Mmm.. what a funny square cat
We are not twins!
Our pets are part of our families and our memories. Whether they are dogs, cats, hamsters or rabbits, they enrich our lives. Creating a pet-themed scrapbooking album will preserve the special moments you share with them. Consider these scrapbooking pet page ideas to make a scrapbooking album just for your pet photos.
Everyone remembers the excitement of bringing home a new pet. Make a scrapbooking page about their first night at home. You can include pictures of your pet's new bed and any toys you bought for your pet. Photos with each family member should be highlighted as well. Journal your thoughts about how you selected your new companion and what inspired you to choose its name.
Another scrapbooking pet page idea is to capture your pet's personality on a page. This can be done through photos and journaling. Dogs might be lazy, energetic or neurotic. Cats can be affectionate, frisky or aloof. Hamsters might be friendly, shy or bold. Consider your own pet's behavior. Funny stories and memories would be a great addition to your journaling.
Create a scrapbooking page of pet memorabilia. You can use pockets and envelopes on your pages to add tufts of fur, old ID tags, baby teeth and labels from your pet's favorite food or treats. A pet-themed album can preserve your pet's adoption papers, paw print impressions, veterinary records and obedience training awards and certificates.
Obedience classes are great photo opportunities. Design pages that show your pet's progress through training courses. More people are involving their dogs in classes beyond basic obedience. Many active owners participate in agility training, fly ball and rally competition. Don't forget to include photos of these events in your dog's album.
Pets are part of our holiday celebrations. Create a Halloween page with your dog in a costume. Around the holidays, pet stores often offer pictures of pets with Santa. Pages of a kitten playing in the wrapping paper on Christmas morning or a puppy sleeping under the tree can be part of both your holiday album and your pet-themed scrapbook.
Document your pet's firsts like your dog's first visit to the veterinarian or your puppy's first bath. Photograph your puppy's growth over its first year. Create a "day in the life" page for your pet. Meal, nap and play times can be more opportunities to show your pet's behavior and personality in photos. Celebrate your pet's birthdays complete with cards, presents and cake. Then, make birthday scrapbooking pages for your album.
Scrapbooking manufacturers are responding to requests for pet-themed albums and embellishments. Most craft stores stock dog and cat stickers, and some even offer small animal stickers, like hamsters and rabbits. Patterned papers come with dog and cat themes. You can find materials for page accents, like die cuts, brads, ribbons, and stamps, designed for pet pages, as well.
Owning a pet is a relationship and a commitment. Pets provide companionship and their lives become part of ours. A pet-themed album is a reflection of your bond with your pet. Think about pet scrapbooking page ideas that capture the essence of your relationship with your pet. Make your next scrapbooking album one that celebrates the special moments you and your pet share.
About the Author
Christine Perry invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more scrapbooking ideas and religious scrapbooking ideas.
Where's my milk?
It's dark here...
Your action always makes me laugh...
what a nice cat! I like that eyes!
Fall in love with grandma... :)
Where are the next IT generation!
Wait a second... this is my newest toys...
This is your leg or your tail?
What kind of sound is that?
With cold weather setting in for the winter, it's time we prepare our cats that are relegated to being outside.
Cats, like dogs, are sometimes for one reason or another, kept outdoors. No matter what the reason, they should be prepared for the experience. For example, a cat that is used to staying indoors should not suddenly be thrust out in cold weather. You first must acclimate the cat/kitten to weather change.
If you purchase a cat/kitten in winter, you should start by putting them out in increments. Start out by letting them out for no more than 1 1/2 hours at a time 3 or 4 times a day, then increasing the time over a period of one to two weeks, depending on the outside temperature. Do not leave them out overnight until they are staying out on their own at least 12 hours during the day.
You will find that once they start spending more time outdoors, they will find more things to keep them occupied, hence, they are more willing to stay out.
Now that your cat is staying outside, you will have to keep food and water for them. In cold weather this can be a chore. I have found to save time from thawing water out constantly, keep two metal coffee cans. (plastic splits when it freezes) Keep one with water outside for your cat, one inside handy (or already filled), and replace as needed. Take one out, bring the frozen one in to thaw.
Now that your cat is acclimated to the cold weather and has fresh water to drink, he also has to eat. By all means, do not give your cat dry food and then put warm water on it. This causes more problems when the water freezes. Choose a good quality dry cat food, and keep it dry. This way you do not have to worry about the food freezing. We like to use a styrofoam plate placed on the front porch out of the weather, held down by a thumbtack to keep the wind from blowing it away.
Now your cat must have a place to call home when he needs some warmth on those cold days and nights. Here is what I do! Take a cardboard box, preferably not much bigger than your cat (this keeps the heat in better), Open one end, put some straw or other bedding inside (this may have to be changed occasionally if it gets damp). You can also use old towels or other throwaways for the bedding. I like to place the opening to the box facing a wall or something large enough to keep it out of the wind.
