I Dub Thee - Sir Kitty : How to Name Your Cat
When T.S. Elliot wrote in a poem (The naming of cats) the lines “(when) I tell you, a cat must have three different names’, he must have owned a cat. Many cat owners would have to agree that finding a cat’s name is both a serious and a fun thing to do and that a cat’s name barely lasts a whole year before they find a new, better and apt name for their pets.
Most cats start out with simple and uncreative names. A black cat given to you by a friend is unsurprisingly called Blacky, much like what you will expect from a fluffy cat named (surprise, surprise) Fluffy. These names (along with the likes of Smokey and Tiger) are given by previous owners who really do not want to be attached to the cat because they are giving it to some other friend. They sort of expect you to change the names of these cats as you take them to your house.
When you give a different name to a cat, you are welcoming him to your family. Most names come from favorite things, like characters from a book, movie or television show. Other names crop up from famous (and infamous) celebrities such as Britney, Saddam or Osama.
Aside from giving your cat a name that first popped into your mind, there's one fun way that a certain website mentioned. It's acrophonology - it is the analysis of a name through the qualities of the letters. Before giving your cat or any pet just any moniker, it won't hurt to give acrophonology a try, right? You can even find online analysis of your cat's name. Sites that offer this kind of service often deliver a brief summary of the hidden meanings that are within your cat's name. Sure sounds fun and quite rewarding, right?
Other ideas can come up from cartoons, mythology, ancient historical figures and even from common names of people. There are plenty of names out there and if you can’t think of any, just type ‘cat names’ in your favorite search engine and you’ll find great names that you might have not thought of.
These names though, however good they are, tend to change after certain circumstances. Imagine a cat you named Fatso because he was fat when he was a kitten. All of a sudden, after 1 year he went from a kitten who always slept to a cat that prowls the night. This will build up his body and the once fat kitten is no more. So what about his name of Fatso? It sounds ridiculous introducing him to your friends as Fatso when he is not fat at all, so you are bound to change her name after that.
Another secret with cats names is that you have to be creative. Sometimes you don’t even have to think of a word as cats provide them to you with their actions.
Other cats names change after certain incidents. These incidents include accidents such as your cat breaking a big bottle of strawberry jam (so you named her Strawberry) or like when she cries too much and you can’t sleep for several nights (so she is named Banshee).
The value of your cats name does not only extend to that term of endearment that you would like your lovely feline companion to be regarded with, but your cats name is also important when it's time for you to train it. If you are planning to make your pet one of the most well-trained, making your cats name easy to say and quite unique will make it easier for you to say it when you have to issue a command. One tip is use your cats name in positive commands such as "come". When your cat gets accustomed to hearing its name in only positive commands it will learn to love its name.
Truly, naming your cat can be a very rewarding and fun endeavor. It doesn't have to be a mind-boggling feat. If you really are quite passionate with your feline friend, chances are giving it a name would be a cinch.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Automatic Litter Boxes
Cat Products: Automatic Litter Boxes
Litter boxes are important to cats and are considered to be the next in importance to their food. Like people who love their toilets clean, cats don’t really love messy and smelly litter boxes. They want some place where they can move around and do their stuff. Litter boxes are available on the market and come in different size and shapes.
Be sure to buy something your cat won’t outgrow easily. Most cats, especially those below 5-6 months old can easily outgrow their litter boxes. Make sure to buy something that your cat will not out-grow or you’ll end up buying more litter boxes in a short time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some cats don’t want to poop in the same box they pee in. Peeing is an animal’s way of marking her territory and she may not want to poop because it will erase her scent. So if your cat is like this, just buy another litter box and put it some place far away from the first one so she will not look at it as another box to pee in.
Automatic litter boxes are for people who don’t cherish the chore of cleaning litter boxes each day. These boxes are not cheap but a great idea when time is of importance.
These self-cleaning boxes use robotic trays where your cat’s waste is automatically raked into a sealable container shortly after your cat uses the litter box. These will not operate until your cat leaves the box since it uses motion detectors and a safety bar to stop the cleaning rake from harming your cat.
