Pampering Your Cat

We all know that cats make lovely pets, but there weren’t always the domesticated animals that we have grown to know and love. Cats have wild roots and there are still feral cats around, you can find them living in deserts, forests and roaming the streets scavenging for food.

In fact different species of cats are indigenous to all types of climates and terrains ranging from Greenland to Africa.

Their versatility and resilience makes them very adaptable as a species and is one of the keys to their survival and success as an animal. Evolution has meant that depending on whereabouts in the world a cat lives its body will have adapted to suit that specific climate.

For example cats that live in desert regions have been known to sleep for 18 hours a day to avoid the hot sun.

But did you know that cats can see up to six times better than their owners? Especially at night, when a cat’s eyesight really comes into its own. This amazing eyesight helps the cat to stalk and find its prey.

Think that cats don’t like water? Well even though they aren’t too over keen on getting wet they are still more than capable of swimming should their life depend on it.

Cats have all different types of skills and the fastest animal in the world (the Cheetah) belongs to the cat family, there are cats that can fish, hairless cats and cats that are born without tails (the Manx cat from the Isle of Man).

The cat family is truly an amazing species and when you consider the diversity of cats, ranging from lions to your domestic cats, you can really get a feel for range of characteristics that this animal possesses.

If these facts have whetted your appetite for more feline facts then why not explore the world of cats for yourself? There is all types of information available on the internet and in libraries. It could be a great project for your class or a fun rainy day activity for children.

It is surprisingly hard to find a good name for your pet isn’t it? If you have found this article then you are probably looking for some inspiration! Finding a name for your cat should be good fun and is even better when younger members of the family become involved. Brainstorming sessions are a great idea; very often the best names come off the bat and just seem to stick!

Here are a few pointers to help you pick out the right name for your pet:

•    If you have an animal such as a cat or a dog they will need to come when they hear their name called – so chose something that is easy for them to remember! Something short (less than two syllables is good) this way they will learn their name quicker and be able to respond to commands.

•    Often animals “suit” a certain name. You would not call a large dog Tiddles would you? Take your time and observe your pet. You could find that they almost pick their name for you. While we are on the subject of inappropriate names try to pick something that you will not mind shouting out in a crowded park – you might laugh now but you won’t when the time comes!

•    Have fun, a pet is a great source of comfort and joy and the process of choosing their name should reflect this. They are plenty of internet sites out there that can provide great inspiration.

•    If you have found a shortlist of names that you and our family like then why not put the names into a hat and let the youngest member pick one out at random. This will give your child a great sense of involvement and add excitement to the proceedings!

•    On a practical level if you are planning on teaching your cat to obey commands. it is important that the name you choose does not sound too similar as this may cause your pet to become confused and it will take longer to train them as a result.

Hopefully you might now have a little more inspiration to help you name your pet. Have fun but remember it will be a name for life – so choose wisely!

Sometimes people in their desire to be kind to their cat place themselves and their pet in danger. They feel that placing their pet in a carrier is cruel. Cats love to roam and most enjoy a good cuddle with us. While we are driving this is an invitation to disaster.

Your cat may become trapped under the brake pedal or suddenly jump on you. One of the things that is lovable about our cats is their unpredictability. This is why it is safer for you and your pet to always use a carrier when traveling with your cat.

Cat carriers are as varied as our cats. The carrier needs to be one that you feel comfortable using and that is comfortable for your cat. This means large enough for your cat to move around with air holes all around. Why not vents you may wonder? Your cat enjoys looking out and most cats feel calmer seeing you.

One other consideration when buying your carrier is where you will store it when not in use. Folding up is a nice feature.

If your cat has a blanket or pad that she uses it will make her feel more at home when you place her in the carrier. You may want to let her use the blanket outside the carrier for a bit then make it her travel blanket.

New places sometime cause our pets to have an “accident”. While your pets is becoming used to her carrier you may want to place a little shredded newspaper on one side of the carrier.

