Cats need to scratch for health and social reasons. We also know that while a cat's behaviour can be modified, it cannot be trained easily like a puppy. The answer is to find something else for the cat to scratch instead of your pine furniture and to persuade it to express a preference for the new item.
How to Stop Your Cat Destroying Your Furniture Scratching posts are readily available in various colours and styles. Remember, though, that the post needs to be attractive to the cat, not to you. Cats generally like rough surfaces to have a good scratch on so most posts have sisal wrapped round then and fastened on tightly. Others may have a piece of carpet with the woven reverse to the outer. Both options will have enough friction to keep kitty amused and keep his claws conditioned. A broad base is essential, because if the post topples over onto the cat, he will be afraid of it and will avoid it.
It is tempting to get hold of the cat's front legs and scratch them on the post or to scratch it with your own fingernails to "show him what to do". Do not try this. He will think that you have gone bonkers. He will not be wrong.
How to Stop Your Cat Destroying Your Furniture Once the cat has started to scratch the post, it may start to look unkempt. Do not replace it at this point. The act of scratching releases a special aroma from near the cat's paw. If that lovely aroma is taken away and replaced by something that smells plasticky and new, that cat may retaliate by attacking the furniture again. Treat that scruffy scratching post with as much tender care as a child's favourite blanket.
The post should be tall enough for the cat to stretch out while he scratches. Thus, a kitten-sized one is a false economy as when it has been outgrown, the lovely smell will be taken away. Remember that cats bear grudges!
We know that cats like to scratch the furniture and how we can obtain an appropriate replacement to scratch at. The big, big problem that needs to be addressed now, is how on earth we can get these beautiful yet diffident creatures to do what we want them to.
How to Stop Your Cat Destroying Your Furniture If a cat urinates in the wrong place, we would place the litter tray over the spot and gradually move it towards the back door, an inch a day. The same method is used for the scratching post. It has to be placed in front of the item that the cat damages. Cats love the small of catmint, also known as catnip or nepeta. It can help to rub some of the leaves into the post to make it more irresistible. One can also attach the cat's favourite dangly toy to the top of the post. When the cat starts to love using the post, then move it a couple of centimetres each day so it is no longer in your way.
In the meantime, you need to distract the cat from damaging the original article. Cats hate having sticky paws, so the simplest method is to attach double-sided tape or inside-out loops of masking tape to the furniture. Some other cats are put-off by the feel of aluminium foil so that can be attached by using more masking tape. Do not forget that the original scratches will have cat scent on them. This can be covered over by using a lemon-scented spray or floral disinfectant. Test on a hidden area first to prevent staining. Masking tape should be replaced regularly as the lightly-tacky adhesive gets rather more permanent in time.
How to Stop Your Cat Destroying Your Furniture Of course, training a cat to use a scratching post is most easily achieved when the cat is still a young kitten. Cats are creatures of habit so it is wise to start them off with good ones while young.
Friday
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas
Of all pests that can be evident on your cat, fleas is the number 1 nightmare of cat owners. If fleas are left untreated on your cat for an extended period of time matters can get out of control to a point that you will be pulling your hair out. The most effective way to kill fleas and stop fleas breeding on your cat is to purchase a dedicated flea killer such as Frontline or Advantage. The problem manufactured flea treatments is that they contain a lot of chemicals that some owners prefer not be placed on there beloved pet. If you are one of these owners then you will be glad to know is a more natural way to kill fleas and regain control of your pet and home!
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - The advantages of natural flea treatments
Many of the commercial manufactured flea treatments have been know to give cats side effects that leave the cat feeling more uncomfortable than usual. By using a natural treatment you can be comfortable in the knowledge of knowing no harm will come to your cat. As well as being safe to use on your cat, natural remedies are inexpensive and easy to create. Below you will find some recipes for a natural flea treatment for your cat. Enjoy.
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - Using cider & vinegar
A combination of both cider and vinegar is effective in killing fleas if applied properly. Most cats don't like the acidic content of vinegar so be sure not to use too much in the mixture. As for the cider part you can use any type of cider but preferably an apple or pear cider. With the combining of two properties a chemical reaction occurs that helps kill fleas and there eggs.
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - The vampire recipe!
