What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thailand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

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The Bare Bones of Cat Ownership

Having any family pet is a big responsibility so you must know all the basic steps on how to care for it. So if you are interested in having a cat, you should know more about cat care. Owning a pet cat is not as easy as feeding it every day. Food is not the only thing a pet cat requires to stay healthy and happy. Just like you and me, cats also need some of their basic needs to be taken care of. Caring for cats is more than just the caring part, you need to know what to do and how to do it. As a conscientious cat owner, here are some things to be aware of.

Some people feed their family cats leftover foods or table scraps, but you should understand that those foods are cleaner. A combination of the two provides the right kind of nutritional food for your pet. It can be affordable if you make it part of the monthly household shopping budget.

Next, they need a home. You should make sure the immediate area will be safe and secure for your pet. Much like the way we take care to remove all potentially dangerous and threatening items from the home area when there is a child in the house. Of course, you'll require a good quality litter box for your cat. These can be very inexpensive or more pricey like the self cleaning type. Cats love toys to bring out their playful side, so you'll want a few of those. Then to further show you care, cozy cat beds are nice. Again, these run from very affordable to more expensive like in the temperature regulated heated cat beds.

Exactly like a baby, your cat needs to get regular check-ups with their veterinarian. It's also important to take them to the veterinarian to have them neutered or spayed unless you purposefully plan to breed. Felines require vaccinations from time to time, and the costs of such shots may vary. Cats also need annual check-ups with their vet. Scheduled veterinary visits, as well as emergency visits from sickness or injury can cost a pretty penny, so be prepared and keep emergency funds available. It's better to plan for the worst than to be regretful in the end. Cat care may seem like a piece of cake initially, but it is a full-time obligation to be a fully responsible cat owner. Before you dream of owning a pet, or actually getting one, please make sure you're able to care for it in every sense.

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Socializing Cats With Other Pets

Cats are very defensive and particular about their territory. They do not like other animals invading their homes. They do not like other animals like rats, dogs or birds etc disturbing them so if you have other pets at home then you need to make special arrangements so that they can stay together with the cat.

In case there is a dog at your home then the new kitten would be very scared of the dog, specifically if the kitten has not ever seen a dog or lived with dogs. You should introduce the kitty to dog slowly and eventually let your dog sniff your cat and then both the cat and dog will get to each others scent. After a span of one or two days you should keep the cat in the carrier from where it can smell and watch the dog from safe distance.

After a while when you think it's the right time to introduce two animals bring out the cat and let it meet with the dog. Never leave the animals alone unless you are strongly sure that they are not going to fight. While at times cats and dogs are happy to live together in the house, some may prefer to live in their own territorial boundaries within the house. You should be able to understand whether your cat and dog accept each other and prefer to live with each other or not.

In case you have other animals like birds, fishes, reptiles at home then you may not prefer to let your cat met them. As cats are hunters by nature they may consider your small bird, fish or guinea pig as a prey.

Your other pets may be scared and develop fear when it faces the cat. If your cats is allowed to move inside the rooms if your house where other pets also live then you should keep a check that the tanks and cages etc are strong and safe enough and that the cat cannot reach inside them.

Your feline pals are also worthy for the same kind of attention and respect like other people similar to your friends and members from family. They give us company and also enliven our moods whenever we feel low. They help us wake up when we are in deep sleep and also entertain us with their funny and loving gestures.

We should also take care of cats and nurture our association with them. Cats are independent in nature however some interaction with human everyday is really instrumental in showing them that we really care for them. A simple snuggle full of affection is far impacting. But it is important to know that your kitty may not want to be touched all the time, so it is better to leave it alone at that time.

Give your loving cat a fulsome feed but do not over-feed them. Consult a veterinarian for the most appropriate diet for your cat and do not prefer buying cat food which is cheap in quality. You should always provide your cat fresh and pure water to drink. It will be really angry is it does not have water to drink when it is thirsty. Imagine how would you feel when you want water and you are not able to drink it when thirsty? Now you must be aware why at times your kitty licks the spout.

It is important to clean litter regularly. In case you have more than one cat then it is insisted that you use a separate litter pan for each cat. It is OK that the cats may share one pan but some cats are really particular and they do not like sharing. In case you are using same pan, the litter must be clean for the kitty, otherwise there may be instances of vengeance in your cat's form of an accident.

Never tease or abuse your cat, this may annoy them. Enjoy the time playing with your cat but never be forceful.

Prashant T Verma is working as a Technical writer in one of the reputed I.T. companies. He has total 3 years of an experience in writing and has written articles on many different topics. Please visit http://www.prashant-t-verma.blogspot.com and http://www.articlefeeder.blogspot.com/ to find articles on different topics.

Ten Little Known Facts About Cats

While cats are counted as the most-owned pet in the U.S., dogs still receive more attention from their owners. This might be attributed to the fact that most people don't know very much about cats and thus, have no idea what kind of attention they need. Cats are regarded as aloof and independent and so, require less attention. Cats can take care of themselves in ways dogs cannot, but this does not mean they prefer to be left alone.

They need as much attention as dogs. Cats are emotionally sensitive and need companionship, too. If we ignore them, they learn to be aloof, but they'd rather be affectionate.

Cats can be trained to do many things, including walk on a leash, "speak," beg, sit, lie down, etc. It just takes different training methods and lots of patience.

The average lifespan is about 15 years, but it can be much longer with good care. A stray might manage to survive two years in harsh surroundings, but a well-cared-for pet cat can easily attain 20 years.

Fossil records have shown that cats have been around for more than 35 million years, without much change in their shape or behaviors.

As long as a space or an opening is not smaller than their heads, cats can squeeze through them, because their skeletal structure is narrow at the shoulders and the clavicle and shoulder blades (that give humans their wide shoulders) are very narrow and rotate easily. It is incorrect to say that cats do not have shoulder blades.

A cat's whiskers are essential equipment for analyzing their environment and can be moved in independent groups with the many tiny muscles that control them. They can detect the slightest air movements, which can help with hunting small prey. Blind cats hold them forward, using them much as a blind person uses a cane.

Their ears also are controlled by many more muscles than humans have. Cats can move their ears over 180 degrees using the 30 or so muscles they have, compared to only 6 for humans.

A cat's jaws move only up and down; there is no sideways movement. This means they cannot grind their food. They can only chomp down on it. This means that so-called dental treats or chew toys are ineffective, therefore, they need to have their teeth cleaned fairly regularly.

Allergies to cats involve a skin secretion called "sebum," rather than hair, saliva, fur or dander, as many believe. Thus, a hairless cat is not really hypoallergenic, and those breeds require frequent bathing to control it. They also require more skin care for protection, since hairlessness is not natural.

Cats have better hearing than dogs. Humans can hear up to 20 kilohertz, cats are at about 65 KHz, and dogs are somewhere in between, depending on breed and health.

Other interesting physical traits include excellent eyesight, especially at night, due to the reflective membrane called the tapetum; they can run up to 30 miles per hour, and like humans, cats go through a set of baby teeth before the permanent ones grow in at about 6 months old. Even more interesting cat traits are explained at my articles page where many more topics are discussed as well. Keep track of Ms. Kitty, the Cat Lady, at her blog

What You Need to Know About Feeding and Caring For Your Older Cat

How old is your cat? For the first seven or so years, he goes from kitten hood through puberty to adult cat, but you may not realise that there are two age ranges in the older life stages of your cat. From ages 7 to 11 years old he is considered to be mature and over the age of 11, he is considered to be a senior citizen! This means that assuming your cat lives to a reasonable age, many of his years are spent in old age.

Cats as a species have been around for thousands of years and they are still one of America's most popular pets. It's true to say that nowadays cats live longer, barring accidents, because of advances in veterinary care, the fact that they are now fed better and their owners now know more about how to take care of them. It's not surprising that all of this has helped to increase their lifespan.

However studies have shown that older cats, from the age of 11, can struggle with weight issues. They can become obese due to their reduced activity. They are more likely to adopt a sedentary lifestyle in their later years and sleep more during the day. They no longer need to go out hunting for food and their eyesight and sense of smell may be reduced. Their digestive system is no longer efficient and as their metabolic rate slows down, body fat tends to stay in place.

Dr. Arnold Plotnick has developed a Senior Wellness Program especially for the needs of older cats at his Manhattan Cat Specialist clinic in New York City. He says that one of the most important goals when you feed your older cat is to maintain his ideal weight and to keep that weight stable.

Many cat food manufacturers have caught on to the fact that older cats have special nutritional needs. For example, Purina Pro Plan has improved and re-launched its entire range of food for older cats.

Feeding Your Older Cat

On the other hand, some older cats can suffer from weight loss! You may find that as your cat's sense of smell and taste start to diminish food is less interesting to them. Also as their digestive system slows down they find it much more difficult to digest and efficiently metabolise the food which they do eat. This can result in the cat eliminating food which it needs to stay on top form. In turn, this leads to a lack of energy which causes a drop in the amount of muscle and body fat on the animal. If this is not treated, your cat will lose condition and be more prone to disease.

One more cause for concern as your cat gets older is that there is a gradual decline in his ability to recover from illness or disease. He is likely to be prone to being affected by stresses in his immediate environment and become less able to fight off illnesses as when he was younger.

