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None expected me to return home holding a tiny living fur-ball in my palms and announcing that whether they liked it or not I would definitely keep my new friend indoors. As simple as that my female cat entered my life. She was actually saved by my father, who being an animal-lover all his life he decided to run to its rescue when he spotted the stray kitten walking the dangerous city streets. Two days later, I was introduced with my soon to become indoor cat and I was glad that me and my father were in fact on some kind of "secret agreement" to convince my mother that the kitty had to be adopted by us.

Although my parents have taught me to love and respect animals since I was a small kid, it was amazing for me to be able to touch and play with my cat in the comfort of my own bedroom. One of my friends, who is afraid of animals in general due to a misfortunate event with a dog when she was a child, came one day at my house to watch a movie with me. Since she was not informed that a cat was present-it totally slipped my mind to tell her-and as we were relaxing on the couch, she suddenly jumped surprised and screamed "For God's sake! Who is this Godzilla?" I laughed so hard that tears came out of my eyes, as I was seeing my adult friend being afraid of a kitten not bigger than a palm. As you can probably guess, this is why my cat took that name.

Next summer, as I was vacating at my favorite island, I woke up one morning from a noise a cat made outside my door. This for me was a unique experience, as my ability to sleep through any kind of noisy disturbance is legendary. When I opened the door, there was on my doorstep another tiny soul looking straight into my eyes, begging for some food. This male cat instantly became the mascot of that year's summer vacations and I was not willing to leave the cat behind upon my return. My parents had to experience, for the second time in their lives, how determination can lead a stray kitten into our home.

A year later, Godzilla and Ricky-my father thought of the second name-became a couple and gave birth to five kittens, which I had to give away to other families as I could not keep seven cats in my apartment. Four months after the birth both of my cats were spayed or neutered-my veterinarian suggested that this procedure was necessary since the cats were always together and in less than a year I would have to find more families to adopt the new kittens that would be born. Although I was extremely reluctant to the idea, I finally agreed to perform the operations and the truth is that afterwards my cats were calmer and much more affectionate; not only to each other, but also with family and friends. They never gained weight-one of those myths that you can hear-and they immediately began behaving as usual. Of course, I have always remembered to perform all the appropriate vaccinations and I bought colorful collars for their ID tags. At some point, I considered microchipping them too, but did not go ahead with the idea as I should and until today I regret not going ahead with it.

Godzilla and Ricky were two of the best friends I had during the last eight years and they were always there for me. Only those who have experienced the pleasure of having a pet can probably understand how I felt when I had to give Godzilla and Ricky away as I was about to leave my country and my parents, who had a third cat in their house which did not like intruders, could not handle this triple challenge. I was fortunate enough to find two kind friends, who offered Godzilla and Ricky a new home and the love they so much deserved. But, although I know Godzilla is totally happy in her new premises, I must confess that Ricky has gone missing two moths after I left; that is almost two years ago. Even though my friend did everything in her power to locate the missing cat, he has never returned to her house or to mine. I terribly miss both and there are moments when I still imagine entering the house and finding them waiting to go back to sleep at my side. I never forgave myself for not microchipping my cats, since that unique pet ID might have been Ricky's ticket home. I am one of those animal-lovers that want their pets to feel free and happy and not for one second have I even thought the possibility of one of them getting lost during my absence. Although some are reluctant to the idea of keeping their cats indoors at all times, life has taught me that you should do everything in your power to keep your beloved cat safe. I never blamed my friend for having a garden and Ricky for deciding to explore the world outside her fence. I regret for not being proactive and concentrating on my own fears instead of their future safety. Do not do the same mistake. Take good care of your cats so you will sleep better during the night.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:15 AM  0 Comments

Cats and, to a quite similar extent, dogs behave so much like young children in the early stages of their lives. And one of the things both kids and parents quickly learn is that "two’s company, but three’s a crowd."

Bringing a third cat into the domain of two who have negotiated an uneasy sharing of territory over the years requires some tricky planning. Sometimes, though, there just isn’t time for careful preparation, only for smart thinking. Following are the basics for safely introducing a new cat into a multi-cat home, even for an emergency or rescue situation.

How to Bring in Cat Number Three:

1. The best way is to make the introduction slowly, in steps. Plunking a strange cat down in the middle of the kitchen can have unexpected to disastrous results. If he is small, the (presumably) bigger cats will use him as a hockey puck, batting him around the kitchen floor. If she is older, the hissing and sparring can be intense. You don’t want to be in the middle of that, and neither do any of the cats, especially if one is ill or frail.

2. Have someone else put your own cats in a neutral space, while you take the new arrival into a bedroom where he will stay for the next week. You’ll need to set up a separate litter box, feeding dishes, and some familiar bedding, if possible, or something else soft and comforting, if not.

3. After the newcomer is left alone to settle in and that bedroom door is closed, you can let the other cats out of their "prison". They’ll detect a strange scent in the house immediately and make a beeline for the "isolation" bedroom. They’ll return to it for hours at a time, standing guard or crouching, looking for movement or a paw on the other side of the door.

4. After the incumbent cats are used to the new scent, and hear the mews or meows behind the closed door over several days, they’ll gradually desensitize to the idea of an intruder. That is, their red alert status will come down to orange, and perhaps, yellow.