Another treatment involves using garlic and brewers yeast. The idea is to use cooked garlic, not raw and mix it with some brewers yeast. With a table spoon of the combination place it in your cats food bowl being sure to stir in with wet food. After a few hours your cats blood stream and follicles will release garlic toxins that fleas can't stand, meaning they leave the cat or stop biting as much This remedy isn't really effective in killing fleas but does provide your cat some comfort while using an alternative remedy such as cider and vinegar.
Of all pests that can be evident on your cat, fleas is the number 1 nightmare of cat owners. If fleas are left untreated on your cat for an extended period of time matters can get out of control to a point that you will be pulling your hair out. The most effective way to kill fleas and stop fleas breeding on your cat is to purchase a dedicated flea killer such as Frontline or Advantage. The problem manufactured flea treatments is that they contain a lot of chemicals that some owners prefer not be placed on there beloved pet. If you are one of these owners then you will be glad to know is a more natural way to kill fleas and regain control of your pet and home!
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - The advantages of natural flea treatments
Many of the commercial manufactured flea treatments have been know to give cats side effects that leave the cat feeling more uncomfortable than usual. By using a natural treatment you can be comfortable in the knowledge of knowing no harm will come to your cat. As well as being safe to use on your cat, natural remedies are inexpensive and easy to create. Below you will find some recipes for a natural flea treatment for your cat. Enjoy.
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - Using cider & vinegar
A combination of both cider and vinegar is effective in killing fleas if applied properly. Most cats don't like the acidic content of vinegar so be sure not to use too much in the mixture. As for the cider part you can use any type of cider but preferably an apple or pear cider. With the combining of two properties a chemical reaction occurs that helps kill fleas and there eggs.
Natural Remedies to Rid Your Cat of Fleas - The vampire recipe!
Another treatment involves using garlic and brewers yeast. The idea is to use cooked garlic, not raw and mix it with some brewers yeast. With a table spoon of the combination place it in your cats food bowl being sure to stir in with wet food. After a few hours your cats blood stream and follicles will release garlic toxins that fleas can't stand, meaning they leave the cat or stop biting as much This remedy isn't really effective in killing fleas but does provide your cat some comfort while using an alternative remedy such as cider and vinegar.
How to Give Your Cat a Pill
Give Your Cat a Pill Most cats love moist food so if you crush those little tablets into a fine powder and sprinkle it over their food, they should eat it right up. Hopefully, they won't even notice the bitter taste of a pill in the enormously strong smell and taste of cat food...but, there are exceptions to that rule. My cat did not go for the crushed pill method. You can try breaking a part a capsule if that's the method the vet is using for whatever particular medication but unfortunately too, those little crystallized powders can also be extremely bitter tasting and may not go over too well.
A third method might be purchasing one of those gadgets called a pet piller. Your veterinarian will probably have one to sell you for an outrageous price but if it works, I guess it would be worth it to you right? This handy device is basically a rod that will hold onto the pill with a little plunger at the end. When you push in the plunger, it shoots the pill to the back of the cat's throat causing his swallow reflex to kick in and voila, your cat has swallowed his pill. Sure, that might work for some cats but if you don't get a good grip on him, watch your hands and face for flying claws because he'll fight you on that.
Give Your Cat a Pill If the pet piller isn't an option for you, you could always try and get that pill to the back of his throat manually. How? Very carefully, that's how. Hold your cat in a towel keeping his front and back legs from getting out, hold him on his back, tilt his head back, open his mouth and drop that pill in to the very back of his throat. That swallowing reflex should take it down the rest of the way, God willing. I it was a cakewalk, people.
Give Your Cat a Pill If all else fails, you can always go to a local pharmacy and have the pharmacist make a gel out of the medication. They can sometimes flavor the gel to make it a more pleasant experience. Personally, even though this can be more money out of your pocket for a medication you've already paid through the nose with, it might be well worth it for the ease it provides you with administering the medication, especially if your cat will be on his meds for a lengthy period of time. I know, I've had to deal with that very thing and I gladly paid the extra money to ensure it was the least amount of trauma for the both of us, cat and human.
