Training your cat using a scratching post

Cats have their naturalness that can scare a new owner, as scratch table legs, sofas or any surface around the House. If you with to launch a kitten, is easier for you to start it with good habit patterns be.

Why cats scratch
An instinct to scratch, for various reasons have cats. The main reason is that it cleans her claws and keeps them on a healthy length. It gives them a way to exercise to strengthen, and stretching their muscles. It is also a way for the cat, his instincts to exercise marking his territory. Plus, to do something, that there is pleasure and can improve their attitudes and increase their happiness is obtained. And we all know that a cat healthy and happy is the best, to have around.

Early start training
Will to accessorizing your Kittens with cat collar that scratch your new Kitty with a corresponding area of your home spare from unsightly scratches and at the same time give your little darling of the freedom to do the scratching and they stretch must. Scratching is a natural push a cat to stress release, their claws from hardened clean cover and tone their muscles. You can also smell if scratch to mark their territories.

Maintaining the good habit
It is a good move for a cat owners like you select one or more cat-scratch posts found in cat supplies store. Because your cat usually around the House will roam, you can have posts in different rooms, where usually visited your cat, your cat scratches. The rule is 1 + 1. If you have a cat, can you a scratching post plus an additional shopping. Or you can provide more if you have a bigger house.

Choose the perfect post for your pet

Although the natural feeling of a tree stump will love a cat, the rustic appearance could complement the Interior of your home. There are different types of commercial Cat Scratch posts in memory, which gives cat bear. You can your beloved Kitty with a "free-hold flat type" scratching post, the scratchy surface offer not only, but also enter hide and make climbing place. One simple scratching post how to attach also a wooden pole to a stable base serve the same purpose apart from the fact that easy on the Pocket. Depending on the preference of your cat, you can posts with smooth or rough surface.

Get the latest cat collar and the best cat scratching post for your cats available on Petstore.com

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Top ten behavior cat myths and misconceptions

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MYTH #1 - My cat urinates outside of the litter box because they are mad at me. It happens most frequently when I go away, so I know for sure that it's done out of spite.

FALSE! While it is true that cats can develop behavioral problems involving inappropriate elimination, the most common causes of urination outside of the litter box are medical ones. Frequently subclinical medical problems flare-up during times of stress, and indeed they may become clinically evident for the very first time during a period of stress. Stress adversely affects the immune system and exacerbates underlying disease(s). Stress also heightens pain perception, and in so doing, can exacerbate out-of-the-box behavior caused by underlying medical issues which cause pain.

Cats who experience any sort of discomfort while eliminating, whether it occurs during urination or defecation, quickly learn to associate that discomfort with the litter box itself (a fairly logical conclusion!). For instance, cats who have bladder stones, urinary crystals, urinary infections, bladder inflammation, constipation, or diarrhea, will often start urinating and/or defecating outside of the box. By bringing your cat to your veterinarian and discussing the problem with them, you can discover what the most likely cause for your cat's behavior is. Some medical tests will likely need to be run in order to confirm or exclude certain medical issues as the underlying cause of the problem.

When medical diseases are not responsible for the problem at hand, the next most common culprit is that there is a sub-par litter box situation in the home. Click the link to read advice on giving your cat the best feline bathroom options possible - your kitty will thank you! And again, this is a subject that your veterinarian can help you with; sometimes the answer is as simple as adding one more litter box to your home!

MYTH #2 - My older cat caterwauls at night and makes a huge fuss because they're not getting attention once I've gone to bed.

FALSE! There are a couple of very common medical problems that cause caterwauling in older cats, particularly at night. It is not unusual to hear clients with geriatric cats complain of being woken up at 4 AM from their cat's incessant meowing.

This behavior is frequently noted in cats that suffer from hyperthyroidism, elevated blood pressure, blindness or decreased night vision, and also cats that are experiencing dementia as they age. All of these problems require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian, so if your cat is keeping you up at night with their caterwauling, you are likely not the only one suffering in this situation it is time for a trip to your veterinarian!

MYTH #3 - My cat vomits food and/or has diarrhea when they're stressed, particularly if there are visitors in my home. I don't take my cat to the vet when this happens since it seems to be just a stress behavior.

FALSE! Unless under extreme, acutely stressful situations that incite a response called a vasovagal reaction, cats do not normally vomit or have diarrhea solely due to stress.