After ensuring a proper diet, the most important thing you can for your cat is to see that his weight remains stable. If he is sleeping lot more during the day, then feed him less. Pay attention to the amount he eats, his mood, which will be shown by his grooming habits and his general behaviour, and his toilet habits. If you notice anything that is a cause for concern then contact your veterinarian. It is probably best to let your cat see the veterinarian twice a year in any case. Follow these guidelines, and your cat will live longer and continue to give you years of company and enjoyment.

Pat has been writing articles for blogs and article directories for several years now and specializes in diet, health and fitness, finance, home decor, cooking and pet care. His most recent site is about bottled water brands, including tap vs (versus) bottled water, and bottled water ratings.

Cat Illnesses Symptoms - What You Should Know

A pet cat can provide a lot of love and companionship, and can be a friend beyond measure. However, they need to be taken to the vet whenever they display any cat illnesses or cat illness symptoms. They too need a lot of love and care, and when a cat lives in a domestic setup, they often need human intervention in their healthcare, for they too fall prey to cat illnesses.

To understand and provide the required cat healthcare, it is important to get to know your pet kitty well, and that is best realized by observing your cat closely. Cats often do weird things, but there are some signs which imply that they need medical attention urgently. If you care for the health of your cat, you need to be able to recognize these symptoms.

If your pet visits his or her litter box often and tries to urinate but cannot, they may have a urinary tract infection. This is a serious condition and these may be caused by either bacterial or crystalline irritants and the 'sand' caused by these irritants are quite harmful for cats, especially male ones.

These sand crystals may pass through the feline urethra and can cause severe irritation and in extreme cases, urethral spasms. If these somehow manage to lodge themselves at the tip of the cat's penis, then it may prevent the cat from passing urine in a normal manner.

If the cat is unable to pass urine, then it will need to be taken to the vet in order to be unblocked. If they are not unblocked in a timely manner, then it might lead to severe kidney damage or even lead to the bladder bursting. These conditions may lead to the death of your cat. To prevent these, you can put your cat on a specialized diet, which has a lower magnesium and phosphorus content. Any such diet changes must always be cleared with your vet first, after a full physical exam.

There may be many kinds of cat illness symptoms, but a single symptom, by itself is rarely the case. As any body who keeps cats will tell you, cats vomit every now and then. This is usually to rid them of a hairball. But if vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, it usually means a serious problem, and you should immediately take your cat to a vet. Similarly, if your cat refuses its food, then it might be a matter of serious concern, unless it is resolved by trying a different flavor of cat food.

Cats, may at times be feverish, and then they might need veterinary attention. For a cat , the normal temperature is 101.5°F. If the temperature crosses 102.5°F, then it is a matter of serious concern. A cat's temperature is most accurately measured from its anus, though your cat may not appreciate its temperature taken in that manner.

The best way to take care of your cat is to look out for any strange symptoms and immediately take it to a vet. Taking your cat to the vet for a check up should be done as soon as possible and on regular intervals for checkups. Here are a few common cat illness symptoms to look out for:

o Vomiting

o Abnormal urination

o Diarrhea

o Eye discharge

o Ear discharge

o Fever

o Skin problems

o Sneezing

o Lack of appetite

o Constipation

o Hair loss

o Coughing

o Excessive thirst

o Depression

So, if your kitty shows any of these cat illness symptoms, then do not hesitate to take her to the vet as soon as possible.

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New Book Helps Worried Owners Of A Pregnant Cat

'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what to do!' Not a day goes by without someone posting this message to an Internet forum.

Worried cat owners will know what to do if they read How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat. This new publication is one of the first English-language books in many years exclusively on cat pregnancy.

The author, journalist and long-time cat lover Marc de Jong, is the owner of Cat Pregnancy Report. This web site started in August 2004 and quickly established itself as a very popular site.

'Before I started my site, it was quite difficult to find a comprehensive guide on the Net about pregnancy in cats', says de Jong. 'Many cat sites and forums tell owners only to spay their cat and almost flame people to death if they say their cat got pregnant. Of course they are right when they say there's an overpopulation of cats. However, it's also a fact that millions of cats do get pregnant unplanned. If you don't tell their owners what to do and what to expect, you can endanger the life of these cats.'

Marc de Jong received dozens of e-mails from worried cat owners since he started his site. 'Questions were often so detailed that I had to do a lot of research to answer them. The information I gathered was so valuable that I wanted to share it with all cat lovers.'

Instead of adding it to his already very informative web site, he decided to publish a book. 'Web sites have limitations', de Jong says. 'People tend to scan pages and miss half of the text. They are constantly persuaded to click through to another site. Also, printing a page isn't always easy. And if you have a dial-up account, then the more you read, the more money you pay.'

To give cat owners immediate access to his book he turned How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat into an e-book, a digital publication downloadable from his web site. He added extra value by interviewing award-winning breeders and veterinarians specialized in cats. Their insider tips are all in the book.

How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat covers almost every subject related to pregnancy in cats. Heat cycles, mating, signs of cat pregnancy, food, care, birth, raising kittens ... it's all there.

'The first response from readers is very good', says the author. 'There's no doubt the book is a great help for owners of a pregnant cat.'

Click for more information: http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com

How To Adopt A Shelter Cat - Your New Cat Will Thank You For Reading This Article

If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter or humane society. The animals have been carefully screened for adoptability and have usually been worked with to enhance sociability.

Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" animals wind up in shelters. Actually, the opposite is true. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.

If there is no indication of 'reason for surrender' on the cage at the shelter ask - a cat that has been given up because of bad behaviour may not be the best choice - no matter how cute she is.

Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be well-cared for and placed in an excellent home.

Shelter staff carefully evaluates each animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle so they can make the perfect match.

Your first contact with a shelter cat will probably be when she is in her cage. Don't be put off if she ignores you completely. Keep in mind that many new people pass by her cage each day, and she has to cope with all the noise and stress that accompanies that. A shelter worker can arrange for you to meet the cat in a quiet room. Again, she may not pay much attention to you, but watch how she acts towards the staff person. This is who she is more comfortable with. While you observe the cat, talk with the staff member and learn all you can about the cat's likes and dislikes.

Take a cat carrier with you to the shelter - much easier than having your new cat running around the car as you take her home.

Bringing your newly adopted cat home is exciting for you, and a little overwhelming for her. Have things prepared before you pick her up from the shelter. This includes having small area for her to call her own. A bathroom or extra bedroom works well. Furnish it with a bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, toys and a litter box. Spend some time with her in the room with the door closed. She may totally ignore you while she explores her new surroundings. Keep her confined to this room until she seems relaxed in your presence. Then you can allow her to roam the rest of your home.

Some cats take longer than others to adjust to new situations. Your cat has gone from a home to a noisy shelter to another new home. Change is stressful for cats. You can help her adjust more quickly by establishing set routines. Begin feeding, grooming and playing with her at the same times each day, and she'll feel at home much sooner.

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Cats and Kittens and the Bad Bugs That They Can Give You If You Do Not Vaccinate Or Deworm

We all love our Cats and want the best for our pets, sometimes even debating over decisions to vaccinate or not. Outdoor cats are most susceptible to a variety of diseases, disorders, and parasites, some of which can even affect humans. If your cat is kept indoors and does not mingle with other cats, than it becomes a personal decision as to vaccinating. If allowed to go outdoors, even occasionally, than it is highly recommended that your cat be vaccinated against some of the most widespread and significant viral disease to which cats are most susceptible to such as: Feline distemper, upper respiratory infections, and rabies.

When vaccinating Kittens, they should be at least 8 to 12 weeks old and free of parasites. It is best to deworm the cat and/or kittens approximately two weeks before immunization. You can have the feces analyzed to be sure that parasites are not present but this can cost in addition to the deworming costs. Or you can assume that worms maybe there and just do prevention. Remember to avoid contact with other pets that may not have been immunized as the vaccination is not effective until about a week later. A second dose maybe required to be effective and provide the protection. Some Vaccinations also require annual boosters or a booster every several years.

Examples of some of the Cat parasites that affect humans are fleas, ticks, mites, lice and maggots which are the major external parasites that you want to check for regularly and treat if present. Some of these pests transmit diseases and lay eggs on the animal so repeat treatments are required. Scratching is often a clue. Check ears often for ear mites!

The major concerns to humans and particularly children are Internal parasites which include a variety of worms (round, hook, whip, thread, tape) and single-celled organisms that you can not detect until they have taken their toll on your pet or worse yet have transferred to people such as the dreaded "pin worms". If you have other pets such as dogs, remember that your dog maybe the carrier and pass on "bugs" to your indoor cats.

Most dangerous to pregnant women, is the Protozoa Toxoplasma Gondaii, found in cat feces. This organism can affect the unborn child and may even cause miscarriage. It is best that pregnant women do not clean the cats' litter tray and/or take precautions and ensure that regular deworming is scheduled for their cats. There are many "automated" kitty waste systems which pregnant cat owners should consider investing in if the chores of cleaning the cat litter tray is their sole responsibility.

Like us, every part of the cats' body can be affected by some diseases and health problems, mouth and teeth by stomatitis, respiratory ailments, eye disorders like conjunctivitis, ear disorders, kidney disease, the circulatory system by anemia, heartworm and leukemia.

Pay attention to your pets health and be especially concern if your cat should vomits, collapses, has diarrhea, trouble breathing, bleeding or has dilated pupils. Loss of appetite is usually not serious unless it lasts for more than 24 hours. Watch your Cat for subtle signs of disease, listlessness, sneezing, coughing, closed eyelids, cloudy eyes, mouth odor, limping, pain, constipation, frequent urination or straining to urinate, and discharges from eyes, ears or nose. Also watch for changes in their regular habits such as sleeping more, soreness, irritable etc. Usually, the Cat will tell us something is wrong before the problem becomes critical. A trip to the Vet Clinic maybe required to confirm any issues.

