A Heart Warming Story Of a Very Determined Cat!

The Hicks family of Adelaide, Australia, before going on a long overseas holiday, dropped their Persian cat, Howie, off with their parents, who lived over one thousand miles away from Adelaide. Months later when the Hicks family returned and was ready to pick Howie up, they found out that Howie had escaped in his second week of visiting.

Howie was an indoor cat who had never even seen a dog, and never hunted anything more substantial than a housefly. The family was heartbroken, and searched for him for a month without success. Having to return to Adelaide, their home was not the same, but they could not bring themselves to get another cat.

 A year had passed, when one afternoon they found a miserable looking longhaired cat, with a wounded paw, who was filthy and starved. When their daughter Kirsten came home from school and saw the cat, she stopped, then ran forward screaming out “Howie ! Howie !”. The mother was shocked, could this straggly cat be their pedigree Persian?
It was Howie.

 In the twelve months it had taken Howie to make the one-thousand-mile trek home, the pampered Persian had somehow forded rivers, crossed two tracts of hostile desert and fought his way through the vast wilderness of the Australian outback. He knew where his home was and neither distance nor danger could keep him from coming back. A trip to the vet, lots of food and love, and soon he looked again like the proud Persian king of his household.

Whos' The Boss?

 

 

Walmart $100 Gift Card!

Walmart $100 Gift Card

This is one crazyyyyy cat!

Cat photo time!

Go on dog do it.....

How true this is!

Of course I would never do this!

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6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Being a Cat

Cat Eye Care

Cat Eye Care - Diagnosing Cataracts As
Part Of Your Cat Eye Care Program

by Kate Rieger

A solid cat eye care program includes understanding the impact of some cat eye disorders on your cat's eyesight. Cataract problems are relatively rare in cats and are usually related to complications from diabetes. Some breeds inherit a tendency for developing cataracts: Birmans, Himalayans, Persians and British Shorthairs. The incidence is low and the cataract tends to remain small, often small enough to be ignored.

Of those cataracts that do cause or threaten blindness, many are treated with surgery. If blindness does result from an inoperable cataract, your feline should live a safe life if she is kept indoors. The cataract itself is not painful.

Recognizing Problems It pays to catch the problem early. A long-term cataract is denser and harder to remove with longer surgeries tending to involve more complications. A cat owner should suspect a problem and seek veterinary attention whenever the eye appears different than it usually does.

Don't just think your cat's eyes are getting older when you notice a distinct disparity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size. These changes indicate a real problem.

Causes Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in cats. The second most common cause is an inflammatory disease, like uveitis. You can readily recognize the signs of uveitis: the eye color changes, the surface of the eye is roughened and the pupil becomes smaller. This condition is painful to your cat. He may squint, have watery eyes, and eyelid spasms.

The most common causes of uveitis are the feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, or feline immunodeficiency virus. Early treatment of the cause can prevent a cataract or minimize the effect of one that has already formed.

Another cause of cataracts is an eye trauma. If your cat's eye is punctured in a cat fight or other incident and the outer layer of the lens is damaged, your veterinarian may talk with you about removing the lens. This is because damaged lenses tend to develop cancer in cats. Removing the lens negates the chance of cancer.

Treatment Cataracts that go untreated can lead to glaucoma, which is a painful disease. If your cat's eyes look cloudy, watery, squinty or just don't look normal, it's time for a visit to your veterinarian. If uveitis is suspected, your veterinarian might run tests for the underlying causes and prescribe a medicated eye drop to bring the inflammation under control. If a cataract is formed or there has been eye trauma, you will probably be referred to an eye specialist, a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Surgery Just because a cataract is present, it does not necessarily mean surgery. The size and location of the cataract are factors in treatment. If the cataract is large or very dense, then complications can be controlled with medications.

It is completely reasonable to expect your cat to have a good life even if he becomes blind. Keeping him indoors helps protect him as well as keeping things in the same place so he can learn the paths to his toys, litter box, food and favorite areas. Keep the lights dim helps him see better with what eyesight he has left.

A puncture to the eye lens or larger congenital cataracts are more likely candidates for surgery. Some cat owners forgo cataract surgery that is caused by uveitis. Uveitis already causes inflammation to the eye, so surgery can just lead to more inflammation, complications and pain.

Other Considerations The pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups run from $1,500 to $3,000. Then there is the post-op medication. Opting for a small monthly cat health care insurance program helps with the financial burden. It certainly reduces the necessity of a cat eye care decision based upon limited financial resources.

Cataracts in cats are rare. As part of your cat eye care program, take a few minutes to check out your felines eyes. If you notice cloudiness, watery eyes, squinting or a significant change in your cat's eyes or navigation, look to your veterinarian for cat eye care guidance. Not all cataracts warrant surgery. A blind cat can lead a normal, happy life indoors and with proper eye medications.

Winner of the Most Incredible Story

A brave puss who embarked on a gruelling journey home with horrific injuries has won the Most Incredible Story title at Cats Protection's prestigious National Cat Awards 2012.

