Category: General Articles

How To Feed Kittens

Taking care of kittens is just like taking care of a human baby. You have to keep a careful watch on everything right from the food you give it to its health and grooming. Feeding kittens can either be an easy process or not, depending on the temperament and the state of your kitten. A kitten may or may not be weaned and thus the food would be different in each case. Training a kitten to get accustomed to her food is a time consuming process and you should not rush about doing it.

In order to provide better care and nourishment for your kitten, it is necessary to know how to care for it at every stage of its growth. This article examines some of the things that all new kitten owners should know.

Weaned Kittens

Here are some points that you should note if you are feeding kittens that are already weaned:

– You have to start feeding the kitten with dry food. However, the food has to be a little moistened, but with water and not cow’s milk.

– You have to continue this food habit until the kitten is about five to six months old. After six months, you can start training a kitten to feed on canned food. But remember to supplement it with kitten chow.

– Continue to provide her with kitten food for another six to eight months and then you can start to gradually get your pet habituated with adult cat canned or dry food.

Unweaned Kittens

Taking care of the unweaned kitten is a little bit tougher than the former. This is because in such a case, you have to replace what its mother would have done to feed it. Here are some steps that you should follow:

– First, take the kitten to a vet. Your vet will be able to guide you with what you need to follow for feeding kittens that are unweaned.

– For the first three weeks, you have to feed it with specific kitten formula and at an interval of every 2-3 hours.

– After three weeks, the frequency will diminish and you can feed the kitten after every 6 hours.

– After eight weeks, you have to start the unweaning process and then start feeding it with moistened dry food.

We hope this article is useful to you if you are in the process of training a kitten to get accustomed to her food. Good luck!…

Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are a variation of the stiletto heel but with a slight twist. The heels on this particular type of shoe are usually between 1- 2 inches although heels a little higher are also seen in department stores. The heels are usually tapered and the point of the heel sits a bit in from the shoe’s edge. Kitten heels can be found on sandals. Although they are not as high as the stiletto, they offer the sex appeal of the stiletto without the extreme height. Kitten heels were first introduced in the 1950’s for girls who were just entering their teenage years as high heels were deemed unseemly for younger girls.

They were thought of as ‘trainer heels’ in the US for these girls in preparation for the higher heels they would start wearing as they grew older. Soon, older girls started wearing them and the trend caught on. However, their popularity waned soon after before a brief surge in popularity in the 1980’s. Famous shoe designers such as Manolo Blahnik brought the kitten heel on to the runways of Europe along with his amazing stiletto collection. They are very versatile as they can be worn with outfits ranging from dresses, skirts, suits and even shorts.

They can be found in solid colors, pastel shades, exotic prints and trendy designs. The materials used for these shoes commonly include leather, plastic, suede, fabric and velvet. You can find kitten heels on sandals, boots, pumps, open-toed shoes as well as sling-backs. Dresses look demure yet sexy when paired with these shoes that have 1, 2 or more straps on them. Kitten heels can be dressed up or dressed down and you can wear them for work or for parties. They are great for tall women who prefer not to tower over everybody and look equally good on shorter women who don’t want the extreme height that stiletto’s offer.

With kitten heels, there is less strain on the foot and you can wear them quite comfortably for longer periods of time. When buying kitten heels or any shoes for that matter, it is important to try them on if you are at a store. Walk around in them and if you feel it pinching your feet, try a bigger size. The style of the shoe can affect your shoe size and you may find that with different shoe styles, you might need different sizes. You can find kitten heels online where you will undoubtedly find a much bigger range of choices. You may also find that they are cheaper because these online retailers do not have the added expense of stocking a physical store.

Before placing an order, you may want to try on a similar pair of shoes at a store first. However, most of the online stores do take returns and that could be a viable option if you are not able to go to a store. In the end, kitten heels offer comfort and versatility to those that are tired of the pain that usually comes with wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time.…

Should You Bring A Siamese Cat Home?

Siamese cats are exotic and unique cats that find their origin in the temples of Siam or Thailand, as it is known today. These are extremely loyal pets, often known for their talkative nature and unique colored coats. Siamese breeders are known to breed them with other breeds of cats to create a mixed breed. However, if you are getting a kitten and are interested to bring a purebred Siamese home, then do read on to understand these elegant creatures.

Physical Appearance

It is interesting to note that there are essentially two types of Siamese cats, traditional and modern. Where the traditional cats are robust, with an apple shaped head and a compact body, the modern ones are marked by their long bodies and triangular heads. In terms of physical appearances today, Siamese cats are essentially short haired with long and slender bodies, legs and tails. Moreover, these cats are blue eyed and are born with a black and white coat but often develop coats of different colors, especially some unique ones as they grow. As they grow older, the light and dark portions of their coats change, and often end in points of different colors including seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, fawn and tabby.

Personality

Siamese cats are perhaps the friendliest of cat breeds, and can be quite social with humans, often engaging in intelligent communication. They are extremely active, playful and tend to be very good with children. Unfortunately for pet owners, Siamese cats tend to walk away and make themselves unavailable when they get tired of your company. Compared to other breeds, they require constant company and cannot be left alone for longer periods of time. They also tend to be extremely vocal, often expressing their happiness as well as their discontent.

Siamese cats require very little in terms of maintenance but they should be bathed once in a month and brushed at least twice a month. If this basic routine is followed, they should be able to live up to the age of 15 or more years.