Your Cats will start to show signs of old age around 10 years of age, which translates to about 60 years in a cats' life. The average lifespan for a cat is 15 years. Even if they cannot live nine lives (although some seem to), they can live a long, healthy life when given consistent, responsible care.

Taking care of your Cats' health is much the same as you do for yourself. Pay attention, prevent what you can and if you suspect something, get it check out.

I especially love animals but Cats "pawsitively" have enriched my life. As responsible pet owners we strive to learn as much about the animals whoms well being and lives are dependent on us. Please click on the links to my sites if you are looking for more information seeking everyday general cat and kitten information such as care, training, health and behavioral problems as well as interesting cat facts or looking for information and recommendations on various supplies and products for Cats and of course Cat Lovers.

Most Common Misconceptions About Cats

Cats are as common as dogs, but somehow there are a lot of people who dislike cats more than they do dogs, but when asked why, their reply would be, oh, I just hate them, no particular reason. Why is it that some people dislike cats? Are they misinformed? Do they have misconceptions about the furry felines? Given a chance to change their opinions on cats, it is certain that they will find these animals just enjoyable as dogs as pets.

Since cats and dogs are the most common house pets, they are frequently compared and judged. Through these constant comparisons, misconceptions about cats are formed, and people will realize some not-so-attractive qualities about cats. But a cat shouldn't be compared with a dog, as a dog is an affectionate animal, and requires constant love and attention, whereas a cat has a more independent character. That would be appealing to some people who prefer a pet which isn't so demanding.

Let us now rid ourselves of the misconceptions we might have towards cats. Here are two examples which you may find familiar.

"Cats are cold towards people and have no personality."

Yes, compared to dogs, cats are a lot less affectionate. They do not run to you with wagging tails when you come home from work to greet you, and in fact, they may even seem indifferent towards you. Therefore cats are misunderstood as being cold and would not make a great pet. But cats are very loving creatures; it is just that they have selected moments when they want to be affectionate, and it is not all the time that they want to be friendly.

Don't misunderstand your cat's rubbing and nestling up your leg as a sign that it's hungry and wants food or treats. Just because they are not as affectionate as dogs does not mean that they do not appreciate some warmth and affection from their masters. Cats are more quiet creatures, and they rather chill on your lap, table areas or smuggle up next to you when they want to get some rest.

"Cats are able to handle themselves and do not need human contact"

Here is another false impression about cats which is not totally true. There may be more stray cats than dogs in your neighborhood, but it does not mean that your pet cat since birth will want to wander into the real world and take care of itself

Cats are easy to maintain, and they take care of themselves well, as we all already know. A cat, however, if well taken care of with a lot of love will be affectionate towards its master, and will want some contact with them. These are probably the most appreciated qualities about cats- low maintenance, compared to any other pets out there. See below for more information on Siamese Cats.

For more information on Misconceptions about Cats [http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/2-common-misconceptions-about-cats/] or visit [http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/2-common-misconceptions-about-cats/], a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

Dealing With Cat Hairballs

Imagine this wonderful scenario. There you are, happily petting your cat. The sun is warm and the breeze is gentle. You are sitting on your lawn on the most picturesque of days. Your cat is happily purring in your lap as you sit there listening to the breeze and the low rumbling purr that your cat is making as you both enjoy this magnificent day.

Then it happens. First it begins as a small convulsion. Your cat seems to be coughing as if something has flown down its throat. Soon the picturesque moment has changed to one of grave concern. Your cat begins making very strange noises. He appears to be heaving and seemingly about to go into a seizure. Coughing and sneezing noises are then seen and heard. Moments later, your cat gives birth to something that has been inside it for quite some time: a hairball.

Hairballs are a common problem with most cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat.

The cleaning process is a grooming process that is designed to pull the loose hair from its shiny coat. A cat is able to do this because its tongue is not like ours. It actually has many tiny barbs that enable it to pull the loose hair from its coat. This hair is ingested by the cat in small quantities over time and normally will pass through the cat's digestive system with absolutely no problems whatsoever.

Unfortunately, if a cat is too meticulous with its cleaning, or if it has gotten into "hairy" situations that have created multiple knots in its coat, the amount of ingested hair will create a very easy situation that will allow the hairball to be born.

Hairballs are not inherently bad for the cat, unless they are excessively large or it is a reoccurring problem that seems to have nothing to do with regular grooming. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your cat does not get hairballs is to do a regular brushing of your cat. This is especially helpful for a cat that has long hair. The longer the hair, the more easily the hair can become in tangled and create hairballs within your cat.

If you are unable to brush your cat, another helpful tip would be to use a small amount of Vaseline and place it on the paw of your cat. Instinctively, the cat will want to lick the Vaseline off of its paw and in doing so will ingest the Vaseline. The Vaseline will act as a laxative and help your cat pass the hair more readily through its intestinal system. This is not something that should be regularly done because it may not be healthy for your cat to ingest Vaseline on a regular basis.

Another solution is to take your cat to a veterinarian to get specific laxatives that are designed to help your cat pass hair and hairballs through its digestive tract more easily. You most certainly would want to take your cat to a veterinarian if the hairball problem is occurring frequently. The reason is that it may not be a hairball problem at all but a stomach disorder that needs to be examined by the vet. A common cause for cats vomiting could be as simple as a food allergy.

Caring for your cat does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming event. Most cats can take care of themselves without the need for human intervention for anything other than food, water, and occasional attention. Taking just a few moments a week to make sure that your cat is properly brushed so that excess hair does not have to be ingested by your cat is one of the easiest ways to ensure the health and safety of your cat by preventing excessive hairball development.

Nick Bulka operates a number of pet-related sites, including Dog Training Instruction and The Cat Tree Store

Pet Care - Health and Nutrition Basics

People who own dogs and cats for pets will identify with the fact that they are more like children and need a lot of attention. Taking care of your pets is of utmost importance. Most pedigrees require a lot of care and attention. This makes a good know how of the methods of pet care and nutrition indispensable. There are various ways to ensure great health for your pets through wholesome nutrition and healthy habits.

Preparing For a New Arrival

So, a little puppy or a kitten will soon be arriving? These little ones are up and about within a few days and will try and turn everything in their reach, upside down. What you need is an effective solution to make your home kitten proof or puppy proof. Try to get soft balls, stuffed toys and other little playthings to keep them busy.

Feeding your Pets

Dog Nutrition is no rocket science but they need to be fed according to their ages. Specially formulated food is available in the market for dogs of all ages. You can also make great homemade food for your pets. Start adding adult food to your puppy's' diet only after six months.

Nutrition for cats is a little complex. Homemade diets may not always suit their needs. Cats belong to the family of carnivores and will want specialized diets to enable them to live longer and healthier. Good cat diets are available in the market which comprise of all the raw materials that your kitty may need. Use cat food that comes with trusted seals of approval.

Other Aspects of Dog and Cat Health: - Pets are not ornamental pieces of furniture but living beings just like us. They need to be constantly petted and cuddled. You need to interact with your pets and train them to develop some basic habits of eating and bathing. You need to shower praises on them for their good behavior and not pay attention to the bad.

Health Care and Medication

Both dogs as well as cats need regular medical attention. On way to ensure their health and keep them away from diseases is to make regular trips to the vet. Go online to any pet health website and take a look at all the diseases and their symptoms. A few diseases and minor illnesses that your doggie may suffer from are asthma, arthritis, flu, constipation, deafness, dental disorders, diarrhea, ticks and ear mites etc. Some prominent feline diseases are cat scratch fever, cherry eye, Cushing's disease, deafness, seizures, skin allergies and ringworm.

Some of these diseases are treatable and some are not. You will need to consult your vet regularly. The process of healing will sometimes take considerable time, so you will need to be patient.

In addition to all that has been mentioned above, you will need regular updates on Dog and Cat Nutrition techniques, thus subscribing to a pet care magazine is highly recommended.

For any help on Cat health check out the info available online, these will help you learn to find the Dog health an instant go!

Feline Diabetes - How to Care For Your Cat With Diabetes

Cat owners whose pets are diagnosed with diabetes are usually afraid of what may happen. But then again, it is possible for your cat to live long and happily, even with this disease. Your pet only needs dedication and care throughout the ordeal. Diabetes might still be an incurable disease these days, but it can certainly be managed.

First and foremost, your cat needs consistent medical attention. Once you're sure that your cat is suffering from this disease, regular visits to the vet become mandatory. The purpose of these checkups is to check the sugar level in your pet's blood. It also ensures that your cat is getting the insulin that it needs. The vet would draw a blood sample from your pet and test it. Don't feed your cat for 12 hours prior to the checkup. Bring your pet to the veterinarian every 3 months for disease monitoring.

Second, know that from here on, your cat will need the hormone insulin. Your cat would require insulin shots twice daily. The right dosage will be determined by the vet. This is the primary medication for your pet. Make it a habit to give the shots at a certain time of the day to make it a routine for your pet. Usually, insulin is given twelve hours after the first dosage of the day.

The vet would show you how to inject your cat with insulin so you don't have to bring it there all the time. Insulin is usually administered between the shoulder blades of cats. Don't worry. In due time, your cat would get used to the slight pain caused by the needle. If you do it right, your cat might even be the one to remind you that it needs its shot for the day. This is the reason why it is important to give your pet insulin during the same time every single day.

