Cats our feline friends
"A cat's eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world." - Irish Legend
The History Of Cats On Wikipedia
The cultural depiction of cats and their relationship to humans is as old as civilization and stretches back over 9,500 years. Cats have figured in the history of many nations, are the subject of legend and are a favorite subject of artists and writers. Black cats have been associated with death and darkness.
Popular Cat Breeds
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian tends to have a lot of energy, and tends to be very active and playful. This cat is a great pick if you are looking for a feline friend that is fun and entertaining. Plus there is the factor that the Abyssinian is a very attractive cat.They are a midsized cats, with beautiful green and gold eyes of an almond shape, and a striking ticked pattern. There are generally three different breed colors.
The first is called ruddy; this is where the cat is an orange and brown color that is marked with dark brown or black. The second color for this breed is red; the cat has a warm color of fur that has chocolate brown spots. The last color of this breed is blue; this is a unique color where the cat looks like they have a mix of different shades of slate blue. They are a graceful and regal looking feline with soft, silky coats, and their hair is medium in length.
Burmese
If you are looking for more of an affectionate cat that isn't going to freak and claw you, a Burmese might be just what you are looking for.The Burmese is of medium size with quite a muscular body. Because they have more of a solid build, it might come as quite a surprise when you pick them up and feel the full effect of their weight. They are quite beautiful with a short glossy coat. With breeding over the years, there have come to be three different types of Burmese; there is the contemporary, traditional, and the European.
The contemporary has more of the stocky body,
Ailurophile: A Cat Loving Person
rounded head, and very pronounced round and spaced eyes. You can find them in coloring such as sable, champagne, blue, and platinum. The traditional has closer ties to the original breed. They are more of a sturdy yet muscular build with a very different head. Unlike the contemporary, the traditional breed has a more rounded head and the face takes on a full look. They come in the same colors as the contemporary breed does. European takes on a more foreign look, much as the name suggests.The European is more of an elegant looking cat with a slim body type. Their eyes take on a slightly slanted look and they can be found in more colors such as brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, seal tortie, brown tortie, blue tortie, chocolate tortie, and lilac tortie. In addition to being a beautiful feline, they are also a very loving and stay with you wherever you go. They love to be with their owners and are very smart cats and great companions.
Egyptian Mau
If you are looking for a spotted cat, the Egyptian Mau is the way to go. They are the only natural breed that sports spots. They are a very beautiful and graceful feline that is also extremely muscular as well. This breed of cat is actually the fastest breed of domestic cat that there is. Although quite muscular, they are not that heavy of a cat. They have heads that have sort of a rounded shape. They have alert looking ears that can be either of a medium or large size and their eyes are the pretty almond shaped eyes with a slight slant and green color. What sets the Egyptian Mau apart from many other breeds of cat is that they have spotting around their body that can vary in shape, size, and location.They also tend to have an M shaped mark on their forehead that only makes them more unique. They have beautiful coats that are of medium length and can be found in various beautiful colors. They are a very smart cat that is quite active, and extremely loyal to their owners.
Himalayan
The Himalayan is not of the petite variety, but more of a heavily boned feline.
Ailurophobe: A person that hates cats.
They have round body and are very broad, plus their coats only add to the rounded look that they already have going. There are two main facial types when it comes to the Himalayan. There are the extreme and the traditional.Both have small and rounded ears that are set low on the head. They have round eyes with full cheeks and a prominent chin. The extreme face gives the cat a round and flattened look.
The traditional also has a round head, but the nose is different and they have an up turned mouth. It has been observed that the traditional breed experiences fewer health related problems than the extreme. These cats are great as indoor pets. They are great if you are looking for a calmer type of cat that also has a streak of playfulness in them. This type of cat needs the affection of their owner and loves to be combed and loved.
Manx
If you want a cat but don't want to have to worry about its tail swishing you in the face or knocking down knickknacks, you might just find yourself interested in a Manx. Believe it or not, the Manx is the only breed of cat that has no tail. Although this feline has no tail it is defiantly all cat. They have a round sort of look to them, from their round head to their round behind.They are a muscular and solid breed. What adds to their beauty is the short, glossy coat that they have. Although they are tailless, they do possess a sort of stub at their spine.
The Manx has a great personality, are quite intelligent, and has an even disposition.
This cat tends to find one companion in particular that they truly love, but are great with all family members. They are playful, active, and adjust well.
