't just independent but they are furthermore possessive, especially when they discover a location in the home by which they feel at ease. You will find there's huge assortment of feline furniture accessible so that all you need to do is find cat furniture that the cat will cherish. Carrying this out just requires that you be alert along with conscious of the ways in which kitty likes to lay and sleep. Can it be all rolled up in a ball or can it stretch out long. Obtain furniture that will permit kitty assume whichever position he likes to sleep in.

View your cat as he looks in the house for a place to nap. Cats sleep 18 hours a day consequently kitty will be searching for warmth and comfort and most likely peaceful as well, since kittens and cats hate noises. Typically, you'll discover, by seeing, that it will like the sofa, the EZ chair, or perhaps the bed. So how does cat sleep; does he extend, bundle, or rollup?

Allow us to assume that your current cat likes to roll up when he sleeps. The cat furniture that you'd need to get for him should be the sort that could allow him to retract when he sleeps, say for example round soft cat beds, or a cat couch that is made the same as yours nevertheless sufficiently little for kitten to roll up upon. You might also need to order a cat bed that resembles a human bed with a mattress. Once more, it will be small but allow kitten to roll up about it.

After you've learned the best way kitty likes to slumber, you can go to a web-based cat furniture store and buy any product that your kitty will find comfortable and consequently enjoyable. Cat furniture is interesting and it can become decorated with pads and various covers in the same way you'd probably beautify your own furniture. Cats just like pillows and covers since that offers them a lot more items to roll up in.

It'll take kitty quite some time to get accustomed to his fresh cat furniture and in the meantime, if you'd like to keep him off the couch after that just lay a bit of tin foil over the couch. Whenever kitty gets on the couch the sounds of the foil can chase it aside. Cats do not like the actual noise that tin foil creates.

There was a time when the domestic pet feline had anything to settle in then a cardboard package or a paper bag, but those days are gone forever. Today, the bag and the box, even though still enjoyable, will be more cat toys. For sleeping and napping or just lazing around, kitty possess his own furniture, so help make your kitty satisfied and get him his very own couch, chair, or perhaps bed. Your kitten is capable of having a different place to rest in each space of the house simply because cat furniture is less expensive and your cat will adore them.

For all your cat furniture need: cat litter boxes, cat beds, cat fence, cat trees, cat condo, etc. you can check out http://simplybarb.com/. Most of the items are at discount price and you also benefit FREE shipping. Great BONUS for order over $50 USD.


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Monday, November 21, 2011

Litter Training a Kitten

One of the first things you need to do when you get a kitten is to litter train him. Litter training a kitten is a whole lot easier than litter training a cat as it hasn't had the chance to get into bad habits.

When a kitten is tiny, it's handy to have a crate or cage where you can shut him up safely at night and when you're out of the house. Make sure that he has something soft to sleep on like an old towel or blanket as well as food, water and the all important litter tray. The cage is now his own little territory where he will feel safe and secure.

When I've raised tiny kittens, I've found that a seed tray is big enough initially to use as a litter tray and a seed tray doesn't take up too much space in the cage. You'll easily be able to tell when the kitten is growing out of it and needs a full sized litter tray.

Litter training a kitten is usually quite easy as cats are very clean creatures. When your kitten comes to stay, gently put him in the litter box straight away. He may not need to use it but it's amazing how he will immediately seem to know what it's for.

Continue to pop the kitten into the litter box at intervals throughout the day if he doesn't go to it of his own accord. If he does have a little accident in the wrong place, just pick him up and put him in the litter tray anyway, even if it's too late.

Feed your kitten regularly and after meals take him to the litter tray; he'll soon learn to do his business there.

In the last couple of years I've raised two kittens. The first one was only three weeks old and in her first few days with us, she did have a little wee in the wrong place a couple of times but the second one, who was five weeks old when we got him never had an accident at all and immediately took to his litter tray.

If you're raising a very tiny kitten which is still being bottle fed, you may need to encourage his first toilet. Take a piece of damp cloth or kitchen paper and gently massage his little bottom. He may just wee a small amount at first and his excrement will be a bit like the consistency of toothpaste. After the first occasion, he won't need any further encouragement.

Do make sure that the litter box is cleaned at least daily as a fastidious kitten won't use a dirty tray and will do his toilet elsewhere.

Litter training a kitten isn't hard but you need to be vigilant while he's tiny and confine him to a small space when you're out or at night so that he isn't tempted to ignore the litter tray.

Liz Canham has four cats, all of which she has raised from kittens. Liz's website, The Cat Lover, has more information on litter training a kitten and other aspects of cat care.


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Mouse Cat Toys for Your Kitty

When you are interested in finding cat toys for your pet, you will find there are many different types of toys that are available. One of the most popular cat toys is toy mice. For centuries, catnip filled mice have been a favorite toy among cats.