Black-and-white William was honoured at a star-studded ceremony on Thursday 16 August after surviving a brutal dog attack and embarking on an agonising half-mile journey home using just his front legs.

The four-year-old rescue cat was one of 15 fabulous felines to make the finals at London's Savoy hotel and was chosen as the winner of the Most Incredible Story category by celebrity judge and comedian Ed Byrne.

 Cat lover Ed Byrne was at the awards ceremony to announce William as the winner and present owner Debra Terry, 46, with William's prizes - a trophy, three months’ supply of cat food, a year's supply of Verdo Cat Litter and a framed photograph of William.

He said: “I picked William because of his sheer tenacity - William’s refusal to give up on his life is the thing I find most incredible.”

William's road to stardom began after he suffered horrific injuries in a brutal dog attack earlier this year.

With both his back legs severely damaged – one broken in two places – the plucky puss managed to drag himself half-a-mile home before collapsing on his doorstep.

Having been rushed to a vet, his condition was critical for 24 hours and one of his back legs had to be amputated. Amazingly, he beat the odds to make a full recovery and is now adapting well to life on three legs.

Debra, of Cliffe Drive, said: “When I first saw the state William was in I was terrified, I really thought we would lose him, I thought he was going to die. He was in such a mess and the vets said they had never seen such a bad case.

“He knew if he got home we would be able to do something for him. He was so determined to get home, it was amazing.”

Having won his category, William narrowly missed out on scooping the overall title of National Cat of the Year – an honour that instead went to Manchester puss Jessi-Cat who provides invaluable support to a seven-year-old boy with an anxiety disorder.

Kate Bunting, the Awards organiser at Cats Protection, said William's story was an inspiring one.

She said: “Having suffered the most horrific attack and sustained such life-threatening injuries, no-one would have expected William to even get home, let alone make such a great recovery.

“His determination, strength of character and refusal to give in make him a truly special cat and we're thrilled to have been able to share his story.”

Photo - William and Debra by Paul Maven Photography

One of the funiest cat pics I have seen.....lol

Almond, the Tree Cat

 In the hollow of a maple tree not far from the road, Ron Venden has made a cozy dwelling for the 7-month-old cat he swears has never left its tree home.

"It was a little feisty at first," said Venden, 66, a retired carpenter, of the cat, which a neighbor has named Almond. "(But) now it's a pretty big cat and it's just loving to see me."

How is Venden certain the cat never leaves? Mostly because there are never any paw prints around the tree when it snows, Venden explains — something a State Journal reporter confirmed Wednesday. Relatives corroborate the story, saying they've never seen it anywhere other than in the tree.

Almond doesn't seem fazed by snow or single-digit temperatures. He sits proudly in his roost, warm in a thick fur coat, surveying nearby Highway X and Venden's driveway, about five miles south of Belleville in Green County.

To Venden's knowledge, Almond has no other home outside his maple. The cat was born there in June, and while the mother and the other kittens left, Almond stuck around. Venden has been feeding it ever since.

So why does Almond stay?

"I think it's because I'm treating it too good," said Venden, who at least twice a day climbs a ladder about 12 feet up to check on and feed Almond. He's also made a protected straw bed for the cat in a hollow of the tree, set up a dry cat food feeder and provides daily deliveries of fresh food, which Wednesday morning included a bowl of salami, meatloaf and milk.

"I kind of enjoy it," Venden said of caring for Almond, although he admits: "The neighbors think I'm goofy."

Patrick Comfert, Dane County's lead animal services officer, said Almond's habits are unusual.

"We have all gotten our share of cat-in-a-tree calls, but we've never known one to stay up there forever," he said.

Those concerned for Almond's welfare can rest assured: Because the cat is grown, has a space where it can be protected from wind, and is fed regularly, "it should be fine" even in frigid conditions, Comfert said.

And Almond doesn't seem keen to relinquish his tree-living tendencies.

"I've tried to bring it down a couple times and it starts scratching," Venden said.

Venden, who raises chickens on his hobby farm south of Belleville in Green County, was never a big cat lover before Almond.

"In his younger days, I would have never, ever, ever pictured him getting so attached (to a cat) in my life," said Tammy Sias, Venden's daughter, who helps feed Almond when her parents are away.

"It's an amazing story," she said. "(The cat) actually has no desire to come out of that tree."

Sias, who lives outside of Belleville in the town of Primrose, said the tale of her dad and Almond is known throughout town, where people will often ask, "How's your tree cat today?"


Story courtesy of  http://www.infinitecat.com/cat-tales/

Heartworm Treatment For Cats

As most pet owners already know, heartworm treatment for cats and dogs isn’t the same. Never, under any circumstances, should you give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog – or vice versa.  Even though you may own both dogs and cats, you should always give them medicine that is designed for their species.

 

No matter how you look at it, heartworm treatment isn’t easy.  Your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, although there are several factors that you’ll need to consider.  The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet, as he will be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your pet has.  He can also find out how the worms are affecting your cat and if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.