I hope now you and your cat are ready to face the winter!
Information supplied and written by Ernie Carroll of Cat Care
Your Complete Cat Care Solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ernie_Carroll
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Cats, like dogs, are sometimes for one reason or another, kept outdoors. No matter what the reason, they should be prepared for the experience. For example, a cat that is used to staying indoors should not suddenly be thrust out in cold weather. You first must acclimate the cat/kitten to weather change.
If you purchase a cat/kitten in winter, you should start by putting them out in increments. Start out by letting them out for no more than 1 1/2 hours at a time 3 or 4 times a day, then increasing the time over a period of one to two weeks, depending on the outside temperature. Do not leave them out overnight until they are staying out on their own at least 12 hours during the day.
You will find that once they start spending more time outdoors, they will find more things to keep them occupied, hence, they are more willing to stay out.
Now that your cat is staying outside, you will have to keep food and water for them. In cold weather this can be a chore. I have found to save time from thawing water out constantly, keep two metal coffee cans. (plastic splits when it freezes) Keep one with water outside for your cat, one inside handy (or already filled), and replace as needed. Take one out, bring the frozen one in to thaw.
Now that your cat is acclimated to the cold weather and has fresh water to drink, he also has to eat. By all means, do not give your cat dry food and then put warm water on it. This causes more problems when the water freezes. Choose a good quality dry cat food, and keep it dry. This way you do not have to worry about the food freezing. We like to use a styrofoam plate placed on the front porch out of the weather, held down by a thumbtack to keep the wind from blowing it away.
Now your cat must have a place to call home when he needs some warmth on those cold days and nights. Here is what I do! Take a cardboard box, preferably not much bigger than your cat (this keeps the heat in better), Open one end, put some straw or other bedding inside (this may have to be changed occasionally if it gets damp). You can also use old towels or other throwaways for the bedding. I like to place the opening to the box facing a wall or something large enough to keep it out of the wind.
I hope now you and your cat are ready to face the winter!
Information supplied and written by Ernie Carroll of Cat Care
Your Complete Cat Care Solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ernie_Carroll
You know how I like food and cat supplies.
Let me tell you about my second camping trip. Here I am, Sherman, the most daring cat in all of Chicago. Daring and adventurous in my own home that is! Then something happened. He left me stranded outside. He didn't even see me go outside when he brought the groceries in from the car. And I was only checking to see what food and cat supplies he had brought home for me.
Normally he picks me right up and scoots me inside when I do that. Would you believe that he left me there, all alone in the darkening evening? Wow, it was scary!
Suddenly I wasn't so daring. You'd think that he would have heard me scream, like scared cats scream, but no, he didn't even peek outside! He, who said that he loved me, didn't miss me, and didn't even realize how petrified I was.
Well, let me not digress any further. I did what any self-respecting cat would do, I ran to find a safe place, I ran from bush to bush and crawled low to the ground in open stretches. Anyway, I digress! I got caught on the wrong side of the door. I was mortified. And confused. It was fairly nice outside, and besides, I had my fur coat on. So, I figured what the heck, I'll stay out and play I can always get cat supplies, later.
I might even make some new friends to replace that dork of a Nikki back home. She definitely is the weak link in the family, or is it just that I get a kick out of intimidating her? Anyway, I still digress. I do a lot of that.
So, I explored the neighborhood, one house at a time. All of a sudden, it was dark out, and I didn't know where I was. I don't get out much, you know.
Then of all insults, I watched from the bushes and there were mommy and daddy. They got in the car and drove off. I don't even think they missed me! I looked in the house and there was Nikki, enjoying her freedom, and not missing me in the least and she was enjoying all those cat supplies. What a family!
Anyhow, pretty soon mommy and daddy drove up. They had turkey on their breath, so they must have gone to their friends' so they could eat without me. Can you imagine that! Now they missed me. I could tell, because mommy shrieked something awful.
Well, I showed them. I ran. They went outside and looked for me, and I ran. And I ran. And I ran. It got dark. I didn't know where I was, but I was getting tired and hungry. But then I saw it. A nice lady had put out some food to feed the cats....and the possums....god, they're ugly, not pretty like me. I don't know how even their mother could love them. So there the cat suppliesare. Down the street. But I digress again. See what I mean?
It got light out. But it didn't do me any good. I still didn't know where I was. Then it got dark again and I was still hungry and a bit cold. When it got light, mommy and daddy showed up out side and put up pictures of me on all the light posts and trees. I looked pretty good in those pictures, and felt some pride that here I was, being displayed all over the neighborhood. But I still didn't know where I was, and the cat supplies necessary to a good life just didn't seem to be materializing.