Vo-Toys manufactures a huge variety of toy mice for your furry friend. Some are made with real rabbit fur and some are made with synthetic fur. There are mouse toys that make a peep sound to imitate a real mouse sound, mouse toys with feather tails and even some with squeakers in them. Vo-Toys manufactures toy mice in a variety of sizes, even some that are life size. VIP cat toys (for your Very Important Pet), include yarn mice, super charged mice that come packed in catnip pellets (to ensure your feline friend will be amused for hours with catnip scented mice) and many others. Some toy mice rattle and some don't. There is a mouse toy for every cat's preference.

If your kitty likes toy mice, the best buy is the Zanies Cheese Wedge filled with 60 tiny mice. They are available in a cardboard mouse body covered with rabbit fur and treated with catnip (Furry Mice) or colorful rattling mice with plastic body's covered in rabbit fur (Rainbow Mice). The cardboard cheese wedge has holes in it, sort of like Swiss cheese, you can poke out the holes and set it on the counter and watch your fur baby select the mouse they want to play with. When they loose the toy under the dishwasher or stove they can come back to the box and take another mouse of their choosing. These mice are also available in bulk packs, without the cheese wedge box.

Cats like to play with small mouse toys. These toys are small enough for them to bat, carry and are sure to provide hours of amusement for your kitty.

There are literally hundreds of different mouse toys available to keep your cat amused for hours (and hours) on end. These toys are relatively inexpensive and provide your cat with the sense of natural play (the stalking, the chase and the kill). Cats have been known to stash or hide the little mice to play with whenever they want to and even sleep with them. Cats, especially those that are strictly indoor kitties, love mouse toys.

With so many mouse cat toys available to choose from, your cat can have a toy box filled full of adorable little mice for a small amount of money. These toys are inexpensive enough to try several different types to see what your kitty likes best. Cat toys promote healthy exercise which is very important for the long term health and well being of your feline friend.

Cat Toys For Less offers you an ever-growing selection of fun cat toys that will keep your special friend busy (and active) for hours. Keeping your indoor cat active helps prevent health risks such as obesity.

http://www.cattoysforless.com/


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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Petmate LeBistro - The Cat Feeder You Need to Keep Your Cat in Good Shape, Even When You Are Away

Find out the easy way to keep your pet in good shape, even when you are away from home.

How many times have we seen over weight pets? I don't know about you but I see them all the time. Many owners think that it's OK to have a "fat cat", but just like humans, it's unhealthy as well as looking bad. How would you like to have an easy way to get your pet in good shape?

Well, I've found a way, here you are.... the ideal tool to control the portion size of your pets feeding, use a Petmate LeBistro.

It also means it's easy to give them three meals a day rather than maybe two, as dieticians are always telling us that it's healthier to eat smaller portions more frequently. Remember? Apparently several small meals are easier to digest than few large meals, makes sense I suppose. I don't know about you but my cat is always looking for more food and I find it difficult to remember exactly how much she has eaten in a day. With the Petmate LeBistro you simply measure out several days feed, the number of days of course depends upon how much your cat (or dog) eats, because of the hopper size. The smaller cat version holds 5 lb of food and the larger "dog" version holds 10 lbs of food. It's a neat solution and if used properly is an easy and simple method of keeping your pet being slimmer and healthier.

The other big benefit is that you can feed your pets while you are away. Just think about the advantages in both cost and convenience. No having to pay fees for your pets' accommodation, or the inconvenience of having to take and collect your pet, maybe even involving a long journey. We tend to go away for a few days quite a lot in order to see the children so the automatic feeder has proved to be invaluable.

Here's the point, the big plus, the automatic cat feeder, Petmate LeBistro can pay for itself in a very short time! How about that? That was the big decider for me!

Another good thing is the fact that it comes in two sizes, 5 lb and 10 lb, makes it suitable for both cats and dogs, it also comes in two colors.

It's easy to program and you can set it to dispense portions between ¼ of a cup and 2 cups at three selected times per day. You can only use it for dry cat or dog food only of course, but with the added benefit that it does keep it nice and fresh.

Because it is battery operated it has the convenience being usable anywhere, rather than having to be used near a power supply. It takes D size batteries and you will need three of them. Battery life varies depending on how frequently it is used, but should be between 6 and 12 months.

Dimensions are 15' high x 14.5" long and just under 9" wide and it comes complete with Food Chute, hopper and lid,, feeding bowl and operating instructions along with a 12 month warranty.

http://www.petmatelebistro.com

I'm a long time pet owner, and the two things that bug me are, how to make sure my pet doesn't overeat and the other is how to feed my cat when I'm away for a few days. I also figured that I'm not the only one with these issues.so I looked for the answer.. and hey presto I've found it, now I need to spread the word.

http://www.petmatelebistro.com/


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What Constitutes Bad Cat Behavior?