Again, stress can exacerbate underlying diseases, particularly disorders that are immune related such as inflammatory bowel disease, a common condition seen in domestic kitties. If your cat is vomiting, regurgitating, or experiencing diarrhea or constipation periodically, particularly when stressed, it is quite likely that there is a medical issue present, one that has been subclinical for a period of time.

MYTH #4 - Cats aren't trainable!

FALSE! Contrary to popular belief, cats are quite trainable, and similarly to dogs, they benefit greatly from the mental stimulation provided by learning to do tricks. Use positive reinforcement when cats naturally display the desired behaviors, and for food motivated kitties include reward with treats and include them as part of their daily caloric intake.

Clicker training is an excellent method of training to achieve reliable results. Karen Pryor's clicker training website is a good place to start (although please do not clicker train your cat to use the toilet: it's not a good idea to deny your cat the ability to express their natural behaviours). Think how impressed your friends will be when they visit and see that your cat knows how to sit and shake paw!

MYTH #5 - My older kitty has started getting aggressive when I brush their hind end so I'm pretty sure my cat is getting cranky and mean from aging.

FALSE! Many cats become aggressive when a particular body part is patted or brushed if they are experiencing discomfort from it. The lower back and hips are common areas in which this phenomenon is seen because as cats age and many develop lumbosacral and hip arthritis a cranky reaction to grooming an older cat's derriere may signify that it is time for an orthopedic assessment at the veterinary clinic!

MYTH #6 - My cat has licked their abdomen bald because they have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

FALSE! While it is true that excessive grooming behavior can be a compulsive disorder in certain kitties, the abdomen is a less common body area than some others for behavioral over-grooming, and it is much more frequently a sign of abdominal discomfort or pain. This abdominal pattern of baldness can also be the result of an underlying dermatological issue.

When the bald area is between your cat's hind legs in the pelvic area, it very commonly signifies bladder and urinary pain such as seen with idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, urinary crystals, and urinary tract infections. Occasionally pelvic over-grooming is also associated with hyperthyroidism in affected cats. When the bald area is more generalized to the abdomen or is higher up than, and does not include, the pelvis it generally signifies gastric or intestinal discomfort such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasitism, eosinophilic enteritis, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A kitty who over-grooms their underside should always be examined by a veterinarian so that medical problems can be ruled out prior to concluding that the issue is behavioral.

MYTH #7 - My older cat is defecating outside of the litter box, even though I added another one upstairs. They're likely doing this because of stubbornness, laziness, or senility.

FALSE! There are a variety of common medical problems that can result in inappropriate defecation, particularly in older cats. While it is always appropriate to have a litter box on each floor, especially for old and arthritic cats, there are still many other medical and circumstantial reasons for why cats will do this, so you cannot conclude that they are just being naughty and/or senile cats!

Any type of discomfort experienced while in the litter box will result in an aversion to using it, so urinary issues, diarrhea, and constipation can all cause this behavior. Additionally, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, high blood pressure, and many other diseases can cause inappropriate elimination. While it is possible for senility to play a role here as well, other medical problems must be ruled out first. This means discussing the issue with your veterinarian and having your elderly cat fully examined and tested for common health conditions.

MYTH #8 - Placing a bell on the collar of my outdoor cat will prevent them from being able to hunt and kill prey.

FALSE! Cats can easily learn to stalk without jingling their collar bells, so this does not necessarily prevent them from successful hunting ventures. The only foolproof solution is to keep your cat indoors or to use a safe outdoor solution such as leash walking your kitty or setting up a cat enclosure in which your cat can enjoy the outdoors.

MYTH #9 - I have more than one cat in my household. My cats have always shared food and water dishes without any problems, so it must be fine.

FALSE! While you may not witness any signs of competition between your cats, it's always best for each cat in every household to have at least one water and one food dish of their own. This prevents guarding of the dishes by dominant cats, and that in general your cats will be less likely to overeat or to eat too quickly in an effort to out-compete each other and finish their meal before another cat comes over and eats it.

Cats should not be fed side by side, but rather on opposite sides of the room, to avoid this type of stress. Even though you may not be aware that one or more of your cats' experiences anxiety about the situation, does not mean that they are not distressed at meal times.