5. Ideally, the next step is to let the cats see each other through a window or inside sliding door. But most houses can’t accommodate that. You’ll have to compensate by carrying the new cat into the general living area and holding him or her on your lap, or in your arms, for a few minutes several times a day. Then you can try the same by putting the cat on the ground, but stay alert and be prepared to step in fast to protect whoever is passive.

Introducing a third cat into a household is rarely without problems. Sometimes, issues of jealousy and irritability arise after several weeks. Perhaps a cat’s patience wears thin, or she gets tired of being "such a good girl" for Mom.

However, most disputes should be minimal, if the humans are giving attention to the old-timers, and watching for signs of stress and/or depression on all sides. These may be obvious, as with swearing, growling, swatting with claws outstretched, hiding, or even curling up on the litter tray. On the other hand, signs may include flattened ears, nervous licking, a change in appetite, or frequent vomiting. If unusual behaviors persist, you may need to have the cat checked out by a veterinarian.

The bottom line is never push a cat beyond what its nervous system can stand. And never force the newcomer into the circle of acceptance. It simply won’t work. Let the cats adjust at their own pace, and eventually, most days will be calm enough that everyone will be relaxed and happy. It's 7:00 a.m. Race you to the Bird Feeder TV Channel!

# posted by Medical Information : 2:15 AM  0 Comments

Why are some cats fussy eaters, and what can we do about it? How to turn your fussy feline into a lean, mean eating machine!

Cats learn to be fussy eaters. In the wild, no cat could ever afford to be a fussy eater for long. It is safe to assume that if your cat is a fussy eater, it is because you have somehow trained your cat to be this way. The good news is that this means you can also train your cat NOT to be a fussy eater!

First, choose a good quality food or a small range of healthy foods. Some pet owners are discovering the benefits of raw feeding biologically appropriate foods but this is a topic for another article. Try to choose a food that has meat as it's main ingredient. If cereal tops the ingredient list, keep looking.

Then decide on a schedule of feeding. I prefer to feed my cats twice a day, but once a day is enough. Choose either once a day or twice a day and stick to your plan.

Figure out an appropriate amount of food. The label on the can or packet will make a suggestion. If you decide to feed twice a day, halve the amount so that the total food for the day is the recommended amount.

Monitor your cat's weight. Most vets will provide this service for free, just take your cat in a carrier once per month. Over time you will figure out the appropriate amount of food for your cat.

Here is the big secret: put the correct amount of food down and give your cat no more than 10 minutes to eat it. Go off and fix your hair and clean your teeth or something. When you return, if your cat isn't eating and there is still food in the bowl take it away. Don't ever leave food lying around for your cat to eat at his or her leisure.

If your cat is not used to eating a meal in one sitting, chances are you are going to get some protests. Make a rule to ignore the protests and not give in! You may love your cat, but don't love it to death. Free-feeding is the fastest way to obesity and disease in cats as they did not evolve as "grazers".

If you are feeding a new food your cat may not like it. It is up to you to determine whether this new food has any benefits to your cat's health that could not be met with other, more preferred foods. If you think it does, then just keep following this rule with the new food.

Just be aware that some overweight, sick or elderly cats should not be left without food for more than 24 hours. You may need to mix some of the old food in with the new food and transition gently.

Remember to always have clean, fresh drinking water available for your pet. If you have any concerns at all about your pet's health, please consult your veterinarian before implementing these changes.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:15 AM  0 Comments

While the title of this article may be a non sequitur, cat ownership doesn't have to be difficult. Cats are highly intelligent and can be trained to do tricks, and can provide years of wonderful companionship. Here is an easy guide to making the most out of your relationship with your cat.

Cats are usually perceived as loners who do not need affection. This is not entirely true. They need affection, they just like to pick the times when they want it. This may mean that your cat decides that 4 AM is the best possible time for them to have their head scratched, but you can usually train them to respect your sleeping schedule. The key to a happy relationship with your cat is to accept their idiosyncrasies and learn to work within them.

Cat nutrition is an area that is receiving more attention in the media. Cats by nature are carnivores and most brands of cat food include much more grain than meat products. This can create health problems for your cat, such as diabetes.

If you are concerned about your cat's health, make sure to read the labels on their food. Try to find cat food that contains more meat than grain, even if you have to moved to canned food.

Although cats can be destructive, especially to your sofa, they can be trained to confine their scratching activities to "good" areas, such as their scratching post.

While many people prefer to declaw their cats, this practice is becoming more reviled in certain circles. When the cat is declawed, they are essentially losing a knuckle of their toe joint, a prospect that is certainly painful. If you decide not to declaw your cat, frequently trim their nails to minimize the damage they can cause.

Spaying and neutering cats is just as important as it is with dogs. Even though your cat may never leave your house, they are still at risk for certain problems that can arise if you do not have them spayed or neutered.

Intact male cats are more likely to "spray" or mark their territory than cats who have been neutered. Owners of female cats can certainly attest to the fact that listening to a yowling cat in heat is not a pleasant event.

One of the main issues with cat ownership is proper hygiene, particularly when it comes to the litter box. Once you have trained your cat to use the litter box, try to reinforce their behavior at least one a week to make sure they continue to use their box.

Some cats will prefer an extremely clean box, while others couldn't care less. However, you could personally be at risk for disease if you don't keep your cat's litter box clean.