A third method might be purchasing one of those gadgets called a pet piller. Your veterinarian will probably have one to sell you for an outrageous price but if it works, I guess it would be worth it to you right? This handy device is basically a rod that will hold onto the pill with a little plunger at the end. When you push in the plunger, it shoots the pill to the back of the cat's throat causing his swallow reflex to kick in and voila, your cat has swallowed his pill. Sure, that might work for some cats but if you don't get a good grip on him, watch your hands and face for flying claws because he'll fight you on that.
Give Your Cat a Pill If the pet piller isn't an option for you, you could always try and get that pill to the back of his throat manually. How? Very carefully, that's how. Hold your cat in a towel keeping his front and back legs from getting out, hold him on his back, tilt his head back, open his mouth and drop that pill in to the very back of his throat. That swallowing reflex should take it down the rest of the way, God willing. I it was a cakewalk, people.
Give Your Cat a Pill If all else fails, you can always go to a local pharmacy and have the pharmacist make a gel out of the medication. They can sometimes flavor the gel to make it a more pleasant experience. Personally, even though this can be more money out of your pocket for a medication you've already paid through the nose with, it might be well worth it for the ease it provides you with administering the medication, especially if your cat will be on his meds for a lengthy period of time. I know, I've had to deal with that very thing and I gladly paid the extra money to ensure it was the least amount of trauma for the both of us, cat and human.
Grooming Your Cat With Ease
Grooming Your Cat With Ease
Have you ever washed a cat with soap and water? It's so not fun and something I hope you don't have to do often. If your cat is an outside cat, you may have to groom him more often because cats are notorious for rolling in the dirt. For the most part, cats were made to groom themselves with their tongue. It's just instinct for them to want to stay clean and they'll literally spend hours cleaning themselves until they are satisfied. There are times, however, that you may want to help them out a little. If you brush them with a cat brush every so often, it will get the loose hairs off of them so the don't ingest them. Hairballs are a nasty by-product of the ingestion of too much hair. It's inevitable that they will swallow some hair but if you just brush them once a week, you could alleviate a lot of discomfort for your cat.
Grooming Your Cat With Ease If you have a cat with long hair, it is even more imperative that you brush his coat often. This hair can easily become dislodged from shedding and he will more than likely swallow the majority of it. If the hair is digested, sometimes it can bound up in the intestines causing an intestinal blockage with can result in infection and death. You don't think he's taking in that much hair while he's cleaning himself but he is getting a lot on his tongue. Always brush your cat's hair in the same direction that it grows so that any stray hairs will easily come out and onto the brush.
When grooming your cat, it's not a good idea to brush his face or feet. Those two areas are very sensitive to the touch and the bristles can tickle or irritate the skin underneath. There's a product online that is like a glove but has little prickly bristles at the hand so that when you are petting your cat, you're also grooming him and he doesn't even realize it. He's just getting a nice massage from what he thinks is your hand and will love you for it. When you look down after a few strokes of your hand, you'll see a nice flat layer of hair and all you have to do is peel it away from the bristles and go back to the petting again. Whoever thought that up was a genius in my book.
Grooming Your Cat With Ease It's a really good idea to examine your cats ears, eyes and teeth when grooming him as well. When looking at his eyes, be sure they appear clear and there is not sleep or mucous in the corners. Sometimes dirt or other debris can get in there and settle in the corners of his eyes so clearing that out regularly will help to prevent infection. His ears should be nice and pink but not red. You shouldn't see what will look like dirty little specs in the ear canal because this could be an indication of ear mites.
Have you ever washed a cat with soap and water? It's so not fun and something I hope you don't have to do often. If your cat is an outside cat, you may have to groom him more often because cats are notorious for rolling in the dirt. For the most part, cats were made to groom themselves with their tongue. It's just instinct for them to want to stay clean and they'll literally spend hours cleaning themselves until they are satisfied. There are times, however, that you may want to help them out a little. If you brush them with a cat brush every so often, it will get the loose hairs off of them so the don't ingest them. Hairballs are a nasty by-product of the ingestion of too much hair. It's inevitable that they will swallow some hair but if you just brush them once a week, you could alleviate a lot of discomfort for your cat.
