Cat Q&A

Archive for July, 2009

Cats dream to have their own houses which offer them hours of activity as well as safe and warm places to rest. There are many different typesof cat houses you can buy, but it is relatively simple and feasible to build a cat house yourself. By doing your own assembly yourself, you have the advantage to design exactly what you need for your location and your cat or cats.

You will need the following stock, which you can purchase at your local hardware store: One 4′x8′ sheet of 3/8″ plywood, three 2″x4″x8″ studs, one box of 5/8″ wood screws and carpet scraps. Saw the plywood and the each stud in half and then take each piece and cutsaw them in half again. You should have eight pieces of plywood that area each 2×2 wide. These areas will be for the roof, walls and the floor of your cat's playhouse. Cutting the studs will result in twelve pieces that are each 2′ in length. These will form the base to nailthe plywood to. Use a staple gun or glue to attach the carpet pieces to the plywood. The carpet covering presents a expanse for your cat to to take care of his need to scratch and stretch his claws, sparing your furniture.

Congratulations! Your cat house do it yourself project is now complete. This house is not slated to be used as an outdoor cat house since pieces used are not waterproof. You may alter the house for use outdoors by the adding a cover in the form of a triangle. This will require extra studs and plywood covered with roof shingles so any precipitation will run off without affecting the home.

The design to be used outdoors should not have carpet on the exterior because moisture trapped in the fabric will eventually cause the plywood to rot. For outdoor use you may shift the carpet with a water sealant to stretch the life span of the habitat.

A safe and warm spot for your cat to hang out does not have to be excessive nor expensive. Add your own particular touch and build what is correct for your pet and yourself.

bird watching in lion country

Anyone who is a bird watcher belongs to a passionate group of people. Filled with a unique sense of wonder about the natural world, they also possess an element of perseverance and patience that might drive many in our busy society to the brink of insanity. Those who bird watch are a different breed, and the world has a lot to learn from them.

A bird watcher will find as much delight in telling you about how they got to the place where they saw a particular species as they will about the bird itself. There is something satisfying about trotting up a hill, climbing an old barbed wire fence, and then sliding down a muddy ravine just to catch a glimpse of a warbler family flitting amongst some remote treetops. Western society has made people quite content to drive up to a window, order, and then be on the way without ever getting out of the car. If only birding were that easy. Bird watchers can teach the busy world around them about what it means to deliberate, and to spend all day working towards a goal that may not even come to fruition. After all, not every outing is a successful one.

The ability to be quiet and observe is one of a bird watcher’s greatest attributes. Many folks in this culture spend all of their time rushing and being proactive and frowning upon idle moments. Bird watching however, teaches that there is something gained by being still. It teaches that, when one allows a sense of quiet to settle in, an amazing number of intricate details can be observed about the world.

To be a bird watcher is to do a great service to society by being passionate about conservation. Building processes and roads continue to destroy acres of forested ground and prime avian habitat. Various voices of the bird watching community are speaking loudly and clearly about the importance of preserving these habitats. Bird watching enthusiasts know that progress is inevitable, but that we must work diligently to find a balance with the natural world. This passion for conservation is often born out of the time that a birder spends in the field, marveling over the complexity of not only the birds, but the entire eco-system that they call home as well.

A bird watcher cannot wear the mantel of responsibility lightly as he or she tries to share the passion and joy found within their hobby. The next generation of bird watchers will be vitally important in all aspects of conservation. A veteran bird watcher can also take pride in passing along the passion, and instill a sense of patience, adventure and discipline in future generations of bird watchers.

A lot of people realize that teaching a cat to make use of its litter box isn’t the difficult process that they believed it would be. The majority of of them will quickly realize how to find their way to their box. And typically the full process of cat toilet training has previously begun before you even convey your new kitten home. The mother cat starts the education process before her litter is even weaned.

Another thing that makes cats easy to train is that they are finicky animals and desire cleanliness in both their bodies and their surroundings. It’s inherent for a cat to hide its own waste. So providing them a convenient spot to do it in the form of a hygienic litter box is normally all that’s needed.

If your cat isn’t trained, though, the entire task of teaching your kitten to make use of its litter box can be completed in several easy steps. Litter box training is really all about creating a new habit for your cat.

Each time you give food to your cat, get into the practice of taking it to the litter box immediately after it has done with its meal. It’s natural for cats to want to do their business after eating, and you’ll further that normal tendency if you put them in the box on a frequent basis. Once this has become an established habit, your kitten will begin to go to its litter box as part of its after dinner routine.

If your attempts regarding litter training your cat don’t go as swiftly or fruitfully as anticipated, it’s crucial that you remain patient. There may be all kinds of reasons why your kitten does not want to use the box you have provided for it. It might be in an area that’s overly exposed. Cats don’t care to do their business when they’re on display and can be watched by anyone who walks past.

