Adequate cat care is an important part of keeping your cat healthy on the physical and emotional levels, and basic cat care tasks like feeding your pet and making sure it is spayed and vaccinated are familiar to nearly every cat owner. However, there is more to cat care than just routine maintenance. The more you learn about cat care, the more you will begin to understand that cat care is as much about making your cat happy as it is about keeping your cat healthy. There are many benefits to offering your pet cat care that goes beyond mere maintenance. By giving your pet the best possible cat care, you are giving yourself the chance to learn about your cat’s unique personality, revel in greater understanding of the wants and needs of your pet, and increase your own personal happiness.

Cats can seem very mysterious and enigmatic, even to their owners. Many cat fans feel that this is part of feline appeal, but it can also be frustrating not to know what is motivating your cat at certain times, like when it is mewling loudly at your bedroom door at four in the morning. When you gain a greater understanding of cat care, you will also get a much stronger insight into how and why your cat functions the way that it does. The more you know about what motivates a cat to engage in the behaviors that can be inconvenient hassles in your daily life, the better equipped you will be to create a situation where those behaviors will be diminished or even rendered completely unnecessary. The study of cat care is the study of cat’s desires and demands, so the better you understand cat care the better you will be able to give your cat what it needs so that you and your pet can live together in harmony.

When you give your cat the best possible cat care rather than settling for a basic, run of the mill cat care routine, you are showing your animal companion how much you care for and appreciate its unique temperament. This process helps you and your cat bond more fully so that you can have a rich, enduringly affectionate relationship. As any cat owner who has rubbed a purring cat behind the ears will be glad to profess, the happier your cat is, the happier it will make you. By giving your pet the ideal cat care, you are sowing the seeds for your own satisfaction and joy. Going the extra mile to learn a bit more about cat care than you do today can translate into a better relationship with your pet that is a more than ample reward for a little additional effort on your part. If you can learn to provide the best possible cat care, you can help to forge a more peaceful, mutually beneficial future for you and your feline friend.

Although collars are generally thought to be for the canine kind, many cat owners choose to purchase collars for their favorite felines. There are many different kinds of cat collars on the market, so it is imperative that you choose the best option for your cat’s needs and body. Consider taking your cat along on a shopping trip to your local pet store—most welcome animals of all types—and try on different models to find the perfect fit. Keep in mind that although color, material, and style is important, these aspects should come second to the fit of the collar.

Traditionally, cats wear collars that hold their identification information and a bell. Ensuring your pet is properly identified is critical for any animal, especially one that you intend on letting outside. In case your cat becomes lost, you will have a much better chance of finding your lost loved on if he or she has the appropriate information securely attached to the collar. Most cat owners choose to attach a small bell or another type of noise making device in order to make small animals or birds aware of a predator’s presence. Cats tend to have retained more hunting instincts than domesticated dogs, so this is a viable concern with many cat owners tired of finding their feline bringing home helpless animals.

A buckle collar is the easiest type for a cat to wear, since it can be put on and taken off quickly and easily. Try the collar on your cat to ensure he or she cannot wiggle out of the collar. Just as a loose collar is unacceptable, having a collar fitted too tight can cause discomfort or even pain if your pet feline. For a younger cat that will need a collar that grows with them, consider choosing an adjustable collar to save you from purchasing new ones in the future.

Some owners choose elastic collars that slip on and off over the cat’s head. These are great for cats that do not need the extra weight and bulk of a buckle. Keep in mind that any elastic collars should be fitted to your cat to ensure the collar is not too loose or too tight.

For indoor cats, consider choosing collars with breakaway panels or buckles that will immediately free the cat if he or she becomes caught on something inside your house. Similarly, you should choose collars made of materials that can easily be cut in case the animal becomes caught.

If you have an outdoor cat, look into a collar that uses reflective materials. These reflective materials will keep your precious feline safe at night. This is quite important, since animals are more likely to become injured or even killed since they cannot be seen. A reflective collar is also a good idea for indoor cats, since you can see the animal in the dark to avoid stepping on your pet.

Some cats enjoy taking walks in the great outdoors, but owners do not want them to be outdoors unattended. Outdoor cats can easily become lost, stolen, injured, or even killed. To solve this problem, some cat owners choose to walk their cats on a leash just like a dog. Instead of a regular collar, leash walking cats require a harness to prevent spine issues. If you are in the market for harnesses, there are two main types: the figure eight and the H-style. Depending on your individual cat and the fit, these harnesses are excellent for any cat that enjoys a walk in the park!

Once you have determined the specific type of collar for your cat, choose a color that fits his or her personality. Whether your feline wants a rocker look with black leather and metal studs or a pretty princess with pink rhinestones, the options are limitless!

Epics, novels and movies have always portrayed cats as unpredictable and moody creatures. Many consider cats as mysterious creatures. However, the truth cannot be further from this. A cat is as normal and predictable as any other animals. The only condition is that we need to know what to expect from a cat in terms of normal behavior.