Persian
If you are truly looking for a cat that you can pet, groom, and fawn over the Persian might be just what you are looking for. The Persian is an extremely popular cat that has a ton of hair. There is no doubt that these cats look absolutely regal and beautiful, but there is defiantly a fair amount of grooming to do.Awn hairs: The part of the cat's undercoat that is longer than the downy undercoat but shorter than the primary guard coat.
What makes this particular feline so popular is that they are very sweet, loyal, and affectionate cats. Another great feature about choosing a Persian is that you can find one in almost every color or pattern imaginable.
Although a furry feline, the Persian is a heavy bones and broad cat, it definitely gives the impression of roundness all over due to both body and fur.
If you are looking for a cat that will sit and watch television with you, getting a Persian is a sure bet. They love to sit around and laze away the day with their owner. They are gentle, sweet tempered, and trusting. Although they do enjoy lounging, you can also expect them to find the time to play after a good nap. This type of cat needs the attention of their owner, but they won't be obsessive about it.
Siamese
Even if you aren't quite a guru when it comes to cats, you are probably well aware of what a Siamese looks like. This cat has been displayed in cartoon animations such as The Lady and the Tramp as well as other movies such as That Darn Cat. They are definitely a widely recognized breed no matter where you go. There is absolutely no denying that the Siamese cat is a beautiful animal. They have beautiful big blue eyes and a gorgeous coat.The body of the Siamese is a light color and the face, tail, paws, and ears are darker.They are a shorthaired , so it's a perfect cat if you are looking for a feline companion that doesn't require an enormous amount of grooming and doesn't shed like crazy. They are a medium to large size cat that is considered very muscular. As you might have observed in many movies, the Siamese cat is a very intelligent feline. In the same light, although intelligent they can also be quite annoying at times when they try to communicate with their owners through a very distinctive yowling sound.
Barring: Markings of a Tabby Cats
If you are looking for a quiet cat, the Siamese might not be a great choice. This is a cat that will try to get its way and is very needy. They are also active and affectionate animals that can be a lot of fun to have if they fit your personality and lifestyle.Cat Breeds
Information
Listed above are a few of the more common breeds that many people find enjoyable to have in their home. There are many books or other resources that will list almost every type of cat breed imaginable if you wish to keep looking for a breed that fits you.
Just as with any other type of animal, every breed is different and offers distinctive qualities just as every cat has a different personality.
Here Is Some Useful Links For Cat Breeds Seeker.
- Wikipedia Cat Breeds List
- Complete List Of Cat Breeds
- Cat (Kitten) Breeds Information Guide
- Cats and Kittens Central's Cat Breeds Information Guide offers a comprehensive cat breed information profile, cat breeds pictures, cat breeds clubs and cat rescues, cat breeds information links, responsible cat and kitten breeders directory, cat breed books and more.
- Terrific Cat Breeds
- Cat Breeds Directory
- Discovering Cat Breeds
- More quality information on cat breeds.
Cat Breeds books
Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds
Here is a handsomely illustrated descriptive directory of virtually all major cat breeds available to prospective owners in America--a "must-read" reference source for cat lovers and breeders everywhere. Opening chapters include a survey of feline history and evolution, a detailed description of the qualities that make a purebred, a summary of feline genetics, and a discussion of conformation, color, and coat. Following are alphabetically arranged profiles of 40 different breeds, from Abyssinian through Burmese, Manx, and Scottish Fold, to Turkish Van. Remaining chapters provide detailed discussions of the American domestic cat, experimental breeds, choosing the right breed for the right household, pricing and judging quality when buying a purebred, descriptions of cat associations and shows, and advice on showing purebreds. Supplementary information includes a glossary of terms and a list of helpful books and periodicals.
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 12/04/2009) 
Ultimate Guide to Cat Breeds
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 12/04/2009)
Cats are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics
In 1988, when Laura Gould brought her newly-adopted cat George to the vet, the vet smirked at hearing the masculine name. He soon turned pale, after taking a closer look at George. George is a calico AND he is male. The logic of genetics that resulted from Gregor Mendel s famous experiments with peas tells us that only female cats can be calico. But George and his maleness are undeniable certainties. How do you get a George? This question led Laura Gould on an exploration of the facts and history of genetics. As she dipped into this knowledge, many more questions soon followed. This book portrays Gould s journey through the research and understanding of (cat) genetics and her journey through cat ownership. Ten years after the first publication of Cats are not Peas, the author updates the tale with two major developments in genetics: the sequencing of genomes and the production of clones. Where are cats on the list of species to first have their genomes sequenced? What was cloned first, a cat or a dog? The answers to these questions and others appear in the Addendum included in this new edition.