I just couldn't bring myself to come out in the open. I was too scared, but I didn't show it at all. If only I had a few cat supplies, to keep my mind off this.
I was starting to make friends now with a mother cat and her little ones. Then, now get this! Mommy and daddy drove off again and when they came back, It was just daddy. You know what I think? Daddy was getting rid of us so he could have Nikki to himself.
Mommy was gone for a real long time. And the ground turned white and it got real cold. Now I could really use some of those cat supplies to keep warm with. I found a place to hide and decided to wait it out in comfort.
Mice. They taste good. Birds. They taste good. Coyotes. They're scary. They eat all the mice too. They like to play a lot. But they're bigger than me, and scare me. I went back to my hiding place where Coyotes and people can't find me.
One nite, when the ground was still white, I was out looking for food and cat supplies and walking between houses, when I heard a great big commotion that was enuff to scare anyone, particularly a cat. I heard voices I knew, but I couldn't place them. The guy next door. Mommy. God, I love her. And daddy saying, "That's him! That's him!" I didn't know what to do. So yup, you guessed it. I ran.
And I ran some more. What else is a guy to do? I went back to my hiding place, which was of course devoid of cat supplies. It seemed like the safest thing to do.
I had made it kind of comfortable, I was out of the wind, but most of all, it was mine, and it was peaceful and quiet. I missed mommy, but I sure didn't miss Nikki. I missed not having the comfort of cat supplies, tho.
I don't know what daddy sees in Nikki, but they seem to get along just fine.
The nights turned into days and days into nights, it seemed endlessly. I only went out when I was so hungry that I couldn't think straight, about cat supplies and life in general and by now you know that's not my long suit to start with. Daddy always says that Nikki's got the brains. I don't' know what that means tho. If Nikki's got the brains, what does that mean I got?
And so, it went day after night after day. Until it happened. There I was, walking along the street, when I ran into her.
Mommy!
It happened so suddenly that I got scared, and ran. But this time she followed me. And then she left.
She must have seen me go into my hiding place, under the deck three houses north of us. ( I know this because I have heard them tell it ad nauseum ever since. )
Then daddy showed up and he actually looked under the deck and I looked back. ( I think he was looking for cat supplies. )
Finally, mommy came back, but she smelled funny. I knew what it was, tho. It was a can of crab meat. One of my favorites. I don't think I'd ever had any before, but I sure knew that smell.
But do you know what they did to me? When I came out to get that wonderful crab meat after nearly starving to death on mice and stolen cat food, and devoid of cat supplies, daddy grabbed me by the neck. And then I was home, in the house and with Nikki. Yecch. I even had to share some of that crab meat with her! Yecch.
I'd almost forgotten how much I really loved this place and the people, and yes-even Nikki in her strange way. I love mommy and like to cuddle with her. I even find my way toward daddy, when he's not paying too much attention to that Nikki.
I sleep a lot, the vet has given me a clean bill of health, which I could have told him if he'd only asked instead of poking and pricking. Things are pretty much back to normal now. Maybe they're even better. I even have my cat supplies back. I'm back in charge, I have even told Nikki that it isn't a good idea to get caught on the wrong side of the door.
I slept like I'd never slept before, dreaming about cat supplies, of course, and I thought I was an expert on the subject of sleeping.
Anyway, after all those weeks in the wild, I developed some pretty good ideas about what it takes to make my sort comfortable and satisfied.
And it clearly can't be found under some neighbors' porch! The cat supplies just weren't there!
Here are some of my best ideas that I developed while I had plenty of time to think ( I don't do that well or often, but I had plenty of time to do it when I was under that porch.) Anyway, here I go again, digressing!
Cats were domesticated by all evidence, sometime in Ancient Egypt. Being the independent but entertaining sort we are, we were not domesticated for a particular purpose other than our inherent grace and beauty. Hunting mice came with the territory.
Our principal role in life is to own people that appreciate us, and give us cat supplies as needed. And we've been doing that very well for centuries. Oh, yes there was that thing about black cats in the middle ages, but for the most part we've fared quite well in our choice of humans.
Sherman, a Maine Coon, was gone from a day before Thanksgiving until the day after Christmas, weathering the coldest weather and only snowstorm we experienced in Chicago that winter. He lost about four pounds, and since he was a bit overweight, this was a good thing. How he escaped fights and animal bites, is beyond us, but it probably can be attributed to his courage level.
Bill, or should I say, daddy?
http://catanddoginfo.com/cat-supplies/
About the Author
Mr. Bayley has been a pet owner all his life. Early in our career, we bred Shelties, as a result in part of living in the country. We now own two cats and live in the city.
http://catanddoginfo.com/ W. and K. Bayley and Co. wbayley@rcn.com
great black eyes
Since the days of ancient Egypt, the cat has been at man’s side. In fact more and more people are throwing parties to celebrate milestones in their feline friend’s life. At such a party, fresh fish and milk should certainly be served to the guest of honor. But what to serve the human guests? How about a cat menu?
