Living In Style With Indoor Cats

by: Derrick Anderson

Pets are wonderful companions. The loyalty and constant acceptance from our pets is priceless. Many pet owners make sacrifices so they can have their furry friends in the house. Pet hair on the floor and furniture, litter boxes, and messes in the feeding areas are just a few drawbacks of having cats in your home. Fortunately, there are some steps to living in style with indoor cats.

Create a Space for the Cat

If you have the space in your home or apartment, it's a good idea to create a space for your cat that can be considered his or hers. Place the litter box, food, water, and bed all in this space if there is room. You don't want the litter box too close to the food and water. Your friend won't enjoy this and may refuse to eat or use the litter box. You can put some toys or scratching posts in this area, as well.

Set Rules in Other Areas

Now that your cat has it's own space where it can do what it wants when it wants you'll want to set some rules for the rest of the house. This can be a long process with cats, especially if your pet has been living with you without rules for some time. The key here is consistency. If the counters, tables, or certain furniture are going to be off limits now you will need to reinforce this rule every time your friends decides to venture on to these areas. Simply placing the cat back on the floor should be enough if you are consistent. Some pet stores carry products to help in this training. Motion-activated sprays and other items are of great help while you are at work or away from home if you don't want to use an indoor cat cage.

Place Litter Box Out of Sight

This can benefit you and your cat. Cats like privacy when using their litter box. If you have company often, this will promote healthy behavior in your feline friend. Sometimes just using a litter box with a cover can improve an area. Other options include placing the box under tables, shelves, or cabinets. Table cloths or drapes can be used to help conceal the litter area. Be certain, if you move the litter box, that your indoor cat knows where it has been moved to. This will help avoid accidents during this process.

About The Author

The author recommends iHomeDecorations for home decorations at http://ihomedecorations.net/

Dania

http://www.silvestorkittyblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com/

Martin Marks

Domestic Cats and Feral Cats – The History of Cats

Pets Articles | May 24, 2008

The first appearance of the domesticated cat according to original reports goes back as far as 8,000 years ago. According to findings, during that era, bones of mice, humans and cats were buried mutually on the isle of Cyprus. Apparently, people then brought together with them the mice, which were unwanted, and the cats to Cyprus.

Domestication Of Cats:

Agriculture was not only the main occupation of the Egyptians, but also of the southwestern Asian primitives and folks of Africa, where cats appeared afterwards. Since harvesting crops was possible only once or twice every year, it became difficult to store the food-eating grains. The entry of mice, rats and other pests only added to the difficulty.

Soon people observed that the cat population ate the rodents that destroy the food grains.
People invited cats into their daily lives very courteously after observing cats hunting rodents. Farmers used fish-heads, milk and bread and additional food scraps to attract and sway cats to hover around their homes. As a result, cats merely discovered an environmental place for themselves, a stable source of love, affection and food from human beings.

People remember cats for their illustrious position in history. Cats and Egyptians shared a unique relationship. Egyptians possessed different varieties of animals like pigs, sheep, cattle, fowls and monkeys in ancient times. Cats, however unreservedly roamed the area according to its will.

Protection of Cats:

Egypt established laws to protect and safeguard cats, since people had a very high regard about them. A sacred order of cat reverence developed due to its high status that lasted for about 2,000 years. People in Egypt used to revere Bastet the cat goddess. Bastet had the head of a cat and the body of a female. Bastet was related with motherliness, elegance, beauty and fertility. In olden Egypt, people used to call a cat as a “Mau” resembling “meow” a common cat word.

There was a severe punishment for people who harmed or killed cats during the sovereignty of the Pharaohs. If a house was ablaze, it was imperative for the humans to think first about the cats. If the death of a cat was due to natural factors, then it was mandatory for the entire family to go into detailed mourning with beating of chests and recitation of slogans as an indication of pain.

It was necessary to wrap the cat's body in linen, and inspection was compulsory to ascertain that the cat's death was natural. Tombs of cats also had mouse mummies to ensure enough food for their next journey. Soon cats sailed to countries like India, Japan, China, Italy and Greece.

Other Historical Facts:

People used to torture and sacrifice cats in sacred rituals during the medieval ages. People regarded and scorned cats as Satan's members. Individuals considered black cats as a bad omen.

Due to the persecution of cats the number of rodents increased, plague arose and devastated life. It was then that cats received appreciation and they once again gained popularity by the eighteenth century. 

Cats became extremely popular in the nineteenth century and cat exhibitions of various pedigrees began towards the ending of nineteenth century.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Go to Cat and Kitten Zone to get your free ebook on Cats and Kittens. Cat and Kitten Zone also has a Cat and Kitten Forum, Cat Breeder Information, and a Cat and Kitten Blog with daily news on Cats. Go to www.catandkittenzone.com to visit the site.

Domestic Cats and Feral Cats have been around a while. Learn about the History of Feral Cats, or Wild Cats, and when Domestic Cats came to be.