Amazon Price: $39.00 (as of 12/04/2009)
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds (Illustrated Encyclopedias (Booksales Inc))
An ultimate cat breeds encyclopedia provides complete, accurate, and authoritative information on hundreds of pictured breeds and discusses origins, personality, habits, and special concerns.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2009)
"No matter how much the cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens" Abraham Lincoln
Choosing a Cat Perfect for You
Cats can be great pets for people who are looking for an animal, but want one that is a little more independent.There are of course many other considerations to take into account before rushing out and buying your cat based on a picture or vague description.
First You need to decide if you are looking to get a male or a female cat. There is a vast difference between the two species just as there is with humans or any other type of animal.
If you do decide to get a male;
You have to make the decision on whether or not the cat is going to be neutered. Just as a cautionary note, when a male cat is not neutered they tend to have a much different personality. You might find that they spray urine all over, will try to roam, and might just pick fights with other cats if there are any in the house or outside. When you choose to neuter them, you will be able to avoid a lot of these tendencies.
If you decide to get a female;
They tend to also be quieter as well. Again comes the question on whether or not to spay your female feline companion. If you choose not too you will be looking forward to dealing with her heat cycles and all that they entail, especially not a good thing if you have any unneutered male cats in the house.
If You Own a Cat or Cats What Made You Decide: Male or Female Cat?
Give Us Your Feedback How This Decision Worked Out For You?
Tell Us What Do You Think In This Little Sex Battle
Male or Female Cat?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand by
Hillary says:
Females are nicer and gentler and they are beautiful! They will snuggle with you more and be better
Posted July 14, 2009
Alex says:
I've had four boys and one girl and I'd still say... either! Boys are a little easier on the neutering front - it's a less invasive op and, frankly, cheaper - but my little girl was a strong personality too. As I've had more boys (and have two now) I'll go with that, but only because I know them better.
Posted July 07, 2009
LaraineRose says:
Ha Ha Our cats always choose us. We live at the end of a road where people have in the past left cats. So, whatever comes to our door, male or female is ours. We love them all!
Posted June 16, 2009
Jimmie says:
We choose by the appearance and personality of the cat, not gender. :-) But I'll choose Boy here since we currently have two male cats.
Posted March 17, 2009
Susan52 says:
I have a brother and sister, and before that I had a boy cat. I love my little girl and she's wonderful and sweet (and bossy), but my boy cat is so very affectionate as was his predecessor. I'd choose a boy again just based on that.
Posted December 23, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz says:
Though we spay or neuter our cats I have always preferred females since males sometime develop a habit of spraying. My kitten is right at this moment playing with the letters on my screen as I type.
Posted April 09, 2009
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
I have always had girls. Don't think I have ever had a boy. Of course, I got them at the pound, so they were always old enough to know for sure. And I always had them spayed
Posted December 24, 2008
jpetals says:
Oh this is soooo funny. I really don't care the sex of my cats. But I do have a funny story. I have a big fluffy white cat and about four years ago I thought we should find him a little friend. I thought female would be best but didn't care. We ended up getting this cute little kitten.
Fast forward to getting this cat "fixed". It took two vet techs to figure out that it was perhaps the tiniest male they had ever met. "She" suddenly became a "He". Ironically (especially after the twitter discussion and karma) he was named Karma as a she, so it worked for a male as well.
Posted December 17, 2008
Zoe says:
I've always wanted a female cat. They always seem so much more gentle and calmer that males :)
Posted November 04, 2008
tdove says:
I love female cats but love male cats too. My female cat actually found me so I didn't really get a choice.
Posted October 08, 2008
What about hair?
Next thing you need to decide how much hair that you want to content with.
That is, do you want to get a long hair cat or a short hair cat?Even though you may think that you want a particular breed, it might not match up with what you want in a cat. This is really a choice that depends on your personal taste.
Long haired cats might seem great to one person and a total nuisance to another. If you choose to go with a long haired cat, you need to understand that it will be up to you to keep you cat groomed and looking nice. Just think about your own hair, if you have long hair then you need to keep it brushed or combed on a daily basis, a long haired cat is no different. They need their owner to comb their lustrous locks on a regular basis so they don't begin to look like a scraggly cat.