It is interesting that you can hear one person talk about the bad cat behavior that they are dealing with while someone else assumes this is perfectly normal behavior because they deal with it every day. Although some behaviors may be up for debate whether they are really bad or not, there are some things that cats do that can make anyone's ears turn a little red.

Please do NOT Lift the Leg!

You know you are doomed when you see that leg go up! Cat spraying is one of the worst behaviors to have to deal with. Urine stains found on walls and furniture at about nose-level are signs that your cat is marking his territory, frustrated, stressed or letting others know his status in the home.

If your cat sprays, figure out the reason and address it immediately or else it will turn into a serious problem. Once it's done a few times, it turns into a behavioral trait which is harder to change. Scrub, scrub, scrub and neutralize!

Scratching

Little Lovebug doesn't seem to quite fit her name when you come home to shredded curtains, furniture and window screens now does it? Cats need to scratch so if you are not providing something to use, they will find something themselves; plain and simple. You may be interested to learn that just like a dog; you can trim or file your cat's claws if you are very careful. Ask your vet to show you how or take your cat for a manicure. Maybe she needs a little pampering! Of course, a new scratching post won't hurt either!

Put that Tongue Away!

While a little lick here and there may seem sweet and innocent, some cats will start licking a lot. Not only can their rough tongue irritate your skin, it can damage wood surfaces. Also, it should be noted that cats that lick more than normal are more prone to bite when irritated as well.

If there is a spot on the wood arm of your chair or the coffee table that your cat consistently revisits to lick, spray a little lemon juice on it and it won't seem so appealing anymore; just the mere smell will often keep them away.

Stealth Attack

There is a huge difference between pouncing because the cat wants to play and you have a toy compared to the cat that stalks your feet, jumps at your ankles as you walk by and might even bite or scratch. While you may think that this is normal behavior because cats have a strong prey instinct, it's not! This is actually most commonly seen in single-cat homes, especially those that are left alone a lot. Yes, cats are independent but they still want companionship. If you are gone all day, come home and leave to go to dinner, run errands, etc., and don't spend time with your cat, consider getting a second one. Really, how much room do they take up anyway?

Biting

No amount of cat biting is cute! Cats bite hard, even when they are just giving you a warning nibble and these types of bites are prone to infection. Cats will bite for many different reasons; frustration, redirected aggression, pain or illnesses are all common causes. Sometimes, they bite because they just don't want to be petted anymore! Watch for subtle signals like twitching ears or tail or a stiff body and you can avoid feeling the pain of this bad cat behavior.

Sonia Manning provides interesting information, helpful tips and useful resources about cats and their behaviors.

For more on cat's problem behaviors, go to http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/cats-problem-behavior.html.

Visit her website at http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/ for more topics, and solutions for problem cat behaviors. You can also receive free an 8-day Email Mini-Course on "Secrets About Your Cat's Behavior: Why He Does the Things He Does!"


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Saturday, November 19, 2011

The Causes of Cat Dandruff

When cats are young they usually don't have any skin or coat problems. But as they age you may notice their coat is not as shiny as before or you may notice the tiny flakes of dry skin or dandruff. Usually cat dandruff is a simple and easy process of elimination that can be corrected on your own. Dandruff in itself is not a disease but a symptom of something that probably needs your attention as a pet owner.

Dandruff, along with increased thirst and/or urination can be one of the symptoms of diabetes. As your cat ages they may have conditions like arthritis, sore gums or teeth making grooming more difficult for them, which can then lead to dandruff symptoms.

Several causes of cat dandruff and what you can do to help;

--If your cat is not grooming often enough, or not at all, because they may be overweight, ill or elderly, you can lend a hand by grooming them daily. This will help stimulate and distribute the natural oils which can help with a dry coat.

--A poor diet which lacks moisture and oils, usually a result of relying on dry food, can cause a deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids, moisture and other vitamins and minerals imperative for a shiny, healthy coat. This cause of dandruff can be helped by supplements and simply supplying your cat with a quality canned cat food approved by the AAFCO (aafco.org) which regulates nutritional levels for animal food.

--Heated forced air in the home during the winter can dry out your cat's skin as well as yours. Try using a humidifier in the home to help combat dry air.

--Sunburn dandruff might not be actual dandruff but a result of sunburn and the skin peeling. You can apply a topical cream, but mainly it's a matter of waiting for the burn and flakiness to subside. In extreme cases kitty should see their vet. Brew and cool some green tea and rinse kitty with it (if they'll let you). The antioxidants in the tea will help soothe and heal the sunburn.

--Mites cause a condition called Cheyletiellosis or walking dandruff. This type of mite is usually transmitted by other pets in places such as shelters, boarding or grooming businesses. It can also be transmitted to humans or from humans to pets, so the whole home, as well as other pets, must be treated to avoid re-infestation. Poor nutrition can lower your cat's immune system making them more prone to mites.

