If you want to prevent that from happening, the use of cat barriers such as cat doors, enclosure or playpen is very helpful to keep your feline friend in a safe and contained area. Such pet containment systems are also a great way to keep your cat away from aggressive dogs and other dangerous stray animals in the neighborhood.

Here are a few types of cat barriers and the many good benefits they can bring to you and your beloved cat:

Cat Doors

Cat barrier, in the form of a cat door, will allow your kitty to enter and exit the house in a safe manner. As you all know, cats are naturally territorial and they immensely enjoy playing inside and outside the house. If you have a small cat door installed specifically for her, it can make the life of your cat easier and convenient. Hence, there’s no more need to exert effort to open the main door at all times to let her out or in.

Cat Flaps

This unique feline door design will let your cat to enter and exit a house on their own without needing you to open the main door from time to time, while providing protection against wind, rain and other harsh elements.

Cat Enclosures

For outdoor use, cat enclosures are very functional to contain your cat in the backyard or the park. More than being a cage, this spacious cat containment system can serve as an outdoor feline barrier where your furry friend can play, run, exercise and rest safely while enjoying the beauty of the outside world.

Cat Playpens

For indoor use, on the other hand, cat playpens and kitten playpens are a great solution. This type of cat barrier provides a comfortable space for your feline pet to stretch out, move around and play inside the house, while preventing her to get in touch with fragile objects such as furniture and other precious decorations. Cat playpen is also ideal to use if you leave your cat home alone.

Source: http://pet-articles.blogspot.com/

Share:

And indoor cats are no different. Just because a tree is not available, it does not decrease their desire to “leave a mark on the world” by scratching. From a cat’s point of view, chairs, sofas, and even the woodwork can serve as a good substitute. But cat owners often take a different view. They see scratching as a destructive behavior, and seek to redirect or stop it. In many cases, a scratching post can be a good compromise.

But even better, why not help your feline pal create original pieces of art you will be proud to display in your home or office?

Ever since he was a kitten, my cat Henry has always loved to scratch. He soon grew tired of the scratching post I bought him and went on tocreate interesting textures on the living room sofa and chair. I was determined not to have him declawed. So what was the answer?

I remembered hearing that a friend’s cat liked to scratch a piece of carpet she had nailed onto the wall. So I went to the surplus store and bought a few pieces of carpet remnants.

It did not take Henry long to catch on. Almost as soon as I nailed the carpet up on the wall, he discovered that he really enjoyed scratching it. He was very pleased that it didn’t turn over with him like his old scratching post sometimes did, and he enjoyed working with the

texture.

A few months later, when Henry had nearly scratched the carpet remnant to pieces, I decided to replace it with another strip of carpet. But instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to put a hanger on it and display it. After all, it looked like a modern piece of fiber art. It had long, fluffy loops of all lengths, and it looked like someone had spent a great deal of time creating it. (Actually they did — only the “someone” happened to be feline!)

Last summer when I was exhibiting some of my own fiber art at the Bangor Public Library in Bangor, Maine, I decided to include a few pieces of Henry’s work. The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and were surprised to learn that a cat had created it! Within a few

months, Henry and his work were also featured in the Bangor Daily News.

If you would like to help your feline friend express their creativity, all you need are a few nails or screws and a strip of carpet that’s at least 5-6 inches across and at least a foot long. Make sure that the carpet does not have loops that are cut, or your cat will only be able
to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she would like to create. Nail it securely to the wall, and watch what happens! If your cat needs a little encouragement, you can always rub the carpet remnant with catnip, or spray it with catnip spray.

Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat might create!

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/biz/AnitaMcCormick

Share:

I certainly would NOT recommend a vegan diet for male cats the lack of acidity in current veggie food can cause crystals to form in the bladder this is potentially dangerous to male cats. Some years ago my sister started feeding her three cats a vegan diet, the male cat soon developed crystals and was unable to urinate this required expensive emergency veterinary treatment and is now back on regular food.The females continue to be fed a vegan diet currently provided by AMI (Ami Vegan Cat food ) and are doing remarkably well.

There are no real health benefits associated with vegan cat foods Company’s who provided them claim not to test on animals, the truth is your pet tests the product. With most meat contained in regular pet foods coming from parts of animals that humans find undesirable and would discard I fail to see the moral benefits. There is no reason why a HIGHLY processed vegan cat food, safe for ALL cats cannot be produced, but is it worth the effort with so many slaughterhouses serving humans?

Share:

Source: http://www.topix.com/forum/pets/cats/TG2QFA6I3E3STRAUJ

	Asthma is a disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It results in an obstruction of the airways when the bronchioli(the small air passages in the lungs) …

Asthma is a disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It results in an obstruction of the airways when the bronchioli(the small air passages in the lungs) become inflamed and produce excess mucous and develop spasms (bronchoconstriction). It is far more common in cats than dogs. Asthma is more common in Siamese and Himalayan cat breeds than in many others.