People consider cats as ‘cute’ little animals only to give them up at the slightest hint of aggression or litter issues. Most people do not do their homework well before keeping a cat. Cats are different than dogs and that’s where people greatly misunderstand cats.

Being distant relatives to the much larger cats we see in the wild, (of course our kitty is much smaller), they are able to eat at frequent intervals. COnsuming anywhere from 10 grams to a quarter of a cup at a time.

The reason for this is that it is instinctual to keep their digestive system in optimal condition. In addition to eating frequently these instinctual creature just like their relatives can go a day to two without eating anything, and as long as they don’t seem to be sick this is a very normal behavior.

Cats love to sleep! In fact, sleeping is the main activity on their agenda followed by hunting, chasing and eating. At time it may seem like all a cat does is sleep and eat.

Unlike a dog that sleeps with his ears cocked and gets up at the slightest noise, a cat can sleep through anything. So don’t be surprised if your cat finds some warm and soft place and disappears for a while for his catnap.

Cats are a clean creature and like to keep things private. They like their litter boxes to be hidden in a private place. In fact after a cat uses the litter box they bury it in litter covering up and hiding their business. This behavior is a learned behavior that they pick up from their mothers at a very young age.

These are just a few cat behaviors cat owners should know. Now, that you know these behaviors it is easier to know when a cat is being normal and when a cat is acting odd.

If they start acting really strange like if they stop using their litter box and instead go in different parts of the house, this could be a sign of illness and should be taken to a vet immediately to rule out any illnesses.

Remember, it is better to nip the problem in the bud, than to let it grow to a big problem. Many people get kittens and make them scratch since they find it fun.

The kitten understands scratching as normal behavior and does it even after growing old. This scratching may lead to a lot of problems and hence should be controlled as soon as possible.

There are many people around the world that have pets and they love them like a family member. For those people who enjoy cats, there are many products available. One thing that cat owners must have is cat litter and a cat box. Many cat owners can’t afford to buy expensive cat litter so there are many brands and types of cat litter available for any pocket.

Discount cat litter boxes are easy to find; most department stores carry cat litter and boxes in the pet section. Also, there are large national pet stores that carry many types of cat litter and cat boxes. Many of the discount cat litter boxes will work great as most cat litter boxes are well suited for most cats. A cat box just needs to be made of plastic so that it can be cleaned well. Along with the plastic box, it needs to have the sides high enough to capture all of the cat litter when the cat tries to cover up.

It can be frustrating when someone has to sweep up the floor after every visit the cat makes to the cat box. The cat box also needs to not be too tall because the cat doesn’t want to have to jump in and out. This should be funny to cat owners because cats jump everywhere except where they don’t want to.

Discount Cat Litter

Buying discount cat litter boxes is in most cases fine; even boxes of litter with no names can work well. A cat owner can experiment with the different types of litter as well as the many different brands. Discount cat litter boxes are easier to handle than the cat litter placed in bags as the boxes have a contained structure to hold the litter with. Pouring discount cat litter boxes is easier because it pours out like a milk carton. It is frustrating to dump cat litter onto the floor instead of the cat box. If the owner doesn’t pick it up right away, the cat will decide to use it. So it is best to use a box instead of a bag.

For some cat owners, the less expensive cat litter usually comes in a bag. Something people should consider that all cat litter is not created equal. If the cat won’t use the litter or if they seem to get sick, bring them to the vet along with the brand name and a small sample of the litter.

TIP: Be sure your home accommodates your cat’s needs, by creating an environment that provides a natural lifestyle for your cat.

This involves learning to read your cat’s “body language” and requires consistency, lots of love and plenty of patience. For most cats, training is well worth the effort and helps prevent many behavioral problems from developing later in life.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you are lucky enough to start out with a kitten, teaching her good habits from day one is your best bet. The minute she walks through your door, by giving her a toy to play with, a post to scratch and a litter box to use, you are teaching her what is appropriate to play with and scratch and where it’s acceptable for her to do her business.

Using positive reinforcement helps achieve the best results. Observe your cat’s natural behaviors; figure out what she likes the most; a toy, treat, or love and use that to reward correct behavior.

If you see your kitten doing something dangerous use negative reinforcement to stop her right away so she doesn’t hurt herself. For example, if she’s chewing on a toxic plant immediately redirect her attention to an appropriate toy or activity. Your kitten must not associate you with the unpleasant stimulus or she might blame you or become afraid of you. This way, she’ll blame the item used i.e. the whistle or water.

Despite our best efforts, problems arise that can not be prevented and require treatment.

Medical conditions that may be responsible must be eliminated first by your vet. Generally a thorough physical exam with or without laboratory tests is required. Referral to a Behavioral Specialist is the next step. A written, detailed history is essential. An at home visit is best, but telephone consults are an option. Behavioral specialists try to pinpoint the exact problem and the stimulus (what triggers the bad behavior) then make recommendations accordingly.