Heartworms are a very serious condition, as the worms will feast on the vital areas around your cat’s heart.  Treatment can be serious as well, especially if something goes wrong.  Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms though, in both cats and dogs.  Even though you may be able to buy treatment medicine at your local department store, you should always consult with your vet before you give anything to your pet.

Treating your cat for heartworms may indeed be no treatment at all, as cats are extremely difficult to treat.  The dying worms have side effects as well, often times causing more than 1/3 of the treated cats to end up with serious problems.  Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the worms being there.  When a lodged worm starts to decompose, it can lead to very serious problems.  Pets that have a serious infestation with heartworms may need to spend some time at the hospital, to ensure that they are properly treated.

Some cats may not be able to take a certain type of heartworm treatment medicine.  Depending on the side affects and how the medicine affects the cat, some breeds may not be able to take some of the better medicines.  To determine the best treatment options for your cat, your vet will need to run several tests.  Once the tests have concluded, your vet will be able to tell you the best options available for treatment.

With all diseases, prevention is a lot better and safer than treatment.  Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use.  Your vet can tell you what you need to get, and how to use it.  This way, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms – and the serious side effects and life threatening issues that go along with them.

Common Health Problems Of Cats

 

 

 

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing.  No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected.  Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem.  Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.  Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms.  Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats.  All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.  On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.  When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball.  Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.  Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated.  If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.  If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately.  You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair.  You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats.  Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.  When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause.  Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.  If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet.  Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukaemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.  To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed.  Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.  If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.  If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.  Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can.  You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.  If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy.  As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure.  If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access.  Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high.  Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out.  Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that completely dislike cats, such as pit bulls and Dobermans.  Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

All cats are known to despise water as well.  If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out.  All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away.  After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore.  If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story.  Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats don’t like the smell.  You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence.  There are other repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers.  They work great in keeping cats out of your garden.  Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat.  In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans.  You can find several different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected.  To use this type of device, you’ll need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area.  If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well.  Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and shouldn’t be used near any food crops.  Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops.  You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.
If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home.  If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops.  Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try using water first.  If water doesn’t seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Finding The Ideal Cat Collar

If your cat goes outside it’s a really good idea to use a collar. It lets other people know that the cat has a home, and if your cat should stray or get lost then the contact details on the collar will have you re-united with your cat in no time.

Deciding what cat collar to buy can be a more difficult choice than you think. Do you go with a flea control collar, a reflective collar, an elasticated collar, a buckle on collar, or no collar at all.

Do flea collars really work? My experience has been that they, but they don’t hurt either so we can look at form and fit. Fit is the most important consideration when buying a cat collar. If the collar is too tight it can cut off the cat’s air and blood supply. Choking your cat is not a good thing!! If it’s too loose the collar can get caught up on branches and fences while your cat is out playing. Cats have an uncanny knack of getting out of any collar that’s too loose. For kittens and still growing cats you’ll want an adjustable collar to allow for some growth, but make sure you check the fit on a regular basis.

Most collars have 2 methods of fastening around the cat’s neck. You have the traditional buckle style which is easy to put on and take off but the buckle can break. Then there is the slide through adjustable kind. This is a more secure way of fastening but it’s also more difficult to adjust, especially if you have a cat that doesn’t like having a collar on.

Most cat collars come with an elasticated or a breakaway section. This is a safety feature that allows your cat to escape the collar if it becomes stuck on bushes or fences. It helps avoid strangulation as well as being trapped. Even though a smart cat can figure out how to escape its collar, this is an important safety feature that you should seriously consider. Along these lines buy a collar made of a material that can be easily cut through in emergencies.

Another feature you may consider is a reflective strip in the cat collar. This can be helpful at night especially in areas that have a lot of traffic. The number one killer of cats is traffic so give the driver every chance to see your cat, especially if it’s a dark colored cat.

Many collars come with bells or some other noise making device. This is designed to warn potential prey animals that your cat is out hunting. The idea behind these is to avoid your cat bringing home gifts and presents, especially ones that are still alive!! In the main these devices are ineffective and its usually best to remove them so there’s less to get caught up in bushes and fences.

If you have an indoor cat that you’d like to introduce to the great outdoors, try buying a cat harness and attach a leash. You should first practice with this indoors until the cat becomes accustomed to it. The next step - take the cat for walks; to the park, to the beach, or to Aunty Jane’s house! You can train your cat to use the leash but it will take some time, practice and a lot of patience.

Cat Training With A Clicker

Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when training them. Clickers are use most often for support when training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with a good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is associated with classical condition (they associate the sound with food.) and operant conditioning (cat performs movement to receive food).

Why use a clicker and not tell a cat or make a sound to get your cat to do a trick? A clicker has a sound a cat can hear and associate good behavior. With words, our tones in our voice can change from time to time, which a cat can become confused with the training. With talking for the commands, a cat could mistake the commands. With using a clicker, it is more of a training tool to get the behavior started with the cat. Then you can put the clicker away for that behavior or trick once a cat has learned the behaviour

When taking the cat out for a walk or on a trip, the clicker is a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted with other people, or animals in the area. With using the clicker, it will reinforce the behavior that you have taught them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your cat walk with you instead of wondering around.