Dogs and cats of any age can get asthma, but it occurs more commonly in young and middle-aged pets. The primary sign in cats is coughing, which cat owners sometimes confuse with attempts to cough up hairballs. Owners often report wheezing and, in rare cases, respiratory distress occurs resulting in open mouth breathing and purple gums and tongue. This latter condition is an emergency. In some cases, cats may become lethargic and stop eating, resulting in weight loss. Between episodes, pets are usually normal. Triggers for asthma may include second hand smoke, litter dust, air pollution and certain fragrances. Sometimes no clear trigger is identified. Asthma may worsen if a respiratory infection has been recently active.

To diagnose asthma, it is necessary to perform an X-ray of the chest and perform additional tests to rule out other respiratory problems. These may include heartworm tests, blood counts and chemistries, and bronchial lavage. Once a diagnosis of reactive airway disease has been made, treatment often consists of steroids, antihistamines, bronchodilators, perhaps antibiotics or a combination of these drugs. In severe attacks, oxygen therapy may be necessary. These days many cat owners are using puffers (inhalers) to deliver the bronchodilator or steroid into the airways by use of a special kitty mask if the condition is chronic.

The prognosis for control of this disease is excellent, with most pets living happy, normal lives with the help of life-long medication. Unless an underlying cause can be determined, a cure is unlikely. Your veterinarian can help to determine both the cause of asthma as well as the treatment options best suited to your pet.

Source: http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/content.asp?id=37&cat=cats

Compartir este artículo

Overview
Originating during the 19th century, the Border Collie was so named due to their home of development on the border of Scotland England. This breed was prized for their outstanding herding abilities of any type of livestock. Today the Border Collie is a popular farm worker, family companion, and talented show dog.

Character
The Border Collie is medium-sized, exceptionally athletic, and possesses great endurance. This breeds obsession is their livestock work. They are high energy, confident, and determined. They are light on their feet, have a flowing movement, and are extremely versatile.
Source: www.nextdaypets.com

What is a feral cat? A feral cat is untamed cat born in the wild. A stray cat is not necessarily a feral cat

What is a feral cat? A feral cat is untamed cat born in the wild. A stray cat is not necessarily a feral cat. A feral cat grows up with no human contact unlike a stray cat who can have human contact but is not owned by someone.

In the United States, a feral cat commonly comes from an abandoned domestic cat’s offspring. Owners who have not spayed or neutered a cat may lose or abandon it. Although the parent(s) have had human contact, the offspring will not inherit this exposure.. Even the parent(s) in time may revert back to being a wild cat.

In Australia, a feral cat is a breed that lives in the wild. Feral cats can be found throughout the country. They are predators to marsupials, reptiles and birds. Australia, New Zealand and several island countries have had problems with large populations of feral cats destroying different species of wildlife. Some countries tried eliminating them but that led to other animal control problems.

Feral cats are usually found in groups. Their lifespan is much shorter than a domestic cat because they are prey for larger animals. They can be found in areas of extreme heat or cold. They play a part in controlling the small animal population especially rodents. Unfortunately, they also feed on birds.

Controlling the feral cat population has always been a challenge. Some states allow them to be hunted and killed. Another technique is to trap, neuter and release the cat. This has been effective but very time consuming. The Feral Cat Coalition in San Diego has a program at no cost to help control the feral cat population. Recently seven feral cats were trapped on Saint Nicolas Island in California. Instead of being exterminated, the cats were transferred to an the Animal Medical Center in El Cajon. The Humane Society of the United States, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Navy are working together to try to control the feral cat population on the island of over 200 feral cats.

A feral cat can be tamed to live with humans but this is recommended at the young kitten stage. A slow process of 2 to 6 weeks is required to acclimate a feral kitten to humans. Having a adult domestic cat can act as a role model for the kitten. Taming an adult feral cat can be done but requires a different approach. Some feral cats or kittens cannot be tamed based on their temperament. If a cat that cannot be tamed is returned to the wild, it should be spayed or neutered.

A feral cat is a wild animal. It can carry diseases including rabies. A cat is a prime carrier of a parasite called toxoplasmosis. This parasite can be very dangerous to humans with weakened humane systems. A feral cat because it feeds on raw meat is more apt to have the parasite. If you find one, be very careful and seek professional help on how to handle it. If bitten by a feral cat, see a doctor immediately.

This article was presented by Purrfect Cat Products, your one stop site for all your cat needs. Available is products including supplements and medications that may be of benefit to a feral cat. Purrfect Cat Products does not endorse or recommend capturing or keeping a feral cat.