MYTH #10 - My cat lets me know when they're hungry, so I don't have a regular feeding schedule for my cat, and this is okay.

FALSE! While many cats will alert their owners to their hunger, and can even serve as militant alarm clocks in some cases(!), cats are creatures of habit, and they much prefer having reliable feeding times.

Having a haphazard feeding schedule can be a significant source of stress for a cat that negatively impacts their quality of life, irrespective of whether or not they are actually able to communicate their stress to you.

To read more of Dr. Ko's articles, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/

The information provided in this article is for educational reference purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice and care of your veterinarian, nor medical diagnoses or treatments. All questions regarding your cat's health should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Dr. Ko is a passionate believer in the importance of preventative medicine and educating cat owners about its benefits for their cats. It was this ideal which was the motivation for the creation of the Dr. Ko website.

catdoctorko.com is a brand new site dedicated to providing cat owners with information to help them provide effective and preventative health care for their cats. Within the site, Dr. Ko, a licensed veterinarian, has created Know-How Videos, Cat Health Articles, Ask Dr. Ko tips (in which she answers your cat health questions), information on toxic substances, product recalls, dangerous household items and much more! In addition, the website houses a store filled with products specifically selected for their benefits to optimizing your cat's quality of life!

All of the topics that Dr. Ko writes about are provided by members of her website. To suggest an article topic for Dr. Ko, please visit http://www.catdoctorko.com/ and set up a membership - it's fast and free!

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How to select the perfect scratching post for your favorite Kitty

Today discount cat supplies with which to find many online pet shops, all over the Internet are easier. This is as good as most people love their cats so much that they are willing to buy anything for them regardless of the price, at least to an extent. A good example of equipment, by many to be very convenient to have, said apart from the popular cat collars, Cat-Scratch is post. And find that one is not a problem is the process of choosing the perfect post tiring. Fortunately, there are simple ways, you can literally go and get from the store in record time.

The first step, to choose an ideal Cat-Scratch post is to look at the body of your pet. The post should be large enough to accommodate the animal, especially if it is stretching. If the scratching post falls only on the cat claws, when it is extended to its full length and height, the feline looking for another place to maintain their nails. Posts vertical instead of buying, should invest more in horizontal. This can more and more to scratch comfort for your cat.

An other thing to consider is the material used to make the post. If possible, you should take your pet with you in the store, so that you know what it likes of objects. If this is not the case, then you should buy you set to choose from different materials, are created to leave at home. Scratch posts can be made from wood, rope and carton. If you don't know what your pet, should remember to choose the animal for the purchase of two or more types of equipment thus. You can take over a keyword from your cat of earlier measures.

Consider the construction of the Cat-Scratch post check-out. Apart from its high, consider its weight and volume. Should be carried out easily from one room to the next, but also so heavy that it will not easily fall. There are, which are so constructed that the base is thicker than the above, there is a pyramid-style form.

Do not forget that wear and tear, contributions are vulnerable, so that it is essential that you immediately after spotting damage new to buy. Don't worry, contributions are inexpensive and will be easy on your budget.

Get the latest cat collar and the best cat scratching post for your cats available on Petstore.com

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Frontline for cats - an effective fled treatment for cats

The cat flea may be an insignificant insect, the vast majority of us, but to the any cat owners out there can be a real thorn in the side. It takes not much for cats to a fled infestation contract. A cat must only go outside, perhaps are located on the ground or brush around with other cats and before you know it, it is infected.

The fled cycle is really very smart. Indeed, fleas develop within the grasses and underbrush outdoor. When an unsuspecting cat comes hop they simply on board. Here, they like to feed on the blood of host and produce eggs. When the cat comes out, the eggs on the ground, where they breed in lice, shed and then finally in fleas are and the whole process begins again.

If your cat has any sign of fleas they need immediately, not only in favor of your cat, but also to stop the infestation spread to other cats to be addressed. It is easy to check your cat for fleas. Simply check during its fur along the back and neck and in particular whether its bottom; a particularly popular place for fleas to hang. If little black creatures stand in or of their fur, has your cat, I fear, quickly scurry along the skin, fleas.