With the clicker, a cat can be trained using three easy steps: Get a behavior, mark a behavior, and reinforce the behavior. Get a behavior is the first step. A good example would be for the cat to jump a hoop. The cat will have to know that when you click that they get a treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks, Treat, Click Treat do this for a few times until you see the cat coming for the treat on the click. Next marking the behavior: You will have to show the cat the hoop. Once the cat touches the hoop, click, treat. Then show the cat to go though the hoop once it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes though the hoop on its own or your command. Reinforce the behavior Remember to have snacks handy so when you do see your cat go though the hoop a snack is available.

Training a cat with a clicker can be fun for both you and the cat. Taking steps in training will be rewarding to you and the cat. Try not to rush a cat in training, as they can become confused especially if they did not get the step before down. The training will take time and steps to achieve this behavior. Patience, love, and rewards will be the key factor in training your cat.

The clicker is a good exercises tool for a cat. 10 to 15 mins a day you should get your cat to exercises. For exercising, you can have the cat use a hoop, play with a toy, and climb on the scratching post or something that focus on the cat getting exercise. Exercises will help the cat to stay healthy and help to keep it out of mischief.

Cats And Feline Diabetes

 

 

Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America.  They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship.  Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick.  There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes.  Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.

Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple.  Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood.  The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces.  When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.

The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary.  The most common symptoms include an increase in urine and an increase in thirst.  Other symptoms of feline diabetes include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a poor coat.  An increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.

If you don’t get your cat treated for feline diabetes immediately, the cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma.  On the other hand, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal and healthy life.  Keep in mind that treatment doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and dedication.

Cats that have feline diabetes will need to be given food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well.  If your cat has diabetes, you’ll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day.  Once your veterinarian checks your cat, he will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your cat. 

Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first.  If he hasn’t eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock.  This can also occur from too much insulin as well.  A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.  If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren’t around, he may end up dying. 

If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes, you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot.  After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin.  Even though he may have to stay on insulin the rest of his life, he will lead an otherwise healthy life. 

The Cat Whisperer

 

 

A cat whisper is somewhat similar to a dog or horse whisperer, although cat whisperers relate quite well with cats.  These types of people are unusually lucky and very successfully with cats.  In most cases, a cat will be abandoned or just show up at someone’s door.  In this event, the cat will adopt this individual as the cat whisperer.
Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes.  This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind.  Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.
A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats.  Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally.  These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want.  Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer.  Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid.  In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound.  This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have.  A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets.  Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.
Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do.  Like humans, cats feel pain.  Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed.  Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck.  Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.
Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats.  Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with.  Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before.  Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.

The Amazing Cat Species

We all know that cats are loving and truly wonderful creatures.  These days, it isn’t out of the ordinary to see a cat in virtually every other home, sleeping in the window or cuddling up on the laps of their owners.  Although cats have been popular pets for as long as most can remember, they weren’t domesticated less than 5,000 years or so ago.  Domestication took place in the valley of the Nile, which is what research tells us today.

In the beginning, people were very grateful to cats and encouraged them to stay with them by feeding them various scraps of food.  Once they were fed and perceived humans to be no threat, the cats would move in permanently with their human owners.  As time went by, even the wildest of cat would allows humans to approach him, often times even hold and touch as well.

In those days, cats were very loyal and endearing pets.  They proved to be great hunters, as they done their sleeping in short periods and were much easier to wake up than dogs.  Cats also have better night vision than dogs, and much better hearing as well.  If someone moved through the house or if they heard suspicious noises, they would wake while dogs would sleep right through it.  Humans loved having cats around, and they seemed to get along good with dogs as well.

These days, cats are used for both companionship and show.  They aren’t used much at all for hunting mice and rodent anymore at all.  There are a lot of breeds available, from the traditional alley cat to the well known Siamese.  All breeds are unique in their own way, and will provide you with years of companionship if you take care of them.

Before you get a kitten or older cat, you’ll first want to examine the source.  If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, you’ll want to make sure that the breeder has a reputable reputation.  You’ll also want to ensure that the cattery is clean and in good shape.  The kittens that are still there shouldn’t be overcrowded, and their surroundings should be clean.  The litter boxes there should be kept up and both the food and water dish should be clean and full.  The kittens shouldn’t be caged, instead free to run around.  All cats that are there should appear healthy, with shiny coats and none of their ribs showing.

When you get your kitten, it should be used to being touched and handled.  The kitten should be sweet, not afraid in the least.  Kittens that have been handled young normally have a better temperament.  The better breeders won’t allow their kittens to leave the nest until they are around 12 weeks old, with some waiting until the kittens are 16 weeks.  By doing this, breeders ensure that the kitten is in good health and his immune system has properly developed.