--Seborrhea or scaly skin can be treated with medicated shampoos available at your local pet stores or vet. Seborrhea is caused by abnormal skin cell production making the skin flaky and dry as well as oily and scaly.

If after trying the at home treatments and you still notice your kitty has dandruff you should seek your veterinarians help so that any serious conditions can be eliminated.

Rebecca Shelly has been studying alternative health products for our pets. Visit Natural Pet Health whether you are looking for pet supplements to maintain or improve your pet's health or alternatives to harsh medications.


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Why a Cat Won't Use The Cat Litter Box

Some people have mentioned that their kitty is urinating outside of the cat litter box, although he generally used cat litter boxes formerly. How come the cat do that? There are certain reasons; and once you have had your vet rule out any kind of physical issues (kidneys, bladder, digestive problems, and so on.) you can examine your cat habits to find the answer to the problem. This can be accomplished by using the following as a guide while you watch your cat behavior.

Cats and kittens don't especially like just about any modification. In case you have had an addition to the home such as another feline or any other pet, your cat may well not be ok with this and commence to alter his habits for example urinating outside of the litter container. Especially when that new addition is yet another cat which is sharing that litter box which is not a cat's favorite thing to do. Much like they don't prefer to share food dinners or toys with an all new cat. You have to boost your cat to share by being delicate spoken and say to him what a good kitty he is for sharing.

A new child in the house is often the most unwelcome change to a cat. Kitty was once the center of interest and now he's being shooed away any time the humans are together with the baby. If this is occurring at your residence, don't chase the kitty away, permit him to discover the baby and get to know him. Cats are interested and he may wish to be close to the baby. Contrary to all myths, kitty will never cause harm to the baby unless he sees him as an enemy. A little baby will never strike out at the cat either. The little one and the cat could quickly learn how to be close friends with your help.

Have you modified the cat litter box or the litter? Pet cats do not like change of any sort. Once you change their particular litter then, ensure you do it progressively. The previous litter has to be the bottom level layer and the brand-new litter at the top. The kitty will scent the earlier litter and take the new cat litter bin. In case you have changed the litter hider it won't make an excessive amount of difference should the boxes are very much the same but, in case you have modified to a bigger or automatic cleansing litter box, the usage of that new litter box will take longer. Cat could be more likely to use brand new cat litter boxes if the litter stays identical. For that reason, don't change the litter up until the cat happens to be accustomed to the new box. Maintain the old litter container nearby to give kitty some self confidence.

Look at you cat very carefully and find out how he communicates with you making use of his voice, facial movement, body gestures, and even more. Once you learn to talk with your cat you'll find it is not necessarily much different then communicating with another human. Take into account that an adult cat can learn how to understand you if you speak to him as if it was a two yr old human baby.

For all your cat furniture need: cat litter boxes, cat beds, cat fence, cat trees, cat condo, etc. you can check out http://simplybarb.com/. Most of the items are on sale and you also benefit FREE shipping plus a very nice BONUS for order over $50 USD.


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Friday, November 18, 2011

What Type of Strange Cat Behavior Do You Deal With?

If you have a cat, strange behavior is probably something that you deal with daily. However, while you may think your cat's actions are a little odd, there may be a good reason why he's doing what he does. If you ask around, you may also find that other cat owners are dealing with the exact same behavior so maybe it's not as strange as you assume it is!

Human Hair Chewing - Do you wake up to your cat chewing on your hair? This is a lot more common than you think! Adult cats often do this as an affectionate way of grooming you the way a mother would to her kittens. Interestingly, this behavior is more prevalent in Siamese and other Asian breeds because they are typically more anxious; chewing hair is calming to them.

Head Butting - Ever wonder why your cat head butts you, the dog's nose or sometimes himself in the full length mirror? This is nothing more than a sign of affection. He wants to be petted or wants some type of attention.

Elevated Butt - Why when you're petting your cat does he stick his butt up in the air? Why can't he just stay flat? Well, some believe that this is a plea to please scratch that hard to reach spot at the base of their tail. Others say it is just an invitation to interact; a declaration of friendship.

Rolling - No, your cat doesn't think he's a dog, rolling is a very common behavior. Rolling spreads a scent, rolling in this scent is comforting. It can also represent submission or a cry for attention or your cat could just need a massage.

Poop in the Sink - Thought you were the only one, right? You're not! Many cats who are trained in their litter box decide to start doing their business in the sink or bathtub. This could be stress, instinct, cry for attention due to illness or he could just be trying to emulate his master. Most cats follow their humans to the bathroom; it only makes sense that some would try to be like them.

Eating Grass - Do you have a cat who cries to go outside just to eat a few blades of grass and then comes right back in? You may even notice that your cat nibbles at a few blades before choosing one to eat. Some experts suggest that there are some vitamins in grass that cats seek, others say it offers fiber to help move out hairballs. Of course, there is also the argument that they simply like the taste.