Grooming Your Cat With Ease If you have a cat with long hair, it is even more imperative that you brush his coat often. This hair can easily become dislodged from shedding and he will more than likely swallow the majority of it. If the hair is digested, sometimes it can bound up in the intestines causing an intestinal blockage with can result in infection and death. You don't think he's taking in that much hair while he's cleaning himself but he is getting a lot on his tongue. Always brush your cat's hair in the same direction that it grows so that any stray hairs will easily come out and onto the brush.
When grooming your cat, it's not a good idea to brush his face or feet. Those two areas are very sensitive to the touch and the bristles can tickle or irritate the skin underneath. There's a product online that is like a glove but has little prickly bristles at the hand so that when you are petting your cat, you're also grooming him and he doesn't even realize it. He's just getting a nice massage from what he thinks is your hand and will love you for it. When you look down after a few strokes of your hand, you'll see a nice flat layer of hair and all you have to do is peel it away from the bristles and go back to the petting again. Whoever thought that up was a genius in my book.
Grooming Your Cat With Ease It's a really good idea to examine your cats ears, eyes and teeth when grooming him as well. When looking at his eyes, be sure they appear clear and there is not sleep or mucous in the corners. Sometimes dirt or other debris can get in there and settle in the corners of his eyes so clearing that out regularly will help to prevent infection. His ears should be nice and pink but not red. You shouldn't see what will look like dirty little specs in the ear canal because this could be an indication of ear mites.
What's the Better Treatment For Cats? Advantage? Or Frontline?
What's the Better Treatment For Cats? Advantage? Or Frontline?
If you are an owner of a cat or cats, then you are probably more than aware of the issue of fleas, ticks and lice. Critters find your pet cat as a luxury haven for breeding and multiplying and if not addressed early on can lead to serious health problems for your cat as well as other animals in the home. The 2 most popular manufacturers of treatments specifically for cats are Frontline and advantage. In this article I will discuss the difference between them both and which one you should consider purchasing based on there own merits.
The Better Treatment For Cats - A fast acting solution!
Both products are fairly quick when it comes to getting rid of critters in a rapid time. Advantage takes the upper hand in this department as fleas and common pests are killed within an hour in most cases while Frontline takes a few hours to take effect. All in all both products will eliminate fleas and lice within 24 hours after being applied.
The Better Treatment For Cats - The most effective treatment?
Frontline clearly has the most effectiveness when it comes to dealing with pesky critters. Unlike Advantage, Frontline also kills common ticks and lice as well as making sure eggs in the process of development are exterminated. If you want a treatment that combines many benefits in one then Frontline is the right choice.
The Better Treatment For Cats - The lasting effects?
Of both product types Frontline wins again. Advantage can last up to 1 month which is impressive as is. Frontline on the other hand can last up to 7 weeks or more per application meaning money saved and a more effective treatment long term.
The final decision
Advantage and Frontline are both equally effective in removing fleas. Frontline has the upper hand in terms of longevity and is also a product that is 100% safe to use on your cat or dog and is highly recommended and endorsed by vets worldwide. Advantage can be found at a lower price that Frontline which balances out the treatment range of both products. If you want a product that also prevents and kills lice and ticks as well as fleas then Frontline is your best choice. Advantage is recommended if you want a cheaper solution dedicated to just removing fleas. All in all both products are equally recommended.
If you are an owner of a cat or cats, then you are probably more than aware of the issue of fleas, ticks and lice. Critters find your pet cat as a luxury haven for breeding and multiplying and if not addressed early on can lead to serious health problems for your cat as well as other animals in the home. The 2 most popular manufacturers of treatments specifically for cats are Frontline and advantage. In this article I will discuss the difference between them both and which one you should consider purchasing based on there own merits.
The Better Treatment For Cats - A fast acting solution!
Both products are fairly quick when it comes to getting rid of critters in a rapid time. Advantage takes the upper hand in this department as fleas and common pests are killed within an hour in most cases while Frontline takes a few hours to take effect. All in all both products will eliminate fleas and lice within 24 hours after being applied.
The Better Treatment For Cats - The most effective treatment?
Frontline clearly has the most effectiveness when it comes to dealing with pesky critters. Unlike Advantage, Frontline also kills common ticks and lice as well as making sure eggs in the process of development are exterminated. If you want a treatment that combines many benefits in one then Frontline is the right choice.
The Better Treatment For Cats - The lasting effects?