Third, it is your responsibility to have a stock of all of the things you need. Your cat needs its shot every day, no excuses. Therefore, you should always see to it that you have adequate alcohol, syringe, and of course, insulin inside the medicine drawer. Order supplies before they run out. Give allowances because the vet may also lose stocks of them. The same goes true for supplements that the vet prescribed for your pet. Make sure that your pet receives all the medicine it needs all the time. Keep important numbers handy in case of emergency cases.

While a lot of people think that diabetes in cats is the end of their pet's world, it isn't really. In fact, you don't have to spend a lot of money to take care of your sick pet. Insulin costs around $85 per vial but that's already equivalent to 2 months' supply. Syringes in boxes of 100 are a mere $30 and those are something you can use for 50 days. Make sure that you use a fresh syringe for every shot. You may have to change your cat's food and add some supplements to the list. But those won't make too much of a dent to your budget either. Your diabetic cat needs all the love and patience you can offer. If you ensure your pet of that, then it can stay with you happily for quite some time.

Article written and provided by DiabetesInDogs.Net - canine diabetes.

How To Identify and Stop Cats From Spraying Urine In The House

Do you feel like correcting this spraying problem is a losing battle? Do you wish you had a bird, dog, or ferret? After going on the internet and trying suggestions do you still have a cat spraying in the house? Don't feel alone because any of us who had a feline spraying has said yes to the above questions. There is no easy or quick remedy for this problem.

If the cat has a physiological (organic) problem then the veterinarian can usually take care of this and you are one of the lucky few. The rest of us are dealing with psychological issues which are more complex and difficult to fix. Usually the organic issues are corrected by treating the urinary infections with antibiotics or performing sterilization to stop the problem. On rare occasion, (and I own one), the cat will continue to spray after being fixed.

Here is a list of tips that will help in dealing with a cat that is having psychological problems.

· Spend at least a half hour a day playing, massaging, combing, and petting your cat. If your cat is spraying personal items then it is likely upset with you about something. I like to split up the contact to several times a day but do what you can to have some quality time with your cat.

· If the cat is fixed and is marking randomly on walls, doors, speakers and furniture then it is likely upset about others things. Such as other pets in the house, litter box maintenance, change in routine, change in furniture, changes in access to rooms, and even issues with having company for a week or two. Cats are strange about change, they do not embrace change, and will fight it tooth and claw.

· If the cat is marking windows, glass doors, or screen doors this is likely due to another animal on the property. This is occurs regularly with indoor cats who get excited about other animals potentially invading their territory. An indoor/outdoor cat will likely put up a confrontation first and if they lose, this could create anxiety and they start spraying doors and windows.

· If the cat looks like it is trying to pee in the litter box but nothing happens and shortly later you find a puddle elsewhere this is an organic problem and the veterinarian needs to exam your cat.

Here is a list of tips you need to get started on when you first notice the cat is spraying inside the house.

· Purchase a strong (100 watt or more) portable black light. Ultraviolet light will make urine and most other organic things fluoresce and be visible. The house should be dark for the black light to work. Since the lights are off use coins or painters tape to mark the locations. Go everywhere and in every room including above cabinets and counters and accessible entertainment centers. Don't forget the garage if your cat has access there.

· Pre-rinse all locations with water and a rag. Apply 50/50 water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, (you can use this for pre-rinse as well and wash twice). After drying off you can spray with enzyme active washes such as "Natures Miracle". Try the vinegar first and the enzymes as a last resort. Carpet should be cleaned with the vinegar and add baking soda last to the damp area and let air dry before vacuuming.

The goal is to have a clean house free of cat urine because cats tend to spray areas that are previously marked when the scent starts to fade. So getting your house in clean order is a start.

· This tip I receive the most complaints and arguments about because so far you have cleaned the house. The litter box duty has improved and you are spending quality time with your cat but you still have to show authority to get a behavior change. If kitty is still spraying then you must catch it "in the act" of spraying. This means spending a weekend or so following a cat which is not the most exciting or productive thing to do, but necessary to start a change in behavior. You need to catch the cat in the act of spraying. I like to clap very loud and use a water spray bottle as effective means to change their behavior.

Letting your cat know that you are not pleased with their spraying is a must. What you should be careful of is no physical violence or extreme yelling. The last thing you want to do is create a condition where the cat now has anxiety about you. If possible when you spray the cat with water do quickly hide the bottle so it is not certain that you did it. Often a loud clap works because the cat is not sure what makes that noise.

Most people would abandon or have their cat put down because of emotional spraying. This is not a simple problem to take care of and you need to be very strong and determined to change your cat's behavior. To those brave souls who are willing to take up the challenge I commend you. Most folks don't bother.

I have been a pet owner all of my life and for the last thirty years my wife and I have raised over a dozen cats. My website http://tipsaboutcats.com is your information source for "all about cats" their disposition and health. The blogs cover the basics of making your own cat toys and condos. The website also has many links, books and cat products in the blogs and the store. I also offer a condensed version of the blog posts in a mini e-book that can be found on the offer page at http://tipsaboutcats.com/offer/. There are two expert interviews in the blog pages that are must reads because they will answer most of your questions and concerns about cat health and diet that is best for your cat. Also please visit me on Facebook and Twitter.

Cat Behavior - Can Your Cat's Boredom Lead to Illness?

Imagine being a cat sitting home all day with the curtains closed with nothing to do and no one to interact with. If you lived in the wild your natural cat behavior would lead you to watch birds and bugs, roam, chase, jump, hide, pounce and spend half a day happily looking for a mouse to eat. You also could defend your territory and flex your muscles. However, indoor cats who do not get exercise, stimulation and wholesome food can suffer. Their boredom can lead to depression or illness.

Watch for Signs of Boredom

If your cat's behavior is not what you hoped it would be, it might be because he or she is bored or lonely. Here are some common cat behavior signs you may notice.

1. Moving small items or objects of clothing around the house while you are gone.

2. Pulling out clumps of its hair or obsessively over-grooming.

3. Knocking things off counter tops.

4. Spraying or squatting to mark territory with deposits of urine or stool.

5. Expressing with excessive vocalization, most likely to let you know its bored or lonely.

6. Displaying aggressive behavior or acting out, especially when you leave.

7. Overeating when there is nothing else to do that feels comforting.

Boredom and Depression Can Be Serious

Boredom can lead to depression in cats. If let go for too long, it can also lead to illness and other cat health challenges. Lack of exercise and stimulation can lead to unhappiness, weak muscles, a sluggish immune system and eventually depression or adrenal stress and disease. In fact, cat behavior related issues are also reportedly the most common reason for euthanasia and abandonment of otherwise healthy animals. Do NOT let your cat be put away or become bored!

Try these Healthy Cat Behavior Solutions

If you have only one cat, consider getting your cat a feline companion. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by ARM & HAMMER Multi-Cat Strength Cat Litter, animal experts now agree that cats are by nature social--not solitary--animals. When asked, more than 8 out of 10 vets agree that cats DO NOT prefer to be left alone. (It's almost as easy to take care of two cats as one.)
Offer to play with your cat around the same time every day. Cats love routine. Buy or make toys that simulate hunting, chasing, pouncing, jumping and hiding fun. Spend 20-30 minutes playing once or twice a day with your cats.
Establish some regular grooming time several days a week. Keep some brushes, combs and slickers handy. A good time to do this is after your cat has played and used up some its frustrated energy because they are ready to be mellow and cuddle up.
Before you leave your home every day, hide some favorite toys and treats. Rotate their favorite toys to different spots every day. Get a plastic whiffle ball and put in some healthy treats that take a little work to come out the slots. This provides exercise and challenge and the good cat behavior reward is welcome.
Give your cat some freedom to roam. Minimize confinement as much as possible. If you do not already have one, get a climbing tree or tower. Vertical space is as important to cat health as horizontal space for exercise and dexterity. You might also want to get a cat harness and leash and take your cat outdoors to explore, get some fresh air and sunshine.
Make a comfy place near a window. Cats love to look out windows and watch birds, bugs and any number of interesting things. If you can put up a bird feeder outside a window, where the birds will be safe and your cat can observe, it will provide hours of entertainment, mental stimulation and emotional satisfaction for your cat.
Give your cat a scratcher. This gives them a place to remove old nail sheaths plus it lets them exercise and tone their muscles to stay strong. Scratching also relieves stress, frustration and boredom or helps them "warm up" for some playful romping. But best of all, it gives them an appropriate way to mark their territory with the pads on their paws. (This is much better than inappropriate spraying or other marking or furniture damage!)
Most important of all, feed your cat high quality food with real meat, NOT meat by-products. It may cost more but it can can help prevent disease and promote better health so it will save you in the long run. Besides, cats will eat less and get better nutrition. Do all these things and your cat's health and behavior will transform to being calmer and happier. In all likelihood, you will both develop a closer bond, too.

SOURCES: Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, MSc, DACVB (a leading veterinary behaviorist and author) plus the experts at ARM & HAMMER Multi-Cat Strength Litter, who commissioned a CAT-PANION Crusade Study.

Researcher and writer Marika Ray at Natural Cat Lovers makes it easy and fast to learn nature's simple healing secrets from top veterinarians and cat experts. Claim a free lifetime subscription to 3-minute tips about natural cat health care [http://www.naturalcatlovers.com/pages/sign-up.html] and cat behavior solutions. You have permission to post this article, just include the author's name & link.