Again, you have to realize that when anything has long hair it tends to shed, a lot! If none of this sounds like fun or appealing in any way it might be a good indication that you in fact are not looking for a long haired cat such as a Persian, but a short haired cat instead.
The Facts About Cats
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), 69 million American households own a pet, with cats weighing as 90 million of those pets, surpassing "mans best friend", the dog, as the pet of choice.
View more »
If You Want To Buy a Cat...
The reality when you go to buy a cat you can choose from mixed breeds or purebred cats.
When you buy a mixed breed there isn't quite as much to worry about because you don't have to worry about all the pedigree issues and such, plus as you might have guessed they aren't going to cost quite as much.
On the other hand all of that changes when you plan to buy a purebred. There are certain precautions that you will have to take before you buy a purebred cat.
Blaze: Stripe or splash of white on the cat's forehead or nose.
First you need to research the different breeding establishments to make sure that they are of good reputation. It won't hurt to do a little bit of research and to even visit different establishments and ask question and look at the cats that they are offering before you actually buy one.Do you wish to buy a kitten or a cat?
Many might jump to the answer of kitten, but as everything there is much to consider before making such a decision. You need to realize that a kitten is in essence a baby and as such requires a lot more time and attention than a grown cat does. It's not to say that an older cat doesn't require time and attention, but normally they are quite a bit easier to care for than a baby kitten.
Dealing with a New Kitten
Before you rush out and buy or take the first kitten that is offered to you, there are a few things that you should know. As with any animal, there are certain things that you should look for to make sure that the kitten is healthy. By paying attention and looking for these different things, you might be able to save yourself and your family from picking a kitten that is going to be quite sickly or even die. Things To Remember When Buying A Kitten
1. Make sure that the kitten has clear,bright eyes
2. Look to see if the ears and nose are clean and not gunky
3. Look for a thick and shiny coat
4. You don't want any skin that has fleas, scabby patches, or any types of lumps
5. Open the mouth of the kitten and look for firm, pink gums
6.Observe the kitten to make sure that they are attentive and playful
Things You Need To Ask Pet Shop Or Breeder.
You need to ask certain questions that they should have no problems answering.If they try to avoid you or put your off it might be a good sign that you need to find your new kitten somewhere else.Below are lists of questions that need to be asked:
- Ask about the kittens vaccinations
- Ask about parasite checks
- Have them tell you the age, gender, and breed of the kitten
- Do not buy a kitten that is not at least six to eight weeks old
- Ask about their diet and nutrition
- Have them provide you with the Veterinarians name, number, and address
- If you are looking at a purebred, ask about the kitten's registration papers.
- Ask if you can have your own veterinarian check the kitten out before the sale if final.
Just remember that you can always find another pet shop or breeder that has the kitten you are looking for if something doesn't seem quite right.
Kittens First Training
Because you are choosing to buy a kitten it's just like with a baby, the kitten has to learn. The first lesson that will make life a lot easier for you and your kitten is litter box training. This really shouldn't be too hard of a lesson for either of you since most kittens take to the litter box quite naturally.What is important to note is not to be in your kittens face while he or she is trying to do their thing. Patience is the key to any type of training, and this is not different. Of course, there are a few things that you can do in order to help this be an easy experience for your kitten.
I Make sure that your kitten can climb in and out of the litter box; sometimes they will have trouble in a litter box that is too big.
II Put the litter box in a quite area that is always accessible.
III Clean the litter box on a daily basis and keep the litter changed regularly
IV In order to establish a pattern, make sure you put your kitten in their litter box when they wake up and after they eat.
V Everyone benefits from being told they did a good job, kittens are no different, make sure to let them know when they have done a good job.
VI Keep the litter box in the same place, don't move it around
VII If you have more than one cat, make sure they all have their own litter box.
"Baby Proofing" Your House
You might have heard your friends or family talk about baby proofing their home when their child began to be mobile, if you plan on getting a kitten you will find yourself doing the same thing. A kitten is in essence a baby, but of the feline persuasion, as such they are just as curious as any other type of baby. You need to take the time and look at your home from a kitten's perspective, find possible hazardous items, and remove them accordingly.You aren't going to be able to anticipate everything, but it is quite advantageous to the health and well being of your kitten to take some precautions:
- Kittens can be quite clumsy, make sure that all of your windows are secured and keep your kitten off of anything high such as a second story house walk out.
- Move all cleaners and anything else harmful in an area that your kitten can not access. This goes for any harmful plants as well, just as with a baby, kittens will chew on whatever is handy such as a plant.