Of course, your cat menu won’t actually be serving up any felines. Instead use items with cat themed names. To drink, serve your guests Kitty Cola. As an appetizer, goldfish crackers keep the theme purring along. For the main course, serve up freshly grilled tuna steaks. To finish off your cat menu, create or purchase a cat cake. With the popularity of cartoons such as Sylvester and Heathcliff, this is a relatively popular design and should be available at many bakeries or specialty baking stores.
When cooking up your cat friendly tuna steaks, a few tips will help to keep this delicacy of the sea moist, tender and flavorful. Marinate steaks ahead of time in a shallow 9 X 13 inch glass dish. Add 1 cup soy sauce, ½ cup lemon juice, 2 cloves crushed garlic, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Allow steaks to marinate for 30 minutes prior to grilling. Just prior to placing steaks on your hot grill, oil the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill steaks for no more than 4 minutes per side for 1-inche tuna steaks.
With the popularity of the cat, it’s no wonder more and more people want to celebrate with their finicky felines. A cat menu at your next party will help everyone feel involved, feline and human alike.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for cat party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Cat Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
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Of course, your cat menu won’t actually be serving up any felines. Instead use items with cat themed names. To drink, serve your guests Kitty Cola. As an appetizer, goldfish crackers keep the theme purring along. For the main course, serve up freshly grilled tuna steaks. To finish off your cat menu, create or purchase a cat cake. With the popularity of cartoons such as Sylvester and Heathcliff, this is a relatively popular design and should be available at many bakeries or specialty baking stores.
When cooking up your cat friendly tuna steaks, a few tips will help to keep this delicacy of the sea moist, tender and flavorful. Marinate steaks ahead of time in a shallow 9 X 13 inch glass dish. Add 1 cup soy sauce, ½ cup lemon juice, 2 cloves crushed garlic, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Allow steaks to marinate for 30 minutes prior to grilling. Just prior to placing steaks on your hot grill, oil the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill steaks for no more than 4 minutes per side for 1-inche tuna steaks.
With the popularity of the cat, it’s no wonder more and more people want to celebrate with their finicky felines. A cat menu at your next party will help everyone feel involved, feline and human alike.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for cat party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Cat Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Waiting for an angel...
How do you trained your cats?
I'm watching you!
It’s funny how many dog-training guides there are available. All the information you could ever want on how to teach your dog tricks; how to communicate with your dog; how to understand what your dog’s thinking; how to prevent behavioral problems.
Why aren’t there more books on how to do all this for cats? After all, cats are just as popular as dogs (if not more so); and, arguably, they’re just as intelligent and just as capable of being trained.
I never even thought about training my cat to do tricks and obedience work. He’s spent his life thus far as a happy free-loader, accepting food and cuddles from me in exchange for …. well, not that much, actually.
Until, that is, I dropped round to visit a new acquaintance recently, where I watched, stunned (and, I’ll admit, more than a little envious) as she got her cat perform what seemed to me to be an entire circus’ worth of acrobatics: rolling over, playing dead, shaking hands, even playing fetch.
“Right,†I thought to myself, “That’s it! If her cat can do it, then mine can, too!†… and thus my search for the Holy Grail of cat-training handbooks began in earnest.
Click here to learn everything about Cat care and Cat training
I hunted here, I hunted there �" I just about turned the library inside out. I looked through newspapers for advertised cat trainers, I asked my friends, I made phone calls to vet clinics and even dog-training organizations (just in case!)
The two things I didn’t do �" but should have �" were place a phone-call to that new acquaintance (I’m afraid my pride got in my way: I fostered fond dreams of casually unveiling my cat’s mastery of a stunning array of tricks and obedience work the next time she dropped around); and I didn’t even think of looking online until my husband (who, as chance would have it, works in internet marketing) castigated me gently for not “Googling†the subject straight away.
So I hopped onto the computer, and within five minutes I’d found what I was looking for in the Complete Cat Training Guide; and it was clear to me within just a few pages that the author, Paula Robb, is a woman who really knows what she’s talking about …
So What’s Included? Let me get one thing straight: although this is a book that will teach you (among other commands) how to get your cat to beg, jump, twirl, stay, sit, come, open cupboards, kiss, play dead, and retrieve, that’s by no means all that you’ll learn.