We hope this article gives you some insight on the outlook and personality of one of the most sought after cat breeds. Siamese cats are a wonderful choice if you are considering getting a kitten and have been thinking about bringing home a beautiful and elegant feline. Often called the “cat with a great personality”, a Siamese cat is sure to turn out to be a great pet for your household.…

A Ferret Diet That Won’t Tolerate Frozen Fish

If you want to give your ferret the best care possible, giving him an actual ferret diet is important. In times past, people have used cat food, especially high quality cat food. This has worked just fine, but today you can get food that’s actually built for the optimal ferret diet.

There’s no doubt that it’s cheaper to use cat food. However, these little guy sleep most of the day. And when they’re away and not playing, they don’t really eat that much. In the end, you’ll wind up spending less to feed a ferret than you would a cat anyway. Plus, if you give them quality food, you won’t need to lean on supplements. You’ll still likely want to give them treats. But you should have a healthier animal all around.

I want to share some thing to keep in mind when thinking through a well-rounded ferret diet. First, these guys are carnivores, so they want meat. However, they can do well with less fiber and a smaller carbohydrate intake. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid food made with frozen meats, like some unsatisfactorily processed fish. Even if you do not have a very picky eater, getting the combination of ingredients in your ferret diet is what will help them live as long as possible.

The protein and fat level is what distinguishes many cat foods from a proper ferret diet. Ideal protein is about 35-40% and proper fat content is in the low 20’s up to about 30%. Two percent fiber is good. In a perfect world, you’d be looking for approximately 21 amino acids and 7% or so ash. Carbohydrates can come from rice flower and brewer’s yeast. Understand this is the ultimate ferret diet, but the availability of commercial foods makes it quite easy.

Mastering the proper ferret diet isn’t just about what to feed. As for scheduling, it’s a good idea to feed 2 or more times a day so you spread their calorie intake. If you feed a moist food, or wet dry food, then you don’t want to leave the portion out for longer than an hour. By contrast, dry pellets keep just fine and can be left in the cage all the time if you prefer free-feeding. The dry food does have the added advantage of helping keep their teeth clean. And, as with any captive animal, one of the most important things is that they have access to clean, fresh water. This is especially true if you make dry food the centerpiece of the ferret diet.

Earlier I mentioned treats, and it’s a good idea to figure out how snacks factor in to the ideal ferret diet. Again, with healthy food choices, you will not need supplements. However, treats are still not only fun, but also useful for things such as litter box training. When it comes to treats, I would keep the healthy theme as you build upon your ferret diet. They actually love meat, of course, as well as cooked eggs. Just be sure to avoid sugary and other foods, like candy, fruits, nuts, and dairy products. These items can plague their digestive system. On top of that, they could end up with hypoglycemia, diarrhea, obesity, and they could even become food snobs and reject the healthy meals you try to dish up. You may be surprised to learn that you should also stay away from grains and vegetables. Purchasing healthy treats, along with the core ferret diet, will keep you safe.…

How Should Tall Women Wear High Heels?

Usually, short women are always jealous of women with models’ height. However, in fact, tall women have their own troubles triggered by their above-average heights, among which, the most obvious one is that they can’t wear high heels at will. Unless it is for some special occasions, such as big evening parties or formal gatherings when they can naturally wear pumps with over 7 inches heels, they will feel uncomfortable and weird wearing heels for daily life.

However, with the proper choice, tall women can still wear high heels in comfortable and stylish ways. The best options recommended here are wedge heels, short kitten heels and heeled ankle boots.

Tall woman can easily become the center of attention when wearing high heels, while many of them hope to keep a low profile at work. At this time, you can try wedge heels which are not as alluring and sexy as stilettos. Moreover, you won’t feel exhausted and painful walking in them. Pairing them with flares can hide the heels and shift people’s eyes from the shoes to your long legs. There is a large variety of heights and styles of wedge heels available for you to choose from. You are advised to select two-inch wedges in low-key color with classic pattern.

Short kitten heels are ideal for tall women at work. Wearing them can still endow you with the charm and style given by stilettos mostly. On the other hand, they won’t raise your height excessively. When it comes to the color and style, you’d better opt for neutral colors and formal styles. However, if you want to try something new and different, you can go for animal print or bright colors.

In winter, the must-have footwear in women’s wardrobe must be boots, all kinds of boots. For tall women, the best choice should be heeled ankle boots. Classic and neutral colors won’t go wrong in winter.

When tall women know how to choose and wear high heels, they can overcome the discomfort they have once experienced wearing pumps in daily life.…

Famous Cat Stars

Do you know how many cats have became famous in the movies, on TV and in the comics? A cat as a main character has always been popular especially with children. Listed below are some of the more well know cat stars.

Duchess: Appeared in Walt Disney’s “Aristocrats” with O’Malley the Alley Cat.

Garfield: Appeared in his own comic strip and cartoon movies. Still used in commercials and toys.

Felix: The star of the first talking cartoon. Felix was used as the very first television test broadcast.

Fritz: Invented by Robert Crumb as Fred the Cat. Crumb made a movie about Fritz but eventually stopped any further episodes.

Sylvester: ” I thought I saw a puddy cat”. Tweetie’s favorite nemesis in the cartoon series.

Krazy Cat: The star of the first cat comic strip with Ignatz Mouse.

Morris: Rescued from a Chicago animal shelter by Bob Martwick, a professional animal trainer. Morris did commercials for Purina’s 9 Lives cat food. Morris died in 1978.

The Cat in the Hat: Made famous by Dr. Seuss, it is a children’s book classic. Eventually made into a video.

Socks: Pet cat of President Bill Clinton.

Tom: Portrayed in the Tom and Jerry cartoons. You would always find Tom scheming something up to try and catch Jerry.

MTM kitten: Symbol of Mary Tyler Moore’s company and a take off on the MGM lion. Mimsey died in 1988.

