The Benefits of Cats Training

When you bring home your new kitten you are excited and proud that you now have a pet in your home. However, you can be challenged as your kitten grows into an adult cat. This is where cat training to make your life easier comes into play. If you do not train your cat, you will notice over time that it will begin to own your home.

Cat owners need to begin to train their kittens as soon as you bring them home. The earlier you begin to train your pet the better it will be for your household. This article will provide some tips to make your life easier in the following ways:

• Reduce your fear of cat preying on other pets
• Increase your pleasure by showing off your pets tricks
• Remove need to get rid of your houseplants
• Prevent scratches on your lovely furniture
• Prevent embarrassment of smelly carpet from pet urination
• Increase petting pleasure

Reduce Your Fear of Cat Preying on Other Pets

Generally speaking, all cats have natural instincts for prey such as birds, small rodents, or small dogs. If you have some of these pets in your home and your cat seeks to prey or brother them, you can do something about it.

Here is how you can begin.

• Teach your cat to stay out of the room where these pets are by using commands or rules. Modify the room arrangement to keep pets apart
• Use a baby gate to separate cat and dog
• Do not place conflicting pets food and water next to each other
• Spray cold water on her face when you notice your cat is taking action to prey. Cold water is unpleasant and will help her to shape up.

Increase Your Pleasure By Showing Off Your Pet's Tricks

Every cat owner wants to think their pet is the most intelligent and find pleasure is showing off what their cat can do.

Here is how to begin.

• Set aside a lot of time for training.
• Be patient. Learning doesn't happen over night.
• Set up a training schedule. Consistency is important.
• Have your cat's favorite treat handy to reward progress. Use soft moist cat food or dry food as a treat. Training treats should not be more than 10% of your pet's total diet for the day.
• Start with one on trick at a time until your pet has mastered it. When your cat has mastered one, go on to the next. As you are teaching your cat new commands, be sure to work at her speed. Each cat is different.

Remove Need to Get Rid of Your Houseplants

Dirt is a natural material for your cat to use when she does her duty. How can you stop this? Here are some tips you can do so that you do not have to get rid of your household plants.

• Provide a clean litter box. Cats don't like a dirty litter box.
• Re-pot the plant urinated in. Your cat will smell where she did her duty before and return to use the same plant again.
• Put some type of pet repellant on the plant. Such repellant is available in a pet store.

Prevent Scratches On Your Lovely Furniture

Cats by nature have a natural instinct to scratch. This natural behavior allows them to clean, sharpen claws, and establish turf by leaving a scent and mark. They like to scratch because it is good for their back and shoulder muscles. You cannot prevent your cat from scratching. The trick is to have your cat scratch where you want her too. To prevent your pet from scratching your furniture consider the following:

• Have your pet's claws trimmed. Cats can become tolerant of getting their nails trimmed on a regular basis, especially if you are careful, gentle and reward her after each trimming session with a treat and verbal praise. If you do not like the job, have the veterinarian do it.
• Provide your pet with a scratching post or pad.
• As a last resort, you can remove your cat's claws.

Prevent Embarrassment of Smelly Carpet From Pet Urination

Decrease Need to Listen To a Cats Meow

Cats will do whatever it takes to get attention. This will include meowing, purring or running around in circles. Sometimes cats will use these tactics to manipulate their owner.

Generally, when your cat meows she is expressing affection. Female cats use it to call their young. Male cats use it when approaching a female in heat. And, some cats use it to call their masters when they are lonely. If your cat should meow, he/she just may want some companionship. Give it to them.

By following just some of the above tips, your life with your cat should be easier and more enjoyable. Remember, training your cat must start when she is a new kitten.

Happy Cat Training!

Every now and then, your cat will have an accident. So how are you going to get rid of the stain and odor? There are many ways to remove the stain; however, here is a quick, easy and inexpensive one you can use.

Pour a straight solution of white vinegar onto the soiled areas, saturating the carpet enough to go through to the padding. Allow it to dry. Clean the carpet with a mixture of a carpet cleaner with enzymes and pour in some baking soda and a very small amount of bleach. This should remove the stain and odor.

Increasing Petting Pleasure

When a new kitten is around the house and you have children, the first instinct of the child is to pet the cat. As an owner of a cat, it us embarrassing and disappointing when children want to pet your cat and it bites or hisses at them. Here is the process of how you can increase everyone's cat petting pleasure.

• First, let the cat sniff the person wanting to pet her. Ask the individual to extend a hand or finder allowing the cat a chance to touch its nose to the individual's hand or fingers. If your cat shows no interest, ask the individual to try again later. However, if the cat should sniff the individual's hand or finger and rub its chin or the side of its head against it, your cat is open to the one petting it.
• Next, have the individual pet the cat's head lightly with their fingers. Have them focus on the area behind its ears. When petting, go from front to back.
• Third, ask the individual to run the palm of their hand smoothly from the neck and along the back, all the way until the tail is reached. Have the individual apply gentle pressure and make a continuous slow motion. Ask them not to touch your cat's tail and to not change petting direction.
• Lastly, ask the individual to stay away from the tummy. When cats are relaxed they roll over on their back. This is not an invitation from your cat to start rubbing its tummy. Most cats do not like this, however if they do, they will be ready to play vigorously and your cat may bite or scratch.

Pregnant Women, Cats, and Baby

Have you ever heard of the fact that pregnant women should stay away from cats? Well, maybe not the cat itself, but definitely the cat litter. Have you ever wondered why all the health professionals give this advice? There is a good a reason. You see your cat or cats if you have more than one carries around a parasite.

If you do some digging around, the statistics will reveal that about sixty million people in America are carrying around this single celled parasite right now and will continue to do so. This parasite can cause a bunch of health problems not only in you, but in your unborn baby to. In adults and young children that have a good and healthy immune system, this parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis will present no danger. A healthy immune system will keep it from doing any damage.