Fortunately there really effective treatments on the market some, you address this problem with that. I would go for all the fled powder, but what I would recommend a treatment is "spot on" such as frontline. Frontline for cats, actively all infestation will kill, which can have your cat 24 hours. Not only that, but it will also protect you against any future escaped attack, your cat have a full five weeks.

Of frontline is really easy. Nothing requires internally taken; It's an external treatment, so it's super safe. It comes in a small box contains a number of pipettes. You can use it in quantities of 6 or will buy these usually considerably cheaper per pipette then 3 pipettes with 6-pipette-Pack. The pipettes itself are slide that includes the liquid treatment of blister packs, similar to the marked by a traditional pipette.

Manage you just above on the pipette clipped with scissors, part of a small area of the fur anywhere along the back and neck region your cat and squeeze all content directly on the skin. You must be careful not to get, or are at least as little as possible, on the coat as it will not dissipate and effectively wasted. This can be a little tricky if your cat is to winds, but if you keep it well, you should OK be.

Once done, who should all attack 24 hours. One thing, the truly remarkable is about frontline, that is is to work for a 5 weeks kill fleas on your cat within a short time to land that.

At the forefront to play highly recommended by veterinarians not only, but by a variety of cat owners!

Alice is a regular blog writer and webmaster. It has two cats in their London home, which tend to get pretty fleas often. Their preferred fled treatment is for cats because of its unrivalled effectiveness at the forefront.

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Characteristics of dogs or cats

Traditionally, pet owners are often even classify as a "dog people" or "Cat People".

Dogs and cats are the two most common types of domestic pets and they are very different to what they bring your life and provide the care they need. Dog and cat people can get very defensive and be constantly argue that their pet is the best companion and better animal. The truth of the matter is that it makes little sense even discussed whether dogs are superior pets cats, or vice versa. All we can do is the General characteristics of each animal discuss and then think you about a specific person most is compatible with.

Characteristics of the dogs

It is undeniable that dogs hold a special place in the history of mankind. They are probably the first of the pets and dogs and people helped each other in the modern world to develop. This has promoted a very strong bond which continues to strongly emerge.

Cave paintings from the earliest days of human civilization show that dogs were a part of the community at this time. From these early days, people realized that dogs of the help could be, by guarding camp, guarding the herds and help to hunt. At the same time were the dogs to learn that if they stayed close to the people would get the benefits of shelter and food. This mutually beneficial relationship was the beginning of the strong connection between people and dogs.

Since those early days, it extends practical use, we have found for dogs. Now help us in many ways including transport (pulling the sled), mountain rescue, to listen to drug control and part protection and support of the vision or impaired people. Despite this practical purposes is the most common reason that have a dog people simply for companionship.

Dogs love the company of people usually and are always around to people you want to be. This can feel the great comfort for people who are isolated or alone in the world. Dogs are also very playful and energetic. You love to play fetch are trained how can and be taken on walks. This can be great exercise and a great way to get people in the open air. People can develop very strong bonds with their dogs because dogs are so dependent on and loyal to their owners. This gives us a sense of calm, which is sometimes hard to get in the modern world.

Characteristics of cats

Cat owners are generally describe your pet as independent, dignified, intelligent and resourceful as a dog. Cats seem to not be dependent on humans for affection and attention. The relationship with a cat is more on their terms - if they do not feel like Caresses or knocked down at a certain time, then it will not happen will!

Cats were especially venerated in ancient Egyptian society, where she worshipped and buried in elaborate tombs. Sphynx in Egypt is an example of the love and respect, which had this company for cats.

The main way that cats have benefits human society refers to their hunting skills. Cats are natural enemies, and they were used to control rats, mice, and bird populations in favour of human life. Cats are very intelligent and learn how to use known human devices such as doors and toilets.

Are the main features to keep a cat as a pet, they are usually much lighter, being a dog. They don't really need much space, they are very clean and they are much less destructive than a dog. You don't need exercise and peaceful and quiet camaraderie will provide. They have strong personalities and the respect of everyone around them.

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Body language and your cat

Your knowledge, has that cats talking to her body, as also their votes? You've probably noticed how a cat arc is back, swish its tail or turn around. Most of us think nothing of these small movements, but just about everything, what does a cat with his body some means. A cat is expressed with body language.

1. Spread to the back: If two cats on the back are arched, they rely on a real battle. The ears can be activated again, and the hair at the back Straight-Up.