Puss’N’Boots: He was first written by the Brothers Grimm but in later years was made into cartoons and starred in “Shrek II”.

Bagpuss: The BBC’s favorite children’s show of all time.

Pepper: A gray cat who worked with Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle and the Keystone Cops.

Orangey: Appeared in “Rhubarb”, “Gigot”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Our Miss Brooks”.

Solomon: A white Chinchilla longhair who appeared in “Diamonds are Forever” and “A Clockwork Orange”.

Topcat: Cartoon series featuring Topcat as the leader of a group of cats in a city.

There were many movies that also feature a cat. Secret agent D.C. in “That Darn Cat”. Pyrewacket, a Siamese, in “Bell , Book and Candle”. Si and Am, two Siamese cats, in “Lady and the Tramp”. Jiji, a black cat, in “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. A ginger tom cat called “cat” in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Various cats in “National Geographic’s Caressing the Tiger”. Isis, a black cat, and Sylvia in “Star Trek”. Winky, a black cat, in “Escape to Witch Mountain”. The Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland”. Various cats in the Broadway musical “Cats”. In addition, a cat was usually included in many horror and suspense movies, television shows and novels.

The cat has had an influence on the media and has provided entertainment for young and old. Who knows what will be the next cat star!…

Ferrets Care – Dos & Don’ts

Already have your ferret at home? Congratulations on becoming an owner. Being a proud owner of a ferret also comes with high responsibilities. So what should you do to provide the right kind of ferrets care? Here are some Dos and Don’ts for you:

Dos

o Provide a comfortable home – if you have a cage for your ferret, make sure that it is spacious enough for them to live in. And since they spend most of their time sleeping, it is important to make it comfortable and good for taking a rest. Provide the cage flooring with beddings to cover the gaps, this is to prevent the ferret from getting stuck and possibly injuring themselves. You must also have a sleeping sack for the ferret to sleep in; when the climate is cold, ferrets like to sleep inside to keep themselves warm. This helps in maintaining their body’s natural temperature. And when the temperature is warm, it is also a good thing to have a ferret hammock setup inside the cage. They would be sleeping here to have a good air circulation. It would also be good to have a water bottle for them to easily drink water whenever they need it. It would also be good to provide dark area in the cage to shade the ferret from sunlight and artificial lights.

o Ferret Proofing – it is making sure that your home doesn’t have small holes, cracks or crevices that the ferret could crawl into and get itself hurt. If you find any of these, patch them up. You would also need to check your electricity wirings, make sure that the ferret can’t reach them. You would need to buy safety covers to protect your electrical outlets and also cover your electrical wirings if possible. If you can’t do this yourself, it would be good to hire an expert to setup this stuff for you.

o Ferrets Diet – the food that we provide them should be high in protein and fat as these two nutrients are the basic needs of their bodies. It is up to you to decide if you would want to give a single branded food or would want to provide a variety of diets. As long as the diet provides 35% protein and 20% fat.

o Yearly Checkup & Vaccinations – having a continuous checkup with the vet helps prevent the ferret from acquiring diseases by taking their regular vaccinations. And it is also good to detect symptoms of early stages of sickness.

Don’ts

o Snacks – when you give your pet snacks, make sure that you avoid fruits and sweet ones. These could cause obesity, tooth decay and also could put your ferret in danger. A disease that is common in ferrets called insulinoma is often caused by feeding sweet snacks and food. If you would want to give your ferret a reward, it is recommended to give them cooked eggs instead; it is good and beneficial to them.

o Dairy Products – should be avoided as well.

o Nuts and Nuts products cause nutritional problems to ferrets and should not be given.

o Grains & Vegetables are indigestible to ferrets. It is better to avoid giving these kinds of food.

o Onions are poisonous to ferrets, definitely must avoid adding this ingredient to the food that you provide them.

By knowing what we should do and what to avoid, we are equipping ourselves with knowledge in keeping our ferret healthy and able to live a happy and longer life.…

What You Need to Consider Before Buying a Ferret As a Pet

Ferrets make amazing pets. They are small and therefore do not occupy too much space. Most ferrets are high on energy and need their daily dose of exercise to keep them calm. Keeping a ferret as a pet is a big responsibility and there are a number of things you must consider. However, with the proper training, most people can manage the job just fine.

Before venturing into this new life with a ferret, you should consider the legality of owning this new pet. It is essential that you find out if keeping a ferret at home, is legal in the locality you reside in.

You should also consider the diet. Most ferrets are carnivorous and so you need to know what their diet needs to be like. Ferrets can eat cat food but it is ideal that you look for ferret food at the pet store. In this day of age, ferret food is easily found in a number of pet stores around the country.

The average age of a ferret is seven years. However, some ferrets can begin facing illnesses by the age of two, if not taken care of properly. Medical expenses could add up to large bills. You should schedule regular health checkups for your ferret.

Ferrets usually live in cages at home. Small cages for ferrets are available at a number of pet stores and can be dolled up with interesting toys to make life exciting for them. Accessories like ferret hammocks can be fun. The animals usually love swinging themselves to sleep in them. The cage also contains a litter box and a space for food.

Having a ferret as a pet can be an expensive affair. But it does not have to be. There are costing cutting measures you can take and still preserve the quality of life for the little guy. Ferrets are fun to be around and they show their affection in a number of ways. Having this new companion will surely be worth the extra effort you will be giving.…

Choosing a Kitten From a Litter

If you entered room full of kittens, with their tiny meows and adoring blue eyes, it would be very difficult to choose one over another. All kittens are quite simply adorable. However if you are in the process of looking for and choosing a new kitten, you should only consider taking home a healthy one.