Your cat may not appear to need as much love as a dog or other house pet, but don't let their cool facade fool you. They need you more than you know and with some boundaries, love and training, cats can be wonderful and giving companions.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:06 AM  0 Comments

Who's a "copycat"? Where did that "coin of phrase" come from? Certainly not from any respectable cat with dignity. Although it's been said, to copy or mimic is the highest form of flattery, maybe the human species would do well to copy or mimic others who seem to possess the art of living to it's perfection or at least to a degree of higher standards.

You know....sniff around more. Be fully aware of your environment and surroundings.

Take an eye opening look at nature. Watch the birds and squirrels. Study how they save and horde for rainy days.

Exercise in ways you never thought of. There's a lot to be said for jumping to catch butterflies or running from bees and other flying insects. I, myself have perfected this small but dynamic form of getting in shape.

S T R E E E E E E E T C H...... watch your cat. Get on your hands and knees. Lower the front torso to the ground, point the rear upward and WOW! This takes all the kinks from your back. You will have a feeling of well-being and contentment.

When feeling bored, stressed or for no particular reason, just find the nearest, soft, place to curl in a ball (this is why the above stretching exercise is so important) and dose off for a bit or the whole rest of the day or night.

After the rejuvenating nap, it will be time for a nice meal to pick at. No need to gorge yourself, as there will be nibbling later. It's best to eat less in more intervals throughout the day and night. This will keep you svelt and able to leap tall furniture or shelving. Even the top of the refrigerator will be attainable. Then you can have the ability to view your territory.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:06 AM  0 Comments

Is the "finicky" feline syndrome making an appearance in your suddenly discriminating kitty?

Has guilt led you from one end of the town to the other in your quest for "the" perfect accepted food brand and flavor in can or bag?

I know...All goes good for a while. THEN, you get the "look" or the "walk away". (Was it something I said? Did I not open the can the right way?) Has "fussy" or "hard to please" become......you know, that showy display of disapproval that takes on a "flair for the dramatics" feline style?

My little girl Metoo will do this, not being known to her two brothers, Nikoli & Blue, who are still eating ravenously, the morning's can food portions set out. I believe her little nose is plugged up and not working at it's best. Metoo has a respiratory problem, including some allergies. (We all know allergies are worse in the morning.) (First thing I do when I get up, is blow my nose.)

Poor little thing, I'd have her blow her nose if she could. If she will take an antihistamine (Vet knows about this) I give it to her for some temporary relief. I know the rule: IF THEY CAN'T SMELL IT, THEY WON'T EAT IT!

PS: **I want to pass this "tip" on, as I found out the hard way:

As routine, my three cats share a 3.5 oz can (usually Fancy Feast selection with gravy), since Blue was diagnosed with small stones in his bladder at only 6 months old. I caught this early before a lot of pain set in, but I noticed him in the litter box, frequently, restless and producing NOTHING. So, the can food adds moisture and texture that the dry food, left out through out the day, does not give him. The boys need this. Blue has not had a problem since, and he is now 12 years old. Hope this helps!

# posted by Medical Information : 3:05 AM  0 Comments

Persian cats have always been a favorite breed with cat owners. They make wonderful pets and have their good points and bad points. On the Pro list, they are very beautiful to look at and generally have a sweet disposition, a quiet manner and regal character. They usually tolerate everything and walk off if bothered. They are very gentle, by nature. Another Pro is the variety of colors they come in. You have silver, white, black, red, multicolored and golden shades, just to name a few. They are an ornament to your life and home. They make attractive pets to look at. They have lovely fur and are not usually prone to be destructive in any way. Persian cats usually adjust quite well to new surroundings quickly although some can be shy around loud noises. There are some other things you need to know. This will help you adjust to possible problems of owning that may occur.

The Cons of owning a Persian cat are the shedding of hair, the possibility of runny eyes, as Persians seem prone to this and they may also have some grooming problems. Usually only older Persian cats have a tendency not to groom themselves. Some owners have their Persian cat shaved by the vet occasionally if grooming becomes a problem. It is always best to be aware of all these facts before owning a Persian cat. Persian cats make delightful pets and will bring you much joy. They tend to live long lives and get very attached to their owners. In summary, this breed will make a wonderful addition to your family and a great pet as long as you are prepared for all of these things.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:05 AM  0 Comments

Did you ever wonder what your cat was thinking? Why do they always rub their heads on things, especially you? We may not be able to ask our kitty and get a verbal response but we can observe their body language to see what they're thinking.

Let's start at the top-the ears. Cat's ears do more than hear, they reflect the cat's emotions and impending actions. Ears perked up mean she's curious and interested. Ears drawn back flat to the head mean irritation, anger, and a possible fight is ahead. Ears forward mean she's attentively engaged in what's going on.

Working our way down, the "eyebrow" whiskers, like all the whiskers, help the cat with sensory perception like measuring width or depth.

The cat's eyes, like human eyes, dilate and widen when excited and scared. They narrow when angry and make deep eye contact when they want to show they trust and love you.

Around the nose whiskers, cheek, chin, and chest area there are glands that, when they rub on objects or people, secrete an oil with a distinctive scent unique to your cat. This is one way they mark their territory. So, when you think they're rubbing on you to show affection, you're only partly right. They are also saying: "I like you enough that I want to put my name on you and call you 'mine'".