The best thing about these automatic litter boxes is that you’ll find that the odor is greatly reduced. Once the cat’s waste is in the container, it will automatically seal itself and cause the odor to be trapped inside. However, you must remember to empty this container once it is full or close to being full or its odor will become unbearable. Simply empty the storage container and reinsert it or purchase a replacement container.
One thing about automatic litter boxes is that they generally need electricity to run so you should place it close to a power outlet. There are some automatic litter boxes that can be operated with batteries so it is advisable to keep extra batteries on hand.
Another thing to remember is that the automatic litter box should be one-half to three-fourths full of litter. Use premium litter with it because some litter clumps will break up and cause the box not to be properly cleaned.
Most of the cat owners who have tried automatic litter boxes are happy with them and would prefer them to scooping up a mess.. Other cat owners though have a hard time adjusting to it. Automatic litter boxes, especially when the rake is in motion are not that quiet and the noise is something that needs to take time to get used to.
One good reason for using automatic litter boxes is health considerations. There are certain flu-like diseases that are caused by cat’s waste and can cause a person to have swollen glands, muscle pain, fever and headache. In some cases it can also cause brain damage and damage to your eyes and internal organs. For newly born children, this could cause mental retardation and/or hearing and sight loss. This is often caused by coming in contact with a cat’s waste and accidentally swallowing the virus in it. This can happen by touching your face after cleaning your cat’s litter box so wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
Cats will have certain problems when using non-automatic litter boxes also. Cats can have UTI (urinary tract infection) after using a dirty litter box. After using litter boxes, cats usually clean themselves up by licking their paws causing them to ingest the virus and cause them to get sick. Although not really fatal, this will cause discomfort for your pet and can only be cured by consulting a veterinarian.
Litter boxes are important to cats and are considered to be the next in importance to their food. Like people who love their toilets clean, cats don’t really love messy and smelly litter boxes. They want some place where they can move around and do their stuff. Litter boxes are available on the market and come in different size and shapes.
Be sure to buy something your cat won’t outgrow easily. Most cats, especially those below 5-6 months old can easily outgrow their litter boxes. Make sure to buy something that your cat will not out-grow or you’ll end up buying more litter boxes in a short time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some cats don’t want to poop in the same box they pee in. Peeing is an animal’s way of marking her territory and she may not want to poop because it will erase her scent. So if your cat is like this, just buy another litter box and put it some place far away from the first one so she will not look at it as another box to pee in.
Automatic litter boxes are for people who don’t cherish the chore of cleaning litter boxes each day. These boxes are not cheap but a great idea when time is of importance.
These self-cleaning boxes use robotic trays where your cat’s waste is automatically raked into a sealable container shortly after your cat uses the litter box. These will not operate until your cat leaves the box since it uses motion detectors and a safety bar to stop the cleaning rake from harming your cat.
The best thing about these automatic litter boxes is that you’ll find that the odor is greatly reduced. Once the cat’s waste is in the container, it will automatically seal itself and cause the odor to be trapped inside. However, you must remember to empty this container once it is full or close to being full or its odor will become unbearable. Simply empty the storage container and reinsert it or purchase a replacement container.
One thing about automatic litter boxes is that they generally need electricity to run so you should place it close to a power outlet. There are some automatic litter boxes that can be operated with batteries so it is advisable to keep extra batteries on hand.
Another thing to remember is that the automatic litter box should be one-half to three-fourths full of litter. Use premium litter with it because some litter clumps will break up and cause the box not to be properly cleaned.
Most of the cat owners who have tried automatic litter boxes are happy with them and would prefer them to scooping up a mess.. Other cat owners though have a hard time adjusting to it. Automatic litter boxes, especially when the rake is in motion are not that quiet and the noise is something that needs to take time to get used to.
One good reason for using automatic litter boxes is health considerations. There are certain flu-like diseases that are caused by cat’s waste and can cause a person to have swollen glands, muscle pain, fever and headache. In some cases it can also cause brain damage and damage to your eyes and internal organs. For newly born children, this could cause mental retardation and/or hearing and sight loss. This is often caused by coming in contact with a cat’s waste and accidentally swallowing the virus in it. This can happen by touching your face after cleaning your cat’s litter box so wash your hands thoroughly after contact.