Of both product types Frontline wins again. Advantage can last up to 1 month which is impressive as is. Frontline on the other hand can last up to 7 weeks or more per application meaning money saved and a more effective treatment long term.
The final decision
Advantage and Frontline are both equally effective in removing fleas. Frontline has the upper hand in terms of longevity and is also a product that is 100% safe to use on your cat or dog and is highly recommended and endorsed by vets worldwide. Advantage can be found at a lower price that Frontline which balances out the treatment range of both products. If you want a product that also prevents and kills lice and ticks as well as fleas then Frontline is your best choice. Advantage is recommended if you want a cheaper solution dedicated to just removing fleas. All in all both products are equally recommended.
Sleeping Cats and Heated Pet Beds
Most pets love to sleep a lot, but as compared to dogs, cats spend more of their time in dream land. Some cats love to lay down in the carpet or rug, some sleep by the window, and some on their owner's lap. While these areas have already been their favourite, it's better for owners to provide more softness and comfort for their sleeping cats. If people can be relieved of their daily stress by a thick and soft cushion, pets can appreciate that too. Why let them sleep on uncomfortable areas when there are cat beds that can hug them as they dream away.
Heated Cat Beds Square, rectangle, round, or oblong, pet beds come in different shapes. There are even funny shapes, such as a bone-shaped dog bed, and a fish-shaped cat bed. Black and whites, pastel, and rainbow colors also make pet beds more attractive. Some owners even get cat beds than can complement the color of the home interiors. More and more stylish beds are coming out in the market. They are determined by their type of fabric, print designs and even craftsmanship. For pet owners who are nature-lovers and are fond or organic materials, there are already eco dog beds or organic cat beds. These can be found mostly on online websites of pet bed designers. Some Hollywood celebrities prefer this type of bed, and if you browse the net, you'll see their pictures there. Aside from fashionable beds, one of the top selling pet supplies today is the heated pet beds.
Heated Cat Beds From thick blankets, to fireplace, and in their owner's arms, cats love to feel warm. Yet, when the cold season starts to blow in, these sources of warmth may not be enough to get them through a night's sleep. Designed to give thermal heat and therapeutic benefits, heated pet beds can greatly ease any cat. They can give extra warmth and for senior cats, they can relief sore and aching joints. These specialized beds are not just functional, to cater to meticulous taste of the owners, they also come in variety of styles. There are heated cat sills, crinkle sacks, cat cabins, cat huts, cat loungers and cat mats that can ensure warmth and comfort for every sleeping cat.
Heated Cat Beds Square, rectangle, round, or oblong, pet beds come in different shapes. There are even funny shapes, such as a bone-shaped dog bed, and a fish-shaped cat bed. Black and whites, pastel, and rainbow colors also make pet beds more attractive. Some owners even get cat beds than can complement the color of the home interiors. More and more stylish beds are coming out in the market. They are determined by their type of fabric, print designs and even craftsmanship. For pet owners who are nature-lovers and are fond or organic materials, there are already eco dog beds or organic cat beds. These can be found mostly on online websites of pet bed designers. Some Hollywood celebrities prefer this type of bed, and if you browse the net, you'll see their pictures there. Aside from fashionable beds, one of the top selling pet supplies today is the heated pet beds.
Heated Cat Beds From thick blankets, to fireplace, and in their owner's arms, cats love to feel warm. Yet, when the cold season starts to blow in, these sources of warmth may not be enough to get them through a night's sleep. Designed to give thermal heat and therapeutic benefits, heated pet beds can greatly ease any cat. They can give extra warmth and for senior cats, they can relief sore and aching joints. These specialized beds are not just functional, to cater to meticulous taste of the owners, they also come in variety of styles. There are heated cat sills, crinkle sacks, cat cabins, cat huts, cat loungers and cat mats that can ensure warmth and comfort for every sleeping cat.
How Often Should You Clean Your Cat's Litter Box?
How Often Should You Clean Your Cat's Litter Box?
How fun is it to clean the litter box? Unfortunately, if you own an indoor cat, it's a necessity to keep up with this chore otherwise, it will become an uncomfortable reminder that you do indeed own a cat and anyone that comes into your home will know it to. Cats make wonderful pets but you don't necessarily want the strong ammonia smell that stagnant urine brings to be clouding the air you breathe. Not only is it unpleasant but it can actually make you sick not to mention all the little rock formations that crowd your kitties sand box and leaves no room for more deposits. Some cats simply decide it's too dirty and go somewhere you don't want them to go.