Questions to Ask Siamese Cat Breeders

Siamese cats are a wonderful breed to have in your home: They're great with children, don't typically scratch people or furniture, aren't known for chewing electrical cords or other household items and are a beautiful animal to showcase to your friends and guests. When making the decision to purchase one, you need to ask different Siamese cat breeders a few questions, to make sure you're making a good investments, rather than buying problems for yourself.

1. Ask for references. Most people don't buy an exotic breed of animal, without research and your best research hear will be to ask Siamese cat breeders for references from past and current customers. If the breeder seems put off by your request, or needs time to get them together -- be wary. Most breeders will be ready for the request and will have a list readily available for you, and other potential customers.

2. Ask to see the cat's certification and/or the parent's certification. Most health problems are hereditary and if Siamese cat breeders don't have the paperwork to prove the cat's family history: You may be looking at expensive health complications in the future.

3. Ask about guarantees. A quality breeder, who cares about their reputation will offer you a guarantee that the cat will be free of hereditary illnesses. Considering that you're paying well for a special breed of feline, rather than picking one up at the animal shelter -- a guarantee should be a must unless you're receiving a considerable discount.

4. Ask about what treatments that the cat has had. All kittens need to be de-wormed and receive their scheduled vaccinations. Any good Siamese cat breeders will already be ahead of the required vaccination schedules.

5. Ask about recommendations for taking care of your new cat. A knowledgeable breeder will be able to quickly educate you on how to care for your cat and will offer themselves as a resource for information throughout the course of your cat's life.

Find out more on Siamese cat breeders and read many interesting articles on pet health care.

Training - Cat and Kitten Training

To own a family pet is taking on extra responsibility and you must have some fundamental knowledge about its grooming and other needs. This goes for every animal so if you are favoring the feline types, you must know all about cat care. Possessing a pet cat is not as plain as bring one stray cat home and feeding it regularly. If you think that food is the single thing you have to supply for your cat, you are very wrong.

Responsible Ownership

Just like humans cats too have some base needs to be fulfilled which would keep them merrily purring and you have to work hard to get these organized. Caring for cats is more than just caring as you got to know what to do and how to do it. As a conscientious cat owner, here are some things to look out for.

Food Requirement

You might know some people who simply throw left over foods to their cats, but think you and I could not have it. This is not adequate for the family cats so it is time to look at the local pet shop for provisions. Consider what might be the best cat food that you can afford and that almost all cat owners would also recommend. Normally the cat food costs between and per month to Purchase the right kind of nutritional food for your pet. This can easily fit into your monthly family budget if you slow down your movie going outlay or cut out that smoking habit. This can ensure the right measure of food for your cat.

A roof over their heads

Ensure that the environment is safe for the animal, if the cat stops with you. Much like the way we take care to remove all dangerous and hazardous things from the area, when we have a child in the house. You also have to supply a litter box for your pet and the price for this varies from to about 0 for the superb choice litter tray. Keep the cat shelter warm and this adds to your caring list.

How to keep them healthy

Just like any child, your cat needs to be checked on a regular basis by a veterinarian and you also need to take him to the veterinarian for getting spayed or neutering as the process is also called. There are also core inoculations that they have to be given but each vaccine will differ in cost so you have to save up for them individually. To avoid any trouble, ask your veterinarian how much the next vaccination would cost and save up for it, plus, your cat would need an annual examination from the vet.

It makes sense if you save some money for any emergency need like the cat falling sick suddenly or a mishap on the road where the cat is involved. It is better to be prepared for the worst than to be sorry in the end. Cat care may be easy to say but definitely hard to do if you are not prepared for the responsibilities it involves so before you dream of being a care giver to a pet, think hard about it and check your wallet.

To get a step by step blueprint for how to train your cat to behave the way you want, take a look at getting the Complete Cat Training guide, I have personally used this guide to learn all the stuff I now know about training my cats to be well mannered and behaved. Why wait to find out the hard way like I did with my cats, see how to do it the easy way.

This article maybe used freely by others, as long as they keep the resource box as is.

The Well Behaved Cat

Cats make wonderful pets, just ask any cat owner, especially if they are well behaved. A cat with behavior problems is usually an unhappy cat. As someone who has been owned by a half-dozen of these animals over the years, I am savvy about their care and feeding, their need for companionship, and their need to be left alone at times. More than most animals, cats are creatures of habit. Thus they will notice any lack of attention and act in ways guaranteed to get a response from you.

The most important thing you should ask yourself before you decide to get one is whether or not you have the patience, time and disposition for it. Are you a cat person? Do you want a house or outdoor cat? If you live where your cat can be outdoors during the day that is a different consideration than if you live in an apartment and he runs out every time you open the door. Are you getting the cat because your child wants a one? Your child may be wonderful with the cat, but most kids soon tire of taking care of animals. These are the things you should think about before choosing to get one since these are areas where behavioral problems often begin.

Those who have no familiarity with the cat family believe the old saw that felines are solitary critters who do not need affection or friendship. Quite the contrary, most are affectionate, friendly, and, yes, loyal. Though they may not be lap-sitters, even the most seemingly aloof will often sit quietly near or beside their owners.

One of the most troublesome tasks when living with a cat, is keeping them amused. They are naturally inquisitive, and if kept as house pets, can become destructive out of boredom. To counter this, you must get your cat some toys so he can amuse himself and use up some energy playing and stalking. They love squeaky toys, scratch poles, and small fabric houses with several entrances which are inexpensive. If you can afford a cat condo with several rooms on it, your pet would love one.

If you are lucky and live either in the country or in an area where you can safely let your cat out during the day, Mother Nature will easily take care of their need to use up some energy. They can stalk small critters, run up trees, dig up the ground, and have a great time. Of course, all cats should be brought in before dark so predators, such as coyotes and others, cannot get at them.

Last but not least, one of the most common reasons for your cat to misbehave is because he is feeling stressed. They can be stressed by many things: moving to a new home, for example, is a great stressor for cats; very loud noises; strange odors, dogs, or other animals in the neighborhood; illness; and any mistreatment. Cats love and expect routine.

A well behaved cat is a joy to have around, and paying attention to basics in caring for your pet will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and happy. So often, the obvious is often overlooked.

• Don't overfeed OR underfeed your pet.

• Keep litter box clean.

• Be sure there is always fresh water.

• Make certain the sleeping area is snug and protected.

• Be sure to have a safe, confined spot for your pet if there is thunder or other loud noises.

• Make sure your pet has as much exercise as possible every day.

• Bring your cat to a veterinarian regularly, as health issues often show up first as bad behavior.

I've had lots of experience in taming the tiger in my cats and would like to help you do the same. If this is your first experience with a cat or kitten, it is important that you know something about the pet you just adopted. To learn more about cats, their idiosyncrasies and behaviors, you are welcome to visit my site at http://themotleycat.com

Mary is an avid cat fancier, having lived and cared for Siamese, Persian, and Domestic cats. She is especially fond of old cats and has named her new website after one such cat. For more info on the care and training of ALL cats, you can go to her website http://themotleycat.com.

How to Groom Your Cat Like a Pro

It is easy to see how cats acquired their reputation for cleanliness, they spend a third of their waking hours grooming themselves. The cat's barbed tongue can reach almost every part of its body. The forepaws and teeth are also used as cleaning instruments. However, good Cat grooming on your part can help reduce problems such as hair-shedding and dreaded hairballs, provide some one on one time with your feline buddy and have your Cat looking "show" ready.

Here is some Cat Grooming Tips Used By The Pros

Ears, Eyes, Claws and Teeth

Most professional Cat Groomers start with the examination of the pet and inspection of the ears, eyes, paws and claws. Clean your Cats' ears with cotton and olive oil. (some slightly warm the oil if stored in a fridge). Gently wipe and clean. Pay particular attention to debris that is black, looks dirty..this is probably ear mites! Treat immediately. Eyes, gently remove any tear stains with a clean wet cloth. Be careful not to exert to much pressure around the eye area. Paws, examine between pads, remove any debris, kitty litter etc. Consider trimming nails if needed. Examine teeth. Some recommend brushing, although easier said than done. If a lot of tartar buildup, than you may want to visit your Vet for a teeth cleaning or try it at home with some of the products available from Vets, pet stores or online.

Combing and Brushing Cat Fur

Longhaired Cats in the wild molt in spring, but as domestic cats are kept in artificially lit and heated conditions, they molt or shed year round. As a result, longhaired cats need daily grooming. Two 15 to 30 minute sessions daily is required to keep their coats from matting. This not only reduces the amount of hair that is shed on furniture, clothing etc., but also reduces "hairballs". There is Hairball Treatments that will aid with this problem and help prevent it from becoming a more serious issue.

To groom a longhaired Cat, use a wide tooth comb to remove debris and tease out mats. Brush some talcum powder or "fuller's earth into the coat to add body. Brush out the powder immediately. Use a wire brush to remove dead hair, paying particular attention to the rump which mats more easily as well as underbelly and "pits". Gently brush the face area with a toothbrush. Run a wide toothed comb through the hair, upwards towards the back and fluff out the ruff around the neck. For show cats, use a slicker brush on the tail.