Cats will have certain problems when using non-automatic litter boxes also. Cats can have UTI (urinary tract infection) after using a dirty litter box. After using litter boxes, cats usually clean themselves up by licking their paws causing them to ingest the virus and cause them to get sick. Although not really fatal, this will cause discomfort for your pet and can only be cured by consulting a veterinarian.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Cat Leashes : What You Need to Know
Cat Leashes : What They Are For and What You Need to Know
Cats are more known to be feisty little creatures that don’t take too well to certain habits compared to its other household pet compatriot, the dog. Such habits for example are wearing a leash and being able to walk around tethered to it.
But leash wearing for cats is becoming more and more commonplace, especially with city dwellers, as it prevents the cat from wandering around and getting lost.
However, given the temperament of cats, the leashes to be used on them need to be both sturdy and as unobtrusive as possible. Below are some tips in choosing the right leash for your cat.
It is very likely that when you think of leash, next thing that comes to mind is a collar. However, a cat collar works differently than a dog collar. Cats have the uncanny ability to wiggle out of a lot of things, including collars. It is recommended that collars for cats should only be used as fashion accessories or identification tags.
If using a leash is your intention, go for a body harness design that wraps around your pet’s torso. This makes it harder for your cat to take off and the tension from the leash is removed from the cat’s neck, which will happen if you choose a collar.
Make sure that the material is durable but comfortable. Nylon is a good choice since it is both strong and pliable. This material is also machine-washable use the gentle cycle.
Next, the design of the harness should be able to wrap around the body, particularly around the stomach so it will cradle the weight around that area and off the neck and shoulders, which is very uncomfortable for your pet.
However, avoid designs that cover too much of your pet’s body. Although the material may be breathable, it may hamper ventilation making it more difficult for your pet to adjust to the idea of a leash quickly.
Another thing you should consider is the fit around the neck. A good fit is when you are able to comfortably slip two fingers in between the collar area and your cat’s neck. To make sure the leash will hold this particular area should be reinforced with additional stitching.
Investing time and energy for your peace of mind and your pet’s safety is always a good thing. And choosing the right harness and leash for your cat is a smart first step that will make wearing a leash a welcome experience for your pet.
Cats are more known to be feisty little creatures that don’t take too well to certain habits compared to its other household pet compatriot, the dog. Such habits for example are wearing a leash and being able to walk around tethered to it.
But leash wearing for cats is becoming more and more commonplace, especially with city dwellers, as it prevents the cat from wandering around and getting lost.
However, given the temperament of cats, the leashes to be used on them need to be both sturdy and as unobtrusive as possible. Below are some tips in choosing the right leash for your cat.
It is very likely that when you think of leash, next thing that comes to mind is a collar. However, a cat collar works differently than a dog collar. Cats have the uncanny ability to wiggle out of a lot of things, including collars. It is recommended that collars for cats should only be used as fashion accessories or identification tags.
If using a leash is your intention, go for a body harness design that wraps around your pet’s torso. This makes it harder for your cat to take off and the tension from the leash is removed from the cat’s neck, which will happen if you choose a collar.
Make sure that the material is durable but comfortable. Nylon is a good choice since it is both strong and pliable. This material is also machine-washable use the gentle cycle.
Next, the design of the harness should be able to wrap around the body, particularly around the stomach so it will cradle the weight around that area and off the neck and shoulders, which is very uncomfortable for your pet.
However, avoid designs that cover too much of your pet’s body. Although the material may be breathable, it may hamper ventilation making it more difficult for your pet to adjust to the idea of a leash quickly.
Another thing you should consider is the fit around the neck. A good fit is when you are able to comfortably slip two fingers in between the collar area and your cat’s neck. To make sure the leash will hold this particular area should be reinforced with additional stitching.
Investing time and energy for your peace of mind and your pet’s safety is always a good thing. And choosing the right harness and leash for your cat is a smart first step that will make wearing a leash a welcome experience for your pet.
Selecting A Breed of Cat
How to choose the cat breed that works for you
If dog is man's best friend, then cats are a man's caprice.
Aside from being expensive, purebred cats are difficult to care for as they require their owner's love and attention. Cats are like babies, because they need to be fed, sometimes bathed, combed, played with and cared for.