2. Noise of the tail: the entire tail is very gently move to one side to the other. This tail movement means that your pet alert and its surroundings, perhaps another animal in the vicinity of, perhaps a dog is curious.

(3) If your cat is rolling over: this is a good thing. He or she feels comfortable and relaxed. He probably tried to get your attention for sympathy. Your cat is you say that he likes you.

4. Whiskers: Cat whisker and its position you very much. If a cat is excited, tense and ready to act, whiskers pointed forward and fanned. A cat calm or comfortable showing his beard to the outside and are less spread apart. This can mean a friendly disposition or indifference. A cat that hunting is prey is thrust forward their whiskers. A cat shy, timid or reserved bunch for life the whiskers together and reduce them out on the side of the face. Whiskers flat against the face, mean that the cat is frightened.

5. Rubbing against your legs: If your cat does so, he will leave his body smell on you, it is a sign of affection.

6. A fast moving tail: a tail, which very quickly and aggressively, moved side to side means your cat is upset and angry. The hair on his tail is in the end, so that a bushy appearance. Your cat will most likely make an aggressive attitude. If your cat does this, it is advisable to keep your dogs and children by him.

7. Listening: Your cat will relax his ears forward and out of something, if he is listening. Perhaps a dog in the vicinity of aware.

8. A cat staring: If a cat look, it is usually before and during a feline fight. Or more pet or even a human being is prior to the attack.

Now that you've learned a bit about body language and your cat, see your pet and see if you notice any of the languages of body above.

A little tip, if you are not a lover of cats and you sitting in a room with a group of friends, look not of the the cat, look at him, as if you love him. Why? If people see cats, cats feel threatened. The person who sees it, is that the they not feel of threatened.

So, guess who they drive you towards? I bet you not cat lover's wish out there, this little bit knew you long time ago.

Cats can be very interesting, however, complicated a pet. They can be enduring, or the largest snobs. But no matter what we love our pets, and nothing they would do. I know some people who some pretty crazy to have body language.

petsareagift.com Joanne Curtis / author

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Choosing the right cat collar

Cat collar. Should be a pretty easy choice, but once you start researching options it can be quite confusing. Stretch security, Renegades,-what they all mean? Let us start with the basics: vs dog cat collar. Many people think that small dog collars can be used for your cat. Some retailers advertise small dog collars as suitable for cats. This is not true, and they can not secure for your friends. Dogs collars are used with linen, which means that they are to remain to the dogs of neck. If a cat wearing a dog collar on a fence caught collar is not free, and they can strangle if they are found in time.

Rule number one: Put a dog collar not on your cat.

All cat collars are your cat of neck if they get caught. Apostate collar have a specially designed lock that releases when caught. Examples are Harley Davidson breakaway or UpCountry cat collar. Other collar have buckle closures, what one elastic Panel or elastic rubber band sewn into the collar. If a cat caught extended collar and the Cat Head slips. Examples include Puddy tat leather star-shaped safety collars or buddy cat velvet Strass. Finally some collar so completely made of elastic material, and they will push the cat head if they get caught. These can be a wide range of closures such as Velcro (BeastieBands) (buddy cat full stretch) buckles or clasps (buddy cat reflective stripes) have plastic.

Rule number two: all collar for a cat certainly is designed. Find a design that is comfortable, pleasant for you and your cat.

So the good news is your pet is now equipped with secure collar. The bad news is that these security features means that he/she will often lose his collar. This is impossible to avoid, but personal ID tags will help your cat to them return should he or she strays and increase the chances of a friendly neighbour again collar and it.

Rule number 3: a personalized tag such as red Dingo tags contain. Finally, you can say to yourself: I have an indoor cat that has a micro-chip. Why is a collar and tag at all necessary? Truth is, indoor cats lost a better chance if they escape, because they are not familiar with outside of your home. Microchips are great, but only work when a lost pet is brought to a protection or veterinarian.

Rule number 4: Cats with microchips and even indoor cats need collar and tags.

Choose the perfect cat collar, if you remember:
1: Make a dog collar on a cat.
2: All collar for a cat certainly is designed for a cat.
3: Include-a personalized tag
4: Need even indoor cats with microchips, collar and tags.

Visit http://www.coolcatgear.com/ for a wide variety of collars, tags, and much, much more.

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