Pregnant women and their baby are at risk. That is why a pregnant woman is told not to clean out the cats litter box and try to stay away from cats. These one celled things live in the cat feces. If you actually get this thing while pregnant it can do harm to your baby. Your baby may be born retarded, blind, have epilepsy, brain problems and more.

If you are pregnant and like to work outside in the garden, wear gloves. Gloves will add protection from you picking up this nasty little parasite the causes toxoplasmosis. You see, cats often use gardens as a toilet since the soil is loose. If you go digging around in your garden while with child, you just may find a bit of cat feces buried in there. Give yourself and your baby that extra protection by wearing gloves.

You can also get this little bug from meat. When handling meat make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Also be sure to cook your steak or whatever it may be all the way through. This will ensure that anything that is living in there will be killed. It is just not worth taking any chances with the life of your new baby.

Remember to have someone else clean up after your kitty. Cook your meats all the way through. Wear gloves when working outside in your garden. This will go a long way to help prevent you from contracting toxoplasmosis.

Games for Your Cat

Cat games provide your cat with the much needed exercise plus this is an effective way to bond and build trust with your furry pet. Aside from that this activity stimulates the mind of cats and your mind as well.

Care and attention given to dogs and cats differ. You can walk your dogs, or ask one to get your slipper or the morning paper and this can serve as exercise depending on dog breed. These you don't do to your cat, hence cat games.

Cats stay most of the time indoors and eat and sleep all day long. Cat games will help control their weight and also develop muscle tone, agility, and stamina.

Kittens are playful and they love to stalk, pounce, and wrestle. As a furry pet owner, you have the responsibility of supporting their playfulness by setting aside time to play with them.

Here is a list of five highly amusing cat games that you or your children can play with your cat for those rainy days and days when you simply can't find anything to do.

1. If your room is dim use a flashlight or better yet a laser pointer to flash a narrow beam of light on your furniture, walls, and floors. It would surely amuse you to see your cat chasing the light across the room and over furniture. Be sure that you hide the source of light in your hand pretty well. They are smart creatures, once they find out what you're doing they'll get pretty bored.
2. It doesn't matter if you're doing all the hiding all the time, playing hide and seek with your cat is still fun both for your feline pet and you. To do this, bait your cat with something that he really loves i.e. their favorite food, next get your cat's attention, then try to hide.
3. Watch what happens when you crumple a piece of paper and roll it across the floor. Cats really love this game and will sometimes bring back the crumpled ball to you.
4. Get a piece string and attach any cat toy such as a fake mice, to it then move it across the floor until you get your cat's attention. Once this happens, you can run around the house pulling that string with you.
5. Once in a while allow your cat to 'catch' the fake mice to keep it from becoming bored. See your cat have a good time and hear yourself panting, this is good exercise for you both.
6. If you let your cats sleep with you, hide your fingers under the blanket and wiggle it. It would certainly be amusing to watch your furry pet try to pounce on what's under the blanket.

You can think out of the box and invent other games what's important is that you vary the cat games that you do because cats get bored very easily. To determine whether your furry friend is having fun look at their eyes, if they are dilated then they are happy.

Bengal Kittens Profile and Information

Bengal Kittens are cute little mini assassins just waiting to steal your heart away, and you can't help but just love them the minute you meet them. They are loads of fun to watch bounce around the house, but there are a few things one should know before going out and buying one. This is a unique breed, with its own pros and cons, and you will want to make sure it is right for you before taking the purchasing step.

A Bengal cat stirs up the imagination, taking your mind to warm steamy places and giving you the feeling that you are not the apex of the food chain after all. A Bengal kitten gains this quality very young in life and just looking into those vivid green or gold eyes that Bengal kittens posses will give you the feeling I am talking about. When you are looking at Bengal kittens for sale, think about the wildness of the breed and consider whether you really feel like having that whirling dervish lay waste to your house the way that it surly will.

If you are fortunate enough to have two kittens at once, count yourself lucky if they take their fury out on each other. Or else they may team up and ensure that you never sleep again. Perhaps this is why too many of these proud animals end up in Bengal rescue, if you are considering one for a pet that will never breed or show, consider this option as well. Nothing will keep a "secondhand" friend from being in any way inferior to a brand new kitten, my second hand cat thanks me daily by destroying any vermin she could find that day around the house, even the little bugs. Consider adoption, purchase is not your only choice for a pet.

Remember, training Bengal kittens is rough work, and more than once you are going to want to squash the little pest under a large book for shredding your curtains or refusing to use its litter box. Resist the urge and you will be forever blessed with a powerful and gentle companion that will be a miniature force of nature with which you will gladly share your home.

Good Quality Cat Furniture

Having a cat means you are facing a lot of situations too. Most of the times people face several health situations of their beloved pets and sometimes they are worried of their furniture being ruined be the claws of their kitty. So, if you want to keep your home or other living place's furniture safe from the claws of your kitty then try to provide her own furniture items. Fortunately, there is a huge diversity of cat supplies in the market and it not as hard to find such products.

The second question arises is buying of such type of cat supplies. Most f the cat owners are found confused on buying of such products only because of the wide range of such supplies. So, to give you people a proper idea regarding buying of such items I felt an urge to write a guideline for all you people out there. Below, some useful guidelines are given that can help you easily to buy such products at affordable rates.

Weight of your Pet:

Before buying good quality furniture for your cat try figure out her weight and then buy the supplies according to her weight, size and length. Remember, the reason you are going to buy her a set of supplies is to make her feel comfortable with these products. Furniture items are available in different sizes and weights to fulfill the needs and requirements of a cat.

Suitable Style:

These products are also available in different styles and designs along with alluring colors that attract the attention of your cat very easily.

Quality of the Product:

Animals are also allergic of different as human beings are. So, before buying such type of products, make sure that your cat is willing to play or stay in the furniture you are going to buy her or not.