Click here to learn everything about Cat care and Cat training
Something I found incredibly useful was the book’s total-coverage philosophy: pretty much all aspects of cat ownership have been covered, in real detail. Example: as well as cat training, you also get information on how to fix virtually any cat problem (this is no baseless claim - over twenty-five cat behavioral problems are covered, from urine-marking to nocturnal disturbances to aggression); you get a real-life case study for each problem (which is a real help when it comes to putting the information into context); you learn about your cat’s body language and vocals, and how to use that knowledge to understand what he’s thinking and how to communicate with him; plus chapters and chapters of general knowledge on things like choosing the right cat for you; understanding feline behaviors both “good†and “badâ€; how to help your cat adapt to your lifestyle and home; how to toilet-train your cat; and two whole sections on cat health and nutrition, all of which goes a long way towards deepening and strengthing your relationship with your cat.
Other Benefits I sometimes find it hard to understand written instructions. It can be kind of confusing, especially when you’re also trying to control a wriggling, energetic cat. That’s why the clear step-by-step photographs and illustrations came in so handy with the training strategies: I actually understood exactly how to position myself and make the most of my body language during the training. It made the whole process a lot easier - and a whole lot faster!
Click here to learn everything about Cat care and Cat training
Something else I liked: the book was instantly downloadable. This is a pretty big deal to me; I don’t like paying for something, then waiting days (usually weeks) for it to be shipped overseas, processed through the post, and then �" likely as not �" delivered to the wrong address. What I do like is instant gratification, which is exactly what I got with Complete Cat Training: seconds after paying my money, the book was downloaded onto my computer and I was gleefully reading through it.
The Best Bits I don’t really understand how this woman can be making any money off her product, because she seems to be giving away a lot of stuff for free (but hey, I’m not complaining!)
Here are just a few of the handy little freebies that I got with my book:
- Two free bonus books: “The Essential Cat Recipe Bookâ€, which shows you how to prepare tasty, healthy meals and treats for your beloved kitty; and “The Ultimate Guide to Pampering Your Catâ€, which shows you how to develop a real bond of affection with your cat through improving his quality of life.
- A free, private email consultation (worth $ 120) with a team of real live cat trainers. Any problems that you have, any queries whatsoever, and all you have to do is send an email �" you’ll get a detailed, personal reply from a team of seasoned cat trainers, to make sure any problems are truly resolved to your satisfaction. Not bad.
In a Nutshell Two words: highly recommended. You really can’t go wrong here; not only is the whole thing jam-packed with practical advice and hands-on tips, but the price is extremely reasonable: just $ 37 for the book, the consultation, and the bonus books … oh yeah, and there’s a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee for 60 whole days after making the purchase.
All in all, I have no qualms whatsoever about recommending this book to anyone who’s got, or is thinking about getting, a cat: whether it’s training, behavioral problems, trouble-shooting, or improving your relationship with your beloved kitty, I guarantee you’ll learn something useful.
Click here to learn everything about Cat care and Cat training and have the best relationship with your cats
About the Author
The Complete Cat training E-Book is the most complete guide in training your cat. Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of your Cat Behavior Problems AND Slash Your Cat Obedience Training Time in HALF!! Have fun!!
Best Friends ever!
Time to sliding...
I want to ride my bicycle...
Hey! who's that cat?
Wanna fight?
Black cats are often the last choice for people interested in getting a new cat. Some shelters will not even take them since getting them adopted is so difficult. Why are black felines shunned? In the cat world, black is one of the most common colors. Potential owners may want a different look such as various color combinations, stripes or a different solid color.
Some people are superstitious of black cats. A common superstition is that a black feline walking across a human's path brings bad luck. A black kitty can make humans that subscribe to that particular belief very fearful or at least, uneasy. Interestingly, in other places such as the UK, black-coated cats are believed to bring good luck. Also, discovering a white hair on a black feline is considered to be good luck. Since white hairs are common on black animals, there are many chances to find good luck for the owner of a black kitty.
Historically, black cats have often been considered to be harbingers of evil. They were thought to be friends to witches, and witches could supposedly take on the physical form of a cat in order to hide among humans in order to carry out evil deeds.
Potential owners may avoid black felines if they have a a lot of light-colored furniture and carpets or a tendency to wear a lot of light-colored clothing. Unfortunately, black coats shed like any other colored coat, and black hairs do tend to show up more on light colors.
Black kitties have the false reputation of not having good personalities. Since a cat's personality traits are due to environment and genetics and not coat color, black felines have the same range of personalities as other cats. But, stray black cats may be more likely to be targeted for abuse, and abused cats are less likely to make good companions without lots of work on behalf of the owner. This phenomenon may be partially responsible for the belief that black felines are not as friendly as other cats.
Please consider a black cat if you are searching for a new feline friend. Remember that around the month of October, some shelters restrict adoption of black animals due to safety concerns on behalf of the pet and a high rate of returns from people who want to use the cats as Halloween decorations. Plenty of black felines are loving, sweet, and wonderful companions, and one could be the perfect cat for you!