Dania
http://www.silvestorkittyblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com/
http://www.ezhomemadedoggietreatz.com/

Human Foods That are Toxic To Cats

 

Human Foods That are Toxic To Cats

Pets Articles | June 7, 2010

Many human foods are harmful to cats.  That is why it is not wise to give your cats food from the table.  To keep your cat safe do not give people food as a treat.  Buy treats made just for cats.  Did you know onions and raw potatoes can be harmful to cats.  Learn what other food your cat should never eat.

We all use to be guilty of it. Admit it. We have given our cat table scraps from our plate. You love your cat. Showing that you love him/her is usually by giving into what they want.
When your cat is begging for a piece of turkey or any other goodie on your plate you do what all animal lovers do you give in and let your cat have what they want.

The only problem with doing that is you may be giving your cat food that could be harmful to cats.
First, it is best to train your cat not to be at the table when you or anyone else is eating. It is just good manners. You do not want to have company and have your cat begging at the table.

The main reason for not feeding your cat table scraps is much more important, and here is why.
For example: you are having a turkey dinner. Is their gravy on your turkey and do you feed a piece of that turkey to your cat.

You could be harming your cat.

Many types of gravy have onion-flavored broth and onions like garlic and other root vegetables are among the list of foods that cats should never eat.

Potatoes that are raw as well as green tomatoes also can be harmful to your cat. So when peeling potatoes if any fall on the floor make sure your cat does not get a hold of it.

Tomatoes that are green are harmful especially the stems and leaves. They contain toxins that are dangerous for cats. Unlike ripe tomatoes, those have no danger to your cat.

Chocolate

I think by now we know that chocolate is just plain bad for animals. It is deadly for dogs and cats. Keep it away from all pets.

Milk

We have all seen movies and read books where people put out a saucer of milk for cats. That is wrong and should not be done.

I am not saying that milk is toxic or dangerous to cats. It just does not have a purpose for cats that
have a healthy diet.

It can have side effects for them that are extremely uncomfortable.

In addition, many cats are lactose-intolerant and milk can make them have diarrhea and an upset stomach.

There are products on the market designed for cats that are better for them then milk. One such product is called Catsip. It is available in many supermarkets and has better nutritional value for your cat. Therefore, if you have a cat that just loves milk try this instead.

Last two foods that may cause harm to your cat are grapes and raisins.

They seem to have an adverse effect on many cats, so the ASPCA has recommended that you keep these two foods away from your cat.

Therefore, when your cat comes begging give him/her a treat that was made for cats. There is any number of healthy treats available now that you can safely give that will make your cat happy and you will not have to worry about toxic side effects.

Remember our pets think we know what we are doing and depend on us to keep them safe. That is the least we can do since we are so fortunate to have these wonderful animals in our life.
http://www.allthingspets.info/

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Find out what else may be harmful to your cat.  Learn how you can use natural home remdies for your cat.  Get free recipes and hundreds of natural remedies.
http://www.allthingspets.info/



Dania

How To Take Care of Your New Kitten

The first step toward having a good pet cat is choosing a healthy kitten. Visit a litter of kittens about two weeks before they are ready to leave their mother. They will be six weeks old. Ask permission to pick up the kittens and be very gentle when to do so. Make sure that a kitten has clear, bright eyes and a shiny, full coat. Check the skin under the fur for any problems such as sores, rashes or bald spots. You want to choose a kitten that has healthy skin.

Next, make sure that the kitten is neither too thin nor too fat. A kitten that is either all skin and bones or has a bloated belly is likely to have an infection. Do not select such a kitten. Also check the kitten's nose and ears for any sign of discharge or infection.

While you are checking for signs of physical health, take note of the kitten's temperament. Carry the kitten to another part of the room and watch how it behaves. Is it nervous or scared? Does it respond to gentle petting by growing calmer? You want a kitten that adjusts quickly to you. This is a sign it has been handled by the owners of the litter, which is important in preparing the kitten for living with people.

It is extremely important to start out with a friendly cat. A scratching, hissing or terribly frightened kitten will grow up to be a difficult cat at best. At worst, the kitten will never become a friendly, loving pet.

After you have chosen a kitten that you like, make arrangements to pick it up when it is ready to leave its mother (when it is about eight weeks old). A day or two after you get your new kitten, take it to a veterinarian (an animal doctor). The vet will give it the first in a series of shots to protect it against common cat diseases. Tell the vet if you intend to let the cat outdoors. If you do intend to let it out, the kitten may need a shot to protect it against rabies.

The vet will also examine the kitten for signs of disease. Bring along sample of the kitten's dropping so that the doctor can check for worms.

If the vet gives you medicine for the kitten, make sure that you or one of your parents understands how to give medicine. Ask the vet or the vet's assistant to show the proper method. Give the medicine to the kitten exactly as directed by the vet. Twice a day is not good enough if the kitten is supposed to get medicine three times a day.

Young kittens like to eat every few hours, about four times a day. At each meal, serve a saucer of fresh milk alongside a small dish of dry cat food. For one or two of the meals, mix in canned food (meat or fish). If the kitten gets diarrhea, switch to powdered milk. If the diarrhea continues, reduce the amount of milk and the number of meals at which it is served.

Kittens love occasional treats, such as fresh liver, kidney or cottage cheese. But dry cat food is the best thing for a steady diet. Keep treats to once or twice a week.

