Cats are not very good travelers, so if your cat has to go on a journey, place it in a suitable carrier. Cat carriers are made from wicker, wire, plastic, and cardboard. The carrier should be strong and well ventilated. Never let a cat roam free on the back seat of a car or leave a cat alone in a car on a warm day - if you must leave a cat unattended, make sure there is ventilation and keep it out of direct sunlight. If the journey lasts for more than half an hour, stop to let the cat use a litter box and ro eat and drink.
How To Travel With Cat Tips
Iraveling cats should be conjfned in a proper cat carrier.
1 Place the cat carrier in an enclosed - space, so that if your cat struggles free, you will be able to catch it quickly.
2 When the cat is inside the carrier, check that the door is securely fastened, and then lake it to the car.
When you move
Cats have a strong homing instinct, so when you move, help your cat acclimatize tobits new surroundings Do not place your cat in the moving van, but take it with you in your car. On arrival, provide it with food, water, and a litter box.
A timid cat holds its tail down between its legs and usually has a wary look in its eyes. It will
also probably run away and hide when confronted with a stranger. Cats are not usually timid and if
your cat suddenly demonstrates any of these signs, it could be due to a sudden change in its routine. If a kitten is timid, it may be that it has never become accustomed to people.
How to help a timid cat
Reassuring Touch
Slowly accustom the cat to being touched. Stroke and speak to it softly Reward it with a little food.
A Refuge
A sheltered area, such as a covered bed, helps a timid cat to feel secure and gives it a refuge when it is scared.
Hope these simple tips will help you to deal with your timid cat!
Q Two of our three cats often gang up on the other one—for example, pushing her out of her
favorite napping spot. How can we help them get along?
A Cats like to roughhouse, so it's important to figure
out whether you're observing bullying or normal play. These animals are dramatic—hissing, screaming, acting all tough—even when they're not upset. But if anyone's getting hurt, it needs to stop.
Never leave the gang together unsupervised if you
suspect actual fighting could occur. Keep them in separate rooms or crates. Be careful not to encourage aggressive behavior when you interact with them—simply stop playing if anybody gets too feisty. (Yelling at your pets will only fuel the hostility.) Reward good conduct with praise and treats. You should also create a few new resting places on shelves or other high spots so each pet has a safe area to nap. Extra litter boxes (a total of at least four) will cut down on territorial issues. If the harassment continues, a squirt of water from a spray bottle should nip that in the bud.
One of my clients has 33 cats who, occasional shrieks
aside, have learned to coexist in peace. Yours will, too—with a little guidance from you.
A kitten or cat needs access to a litter box if it is not able to go outside when
it wants to. The litter tray may become redundant once a kitten is fully immunized and has learned to use its cat flap into the garden, although it is
preferable to encourage your cat to stay in at night. Even when very young, kittens are inherently clean and will not soil their bed. If a cage or crate is being used during the settling- in period, it should be large enough to
contain a litter box.
There is a wide range of products available, from basic plastic litter boxes to
covered litter box models with entrance flaps and filters to minimize odor. The key point about litter boxes is that they must be easy to clean, and tough
enough to withstand frequent washing and disinfecting. They should also be
in a position that is easy to clean.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can be shed in a cat's feces without the cat
showing any signs of disease. It is, however, a hazard to humans, especially pregnant women. Disposal of feces less than 24 hours after passing and regular cleaning of litter boxes with plenty of water and detergent is effective in the control of toxoplasmosis. Some household products contain ingredients, which, although fine for use in the home, can be toxic to cats. The staff at your vet's should be able to advise on these.
LITTER OPTIONS
The various litter products available should be acceptable to the cat, reduce odor and absorb urine. It should also be easy for the cat to scrape the litter over any feces deposited, which it does instinctively.
Sawdust, woodshavings, cinders, ash and newspapers are not advised; nor
ire some pine-wood products that can be irritants.
Clay, wood and paper-based litters: some are highly absorbent, others are superfine and form clumps when wet.
Kitten litter
Kittens arc instinctively clean. This feral kitten was abandoned by its mother and when a litter box was provided, automatically began to use it after being shown it once.
From about the age of ten to twelve years, a cat may begin
to who signs of growing old. This may not be immediately apparent as the
slowing down process is very gradual. The life span of cat internal organs also
go down. The organs may not work as well as they once did and joints may become
that little bit stiffer. Over time the cat seams to restrict its activities, is
far less playful and becomes a creature of sedentary habits. Particular health
conditions such as diabetes or arthritis require constant supervision and
medical intervention.