Immediate Cleaning - Do you get offended when your cat cleans himself right after you petted him? Well, do you think your dog gets offended when you wipe his big slobbery kiss away? Some cats simply don't like to have human scents on them; it doesn't mean that they don't appreciate the affection though.

Faucet Drinking - Even though you change the water in bowls several times a day, some cats simply enjoy drinking from the faucet. It's really not that the water is fresh; it's the sight and sound of dripping water that intrigues them. Some cats even go into a trance watching it drip.

All cats have their own peculiar things that they do. The only time you really need to be concerned is if an adult cat all of a sudden starts acting odd, this could be a sign of illness and that they need veterinary attention. For the most part, strange cat behavior is simply your feline's way of being unique.

Sonia Manning provides interesting information, helpful tips and useful resources about cats and their behaviors.

Visit her website at http://www.catbehaviorsolutions.com/ for more topics, and solutions for problem cat behaviors. You can also receive free an 8-day Email Mini-Course on "Secrets About Your Cat's Behavior: Why He Does the Things He Does!"


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Sphynx Cat's Health Assessment

It is very important that you regularly assess the health of the Sphynx so as to detect any potential injuries or illnesses as soon as possible. This is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner, but it can be difficult to know what you should be looking for when conducting these Sphynx cat's health assessments. The check list below outlines what to check when assessing Sphynx's health:

Sphynx Cat's Eyes

Examine the Sphynx cat's eyes for any signs of soreness, weeping or discharge. Healthy Sphynx eyes are clean, clear and bright.

Sphynx Cat's Ears

Sphynx cats have very large ears and these are prone to wax build-up and infection. It is very important that you regularly clean the wax from Sphynx cat's ears. If wax does build up, or there are any unpleasant odours coming from the ears, then you should take it to the vet immediately for a professional treatment. Failure to do so may lead to infection and deafness.

Sphynx Cat's Mouth and Teeth

Any problems with Sphynx cat's mouth and teeth are very serious as they can impact upon its ability to eat and digest its food. Check that the gums are pink or black and healthy looking, with no signs of abscesses or sores. The teeth should be white and straight without excess tartar build-up. Signs that your Sphynx may have a health problem inside its mouth include bad breath, salivating or frothing at the mouth, trying to scratch or rub the mouth region and being unable to hold or chew food properly. These are serious problems that should be treated immediately.

Sphynx Cat's Body

There are a few things to take note of when assessing the health of your Sphynx cat's body. Firstly, weight is very important as it is an indication of the overall health and condition of the pet. The weight is a gauge of whether you are potentially over or under feeding your Sphynx. It also is an indication of digestive illness. The Sphynx does have a naturally rounded stomach and an obvious waistline. The bone structure around the ribs should be visible and clear to the touch. If your Sphynx loses or gains an unusual amount of weight, without a corresponding change in diet, then it is probably a sign of illness that should be investigated further. The second thing to look for when assessing the health of the Sphynx cat's body is the condition of its skin and hair. The colour of the skin will vary depending on the natural pigments in your specific cat. These are generally pink, black or a combination of the two. Look for any scratches, sores or other signs of irritation, such as dryness or dandruff.

Sphynx Cat's Appetite, Thirst and Digestion

Changes to your Sphynx cat's appetite (for example, if they are not finishing all of a meal that they generally would finish) are a good indication that there is a health problem that should be investigated further. As with most other cats, Sphynx cats will sometimes eat grass and other plants and doing this will cause them to vomit. This, in itself, is nothing to worry about but if your Sphynx is vomiting or choking on its food more often, then you should investigate the reasons behind this further. It may require a change in diet or it could be the sign of a more serious digestive problem. You should also be monitoring your Sphynx's bowel movements. Look for any changes in the colour, texture or consistency in your cat's stools. If your cat is not using the litter tray on a regular basis, they may be constipated. Look for any signs of bloating or discomfort around the stomach and if this appears then you should take your cat to the vet as there may be serious problems with the digestive system. Similarly, if your cat has diarrhoea then this should also be treated. A Sphynx will generally only drink a small amount of water. The water consumption will vary depending on whether they are fed wet or dry cat food. However, if your Sphynx suddenly starts drinking more water then it may be an indication that it is dehydrated or trying to cure itself of another type of illness.


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There Are So Many Types Of Cats - Which Shall I Choose?

Cats have lived with man as long as he has been civilized and in ancient Egypt they were worshiped and treated as deities, mumified bodies of cats were found near the Great Pyramids. Just like dogs they are very sought after as pets and companions. Cats are very clean, they don't need to be taken for a walk when it rains or is cold outside and they can be very cuddly. Their lovely fur is usually very soft and a delight to stroke, especially with pedigree cats that have long hair.