Your heart may go out to the runt of the litter, or the helpless 5 week old kitten abandoned by its mother, but unless you are experienced in the art of cat care, choosing a weak kitten could bring you nothing but heartache over the coming weeks and months.

Ideally a kitten should remain with its mother until the age of 8 weeks. Certainly he or she should not be taken away from their mother’s side before the age of 6 weeks. A kitten is totally dependant on its mother’s milk for the first 4 weeks of its life. This is the best and most natural way for the kitten to gain all the valuable nutrients needed for a healthy adulthood.

From 4 weeks onwards, the kitten may start to take very small amounts of wet and dry kitten food, but it isn’t until the age of 6 – 8 weeks that he or she will be eating independently.

If you can see your new kitten with its mother and siblings before you purchase, you will get an instant overall picture of the state of health of both the mother and her litter. This is a good starting point in assessing how healthy your kitten is generally.

There are, however a number of more specific signs you can and should look out for before you take a kitten home:

• The kitten should be lively, playful and responsive.

• The kitten’s eyes should be bright and clear with no discharge.

• The kitten should respond quickly to sound, even when sleeping. His or her ears should be clean and free of discharge.

• The kitten should have a clean, dry tail with no signs of soreness around the anus.

• Check the kitten is not too thin and that its stomach is not distended or unduly sensitive.

• Check the kitten’s skin for traces of fleas. This can easily be spotted as the kitten will have small black grit like traces along its spine and tummy and around its ears. If the kitten does have fleas, a vet will be able to provide you with the correct treatment for instant administration.

• Check the kitten does not have a runny nose.

• The kitten should be able to pass urine and faeces without pain or effort.

All kittens are sweet little bundles of fluff, but try to see beyond the cute exterior if this is the first time you have owned a kitten. A healthy kitten is more likely to grow into a healthy cat. And generally speaking, a healthy cat will go on to live, and be a valuable member of your family for 15 – 20 years or more.

Jill Webb…

Looking to Buy a Cat? 4 Valuable Tips For Choosing the Right Kitty

Are you looking to buy a cat? While bringing home a cute kitten can be really enjoyable, there are quite a few factors you have to consider before making the big decision. You should understand that having any pet is a huge responsibility and may want to consider carefully if you are ready to shoulder them. You will also have to buy a cat that will be able to adjust to your lifestyle. If you are ready, here some four valuable tips to choose the right cat for yourself.

Breed

When considering the breed of cat, the first thing to do is to list down your own preferences. Do you like long haired cats or would prefer to have a short coated cat? Do you have any preference regarding the color of your cat? Write down the answers to these questions and when you are ready, start collecting information on the behavioral traits and personalities of the different breeds. It will help you to zero in on the most suitable breed for you.

Choosing a Cattery

This is the second step to buy a cat. For getting a healthy purebred kitten of your choice, you must first take the time to choose the right cattery. You can start by collecting references and from seeking the help of vets or breed owners to locate a reputable cattery. Before you visit them and get carried away with the cute kitties on display, ask the breeders about their professional qualifications, how long they have been running the cattery, specific information and vaccination about the breed that you would like to have etc. After getting your queries answered, visit the cattery and choose your kitten.

Cost

Owning a pet is just like adding a new member to your family. So be ready to spend a generous amount of money on your cat for its well being. You will have to spend on its food, medication, grooming products as well as treats such as outdoor cat enclosures and toys. It may easily cost you $1000 per year. So, before bringing a cat home, consider whether you are ready to commit this amount.

Cat Health and Training

Before you buy a cat, also consider its health. Preferably, you should go for an active and curious kitten and not for one that has a weak appearance or is overly afraid of your presence. However, kittens that are too active will require more attention and if you are not keen on training a kitten, you may consider buying a grown up cat that’s already calm and trained to some extent.…

Cat Behavior Training – Effectively School Your Feline With These 4 Tips

Cats are fascinating and adorable creatures that offer an unrivaled companionship. But there’s more to them than just purring and curling up in your lap. They are also independent and self possessed, which means it can be difficult when it comes to cat behavior training. However, don’t give up hope. It’s not an impossible feat. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to school your feline.

THEY ACT UP WHEN THEY’RE BORED

When felines are bored, they will do naughty things in order to work off excess energy. Racing up and down the stairs, jumping on counters and knocking things down are only the tip of the iceberg. This can be resolved by spending more time with your pet. Playing with him will not only relieve him of his boredom, but also create a stronger bond.

REPRIMANDING DOESN’T WORK

Here’s the deal, cats really don’t care if you punish them. Dog owners know that punishing them will help change their bad manners. Not so with these frisky fur balls. As a result, reprimanding your cat is often an ineffective tactic. He will learn that getting caught while misbehaving brings about some awful reactions and will simply learn to hide it better and do it when you’re not around.

ENCOURAGE GOOD BEHAVIOR

When it comes to cat behavior training, it’s far easier to reward your kitty when you see him performing a right behavior. This is called operative conditioning. Anything you want him to do should be rewarding, enjoyable and pleasant. Whenever he does something positive, reinforce this good behavior with praise, petting and a couple of treats.

REMOVE THE AGGRESSOR, REWARD THE VICTIM

If you live in a multi cat household, you’ve probably seen your share of “cat fights”. Felines are territorial by nature and will occasionally get into scuffles over their domain. If you witness such a battle, the first thing to do is disengage them. However, don’t try to do this physically. You could get severely injured, since they may not recognize you in the heat of emotion. One of the best cat behavior training tools is a spray bottle. Use this to squirt the aggressor while trying to avoid the victim. Then, confine the “bully” in a separate room and reward the innocent pet. Give him a treat or free roam of the house. Try to keep them as supervised as possible when you reunite them again.