Short haired Cats do not need daily grooming because their coats are easier to manage. They also have longer tongues, so they are proficient at self grooming. Two half hour sessions a week should be sufficient. Groom short haired cats with a fine tooth metal comb, working from the head to the tail. A rubber brush will not scratch the skin or one can use a soft bristle brush after combing. Cat skin is delicate so try not to scratch or irritate by using too much pressure or "over" combing and brushing in certain areas.

Frequent grooming should prevent matted hair. However, if there are knots, take care of these first by using a wide tooth comb. If the matted hair is real bad and your Cat objects to the intense combing, you may need to opt for scissors and cut it out. Not pretty but if the mats have been left too long, this is sometimes the best solution. Otherwise, every cat and kitten grooming session will become a "cat fight".

If the Coat seem greasy, sprinkle in some talcum powder such as Johnson's Baby Powder or a dry cleaner from the pet store, combing it in and out quickly. Some owners also use a piece of silk, velvet or chamois leather cloth to "polish" the Cat coat at the end of the grooming session.

Cat Grooming Tools should include a wide and fine toothed comb, rubber, wire and bristle brushes (removes dead hair), and a toothbrush (softer/firmer for face). Additional supplies includes Talcum Powders or "fullers" earth (for long haired cats). Cat grooming utensils can be found in most pet stores and online stores for cats and/or dogs.

Bathing A Cat

Cats usually do not need bathing, but if your cats' coat is dirty or greasy, you will need to clean it. Your cat will probably not like the water, so give lots of love and perhaps treats so that the bath session does not turn into a "battle". You may want to wear gloves as your Cat may want to put up a fight. It sometimes helps to wrap your cat in an old hand towel with their body/legs securely wrapped and gradually place into the water, removing the towel as your Cat becomes accustomed. Frequent bathing will overcome these fears if you ensure that the bath experience is not too bad. Take it slow, be gentle, gradually introduce your Cat to the water. Place a rubber mat or towel in the sink or tub to prevent the Cat from slipping. It also may help to place the Cats' paws on the rim of the sink. If your Cat does escape, expect some shaking and a lot more outside the sink than in. Do not stop here as you will encourage "flight", rather gently start again.

Fill the sink with 2-4 inches of warm water and use a sprayer to wet the cat. The water temperature should be about 101.4F which is close to a cats' body temperature. Lather with a nontoxic baby or cat shampoo. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Wrap your Cat in a towel before you lift it out and dry it very carefully with the towel. You may try a hair blower or hair dryer on a very low setting. When coat is dry, gently comb through the clean fur.

Cats are generally very clean and with a little grooming assistance from you, your Cats' coat should shine

while ensuring that your pet is healthy from the outside in. Grooming your Cat should be a pleasant and relaxing experience that you both look forward to.

I especially love cats. Owning an Equestrian Center allows me to have more cats than what would be the norm for homes, as I claim some are "working barn cats". However, as responsible pet owners we should strive to learn as much about the animals whose well being and lives are dependent on us. Please click on the links to my sites if you are looking for "cat and kitten" information such as cat breeds, care, training, health topics etc. or if you would like to learn more about various "supplies and products for cats" and cat lovers.

Cats "pawsitively" enriched our lives!

Skin Disorders in Cats

With the exception of a few breeds, cats are covered with protective fur which can make it hard to see if your cat has a skin problem developing. It is necessary to regularly check your cat's skin for problems that may occur.

Stroke your cat gently and check the skin for any roughness or lumps. If you feel anything, gently push the fur apart, so that you can see and examine the skin. This should become part of your routine and done regularly. This will help the bonding with your cat and help you learn about your cat's body so you should be able to notice anything unusual fairly quickly. You will soon become skilled at knowing what is ordinary or normal and what isn't.

There are diseases and conditions which can cause a cat to lose hair. Some of these may be considered normal while others can indicate the presence of a serious disease.

Facial alopeci is normal hair loss between the eyes and ears. This decreased density of hair starts when cats are about 14 to 20 months old and is more visible in short-haired, dark colored cats. It is similar to us humans becoming balder as we age. There is no need to worry about this unless you also notice signs of skin problems such as redness or scaling.

Flea allergy dermatitis or flea bite hypersensitivity is a severe reaction to the saliva of fleas. You may notice your cat scratching much more than normal and find fleas when you examine the fur. You will probably also see redness of the skin, occasional infection or 'hot spots' as well as some hair loss. If infection is present, take your cat to the vet as antibiotics will be necessary to take care of the infection and perhaps some antihistamines to control the itching. Your vet will be able to tell you about the best way to control the fleas and prevent further outbreaks. If no infection is present, a simple flea collar from the supermarket will probably do the job. Be prepared for some initial increased scratching as the fleas try to escape the ingredients in the flea collar. Make sure all your cat's bedding is washed in hot water and the surrounding area is washed with a disinfectant or vacuumed if a carpet.

Some cats may contract Atopy which is an allergic reaction to pollutants in the environment such as pollen, mould or house dust mites. If you notice that your cat has inflamed ears, is licking his/her feet a lot or has the symptoms of fleas without fleas being present, it is advisable to make a trip to the vet. He can offer the best advice on treatment for this condition.

Scabies or Mange is caused by a mite which can live on your cat. The technical name for this mite is Notoedres cati. The female of this nasty parasite lays her eggs under the skin. It takes between 3-8 days for the eggs to hatch into larvae and then mature into nymphs and then adults over a 2-3 week period.

Notoedres is more prevalent in outdoor cats who come in contact with an infected cat. It can be found on cats any breed or age. If you notice your cat has started scratching and losing hair, take her to the vet immediately as he will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. Don't try to treat this yourself as you may end up doing more damage than good.

Cheyletiellosis is a skin disorder and usually caused by mites. It is very contagious from cat to cat and can also spread to humans. The symptoms are severe itching and scaling or flaking of the skin. You might wonder if your cat has dandruff and if you see this, a trip to the vet is advisable.

Many skin disorders are caused by your cat having an allergy to certain foods, chemicals used for cleaning in the home, any pesticides being used (such as fly spray), bites from fleas or mites, they can usually be easily managed and treated at home. However, early detection is still important. A few minutes spent checking your cat each day could very well put a stop to days of distress for you both as well as extra expense.

Remember, it is important to make time on a regular basis to examine your cat's skin closely for anything that may be wrong. It is also a wonderful way to bond with your cat.

Kathy Robinson has been writing articles on cat problems and the care of cats on her website http://www.CatProblemsResolved.com for a number of years. Why not download your free copy of The Joy of Owning and Caring for a Cat when you sign up for her free Cat Care Newsletter at http://www.catproblemsresolved.com/660

Common Cat Ailments

Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Sometimes it seems like cats and hair balls go hand in hand. Even a short haired cat will occasionally develop a few. If you have a medium to long haired cat, brushing and combing is essential to preventing this and other common cat ailments. Aside from helping your cat look like a show piece, brushing will help remove dead hair that your cat would swallow in the course of washing.

In order to prevent hair balls, you may also want to add a teaspoon of fish oil to cat food once a week. This will help any hair that the cat ingests pass through the digestive system. You may also want to try feeding your cat a teaspoon of bran or canned pumpkin each day. If your cat is feral, it may chew on grass or other plants to help manage this and other common cat ailments.

Fleas can wreak absolute havoc in your cats life. Not only are they itchy, they can spread diseases. Some cats develop physical allergies to fleas, while others will experience emotional and mental distress. Similar to hair balls, routine grooming will help keep fleas to a minimum. Flea collars are also readily available to treat this and some other related common cat ailments. There are also environmentally friendly fur rubs that will deter fleas and give your cat a pleasant odor at the same time. If your cat is highly intolerant of fleas, you may also want to ask your veterinarian about flea inoculations.

If you notice your cat scratching inside his/her ears, some other common cat ailments may be present. Similar to fleas, ear mites and wax buildup can be very annoying and disturbing to your cat. They also rank well near the top when it comes to easily treated common cat ailments. Chances are your cat's veterinarian will notice ear mites and wax during annual checkups. The medication for both conditions is fairly easy to administer, and will provide a great deal of relief to your cat. It is important to treat ear mites early, as they can do a great deal of damage to your cat's hearing and long term health.

Finally, few people realize emotional and mental distress are common cat ailments. As an example, if you move out of one home and into another, a grown cat may find it difficult to adapt. There are many stories of transplant cats taking to their paws and returning to their old home, even if it is thousands of miles away. When you own a cat, it is important to realize that they have very stringent rules about their physical territory. They will guard their "property" much as a human owner might. While we cannot see the cat version of fences created by stool and urine markings, cats most certainly recognize the territories of others of their species.

As with humans, cats can suffer from a wide array of ailments that start off with very subtle symptoms. Aside from yearly check ups, it is very important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in what time the cat eats, or engages in other occupations. That said, for the most part, if you adopt a kitten or full grown cat, you can look forward to at least one decade of living with a happy, healthy companion. That said, common cat ailments should not be overlooked or ignored.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

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Cat Health Insurance - Care For Your Feline Friends With Extra Care and Compassion

Cats are an inseparable part and parcel of our life. The creature is highly liked for its soft and abiding nature and can give the human life a new meaning. In fact, a new study says that terminally ill patients are healed faster with the help of pets. The mere presence of pets instills a sense of calm and provides compassion to the patients in the most painful phase of their life. Besides this, in our mundane lives too, we don't seem to live without them. Yet it is a fact, that cats and other pets do fall ill due to some reason or other. Cat health insurance is the answer to most of your problems related to the health of your pet. With the help of this policy, you can provide your provide your cat with the best possible health care.