- After you use the restroom, close the toilet lid. This is a handy piece of advice if you have kittens or small children in the home.
- Don't leave plastic materials such as trash bags or plastic storage bags lying around, again helpful for kittens and children.
- After you have finished your six pack of beer or soda, cut up the plastic ring containers so that your cat doesn't get caught up in them. This is also an environmentally kind thing to do so other animals don't share a bad fate.
- Anything electric, sharp, or pointy needs to be responsibly stores so your kitten doesn't decide to make a dangerous object its next chew toy.
New Kitten vs. children vs. other home pets
If you have children or other animals in the house you will need to make sure that your kitten is introduced to them slowly and properly.Older children are not as much of a concern as small children are. You need to make sure that they understand the proper way to treat their new kitten.You need to teach them how to hold it properly and not to pull on its legs, face, tail, or ears.Young children must learn that the kitten is a living thing that they need to treat with love, care, and respect. You can help your kitten feel a little safer by getting down to his or her level when it comes to play time. This will make you not seem quite so huge and scary to the kitten.
You also need to pay close attention how other pets
Brindling: Different colored hairs in a cat's coat.
in the house treat the new kitten. It is not a good idea to simply leave a new kitten with an older cat or dog. Take the time to introduce them to one another while being attentive to their reactions to each other.Normally older cats will be tolerant of the new kitten and even tend to it after they are comfortable with one another.Dogs may take a little longer to get used to the situation of a new kitten in the house. Just remember to be patient and to make sure your other animals in the house gets the love and attention that they need,make them feel just as special as the new kitten.
A few tips that might help you with this process.
- Don't rush your animals to get along, take it slow and easy.
- It might be wise to keep the kitten in its carrier for the first little bit while the others animals can sniff around it without making direct contact with the kitten.
- Get a new toy and put the kittens scent on it, and vice versa with the older cats or dogs, then give it to the opposite parties so they can become accustomed to the scent.
After doing some of these steps for a while, everyone should begin to get along with it
Cat Supplies
You need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of your pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.Below is a list of the different materials you will need in order to make a home for your cat.
Food bowl, Cat food, Water bowl, Litter box, Litter box materials, Cat bed, Scratching post, Cat carrier,Cat Toys, Cat leash, Cat collar, Cat harness, Grooming tools
Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.
Your Cat Must Eat and Drink
The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pets name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won't tip over easily.Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.
Buy Cat Bowls
Litter Box and the Materials That Go In Them to Clean Up Messes
Calico: Cat color characteristic for female cats with patches of white, red and black
If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.
What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.
Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room.
The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.
Cat Litter Tray And Accessories
My Cat Using Toilet!
You Have a Bed, Your Cat Needs One Too
Your pet needs a place in which they can lay down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking its naps on your bed or couch. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune or have it monogrammed, but it does mean that you need to look for something comfortable. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.Your choice will depend on your cat's sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don't be irritated if your cat doesn't take to its new sleeping domain right away, it might take time or your cat might not adapt to it at all.
A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It's also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.
Standard Cat Beds
More Sophisticated Cat Beds
Scratch a Post or Scratch Your Couch, It's Up to You!
Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. In order to avoid having them scratch up all of your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that they have their own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect.
Cat fancy: People who fancy cats and are involved in breeding, showing of cats and cat clubs.
This is so they can completely stretch their body out and still have room to spare.
Next make sure that it won't fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.
If your cat already has a few bad habits such as scratching furniture and such, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience, but if you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, they will begin to get the idea, and it also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.
Cat Tree Condo Scratcher Posts
Pet Bed Furniture
Getting Your Cat from One Place to Another.
Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else's for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. Plus you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching itself to you with its claws while you are driving.A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, again it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It's a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow them to move around while in it.
Carrier Bags
Keeping Your Cat Entertained
Fortunately you don't have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend.
This is largely due to the fact that they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart.Catnip:(nepeta cataria)A plant of the mint family and acts as a hallucinogen to cats.
Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for cats and kittens,nor do you want them thinking that it's ok to chew on whatever they want, this is why it's important that they have some of their own toys.You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat designated toys.Some toys that are SAFE to give your cat that you find around the house are:
- Small balls that bounce, but they can't chew apart and aren't so small that they will get caught in their throat.