Cat behavior training isn’t hard at all. It just takes a little bit of patience. With the proper tools, you can be on your way to a more fulfilling relationship for the both of you.…

24 Ferret Facts

Here are 24 pieces of information that will aid you in understanding who and what ferrets are. To properly care for your pet ferret you need to know these facts.

Ferrets…

1….share genetics with weasels, otters, badgers, skunks and minks. They are not rodents.

be thought of as somewhere between cats and dogs but smaller.

playful like puppies – except they never grow out of it.

be trained to do anything a dog can do. They can be litter box trained like a cat.

people oriented rather than person oriented. They are able to bond with a number of humans over the course of their lifetimes although its can take up to a year to complete the bonding process..

cross species social. They enjoy being with other ferrets, humans, dogs and cats. Ferrets do not do well with mice, birds or other small animals.

primarily indoor pets. They should be in a harness and on a leash if outside.

not carriers of rabies. There is no record of a human ever contracting rabies from a ferret.

not noisy creatures. They chitter when excited.

10….smell like ferrets. A neutered ferret does not have an offensive smell. Regular cleaning of his cage and bedding will help keep smells under control.

relatively poor eyesight compensated for by acute senses of smell and hearing.

expectancy is 6-8 years although they can live up to twice that length of time.

13. Baby ferrets are called kits, females are jills and males are hobs.

14. Males tend to be about 16 inches long and weigh nearly 3 pounds. Females grow to around 12 inches and weigh in at one and a half pounds or so.

to sleep 15-20 hours per day. They are crepuscular, i.e. most active just before dawn and just after dusk.

very energetic and love to play.

good pets and are people-friendly.

18….require more attention than cats. They are more likely to “have an accident” and miss their litter box than cats.

not a good pet for families with small children under the age of six.

extremely inquisitive and will attempt to explore everything in their environment. Ferret-proofing a room for them to run around in is a must.

chew things. The danger is they may swallow small pieces and experience intestinal blockage – an emergency visit to the veterinarian.

illegal in Hawaii and California. Many municipalities have made ownership of ferrets a crime. Their illegality stems from misinformation. First, many consider ferrets to be wild animals like raccoon or skunk. History shows that ferrets have been domesticated for over two millennia. Second, domesticated ferrets offer no rabies threat. If a ferret contracts rabies (rare due to almost universal vaccination against it), it tends to die before it is capable of passing it on to others. As of this date, records indicate that no human has contracted rabies from a ferret in the United States. Third, the danger of escaped or abandoned ferrets forming feral communities is minimal. Most domesticated ferrets are neutered. Their ability to survive in the wild is almost zero. An escaped ferret will be dead within 72 hours of release into the wild. There is no evidence of even one feral ferret community in the U.S.

to spend a significant amount of time outside their cages in a supervised environment.

to make regular visits to the veterinarian for shots and annual checkups.…

Steps in Caring for Your New Ferret

Did you know that the English translation for the scientific name for Ferret is “Stinky Thief”. Ferrets have a strong body odor, due to their scent glands that are used to attract mates. They are also known for stealing food and children’s toys.

A Ferret does require a well-ventilated home with a solid floor. The habitat should be large enough for a food dish, water bowl and a hiding house. The right sized home will allow for separate areas for eating, sleeping, exercising and eliminations. A multi level home is preferred as they provide additional space for exercising.

Ferrets are social animals and can live in groups or pairs. Remember to allow extra room if you own more than 1 ferret. Ferrets love to play and exercise, they enjoy hard plastic toys as well cloth toys. Tunnels are also a favorite item. Just remember, soft rubber and foam toys must not be given to ferrets.

When outside the habitat, your pet can enjoy exercise in a exercise pen or take him for a walk on a leash.

Ferrets can be very easily litter trained. There are corner litter pans available from pet retailers and these should be placed in a corner away from food and water. There are many different types of litter available. The best for ferrets are pine, aspen or recycled paper, please do not use Cedar shavings. The litter pan and bedding should be spot cleaned daily and completely changed once a week.

Ferret are very inquisitive and outgoing and will bond strongly with their pet parents. Ferrets are sound sleepers, who sleep during the day and may not wake up if picked up and carried around.

Ferrets are carnivores and require a diet high in protein. Pellets should always be placed in their food bowl and not directly on the bedding. All food and water bowls should be cleaned out daily. You can offer you pet Papaya, bananas and melon once a week as a treat.

When you purchase your ferret just remember that it will take 3-4 days for them to get used to their new surroundings and environment. Please try and wait 3-4 days before handling your new friend, all the while you should be monitoring her behavior for any signs of excessive stress or illness. Things to watch for that are signs of excessive stress are bare patches of fur, diarrhea, or/and lethargic behavior.

You have made a great choice in a new pe., most of all enjoy your new member of the family.…

Kitten For Sale – Advice on Buying Your First Kitten

Buying a new kitten for sale can bring a lot of happiness into your home and they make wonderful pets. They require little grooming, can be easily house trained and are naturally very clean animals. Cats also make great companions but are also independent and can amuse and take care of themselves.

Before you look at a kitten for sale there are some things that you should know. Below you will find a few tips and advice on caring for your new kitten.

Choosing Your Kitten:

When looking at kittens for sale and deciding which one to choose you must first know what type of cat you are looking for. If you are buying a family pet the only thing to worry about is that it’s healthy and happy. A healthy kitten will have a glossy coat and bright shiny eyes. If however you are buying a cat to breed or a show cat you will want to make sure you get to see the kitten’s mother, as this cat should be a shining example of the breed.