Cats are best bought from responsible cat breeders. Hobbyists choose to own purebred cats because their temperaments are more predictable than cats with unknown pedigrees.
If you are getting a cat from a cat breeder, ask him about the number of cat breeds that he has so you can choose from them. Also, ask him how many years he has been breeding cats and whether he can give you a health guarantee and complete papers for the cat.
Top cat breeds
If you want to show off your cat then it is best to choose from among the top five cat breeds throughout the world.
1. Persian-Persian cats are called Persian for their country of origin. Persians have a long coat, sweet personality and have the ability to blend into the household. These are the qualities that made Persians one of the top choices of cat lovers. However, its long coat requires daily combing to avoid tangles.
2. Maine Coon-These are long-haired cats with good mouse hunting skills. These cats are good companions for children.
3. Exotic-This breed can offer you the better of two worlds. The Exotic cat has the look of a Persian cat, but it has short hair, making it easy to groom. They look like teddy bears with their thick and short coats. These cats are sweet and good companions like the Persians.
4. Siamese-Siamese cats originally came from Siam or Thailand. This cat possesses an aristocratic head, looks almost like a deer because of it’s stiff ears, and has a short coat. Siamese cats have long bodies, long legs and long necks.
5. Abyssinian-These cats are very elegant-looking, much like the cats portrayed in Egyptian sculptures. Abyssinia is the former name of Ethiopia. However, Abyssinian cats did not originate in Ethiopia. They got the name because the first cats of Abyssinian breed, which were exhibited in England, were from Abyssinia.
No matter what your choice of a cat breed is, make sure that your cat is healthy and that it has already been weaned. The ideal age to get a kitten is about 14 weeks, when their immune systems are already developed.
If dog is man's best friend, then cats are a man's caprice.
Aside from being expensive, purebred cats are difficult to care for as they require their owner's love and attention. Cats are like babies, because they need to be fed, sometimes bathed, combed, played with and cared for.
Cats are best bought from responsible cat breeders. Hobbyists choose to own purebred cats because their temperaments are more predictable than cats with unknown pedigrees.
If you are getting a cat from a cat breeder, ask him about the number of cat breeds that he has so you can choose from them. Also, ask him how many years he has been breeding cats and whether he can give you a health guarantee and complete papers for the cat.
Top cat breeds
If you want to show off your cat then it is best to choose from among the top five cat breeds throughout the world.
1. Persian-Persian cats are called Persian for their country of origin. Persians have a long coat, sweet personality and have the ability to blend into the household. These are the qualities that made Persians one of the top choices of cat lovers. However, its long coat requires daily combing to avoid tangles.
2. Maine Coon-These are long-haired cats with good mouse hunting skills. These cats are good companions for children.
3. Exotic-This breed can offer you the better of two worlds. The Exotic cat has the look of a Persian cat, but it has short hair, making it easy to groom. They look like teddy bears with their thick and short coats. These cats are sweet and good companions like the Persians.
4. Siamese-Siamese cats originally came from Siam or Thailand. This cat possesses an aristocratic head, looks almost like a deer because of it’s stiff ears, and has a short coat. Siamese cats have long bodies, long legs and long necks.
5. Abyssinian-These cats are very elegant-looking, much like the cats portrayed in Egyptian sculptures. Abyssinia is the former name of Ethiopia. However, Abyssinian cats did not originate in Ethiopia. They got the name because the first cats of Abyssinian breed, which were exhibited in England, were from Abyssinia.
No matter what your choice of a cat breed is, make sure that your cat is healthy and that it has already been weaned. The ideal age to get a kitten is about 14 weeks, when their immune systems are already developed.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Playing with Your Cats
You may think that cats are very aloof, independent and likely untrainable to do some tricks, but think again. With the proper training habits and system, you will engage them in every fun activity you may like especially during playtime.
Kittens love to play as well as adult cats. But they want you to interact with them during playtime.
There are four games they love to play.
- wrestling with their co-felines or a toy;
- scooping fish in the floor or any toy will do;
- bird swat, and;
- prey pouncing.
You do not have to worry if your kittens wrestle with each other. It is definitely normal in their behavior and they are not likely to hurt each other. You can join the fun but see to it that you wear protective gloves.