But really how long cats live? The oldest cat recorded was a
tabby called Puss who was said to have lived for 36 years! The oldest pedigreed
cat on record is Sukoo, a Seamese who died in 1989, at the age of 31 years. These
are exceptional life expectancy of cat, however. The life span of a most cats
are about 14-16 years and a few may reach 20 years. With pedigreed cats there
is a very accurate means of determining age, as they are normally registered
with an exact date birth and registration number.
Life expectancy of cat
When you first get a 12-week-old kitten, it is very likely
that its life span will be something between ten and fifteen years. This could
mean that the cat will become a companion to your children as well as toy
yourself. A longer life expectancy of cat is not unusual, in which case it may
well live to see your grandchildren as well. To borrow from the dog world, a
cat is for life, not just for Christmas. This has to be thoroughly understood
before a kitten joints the household.
Life expectancy of a neutered cat is slightly longer than
those which remain unneutered. This is particularly true of male cats. An unneutered
tom will fight to defend territory and the resulting injuries and infections
may shorten his life span. Females cats lead much quieter life, and a career
spent having kittens, in an environment in which her condition is
well-maintained, appears to have little effect on the female life expectancy.
So, I hope we gave you some answers on your question how long cats live.
Cat flaps are cat-sized window pet door that are fitted about 15 cm (6in) from the base door. The most practical design for window pet door is one that is gravity-loaded so that the door automatically closes after entry or exit, and with a clear plastic window so that the cat can look through window pet door before venturing outside.
Cat flaps are a boon to the indoor/outdoor cat that is not afraid of operating the window pet door and whose owners are not always at home to obey the cat's every whim. They allow both cat and owner a degree of independence from each other. The main disadvantage of cat flaps, particularly when there is no such feline control, is that neighbors or feral cat will soon learn to use window pet door, particularly if delicious food is known to be available on the other side of the cat flap. This could lead to disease or infection being brought into the home, or territorial fights, or both. One way of overcoming this is to have a cat mate electromagnetic cat flap that allows entry only to cats wearing the appropriate collar and gadgetry - usually in the form of a magnetic tag that doubles as an identity tag.
Alternatively, you can allow your cat limited freedom, and, for example, lock the window pet door at night when you are unable to keep an eye on unwanted visitors. It is useful to buy a cat flap that can be locked to prevent your cat from going out at certain times, or other cats from coming in. Your cat will soon become used to whatever routine you set.
When you introduce your cat to cat mate electromagnetic cat flap or window pet door, spend some time encouraging it with your voice and showing it how the window pet door works. Put the cat on one side and cal encouragingly from the other. After a few times, it will know exactly what to do by itself. However, it is not unusual for some cats to steadfastly refuse to use window pet door - particularly if the cat flap was introduce after the cat. The same goes for cat flaps on covered litter trays (pans).
Is your cat turning your couch into confetti? Or your best carpet into a litter box? Maybe she's up on the table at mealtimes or dashing through doors and into trouble.
Next to allergies, behavior problems are probably the most common reason cats lose their homes. But there's no need to toss Fluffy out into the street. This article will give you the answers to your behavior questions, including:
Understanding Cat BehaviorCat behavior problems can be quite frustrating, but the first step to correcting them is actually understanding where your cat is coming from. First, we will show you how to read your cat's body language. Whether your cat is crouched or her ears are pulled back, we will tell you what that body language means. We will also tell you how to read your cat's various meows. We will also analyze your cat's play and what it could mean about her behavior. Finally, we will show you how to encourage good behavior in your cat.
Cat-Training BasicsNow that you understand cat behavior, we will show you how you can mold and change it. In this section, we will show the basics of training a cat. We will show you how to reinforce good behaviors in your cat and how to discourage negative habits. We will also point out that there are some behaviors that you will not be able stop, and how you will be able to curb them.
Dealing With Cats That Bite and ScratchIf you are petting your cat and are constantly worried that she will turn around and scratch you, you have a behavior problem. Many people just accept that their cat is "unpredictable" or "temperamental," but you do not have to live with this behavior. We will show you how to break your cat of this habit as well as offer some reasons why your cat might scratch. Though it can be painful and upsetting, your cat may think she is just playing with you.
Dealing With Cats That Are Finicky EatersFinickiness is a trait that is often associated with cats. Though some owners may prefer cats for the detached aloofness, some pet owners might run out of patience with their picky-eating cat. In this section, we will offer some suggestions to make your cat a more accepting eater. The first rule of advice is not foster this behavior in your cat. You should not offer your cat endless alternatives if she turns up her nose at the meal you prepared.