Cat's fur can also be a mood indicator. If you've ever seen an angry or scared cat, you've seen their hair stand up. This gives the illusion the cat is larger than it actually is which, ideally, is supposed to help repel the object or your cat's distaste. It can also fluff when they're cold which helps them to stay warmer.

Cat's feet are useful items and not just for walking and body support. For example, cat's paws knead when happy, or sometimes, if they're really nervous. Kneading goes back to when they were happily nursing close to their warm mothers. Their paws also are able to transfer their scent when they knead or rub them on things. The pads on the bottoms of their feet help to absorb the shock of landing after jumps or falls. Claws extend to attack or can extend when they need to be sharpened.

The hind legs will bend, supporting the body ready to attack or jump, depending on the situation. Sometimes, you'll see your cat crouch or squat and wiggle his bottom when he's ready to attack prey-whether its toys, animals, or your feet.

Cat's tails provide balance. The tail will stand straight up when being chased or doing the chasing. It will be flat when relaxed and greatly fluff up when, as stated before, he's scared or angry.

Cats have different ways of vocalizing their needs and wants. They purr to show contentment and happiness. They meow for different reason such as: they want to find you, they're hungry, they want in or out of somewhere or they want your attention. They growl to show anger or dominance or when they're playing. Cat's voices, pitches and indications as to what they are saying by meowing are as unique as humans.

Understanding their body language is fun and insightful. The longer you're around your cat, the more you'll understand what they're thinking. At times, it will almost seem as if they are talking to you-just don't get caught meowing back to him when other people are around!

# posted by Medical Information : 2:31 AM  0 Comments

Are you thinking about getting a new kitten or bringing home a stray cat but don't know how to thwart WW III? Sometimes, cats are similar to people in that they like having their space all for themselves. You may have noticed that they don't appreciate other cats or even the smell of them. There are some techniques to try to ensure the smoothest, safest and most stress-free transition between your old pet and the new one.

The first thing is to make sure your new pet is healthy so you'll need to take him to the vet for a checkup. Here, the vet will check for different diseases, treat for intestinal worms, check and treat ear mites and give shots. Also, the vet may recommend flea medicine. Now that he's gotten the "all clear" from his doctor, he's safe to come to his new home.

Your new cat is going through a lot of stressful changes right now: the car ride, the visit to the vet's office, a new owner, a new home with all different smells, and now...gulp, another cat? Because of these different factors, take it slow and easy with him. Put him in a room by himself when he first gets to his new house. Put a litterbox, food and water, his own toys and bedding with a blanket, towel, or old t-shirt or yours. Put some catnip or treats on the blanket to interest him. Let him explore and get comfortable by himself.

After a day or two, take the kitty's blanket (give him another item with your scent) and put it where the other cat can smell it. Look for reactions from him like growling and loud sniffing. Signs that you'll need to take more time before introducing the two include hissing or biting the blanket.

After a few days when your old cat has gotten his scent on the blanket, give it back to the new cat. Again, look for warning signs from him. Wait a couple of days then spread the blanket under the door. This allows both cats to safely get near each other and smell their scents together. They may paw under the door. Put snacks, food, or sprinkle catnip on the blanket on both sides.

If all goes well, allow them to meet but be prepared to throw a towel on them if they start fighting. Given the amount of time they've previously had getting used to each other's scents, there shouldn't be any major conflicts.

Remember to keep giving plenty of attention to your old cat; he's been going through some stressful changes, too! Be patient and loving. This is an exciting time for all of you with years of friendship and fun ahead.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:31 AM  0 Comments

One major problem you encounter as a cat owner involves your cat’s use (or non-use) of her litter box.

This is probably one of the most frustrating issues that arise in caring for your new cat. You buy a litter box, often an expensive one, fill it with good quality litter, and then find your cat defecating or urinating somewhere else in the house. Even more frustrating is when you discover that your cat “does her business” near the litter box, but not in it.

You have, of course, taken your cat to the vet who has pronounced her “healthy”. So, you’ve ruled out any physical ailment. You’ve changed the litter; you’ve cleaned the box. You’ve made sure no other cat is going in her box.

And yet, she’s still doing it – you still have problems:

• your cat is going somewhere else in the house

• your cat is going next to the litter box

• your cat is going half in and half out

The last possibility can often be solved by getting a larger box: something resembling a tub that your cat can still get into and out of without too much trouble but will confine the scat (not the cat) to the tub.

But the first two difficulties often remain.

THE INVISIBLE CULPRIT

What could be the problem? I’d like to pose a possible answer in one word: PLASTIC.

Most litter boxes, no matter how elaborate or expensive, are made of one plastic or another.

Plastics are polymers…huge molecules made by chemically “stringing together” smaller molecular units. Sometimes the units are all identical, sometimes they vary in composition and recur with some regularity. However all plastics are “organic” compounds.

In case you’ve forgotten your high school chemistry, organic compounds are primarily made up of Carbon and Hydrogen, sometimes with other elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous or Sulfur thrown in.

The plastics used in constructing most cheap cat litter boxes are relatively flexible – they can be easily bent. When you pick yours up to clean it, you’ll find it bending as you carry it out the door. It’s composed of a flexible plastic.

Flexible plastics are made that way by the addition of what’s termed “plasticizers”. Plasticizers are small organic molecules, usually phthalate esters that are added to the polymer to increase its flexibility.