There’s no mistaken the fact that cats are great to own.  You can get a kitten from a reputable breeder, through a local newspaper, or an adoption agency.  Cats can also be obtained from a local pound, although people normally don’t like to choose this option.  No matter which way you decide to pursue, you should always make sure that your cat is healthy.  If you get a healthy cat, you won’t have a lot of problems later on down the road.  Healthy cats were taken care of – and normally have everything up to date – including their vaccinations.

Cats Bonding With Their Owners

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals.  These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival.  Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.
Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular.  Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with.  You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping.  Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.
Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with.  It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat.  Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.
There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic.  Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat.  If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person.  Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans.  There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival.  Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed.  They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance. 
Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different.  Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different.  Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention.  The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you.  Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Tips For Training Your Cat

You can’t train a cat, like you can a dog. If you try to, you’ll probably cause behavioural problems later on. But you can teach it not to perform bad habits. But most times the owner will have to change to fit in with the cat.
Every one in your house, should agree with what you are going to allow the cat to do. Do not change the rules when you’ve decided them, as this can cause difficulties.
• If your cat trusts you, it will probably do what you want, so speak in a calm tone.
• Your cat can tell if you are anxious, so don’t worry if things go wrong. Keep calm and start again.
• Don’t force training on your cat, only attempt it when it seems happy to do so.
• Don’t move too quickly, or the cat might misunderstand.
• When teaching a kitten only do it for half hour a day and only repeat a few times. As an annoyed kitten will not learn anything.
• If you are forbidding something, be consistent. Don’t change your mind, and stick to the same command.
• If you’ve caught your cat doing something bad, give it a quick squirt of water from a plant sprayer. This will soon curb the behaviour.
• Never hurt or shout at your cat, or it will associate you with the unpleasantness. Instead put some dry beans in a tin and shake it briefly if you cat is being bad.
• When the cat obeys, praise and stroke it.
• Treat your cat with food when it does well, it will learn to associate a good behaviour with food. But don’t over do it, it will soon so it without help.
• Do not ignore your cat when you are mad at it, cats do not understand this behaviour and will feel insecure.
Your cat will not know from the start that it has to use a scratch post to sharpen its claws. You need to teach it to do so.
If your cat beings to attack the furniture, clearly say ‘NO’. Then take the cat to the scratching post and put its paws on it. You can scratch with your own nails too, as the noise will make the cat curious.
If your cat refuses to use the scratch post, then it may not like the fabric that covers it. Try putting an old piece of clothing that smells like you over the board; put some hemp rope around the scratching tree, or put down some straw mats, cats often like these better.
Make sure where your cat sleeps is quiet and comfortable. Provide your cat with a covered basket, with a soft filling such as a blanket or towel. You cat can get away in here and feel safe, but still be able to see things going on.

Tips On How To Groom Your Cat

Before we begin to give you additional information on this topic, take a moment to think about what you already know. Cats are basically very tidy creatures. They are in the habit of grooming themselves by licking every part of their body clean with their tongue.

This habit of tongue-bathing has several benefits to your pet cat:
- promotes better circulation of the blood
- gets rid of dead skin cells
- removes excess/dead hair on their coat
- tones their muscles
- keeps the fur soft and clean

Here are several ways to keep your cat well-groomed:

1. Brushing

Depending on the breed, your cat can either have long or short hair. Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat well enough to promote proper grooming.
- For cats with short hair, use a brush with soft bristles so that the skin will not be scratched or hurt in the grooming process.
Use soft, gentle strokes while brushing. This should make them purr in pleasure and you will have an easier job of grooming your pet cat. After brushing the coat with a comb, you can finish the job by wiping the fur with a dry, soft and clean piece of cloth. This should maintain the shine on your cat’s coat.
- As compared to cats with shorter hair, long-haired cats would require more brushing time.
For this, use a comb with wide-teeth that is specially designed for cats. This should initially remove the knots and tangles on their fur. Afterwards, you can use a fine-toothed comb to work the smaller knots on the fur and eliminate the more stubborn knots.

2. Bathing

Cats do not often require bathing because they basically take good care of themselves when it comes to grooming. However, there are some cases wherein you need to give them a bath no matter how you – and your pet – dread the chore. You need to bath your cat if the coat has excessive dirt.


3. Cleaning the eyes and ears.
For the eyes and ears which are the most sensitive areas in your cat’s body, there are solutions that you may use. Choose one which is specifically designed to prevent cats with light-colored eyes to develop stains. For the ears, cats collect a considerable amount or wax so you have to take care of it when grooming.

4. Keeping the paws clean.

Cats are in the habit of scratching surfaces so it is better to keep them away from the furniture items in the house. It would also help if you keep those paws clean and trim their nails.
You can go to a pet store and buy a nail trimmer specially designed for cats.
Ask your veterinarian for the proper way to trim your cats nails so as not to hurt them in the process. If you find that your cat exhibits a not-so-healthy clawing habit, you may go for the option of declawing your cat. This is a surgical procedure where the nails are permanently removed so that it will not grow back.