Learn more about cat behavior, cat-related products and other cat topics at http://www.felineinfo.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annie_Clark
Read more
Some people are superstitious of black cats. A common superstition is that a black feline walking across a human's path brings bad luck. A black kitty can make humans that subscribe to that particular belief very fearful or at least, uneasy. Interestingly, in other places such as the UK, black-coated cats are believed to bring good luck. Also, discovering a white hair on a black feline is considered to be good luck. Since white hairs are common on black animals, there are many chances to find good luck for the owner of a black kitty.
Historically, black cats have often been considered to be harbingers of evil. They were thought to be friends to witches, and witches could supposedly take on the physical form of a cat in order to hide among humans in order to carry out evil deeds.
Potential owners may avoid black felines if they have a a lot of light-colored furniture and carpets or a tendency to wear a lot of light-colored clothing. Unfortunately, black coats shed like any other colored coat, and black hairs do tend to show up more on light colors.
Black kitties have the false reputation of not having good personalities. Since a cat's personality traits are due to environment and genetics and not coat color, black felines have the same range of personalities as other cats. But, stray black cats may be more likely to be targeted for abuse, and abused cats are less likely to make good companions without lots of work on behalf of the owner. This phenomenon may be partially responsible for the belief that black felines are not as friendly as other cats.
Please consider a black cat if you are searching for a new feline friend. Remember that around the month of October, some shelters restrict adoption of black animals due to safety concerns on behalf of the pet and a high rate of returns from people who want to use the cats as Halloween decorations. Plenty of black felines are loving, sweet, and wonderful companions, and one could be the perfect cat for you!
Learn more about cat behavior, cat-related products and other cat topics at http://www.felineinfo.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annie_Clark
Don't do this!
Cats by their very nature, are quite independent animals, making the prospect of cat training seem quite difficult, if not impossible. Although your cat may seem stubborn and much too independent, changing your cat's behavior can be successfully achieved through training. It just requires following the right strategies, and your commitment to follow through on the requisite rewards and punishments.
Cats are extremely clever animals, yet they do not comprehend the standard of cause and effect like people do. When you scrutinize a cat's behavior it is crucial to take action without delay or your response will not be very effective because the cat cannot make the connection between its unacceptable behavior and your reaction.
A great technique to incorporate into your cat or kitten training is to encourage opposite behavior. Because cats are typically more affected by favorable reinforcement rather than punishment, this technique is usually successful. For example, if your cat is playfully clawing the fabric of your favorite chair, redirect your cat's behavior to a toy.
As with most cats, they will react to cat training fine if there is an incentive attached to their excellent performance. Buy your cat's preferred snacks and be sure to compensate your cat with a prize whenever fine actions are observed. It can also be accommodating to compensate your pet with love. On countless occasions a hug or petting session can be just as effective.
When undertaking cat training, one of the most important things to remember is never to use violent punishments, even when the animal seems to be deliberately ignoring you. Physical violence will only make your cat afraid of you, and cause stress in your relationship with your pet. Cruelty is counterproductive; you'll make far more progress with positive reinforcement. It could be very hard to train a cat, but you can change your cats behavior with the appropriate approach. You should never be violent to your cat and should always respond friendly.
Cats are independent, intelligent pets. Cat training can be a difficult and time consuming project, and must be done correctly and with patience for good results. To train a cat, you must react immediately to the animal's behavior. They respond best to positive reinforcement, by either giving them loving attention or treats. Kitten training is a method that encourages positive behavior without punishing undesirable behavior. Negative responses to behavior may make your pet trust you less and be less willing to please you. The rewards for proper training are a pet that loves and respects you for as long as your relationship lasts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathrynn_Kelley
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Cats are extremely clever animals, yet they do not comprehend the standard of cause and effect like people do. When you scrutinize a cat's behavior it is crucial to take action without delay or your response will not be very effective because the cat cannot make the connection between its unacceptable behavior and your reaction.
A great technique to incorporate into your cat or kitten training is to encourage opposite behavior. Because cats are typically more affected by favorable reinforcement rather than punishment, this technique is usually successful. For example, if your cat is playfully clawing the fabric of your favorite chair, redirect your cat's behavior to a toy.
As with most cats, they will react to cat training fine if there is an incentive attached to their excellent performance. Buy your cat's preferred snacks and be sure to compensate your cat with a prize whenever fine actions are observed. It can also be accommodating to compensate your pet with love. On countless occasions a hug or petting session can be just as effective.
When undertaking cat training, one of the most important things to remember is never to use violent punishments, even when the animal seems to be deliberately ignoring you. Physical violence will only make your cat afraid of you, and cause stress in your relationship with your pet. Cruelty is counterproductive; you'll make far more progress with positive reinforcement. It could be very hard to train a cat, but you can change your cats behavior with the appropriate approach. You should never be violent to your cat and should always respond friendly.