As well, there might be a problem with the brand of litter you’ve provided. Cats are highly picky and a particular texture or smell may well be sufficient to turn them off utilizing the box. If that’s the situation, try out a few brand names and types until you come across one your cat finds acceptable.

Cat lovers enjoy almost every thing about their pets. The purring, adorable antics, meowing and affection the cats show their owners, make cats a joy as pets. The litter box is another story, nobody enjoys cleaning out a dirty, smelly litter box. Cats are clever and clean creatures and with a little effort on your part, your cat can be trained to use the toilet. Professional animal trainers have been potty training cats for years. Training your cat to use the toilet, not only eliminates a dirty job, it saves you money. Cat litter is expensive and it’s an environmental hazard. Training your cat to use the toilet will rid your home of the unpleasant smells of a litter box. Here are some basic tips for cat toilet training.

The Litter Box

If your litter box is already in your bathroom, you’re halfway there. If your litter box isn’t in the bathroom, move it slowly, a few inches each day, until it is in the bathroom this is training your cat. Once you have the box in the bathroom, begin elevating it. You can use bricks , concrete blocks or telephone books. Make sure it’s secure so your cat can’t knock it over. Raise the box until it is level with the toilet. As you raise the litter box, slowing reduce the amount of litter in the box, so your cat becomes used to using less litter.

Once the litter box is at the same height as the toilet, you need to start moving the box closer to the toilet. Try to do this in half inch increments. You can train a cat to use the toilet by teaching the cat that the litter box is the same thing as the toilet. Physical proximity will help with this. Keep removing a bit of litter with each move so that the cat becomes used to their being less and less litter. Keep doing this until there is less than an inch of litter left.

Switching From Box To Toilet

Now you’re in the ho! me stretch. You can buy a cat toilet training aid now, or use an shallow pan. Attach the pan between the toilet and the seat. Make sure it’s secure, or the cat won’t use it. Put less than an inch of flushable litter in the litter pan. You can find kitty toilet training aids in your local pet store or online, but if you don’t want to spend the money, or can’t find one, a shallow plastic or aluminium pan will serve the purpose.

For the final step in toilet training your cat, cut a small hole in the bottom of the pan. If you have a kitty training aid, it may have pieces that can be removed so you won’t have to cut a hole. Gradually enlarge the size of the hole a little at a time.. As you enlarge the hole, the cat will get used to not having litter in the pan. When the hole is nearly as large as the opening of the toilet, you can remove the pan. Toilet training your cat is mostly an investment of your time and patience. The investment is worth it and you don’t have to deal with litter boxes again. Now, if you could only potty train the dog.

Stop wasting money on toys for cats. Most people will put feline play things at the top of the list just under essentials like a food dish and litter box.

There are thousands of cat toys on the market, so choosing the right ones for your feline friend can be confusing and overwhelming.These helpful tips will help guide you to items your cat will have fun with as well as find mentally stimulating.

Although it is tempting to buy all the best catnip toys in the store, make sure to limit the number to just a few.To prevent boredom and over exposure just keep a few toys out at any time. Keep other toys stored away and occasionally switch them out.This will be like new presents after a few months.

Remember that, just because your friends cat liked a certain toy does not mean that yours will be the same. All cats have a unique personality, the toys that made one feline happy for days may not interest another cat at all.

Just because your cats behavior makes them appear bored with a toy now does not mean he will not love it three hours from now.You should always give a new cat toy some time to catch on before you give up on it. Your feline friend may surprise you by playing and pouncing with the toy he hated yesterday.

Favorite toys for cats

When choosing toys for cats, there are certain types that generally are a success, no matter what the cat’s personality may be.

The infamous laser pointer is often a favorite.Felines will chase the light beam for hours and this is also good at entertaining multiple cats.  Just make sure not to shine the light into kitty’s eyes or into any person’s eyes either for that matter.

Another favorite is the something on a string.Items at the end of the string can include bouncy balls or fur mice.You might buy a string on a stick type toy for hours of fun for all involved.Give the string thing a dangle over your cats head and you will almost always get some kind of reaction.

There are lots of clever toys for cats that use the hiding pray feature.  Plastic balls on a track, or mice hidden in a big plastic piece of cheese will peak your cat’s interest and stimulate his mind while he tries to figure out how to capture the toy.

In addition, you may want to consider the classic favorites: the little ball with a jingle bell inside, the furry mouse, a good scratching post, and the crackly toy.  

Just remember that, when choosing toys for cats, that your pet may love one toy and hate the next.Just remember that finding the best toy may take some trial and error. Have some patients and do not get upset if your pet hates the toys you have chosen.  

Give him a little time, and if he is still not interested, then try a different type of toy. Play time is important to overall cats health. So do not give up, you are sure to find the right items to keep your cat happy and active.