Getting a cat health insurance policy done for your cat, you are lessened of your worries related to taking care of your pets. You can cover all the expenses related to the cats as a daily routine and also go for the medical treatment in case your cat is unwell. Cats are the joy of our life. Since the creature is delicate and needs extra care, one should be free to get as much amount as is possible for its routine care and upkeep. An insurance policy is right thing to go for, since this is quite apt to provide your cat with exclusive medical and health care. Cat health insurance is a package designed for the pet lovers who wish to give that extra comfort for their pets. So go ahead with this policy, if you really care for your pet and wish its well being forever.

Pet insurance has existed in the western countries for long time now. The concept is similar to human health insurance policy and offers a safety net for your pets. It's better to properly investigate about the nature of the insurance policy, before going ahead with it. Many of them don't cover the expenses fro the treatment of chronic conditions, past injuries, flea control, dental and sterilization. Cat health insurance gives the pet owner a freedom to seek any kind of medical care from any veterinary clinic. In the pet insurance policy, mostly, 50% to 75% of the medical expenses are covered during a cat's lifetime. Usually, this type of policy includes any sudden or possible expenses needed for the cat care and treatment. Besides, the cat insurance also depends upon the breed of cat you own and the insurance companies in this case, charge a higher rate.

The pet insurance package is usually large enough to cover sudden medical emergencies and the owners are able to save their pets from possible death due to the lack of medical care. Cat health insurance helps an owner to lower the costs of all medical expenses. Make a comparative study of the insurance providers before arriving for that final decision. A company should be selected for its years of proven expertise in the pet insurance cases and all the details should be properly understood. A reason why one should go for the pet insurance policy is the fact that it is after all such an affordable price to pay to for the quality medical care of your cat. As stitch on time saves the nine, the insurance policy also provides you with quality medical care on a timely basis.

Robert Scott is a veterinary doctor and through ages having been dealing in pet insurance. If you want to know more about Pet insurance,pet insurance online, cat health insurance, cat insurance,veterinary pet insurance. You can visit www.insuranceforpets.net

5 Possible Causes of Frequent Urination in Cats and What You Can Do About It

Let's face it. In a cat frequent urination is a worrisome symptom. It can signal a serious illness or a bacterial infection but either way it can become life-threatening if not treated timely. Many factors such as your cat's urine smell, age, sex, and general behavior will help you determine what is causing your cat's urination problem. Here are 5 possible causes of frequent urination and what you can do about it.

1. Maybe you're thinking, "Help! My cat is urinating often!" There is no need to panic because the symptom is very common in cats of old age. Your old cat may urinate frequently because he is not capable of holding in his urine due to a loosened sphincter. It may frustrate you if you see your cat pee on the carpet or in another inappropriate area but try not to get angry because it is involuntary. Give your cat a homeopathic remedy to help strengthen his bladder sphincter.

2. In a cat frequent urination could be due to behavioral issues. Some cats spray or urinate to mark their territory. This type of behavior can be fixed in unneutered male cats by neutering them.

3. If you're thinking, "My cat is urinating often," it could be because she has a feline bladder infection. The infection may also cause her urine to smell bad. Take her to the veterinarian to get diagnosed. The vet will do some tests and prescribe antibiotics. Don't give her antibiotics and instead try to heal the infection by giving her plenty of filtered water to drink and administering a homeopathic remedy. The homeopathic remedy takes a little longer to work than drugs but it is completely safe and effectively relieves the pain and gets rid of the bad smell of your cat's wee. Mild infections can be easily treated with homeopathy.

4. In a cat frequent urination may be the sign of a serious disease like diabetes, cancer, or Cushing's disease. Your veterinarian will have to do some tests and exams to determine if a serious illness is underlying the symptoms. You can give your cat a homeopathic remedy as a complementary treatment to whatever treatment your vet decides to give your cat. It will help your cat recover more quickly.

5. If you're thinking, "My cat is urinating often," a blockage by a crystal or stone in your cat's kidney, bladder, or urinary tract may be the cause. A blockage will keep your cat from being able to empty his bladder completely. When the bladder gets very full, it pushes against the blockage and leaks around the sides. This leads to your cat having the frequent urge to urinate.

Your next step? Keep this information in mind the next time you notice strange symptoms in your cat. If your cat urinates in unusual places or has peed more or less often than normal, you should get him checked out as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will need to examine him to figure out the cause. Whatever the problem, homeopathic treatment is hands down the best way to take care of the job. In a cat frequent urination does not need to be treated with harsh drugs because a homeopathic remedy can do the trick. Obviously diseases and other serious issues need to be addressed but even in those situations a homeopathic remedy works great as a complementary therapy.

Your next step? Keep this information in mind the next time you notice strange symptoms in your cat. If your cat urinates in unusual places or has peed more or less often than normal, you should get him checked out as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will need to examine him to figure out the cause. Whatever the problem, homeopathic treatment is hands down the best way to take care of the job. In a cat frequent urination does not need to be treated with harsh drugs because a homeopathic remedy can do the trick. Obviously diseases and other serious issues need to be addressed but even in those situations a homeopathic remedy works great as a complementary therapy.

Are You Giving Your Cat The Right Food?

So you can not resist the graceful charms of the feline species around and want to befriend one of them? Well the most important thing you need to know before proceeding with your pet commitment is: how to provide for all its necessities in a proper manner and the most important consideration relates to supplying the right foods, so that proper nutrition takes place through various stages of its growth.

You want a healthy, good humored pet to give you company, right? For that you have to take care of what you give it to eat. Remember, your cat's well being is the ultimate function of what it eats. Just like a human being's life span is influenced by what he consumes, the same way, your cat will live a longer and healthy life when fed wholesome, natural foods without the contamination of chemicals.

What makes the best diet for your pet cat?

The natural foods make for the best diet for both the dogs and the cats. But what does natural food imply? Natural foods refer to those varieties that your pet would like to have if it was staying in the wild.

So far as cats are concerned, they display an essentially carnivorous food habit. Their system calls for high protein intake. Survival of cats on purely vegetarian diet is nearly impossible. By counting the number of your cat's grinding teeth, and the number of tearing and shearing teeth, you will be able to get a possible ratio of the protein, carbohydrate and fat content that the ideal diet for your cat should consist of.

Here is an overview of a healthy diet for your cat.

Protein content

An ideal cat diet should consist of 60 % protein. It is better to avoid highly processed, artificial foods. The protein should come from either organic ground beef or organic chicken--- raw or cooked. You can give eggs once a week if your cat likes it. Let your pussy make a feast on cooked fishes more than once a week. To add variety, give her piece of turkey or rabbit from time to time.

It will be prudent to steam or boil the meat before you offer it to your cat. Don't discard the water after boiling the meat, boil some vegetable in it and your cat will just love this meat flavored vegetable broth.

Fruit and vegetable intake

Vegetables should cover approximately 20% of your cat's diet. Cats generally like the taste of variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower or corn. It becomes easier for you to add variety to your cat's diet if your cat happens to love the taste of such fruits as melon, mango or apple.

The grain content

About 20% of your cat's diet should comprise whole grains like brown rice---steamed or boiled. Other grains like millet, barley, oatmeal, and amaranth are also good for your cat's health. You can also offer your cat the boiled grains in a pureed form.

Last of all; make sure to give your cat adequate vitamin and mineral supplements. It is also important to supply enough amino acid taurine; deficiency of this substance results in blindness. Also add 250 mg vitamin C to your cat's daily diet

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Tania Penwell provides information on cats and other animals for Pet Savvy - your guide to all types of pets and pet care.

Why Are Cats So Special?

Having a pet in your life is a blessing. In so many little ways, pets undeniably bring light and joy to a home. Just about any pet can be the catalyst to laughter when you are sad, or comfort when you are stressed. But many cat owners will swear that living with a cat not only brings amusement and comfort but something extra to their lives. Is this really true? Are cats really special?

Cats Make Excellent Companions And Friends

Research shows that keeping a cat can brighten a person's mental and emotional well-being. According to a study by researchers at the UCLA School of Public Health, owning a pet may reduce the likelihood that men with AIDS will suffer from depression. For those who love animals, it is almost impossible to stay in a bad mood when a silky-soft cat rubs up against your hand.

The benefits of having a pet cat can lessen the effects of solitude, age, stress and depression. This has been proven again and again. Moreover, cats can be affectionate but are less demanding than other pets. For an individual, couple, or family living an urban or suburban environment, a cat (or two or three) can be a very appropriate addition to the family.

A Cat Can Boost Your Confidence

Conventional wisdom says that caring for a pet helps a person become more caring toward other people. Elderly or disabled people who care for cats find that the daily activities required to care for a pet increases their self-esteem and combats feelings of uselessness or unworthiness. A cat has a wonderful way of making a person feel needed; but the cat does not become a burden, but rather a real symbol of optimism. Children and pets are a natural combination, and pairing the right kid with the right cat is a good way to teach confidence and responsibility to a young person. People learn to take care of other people by taking care of cats and other animals.

A Pet Cat Can Relieve Your Stress

Do you often find yourself longing for peace and comfort after a stressful day? Instead of reaching for another cigarette or a beer, sit down with your favorite kitty and run your hands over her fur. Petting or grooming a cat will relax you and help you bond with your furry friend. Your cat will respond in kind when she realizes that you are at peace.