Other litter boxes, particularly the self cleaning ones, are not so flexible. Since they are self cleaning, they are not designed to be picked up, and are generally constructed of several smaller, harder, plastic parts.

Hard plastics are formed in molds (forms into which the plastic is poured, where it hardens and takes shape). The molds are first coated with a “mold release” agent to enable the removal of the plastic part from the mold – otherwise it would stick to it and stay there.

Both materials – the plasticizer and the mold release agent– remain as a residue on (or in) the plastic. And both materials can “outgas”, that is, be released into the air, immediately after your litter box has been manufactured, and, in the cases of flexible plastics, from then on.

THEY ARE THERE…

So, if you’ve tried everything to induce your cat to “go” in her litter box and nothing has worked, could it be that your cat is sensitive to the plasticizers or the mold release agents used in the manufacture of her litter box? Even though you can’t smell anything, maybe your cat can.

Plastic is basically an unnatural material. It wasn’t found in nature before Man arrived and started making disposable food containers and litter boxes, and it wasn’t a factor in the evolution of cats.

Maybe your cat is sensitive to it, and is making you aware of that fact by defecating somewhere else, far from this source of annoyance. Or maybe the plastic is triggering some unnatural behavior in your cat, causing her to defecate half in and half out.

DON'T TELL YOUR GUESTS…

Try changing the material of the litter box. Try a glass litter box.

But, you say, there aren’t any glass litter boxes for sale! Where can I get one?

I went to glass some time ago by converting a shallow baking dish into a litter box. My wife used it for baking scalloped potatoes, and I unwittingly grabbed it for a different use, much to her…uh…displeasure.

Granted, a baking dish is shallow and the litter is easily thrown out by a digging cat, but I place newspaper under it (not a plastic mat), to catch the thrown litter. I’ve owned two cats in succession now, and neither has had a problem “doing their deed” somewhere else.

So try it. Of course it goes without saying that once you convert the baking dish into a litter box, it’s the end of using it to cook scalloped potatoes for your guests when they come over for dinner.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:30 AM  0 Comments

Are you thinking about getting a new kitten or bringing home a stray cat but don't know how to thwart WW III? Sometimes, cats are similar to people in that they like having their space all for themselves. You may have noticed that they don't appreciate other cats or even the smell of them. There are some techniques to try to ensure the smoothest, safest and most stress-free transition between your old pet and the new one.

The first thing is to make sure your new pet is healthy so you'll need to take him to the vet for a checkup. Here, the vet will check for different diseases, treat for intestinal worms, check and treat ear mites and give shots. Also, the vet may recommend flea medicine. Now that he's gotten the "all clear" from his doctor, he's safe to come to his new home.

Your new cat is going through a lot of stressful changes right now: the car ride, the visit to the vet's office, a new owner, a new home with all different smells, and now...gulp, another cat? Because of these different factors, take it slow and easy with him. Put him in a room by himself when he first gets to his new house. Put a litterbox, food and water, his own toys and bedding with a blanket, towel, or old t-shirt or yours. Put some catnip or treats on the blanket to interest him. Let him explore and get comfortable by himself.

After a day or two, take the kitty's blanket (give him another item with your scent) and put it where the other cat can smell it. Look for reactions from him like growling and loud sniffing. Signs that you'll need to take more time before introducing the two include hissing or biting the blanket.

After a few days when your old cat has gotten his scent on the blanket, give it back to the new cat. Again, look for warning signs from him. Wait a couple of days then spread the blanket under the door. This allows both cats to safely get near each other and smell their scents together. They may paw under the door. Put snacks, food, or sprinkle catnip on the blanket on both sides.

If all goes well, allow them to meet but be prepared to throw a towel on them if they start fighting. Given the amount of time they've previously had getting used to each other's scents, there shouldn't be any major conflicts.

Remember to keep giving plenty of attention to your old cat; he's been going through some stressful changes, too! Be patient and loving. This is an exciting time for all of you with years of friendship and fun ahead.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:51 AM  0 Comments

Is everyone in your home happy? What about your little feline friend? He seems to be unsatisfied. You notice this and wonder "What can I do to make my cat happy?" Perhaps he's not being treated correctly. You love your cat and you want him to be a happy member of your family. Yet, you're not quite sure exactly what to do for that to be. There are three important things you need to remember in order to make your cat feel right at home.

First of all, make sure your cat has things to do. If you don't want him to scratch up your furniture or your curtains, then keep him occupied by playing with him or giving him toys to play with. Yarn, balls, and things that they can move or chase around are good. Spend a little time with your cat so it doesn't get bored.

Second of all, you don't want to keep your cat waiting too long for food. You will know when it's been too long if he starts trying to work the can opener. On a more serious note, cats are animals and hungry animals aren't very friendly, or happy. Keep it on a regular eating schedule, so it makes it easier for you to develop a routine to keep your cat from starving.

Lastly, listen to your cat's meowing; it may mean he's begging you for something. It may be food, it may be attention. Whatever it is, you can't ignore it. Your cat will most likely otherwise stay quiet and hang on the little box or a comfy pillow. If it starts making noise, it's time to listen up.

Suppose you already do all those things and your cat still isn't happy. Do you keep him indoors at all times? Well, that's one thing you shouldn't do. Cats love to be outside or at least staring out the window. There's no harm in letting your cat get some fresh air, especially if you're keeping an eye on him so he won't run away. As mentioned before, you shouldn't ignore your cat. However, you don't want to crowd up his space either. Sometimes he likes to be left alone.