However, you should still ask your vets advice if you want to go for declawing because with this, cats will lose a natural defense mechanism. A better and kinder option is to regularly trim the cat’s nails, have them use a wooden post for scratching, or crate-training to prevent them from clawing at your most-treasured possessions.

Buy one get one free!

 

 

 

          As seen on TV!

 

• Made of durable rip stop nylon
• Battery operated Cat's Meow™ toy operates anywhere your cat likes to play – you’ll enjoy hours of fun watching your cat & mouse!
• Keep older cats active and healthy
• Let your kitty enjoy hours of fun!

“One of my cats loves it, sits by it, comes running when I turn it on, or even hears me moving it. She’ll play with it for an hour or more if I let her, which is great because my two indoor cats can use the exercise and extra mental amusement etc.” Steve Murphy, Amazon.com

 

“This toy is great for a kitten – keeps her entertained for up to an hour. With respect to assembling the product, use a very small screwdriver to open the battery cover and be sure to keep track of the screw because it falls out.” Phyllis, Amazon.com

 

“Great toy! I have 7 cats that play with it. Very easy to assemble. Toy does not turn itself off so if you forget to turn it off of the cat falls asleep on it and the batteries might die.” Glen Wilcox, Amazon.com

 

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How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching And Ruining Your Furniture

It's natural for cats to scratch but often it destroys your good furniture. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to relieve the problem.
Many people watch in sadness as their cat destroys virtually everything that he can get his claws into.  You can improve this behavior.  To do so, you need to know why he is doing what he is doing.
Why Scratching?
Cats were hunters.  They needed those sharp teeth to help them to climb trees and to leap down on their prey.  Although your cat is not likely to be pouncing on their dinner anymore, they still instinctively need to sharpen their claws and that is exactly what they are doing on your furniture.  The scratching that they do is a way of trimming their nails and it removes the old outer part of the claws.  Another reason they are ruining your home is because they know it to be their territory.  They release a scent from special glands in their paws which helps them mark the area as theirs.  They also do it because they are working the kinks out of their body as well as burning some energy.
Before you head off to have him de clawed, you may want to try out some of the alternative methods of preventing the scratching.
Alternatives
One way is to provide them with scratching pads or posts.  There are a wide variety of them available including those that are part of a cat condo.  You can even make your own by using two foot high section of a four by four, two foot by two foot piece of heavy plywood and a carpet remnant.  When you have one of these, take it and put it right next to his favorite piece of furniture to destroy.  Then, gradually move it away from the furniture as he gets accustomed to it.
You can also use a pet repellant spray such as Bitter Apple on the furniture that the pet is clawing at.  Take the time to test the spray on a non visible area of the furniture before using it though.  Or if you do not want to spray the furniture, then cover the material with aluminum foil or tape that is placed sticky side up.  The cat will not like the material and will turn to the scratching post instead. 
The Last Resort
Some cats just can’t seem to stop.  For these, de-clawing becomes the best option.  If your cat stays indoors, you can have their claws removed.  There are some risks involved and the procedure can be painful for him.  Those who would like to avoid this like to use nail caps instead.  These are applied as false nails would be to the cat’s nail.
If your cat is a scratcher, do what you can to stop him before you have him de-clawed.  If this becomes the best option though, it may be better than having your furniture torn up!
I hope that some of these simple tips help you save your furniture from cat attack without stopping you cat from enjoying life.

A Special Gift to All You Cat Lovers!

For a short time only you can have this EBook as a special gift from We Love Cats.

This offer is only available to fans of We Love Cats!

 

 

This EBook contains lots of useful information, such as: 

 Various breeds of cats 
 Safety is most important for your pet
 What kind of food will you choose for your pet 
 Your cat’s bath – what you need to do 
 Toys- your cat’s best friends or foes 
 Tips to train your cats 
 Preventing your pet from high temperature in warm hot months
 How to care for your diabetic cat
 Understanding cat fights- Can you avoid them 
 Is your cat not using litter box- Find out why

 

Click the link below to download your free EBook.

You do not have to give any personal details. 

 

Free EBook Here!

 

If you enjoy this EBook then you might find the wealth of information in the
We Love Cats Newsletter essential reading!

For a short time only you can subscribe to the newsletter for only $1.00!

To get your first issue simply click the link below.
 

$1 Special Offer!

 
The $1 special offer is for the first issue you receive of the We Love Cats Newsletter. Subsequent issues will be at the normal price of $4.95 per month. Your subscription can be cancelled at any time.

What type of internet personality are you?

I read about these 15 types of internet personalities and thought of you. You know EXACTLY who you are. http://goo.gl/iMYgKT

What Basic Training Does Your Cat Need?

 

Cats are animals. Humans are animals as well but supposedly of a higher order. In order to live together in a companionable and happy relationship there are some things that your cat needs to learn. Owning an animal of any sort should be more pleasure than pain, but there will be considerable pain if the animal is in control of the household.

So what is the basic training your cat needs, to establish a happy relationship in the family?