Cat Scratching Furniture

Cats are very good pets as they don’t require as much attention as other options such as a dog.

You don’t have to walk the cat and you don’t have to deal with it barking at everything that happens to walk by your home.

The only thing you may have to spend on is cat furniture, which is essential for a healthy and happy cat.

With so much modern cat furniture available you should enjoy shopping for it.

Young cats are extremely playful and you can interact with them when you want to. However, most cats are content to play with toys or to be independent.

This doesn’t mean that cats aren’t excellent companions though. They can be silly at times and they often enjoy curling up on your lap and purring.

Your cat won’t come running when you are home at the end of day and knock you over.

They also don’t lick or bite so you won’t have to worry about how they will interact with others when you have company. Cats always seem to be able to tell when you need some comfort.

Taking care of a pet can help a child to become more responsible but some pets just come with too much time required.

A cat makes a perfect choice for children because they tend to take care of themselves. As long as they are given sufficient food and water they will remain happy.

Indoor cats will have to be trained to use a litter box but most of them learn very quickly so you won’t have to deal with cleaning up such messes around your home.

However, you need to clean the litter box regularly because cats do not like to use a dirty litter box.

There is an abundance of cat litter furniture to be found on the internet, and you will definitely find something to suit your taste in design, and budget.

Cats are clean animals as they spend a large amount of time grooming themselves each day.

In the majority of cases, cats lead a very happy and long life without too many problems.

They don’t cost very much because cat food and litter are very cheap. They don’t require as many vet visits for routine shots either like dogs do which can become quite expensive.

For those that have problems with mice, cats make a great natural system for taking care of them.

This means you won’t have to deal with messy traps or dangerous poisons around your home. Many cat owners claim they haven’t come across a mouse in their home for years with this line of defense.

Cats are very precious and beautiful animals as well. They have a gentle hum to them that can be relaxing for humans.

They have coats in all colors as well as eyes that are very shiny and bright. Each cat has their own personality and you just can’t help but adore them.

There are many breeds of cats if you want a particular kind but some of the most beautiful cats are those that are mixed breeds.

Cats are very smart animals too so they will quickly catch up to what you like from them and what you don’t based on the praise you give them.

Contrary to popular belief, cats are obedient and they want their owner’s to be happy with them.

They will learn fast that you don’t like them scratching on the furniture or putting their tail in your face while you are sleeping.

To prevent them scratching on your furniture you can buy them their own cat scratching furniture.

For your entire cat furniture needs please visit www.catbedandtoy.com.

Cats are cute creatures that can take care of themselves. But if you were to have one as a pet, you should know various factors about how to take care of your cat. It is different when you got this as a kitten to a full grown feline. You can read more at birman cats.

If you got this as a kitten, it will easily be able to adapt itself to the area because it will let itself to be ruled by other pets. This means there will be fewer incidents of fighting among themselves.

Lucky for you, kittens that often sold to owners are already litter trained. The other thing you will need to do is teach it the place to go to use the toilet.

Your kitten will follow you wherever you go and at times jump or climb up to the kitchen counter or table. This isn’t good if you have food there so discourage this habit by having a bottle full of water around so you can squirt it into their face.

It will also be a great idea to install a scratching post as this is their way of sharpening their nails. If they do this elsewhere, you may have to spray them again in the face.

Apart from working on the scratch pad, you should trim their nails before it gets too sharp that it could hurt someone or damage the furniture in the house. You do this by holding down on the toes which leads to the claws extending. This should be inspected regularly so they also get used to it as they grow older.

Kittens do not shed that much hair compared to bigger cats. But you should comb them anyway so they get accustomed to it even if your pet is a short or long haired cat.

Do not just allow your cat to eat anything. They must be of good quality that can be found in the pet store. You can ask your vet for suggestions on the brands with the best vitamin and mineral content. There must be a clean bowl of water as well so they don’t get dehydrated.

Apart from feeding the kitten, they should be taken to the vets for shots. They mainly get a few while they are young but get a regular one yearly as they get larger. Be sure to keep a record of the shots so this can be shown to the doctor.

If your cat is large, allow them room to get used to their home area by themselves. If your pets quarrel, don’t worry or get in between them because this is normal. But if things are really bad, then you have to separate them by moving themto opposing rooms.

An older cat also should be disciplined so they understand what they can and cannot do. This is why you need to keep the squirt bottle handy as this is the top method to let them know it is wrong without physically harming them.

House cats should really be kept indoors. Studies have shown that this extends their life for over ten years since going outside puts them at risk of being hit by a car or contaminated with a virus from stray animals.  Just so you know strays cats that live outdoors only live for a couple of years.

It doesn’t take much to know how to take care of a cat. Do some research and practice so both of you will enjoy each other’s company. Find out more about cat skin care, cats teeth and other information here.