As the kitten grows older, you can gradually reduce the number of meals. At six months, two meals each day are adequate. At one year, one meal a day is all that is needed. If your cat pesters you for a second meal, give a little more than half of the one-meal portion twice a day. The size of portions is usually recommended on the cat food box.

For your new kitten, and later your adult cat, keep a bowl filled with fresh water all times.
Although your kitten will decide for itself where it will sleep, it might enjoy a soft, snug spot you prepare for it. A fluffy, clean hand towel folded and placed in a shoe box that sits on its side, could make an attractive bed for your kitten. But the kitten may just decide to perch itself on a chair instead.

You will have to help your kitten get used to using a litter box to go to the bathroom. Getting your cat used to a litter box is usually easy, because cats are naturally clean and like to bury their droppings. A litter box is nothing more than a shallow rectangular container. The easiest kind to use is made of soft plastic. Into this you pour cat litter, which is sold in stores. Cover the bottom of the litter box with about two inches of cat litter.


Take your kitten to its litter box as soon you bring it home. Sometimes that first visit is all is needed. But until you are sure that the kitten understands, take it there after each feeding.
Sometimes cats will not use a litter box if something about the particular brand of litter is not to their liking. Occasionally they will avoid the box if its location is not private enough. Try to solve these problems if the kitten does not use the litter box from the start.

About the only unpleasant task involved in owning a cat is cleaning the litter box every two or three days. If you do not clean it, the box will begin to smell.

Empty all the used litter into a paper or plastic bag and take it outside to the garbage. Then wash the litter box with soap and water. Put the newly filled box back in the same place, so that you do not upset your cat's routine.

If you plan on allowing your cat to go to outside, you may decide to let it go to bathroom outdoors. In this case, do not provide a litter box. Instead, take your new kitten outdoors to a spot where there is a patch of dirt in which it can dig and burry. After a few days, the kitten will wait by the door to be let out. Some people even install little cat doors so that their pets can come and go as they please.

An outdoor cat should wear a collar with an identification tag on it. The tag should give that cat's name as well as your name and address.

Now that you know how to make your kitten feel welcome in its new home, it is time for you and your kitten to get to know one another.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com/.



Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com

Are You Getting a Second Cat?

Cat /Behavior Problems
Cat  Training
Ragdoll Cats Secrets



Getting a Second Cat

Cats are very territorial and often introducing another cat into the household can cause problems.

It is always a lot easier, if you prefer to have two cats, to get them both at the same time as they're likely to get on a lot better if they are introduced to the house at the same time rather than one having the run of the house first and then having to share it with another later.

After the initial few fights that the young cats might have, they should tend to get along well with each other and enjoy each other's company in play and relaxation.

When a kitten is introduced to the house of an older cat you need to make a determined effort not to neglect the older cat.

Why? 

Well, the older cat becomes jealous and will start fighting with the new member of the family.  This is very easy to forget when you've got a new kitten as because normally people love playing with kittens more than with older cats.

Other problems arise from this situation  In other words, cat behavior problems where a house trained cat might decide to start urinating in the house where it wouldn't have done so in the past, or it might go off its food and stop eating and get sick.

By considering the feelings of the older cat, not neglecting it, giving it sufficient time and letting it know that it is still special, there is more chance that the new kitten will be accepted better by the established cat.

It is made more difficult when the cats are in confined living conditions, and where possible, if there is conflict try to keep the cats apart for a while until they become used to one another.

You can put their litter boxes in different areas of the house, and also keep the food dishes apart.

Any time that one shows aggression to the other, calmly step in between and stop it going any further.

Cat Naps and Sleeping Habits

Cats are famous for their sleeping habits.   In fact, cats are one of the most laid back pets on earth and they are also one of the most relaxed animals with their ability to sleep almost anywhere at anytime of the day or night.

They will rarely sleep deeply for more than about 10 minutes at a time.  But
cats sleep over two thirds of their life.

They have the ability to sleep for a short period, commonly called a cat nap, and then awaken in an instant totally refreshed and alert.

Even if a cat is in a deep sleep, its basic senses are still highly alert to any danger that might be around them.  This allows it to wake in an instant if necessary and get out of a dangerous situation

A domesticated cat that feels protected and relaxed in its surroundings will not be so “on edge” because they have the comfort of  a cozy home all the time and will be able to sleep in a more relaxed manner.

In these situations the cat can often be a little sleepy when it awakes and even disorientated for short while.

Older cats and particularly those who have lived in the one house all their life, suffer this disorientation more often.

Once they see a familiar environment or people they are less likely to feel spooked, as this anxiety can sometimes cause them to bite or claw someone before realizing where they are.

When the cat is in a deep sleep its feet, tail and whiskers can twitch irregularly as they are in a state of REM (rapid eye movement)

If the cat is lying in a hot sunny position it can go into a deep sleep and take a little longer for it to become alert after awakening.

Usually, after awakening the cat will stretch and yawn then sit for awhile and contemplate their surroundings.  Then he will lazily move about again.

Unless there is a very good reason, the cat will never feel rushed.

Dania
http://www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com/

Slee