Wool Sucking In Cats

by: Anita Hampton

As cat owners know, cats will do some of the craziest things. Most are harmless, however, often cats will display abnormal, destructive behaviors. One such behavior, categorized as an inappropriate consumptive behavior is wool sucking. As it implies, a cat displaying this behavior will suck or chew on wool. The owner of such a cat might also find that the cat sucks or chews on the armpits of their sweaters, unfortunately when they are wearing the sweater!

Needless to say, this can become a very bothersome (and embarrassing!) habit. Wool sucking cats seem to prefer a woven material such as a sweater instead of raw wool. In some cats, the sucking begins with wool, but then progresses to other available materials such as cotton or even plastic. The behavior most often begins at puberty and, if left untreated, can lead to serious digestive illness and destruction of household items.

Why Do Cats Wool Suck?

The majority of cats that display this behavior are Siamese and this fact gives a strong indication that it can be inherited. It is not, however, related to any nutritional deficiencies, external stresses or to the sex or reproductive stage of the animal. One hypothesis is that this may be a behavior that is "left over" from the prolonged six-month suckling period that is common in feral (stray or wild) cats. Since domestic kittens are usually weaned at six weeks, this may result in suckling deprivation that is expressed by the sucking of man-made objects such as wool. Unfortunately, this idea has not been tested experimentally. It has also been thought that cats may wool suck because the odor of lanolin in wool is similar to the odor of the fur around the nipples of the kitten's mother.

What to do With a Wool Sucking Cat

The treatments available to the owner of a wool sucking cat include behavior modification, drug therapy, and, in extreme cases, euthanasia.


Obviously, every attempt to control this behavior should be made in order to avoid having to put the animal down. This takes patience and perseverance on the part of you the cat owner.

 Behavior Modification

The following are a few steps that you could take to help control a cat's wool sucking behavior: The first step is to remove any objects that the cat may suck or chew on. This may mean confining the cat to one room of the house. In order to encourage the cat's natural meat eating instinct, a supply of rawhide or bones could be made available to the cat (no chicken bones!).

The next step in involves the use of some punishment: One method is to thump the cat on the nose and say, "No" when it begins to suck.

(Editors Note: The above statement is exclusively the viewpoint of the article writer and not of the staff of this blog. We do not condone nor endorse any form of physical punishment or aggressive behavior towards any animal.)

Another is to spy on the cat and use the trusty water pistol any time a cat is found sucking. In order for this kind of discipline to work, the punishment must be delivered immediately after every incorrect behavior occurs. For this reason, punishment often does not work because you cannot always punish the cat the moment it begins to suck and every time it sucks. The cat will take advantage of this and often turns the situation into a game. It will begin to sneak and lurk around to try and avoid getting caught. For these crafty cats, the use of slightly sprung mousetraps hidden in clothing may be effective. This allows punishment to be delivered even if you are not around.

Another technique that can be used involves a bottle of your favorite perfume and a bottle of Tabasco sauce. This method relies upon the association of a certain odor with a bad experience to deter the cat. By applying the perfume and hot sauce to an item of clothing, the cat that sucks on the clothing will associate the smell of the perfume with the unpleasant taste of the hot sauce.

Chemicals that can be administered

If punishment and/or the hot sauce do not work, there are various substances that you can give to your cat.

Since one possible explanation for wool sucking is a craving for lanolin, it can be fed to the cat. Although no nutritional deficiencies have been found in wool sucking cats, it has been found that feeding the cat a diet high in fiber can eliminate the behavior in some cases.

 It has also been found that administering 0.5 g per day of thyroid hormone also controls some cases of wool sucking. For cats where none of the above treatments work, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g. amitriptyline HCL) may help however there are side effects to these drugs.

Prevention

Unfortunately, since it is not known exactly why cats wool suck, there are not many steps that you can take to prevent this behavior from occurring. However, here are a couple of points to keep in mind:

Siamese cat breeders should wait until kittens are 12 weeks old to wean.


This ensures an adequate suckling period. A cat displaying wool-sucking behavior should not be used for breeding because there is the possibility that the kittens could inherit the behavior.

Conclusions

Wool sucking is a peculiar and destructive behavior that is often hard to control. However, there are many ways in which this behavior can be controlled or eliminated, and with the development of new drugs, there may be even more options in the future. A lot of time and patience are required to successfully control wool sucking but these are rewarded by a normal cat, and clothing without holes!

 http://www.eliminatecatodour.com/
 
About The Author

 

Anita Hampton http://www.eliminatecatodour.com/

 

Dania

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

http://www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com/

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/

Introducing Cats to Cats

by Michael Douglas

Introducing a new cat to existing cats in the home can be painless if you follow these simple steps, take your time, and let the cats set their own pace.