Below, some vital links are given on cat furniture for your better guidance and assistance. Do follow them to avoid any displeasure and discomfort regarding your beloved kitty.

5 Steps to Tame an Aggressive Cat

When the fur of your cat spikes up, his claws come out, and ears go flat, you are sure you have an angry cat on your lap. Whether your cat is prone to occasional anger fit or is chronically aggressive, taming an aggressive cat seems like a daunting task. However, there are sure ways to make your cat tamer and calmer. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Determine the reason why your aggressive cat is acting that way. Is it because of another pet in your household or is his aggressiveness triggered by certain situations or people? Generally, aggression and strange behavior is very common in rescued cats since they'd been through certain conditions that occurred before the cat was adopted. For instance, cat often kicked by his previous owner may suddenly lash out and get angry at the sight of approaching feet. Another example is a cat neglected by its owner may show mistrust to other unfamiliar men. It may hard to know why your aggressive cat is acting this way; however, there is a pattern of behavior that you can look for to determine the cause.

Step 2: Talk to people your cat has contact with. Inform them of your cat's aggression problems and that you are finding ways to tame and calm your cat down. Explain to them what you think is triggering your cat's aggression and make a plan with your family, close friends, and roommates to keep your cat from getting aggressive.

Step 3: Don't take your aggressive cat into a situation that may exhibit his aggression. Put your cat in a bathroom or bedroom and leave him there for a few minutes. Sometimes, without any obvious reason, a change in environment may be enough to calm your aggressive cat down.

Step 4: If your aggressive cat is lashing out at the sight of other pets in the household, try calming him down and easing his aggression and anger by trying the Feliway Comfort Zone. Feliway Comfort Zone is an artificial cat pheromone, designed to mimic the friendly and light facial pheromones produced by cats in their facial glands. For unknown reasons, this method calms down most unbalanced aggressive cats.

Step 5: Keep yourself calm and make your cat feel that you are a loving and safe human. If you can prevent and avoid it, never introduce any noticeable changes to your cat's environment. For instance, if your cat is exhibiting chronic aggression, do not get a new roommate or a new puppy for a few months.

Additional Tips and Warnings

1. If you are having a hard time finding out the cause of your cat's aggression, seek the help of a veterinarian. Explain the problem about your cat in detail and make sure to mention all noticeable changes in the normal routine of your cat. Your veterinarian may help you determine the cause of this or may even figure out underlying health problem that is not manifested by other obvious symptoms.
2. When you decide to take your cat to the veterinarian, you have to inform the vet as well as other people in the clinic that your aggressive cat may bite. Don't worry because your cat's behavior will not classify you as a poor and bad owner and for sure, your veterinarian has enough experience taking safety precautions with any animal that suddenly becomes aggressive when they are in pain or frightened.

Follow the steps given above and for sure, your aggressive cat will be a newer, tamer, and nicer cat, one that you have really wanted when you decided to take him home.

Cats Sneezing

If your cat sneezes frequently, it can come from a host of reasons. Your little feline companion loves to stick his nose in every little crevice and crook, and can get his nasal passages blocked. Viruses also play a big part in making your cat sneeze. With a cat sneezing constantly, you feel his pain and discomfort every time he wheezes, coughs or sneezes. When a cat sneezes frequently, this behavior can be accompanied by nasal discharge and runny eyes. Whether caused by viral infection or nasal blockage, untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to more extreme disease.

Sure, you can fight your cat into a pet carrier, make an appointment with the vet, and watch in misery as your cat is, pricked and prodded, x-rayed and handled, all the while seeing the mistrust and pain in her eyes. You can almost hear her thinking, "Why are you doing this to me? I love you. I trusted you!" Aside from the mental stress and emotional wreckage levied on you and your cat, there is the vet's bill, which can easily run several hundred dollars. I know, I spent $600 in two weeks trying to cure my cat's sneezing and nasal discharge, to no avail.

I eventually found a company specializing in natural, homeopathic cures and remedies for pets. For a fraction of the cost of a vet, I was able to stop my cat sneezing constantly. If your cat sneezes frequently, maybe you would benefit from this natural cure as well. Especially when dealing with young kittens, older cats and pregnant queens, using regular vaccines can be scary, even deadly. Their immune system is weak, and this makes them susceptible to strong medicines. Natural, non-chemical remedies have been proven to be extremely effective for curing these cats with weaker immune systems without putting them at risk from normal vaccines.

When your cat sneezes frequently, he is asking for help. He can not drive to the drug store and fix himself, so reach out to him. If you have a cat sneezing constantly, he may benefit from a natural, holistic remedy. I was in the same boat you are in, and I know it worked for Shorty McGee, my 8 year old tortoiseshell, and my pocketbook! She is living proof of the effectiveness of natural, homeopathic remedies for pets.

Cats Door and Its Benefits

A lot of time and effort is spent when you own any kind of a pet. And this is true for a cat as well, even though they are not as demanding as dogs. But all the same, cats need care especially when they are left alone with nobody to let them in and out of the home. Setting up a cat door is a good alternative to having the pet owner be always present at home. Of course, make sure that the door is big enough for your cat, but too small for any dogs or humans, so that you don't have any intruders in your home.

How Useful Is A Cat Door?

Some cats can be extremely persistent about going in and out of the home. With a pet door, you will not have to leave your favorite TV program, or worse still, wake up at night, to put your cat outdoors. Your cat can go in and out of the house as desired without your help.

If you have a cat as well as a big dog for a pet, besides, having a cat door leading outside, it'll be best to have one also fixed on a door leading into another room in your home. This will give your cat a chance to run to safety if it's being chased by your big dog, and keep them apart. And, of course, since dogs love eating, virtually, anything including cat food, you can keep the food in the room with the cat door, so that the dog will not get to it and start a fight.