Clean Your Cat's Litter Box Cat's are extremely clean and intelligent animals and somehow instinctively know what a litter box is and how to use it. When we first got our kitty, she was about 6 weeks old and the tiniest little thing. We went out and got her a small disposable box and larger hard plastic litter box. One to use while she was small and one to transition to as she grew. When we got home, we filled the disposable one with litter and decided to go ahead and put the rest of the litter in the big box and save it until later. Our little 6 week old kitty too a huge leap inside the big box, did her thing, covered it up, and jumped right out as if she's been doing it for years. We were all amazed just how intuitive she was.
So, Clean Your Cat's Litter Box but how often should you "scoop" the litter box? Once a day, once a week, once a month? And, how often should you change the litter completely? I guess that all depends on how strong a smell you're willing to live with. Here's another consideration; when you don't clean the litter box on a regular basis, your cat is spreading feces and urine via his paws all over your house. Everything he touches with his feet; your bed, your couch, your chairs, everything is being contaminated by his paws. So, here's my advice, scoop your cats litter box daily, and change the litter completely weekly. This should ensure that the box and your kitties feet stay nice and clean.
Clean Your Cat's Litter Box or there is one alternative that you could do if you really hate cleaning the litter box. Somebody invented a self-cleaning litter box that does the work for you so you don't have to. It's actually very ingenious and works with a sensor to detect when your cat has used his litter box. When the cat exists the litter box, the automatic self-cleaning mechanism kicks in and sweeps a rake-like device under and over the entire length of the box. When it gets to the end, it lifts up out of the litter and scoops the little rocks of urine and feces into a receptacle that you just pick up and dispose when it becomes full. Your cats box always stays clean and fresh instantly after using it.
How fun is it to clean the litter box? Unfortunately, if you own an indoor cat, it's a necessity to keep up with this chore otherwise, it will become an uncomfortable reminder that you do indeed own a cat and anyone that comes into your home will know it to. Cats make wonderful pets but you don't necessarily want the strong ammonia smell that stagnant urine brings to be clouding the air you breathe. Not only is it unpleasant but it can actually make you sick not to mention all the little rock formations that crowd your kitties sand box and leaves no room for more deposits. Some cats simply decide it's too dirty and go somewhere you don't want them to go.
Clean Your Cat's Litter Box Cat's are extremely clean and intelligent animals and somehow instinctively know what a litter box is and how to use it. When we first got our kitty, she was about 6 weeks old and the tiniest little thing. We went out and got her a small disposable box and larger hard plastic litter box. One to use while she was small and one to transition to as she grew. When we got home, we filled the disposable one with litter and decided to go ahead and put the rest of the litter in the big box and save it until later. Our little 6 week old kitty too a huge leap inside the big box, did her thing, covered it up, and jumped right out as if she's been doing it for years. We were all amazed just how intuitive she was.
So, Clean Your Cat's Litter Box but how often should you "scoop" the litter box? Once a day, once a week, once a month? And, how often should you change the litter completely? I guess that all depends on how strong a smell you're willing to live with. Here's another consideration; when you don't clean the litter box on a regular basis, your cat is spreading feces and urine via his paws all over your house. Everything he touches with his feet; your bed, your couch, your chairs, everything is being contaminated by his paws. So, here's my advice, scoop your cats litter box daily, and change the litter completely weekly. This should ensure that the box and your kitties feet stay nice and clean.
Clean Your Cat's Litter Box or there is one alternative that you could do if you really hate cleaning the litter box. Somebody invented a self-cleaning litter box that does the work for you so you don't have to. It's actually very ingenious and works with a sensor to detect when your cat has used his litter box. When the cat exists the litter box, the automatic self-cleaning mechanism kicks in and sweeps a rake-like device under and over the entire length of the box. When it gets to the end, it lifts up out of the litter and scoops the little rocks of urine and feces into a receptacle that you just pick up and dispose when it becomes full. Your cats box always stays clean and fresh instantly after using it.
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