The key requirements in bringing a new cat into your home where another cat or cats are already well established are patience and a gradual approach. First, allow the newcomer to explore the house without coming into any contact with the feline inhabitants. The reason for this is that behaviourists have found that where a cat is on unfamiliar territory and meets a strange cat which is familiar with it, the former is far more interested in first investigating its surroundings than in checking out the other animal. Territory is of supreme importance to cats.

Next, put the new cat in a room alone with its own food and water bowls, litter tray and bed. Begin feeding the new cat and the other cats on either side of the door, putting their dishes near, but not too close, to the door. Gradually, over a day or two, move the dishes closer to the door.

Now, open the door a crack, just sufficiently for the cats to be able to see one another while they feed, and wedge it. Also, exchange the bedding of the newcomer and the residents so that they become familiar with each other's scent. Some experts actually recommend spraying both lots of bedding with one of the cat scent pheromones, such as Feliway, that are now available. Once the newcomer is eating and using its litter tray regularly, allow it out from time to time to explore the house again, still without meeting the other cats face to face.

Finally, you can open the door wide for a while so that the cats can mix. Do it gradually, extending the contact time more and more as things settle down. There may well be some moderate displays of aggression and fear with some growling, hissing and spitting at first, but unless they are severe, these almost always tend to diminish steadily. If you see either cat becoming distinctly aggressive or frightened, separate them, not by charging in but by throwing a large towel over each of them and carting them off so that they can reconsider things. You will then need to begin the introduction process once again. Make sure you have a litter box for each cat plus one extra. During the 'getting to know you' period, which can last weeks, it is best to keep the cats separated when you go out.

Throughout the process of introduction, it is vital that you continually boost the confidence of the resident cat. It should receive more attention, more fussing over, than the new arrival. Of the two cats, it is the one to feel affronted, and it will be on the lookout for any sign that your affections have been transferred to this Johnny-come-lately. Of course you must make friends yourself with the newcomer, play with it, stroke it and talk to it, but in the initial period you should do this only when the resident cat is not present. Whenever you are with the cats, keep talking, always quietly in an upbeat, encouraging tone of voice, never shouting or scolding.

This familiarization by separation technique, of introducing animal strangers to one another is essentially the same as that used in zoos and safari parks for tigers. In their case there is more visual contact, as the two animals are on each side of a gated mesh barrier. There is of course no question of human beings going in with them, let alone holding them on laps. With tigers, the two individuals get to know one another well, but without bodily contact, over a much longer introductory period of at least one year. When, at last, it is considered time to open the gate and let them mix, it is always an event of high tension for the zoo staff, even though for months the animals may have behaved impeccably towards one another.

A tranquillizing dart rifle is loaded and ready, just in case, although most tiger introductions pass off without trouble, but it is not very uncommon, as the two big cats at last come face to face with no weld-mesh between them, for one suddenly to pounce and, within the twinkling of an eye, deliver the classical, lethal neck bite. No time for tranquillizing darts then. The cause of the tragedy, once again, is probably territorial.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Visit http://www.catfactfiles.com for tips on cat training, preventing and solving your cat behavior problems. Extensive information and FAQs about pedigreed cat breeds, cat health and general cat care tips.

Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com
www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com

Strong Bounds Between Cats and Humans

by Rudy Cote

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.

My mother's cat Ti Gris

My mother had a cat that really bounded strongly with her. He was a big gray male cat, she called him Ti Gris (Little Gray) She was a chef cook at a restaurant, and when she arrived home sometime very tired Ti Gris was always waiting for her. He would roll on his back, and let her tickle his tummy. He always succeeded in putting a smile on her face. You could see that those two really cared for each other. He would follow her around purring. My mother died suddenly one good morning my father found her dead in her sleep, after her burial Ti Gris just disappeared and was never seen again. He didn't want to stay home without my mother. Nobody knows what happened to Ti Gris.

Another interesting story about a certain cat.

After we moved from the farm we bought a new house in a small town. The heating system was from ducts under the floor coming from a central oil furnace. Somehow our female cat found her way into one of those ducts, if you put her outside she would always crawl into that duct and meowed very loud to get in. We had to remove the floor grill to let her in every time. My father got impatient with that cat. So he decided to drop her in the wood fifty miles from our home. He never told us that, so we thought that she just had died. But after two years a particular morning we heard a loud meow coming from the heat ventilation floor grill. Well, is this weird or what! The cat was back. Explain to me how on earth after two years and two harsh winters she found her way back! My mother was crying, she looked in good shape also. She amazed us so much that she made her way into our heart. We kept her and nobody ever complained about her bad habit again.

