Category: General Articles

Why and How Do You Train a Kitten

You have adopted a kitten from a family whose cat had a litter of five kittens. Your kitten has just arrived and is ready for training. She is a lovely tortoiseshell kitten with a ginger, and tortoiseshell siblings and a tortoiseshell mother. It was sad to remove her from these other amazing animals but you and your family are excited about the new addition to the household. Take a look at why you need to train your kitten and how you train your kitten.

Why Do You Train A Kitten

Everyone in the family has to comply with a set of guidelines so why should the kitten be an exception. Angel, the name of the kitten needs guidance just like children do when they are babies, toddlers. preschoolers and beyond. After all she will need your help to feed and water her and protect her from the elements. it is great to provide a calm, warm environment and training Angel will ensure that you have a loving cat that does not eat your furniture, pee on your houseplants and is protected from potential dangers. Angel needs to know what behaviour is acceptable and what behaviour is unacceptable, especially as there are some unacceptable behaviours that can also be dangerous.

It is important to realise that cats are wonderful creatures filled with curiosity and like humans, have different personalities. Some are snugly, affectionate, friendly and are content to nap on your lap. Some are standoffish and will only allow the occasional solemn head pat before regally stalking of to stretch and preen in the sunshine. And others are ‘wild cats’, hell bent on running straight up the walls in pursuit of invisible prey, knocking down all who dare get in their pathway. Although you won’t be able to change the basic nature of Angel, you can try and change the more obnoxious behaviours – should they occur. You will have to try and remember to have patience – some cats take to training quite well, others take a little longer. You will get to know Angel.

Also cats do the things they do for various reasons and before training begins, it is important to have basic understanding of why?

Angel may misbehave due to:

~ boredom

~ growing from kitten to adult – see picture of an adult tortoiseshell cat

~ an impending or ongoing illness. It is best to rule out this one first. Maybe a health professional will be required to help out.

How Do You Train Your Kitten?

1. Make a List:

everything which needs changing and start with the worst offender first. It is best to teach one behaviour at a time because too many changes will make the cat confused and potentially worst behaved than before.

2. Give Clear, Consistent Guidelines:

Do this immediately as to what is and what is not acceptable in your home. We will have to remember not to change the rules from day to day eg if Angel climbs on the bench you should not tell her off on one day and then accept this on another day. You will have to organise consistency with all family members.

3. Treats and Rewards:

These can be effective with cats as long as they are given immediately after the behaviour.

Do not bother reprimanding your cat as it is often ineffective.

4. Clicker Technique:

This is when a loud noise from a clicker can be given to Angel should she misbehave. This intolerable noise will grab her attention and she will learn to avoid the undesired action and do an action that will give her a treat. It is not the treat that motivates her but the intolerance of the clicking sound.

5. Cat Training Classes:

You could always take Angel along to training classes to find out some appropriate techniques.…

Names For Kittens and Cats – How to Brainstorm For a Unique Kitten Name

Finding great names for kittens or cats can seem overwhelming at first. You want something that’s unique, different, and cute. And it has to be something you won’t get tired of repeating every day for the next fifteen to twenty years! It has to fit your new kittens looks, personality, and your lifestyle.

The possibilities are endless. That’s the great thing about naming an animal. There are no boundaries on your creativity. He doesn’t have to fit in on the playground, and no one will make fun of his name if it’s really off-the-wall. So go ahead, express yourself!

Right, so now what? Well one idea is to browse lists of popular cat names. But, that just might defeat your plan to be original. You want to be unique, so why choose the same name as everyone else? It is a good way to get started, though. It might give you some ideas.

The first thing to think about with each name is how it will sound. You are going to have to say it a lot, and you don’t want to get tired of it. Also, you want your cat to hear it easily. That’s why many cats have a name with a long vowel sound- they quickly pick up on their name if it has a long vowel, such as the “e” in Leo.

Names for kittens can reflect their appearance. If you have a black cat, how about Luna, Midnight, or Ninja? A white cat could be called Bianca. A tiger cat could be named, well, you know!

The next idea is to take brainstorming one step further. For example, let’s say you have a gray kitten. Smokey is an obvious choice. Instead, think about all things gray. Gray weather makes me think about clouds, storms, how about Twister, or Nimbus (short for the cumulonimbus cloud type)? Or maybe your kitten is more silver? Platinum is a clever name. Silver leads to jewelry, how about Bling?

You might want to think about your kittens personality. Does he love to climb? Is she a total snuggle-bug? These traits can lead into a name! I once knew a kitten that was just crazy. His owner gave him a Native American name that reflected his wild nature.

Some of the best names for kittens are ones that reflect your unique character. Do you have a favorite author, sports hero, or even hobby? Take some time to think about it, and you may just come up with the perfect name!

If you are getting two kittens, you may opt to have their names match. Twin kitten names are fun and convey a special relationship between the kittens. On the other hand, many choose to name each kitten individually. It’s totally your choice.

Want to get outlandish? I’ve personally known a Hosehead, Chainsaw, and Three. There really are no boundaries when it comes to unique kitten names!