 Find out more in the We Love Cats Newsletter!
Subscribe Today!

Launching the We Love Cats Newsletter!

We Love Cats Newsletter

In this months issue;

• Three chapters on "How to Train Your Cat"

• "A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good"

• What nutritional needs change as your cat gets older
• Part One of "Understanding Your New Kitten" - Choosing a Kitten: How to Choose the Personality That's Right for You

And lots more!

We all love our amazing cats and we want the best for them, of course! We will bring you interesting and valuable information every month to help you and your cats.
This month we are highlighting the Siamese cat and every month we will highlight a different breed. With over 40 different breeds of cats, we have a lot to go through!
Also every month we will include a special article on cat health. This months topic is Ringworm. I am sure we all have some experience with that!

Click the link below to get your copy of the We Love Cats Newsletter to access all the great info and to receive your free Ebook!


Subscribe to today!

How to tell if your cat is happy.

       

We do love you! (when you feed us)

     Here are the unmistakable signs of a cat who is happy and contented:

1. He/she sleeps peacefully in her favourite sunny or warm spot for many hours at a time.
2. He/she always uses the litter tray and never soils indoors.
3. He/she enjoys a good 'scratch' on his scratching post or your favourite couch/carpet!
4. Is happy to be in your company but doesn't crowd you by wanting to be with you 24/7.
5. Likes his food but eats only to satisfy his appetite. Overeating is not a sign of a happy cat!

The 6 Best Tips For Grooming Your Cat.

1. Get your cat in your lap or on the floor in front of you.
2. Get the right brush. Make sure that the brush is a thin and strong brush. The bristles should be flexible but strong, and they should be fine in width.
3. Run the brush through your hair first. If the brush has your scent on it, your cat will calm down. An added benefit of doing this is that you can check that it is not too hard for use.
4. Let the cat sniff it. If the cat does not try to bite the comb, proceed to the next step, if it does attack the comb, leave it be and try again the next day. Repeat until your kitten or cat accepts the brush.
5. Start brushing its head. Do not brush hard, it could hurt your kitten or cat. Run the brush down its back, and try to brush down its legs. It is easier to do this when your cat is laying down. Brush its legs, but not its paws.
6. Spend time talking, soothing and patting your cat before, during and after grooming so that your cat comes to associate grooming with pleasant memories.

Tips

It's better to get a cat's brush than a human brush.

This is easier if your cat loves you a lot.

You can find a thin brittle hairbrush in the hair section in a pet store

Never use a hairbrush that doesn't have fine, thin bristles.

If your cat attacks the hairbrush, do not groom it; this may result in scratches and bites!



An Inspiring Story!

 

       Ani’s story by Carrie Hawks:

My family and I rescued Anakin and I am caring for him. My family and I are lifelong animal lovers and will give Ani the absolute best possible home, love and care. I will be posting updates, photos and videos of Anakin on his Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube as he grows.

We have a new kitten! A very special new kitten. I wasn’t looking to get another cat right now but you know how these things just happen…. About two weeks ago a kitten without back legs started coming over to eat with the other feral cats at my dad’s work. My first few trips to attempt to catch it didn’t work out. Then Thursday  we went to see if this was the day we could catch it. The kitten was cowering in the bushes and I climbed into the bushes and pulled the kitten out. We brought the kitten home and I set it up in our hall bathroom, exactly like I did with Trixie & Pixie two years earlier.

Friday morning I took him to our vet as soon as they opened. Our vet said she has never seen anything like him before and he is amazing and that it’s also amazing that his mother took care of him even with his handicap. She examined him and he is a little boy, approximately 6 to 8 weeks old and it in really good health. Two xrays on him showed he was born with no pelvis or back legs. We let him walk around the room for a minute to see how he moves. He positions his front legs at an angle towards the middle of his body and balances his backend in the air with the use of his tail touching the ground if he needs it. He gets around really well that way and is pretty quick too. The xray also showed that his insides were not malformed, last was the feline leukemia test. He’s came back negative. So we got him vaccinated, dewormed and a little flea meds and unless we have any problems with him, he goes back to the vet in three weeks.

 

Now, he is home getting comfy in his little bathroom and will be there for a while till he is bigger, stronger and ready to be socialized with the other cats and our dog. He is such a sweet calm little guy He is happy to cuddle in our laps and purrs really loud. He likes to play with a little toy mouse and also chase a beaded necklaces around on the floor. We have decided to name him Anakin and will be calling him “Ani” (yes after Anakin Skywalker )

Thanks Carrie and Jay for sharing.

Read more at http://lovemeow.com/2012/06/kitty-born-without-back-legs-never-lets-it-stop-him/#IqxU0jvQjm4yvGXx.99

 

 

 

 

Leash Train Your Cat in 6 Easy Steps

How to catch a cat!

So true, we all love boxes!

What a Great Story About an Amazing Cat!

Scooter the cat who moves around on his custom-made wheelcart is a therapy cat who gives those who feel sick love and new hope. This special kitty has inspired so many with his stories that he has recently been named the Cat of the Year by the ASPCA (2012).