- Sewing supplies such as a empty wooden thread spool
- Balled up paper
- Boxes and gift bags filled with tissue paper
Items around the house that you should NOT give to your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:
! Balls of string, yarn, or spools with thread on them
! Anything with wire in it
! Anything aluminum or cellophane
! Plastic bags
! Rubber bands
! Nothing that is sharp or pointy
! Nothing that can break and hurt your cat
! Nothing that they can chew off and get stuck in their throat
Cats Toys Selection
A Collar, Leash, and Harness for Your Cat
A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if they are quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems kind of strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and their safety.If your cat is outdoors or even inside and their collar gets caught on something you do not want them to choke, that is why it's important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begin wearing their collar as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to it.
Also make sure that your cat has some sort of
Cobby: Short body, broad, heavy boned and low on the legs. (Persian or Manx)
identification on their collar if they get lost or find themselves out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train them how to walk with a leash when they are young they will adapt to it much better.Not all cats like the leash around their neck which is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness which will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control as well.
Collars For Cats
Buy Harness And Leash!
What You Will Need to Groom Your Cat
Grooming Accessories
"The smallest feline is a masterpiece" Leonardo Da Vinci
Is The Weight Of My Cat Improtant?
Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into you cats tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat's tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight and cats are the same. If they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren't sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.
A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem
Another is whether or not you can feel your cat's ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat's rib cage then you cat is definitely overweight.
Hybrid vigor: Increased vitality resulting from breeding cats of two different breeds together.
Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it's important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If you cat isn't overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.
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Exercising with your cat.
The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn't have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat.- Try to get your cat to run around
- Take a walk with your cat
- Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around
- Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around
- Switch up the games that you play with your cat so he doesn't get bored
- Even if you are away for the day, leave approved toys out for your cat to play with.
- Also, it sometimes helps your cat's activity level if they have another feline companion to play with while you are away
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Trying to Feed Your Kitten
Feeding a kitten is completely different than feeding a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and nervous system. You can't feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats;they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step.It's always smart to consult with your vet before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have smaller stomach than a full grown cat.
Pedigree: Document outlining names, titles, colors and registration numbers of cat's ancestors. At least three to five generations
Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn't seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don't rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.
There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat's food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if you cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.Â
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The Health of Your Feline
Before you decide to take on any kind of pet you need to understand that different breeds of cat are susceptible to different health issues. Even if it seems like you have a healthy cat in the beginning it is possible that they will be diagnosed with some sort of disease or health related issue as they get older.There are also certain that you need to do a little bit of research on in order to be aware benefits and side effects. Also there are precautions that you can take as a cat owner in order to protect your cats health and well being.
- Make sure that all harmful plants are removed from the area in which your cat lives. Some plants can be poisonous when a cat chews on them.
- Cats can suffer from diabetes. Some might find it strange that humans and cats can share the same illnesses, but it is quite common for a cat to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you suspect this from your cat you should definitely call your veterinarian for further measures.
Queen: Female cat used for breeding purposes.
- You might not be aware that certain medications such as working medications can be hazardous to your cat if not done correctly or with the right medication.- If there is anything that sparks your concern such as if you cat acts listless, has yucky stuff coming from their eyes or nose, or if they look like they aren't eating, even though you know they are, you should trust your instincts and contact your veterinarian with your concerns.
- If you notice that there starts to be a build-up in your cats ears then they might have ear mites. If this is the case your veterinarian will be able to instruct you on the best way to treat this and prescribe medication.
- Do not let your cat play with yarn or string, this rule is mentioned in the toy section for good reason. All can be fun and games until your cat swallows it and then it becomes a serious matter. If such an instance occurs your need to contact your veterinarian, but it might help to know that white petroleum jelly might help to coat the stomach so that the string or yarn can get out of your cats tummy with little harm.
Health Of Your Kitten
Within the first month you kitten will begin getting its baby teeth. At two months old a kitten can be fully weaned from their mother who is why it is important not to purchase a kitten until they are six to eight weeks old.Between six and twelve weeks you will need to take your kitten into the veterinarian for their vaccinations, other shots, and regular checkups to make sure the kitten is doing well. At three months you can look forward to taking your kitten to the veterinarian for their rabies shot in certain states.
After that, anywhere between three and seven months your kitten will begin to get their permanent teeth. The next step will depend largely on whether or not you have a male or female kitten. For females the time to spay is anywhere between six and eight months.
Rex: Type of coat with no guard hairs but a soft and curly undercoat.