Feeding:

What you feed your kitten is very important as giving it the wrong food could result in a number of health problems. Kittens for sale will be on a special diet designed specifically for kittens from the age of 4-6 weeks. Initially you should feed him 4 times a day, up until the age of 3 or 4 months and which point you should feed him 2 or 3 times a day. It is at this stage that you will have to decide on wet or dried food. It is generally agreed that dried food is a much better option for a healthy cat. You should also ensure that your cat has constant access to fresh clean water.

Vaccinations:

Once you have chosen your favourite kitten for sale and he has settled in to your home, you should arrange an appointment at the vet for his vaccinations. The first vaccination should be at 8 weeks and again at 12 weeks to give protection against a number of diseases.

If you can follow these guidelines your new kitten should be well on its way to a happy and healthy life.…

Introducing A New Kitten

Want a new kitten for a friend? If you want to have a loving kitten, or if this is your first time caring for new kitten, it’s vital that you simply follow these recommendations on taking care of cats, and of course, utilize them. This article shares basic kitten care information, so read on.

Kittens are playful and heart capturing creatures, so long as you know all about taking care of kittens properly. For those who already own a kitty, and those who would like to guarantee that they have a loving cat, here’s some cat care information. Make certain you understand your kitten and are truly caring for a new kitten the proper way. Follow the rules shared right here and see how your relationship with your cat becomes more fulfilling.

From the second you arrive home with your new kitten, it is best to carry it directly to its personal space, and its new litter box. It is important to give it time to adjust to its surroundings, adjust to you, and to the other folks in the household. Why does the new kitten need to have an area of its own? Effectively, for it to really feel comfy, it needs its personal space whether or not it’s a separate room, a small basket, or a bit of mat. So a tip on taking good care of cats is to have a space prepared even before you bring your kitten home. For your pet to adjust to you quickly, it is recommended that you simply murmur soothingly to it, pet and stroke it gently, and before you even realize it, you will start to own a loving kitten.

One important piece of information every kitten owner should know is that permitting cats to go outside is highly recommended. Nevertheless, should you live in a high traffic area, or if the neighborhood isn’t that safe for felines, you may elect to have your kitten remain indoors. If your kitten is to remain indoors, it’s a must to follow this part on caring for your cat. Be certain that it has sufficient play time so that it will hopefully still get exercise inside your house, and so that it won’t get bored. Cats, like people, need some change in their daily life. Make sure to provide toys like balls, colorful toys or strings, things that squeak, and so on. Kittens like to play, and you may make your kitty completely satisfied to stay indoors when you give it toys. Very important to your new relationship with your cat is taking time with the kitty each day. This will ensure that you will have a loving cat in your home.…

What is the Best All Natural Cat Food to Start My Kitten On?

There’s no denying the fact that the best all natural cat food, especially for a new kitten, is the one Mother Nature so adequately provides. This quality raw meat and bones diet provides balanced nutrition, a happy and healthy mind and goes a long way to satisfy the natural hunting instinct.

The problem arises in just how to duplicate this healthy diet in the context of domesticity, juggling work and family commitments and the weekly shop. Obviously there have to be some compromises, but these can be minor once you are aware of the important aspects.

Let’s look at the major points of a quality raw meat and bones diet according to Mother Nature.

1. A cat kills and eats their prey immediately, indicating the dual aspect of raw and freshness are of primary importance. This means it’s better to keep the raw food for only a couple of days in the fridge, freezing the rest and thawing out as necessary.

2. A cat will eat the whole carcass so along with quality muscle meat, you should also include raw bones and some organ meat. Small raw bones are perfectly safe for cats up to about the size of medium sized chicken wings. Larger bones may cause the teeth to chip.

3. Cats are carnivores. Although they will eat the contents of the prey’s stomach, which will be partially digested grain or plant matter, their diet needs to consist of meat and bones, with the plant matter offered as a choice rather than a part of the diet.

Inevitable compromises humans have to make for the sake of convenience is that the meat will mostly be from animals much larger than a cat would normally kill. However this is of much less importance than the quality of the protein.

When you are in charge of the quality of the food you feed your kitten, you can expect her to grow into a fine and healthy cat. Leaving this most important aspect to people you don’t know, who only have an interest in your wallet, not your kitten, is playing Russian roulette with her health.…

Many people like to go for walks with their dogs in the summer season when temperatures are highest. This can be very harmful to them, as the pavement absorbs the heat and burns their paws, causing pain, discomfort and exposing them to infections, especially when they are puppies and the skin on their paw pads is very thin. Read these 10 tips that will help you take care of your dog’s paws against the constant threat of burns caused by walking on hot pavement.

1. Take Your Dog For A Walk When It Is Not Hot.

It is essential to take your pet for daily walks. Still, you must take into account at what time of the day and where you take him, especially in summer, since during the afternoon, the sun’s rays are powerful and radically increase the pavement’s temperature. The best time to go out is early in the morning or at dusk when the pavement is freezing and does not burn your dog’s paws.

2. Get Your Dog’s Paws Used To Walking On The Pavement.

A good idea to help strengthen your dog’s paws against any damage is to make him walk for long stretches on the pavement when it is cold so that his skin adapts to this material’s hardness and is more difficult to break or burn because it will become harder.

3. Keep Your Dog On A Grassy Path.

If, for some reason, you can’t avoid going out with your dog during the hottest part of the day, be sure to have him walk in grassy or shaded areas to avoid burns. Parks with lots of trees are ideal for hot afternoons, and you will also avoid coming into contact with corrosive substances that may be on the street or with dirt, which eventually dries out their pads.