During harsh winters, your cat could develop frostbite of the nose, ears and foot pads, if left outdoors for a very long time. Whether you live in the city or countryside, don't leave your cat outside at night, as it will be dangerous for the cat, since cars find it difficult to stop on snow-covered roads. With a cat door, your cat will be able to escape the cold and ice outside, if there's no one at home.

A special door will not only save you time and energy, but will also make your cat a happier pet. Cats, basically, are impatient, and can't be trained as easily as dogs. So, by setting up a cat door in your home, it would be beneficial to both, you and your cat to live a more comfy life together.

How to Feed Your Cat

Nutrition is essential for the good health and long life of every creature. Cats are not an exception. Young cats are especially pliable to nutritional imbalances and feeding errors. The feeding habits of the cat established after weaning are very important for its future health status. Cat owners should be familiar with the nutritional requirements of their cats.

Cats are carnivorous animals and cannot receive nutrition from the majority of vegetable proteins. Wild cats eat the whole of their preys - muscles, organs, viscera, bones, offal, skin. Thus, they ingest the digested food the prey has eaten. This gives the cat the opportunity to receive nutrition from various sources - meat and vegetable sources.

Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements - cats need more protein and have greater tolerance for fat.

We cannot mention one particular food that all cats will like. Cat foods can be found in different flavors and textures. When you find the food your cat likes, and if it meets the nutritional requirements, stick to it and don't change it often because frequent changes may make the cat fastidious and may cause digestive problems.

What do cats need?

Cat owners should choose foods that provide all necessary nutrients and promote the good health of their cat. There are foods specially developed for kittens, mature cats, pregnant cats, but all food should contain the following essential nutrients: water, proteins (essential amino acids and nitrogen), essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins.

Proteins provide energy. They contain amino acids which stimulate the body to rebuild tissues and to perform its functions. Fats are a good source of concentrated energy and unsaturated fatty acids. Minerals regulate the functions in cat's body. Minerals include macro minerals - calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and micro minerals - copper, manganese, iron, and iodine. Vitamins are involved in many physiological processes and can be divided into two groups: fat-soluble - vitamins A, D, E and K, and water-soluble - thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12.

Types of cat food

There is a variety of cat foods on the market produced by different manufacturers. We can divide cat foods into three main categories:

Dry Food

It contains approximately 6-10% moisture and has an abrasive function, so it cleans the teeth and gums, and keeps them healthy. Dry foods have a long shelf life. Food that contains 34-38% protein and 19-22% fat provides a healthy balance.

Soft - Moist Food

It contains about 23-40% moisture and cat owners prefer it because it is convenient and has a long shelf life. However, soft-moist foods are more expensive than dry foods. You should be careful because soft-moist foods contain a lot of preservatives.

Canned Food

Canned food contains approximately 68-70% moisture and most cats like it most of all other foods. However, it is not recommended to feed your cat with canned food only because it sticks to the cat's teeth and this may lead to dental problems.

You should give your cat small amounts of canned food two times per day and leave some dry food because most cats like eating dry food all day long.

What should you be careful about when you feed your cat?

Cats don't need to eat the whole day long. Do not give your cat more food than your vet has recommended. Distribute the amount of food into two or three meals and give it to the cat throughout the day.

Do not give your cat dog's food because it doesn't have the necessary amounts of protein and amino acids. For the same reason, avoid feeding the cat with vegetarian food. Do not over feed your cat as obesity can cause diseases, pre-mature aging and early death.

Do not give your cat chocolate, alcohol, onions, pork, raw fish, raw eggs and bones.

Consult your vet if your cat refuses to eat more than two days because fasting may be harmful and may cause serious liver problems.

Do not put your cat's food near her litter box. Cats eat far away from the place she eliminates. If you put her food near her litter box, the cat may eliminate away from the litter box.

You shouldn't give your cat hairball remedy around her meal because many hairball remedies and treats contain mineral oil or petroleum jelly which will extract the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from the intestines.

Reduce the usage of tuna because it contains high levels of mercury.

Tips about feeding your cat

1. Cats that live free in the wild eat grass every day. Domestic cats will also eat grass if they have the opportunity, so cat owners should provide sources of green vegetation for their cats.
2. Milk is a food, not a drink. The only drink that cats use is water. Milk is a good source of calcium and phosphorus which make bones and teeth stronger. It also provides many vitamins and minerals. However, you should keep in mind that many cats cannot digest milk as they grow older.
3. Provide your cat with varied food. You can mix some of the new food with the old for 3-5 days in order to make gradual changes.
4. Cats should be fed in quiet parts of the house where no one will bother them because they feel vulnerable while they eat.
5. If you have more cats, you should provide each of them with a separate food bowl and you shouldn't keep them close to each other while they are eating, because cats compete for their food and feel uncomfortable if they are too close to one another.
6. It is recommended that you don't feed your cat from plastic bowl. Provide ceramic or stainless steel bowls because plastic dishes may give shelter to bacteria. Moreover, some cats may develop allergies to plastic and may get pimples on their chins.
7. Older cats would like you to raise their food and water bowl a few inches off the floor because this will make it easier on their backs and necks.
8. You should observe your pet closely after you give it new food. Any changes in the coat, appetite, weight or mood may indicate a problem. If you have any questions about the dietary plant of you cat, consult your vet for advices.

Your Cats Need Toys

Cats naturally amuse themselves, and we have all laughed at our cat's antics as they chase their tails or attack a slipper. Bearing this is mind; I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a cat toy that they will probably be bored with an hour later.

When it comes to cat toys, you need to imagine you are dealing with a small child. They are very fickle and get bored very quickly. Here are a few ideas for the best toys to get.

If you are having problems with your cat trying to climb your curtain and running the fabric, get your kitty a cat tower. Your cat will love this and you can get them in all different heights and styles so your cat will be amused for hours.