For Males you are looking to neuter them between eight to twelve months. If you are not in one of those states that require rabies shot at three months then between four and twelve months you will need to get your kitten in for their rabies shot. Between six months and two years old, you cat will need various booster shots to keep them current with regulations and for health reason. Once your kitten hits the twelve month mark, they stop being a kitten and become a grown cat.
You Need To Do Regular Health Checks
After many question and answer sessions with your veterinarian as you become accustomed to your cat, you will begin to be able to decipher when something is wrong with your cat. It won't hurt if your make it a regular habit to check out your cat for any indicators that they may have a health problem.Below are the main characteristics you need to look for.
-Eyes: a healthy cat has bright and clear eyes. If you notice any irritation such as discoloration or discharge, you might want to ask your veterinarian.
- Ears: a healthy cat has clean ears that don't stink or have anything icky coming out of them. If you notice that there is any discharge or discoloration your cat might have ear mites. Refer to your veterinarian for questions or how to clean their ears.
- Mouth: a healthy cat has pink and healthy looking gums. Indicators that there might be a problem are stinky breath, swollen gums, or sores.
- Body and Fur: a healthy cat has a thick and lustrous coat. If your cat's coat is not shiny and thick, there might be a health problem that you should check into such as lumps, ticks, dandruff, and fleas.
- Nose: a healthy cat should have a clean nose.
If there is any cause for concern you should speak to your veterinarian immediately.
Even if you keep your cat clean, well fed, and vaccinated there is a good chance that your cat is going to be sick at one time or another in their life. This is similar to people, no matter how hard you try, eventually you get sick.
As with people, there are things that you need to look for in your cat to recognize if they are sick or not. Below is a list of symptoms that might trigger some concern.
- Unexplained weight loss
- It's hard for your cat to breathe
- Your cat is constantly throwing up
- Really bad diarrhea
- The cat doesn't want to eat or drink
- Abnormal inactivity
- Lumps on the body
- Blood in urine or not urinating at all
- Abnormal behaviors
- Sneezing and hacking
- Abnormal aggressiveness
- They aren't using the litter box
If any of these behaviors catch your attention you should take your cat to the veterinarian.
The Basics of Grooming
Grooming is also a big part of having a cat. Just as you get a shower every day, do your hair, and whatever else your grooming entails, your cat needs to be groomed as well. Although you don't need to bathe your cat on a daily basis, there are other things that need to be taken care of regularly.Bathing your Feline Friend
You really don't have to bathe your cat too often, especially if they are an indoor pet, but there will come the time that fluffy needs to get a bath. Giving your cat a bath is more of a two person job so you might need to ask someone to give you a hand. A good tip is to put something like a rug or towel in the tub that the cat can cling onto since there is a good chance the cat is going to freak out when it hits the water.
Make sure that you check the temperature of the
Sire: Male parent of a kitten.
water before you decide to dunk them; you need to make it a hot bath so they will be comfortable. Using shampoo specifically made for cats, start at the head and work your way down the body. You need to wash the head, ears and neck, don't skip any spots when washing, but don't get soap in your cat's eyes. After your cat is washed and dried, keep them out of drafts until they are fully dry.Making your Cat Look Pretty
If you start grooming your cat from an early age, they will love for you to take out the brush or comb and start grooming them. It's important to brush your cat when you notice they are beginning to shed their hair, this is for your benefit and your cat's. You cat will love having that extra hair removed, there will be less hairballs, and your furniture won't have hair all over it. If you find the coat knotted when you are brushing, use your fingers to untangle the knot and not the brush or comb.
You also need to make sure that your cat's nails are trimmed; you can choose to do this yourself or have a grooming service do it for you. If you decide to take the task on yourself, you need to get clippers that are especially designed for cats. You also need to be careful not to cut into the quick of the nail or you will end up injuring your cat, this is why many prefer to have a groomer take care of this chore. After the coat and the nails are taken care of, you need to make sure that your cat's ears are clean.
Does any of this sound familiar to your own grooming habits?
Cleaning the ears should be done on a monthly basis.
Stud: Male cat.
Do not use a cotton tip to clean your cat's ears! This process should only be done with a cotton ball and some mineral oil or alcohol, do not go any further into the ear than you can see to avoid causing your cat injury. The last step in the grooming of your cat involved their dental care. Many cats suffer from plaque buildup and it can become quite a serious health problem. In order to avoid this you need to try cleaning your cat's teeth.