4. Moisturize Your Dog’s Paws

Consider moisturizing your dog’s paws daily to prevent cuts, nicks, or peeling, as these small wounds make them more susceptible to burns and other skin problems. You can find Paw Repair creams and lotions at pet stores and veterinary clinics.

5. Protective Pad Wax

Paw Repair wax can be easily applied to your dog’s paw pads to protect them from damaging surfaces such as hot pavement. You can use it whenever you need extra protection during a walk, and you can find it in pet stores and veterinary clinics, just like moisturizing creams and lotions.

6. Adhesive Pads

Just like a sticker, these pads peel off from their packaging and stick easily to your dog’s paw pads. You can find them at any home improvement store and just cut them to the size your pet requires. They are a quick solution to minimize the dangers of hot pavement and injuries and are even slip-resistant.

Another option is silicone sheets that are reusable, easy to cut, and moisture resistant. You can get them at drugstores.

7. Dog Shoes

These shoes are one of the best ways to protect your dog’s paws; the important thing is that they are of good quality, comfortable and non-slip. Not all dogs get used to them, so don’t worry if you notice that your pet takes a long time to adapt or doesn’t want to wear them.

8. Disposable Boots

Disposable boots are ideal for hot days. They are made of rubber and resist chemicals, moisture, heat, sand, salt, and much more. They can be used several times without problems, biodegradable, and sold in packs of 12 in pet stores.

9. Socks

As a quick fix to keep your dog’s paws from getting damaged by hot pavement, you can use dog socks or a pair of baby socks. Not all dogs get used to wearing them, so as with shoes, don’t worry if your pet doesn’t want to wear them.

10. Check And Wash Your Dog’s Paws Daily.

Check your dog’s paws daily for any signs of damage and frequently clean them with soap and warm water. If his paw pads are damaged, take him to the veterinarian for advice on the best way to heal his wounds.

By following these tips, you can prevent your pet from being exposed to burns from walking on hot pavement and also improve their quality of life, since their paw pads serve as shock absorbers for their weight, maintain their balance, and allow them to walk on hard or rough surfaces.

 …

Women’s Sandals – Wearing Your Kitten Heel Sandals

When it comes down to shoes, everybody has their own preference and style. Naturally, many people like the same shoes and most have the tendency to follow the trends, but there are such a wide variety of different shoes and sandals, showing that nobody’s taste is just the same as the next person’s. Let us take women’s sandals for example.

It is really possible that you might absolutely love a pair of sandals that you’d never really wear yourself. So lovable are these footwear that you could never get away with wearing them! Perhaps it is because of the pattern or color; or you just love the look of a couple of gold or silver sandals but just can’t imagine yourself wearing them.

Maybe the heel is the issue. Perhaps you have always been used to wearing only flat soled sandals. Aside from the weird, strappy dress heel that could be categorized as a sandal, you usually wear more basic and casual types of sandals for comfort. But what you need to do is break out of your comfort zone!

Any time is a very good time to spice up your wardrobe and try experimenting with those styles that you adore but haven’t tried to wear for yourself. Sandals with heels are a great starting point, particularly now that heels are worn for each occasion from casual all of the way up to the formal type!

You can’t go wrong with two heels. But what type of heel should you choose? If you’re scared of a pair of very high heels due to lack of experience balancing on them, then go for something lower. If you still need the height, platform sandals are better to walk on, but they definitely have the “fashion punch” of high heels.

If platforms aren’t for you, then your best option are the kitten heel sandals. These have only recently come into fashion and is the only answer for those that require the style of a heel without the pain that comes with walking on a very high heel.

These sandals come in various styles. You will find extremely fancy patent leather types that are very good for more formal occasions, and you may also find them in more basic colors and styles that look good with a rather more casual outfit. If you’re attempting to find a method to jazz up a couple of jeans, then these sandals are your only solution. They look lovable and sassy, with a touch of the dressy and form an ideal coalition with jeans.

For the lady who hasn’t got much experience when it comes to women’s sandals for summer, kitten heel sandals are the ideal starting point in broadening your horizon. Put on a pair and you’ll immediately feel feminine and trendy; prepared for whatever summer fun lies ahead!…

Playing With Our Cat Helped Her Get Well

When we first got our now 15 year old tuxedo cat, she was a frail, too-thin kitten. At about 8 weeks old, she was half the size of the other kittens in a feral cat colony we had been watching and supporting. I couldn’t stand by and watch that one die as the others prevented her from eating, and actually beat her up from time to time. So I snatched her one morning, which wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. She still had some strength and good reflexes. But I knew that wouldn’t last much longer. It was time for an intervention!

I had to sneak up behind her and throw a towel over her and immediately scoop her into my arms, then into a box, since we did not have a trap. She put up an amazing fight and I was astonished at her spunk. But she had never been touched by a human before. She was completely terrified. And she wasn’t just the runt of the litter, either. Her head appeared to be permanently turned and tilted to the right. Someone else had been calling her “that twisted neck cat,” so we named her Twister.

It took a few weeks, but she soon became very tame and fun to have around the house. She played with everything. Shoelaces weren’t safe, and anything dangling or left on the floor, such as a newspaper, or a jacket hanging on a chair, was an invitation to dive underneath it. So we invested in a few toys made just for cats, but also with a view to helping her develop certain physical skills and coordination.

As a physician, I decided to use her playtime drive as a means of physical therapy to correct her neck problem. It looked like a torticollis to me, a condition in which muscle spasms become permanent and the neck cannot be turned normally, and as a chiropractor, I had helped a number of patients recover from exactly the same thing.