A Cat Prescription

Studies done by the Society for Companion Animals show that patients recover quicker and survive longer through contact with animals. An affectionate or playful cat will definitely ease the cases of physiological or psychological impairment in people.

Your Cat As Social Catalyst

Many cat lovers use their feline companions as a bridge to forge relationships with other people. Showing off a friendly or exotic looking cat is an excellent way for some people to overcome their shyness.

Pearl has been writing articles online for nearly 8 years now. Not only does this author specialize in photo gifts and graphic novels, you can also check out her latest website on heated cat beds which reviews and lists all types of heated cat houses, and Thermal Cushions designed for cats.

A Cat by Design

I wanted to write an article about the complex physical structure that allows cats to behave the way they do. My cat, Xena, quickly informed me she had better address the subject, so she has. You'll have to put your cats in front of the monitor, because she wrote it for them.

Feline Basics

It never hurts to know who you are and how your various parts work. With a little luck, you'll be able to impart some of this knowledge to your human. Here are just a few of the basics.

We're carnivorous mammals of the Felidae family and well designed for hunting (and sleeping). We have somewhere around 60 thousand hairs per square inch on our backs and an amazing 120 thousand hairs per square inch on our cute little bellies. (I don't shed. I simply add to the texture and decor of our home.) We have both an undercoat and an outer coat, and because we no longer need to camouflage ourselves, we have many more varieties of fur patterns and colors than our big cat brothers and sisters. Other than that we're pretty much the same cats we were thirty million years ago. With our sleek bodies, superb sight, excellent ears and remarkable leaping abilities we are hunting machines. To paraphrase a famous human philosopher: "I hunt, therefore I am."

We have over 230 bones and over 500 skeletal muscles. We don't have collarbones, the better to allow us entrance to anywhere we darn well please. Our spines are the reason for the suppleness of our movement. We have 30 vertebrae as opposed to 25 in humans and they have inflexible backbones and NO TAIL! We can run over 30 miles an hour and jump five to eight times our height, whereas humans can jump only a little more than half their height. Hey, Michael Jordan, how about a little one on one?

Our brains are more similar to human's than are dog brains. The order in rank I believe is cat brain, human brain and then dog brain. Our brains also contain an area that controls emotion just as the human brain. Really? When was the last time you sat and cried over a movie or a card you got in the mail? I think it's safe to say we both have emotions--one species controls them and the other doesn't.

Because you are purr-fect

Humans don't seem to know why we purr. Why do cats do anything? Because we want to. Rather than answer why, I'll explain how we purr. We breathe air over our vocal cords causing vibrations that are heard, and felt throughout our bodies. One human theory claims that purring happens because of rapid contractions of the muscles of the larynx. Good try folks, but I guess I should know. They also generally think we purr when we're happy. Heck, we purr all the time--they just aren't paying attention.

As we see it

Our eyes are relatively larger than any other animal's and most of us do not have eyelashes. We have an extra eyelid that is usually only visible if we don't feel well. Our day and night vision are both great and we have excellent depth perception so we can hunt and stalk from a distance, and then without warning, capture our prey. This also applies to those balls and toys your humans scatter around the house. Because of our large pupils, we have much better night vision than humans--quite an advantage when playing "catch me if you can." I know my mom has terrible night vision. I've watched her stumble around the house at night and whenever she steps on one of my toys, she apologizes to it. Of course, maybe she's just polite.

There's something you have to keep in mind when you are out and about in the evening hours. One of the reasons our night vision is so good is because of a special tissue behind the retina that reflects the light back out through our eyes causing them to "glow." This makes us easy to spot, and has the potential of turning us into prey.

One rather interesting, dare I say, "flaw" in our otherwise incredible vision is that we can't see something directly in front of our nose. We can smell it all right. We just don't see it and often will walk away from a few extra kibbles because we didn't see them.

We don't see colors the way most humans do. Unfortunately they don't know that and will buy toys that are bright red thinking they will be more interesting for us, when in fact what we see is a rather dull grey. Don't disappoint them. Pretend you like the red ball too.

We're all ears and then some

We have great hearing to compensate for a questionable sense of smell. We hear much higher pitched sounds than our humans or their canine friends (our range is between 100 and 65 thousand Hz), but the best thing about our ears is that they turn. Humans have six muscles for the outer ear. We have 30, giving us a sort of natural surround sound. We can rotate our ears 180 degrees and tune in on sound ten times faster than a dog.

Because of the way our ears are shaped, we can gather in sound and focus it into the ear channel. Since our hearing is three to four times more sensitive than that of our human, it's almost painful to listen to their TV or stereo. Feel free to use the remote to lower the volume on their noise boxes. If you do it in small increments your dad may not even notice and you will be doing him a great service by lessening the damage to his hearing too. Humans may yet learn that silence really is golden.

We also communicate a lot with the positioning of our ears. When we're quite comfortable, our ears are erect. On the rare occasion when we get scared, our ears press back on our heads. When we're investigating, they're erect and pointing to the front. When we turn our ears backwards--watch out. I think my mom has finally nailed that one.

Okay, I'll bite

We have 30 teeth: 12 incisors, 10 premolars, 4 felines, (oops) canines and 4 molars. Our canines grab on to our prey and because these teeth are embedded in sensitive tissue, we can feel the prey's movement. Our incisors hold on to it, our molars, and premolars chew it. I personally have totally massacred a number of little cloth mice with these ivories.

How do we use our tongues?

I guess the question could more aptly be, "How don't we use our tongues?" With the backward, scoop-like hairs that cover our tongues, we drink, eat, and remain very well groomed. Our tongues also have a special coating that removes old hair and dander. In addition, it helps our fur stay waterproof.

Smells as sweet

As I said earlier, our sense of smell isn't our strong suit, but we do have over 60 million olfactory cells and something called the Jacobson's Organ in the roof our mouth. It's behind our front teeth and it enables us to analyze the air. (Some bats and reptiles have this organ too.) People think we're grimacing or making a face when we lift our lips to draw air over the organ, but we're just checking things out. I don't need any extra organ to smell catnip though, do you?

Making scents of things

We use almost our entire bodies to figure out what is going on, or has gone on around us. Humans often think that when we rub up against them we're showing them love or affection. In fact, we're actually protecting them from intruders by leaving our scent.

We have glands in our paws that leave our scent as we walk. Humans, of course, can't smell this, but it's a great way to make our presence known to each other. We also have hairs like whiskers above our eyes and on either side of our mouths that take in information about our surroundings.

Our whiskers are special. They're stiffer than our fur and extremely sensitive. They're largely responsible for keeping us from banging into things when it's totally dark. Most of us have four rows of whiskers on our faces that we can push out for "feeling" our way around, or pull back flat in order to smell.

All of our senses are fine-tuned and help us survive and keep our humans as safe as we possibly can. Sniff, sense, touch, listen, watch, and most of all feel the vibrations in the air. Use your body with the precision of its design.

A tale of a tail

Ten percent of our bones are in our tail, which helps us stay balanced. I don't know about that. I think balance is every cat's middle name.

There's been quite a bit of human research on our tails and frankly, it's taken a lot of the fun out of it. Many humans now think they can analyze our mood by the movement of our tail so it may be time to change our language a bit. I mean, helping your human is fine, but letting them know, or think they know, what we're thinking is rather extreme. So, watch your backside!

Paws and jaws

We usually have five toes on our front paws and four toes on the back. Some of us though have extra toes on our feet, a condition known as polydactylism. We're the only species to walk on our claws instead of the pads of our feet.

Our jaws are short but strong. When we chomp down on our toys, we can crush the catnip out of them. We can't move our jaws sideways so we get the most out of moving them up and down.

Grooming

No matter what you are doing, no matter what your human is doing, take a break and groom.

You have just knocked your mom's favorite coffee cup (filled with coffee) off the desk. While she's scrambling to wipe it up you can be cleaning and conditioning your fur.

You're not grooming to irritate your human. Quite the opposite. People have to learn to relax, for the sake of all of us, and if they can see how you just stop, amidst noise and chaos, to take a relaxing grooming break, maybe they will get the idea. Of course grooming for them is a little more complicated and involves getting under a stream of hot water (yuck!) but our lesson for them isn't grooming, it's relaxing.

We groom not only to look our best, but also because we don't have sweat glands and it's necessary to apply the moisture that will evaporate and cool us off. We do not need humans to groom us, besides they don't really seem to enjoy giving us baths any more than we enjoy getting them. Even so, they seem to think they can help us get clean. You're in charge, so take care of your fur and everything that lies beneath it.

Do we age differently than humans? (Notice I didn't say grow up)

We age at a different rate than our human companions and because of that, they may seem childish and immature. Of course, that is partially true, but what is also true is they have a lot more time to get as wise as us and still many of them never manage to. Aging is as natural as sleeping--part of the great cycle that we we know as life. The secret is never to worry about how old you are but to know how well you lived every minute of every day. Cat's Truth.

So, aren't we remarkable creatures? Actually most humans find us not only physically remarkable but mysterious and intriguing as well. To us there's no mystery, it's our way of being. Give them a break, and no matter how difficult the task may seem, try to help them see the way.

Jean Sheldon, a native Chicagoan, spent much of her life as a graphic artist. She self-published a book of poems called Jelly Side Down, a book on basic car repair called Glove Box Guide to Keeping it on the Road, and co-authored, with her cat, Xena, The Way of the Cat: Teaching Humans to Be. At fifty-three, she began writing mysteries. Website: http://www.jeansheldon.com