Scooter was brought to Dr. Betsy Kennon with injuries which left him paraplegic, but he was cheerful and in good spirit despite not being able to mobilize his hind legs. They made him a wheelcart. Once he was strapped on, he was off to go walking around, and couldn’t get enough of his new gadget. Scooter touched people who had come across him and been part of his journey, but his story didn’t just end there. He became a therapy cat at HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital and a frequent visitor to nursing homes. Today, Scooter has been a therapy cat for 4 years.

Scooter, now 5, has brought so much more than just cuteness to patients, many in wheelchairs. He brings happiness and hope. After meeting Scooter, one man said to himself: “I’m an idiot for ever feeling sorry for myself”.

Scooter is now giving others a second chance at life just like how he got his. They think: “If he can do it, so can I.” (Triblive)

The New Monopoly Token!

To celebrate the launch of the Monopoly Cat token, a larger than life Monopoly Cat has arrived in London

The Cat's arrival follows a month of voting on Facebook earlier this year, and an overwhelming response from fans and organisations from 185 countries around the world. The cat has been chosen to replace the Iron and has become the newest addition to the classic game from Hasbro.
"We know that cat lovers around the world will be happy to welcome the new cat token into the Monopoly game," said Eric Nyman, senior vice president for Hasbro Gaming.

Some of the best When You See It pics, I'm cracking up! http://bit.ly/17aSvH2

Indoor V Outdoor Cats

There's another great debate about the feline as a pet besides the declawing issue covered in another article. This great debate concerns allowing the feline to roam outdoors vs. living indoors. As usual, there are two sides to this debate. Should you allow your cat to roam outdoors? Let's find out.

The Outdoor Feline

Cats are essentially wild creatures, and they have always loved the outdoors. What feline owner hasn't watched their cat loll in a patch of sunshine on a winter day, or roll contentedly in the dirt in their own backyard? Cats do love the sunshine, the outdoors, and the fresh air. However, outdoor cats are susceptible to more diseases, more injuries, and more health problems. Outdoor cats may tussle with other cats, catch parasites or other diseases, or be hit by a car or caught by other predators. They can also be poisoned by pesticides, or by sadistic neighbours. They can cause problems with neighbours by using their yards as a cat box. Outdoor cats simply aren't as safe as indoor cats, period.

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives - period. Studies prove it and common sense dictates it. Indoor cats have many advantages outdoor cats can't hope to have. Outdoor cats live on an average of 3 to 5 years, while indoor cats live an average of 12 years or more. My last indoor cats lived to be 19 and nearly 21. Indoor cats enjoy in safety and comfort. They are safe from diseases that feral cats may carry and outdoor cats pick up. They are safe from cat fights, cars, and predators. And, indoor cats won't harm other wildlife, such as birds and small animals.

Alternatives

There are many alternatives to the outdoor lifestyle. When kittens first come home, they should be kept indoors. If your cats miss their outdoor excursions, you might try to train them to wear a harness and walk on a leash. They will still be able to enjoy the outdoors, but much more safely. Another alternative is to create a safe outdoor area or run where the cats can go outside but cannot escape the area. There are many outdoor runs available now that connect to a cat door and allow the cat access to a run on a patio or in a backyard. You can also allow the cat outdoors on a patio or deck when you are outdoors, and only for a short time. Or, you can use a carrier to take your kitty for walks in the sunshine.

Keeping kitty indoors will keep kitty healthy, happy, and free of infectious diseases she might catch outside. Each pet owner is responsible for their own pet's health and well being. Keeping kitty inside is the choice that makes sense.

 

What do you think?

 

 

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

A Cat Who Plays the Piano!

Nora, a gray tabby, who was adopted from an animal shelter by music teacher Betsy Alexander, became a media sensation after a video of her playing the piano went on to YouTube. Named after painter Leonora Carrington, she learned how to play by watching her owner’s students practice while she sits under the piano. Then one night, she went up the bench herself and started pawing the keys. With the encouragement of the owner, Nora’s playing became a daily routine, and her performances were soon posted on YouTube, and found its way to the media, where it called the attention of animal behaviorists, who find Nora an incredible case of animal intelligence. Her popularity made her an instant sensation, and she now has her own CD, DVD and website.


See more here.

Five Rules us cats must follow!

Important Cat Rules
        

Cats must:

1. Follow everyone into the toilet or bathroom and don't do anything but stare.

2. Protest loudly whenever the door is closed in any room for whatever reason. Don't feel you have to use the door when it has been open but just stand there for a few minutes and contemplate the meaning of life.

3. If you feel sick, run to the nearest rug preferably the most expensive. When you are throwing up perform a backward movement so that you produce a clump big enough for a barefoot.

4. Get as close as you can to humans when they're trying to do something usually in the kitchen.

5. Always sit or lie on any paperwork you may find on the floor. Make sure you roll around on them to scatter them even more.

 

 

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