Scooping a fish literally means finding an object on the floor. They will scoop it over their shoulders, turn it up side down and pounce it. Similarly, in prey pouncing, they would use an imaginary prey or you can make a toy for this game, and they will run and try to catch it. When they do, they pounce on it. Usually, it is their mother cat’s tail or your shoe or even another kitten.
Cats love to reach for dangling objects and toys. When they are successful in getting it, they smash it with one paw and finish off the prey. This is the bird swat game.
The difference in these games is that they are best with people’s interaction. Oftentimes, cat’s toys are free and you can readily make them but again, PARTICIPATION in the games is crucial.
Like in scooping a fish game, you can make your cat a toy with a feather string and a stick. You can enjoy watching your cat as he leaps for it. Once in a while let him get the thing so that he will not be easily bored.
Another good toy for cats is the classic crumpled paper. You can use it like a ball. Hide it behind your back, show it to your cat, and throw it. See how amazingly he will chase and tear it into pieces. Another handmade toy you can make for him is to cut up fuzzy pipe cleaner or make it into a ball and enjoy the same reaction from him as he chases and pounces on it it.
A popular toy that cats also enjoy is the grocery paper bag. You can do a lot of tricks to the bag and see how it can be fun.
Playing with your cats can be a totally hilarious and exciting experience.
Kittens love to play as well as adult cats. But they want you to interact with them during playtime.
There are four games they love to play.
- wrestling with their co-felines or a toy;
- scooping fish in the floor or any toy will do;
- bird swat, and;
- prey pouncing.
You do not have to worry if your kittens wrestle with each other. It is definitely normal in their behavior and they are not likely to hurt each other. You can join the fun but see to it that you wear protective gloves.
Scooping a fish literally means finding an object on the floor. They will scoop it over their shoulders, turn it up side down and pounce it. Similarly, in prey pouncing, they would use an imaginary prey or you can make a toy for this game, and they will run and try to catch it. When they do, they pounce on it. Usually, it is their mother cat’s tail or your shoe or even another kitten.
Cats love to reach for dangling objects and toys. When they are successful in getting it, they smash it with one paw and finish off the prey. This is the bird swat game.
The difference in these games is that they are best with people’s interaction. Oftentimes, cat’s toys are free and you can readily make them but again, PARTICIPATION in the games is crucial.
Like in scooping a fish game, you can make your cat a toy with a feather string and a stick. You can enjoy watching your cat as he leaps for it. Once in a while let him get the thing so that he will not be easily bored.
Another good toy for cats is the classic crumpled paper. You can use it like a ball. Hide it behind your back, show it to your cat, and throw it. See how amazingly he will chase and tear it into pieces. Another handmade toy you can make for him is to cut up fuzzy pipe cleaner or make it into a ball and enjoy the same reaction from him as he chases and pounces on it it.
A popular toy that cats also enjoy is the grocery paper bag. You can do a lot of tricks to the bag and see how it can be fun.
Playing with your cats can be a totally hilarious and exciting experience.
Repel Cats Safely and Easily
Cats in general are loveable creatures. However, it is possible that some of them get on the bad side of the household. Thus, it is necessary to address the situation when the cats are the problem.
Stray cats are actually the problem. Cats that do not have owners to train them have made the whole neighborhood their home. They ruin the garden. They mess up the trash can. Thus, one should seek for solutions that will keep the cats away. Repel them.
At the same time, repelling cats should be done in the most ‘humane’ way possible. There are several options to consider in keeping those mean cats away, easily and safely.
Cat Powder
Easy to apply to the garden, these cat powders appeal to the instincts of the cats. These contain the scent of a predator, usually a coyote. Cats recognize the territoriality of animals, thus having such scent in the house would keep them away.
One only has to sprinkle this in the desired area. The ones available in the market are usually not harmful to children and to the plants in the garden.
Sound Repellent
This creates sounds that are extremely annoying to a cat but remains undetected to humans.
Cat Scatmats
Some use the scatmats for the more stubborn ones. These are thin mats that can be situated on the floor, garden furniture or window sills. They are battery-charged. Any animal that would walk on it will receive an unpleasant shock. Cats are found to be sensitive to the mild shock, enough to discourage them from returning.