Cats are independent, intelligent pets. Cat training can be a difficult and time consuming project, and must be done correctly and with patience for good results. To train a cat, you must react immediately to the animal's behavior. They respond best to positive reinforcement, by either giving them loving attention or treats. Kitten training is a method that encourages positive behavior without punishing undesirable behavior. Negative responses to behavior may make your pet trust you less and be less willing to please you. The rewards for proper training are a pet that loves and respects you for as long as your relationship lasts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathrynn_Kelley
To encourage cats there must be treats and rewards. When your cat hears rustling of a food bag or a can opener sounds does you cat come running? This would be a clear illustration of such behavior. Cats hear those sounds and often related them to food rewards.
Make sure to first take your pet to the veterinarian, to ensure there are no undetected health issues that be be aggrabated or intesified by the training activities.
For the highest effectiveness be sure to give immediate appraisal such as treats, a full tasty meal, or even a toy as a reward just to ensure your cat has been properly encouraged to maintain good behavior.
At a later time after your cat relates the saying "good" with a treat and the positive act you may later use just the saying and a nice scratch behind the ears for positive reenforcement.
Using positive emphasis and reinforcement, the pet will be willing to learn good behaviors and basic instructions or commands.
Training tip and guidlines:
1. It is better to start before the pet has a chance to form or develop any unwanted behavior. So for a more responsive and open experience try to start when they are kittens.
2. A gentle hug, caress or whisper will leave a longer impression than yelling and bitter words. So try to give positive reinforcement at all times.
3. Training must be limited. Frequently but brief. Cats work better in four to six sessions of 5 minutes intervals of training rather than two one hour sessions. Because cats possess a short attention span and lose interest very quickly.
4. To limit the cat's distractions such as climbing a tree or playing with the neighboring pets keep training indoors.
Discipline should be instilled for a well behaved cat, but tough punishment must be avoided. Cats usually do not respond to hitting or yelling. That generally leaves them afraid of you doing the action rather than the bad behavior. During training the pet with defer from negative acts. Keep your approach a positive one. In response to your negative actions the pet will stop loving you and will not achieve the desired result of having a happy loving relationship with your wonderful pet cat!
This article was written by Liz Barton. Learn how to solve your cat behavior problems - you'll find more information on cat problems by visiting http://www.secretsofcats.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Barton
You are mine!
Introduction- Diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes is a chronic endocrine (hormone) illness characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is seen in dogs and cats as well as humans, and in each species is commoner in the overweight and obese. There is no cure, but treatment, which in cats may or may not include insulin injections, can maintain a healthy and active life.
Pathology - Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans, stop producing sufficient insulin to cope with the body's glucose load (Type 1 diabetes), or when the peripheral tissues in the body that react to insulin become resistant to its effect (Type 2 diabetes).
Symptoms:
* Weight loss (more likely in type 1 diabetes) * Thirst, excessive drinking (polydipsia) * Increased urination (polyuria) * Increased appetite * Increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) * Blindness * Weakness * Depression
Causes: * Obesity * Chronic Pancreatitis * Stress (cortisol, one of the stress hormones, makes fat cells less sensitive to insulin) * Genetic predisposition - it affects cats of all ages, sexes and breeds, but is commoner in older, castrated male cats, especially Burmese cats Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on a urine test followed by a confirmatory blood test for glucose levels.
Effects of Diabetes - There is an increased incidence of: * Cataracts * Premature death * Problems in pregnancy * Infections, especially bladder * Pancreatitis
Current Western Treatments
* Insulin * Diet * Exercise * Neutering of diabetic female cats
Insulin - The discovery of insulin in 1921 ( see www.discoveryofinsulin.com) was pivotal in changing diabetes mellitus from disease that was fatal within weeks to a chronic and not necessarily life-threatening condition.
Insulin is the mainstay of treatment in many cats, although some cats, once stabilised, can be managed with diet alone. Diet
Diet needs to be specific and timed correctly. Glucose control is easier to obtain if you feed a fixed formula feed, low in fat and high in slowly digested complex carbohydrates. However, if your cat's normal routine is to eat several times per day with "ad lib" food, your vet is unlikely to change this.
If your cat is overweight, getting his/ her weight down to normal is essential over the first 3-4 months after diagnosis.
Exercise - Your cat should be allowed to take exercise as normal. Other considerations
A diabetic cat will take up a lot of your time and finances over the years, but will reward you with years of companionship.