About the courage and love of life of cats.

Again this story is very unusual but true. A big yellow cat we had on the farm to keep our farm free from rodent, was doing her usual mouse hunting in the hay field. My father was cutting the hay with the tractor and the hay reaper which has a long arm on the side with moving blades. This arm drag under the hay about one inch above the ground. The poor cat just happened to be in the hay field that day, and the grass cutter cut off the tips of her 4 legs. She ran away leaving a tract of blood and hid under the grain storage building, which was about six inches above the ground. She stayed there for at least a month.

Everyone thought that she was dead. But after a couple of months she was hopping around on the tips of her cut off paws. My father tried to shoot her, because he didn't want her to suffer. He never succeeded. She became a wild cat and hated humans with passion. No one could approach her ever again, she would hiss and snarl and would surely bite your hand off if you would insist on approaching her. We called her La Chatte Maline. (The Upset Cat) Could you blame her! If somebody I trust cut my legs off and tried to shoot me, I sure wouldn’t like him or them either. We just left her alone, she lived another six years. I guess there must have been some rodents living under the grain building. She had plenty of food. But how she survived our harsh winters is something to be admired. Alone, hurt, and proud. She still loved life and proved the real courage of a regular house cat. They are more admirable that we think they are. I sure have a lot of admiration for them. They are by far my favorite animals.

What some researchers believes about cats

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rodolphe cote is a free lance design draftsman who also wrote many internet articles about various subjects including an article about the 17 year emergence of cicadas an insect that most people do not know much about. He is now doing internet marketing. His websites is health and beauty products

There ar many who believe that cat do not really bound with people. I know for a fact that they do and very strongly. This article have a few unique stories which really happened to us on the farm. and elsewhere that proves that cats are really amazing animals. Do you know how useful cats are on the farm? Without cats your barn and fields would be crawling with rodents. Look at New York, they love dogs but not cats, that's why their city is infested with rodents. I think they should switch to cats, it would be a very wise move. But its a free world, as far as I'm concerned, I prefer cats to dogs.

Can You Train A Cat?

The best way to train a cat is by letting it imitate you as though you were its mother.
This is easier done when it is a kitten as older cats become a lot more difficult to teach.
We all know how cats have a mind of their own and are very independent animals.

This only becomes more so as they age.

You need to get your cat to trust you and shouting and growling at it is not the right approach to do this. Speak softly and encourage and reward it when it does the right thing as this is the fastest way to get your cat to do what you want.
Cats love praise, and teaching them that they will get more from doing something that you want them to do, will ensure that they will be more inclined to obey you for the reward.

If you do have to reprimand your cat don't use its name when doing so as you don't want it to associate its name with something that might upset it.
When you are training a cat you have to remain consistent at all times and be very diligent until you get the desired results.
Expect it to take considerably longer than if you were teaching a dog but don't believe that you can't teach a cat to do many things very well.
If there are other members in your family, they can help by always ensuring that the same commands that you give to the cat are also given by them.
With the help of other people doing this you will have a better chance of training your cat a lot faster.

Cats can be a lot of trouble, and that's part of the reason why we will love them so much, but there will be times when you will need to reprimand your cat and stop bad habits.
This can be done by flicking a bit of water at it or by giving it a small fright by making a bit of noise when it does something wrong.
A trained cat is a lot more fun and as we have them for many years it is well worth the time and effort.

Dania
www.silvestorskittyblog.blogspot.com
www.rockysdoggieblogstore.com

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

Cats and Children

Cats and Children

If you have small children in the house and in particular those under the age of three then a cat might not be the best pet to have around.

This is taking into consideration both the child and the cat's well-being.

Cats love to snuggle into people for company and warmth and this can be particularly dangerous where cats have been known to get into bed with babies and smother them unintentionally.

Another problem can occur when young kittens like to play with children.

Kittens have particularly sharp teeth and claws and when they play they can get overly excited and do a lot of damage to the tender skin of children.

There is also the chance for the child to get scratched in the eye when playing with a kitten.
On the other hand, cats can get a hard life from children.  Young children often tend to be a little bit heavy-handed when handling cats, and this can lead to anxiety for the cat.

If there are cats and children in the family, then it is a wise decision to teach the children how to handle a cat correctly

Children need to be told how to pick up the cat and handle it carefully and also to become aware of when the cat doesn't want to be handled any longer and would like to be left alone in peace.

Many cats also get quite stressed with loud noise and sudden action which is something that is quite common with young children.

It is good for children to learn to be considerate towards animals at a young age. 

They will not only treat animals better but will also be more considerate towards other people, so having a pet in the family that the children can learn to respect can be excellent for developing better people.



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