Methods used for behavioral modification vary according to the specific problem. A variety are available but a combination of physical (termed behavioral redirection) and medical intervention work best to resolve most problems. Physical methods, used include positive (toy, treat, love) and negative (loud noise, bell, whistle) reinforcements and obnoxious stimuli. Obnoxious stimuli are strong odors, like perfume that cats dislike. They are used to get cats to avoid certain items, furniture and areas by making them smell bad.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY

Four types of medications may be prescribed depending on the specific problem.

1. Antianxiety i.e. Valium

2. Mood Altering i.e. Buspar

3. Antidepressants i.e. Clomicalm

4. Mood Elevators i.e. Prozac, Paxil

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

It is important to try to prevent the cause of the stress as much as possible; this is not always possible. If your cat is injured in a fight, then Arnica Montana 6c (leopard’s bane) can bring relief.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Use the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy which is made of flowers: cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and star of Bethlehem to help calm down a stressed cat. Dose: 2-3 drops in mouth or food two to three times a day or 4 drops in the water if you are not going to be home.

Do you have a cat that sprays outside the litter box? If yes, then you have smelled the horrible odor and experienced frustration when attempting to get your cat to stop spraying. To resolve the problem, you must first figure out what is motivating your cat to spray.

Territorial marking is the number one reason why cats spray. Felines are compelled to let others of their kind know that they are around. They may also spray when they are looking for a mate. If you have another cat in your home that fights with the culprit kitty, the spraying may be done to show aggression. Cats hanging around outside of your house can also cause your cat to spray. A move to a new home, the arrival of a new child, or other upsets to the cat’s daily routines can cause the behavior. A cat that is under any kind of stress such as living in a noisy household can also resort to spraying.

Generally, male cats are the prime spraying offenders. But, some females will also spray, especially if they are in heat. The unique smell of spray is due to chemicals in the **** glands that are expressed along with a small amount of urine.

If your cat has not been neutered or spayed, doing so is likely to solve the problem. But, some altered cats will still spray. For the best results, the surgery should be performed before the age of six months.

One thing that you should not try is punishing your cat. Kitties do not understand the relationship between behaviors and punishment, and the stress may cause your cat to spray even more.

Regular cleaning and scooping of the litter box is important as some cats will spray as a form of protest against poor litter box maintenance. Keep routines consistent including bed time, play time, and feeding. When your cat sprays, be sure to clean the area with enzyme cleaner so that no odor remains. Otherwise, the cat may return to the same spot to spray again.

After trying measures to curb spraying, take your cat to a veterinarian. Bladder infections and other health issues can lead to the behavior. Drugs for anxiety such as Prozac can also be prescribed, since your cat could be anxious even if you are not aware of it.

For fighting cats, put them in separate parts of your home if possible. Unfortunately, sometimes the best choice is to give the spraying cat to a new owner. Neither cat will be happy if they are constantly picking fights. Especially if no other cats live in the new home, the cat may stop the behavior.

Another option if the spraying appears to be over territory is to confine the cat to a small area of your house. The feline will not have as large of an area to defend, and may decide to stop spraying. At least the number of messes to clean should be lessened.

Cat behaviorists analyze cat behavior and develop plans to change unacceptable actions like spraying to more desirable behaviors like using the litter box. They can be successful in working with you and your cat to develop better behaviors.

Pets can be difficult to understand, and in the case of cats, this can be quite frustrating as well. Thus, it helps to do some research on what to look out for so that you can better understand your cat’s behavior. Here are some tips that you can keep in mind for this.

Your cat’s tail makes a great indicator of your pet’s feelings and mood. When his tail is held straight up, this is an indication that he is happy and feeling relaxed. In fact, the higher the tail is held, the happier your cat is. Thus, when your cat greets you with a high tail when you get home, you are sure that he is in a very good mood.

However, when your cat’s tail is half-raised, this is a strong indication that he is feeling a bit scared or fearful for some reason. Perhaps a loud noise shook your cat’s nerves, leaving him perturbed. Moreover, if your cat’s tail is hanging so low, then you should check on him because this indicate that he is feeling sad and low at the time. But when your cat is angry, then his tail would appear fluffed because he is making himself appear stronger and larger to outside threats. When your cat is playful, his tail just might twitch often as well.

But one thing you should look out for is when your cat lashes his tail back and forth in a rapid motion. This is a telltale sign that your cat is extremely agitated as of the moment. There just might be enough reason for your cat to attack what he perceives as threats. Thus, you have to be on your toes when this happens.

You should also watch out for your cat’s ears. When they are held upright and in a forward position, this means that he is feeling happy and relaxed as well. But if the ears are positioned extremely upright, this means the cat is in attention and is actually listening to something in the vicinity.

Unhappy cats, on the other hand, would have his ears held back. This indicates aggression and nervousness. Cats that twitch their ears are also those that feel unsure about certain scenarios. But what you should look out for is when your cat bends its ears flat against his head. This is a strong indication of your cat feeling very aggressive. In fact, your cat just might take on an attack position later on.

These are just some of the signs that you should look out for, to better understand the behavior of your cat. Understanding your cat better is the key to having a harmonious relationship with your pet.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information