Most cats, when they catch small prey like a mouse, will simply play with it until it dies. Stuffed mice are an ideal toy as it replicates nature. You can buy these in packs of 3 or 12, and the most popular is made of leather and has fur and a long tail.

We've all come done in the mornings to discover that our precious pussy has left a trail of destruction. You really need your cat to sleep through the night like you do, so introducing a catnip toy before you go to bed will give your cat a burst of energy which is quickly spent and he will sleep through the night too.

What the manufacturers of catnip toys don't tell you is that giving them to your cat every day can have adverse effects on their moods and overall behavior. Use these toys sparingly so a dependency doesn't develop.

If you have a pile of stuffed toys that your children don't care about anymore, don't put them in the trash, give them, one a time, to your cat. The antics of these frisky felines trying to prove their superiority over a large toy is absolutely hysterical.

By giving your cat the opportunity to play with these toys, he will have a lot of fun.

Cat Beds for Your Cat’s Comfort

Cat beds are a great way to ensure comfort for your feline. From luxury to economic models, your cat will love the feeling of having its own niche. There are a variety of styles to choose from, in a wide array of colors. They are also easy to carry and normally do not take up much space. Since cats spend most of their days lounging around, a bed is the perfect place for it to sleep and play in. You can also select a bed that matches the décor of your home. They are manufactured in a number of designs, and are even equipped with heating components.

If you love your cats and want to see them happy, purchasing cat beds is truly a must. They offer coziness and are soft enough to facilitate your animal. Unlike a doghouse, the cat bed is primarily designed for indoor use. This does not mean you cannot place it outside, however, the chances of your cat wandering away increases. Since cats also spend a great deal of time sleeping, a nice bed can also improve your cat's health and demeanor. With vibrant colors, it also adds a unique touch to any room or kitchen. They are also reasonably priced and come in a variety of shapes and styles.

Cat beds make the perfect gift for any animal lover. Several manufacturers have also integrated feline features into their beds. These provide a sense of familiarity to your cat, while allowing him or her to interact with the bed. If an image of another cat is part of the design, your cat might feel a bond of friendship. The styles also included elevated pieces, tents, and even furniture. There are many books for animal lovers that showcase sleeping beds. They provide several aspects, including the benefits your cat will reap with its own bed. No longer will you have to worry about where your cat is sleeping.

If you're in the market for a nice cat accessory, cat beds will facilitate all your needs. Not only is it great for sleeping, it's a place your cat can truly call its own. There are also various items you can add to your cat's bed. These include throw pillows, toys, plush dolls, and sound makers. As a great source of entertainment, the items will keep your pet busy for hours. From fleece to foam, these lavish beds are also cultivated from different fabrics. You have the freedom to select which fabric best represents your cat. Most items are also scratch resistant and very durable.

Cat beds are highly sought after in the pet arena. There will always be a demand for bigger and more dazzling items. With so many features, they also assist older cats that suffer from arthritis and other ailments. Perhaps the best part is watching your cat adapt to its new home. If the bed does sustain damage, they can easily be replaced or updated. From pet stores to feline kennels, cat beds are sold on a daily basis. This is a great investment for any cat lover and should not be passed up.

Your Cats Need a Natural Shampoo Wash

Unless you started bathing your cat when he/she was a small kitten and got her adjusted to it slowly, bathing a cat is definitely not going to be your favorite thing to do. Felines hate water and, regardless of how much love they usually show you, when you try to put them in water, the teeth and claws are coming out.

A few of the things you will need are, a couple of towels, some natural cat shampoo (bought or home made), a bowl or pitcher, a sponge and the mindset that you are probably in for a battle. First run a couple of inches of water in the tub and place one of the towels in the bottom where you plan to bath your cat. Then, go and get her, pick her up as if you were just going to pet her or take her for a treat, and head for the bathroom.

Cats are very intelligent animals, so when you enter the bathroom they will probably start struggling because they have already figured out you are up to no good. So, before you put your cat in the tub and begin, be sure and shut the bathroom door. If you have had a cat for long you know if they escape and don't want to be caught, they won't be caught. Not only are they fast, they know the places, like under the bed, where you can't get to them. If you have already gotten her wet down and applied shampoo, should she struggle and get loose you are going to have a mess on your hands if she has the whole house to run through.

Okay, you have your supplies ready, the door is closed and you are ready to begin. The first thing that will probably happen as you try to put the cat in water is she will suddenly become firmly attached to your arm with those very sharp claws. Just bite your lower lip and ease her down in the water while talking in a soft, gentle voice. Hopefully she will calm down after a couple of minutes. Continue talking quietly in a loving, reassuring way and begin to wet her down. After she is wet, take a safe, natural cat shampoo and slowly massage it into her fur. She may even like this part. After you have finished bathing her, gently wash off the shampoo. Be sure and get it all off so there will be nothing left that could possibly irritate her skin. Lastly, dry her down with the towel and put her in her favorite resting place.

Luckily for the owner, cats spend half the day bathing themselves with their tongue, so you only need to wash your cat very few times a year, for instance in flea season. However, try and remember when this task does come to hand, to use natural bath washes when shampooing your feline. Talk to your pet store owner or vet for suggestions. Also, there are many great home made shampoo recipes on the internet you might want give a try. Some of them are even dry shampoos that don't require water. Your cat would probably love you to give that one a try first.

Gum Disease in Cats and How to Prevent It

A cat's teeth and gums are a way to determine the animal's general health. If your cat has a bad breath the first thing you should check is the cat's mouth. Swollen gums, yellow buildup or brown strips are the signs you should look for. These signs mean tartar, which is the main cause of gum inflammation and gingivitis. If the problem is chronic then you should take the cat to a veterinary, which will probably anesthetize your cat and clean its teeth. Here are some advices that may help you avoid this situation.