Maybe you already have a feline friend or even a dog. Choosing a cat breed that is a compatible match and can fit into the dynamic of a home with cats and other pets can be challenging. You would want to see your cats happy and harmonious. Therefore you need to understand the nature of cats.

Each breed has different personality types and the purer the breed the more distinct these will be. Cats are very independent creatures, but there are certain breeds that are more like dogs, the cats are very affectionate and docile. They follow you around and just love to lie on your lap or even better in your bed under your blanket when you sleep.

On the other hand there are breeds that are still a bit on the wild side. Some are more aggressive and difficult to manage. Some get on great with other cats and others just want to fight all the time or ignore the other feline companions.

The other thing you might want to consider is the size of the grown up cat. The Maine Coon Cats, for example, grow to be quite big, in fact some of them become enormous. The smallest cat in existence is the Teacup Cat. It is really tiny and practically fits into a teacup, hence its name. It is not good to mix these breeds and certainly dangerous for the dwarf cat.

You can compare breeds through a veterinarian directory or surf the internet to provide you information about all breeds and how they interact with others. There are many books available that describe the different breeds and personalities. You could also ask your veterinarian, if he has knowledge of cat breed issues.

Cats make lovely pets and are not very demanding. Especially pedigree cats love human company but can just as well entertain themselves. Some are very talkative like the Siamese Cats for example and some are very quiet. Each cat breed is different, but the cats are all very intelligent.

Choose your new family member with care to enjoy a home of harmonious and happy pets.

Lizzy MacDowell is an expert in cat well being and can be found at:

http://catbreedplus.com/

Lizzy has spent many hours nursing cats back to health and countless days taking cats to and from veterinarians. She would not change the experience and love that a feline friend can give or share for anything in the world.


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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Pet Ownership 101: How to Potty Train Your Cat

You might have been told by a lot of people that cats are lovely pets that know their way around the surroundings, and some would even say they know how to use a toilet to relieve themselves. Of course, not everyone is blessed with such a smart and diligent pet, and you may have a furry feline that needs to be taught how to do so. Knowing how to potty train a cat can be learned in the simplest manner possible, despite them at times getting fed up of having to use their kitty litter boxes and your lack of wanting to deal with bags of cat litter. However, be warned that the entire process of getting to potty train your feline friend can take up to four months. Should you have enough patience to deal with this, you're good to go.

STEP 1: You can simply start off by placing the kitty litter box beside the commode bowl, and it won't take too long, perhaps a few days or so, until your pet cat has realized what that's for and becomes accustomed to the set up. You can even add a few pieces of paper or even a phone book right below the container to elevate it a few inches above ground. You can continue adding more levels of paper until the kitty box is basically the same height to the potty seat.

STEP 2: Once that's done, you can then move over the litter box to make sure that your pet cat is situated appropriately right over the commode seat, making it possible for them to adjust to the set up for a few days.

STEP 3: Of course, the next thing you'll have to contend with can be a major issue, especially if you hate dealing with dirt and waste- removing the kitty litter box.

However, if you want to ensure the best possible manner for doing so, you can just get in touch with several companies who dedicate themselves to teaching you how to potty train a cat, or even doing it for you. Many of them provide products of the highest quality and have excellent coaching systems that are being provided over the Internet. If you'd rather deal with it yourself in order to establish a good bond between pet and owner, then you can take advantage of several other hints to be found all over the World Wide Web, which tell you of reducing kitty litter every week and adapting your methods to fit your cat's needs.

Bernard Yao invites you to http://www.petsinfoplace.com/ dedicated to sharing useful information on raising happy and healthy home pets for the online community. Come on by for more great updates on pet care.


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What Makes a Cat a Tabby?

A tabby cat conjures up a lot of images from the alley cat to the ship's cat. It represents your run-of-the-mill average cat. Funnily enough, it does not have a breed of its own; it is spread across a wide range of breeds and has four, perhaps five, distinct types of markings that make it a tabby cat.

Patterns

The four patterns are:

Some cat experts also include a fifth pattern called patched, which is more a tortoiseshell color with patches of tabby.

The mackerel is the most common pattern of the tabby cats. Named after the mackerel fish because of the markings, a mackerel tabby cat is the most like the markings of a tiger. They have narrow stripes down their flanks and rings around their legs and tail. They have the familiar M marking on their forehead.

The classic tabby cat has swirls down its sides like a marble cake and bold stripes down their legs and tail. They are sometimes referred to as a blotchy cat.

The spotted tabby has spots all down its side: sometimes big ones, sometimes small ones. The American bobtail and ocicat are good examples of spotted tabbies.

The ticked pattern or agouti tabby has a tabby face but doesn't have stripes or spots on its body. It has different bands of color down each strand of hair.

Colors

Tabbys come in different colors. The agouti colors (ground colors) vary vastly in color.