Of course this might not be fully appreciated by your feline friend, but you need to wipe the cat's teeth with a baking soda and water mixture. The only other way to ensure that your cat's teeth get the attention that they need is to have your veterinarian look at their teeth and possibly perform a dental cleaning on them as well.
Behaviors That Many Cats Share
Body Language
Ears: A cat's ears can say a lot about what they are feeling or trying to express to others, different ear positions mean different things:
Ears Forward: When the ears are forward and relaxed, then your cat is happy and listening to the sounds around them.
Ears Erect: This is when the cat is paying attention to something; they are alert to the happening around them.
Flattened Ears: This can relay fear or the cat being anxious.
Ears Turned Back: Your cat is either annoyed or aggravated, this is warning to whoever has caused their mood.
Ears Completely Flat: This means fearful and aggressive, plus the cat is probably hissing and have their eyes narrowed.
Being Vocal
Your cat's communication with you can mean a number of things and over time you will begin to discern them from each other.
Common Meow: this can mean they want to say hello, want their dinner and such.
The call: This is when a female is in heat and looking for a male, kind of a howling sound.
The Chirr:Is when a female is calling her kittens or your cat may do it when they are being lovey with their owners, kind of a rolling sound.
Hissing: This is a warning sign that your cat is not happy and they are getting ready to attack.
Growling: Again, your cat wants to be left alone.
Purring: Your cat is happy and feels safe.
Other Common Behaviors
Kneading: This is when a cat presses their front pays against something. Kittens do them when nursing, and later on cats will do this with their owners.Curiosity: Cats are very curious. You have probably heard the saying that involves curiosity killing the cat. This is why they climb and explore everything that they can. This is an instinctive behavior that can often get your cat into a lot of trouble. This is why you need to make sure that your house is cat proofed so that your cat doesn't harm themselves while exploring.
Clawing: When a cat is clawing a scratching post or your furniture, they are not doing it for no reason; they are actually getting the exercise that they need. When they claw, they are able to stretch their muscles. They can also be doing it to mark their territory as well.
"Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it." - Unknown
Leave Us A Note!
Have You Got any comments?
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- admiralglass admiralglass Nov 12, 2009 @ 7:45 am
- 5 star lens! I wish people would read this lens before they buy kittens. Maybe then there would be less homeless cats. If you have time have i look at my cat related lens http://www.squidoo.com/catclocks.
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- CreativeArtist CreativeArtist Oct 24, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
- Lots of great cat info. Featured it on http://www.squidoo.com/petfriendly
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- kitty222 kitty222 Aug 8, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
- I love the cat pictures you included. Also good information for anyone who is thinking about getting a cat. Hey, if you live around Peoria, IL, I have some cats I'm giving away. They aren't any special breed but they're very friendly. If you want one, just leave a blurb on my lens and we'll talk.
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- LaraineRose LaraineRose Jun 16, 2009 @ 2:22 am
- I just love this lens! Everything one needs to know about taking care of kitty. Our latest cat has just turned 15 (we think, as he was a drop-off). A nicer cat we couldn't ask for. I don't know what breed. Big ,black cat with yellow eyes. Giving you a high 5.
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- AndyPo AndyPo Jun 7, 2009 @ 10:07 am
- Excellent lens and great advice (5*).
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- roamingrosie roamingrosie May 9, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
- This is a great lens! You give a lot of good advice about buying and owning a cat, and you've got a lot of great photos! Reading this reminds me of my own Ocicat - probably because her breed is bred from the Abyssinian and Siamese, and she's got spots like the Egyptian Mau! :) Good job - 5*s!
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- Tim_Link Tim_Link Apr 13, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
- This is a great lens! You have put together an amazing amount of helpful information and resources. I'd love it if you'd drop by my lens and say hello when you have the chance.
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Apr 9, 2009 @ 8:05 am
- This lens is purrrrfect! We have had several pregnant cats come to us. When the last one gave birth my kids were there to watch. What a privilege it is to be a part of a cat's life.
Thank you so much for all the information. I will pass the information about cat weight to my sister's big fat who weighs over 22 pounds.
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- OhMe OhMe Apr 8, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
- Hey, do you want a kitten? We had a stray to take up with us and she is pregnant so looks like we will have some kittens. We have two older cats that don't get along with her. I sure hope I can find homes for the kittens and for the mom too. This is a great lens full of all the information I need for the cats. Thank you.
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- Jimmie Jimmie Mar 17, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
- I am a real Ailurophile! Love that new word! This lens is amazing! You're officially blessed!
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