Dealing With Cats That Knock Things DownCats instinctively like to explore and climb on high places. However, while your cat is investigating the top shelf of your bookcase, she might send your grandmother's vase crashing down to the floor. While it is impossible to keep track of cat's whereabouts all the time, you can discourage your cat from knocking over you belongings.
Dealing With Cats That Have Litter Box AccidentsCats that have difficulty using her litter box can be create a mess and damage to your home. In this section, we will offer some tips to help you get your cat to use the litter box properly. First, more litter boxes might be the solution to your problem, especially if you have more than one cat. Also, using simple, basic litter might suit your cat more than the fancy deodorizing litters. Finally, we will show you how to teach a cat to stick to her litter box instead of that plant in the corner.
Dealing With Cats That Eat NonfoodsMuch like dogs, cats will probably try to eat any piece of litter they find lying on the floor of your home. Not only is eating off the floor unsanitary, foreign objects could get stuck in your cat's throat and present a choking hazard. In this section, we will offer some reasons why your cat might engage in this activity. We will also show you some tips to get your cat to stop eating the various bits of junk she finds on her travels throughout your home.
Dealing With Cats That Scratch FurnitureCats may have an instinctive need to scratch and exercise their claws, but that doesn't mean you should allow you cat to trash your new favorite couch. While you can always declaw your cat, surgically removing the claws, this may not be an option if you have an outdoor cat. A scratching post or a cat toy might focus your cat's need to scratch on to an acceptable alternative. Finally, if your cat refuses to stop scratching, we will show you some disciplinary actions you can take.
Dealing With Skittish CatsIf you have ever visited a friend with a skittish or shy cat, you might not even be able to tell they have a cat aside from the litter box. On some level, cats are just naturally reclusive animals that do most of their roaming at night. However, to get your cat out from under the bed, you might only need to show your cat a little more love and tenderness. In this section, we will explore this method and other strategies for dealing with skittish cats.
Dealing With Cats That SprayCats usually begin spraying when they are kittens, but, if you don't break them of this habit, they can continue the behavior for the rest of their lives. Of course, a failsafe strategy for this problem is to get your cat neutered, but this might not be the most desirable option for some pet owners. We will show you some easier strategies for getting your cat to stick to the litter box.
Dealing With Cats That Suck WoolA cat that sucks wool might sound like a bizarre problem, but it is actually quite common. Any cat owner who has had a sweater destroyed by their cat would mostly likely want to know how to stop this behavior. In this section, we will describe some simple home remedies to break your cat of this habit.
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Expert Pediatrics Q&A
Q. My preschooler was bitten by a stray cat in the neighborhood this afternoon. What should I do?
A. In addition to basic first aid, which includes stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound with soap and water, and applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage to the bite, you should call your local animal control agent, health department, and/or pediatrician to see if your child is at risk for:
a bacterial infection - many cats, although they don't have symptoms, have the Pasteurella multocida bacteria in their mouth, which can cause wound infections in children
tetanus - especially if it has been more than 5 years since your child's last tetanus shot and the cat bite is very deep or is contaminated with dirt, etc.
rabies - surprisingly,more reported rabies cases in the United States involve cats than dogs, although those cases are still much lower than the incidence of rabies in wild animals.
This short course is recommended as a prerequisite for my "Your First Cat" online tutorial.
So you've decided it's about time you had a cat in your life. Maybe you have a friend with a cat and you've learned first-hand how relaxing it can be to sit with a warm vibrating body in your lap. Or you find yourself alone in your brand new apartment and you can finally have the cat you've always wanted but couldn't have because a parent was allergic . Perhaps you and your spouse have agreed that the kids need a pet, and you think dogs might be too rough on the toddlers.
Whatever the reason, there are a number of factors to consider before rushing out to a pet store, including NOT rushing out to a pet store, which will be covered in a later lesson. The fact is, too often pets acquired by impulse quite often don't work out, and this is especially true with cats, who often have their own agendas.
While not attempting to anthropomorphize cats, I relate the considerations for adopting a new cat much the same as as adopting a human baby. You may want a newborn infant, a baby of the same ethnic background, or be open to an older child, a mixed-race child, or a special needs child. These same sorts of considerations apply when considering a new cat. Learn more about some of the questions you'll want to ask yourself.
Major brand-name commercial dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients like corn and rice with meat by-products or animal digest making up the meat ingredients. Some manufacturers offer 'premium', 'natural' or 'holistic' formulas that are by-product free and contains less or no grains. Grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca as the starch in those ingredients is needed to allow the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein.