Complementary Therapies - Stress Reduction by whatever means will help with glucose control, and can be helped by:
* Spiritual Healing * Reiki * Crystal Healing with crystals such as amethyst * Massage * T-touch technique
Herbal remedies
* Stinging nettles - for fatigue, poor appetite * Garlic - for digestive problems * Fenugreek - for fatigue and weight loss * olive leaves - for blood pressure and glucose control
Bach Flower Remedies tend to be favoured over aromatics by cats. The choice of remedy will depend on an assessment of the cat's personality and current circumstances.
Conclusion - With Diabetes mellitus it is very important that you work closely with your vet in order to get optimum glucose control. The triad of insulin (where needed), diet and exercise is pivotal. Other things that can help you to support your cat.
About the Author
I am a holistic doctor and animal healer specializing in connecting and informing animal therapists. My natural animal therapy website informs the public about animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com
As cats age, they require more and more attention and loving care from their owners. Though cats tend to lead uneventful, happy lives, disease and discomfort increase as they age. Listed here are a few conditions and diseases to keep an eye out for that are common in elderly cats, in addition to a few tips in caring for your cat to aid in their graceful and comfortable aging.
Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.
A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!
Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.
Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.
Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.
Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elise_Rogers
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Like humans and dogs, as cats age, they begin to show signs of degeneration. One of the most common signs of aging felines is their loss of litter box training. Some elderly cats acquire conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or decreased proper kidney function. These health issues can in turn lead to irregular urination and elimination processes. You may find your cat relieving him or herself outside the litter box. If this becomes a common practice, it is a good idea to buy one of or two more litter boxes and place them in various locations throughout your home. This will make litter boxes more accessible to your cat and will aid in their proper elimination practices.
A common feline condition is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation of joints occurs. Signs of arthritis include swollen and tender joints, limping, lameness, and stiffness in joints, often occurring when they get up from lying down or when it is cold or rainy outside. You can help your cat by placing their litter box and food and water dishes in easily accessible places. If, for example, their litter box is upstairs and their food and water dishes are on top of the dryer in the laundry room, they will have difficulty getting to them when they are needed. The more you help ease the discomfort of your cat, the happier they will be!
Poor dental health and dental disease is fairly common in elderly felines. Tartar, gingivitis, and sensitive gums are often seen in older cats. Believe it or not, the tartar build up or dental disease in cats can spread to their heart or kidneys, which can cause serious problems. The best thing for you to do as an owner is to start early and clean your cat's teeth regularly in addition to feeding them dry cat food, which will help clean their teeth on a daily basis.
Lastly, as cats age, they seem to lose interest in basic grooming practices. This may be due to arthritis or dental issues, but whatever the reason, it is something you will most likely need to help your cat with. Giving them weekly baths and gently brushing their coat will help tremendously. Cats feel better and are happier when they are clean and well groomed. Don't forget to keep their claws trimmed regularly because their nails can become brittle in their older age.
Just as humans and dogs need extra care as they age, so do cats. By having a basic understanding of cats' diseases and basic needs as they age will help increase their comfort dramatically. Understand your cat, and learn to take them of them properly in their mature stage of life; this will keep them happy, and will help you enjoy the final years of your cat's life.
Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elise_Rogers
Who are you?
Spying!
Wake up man! That's only a doll!
Food
Cats need protein in their diets. Feed your cat meat, such as poultry or fish. How to take care of a cat includes giving your cat water every day. Make sure the water bowl is clean and free from hair. Much to the dismay of many, there is no need to give milk to your cat.
Cleanliness
How to take care of a cat means keeping the litter box clean. Change out the litter regularly to promote good sanitation behavior. This will also keep your cat's fur cleaner.
Vet Services
A healthy cat is a happy cat. How to take care of your cat means taking your cat to a veterinarian regularly. Get your cat vaccinated against deadly diseases. Cats can get many of the same diseases that human being can. Cancer, kidney and heart disease being some of them. Many advise to have your cat neutered also. It will control the unwanted kittens in the population.
Safety
Cats are attracted to things like rubber bands, needles and thread, and tinsel. Electric cords may also be a hazard for cats. Keep all of these things out of the reach of cats. How to take care of a cat is keeping it safe in your home.
Training
You can actually train your cat to not jump on countertops. Scratching furniture is another undesirable behavior that you can train your cat not to do. How to take care of a cat includes training it for your home. There are many things you can do to assist you in this area. Sprays the cat with water when it does something you don’t like. Make a loud noise with rocks in a can to scare it away. Cats are smart animals and train easier than you might think.
Identification
Make sure your cat has proper identification. No, it doesn't need a drivers license, but a pet license it does need. Also put a collar and ID tag on it that includes your name, address, and telephone number around the cat. This is how to take care of a cat in a nutshell. Remember a healthy cat is a happy cat.
For More Information on How To Take Care Of A Cat Please visit Kitty Cat Care
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Cat Shredder the Movie