Some of the greatest names for kittens are human names, precisely because they are human! Some of the best human name choices are so very human, that they are absolutely quirky and unique on a cat!

There is no rush. Get to know your kitten. Spend some time bonding and observing him, and in the meantime think about some of these categories:

Human Names

Mythology

Real Life Celebrities

Mythology

Literature

Weather

Your Hobbies and Personal Interests

Names for kittens can come from anywhere. These all provide great inspiration, and once you pick the perfect name, you’ll know it!…

How Many Cat Toys Do You Have?

We are very busy these days trying to make end meet and to do this, most of us are away from our home most of the day. That action forces us to leave our cats or kitten at home all day alone. One great motivator for purchasing that cute squeaky toy, bouncy ball with a bell inside or Mr. Wrestle packed with catnap is guilt. We think of our pets as part of the family and we would feel that same type of guilt if we had to leave or children by themselves for any length of time. Curiosity may not kill the cat or kitten but it sure can leave the house a mess when you get home. You need to have something for your cat or kitten to keep their minds and body occupied while you are at work or go for the day.

There are some great toys for cats and kitten out on the market in your local pet store, Wal-Mart or online. I had mentioned the toy with catnap inside they are great and most cats will react to from differently. All cat except Australian cats so not only are Aussie different from the rest of the world so are their cats. The 30% of cats that are not affected by catnip are Australian cat 60% of the cat population cannot help themselves from reacting the catnap keeping them attention focus on the toy for five to fifteen minutes until they become accumulated to the scent. Even after that if the cat is away from the catnip toy for more than an hour and the toy is reintroduce it will trigger an immediate response over and over again. That only leaves 10% of the cat population they are the kitten younger than three months old that just do not know any better and the older mature cats that knows better or just do not care.

Cat and kitten have a built in instinct within them to help bring out or develop this instinct there are a wide range of interactive toys for cats and kitten. There are small birds or mouse that are fastened to a spring steel wire that are self supporting and other that attach to a chair, counter top or door with a clamp. They capture cats attention and when they become interacting with this toy whenever they swat, grab, pounce or bat at the life like toy it will dance unpredictably bouncing this way and that causing your cat or kitten to stay focus. If they concentrate on what the toy is doing that will give them a chance at capturing its prey.

If you want to keep your cat and kittens healthy they need to be active and exercise and play with them one on one daily will help keep the Vet away. Sharpening their skill will help them grow not only physically but mentally as well.…

Common Health Problems For Cats

Owning a cat, you must be prepared for any health problems that may arise. Among common cat health problems we have a multitude of minor inconveniences up to dangerous or life-threatening accident and conditions. It is our duty as an owner to always check if our pet is healthy. If we notice a lack of appetite, constipation or strange behavior we must assume that our cat is sick and may need care.

How do we recognize if our cat is sick? As an owner, you can certainly see changes in your cat’s behavior or demeanor that is not normal for your feline. Some signs that your cat may be sick include lethargy, poor appetite, unusual itching, a dull coat, failure to groom after a meal, vomiting, hiding, problems with the litter box, elimination in strange locations, increased water intake, and noticing a third eyelid from the corner of the eye while your feline is awake.

Of course, this is not a complete checklist, and in the case of your cat you may notice other strange behaviors, because all cats are different. If you are a new cat owner, it’ll be a good idea to become more educated on basic cat health as it will not only help you act quickly in case of illness, but will improve the quality of your cat’s life.

If you feel something is not right with your cat, a visit to a veterinarian is a must. A doctor will help you diagnose problems that your cat is suffering from and will know how severe the problem is. They will also know the proper treatment for your cats health problem.

Some of the more common cat health problems you may see include fleas, hairballs, plant poisoning, various infections and viruses, and parasites including worms. In addition to these problems our cat may also be the victim of other health issues just like other animals and ourselves. They can suffer from indigestion, urinary infections, skin conditions, vitamin deficiencies and a wide range of other problems. They may also suffer injury from accident.

As a cat owner we must be prepared to address these issues by being knowledgeable and taking the proper steps as early as possible.…

Great Tips to Increase Your Ferret’s Lifespan

In case you are unaware, your favorite ferret pet lives as long as eight years, there are some who have even survived up to 12 years. Of course, all of us want our furry pet to live the longest time possible. So here are some great tips on how you can improve your ferret’s health and lengthen your ferret’s lifespan.

1. Feed him a proper balance diet – Providing him a well-balanced diet is very easy, you just have to remember and practice it regularly. The only thing that some people do is to neglect and forget these things some times. You have to remember that ferrets are very different from other pets. There are times that what is best to some pets is not the best for your ferret.

Provide good nutrients to your pet ferret by giving him foods with 35% protein, 20% fat and 3% fiber (or even less than that). Ferrets are carnivorous animals so you have to increase their intake of protein foods. Their diet should be high in fat and low in fiber. To make sure that he will have a longer ferret lifespan, provide him enough vitamin supplements like A, D and E. These vitamins are very important in maintaining his metabolism. Vitamin C is also essential in order to prevent him from scurvy. Offer him clean and fresh water, and make sure that his water bottle is always full.