Fuente: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/Feral-Cat/10083

Grooming is important to maintain the hygiene of a cat, keeping it in the best of health

Grooming is important to maintain the hygiene of a cat, keeping it in the best of health. Making a habit of grooming your cat regularly will go a long way in ensuring that your pet doesn’t fall ill of avoidable reasons. A complete grooming regimen comprises of giving it a bath, combing its fur, trimming its nails, brushing its teeth and cleaning its ears as well as eyes. However, you need not follow all of them in a single, long session. Rather, keep the grooming sessions short and frequent, so that your cat gets used to them and also doesn’t get fidgety while going through a single one.

Cat Grooming Tips

Bathing

One of the most important aspects of cat grooming comprises of bathing. Make your cat sit in a tub, with its front paws hooked on the sides, and put cotton balls inside the ears. Now, wet your pet with warm water and use shampoo all over its body, avoiding the face. Rinse off with warm water and shampoo once again. After the second rinse, rub a conditioner through its hair. Leave it on for a minute and rinse off completely.

Make sure that after shampooing as well as conditioning, you rinse off the residue thoroughly. Now, using your hands, squeeze out the water from your cat’s hair and then wrap it in a towel. Pat with the towel and remove the cotton balls from its ears. Putting your blow-dryer on the coolest setting, use it to dry your cat’s hair. After a lot of the dampness has gone away, comb your pet’s hair, as you dry it.

Combing & Brushing

Brush your cat on a regular basis, especially if it has long hair. This will prevent the occurrence of tangled hairs and hairball. While brushing, make sure to follow the direction of your cat’s coat, as going against the grain can irritate its skin. If you haven’t brushed your cat’s hair for a very long time and it has become tangled, it is advisable to cut off the hair in the troubled area. After brushing, move a wide-toothed comb through your pet’s hair.

Trimming Toenails

You need to trim your cat’s toenails regularly. Apart from preventing the scratching of furniture and draperies by your pet, this would also help it walk more easily. Start cutting the nails of your cat from an early age, so that it gets used to the experience. While cutting the nail, take the paw and press under the pad, making the nail come out. Always cut the nail tip only and stay away from the pink vein (or quick), because it is sensitive and will hurt if you cut into it.

Teeth Brushing

Regular brushing forms a very important part of your cat’s overall grooming. For cleaning your pet’s teeth, wet a cloth and dip it in salt and baking soda. Rub the cloth on its teeth. Make sure to be gentle while rubbing, lest you end up hurting your pet. This will help clean the gums and mouth of your cat and in the process, ensure that it remains healthy.

Cleaning Eyes

Just like the other body parts of a cat, you need to clean the eyes of a cat as well. For the purpose, you need to dissolve 1/8 tsp salt (sodium chloride or sea salt) in ½ cup of boiling water. Now, let the water come down to room temperature and then store it in a covered container, in refrigerator. After a gap of at least one week, use it for cleaning your cat’s eyes. Heat the solution to lukewarm, dip a cotton ball in it and use it to wipe the eye area.

Cleaning Ears

Cleaning the ears of your cat also forms an important part of the overall grooming regimen. After you have given a bath to your pet, use clean cotton balls to remove dirt from its ears. Fold its ear gently and then wipe it with a cotton ball, making sure to clean the folds as well. In case you find the ear debris to be crusty looking, foul smelling or in excess, consulting a vet is advisable.

Fuente: http://pets.iloveindia.com/cats/cat-grooming.html

Have you ever had the nasty experience of finding some poor little dead creature slap-bang in the middle of your kitchen floor? Or, worse yet, has your ‘oh so innocent looking cat’ dropped a mutilated prey…

Have you ever had the nasty experience of finding some poor little dead creature slap-bang in the middle of your kitchen floor? Or, worse yet, has your ‘oh so innocent looking cat’ dropped a mutilated prey right at your feet and acted as if you should be pleased about it?

If things like the above have happened to you, you must have wondered why your cat does that. After all you feed her, and feed her well, don’t you? So why does she feel the need to hunt wildlife, let alone bring the corpses or injured but still living creatures back home?

A well cared for domestic cat does not hunt through hunger. Just because she does not have the need to hunt doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have the instinct. Cats are predators. When cats first moved in with humans thousands of years ago it was because of their proficient hunting skills. The cats learnt that where there were humans there were also rodents. The humans learnt just how accomplished cats are at catching and killing, thereby keeping the rodent population down. It was to be many years later that felines became thought of as pets and were kept primarily for their companionship.

“So OK, cats are natural born hunters, but why do they have to bring their catch home?”

There is more than one theory on this, but the most likely explanation is that your cat views you as an incompetent kitten who needs schooling in the ways of hunting. Spayed females are the most likely to bring home their catch. Kitty may be deprived of the ability to reproduce, but she does retain maternal instincts it seems.