You can tell if your cat is unhappy when he has an unhappy look on his face. If you look closely at your cat's eyes and you see that the pupils are little slits, that means he's angry. Always remember, your cat deserves your respect. Be sure you give your cat just enough attention for it to be satisfied. Don't keep him in doors 24/7. Take him for a ride every once in a while. No one likes to be unhappy.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:51 AM  0 Comments

It's often said that cats are clean animals, and so they need to be. I can't speak for everyone's pet feline here, but if your tiger is anything like mine, then it spends half it's life pooping! Therefore we needed a good cat litter box and not just a conventional tray which are actually quite disgusting things to have around the house.

So just how can you determine what a 'good' cat litter box is? You might think that the more you spend the better the product, but that's not always the case as you can actually shell out for cosmetic designs, and I'm darned if I'd pay extra for a pretty cat toilet. No, the ole cat litter box has to be functional, practical, and easy to clean.

It's true that cat litter boxes have come a long way from what they use to be. Heck, I can remember when they resembled little more than paint trays. They were also quite shallow which meant the cat couldn’t cover its dirty deed over, thus making absorbency and odor control difficult. It's the latter, the odor, that's the gut wrenching problem here. Okay, so it's not pretty to look at, but have you ever woken up in the morning to the stink of feline feces? It doesn’t exactly kick start you stomach into breakfast mode.

With so many folks busy, busy, busy, these days, there seems little time to scoop out the poop on a regular basis which ads to the problem of smell. If this is you, then you need to choose from the new-age range of cat litter boxes that work well on odors. If you're really pushed for time, or just can't be bothered, there are also models around now that do the scooping for you automatically. Can you believe that!

For the second worse problem, which is seeing the cat go and then the fruits of its labor, there are cat litter boxes which are like little houses. This means that Tiddles can hide away and discretely do the business out of site. Therefore the best option is a cat litter box with walls and a roof, plus an automated scooping mechanism. All you're left to do is to pull out the draw periodically and neatly dispose of the waste. What could possibly be easier?

But before you jump online or dash down to the shops to buy one of these marvelous products, there's one very important thing you need to consider. Make sure the cat litter box is the right size for your pet. Big cat, small box, and you'll have problems getting Fur Balls to use it. And if he does, he'll probably come out covered in his own muck! Don't forget too, that a new litter box is an alien object, and your cuddly cat may not take to it right away. Therefore, put it in the same spot as his old loo, or if you want to relocate or it's a new family pet, then make sure you find a quiet corner, as cats will not be encouraged by noise and disturbance.

That's it, there is no more. Check out all the options on lavish loos for cats and you'll soon have an odor-free, easy maintenance, indoor toilet for the family feline.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:50 AM  0 Comments

I swear my mother could smell the diarrhea from an ant. I think she made sniffing a favorite past time, because I cannot remember a single day where she wouldn't say "What's that smell?" She'd then get up out of her chair with her head titled at 45 degrees and walk around the house trying to locate the hum that she and she alone could sense. Well, you can just imagine what she was like when there was a genuine reek in the house! Like the time I got a kitten and placed a Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box in the kitchen. My Mom was gagging and choking before she even set foot in the house. Honestly, I'm sure it's a physiological condition but she doesn’t see it that way.

To be honest, I think the self cleaning cat litter box is a fantastic piece of kit. There are no special receptacles or waste bags needed, so it therefore saves both time and money. Our self cleaning cat litter box also works with any clumping litter and has a large capacity waste drawer for easy emptying.

There are many different models on the market now days and some even have automated waste raking mechanisms that kick in 10 minutes after the cat has done its business. I've even seen those that supposedly eliminate odors. I and actually thought about getting one of those for the benefit of my Mother's nose, but she'd still smell it with her snout so I decided against the idea. In fact we have to place our self cleaning cat litter box outside when she comes to visit, but she still convinced the stench has embedded itself into the household fabrics.

I know people are spending more on their pets and pet products than ever before, but I think some of the self cleaning cat litter boxes have gone a little over the top price wise. My neighbor spent over $250 for hers and it looks too good to poop in. I think it was called Petmate Purrforma Self-Cleaning Litter box, or something similar. The design is very nice and it's obviously very well built, but honestly, it's only a toilet for Tiddles at the end of the day.

When I was a girl there was no such thing as a self cleaning cat litter box. All we had was what was referred to as the cat tray and it was exactly that, a plastic tray. We used to take it in turns to clean the darn thing out. It was kept in a corner of the kitchen and it wasn't a very nice start the day with pebbles and poops festering next the pedal bin. My mother always used to say the sight and smell of it made her feel physically sick which is perhaps why she never got another cat after Skippy died. Hey, maybe it was the littler box that gave her this obsession with odors?

Whatever, she doesn't have to have cats anymore but we just love the little fur balls in this house. In fact, now that we've invested in our own self cleaning cat litter box, we're even thinking abut getting another kitten now that the hassles of feline hygiene are behind us.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:32 AM  0 Comments

A good number of people prefer a feline pet than a canine one. They each have their own reasons: that cats are tamer, that a cat's purr is not as loud as a dog's bark, that it is more economical to keep a cat than a dog. Whatever your reasons are for keeping a cat as your pet, training Puss ‘N Boots is not exactly the same as training Pluto. In fact, it requires less repetition and more affection.