2. Excellent Living Conditions – It is much better if you could offer your pet big cages, in order for him to be comfortable. You have to provide essential accessories inside his cage such as a box for his litters. Also make sure that the door to his cage is low to allow him easy access to it. He must also have a water bottle, dish water, blankets, linoleum and a food container. Toys are very important too, just choose the safe ones. Ferrets love to hide in dark areas so you have to provide a dark place in their cage where they can hide for privacy. These dark areas should have some nest where they can snuggle comfortably.

External conditions are as important as the internal condition, so you have to place their cage in the coolest place of the house, especially during summer time. It is much better if you could place them in an air-conditioned area but they will be alright in a well-ventilated room as well. Always remember that your furry pet is sensitive to heat and are very prone to heat stroke if you leave them unattended in a warm place for a long time.

You also have to keep in mind that ferrets are active and full of energy so they have to use their energy all the time and they might not able to use it when they are kept in their cage for long. You have to take them out from time to time and play with them. Keeping them in a cage might get them bored, and affect their health. They might get sick and die. Make sure that their living area is in proper sanitation to keep them healthy and safe.

3. Regular check-ups – To ensure that your pet will attain a longer ferret lifespan, you have to get him all the necessary vaccines to prevent dangerous diseases. Regular check-ups to his veterinarian are also important to ensure his good health. Find the best veterinarian for him by asking referrals from your friends or relatives. You could also use the internet for your search.…

It is important that you know what you are doing before even attempting a project. This article can help you figure out which jobs should never be attempted and which ones are simple enough.

The better your home’s curb appeal is, the more money you can get out of it when it sells. That beautiful view is not an investment but more of an added pleasure of your investment. Future buyers might not appreciate the view as much as you do.

Don’t neglect all that space outside the walls of your home. The living space of your home can be extended into your backyard. This creates an idyllic outdoor environment for relaxing or cooking out with the family.

Free up space on your nightstand by using a floor lamp as opposed to using a table lamp. Consider replacing any table lamps you might have with floor lamps. Select a lamp that has an attractive design that fits your style.

Do not underestimate the value of a high quality door. It is what welcomes guests and sends them on their way. If your door doesn’t have good insulation and a proper fit, you’re wasting a lot of energy. You’ll lose security, too, if the locks are poor quality or the frame is not solid.

Brighten up your kitchen with new cabinet knobs and handles! Cabinet knobs quickly and easily add a fresh look. When replacing handles and knobs, Kitchen Remodel think about cleaning out your cabinets because it is easier to do when you don’t have snagging hardware. Attaching the knobs is the final step.

As was discussed earlier, some home projects should never be attempted by someone who is just learning about them or has only read a book about it. Keep this advice in mind to ensure that you don’t get in over your head and waste a lot of time and money.…

Why a Kitten Rather Than A Cat?

Kittens are adorable, hard work, entertaining, often destructive, and usually delightful. It is a joy to own one at least once in your life. Many people take on older cats, often because there are many more of them needing a good home than kittens, find homes more easily because of their appeal. It is hard work – they keep you on your toes like any baby or toddler. Indeed, many people taking on a kitten for the first time after many years of owning adult cats comment that they had forgotten what hard work it is!

Some aspects of your personality may also affect the type of kitten you choose, or should choose, and the lifestyle you will have with it, such as whether it goes outside or stays indoors.

Are you patient?

Kittens do require patience, and if you are taking on a long-haired cat you may have to spend a great deal of time grooming – Persians especially will not be able to look after their coats on their own.

Are you house-proud – do you mind accidents, scratched furniture or wallpaper, hair on the furniture, litter boxes, etc.?

Tales of kittens climbing up curtains are based on truth -they may well shin up anything they can and in the process knock off ornaments or pull down curtains that are not securely fixed! Remember when you had children or friends visiting with children and put all the valuables away? Time to do it again. Cats do shed hair, and longA�haired cats shed a lot of it.

Are you overprotective?

Some people could not bear to take on a cat and then let it face the risks of going outside. They may want to keep it indoors – but there are things to consider if taking this option, both at the outset and as it grows.

What sort of owner will you be? What do you want from your cat? Do you want a close relationship, or are you happy to live with it and respect it for its independence? Owners can be dissatisfied with their cat because they have unrealistic expectations of how it might live with them or because the cat does not fit what they want. One such story was told to me recently by a member of a rescue organization. A very nice lady came in and adopted a beautiful tortoiseshell-and-white cat. She brought it back the next day because, as an artist, she could not cope with the fact that the markings on its legs were not symmetrical – she had even considered coloring it in! Suggestions by staff that she could use artistic license when she was painting it fell on deaf ears!

OK, self-analysis finished – you have thought it through and are ready to choose your kitten. It may have seemed a little labored but, if a dog is for life, then a cat is for even longer! Many cats live for fourteen years and upward, so they are potentially with you for a long time, sometimes longer than children. What are the choices available to you?…