Start checking your cat's teeth since it is still a kitty. Cats don't usually like heaving their mouth checked but if they get used to it won't be a problem anymore. A healthy cat doesn't have gingivitis. This is why you must regularly check for a ref strip along the gums. Wrap gauze around your fingers and clean your cat's teeth and gum periodically to avoid the appearance of buildup and inflammations. You don't even need to use special toothpaste. Plain water is just what you need. You can even remove small pieces of tartar with your fingernails before they get big and start causing problems.

It is known that dry food can clean a cat's teeth preventing tartar. However eating crispy food is not healthy for your cat. Dry food is mostly made of carbohydrates which are not healthy for a cat's teeth. Furthermore cats don't have grinding teeth so there's no way how a cat can clean its teeth by eating dry food. You've probably seen how cats turn their head from side to side when they eat dry food. That's because cat's teeth are for ripping and not for grinding.

To prevent tooth problems you should feed your cat with quality food. Therefore you should stop giving dry food to your cat. You will notice that your cat will not encounter any dental problem anymore. If you feed your cat with homemade and canned food the teeth diseases will be completely one. Besides feeding your cat with healthy food, you can also perform a monthly home tooth cleaning which will improve the health of your cat's teeth. Another tip that can prove very useful is to give your cat a few pieces of cheddar cheese every week. Cheese contains enzymes which destroy the harmful bacteria which causes gum disease.

How to Lose Your Cat’s Weight Naturally

Our wonderful cats, are they demanding? Yes. Are they spoiled? Maybe a little. Because of those things are they overweight? If you answered yes, then here are some tips to help you with that problem.

Unlike dogs, who we also love, cats are never easy, especially when we try to introduce change into their life. But with love and patience you can help your cat to lose weight. If your cat seems to be more docile and not playing as much that could be a sign a change of diet may be in order.

For cats weight and too much of it, can be the cause of many diseases. Cats have a higher risk of getting diseases such as kidney stones, or crystals and a very high risk of diabetes, and also their quality of life changes. They cannot jump up to look out the window, which we all know as cat owners they love to be able to sit on a windowsill. The worst side effect of being overweight is their life expectancy becomes much shorter.

Here are some tips to help you with your cat's weight problem.

Tip #1. The first step in helping your cat lose weight is their diet. Is the current food they are eating high in fat and calories? Try slowly changing over their food to a healthy weight loss food. You can select from a variety of very good quality foods that are available.

Tip #2. If your cat is eating people food that has to be cut out. Also if you are giving him/her snacks of any kind, that also should be stopped. Many times, it is better to feed your cat small meals during the day instead of one large meal twice a day. Most important with cats you must do any change gradually. Cats should never lose weight quickly. It is recommended that you allow no more than a couple of pounds a year.

Tip #3. Finally, with a healthier diet your cat should want to be more active. We know our cats can be stubborn, but if possible try to get them to play a couple of times a day. My cat likes to run after rolled up napkins. Roll them in a ball and through it. They are soft so your cat can pick them up. Cats are creatures of habit. They know what they like. Being cat owners we know they do not like change of any kind. Trying to change their diet is never easy, but to keep them healthy and live longer it has to be done if they become overweight.

Just remember help your cat lose weight naturally and safely. Very slow weight loss is best for cats.

Tips for Adopting and Caring Persian Cat

Compared to a dog, it is much easier to care for a cat. But, if you are planning to adopt a Persian cat, there are a few things you must know.

• When you are going to adopt a Persian cat, make sure the seller give you the health and breeding papers which contain complete information about the cat you are going to adopt.
• A Persian cat has a limited ability to groom himself. So, you need to brush his hair twice a day with a metal comb. It is very useful to keep his hair shiny and clean.
• It is also a good idea to brush your cat's hair with baby wipes. Baby wipes are free from toxic, have good smell, and they will not cause allergies.
• Clean your cat's nose everyday as a blockage on his nose can cause difficulty in breathing.
• Make sure you clean his litter box everyday so that your cat will feel comfortable using his litter box.
• Take him to the veterinarian regularly to make sure he is healthy.
• This cat's breed loves sunbathing. Give your cat his own window where he can do this activity.
• Spare your time to play with him so that he will not get overweight.
• Only feed him with food which is designed for indoors cats.
• Does your cat feel lonely? It is not a bad idea to adopt a new pet.
• Most cats hate water, including a Persian cat. But you need to bath him at least once a week.
• Persian cats are prone to stress. Take him to the veterinarian if you find stress in your cat. Keeping him indoor is the best way to prevent cats from getting stress.

Minimizing Cat Shedding

Shedding is a normal event in every cat's life and cat owners should accept this fact. Through shedding cats replenish their fur and maintain it in a good condition.

Wild cats shed their fur twice a year - in the spring to remove the winter undercoat, and in the autumn to prepare their new coat for the coming winter. Domesticated cats, however, are subjected to artificial winter heating and summer air-conditioning. As a result, their bodies are confused and they shed constantly. 

When cats shed they remove dead hair from their bodies. Dead hair should be removed because it may cause skin irritation.

Shedding indicated that the cat is healthy; sick cats do not shed. Shedding depends on the time the cat spends outdoors. It is significantly affected by daylight and can be triggered by a number of hours spent on sunlight. Shedding also depends on the bathing, grooming of the cat and the activities she is involved in. 

Cats that live indoors shed at any time of the year. The amount of the shed hair is less than the amount shed by outdoor cats because of the artificial light and the temperature in the house.

Outdoor cats shed two times in the year - in the spring and in the autumn. They usually don't shed at all or shed just limited amounts of hair in the winter because they keep their fur for the cold weather.

Breeds that don't shed or shed a little

There are two cat breeds that shed minimal amounts of hair. One of them is the Cornish Rex that has short curly hair, and the other one is the Devon Rex that has similar coat. Their shedding is usually not noticed, but it doesn't mean they don't shed.

The only cat breed that doesn't shed is the Sphynx. However, these cats are not absolutely hairless. Some people describe the skin of the Sphynx as suede or chamois. This cat breed is very rare and requires special care but is a perfect choice for people with allergies.