A more harmonious relationship between pet and master is the objective of training your cat above anything else. Teaching your cat nifty tricks comes only secondary to relevant training; in fact, it is more enjoyable to see your pet seemingly getting what you are trying to say.

Training your cat begins with displaying affection towards it. Cats are naturally affectionate pets, and they will seemingly demand from its master to constantly brush its fur. You can augment this method of affection by talking to your cat. It may sound silly, but cats found an audio sensation soothing, especially if it comes from the master. If a cat starts to behave negatively – it starts hissing, scratching furniture, or even biting – you do the opposite of reinforcement by withdrawing the brushing of its fur and talking to it. Cats do somehow realize the consequences of its behavior.

Another useful training is how to train your cat not to beg for food especially at the dinner table. The key here is to not give food from the dinner table in the first place; doing so will only reinforce the behavior. You bet the begging for food will happen again in the next meal. If you have started feeding the cat from the dinner table and would want it to stop, do not pay attention to your pet while meal is being served. Another way of preventing your cat from disturbing your own meal is to feed it on its dish before dinner is served. This way, the cat will be full when it is your turn to eat; cats do like to take a siesta after feeding.

You might also want to do train your cat not to attack other animals. While it may be fun to watch cats chase mice and birds in cartoons, it quite messy and violent in reality. You cannot take this instinct away from your pet, as it is inherent in a cat to hunt. It is like watching lions attack gazelles, only at a smaller scale. If you want to be spared the mess and violence of your cat's natural instinct, there is a remedy to this. There are specialized devices around designed to keep the innate ferocity of your cat in check, while at the same time ensuring that it does not cause a bloody hunting exercise. It will also not hurt if you keep smaller animals away from your cat. It is also advised that you do not keep other pets that are above or below your cat in the food chain. Birds, guinea pigs, goldfish are best left in the pet shop if you are keeping a cat at home. It is also advised that you invest in pest control to keep mice and other small animals from infesting your house, and thus stimulating the hunting instinct of your cat.

Cats also have the unavoidable tendency to call for a mate, the reason why they make a lot of nice in the wee hours. In order to avoid this, it is up to the master to increase display of affection by brushing its fur or patting its head; this will lessen the impact of loneliness and thus the call for mating.

Finally, it is always useful to include discipline in defecating and urinating when training your cat. A litter box is always helpful in helping the cat relieve itself at a designated spot in your house. Initially you may want to observe your cat before it urinates or defecates. You will sense when it is ready to relieve itself, when it becomes restless. You as master can place the litter box to the spot where it chooses to relieve itself. Eventually it will associate the spot it has selected to the litter box, and will look for the litter box instead of the spot – thus saving you from the bother of cleaning up your cat's mess.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:30 AM  0 Comments

As most people know, when you have cats you face the possibility of also having fleas. There are few pests worse than fleas, who almost microscopic in size and hard to banish. If you want to know how to get rid of fleas on cats, without getting rids of your cats, then keep reading.

If you need to know how to get rid of fleas on cats, then you already have a flea problem. Remember, getting rid of the fleas on your cats isn’t enough – you’ll have to free the entire house of fleas in order to keep them away from your cats for good. Getting rid of fleas can be a somewhat tedious process, so be ready to do some work to get rid of fleas.

Though there are many pet products you can buy for over-the-counter use, if you want to know how to get rid of fleas on cats you want to take them to the vet’s office. Let the professionals treat your cats and have them keep your cats overnight. Though this separation will be painful, it’s necessary so that you can prepare your home for the arrival of flea-free house cats. The vet’s office will apply special medicine to your cats that will not only kill existing fleas, but keep future fleas from being attracted to them.

If you want to know how to get rid of fleas on cats, the first rule is don’t try to do it alone. You need the cats removed from your home to be properly treated for fleas – otherwise, you’re fighting a losing battle. Take the cats to the professionals, and then you can focus on getting fleas out of your home.

In addition to using a flea bomb (be sure to follow the directions exactly), you want to shampoo all the fabrics in your home. This means carpeting, curtains, bedding, upholstery, and especially areas where the cats sleep and play. Ridding your home of fleas is how to get rid of fleas on cats so that they will not come back. Removing fleas from cats is not enough – you must also remove fleas from your home to keep your pets safe.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:30 AM  0 Comments

Building a bird feeder can be a great project for moms, dads and kids. It’s fairly simple to build a bird feeder that can be hung in the back yard and bring years of enjoyment for the whole family. You can either start from scratch with material you have around the house, or you can purchase a kit that has everything you need to make a very attractive and functional feeder.

You can make a very simple bird feeder out on an egg carton by cutting off the lid and filling the egg pockets with birdseed. To hang the carton, simply poke holes in the four corners of the carton and run string through each hole. Then, gather the string together and tie a knot. You can hang the feeder from any tree branch.

Soda bottles also make great bird feeders. Wash a two-liter soda bottle and make two holes at the bottom of the bottle. Thread a piece of wire through the holes and twist the wire ends together. Place dowels near the bottom of the feeder, and make an opening for birds to remove seed or cereal.