“So she thinks I need to learn to go out and hunt food. But why does she bring back half-dead mice and other creatures?”

Usually the first catch a mother cat brings to her kittens will be dead. She will eat the prey in front of the kittens – this is food, and this is how you eat it. Then mom moves on to bringing home prey that she has injured and mangled. She will finish off her catch in front of her kittens – this is prey, and this is how you kill it. Finally she will start to bring home captured but unharmed creatures. Mom will let the prey go in front of her young ones and demonstrate to them how she stalks, pounces and catches – this is prey, and this is what you have to do before you can kill it and eat it.

“Well OK, my cat thinks that it is not enough that I know how to use a can opener, she thinks I should know how to hunt. It’s nice of her to look after my interest but dead, half eaten or mutilated little animals disgust me. And I don’t like her killing wildlife especially birds. How can I stop her?”

You can’t take away her hunting instinct. Punishing her in any way would be futile. Even showing your distaste at her activities will probably confuse her, she has done you a service and you are unhappy about it!

Cats will hunt. Some more successfully than others but they will do it. The only way you can prevent them from hunting wildlife is to keep them indoors. If you prefer your cat to enjoy the outdoors fitting her out with a bell (attached to a breakaway collar for your cat’s safety,) will go a long way in preventing her destroying wild birds.

Source: http://searchwarp.com/swa43603.htm

What do you do if you are trying to introduce your cat to your household – and your house is haunted? How do you introduce your new cat to the ghosts who, well, may be part of your family?

What do you do if you are trying to introduce your cat to your household – and your house is haunted? How do you introduce your new cat to the ghosts who, well, may be part of your family?

Yeah, I know, most people will probably lift a disdainful nostril at this. I suspect that the majority don’t believe in the Supernatural, and to tell you the truth I shouldn’t either.

I’ve got a scientific background, having graduated in Chemistry and worked as an Industrial Chemist for many years. As such, I’m fully aware that Science doesn’t recognize the Supernatural.

Now, I have to qualify that. In the 1970’s there was an ongoing movement on the part of the scientific community to investigate supernatural phenomena, and an entire issue of the magazine Science was devoted to it. After several years of investigation, the community concluded that the Supernatural does not exist — primarily because supernatural phenomena are not reproducible.

For a fact to be established by the Scientific Method, it has to be reproducible – identical results must be obtained under identical conditions by all researchers repeating the same experiment. Because of this, Science concluded that the Supernatural doesn’t exist. Results of experimentation were not repeatable.

It wasn’t amenable to the Scientific Method.

But the nagging question remains: if a phenomenon isn’t measurably reproducible, does it mean that it’s not there?

Modern Quantum Physics has reopened the possibility of other realms we can neither measure nor perceive. Stephen Hawking has suggested that the reality we find ourselves in is merely a statistical summation of all possible parallel realities – none of which can be directly measured — which come about because of choices that, well, we have made.

Now, I’m not a Quantum Physicist, but to me this would indicate that there are indeed other realms beside the one we live in that we cannot perceive.

But maybe your cat can. In particular, there is a mystique surrounding the black cat, which I tried to debunk in my article “A Black Cat is Only a Cat”. I still stand by my belief that there is no “bad luck” associated with a black cat, but I do have to admit one thing.

My black cat acted very strangely on Halloween.

Granted, the Santanas (hot California winds) were blowing through the house, and there were a lot of strange noises and movements that came about because of the wind.

But still…

It was as if he was sensing something else going on. Something that wasn’t there.

Well, a lot of people think cats are psychic. Bill Murray encountered a psychic cat in “Broken Flowers”, when he visited an ex-flame who was a “Cat Whisperer”.

Her cat sat and stared at him unblinkingly for the entire duration of his visit. He asked his ex-girlfriend about the cat, and she replied, “He says you have a hidden agenda”.

Cats seem to have some kind of special knowledge or perception of the world that we humans lack. Many cat owners testify to the experience of having their cat arch her back, growl and spit at something that “isn’t there”.

So, if this is indeed the case, that at least some cats are sensitive to the Supernatural, and by implication, sensitive to ghosts, perhaps ghost hunters like the TAPS people (“Ghost Hunters”, the SciFi Channel), http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/) might consider identifying these cats and carrying them into the haunted places they investigate. Sort of like miners carrying caged Canaries down into mines as indicators of poison gas.

Who knows? These “Feline Ghost Detectors” might be more reliable than some of the high tech Infrared devices and sound recording systems TAPS uses to provide indications of wayward spirits.

The latter instruments sometimes give false readings due to lazy homeowners who fail to fix their malfunctioning transformers and fuse boxes.

Perhaps a black cat, who won’t arch his back because of electromagnetism leaking from a defective fuse box, might reliably “spit” at a real ghost.

Who knows?

By: John Young