Dealing with your cat's shedding

You can control the shedding of your cat with regular brushing and combing. Daily brushing removes loose and dead hair and maintains the cat's hair healthy.

Start brushing your cat slowly and don't continue the sessions too long; stop brushing the cat before she protests. You can use treat to make the brushing sessions more pleasant. As the cat learns to like the brushing you can make these procedures for longer period of times. They will remove dead hair from the cat's body and the cat is less likely to shed in the house.

When combing the cat, do it carefully in the hair growth direction, so that you smooth the coat and remove any knows or tangles in the fur. Longhaired cats should first be brushed with a wide tooth comb and then with a fine tooth comb.

The length of the cat's hair is very important for the good brushing. Short-haired cats, such as Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex cats, need little brushing. Shorthaired with dense coats like American shorthairs, British shorthairs and Scottish folds need a brushing once a month. Cats with long and flowing coats like Persian cat have to be combed very often and should be bathed once in the week or once in two weeks.

The advantages of combing and brushing are innumerable:

• Frequent brush of your cat removes dead and lose hair from the cat's body and she will not shed that much:
• Brushing and combing will reduce the presence of hairballs, particularly in the breeds with long coats;
• Brushing and combing keep the fur smooth and don't allow mats;
• Both activities are a good form of interaction for you and the cat, and are perfect for bonding process;
• They give the opportunity to examine the cat's hair for any potential problems, including parasites and skin conditions.

You can also reduce the cat's shedding by feeding her with healthy food of good quality. The cat food should be balances and should contain all nutrients required by the cat for a healthy skin and fur. In addition, you may use some products that are applied on the cat's hair and can reduce the shedding. They are available is specialized pet stores. Some vitamins produced from fish oils can also be helpful as they provide the cat with omega-3 fatty acids that make the fur stronger. There are some topical sprays that are used by cat owners to change and reduce the shedding.

If shedding continues throughout the year and is significant, the cat may have food or dust allergy. In some cases then the cat becomes sick from excessive hair ball, vets recommend that the cat is shaves three or four times a year. However, you should consult your veterinarian before you do something, because he will tell you what the problem is and how to solve it.

Stop Your Cats Marking

What is urine marking?

The urine marking is when your cat sprays little amounts of pee to declare its attendance.

Why do cats mark?

There are many reasons why cats mark:

• To declare the territory: The cat wants the other know that this is his or her area from the marking.
• Shows the availability of sexual - No stress or nervousness
• Change location: Some cats will mean when their owners move on.
• If the new animals and people are in the residence.
• There are many cats at home
• The cat gets less attention than usual.
• Significant changes in lifestyles and routines, for example, the owner has full-time work, renovation the house, etc.

Your cats would urinate properly if you prepare enough litter boxes in the house.

You should have at least one more than the number of them.

If you have a two-story house, make sure that all of litter boxes are cleaned and there is one per storey.

How do you prevent your cat from marking?

There are several ways to reduce or even stop, your cat from marking. These are some of the best ways in which the following list:

Take your cat for analysis of his or her urine for sure of no medical reasons for their behavior.

1. Neuters cats immediately. This is the most effective thing you can do to stop spraying from them, and if you could control all over the issue, it is almost mandatory. The statistics show that 87% of all cats stopped marking when they are altered, 78% of this number stop marking immediately and 9% stop within 3 months.
2. Behavior moderation is a real and tried method of controlling them from spraying, it requires much time and effort on your behalf, and supervises them closely, paying attention to where and when they mark.
3. It is also helping if you have a new designed for the areas which the cat tends to mark. The cats should not be sprayed in areas where they can eat, sleep and play. If the cat marks in specific places around the home indiscriminately, put its food containers next to the spot, play with him, and put his bed there.

Think about the cat training program if you find your cats have some problems with their behavior.

Feed Your Cats with Natural Cats Food

All natural cat food, in essence, can only refer to the diet cats evolved on. This concept is essential to grasp, because it is the only way to ensure your cat remains healthy. Nothing that is man-made comes even close to the bounties of nature, despite exaggerated claims and pretty pictures.

If you understand that cats have evolved over many millions of years, whereas man-made cat food has only been around for several decades. The logical conclusion is to recognize that the diet of a wild cat must be the healthiest choice for your domestic cat.

And it is. Holistic veterinarians around the world have discovered that when the owners of domestic cats can be persuaded to feed their cat a quality raw meat and bones diet, chronic disease just melts away, with no other form of treatment, really serious chronic disease such as infertility, diabetes and feline leukemia.

The pretty packets of commercial cat food entice you to believe exaggerated claims by leading you to make conclusions from empty words. 'Scientifically proved' doesn't actually mean anything. What does 'complete' mean?

But they leave you feeling secure that the manufacturers are taking care of all your concerns.

Don't be misled. The manufacturers are taking very good care of their profit margin, but most doesn’t care too hoot for the health of your cat.

The only way that you can be absolutely sure your cat is getting a healthy diet is to learn a few basic essentials and make it yourself from scratch.

This can sound alarmingly expensive and time consuming. In fact it is neither. Quality all natural cat food may be more expensive pound for pound, but as the quality of the food is more nutritious, less is needed. Add to that the much improved health of your cat, and think of all the health care costs you save over the life of your cat.

Learning to make your own cat food will be more time consuming until you have grasped the idea. It's always our heads that needs the time to make changes. However, once you have done it a few times, you just keep repeating the same process.

Choose the Suitable Toys for Cats

The choice of toys available for your cat these days is vast, and is a booming market. We all want to treat our kitties from time to time, but is it really worth spending so much money? Cats can be compared to children, in that they go through phases and get bored easily. There are a few suggestions here for appropriate toys that won't cost the earth.