Water Sprayer
The market offers this very helpful repellent. It is connected to the garden hose and has a sensor for movements. Any unwarranted movement of a stray cat will result to a blast of water to fright the cats.
Liquid Repellent
It can be sprayed on any surface that cats may or constantly claw on. It has a terrible taste that would be noticed by the cat when it grooms itself. The cat will automatically avoid such locations.
Air Repellent
Some repellents use a blast of air to keep cats away. Cats will find this scary. The tools come with a distinct sound that will be helpful in scaring cats away.
Odor neutralizer
Cats often leave lingering scent trail on the garden that only attract more cats The odor neutralizer will use enzymes that will rid of the odor and bacteria. Just make sure that this is applied directly to the scent trail.
With these aids and tools at hand, the cat problem is resolved. These defenses are sure way to secure the household and get rid of the headache.
Stray cats are actually the problem. Cats that do not have owners to train them have made the whole neighborhood their home. They ruin the garden. They mess up the trash can. Thus, one should seek for solutions that will keep the cats away. Repel them.
At the same time, repelling cats should be done in the most ‘humane’ way possible. There are several options to consider in keeping those mean cats away, easily and safely.
Cat Powder
Easy to apply to the garden, these cat powders appeal to the instincts of the cats. These contain the scent of a predator, usually a coyote. Cats recognize the territoriality of animals, thus having such scent in the house would keep them away.
One only has to sprinkle this in the desired area. The ones available in the market are usually not harmful to children and to the plants in the garden.
Sound Repellent
This creates sounds that are extremely annoying to a cat but remains undetected to humans.
Cat Scatmats
Some use the scatmats for the more stubborn ones. These are thin mats that can be situated on the floor, garden furniture or window sills. They are battery-charged. Any animal that would walk on it will receive an unpleasant shock. Cats are found to be sensitive to the mild shock, enough to discourage them from returning.
Water Sprayer
The market offers this very helpful repellent. It is connected to the garden hose and has a sensor for movements. Any unwarranted movement of a stray cat will result to a blast of water to fright the cats.
Liquid Repellent
It can be sprayed on any surface that cats may or constantly claw on. It has a terrible taste that would be noticed by the cat when it grooms itself. The cat will automatically avoid such locations.
Air Repellent
Some repellents use a blast of air to keep cats away. Cats will find this scary. The tools come with a distinct sound that will be helpful in scaring cats away.
Odor neutralizer
Cats often leave lingering scent trail on the garden that only attract more cats The odor neutralizer will use enzymes that will rid of the odor and bacteria. Just make sure that this is applied directly to the scent trail.
With these aids and tools at hand, the cat problem is resolved. These defenses are sure way to secure the household and get rid of the headache.
Monday, May 1, 2006
Tuna for your cats
Pet food recipes
TUNA PATTIES
1 can tuna
1/2 cup boiled rice
1/4 cup pureed liver
2-3 sprigs parsley chopped
Drain the tuna and mix everything together. Make 6-7 balls and then pat them into patties. Store in the fridge and serve to your cat. This is one cat treat recipe that your feline friend won't be finicky about.
TUNA POPS
Drain liquid from tuna packed in spring water. Freeze liquid in small ice cube trays (cocktail ice cube trays work nicely, as well as little square pill boxes available at most drug stores - only fill these half full). Give no more than 2 cubes at 1 time as a treat. Reuse your can of drained tuna by placing in it an airtight container and covering with filtered water overnight for a second batch of tuna-pop water.
TUNA TREATS
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat, dry, powdered milk
1/2 can tuna, in oil
OR 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil OR cod liver oil
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup water
Catnip (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mash the tuna(or chicken)into smaller pieces. Then add flour and milk. Mix well. After all is mixed pour in water and oil. Mix well again. Now, beat egg in a separate dish until egg gets a foamy texture. Add to mix. Mix well. The dough mix will be sticky, so don’t worry. Using your fingers shape dough into small bite size balls, about the size of a marble. Put balls on greased cookie sheets. Flatten.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven wait five minutes and turn treats over so other side will cook. Bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown in color. Place treats on cookie rack to cool. Cool for 15 minutes.
Pet food recipes
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