Brown tabby - brown or gray ground color with black or dark brown stripesBlue tabby - gray or buff ground color with gray stripes, varying degrees of gray can be foundRed tabby - cream ground color with orange stripes, the orange may vary in colorsCream tabby - pale cream ground color with peach, sand or cream stripesSilver tabby - white ground color with black stripes; there is also blue silver, cream silver, or red silver

Personality

Tabby cats personalities are as wide and varied as are peoples. Generally happy-go-lucky and easy to be around, they are affectionate and intelligent and like lots of cuddles. They can also get angry if they don't get their way, but, because they are intelligent, they are good at getting what they want.

Tabby cats feature through all breeds. They range from Persians to Abyssinians, from the American shorthair to main coons. The CFA has the tabby listed in twenty-five breeds. So, even though we can find out what is a tabby cat, your run-of-the-mill cat isn't so specific after all.


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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

What Is the Biggest Cat in the World?

The Liger is the biggest cat in the world (wild), and the Maine Coon is the biggest domestic cat in the world. As of 2010, Hercules is officially the biggest recorded Liger. The Serval cat straddles the two worlds of domestic and wild, and with a lot of care it can be trained. The next step down in size is the F1 or F2 Savannah cat.

Liger

A liger is a hybrid that is a cross between a male lion and a female tiger with characteristics of both lions and tigers. They enjoy swimming as tigers do, and they are social like lions. It is thought that they may have hormonal issues that cause their huge size. They take longer to grow to full size, sometimes taking up to six years before they reach their full size. Males can grow to 800-900 pounds, while females are smaller at 700 pounds, and they are about 10 feet in length. Ligers live into their 20s. They have stripes like tigers and a tawny shaded background like lions.

The liger Hercules lives in a theme park in Miami. The Guinness Book of World Records documented him as the biggest cat in the world. Although he's not obese, he weighs in at an impressive 904 pounds. Ligers are wild animals; they are not household pets and have to be treated as such.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are one of the biggest cats in the world. They are domesticated so therefore, they are household pets. The male cat can weigh up to 25 pounds and the female up to 15 pounds. They range in height from 10 to 16 inches and grow to a length of 40 inches, including a tail of up to 14 inches. They may take up to four years to reach their full normal body weight. They have a rectangular body with a physical structure that supports their weight and height, so their overall appearance is proportional. In 2010, the Guinness Book Of World Records accepted the Maine Coon cat "Stewie" into their records as the "longest cat" with a length of 48.5 inches from the nose to tail. To the right is a picture of a Maine Coon shown up against a regular domestic tabby. Note the size discrepancy between the two.

Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is a hybrid that is a cross between a domestic cat and a Serval. A Serval is a medium-sized wild African cat. In 2010, the Guinness Book Of Records recorded "Scarlett's Magic" as the tallest cat in the world measuring 18.1 inches from the shoulder to toe. They are loyal like dogs and can play fetch and walk on a leash. They make wonderful domesticated pets.

While you probably would not want to spend a quiet night watching television with one of these cats on your knee, they certainly are fascinating cats, and it's intriguing to find out more about their origins and histories. If you would like more information about the biggest cat in the world, visit your local library to see what kind of reference material you can find or search the Internet.


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Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountains

The Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountain is one of the more trusted brands of cat drinking fountains on the market today. It is one of the brands that you should look into if you are a busy cat owner. Circulating water not only attracts cats, it offers a number of benefits that still water cannot provide. Unattractive plastic bowls that are easily contaminated by bacteria can be replaced with an eye appealing, healthy alternative. Stagnant, unappealing water is transformed into flowing, refreshing water offered in an eye-catching design that does not look out of place in your kitchen.

Why Cat Drinking Fountains

Keeping a cat from dehydrating can sometimes be a challenge. Dry food diet plans do not offer the extra moisture found in a wet food diet. If your feline does not consume enough drinking water, a dry food diet may lead to dehydration. These fountains appeal to your pet by providing refreshing, running water that will stimulate interest and encourage them to drink. As the water continually moves, it obtains oxygenation properties that are essential to the health of a pet. These properties assist in the process of nurturing deep tissues and distributing fresh blood into the body.

The Line of Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountains

Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountains are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. The Fung Shui fountain brings peace into the life of your cat as well as your home. This creative style instills a calming effect and has a 60 oz water capacity. It is available in the color black. The Big Max model has a 128 oz capacity and boasts a spacious drinking area to accommodate felines of all sizes. It is available in a ceramic design, which assists in preventing feline acne, or a stainless steel model that will help protect your cat from bacteria found in the scratches of plastic bowls. The Raindrop fountains, formed in the shape of a rain drop, offer a 60 oz capacity. This style compliments any kitchen and is offered in a ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel design. All fountains are operated by a 12v pump.