Cat towers are both fun and educational. It teaches them that that is where they are allowed to climb, which means a lot less wear and tear on your curtains and blinds. These come in various heights from a couple of stories up to the height of the ceiling.

A stuffed mouse is a perennial favorite and it's easy to see why. They can throw them, chew them and bash them around to their heart's content. There are various kinds of stuffed mice and by process of elimination you will find your cat's favorite.

Toys containing catnip are also very popular. Although the presence of the cat nip can get your kitty in very high spirits, they will tire quicker. Giving them it to play with before bedtime will keep them asleep at the same time as you. You shouldn't give them the catnip toys regularly, as they can develop a kind of addiction which makes them badly behaved and bad tempered. Once in a while is safe, but certainly not every day.

Old stuffed toys that your kids have grown out of are great for cats and cost you nothing. The fun is where they are battling a toy much bigger than them and the entertainment value is priceless. Have these toys at your disposal and you will have a very happy cat.

How to Make Your Cats Stay Healthy

Owning a cat and treating it as a pet requires more than including your furry friend on your monthly budget. You have to be an instant parent once you become involved. You have to know their basic needs and all there is is to understand about cat health care.

First, in order for your feline companion to be happy and contented, you need to provide them a home. Yes, it can be left to wander about your own house and treat it like their kingdom. But, you have to make sure that the surrounding is safe. Do not hang things that would cause injury and further mishaps to your cats.

Second, make sure that your cat gets the necessary nutrition that it needs. To do so, you have to give them only the best kind of cat food. The best will not necessarily mean expensive. You can ask your vet for recommendations given the amount that you can allot for this purpose.

Next, think about your cat health care. This is so vital because if you were caught unaware of a sudden incident, you may easily lose your beloved pet just because you didn't know what to do.

So know your cat. Observe it well. Know their usual interests, the way they eat, they way they interact with the other pets and also the people in your house. If you feel that something seems to be out of place, then call your vet immediately for advice.

Find the best veterinarian He or she should be near your place. Get their contact information immediately. They are your lifeline whenever your cat's life seems to be in danger and so don't just pick anyone else.

Also, always remember that you will be the first judge if something seems to be wrong with your cats. Here are some indications.

First, these creatures are known to be vain. They are always grooming themselves. If they are grooming too much on one side, they might be bugged by something like, yes, bug or fleas. The process may hurt them. So interrupt and act upon it. Also beware if they are no longer cleaning up on their own. It may be a sign of depression. You also have to consult the vet about it if this happens.

Second, if you know your cat very well, you will easily see if there are any changes to their eating habits. Don't let them go through the day without eating too much. This may be a symptom to something else. So this is also a good time to call on your vet.

Next, if your cat is friendly and it all of a sudden becomes aloof, you need to raise the alarm level. This also goes with the way your cat walks. If it seems to be doing this thing just a bit too odd, it may be something to be concerned about.

As the owner, you need to be very cautious with everything that your cat does. You have to take note of their bowel elimination. Just like humans, they may sometimes suffer from diarrhea or the likes.

Although calling the vet is always the best choice for you to do, you can also search the web for quick solutions to minor problems. The Internet offers a vast resource for your every cat health care question. So take time to read some info and apply it on your own pets.

The life of your cat already is in your hands now. So better know this stuff to enjoy his or her company longer.

Tips to Stop a Cat Scratching

Does your cat have a nasty habit of scratching your best furniture? Unfortunately, all cats scratch and it is impossible to stop them completely. However, it is possible to redirect their 'scratching attentions' to a more appropriate object.

It is a good idea for all cat owners to realize that scratching is a big part of what makes a cat a cat. The behavior is driven by natural instinct and is used to stretch the muscles and rid the claws of dead and shed layers. Importantly for the cat, it is also a way to mark his, or her territory, because scratching secretes a scent that is discernible to other cats.

Subsequently, you cannot expect a cat to simply stop scratching. However, what you can do is stop the scratching of Granny's antique table or your brand new chair.

1. The first step is to supply your cat with a more appropriate focus for its scratching energies. So, go out and buy a scratching post or scratching box. If your cat's favorite activity is scratching the rug, then a scratching box is a good alternative. On the other hand, if he, or she, likes to stretch up to scratch, then a post is the best option. Of course, if your cat enjoys a multitude of scratching positions, then a post and a box may be necessary.
2. Because almost all cats go crazy for catnip, it is a good idea to rub or spray some catnip onto the new scratching toys. This in itself may attract your cat away from the furniture. However, do not be surprised if it is not. Cats are creatures of habit and it may take some patience to modify your kitty's behavior.
3. You will need to spend some time with your cat, because your cat is unlikely to train itself. Watch your cat closely and when he, or she, begins to scratch at your furniture distract him, or her, with a loud noise, such as a short firm "no". You may find that this is sufficient to stop your cat, but, if not, try giving him, or her, a very brief squirt of water with a plant sprayer.
4. Once you have got your cat's attention, try to tempt him, or her, over to the scratching post or box with a tasty treat. Never pick up your cat and remove it, because this could cause him, or her, to fear you or the scratching toys. Instead, gently coax him, or her.
5. As the cat approaches the box or post, place the treat down next to it and take a couple of steps back. Allow the cat to associate the smell of catnip and the tasty treat with the new toy.
6. Hopefully, at this point your cat will be tempted to give the scratching post or box a good scratch. When he, or she, begins to do this, offer another treat and give lots of verbal praise and affection. The cat will soon associate scratching on the post or box with very pleasant things, which will encourage him, or her, to use it more often.
7. When your cat begins to use the post or box through habit, it is a good idea to reinforce the praise frequently and perhaps offer a treat from time to time. Obviously, it is important not to overdo the treats, but an infrequent reinforcement will ensure that your cat does not leave the post in favor of your furniture.

Naturally, all cats will react differently to training. However, these tips should prove successfully if you have the time and patience to retrain your cat's behavior.