Dry cat food is generally made by extrusion cooking under high heat and pressure. It may can be sprayed with fat to increase palatability and other ingredients to complete its composition. Cat owners often prefer dry cat food due to the convenience and price. Besides usually being significantly cheaper, dried cat food can also be left out for the cat to eat at will over the course of several days; whereas, canned or raw cat food spoils or becomes unappetizing after several hours. Dry cat food is recommended by some based on the idea that cats break apart dry foods with their teeth, which causes the food to scrape off dental calculus (like brushing their teeth).
Cat owners and veterinarians who recommend a diet consisting largely or entirely of canned, homemade or raw cat food point to higher water content of such food and the increased total water consumption in comparison to a dry food diet as an important health benefit. Wet cat food also generally contains significantly less grain and other carbohydrate material, although many are made with fish ingredients. Canned cat foods in pop-top containers may play a role in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats. In general, canned, homemade, or raw cat foods are thought to either help treat or noticeably reduce the likelihood of numerous health issues including urinary tract disorders, diabetes, chronic renal failure, constipation, and obesity.
Some of the items a cat owners needs are readily apparent: cat food, a litter box, and a cat, for starters! Others only become apparent as necessities after trial and error. As a new cat owner, learn from the experience of others. Read on to discover details about the most common cat items, and learn about others that will make your life as a new cat owner a lot easier. Having all the right items in place before bringing your cat home will help her feel welcomed and comfortable from the minute she sets paw in the door.
1. Food-Related Items
First item of business is a place to put the food. Metal or ceramic containers for food and water are best. Some cats may develop a chin rash related to a plastic food dish. A good option for busy cat owners would be automatic food and water servers, which keep your cat's meals fresh even when you're out and about.
For food itself, don't buy too much before you bring your cat home. Keep your cat's nutritional needs in mind, as kittens need extra nutrients for growth and overweight cats may need a restricted diet. With this in mind, purchase several brands and flavors of food in both canned and dry varieties for your cat to try. Once you figure out your cat's favorites, keep those in stock.
2. Litter Box
The use of a litter box is one of the many benefits of being a cat owner. Most popular nowadays is the clumping clay type of litter, because it clumps around urine, making the litter box easy to clean. However, clumping clay can be harmful if ingested, so it should not be used with kittens and may not always be appropriate for adult cats. Plant-based litter is an alternative option.
As for the litter box itself, many shapes and sizes are available. Start simply with a plastic box that fits your cat—adult cats need a sizeable one with high sides, since they tend to throw the litter around a bit. Kittens, on the other hand, need one that is low enough that they can climb in.
3. Grooming Tools
Properly groomed cats are healthier and happier. Grooming can also be an opportunity for you and your cat to bond. Grooming a cat's hair helps prevent hairballs and keeps your house cleaner, which any allergic visitors would greatly appreciate. To groom hair, purchase a rubber-backed pin brush and a fine-tooth comb.
Clipping your cat's nails also helps prevent overgrown toenails and excessive scratching. For your cat's comfort and ease of use, purchase a nail clipper specifically designed for cats.
4. Cat Toys
Cats and cat owners love to play. One of the simplest and favorite cat toys is the “dangling lure” variety. Before purchasing, be certain that all parts are sturdily connected and won't be a choking hazard for your cat.
Other than the dangling lure, more expensive and creative toys are constantly being invented. Your only limits are space and budget!
5. Cat Carrier
Although a cardboard carrier from the pet store or shelter offers a short-term solution, you will be carrying your cat for many years to come. Even if your cat will live indoors, you will still need to take him out occasionally for vet appointments or possibly for boarding if you take a long trip. For long-term use, purchase a sturdy plastic carrier with a door that latches. Put a favorite blanket in the carrier and your cat will feel comfortable and secure in his travels.
6. Scratching Post
This is an item that new cat owners may not think of, but veteran cat lovers swear by! Cats will scratch—it's in their nature. Providing your cat with a scratching post can help save your furniture and drapes and keep your cat happy. Like toys, scratching posts are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and prices. Many purchased at a store also have catnip scent to attract your cat's attention. Choose a scratching post based on your home, your cat's temperament, and your aesthetic preferences.
Now that you have armed yourself with the six basic cat items, you can bring your cat into a comfortable and welcoming home.
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Major brand-name commercial dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients like corn and rice with meat by-products or animal digest making up the meat ingredients. Some manufacturers offer 'premium', 'natural' or 'holistic' formulas that are by-product free and contains less or no grains. Grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca as the starch in those ingredients is needed to allow the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein. 