Placing your cat in the carrier for the first few times can sometimes make one wish for three arms with an extra elbow. Cat treats can be a good way to lure them in. Also if your cat likes those laser lights she will follow the dot into the carrier.
A small cat toy will be enjoyed by your pet. Kittens are easy, pick them up and place them in their carrier.

All cats should be cared for by responsible and loving owners. It is a sad fact that many cats are not given the attention that they deserve and as a result they can lead unhappy lives.

If you chose to get a cat then you must be fully committed to giving it the best life that you can, including lots of love and attention, good food and the proper kind of veterinary care. A cat that feels secure and loved will reward you with a lifetime of affection and companionship.

Here are a few handy hints to make sure that your cat gets the best care it deserves.

Cats would often eat and eat, but don’t kill them with kindness! Many cats can become overweight very easily and this cause health problems for your pet and even premature death. Feed your cat at regular intervals with food that is specifically made for cats.

Contrary to popular belief a cat does better drinking water than milk as milk could cause them to suffer from lose stools and this might cause them discomfort. If you see your cat eating grass from your garden please do not be alarmed this is a natural way for them to clean out their digestive system.

•    Cats are very clean animals naturally and will often become house trained very quickly. However, for younger cats and for cats that are new to your home it is advisable to offer them a litter tray where they can go to the toilet.

•    Cats need to scratch things, it is instinctive. If you do not let your cat out regularly then it is a wise idea to get them a scratching post, your furniture will thank you for it!

•    Just like many pets, cats benefit from regular grooming. Long haired cats should be groomed daily and short haired cats need to be checked for fleas and parasites. Cats are very clean though and will spend a long time grooming themselves.

•    Take your cat to the vet for regular check up and make sure that their vaccinations are up to date to keep them in tip top condition.

If you follow the above advice your pet will be happy and content and you will be too! Just a little common sense could save you a small fortune in vet’s bills and new furniture!

Cats are great pets and can bring so much joy into a home but they can also bring a lot of sadness if they get sick. It is therefore extremely important if you own a cat that you keep a watchful eye over them and take them straight to a vet if you notice any of unusual symptoms.

Most cats suffer from the same types of illness and we are now going to take a look at a few signs that you can watch  for and what you can do to help your pet if you think that they are ill.

If you think that your cat has feline diarrhea, it is important to observe your cat’s condition if their overall health seems ok and they only have one or two episodes of lose stools then it is safe for you to keep an eye on them. If their overall condition is still ok but they are still having problems with infrequent bouts of diarrhea then it might be worth talking to your vet about changing their diet as they may be suffering from a type of food intolerance.

If your cat has continued diarrhea that does not improve with a change of diet, or if your cat seems listless and not themselves then take them to see a vet as soon as you can.

Another common health issue for cats is diabetes. This is not just a condition that is suffered by humans, cats can get it too. A vet will usually diagnose your cat as suffering from diabetes and often will prescribe a course of drugs and regular monitoring to keep your cat in good condition.

Early warning signs of diabetes are the need to urinate more often than would seem normal and excessive drinking.  If you notice any of these signs in your pet then take them to a vet for tests.

Vomiting can also affect cats and cats can often vomit without it being a cause for concern. If your cat vomits on a regular basis after eating then it is advisable to take them to be checked out as it may be a sign of a food allergy or an underlying serious issue.

Vomiting can also be as a result of hairballs, so if you regularly groom your cat the chances of hairballs decrease.  The main thing to watch out for when a cat is throwing up is that he/she does not become dehydrated so it is therefore important to keep offering them plenty of fluids.

FIV, Feline immunodeficiency virus is a cat condition that is closely linked to HIV and is very serious for your pet. Cats are often vaccinated against this disease as a matter of routine nowadays, but to be safe it is best to keep your pet away from cats that you think may not have had the vaccination.

As always if you are in any doubt about any of the conditions that your pet is suffering from then always seek the advice of a professional.