Benefits of Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountains

All Pioneer Fountains are dishwasher safe, easy to clean and maintain. Their generous water capacity reduces the number of refills and always ensures water is available when desired. The circulating water is continuously filtered by a replaceable charcoal filter. This ensures pure, clean and healthy water for your pet. Use of a fountain prevents kidney problems and assists in avoiding urinary tract infections through keeping animals hydrated. They are highly recommended by veterinarians. If you are looking for a great fountain for your feline, this is definitely one of the models you should consider first.

Sabina loves her cats and writes about them at Cat Drinking Fountains. Learn more about selecting a cat drinking fountain and the Pioneer Pet Cat Drinking Fountain.


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How to Get Rid of Cat Litter

If you have considered bringing a cat into the family, you hopefully have read up on the proper methods of cat care. Whether you live in a house or apartment, you likely will keep your cat indoors - yet, however you decide to care for your new feline friend, you'll know you need to get a litter box and stock up on plenty of litter for use. This means cleaning the box on a regular basis, or else foul odors could permeate your home and make things unpleasant.

Of course, removing the used litter from its box and replacing it with a fresh batch is simple enough, but what do you do with the mess once you are finished? Let's first take a look at the steps involved in replacing the cat litter, which you pet may use several times in the course of a day.

Pet owners may offer different opinions on how often one should scoop the mess from a litter box before replacing the contents entirely. This will depend on the number of cats you have, but for the sake of argument let's say you have one cat and one box. A good suggestion - if you want to keep the environment as fresh and clean as possible - would be to scoop waste once daily and change out the litter once a week. With more cats, of course, you will want to pay more attention, but your nose is likely to tell you when it's time to clean!

In looking for a good brand of litter, you may wish to consider an extra strength brand design to accommodate multi-cat households. You may find waste clumps more easily, allowing you to scoop without problems. Always use gloves when handling litter and waste because you will be dealing with urine and feces. Remove soiled litter to a trash bag, seal the bag, and dispose of in an outside can.

When it is time to replace the litter completely, make sure every last bit is removed from the box into a heavy duty trash bag, and wash the box with detergent and hot water. Do not add more litter until the box has completely dried.

Caring for a new cat requires a great sense of responsibility. You will be charged with making sure the litter box is fresh and changed regularly. Be mindful of when your cat uses it, and you will know when to change it.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on pet supplies and cat supplies.


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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Rare Colors for Persian Cats

Known for its sweet pansy face and long thick coat of hair the Persian cat is one of the most popular breed of cats out there. They stand upon short legs and have a well toned muscular body inside the fluffy coat. Persian cats have a dazzling set of big and bright eyes which makes cat lovers fall in love with this exotic breed.

While all Persian cats are considered special, it's inevitable that some particular breeds are more exclusive than others. The desirability of a Persian will usually depend upon the color of its coat, eyes or both. What follows is an overview of many of the most rare breeds of Persian cats:

The brilliant white is perhaps the most popular variety of this exotic cat. Solid colored Persians are greatly valued. The long white hair coupled with pink nose leather and paw pads afford the white Persian a regal appearance. Coupled with its deep blue or copper colored set of eyes the white Persian tops the solid color division list as the most exotic cat.

Copper eyes are also to be found on brown Persian. This specific breed parades a wonderfully dark tone that affords it an air of mystique. Unlike many other breeds brown Persians often have a complementary brown colored mouth. It is the red paws and nose leather that bring out a wonderful contrast between the bright and dark in this particular breed.

Other interesting varieties of Persian cats include those that do not have a single solid color but rather a blending of colors. One example of this is the Chinchilla cat that possesses a silver tinge on the end of its coat while the undercoat is a pure and solid white.

This unique color combination gives it the appearance of shining silver. To add to the uniqueness the Chinchilla silver has pure white ear tufts, chin, chest and stomach. The rims of its eyes, nose and lips are outlined in black. This exotic cat will be staring at you with a set of blue green eyes.

The shell cameo also known as the red chinchilla is another rare variety of the Persian. Its white undercoat is topped with red tipped hair on its back, head, flanks and tail. Even the face and legs have slightly tipped hair making it a truly brilliant cat that stands out from the rest.

The tortoise shell cat must definitely be included on any short list of exotic Persian cats. It gets its name from the mixture of red and black shading that forms its coat making it look slightly similar in pattern to a tortoise shell.

This division features Persian that have unique patterns on their coats and this is the reason why the tabby division cats are held in high esteem amongst cat lovers. Take the mackerel tabby pattern for example.

This cat features clearly defined dense markings and narrow pencil strokes. It has a pattern of bracelets on its legs going all the way up to the body. The front of its head features an M like shape on its forehead and two lines running parallel from its eyes all the way down the spine making it one of the top varieties of exotic Persian cats.

Andrew Paine is a Persian cat enthusiast and runs a website about Persian cat care Please follow the link for further advice on Exotic Persian cat breeding


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