Kids also love to make cardboard tube bird feeders. All you need is a tube from a paper towel roll and a piece of yarn. Tread the yarn through the tube, then lay the tube on a piece of paper towel or plastic and coat it with honey. Take birdseed or cereal and sprinkle it all over the sticky tube. Tie the yarn into a knot and hang your completed project from any tree branch in your back yard.

If you want to get a little fancier, a bird feeder kit has prefabricated pieces with easy to follow instructions. They come in a variety of designs including a simple platform feeder to beautifully designed miniature versions of Victorian or colonial style homes. You can find bird feeder kits in any craft and hobby shop, gift shops and a number of online stores.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:16 AM  0 Comments

On a typical sunny weekend afternoon, countless of individuals, men or women, across this country that will head out into their backyards, pruning shears in hand, and begin to cut and clip and trim the various plants and bushes that are growing there. We take great pride in the appearance of our backyards and gardens. We choose foliages in certain colors so that they look nice against the paint color of our house. We plant flowers that will emit particular aromas that we are fond of. We situate shrubs so that they will provide privacy from our neighbors, and yet not block whatever scenic view we desire.

A back yard requires constant attention in order to keep it weed free and appealing to the eye. Once all of the flowers have bloomed, and the shrubs have been trimmed, we can sit back and admire our hours of handy work. From the weeding, to the seeding and to the sodding. We spent many weekends in this backyard in order to create just the right look. Yet, as our keen eyes scan the yard, it may occur to us that something may be missing.

A backyard can show us more than just the visions of nature; we can also hear the sounds of nature if we choose to. The pride of many, other than those award winning roses planted in the back corner, may very well be the bird bath that has been placed directly in the middle of all of the eye catching foliage. Once the bird bath is filled with even a small amount of water, birds of all colors and sizes can and will be seen playfully splashing in your garden everyday.

The bird bath may be made of stone, pedestal style, with a squirrel carved into the trunk. The bird bath may even be copper that takes on a beautiful green patina as the years go by. This bird bath can even hang from a tree branch, designed for the smallest and lightest of our feathered friends. Filled with just enough water for the birds to stand what appears to be ankle deep, a bird bath will no doubt attract many visitors and fill our backyards with sounds of nature that seem to complete the feel of the type of garden you were aiming for.

If you enjoy nature, getting a bird bath for your garden adds some delightful sound for you. It is also a very thoughtful gift for friends. They will be able to enjoy both the sights and sounds of nature up close and personal from within their own backyard.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:41 AM  0 Comments

Wooden bird feeders make a nice addition to any back yard or patio. They are great to give as gifts, especially for someone who enjoys bird watching. A bird feeder can provide a great deal of joy, as well as keep backyard birds very happy.

A good, wooden bird feeder should be built to last outdoors. It should have a hinged top or bottom for cleaning. There are many companies that manufacture wood birdhouse. Some companies like Schrodt Design, Inc. are environmentally aware and use mill trim ends to make bird feeders and pack them with recycled materials. This company is known for their Teahouse Bird Feeders that are constructed of wood trim and hand-etched glass. They are really quite beautiful and depict many charming woodland scenes that are designed by the owner of the company, Gary Schrodt. For more information go to www.schrodtdesigns.com

Another company, Countryside culture sells sturdy redwood and cedar bird feeders that are designed like country cottages, cabins and barns. They have copper roofs and little, bird-shaped weather vanes. They are quite charming and look great in any backyard. They also attract birds and hold seeds well for a long time.

To decide what style bird feeder is right for you, first consider what type of birds you want to attract, and then what will look good in your yard or on your patio. For a formal garden you may want to choose a simple but elegant wood and copper design, but for a country garden you may want a whimsical design with bright colors.

There are also several attractive bird feeders that are easy enough for anyone to make. For natural-looking bird-feeders, a branch with drilled holes stuffed with suet, a hollow gourd with an opening in the side, or a pinecone filled with peanut butter make great bird feeders. For a more decorative look, use a bouquet of dried flowers with seeds, such as sunflowers or coneflowers, as a bird feeder.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:41 AM  0 Comments

Putting a bird feeder in your garden is a very kind thing to do. It is getting harder and harder for birds to find food in urban areas – not only in winter, but all year round – and so bird feeders can often save their lives. They are also great for birdwatching, if that’s what you’re into, especially if you leave the bird feeder in the same place for a long time so that the birds start to remember where it is.

But what kind of bird feeder should you get? The simplest bird feeders are just tables for you to put food on, but the food you put on these is easily stolen by squirrels, who will keep coming back for more and burying it all over your garden. You should consider a cage feeder, where the food is inside a cage so that birds need to use their beaks to get it, or perhaps a feeder with a specially-designed perch that will collapse under the weight of a squirrel. However, both of these options can be impractical if you want to feed larger birds, so you need to consider whether it’s really worth it or if you might as well just put out more food.

The other thing you should think about is what you’re going to put in your bird feeder. Obviously this depends mainly on what kind of birds you expect to attract. Most birds will prefer seeds such as millet, but meat-eating birds will prefer ‘bird cake’ and a few birds like hummingbirds want a mixture of sugar and water (a kind of substitute nectar). Some birds also like to eat fruit, so you might try leaving pieces of apple or orange in the mixture as well. If you’re not sure which birds will come, then the best thing to do is to have a little of everything at first, and then see what is popular.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:40 AM  0 Comments