So I created a play routine that involved forcing Twister to look both ways, and to chase a toy to either side, with a quick change of direction so she didn’t have time to think about it. In addition, I used some massage and acupressure techniques to release the muscle rigidities and allow her to use them more.

It took most of her first year, but she came out of it quite well, with only a slight twist of her head left to remind anyone of her beginnings.

Now, at 15, she has no twist whatever, but she apparently had some congenital neurological damage from which she could not recover. She is now completely deaf, for example. And she’s still a very small cat. But she’s the lucky one… none of her litter mates, nor parents, are alive today. As ferals, they lasted the “normal” year or three and gradually disappeared, as ferals often do in the sometimes hazardous outdoor life. And while we weren’t able to capture all of them for spaying and neutering, we became advocates and volunteers for a local trap-neuter-release program to help control the stray population.

Meanwhile, Twister has lived a most fulfilling life as she became our constant companion on our many trips all over the United States.…

8 Basic Cat Care Tips

So you’ve just adopted a precious little kitten or cat. Now what do you do? Well you need to get prepared before bringing your new cat home. There are certain things you absolutely must have on hand.

1. A litterbox, litter and scoops are vital. Get a nice covered litter pan that will give your cat privacy and keep odors to a minimum. It is a good idea to get the clumping type of litter because it’s so easy to scoop out and throw away. If you only have one cat, you might want to invest in an automated litter system such as the Litter Maid – but these don’t work well with multiple cats.

2. Your cat will require 2 bowls that won’t tip over. The food dish should be relatively shallow and the water bowl should be a bit deeper. It is a good idea to feed your cat twice a day – both dry food and canned food. And water should be changed daily.

3. Your cat will also need plenty of toys to keep him/her stimulated. My cats have always enjoyed the bizzy balls best of all. They go by different names, but here’s what I’m talking about – they’re plastic balls with bells inside. There’s a wide variety of great cat toys on the market and most are pretty cheap – just try out a bunch and you’ll find what suits your kitty best.

4. A scratching post is very important as cats have an inborn need to stretch and sharpen their claws. If you don’t provide them with a suitable place to scratch, then they’ll end up doing it on your furniture or carpet. Even with a scratching post, they’ll probably still scratch where you don’t want them to. So you might want to spray cat deterrent or put double sided tape on your best furniture.

5. Of course a collar and id tag is important whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat. An indoor cat can slip out the door in a flash and without some form of identification – you might never see her again.

6. Cat beds are optional. I’ve bought different cat beds over the years and to tell you the truth, they’ve rarely been used. Most cats like to seek and find their own places to nap – and it usually varies from day to day. One day it may be on your bed; one day it may be on your couch; one day it may be on the floor; and one day it may be in a kitchen chair.

7. Flea and tick prevention are extremely important too. I am partial to the Frontline liquid stuff that you place between your cat’s shoulder blades – it works well and doesn’t cause any problems for your cat.

8. Be sure and schedule a visit to your veterinarian. The vet will let you know if there are any underlying health problems or conditions that you should be aware of and get your cat started on a good regimen of disease prevention.…

Surprise Your Little Girl This Christmas With Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty

When it comes to giving gifts for babies or young children, it is often quite a challenge to specifically think of an idea for little girls. Unlike little boys who will basically enjoy whatever you hand out to them, little girls are far more particular. Girls are picky, that’s for sure; but this shouldn’t stop you from succeeding at getting a holiday gift that would bring a smile to their faces — Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty is a good suggestion.

Most girls ranging in between 4 to 10 years of age are in their “doll” phase. This should give you an idea on the type of gift you can give? But you must not settle for the mainstream idea of buying her a new doll, especially since most girls of this age range probably have their own dolls already.

You can get her a gift package that contains accessories for her baby doll. These sets come with either bottles, diaper bags and other related baby dolls items that your little girl will enjoy during playtime.

If they’re not so much into dress up baby dolls, you can opt to give them Barbie dolls. You do not have to purchase branded and expensive doll accessories or costumes, you simply have to settle for something that is playful and will enable your child to let out her creativity.

One great and creative alternative to dolls is Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty, particularly if you don’t want real pets around the house. It will also save you money since the Lulu cuddlin kitty is relatively cheaper as compared to buying a new kitten for your child. As one of the most sought after toys nowadays, it won’t be surprise if its popularity grows as the Holiday season opens. Hence, your kid will be pleased to know that you have given this to them as a gift knowing that it is the latest toy trend among little girls.

The Lulu is covered with fur from real kitten, which is what gives that extra cuddly and soft feel. This is the closest to your child having a real kitten at home. This is battery operated, which enables it to execute common mannerisms that an actual kitten would, such as licking its paw, sitting on your lap, and making this purring sound. It also comes with blinking eyes and ears that will surely amuse your child.

The experience with Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty is more than just play. Aside from developing your child’s interaction skills, it also teaches your little one to care for others.…

Baby Kittens For Your Children

Have your children been asking you for a long time to get a pet and finally have you talked into adopting or buying a baby kitten? Maybe you already have a cat and it is fixing to have a litter of kittens for the first time and you want to know what you can expect to happen. There is a lot of work that has to be done when you are expecting a kitten in your home. You will want to read all of the tips that you can in order to have a full understanding of what you can expect to happen when that big day arrives.

One of the things that you will need to do is have a place for the kittens to rest. You will be able to make a bed out of a cardboard box. Since a baby kitten is much smaller than a full size cat the litter of kittens will not take up very much space. You will be able to put all of them in the same box as long as it is a large box.

You will want to insulate the box with some kind of blanket to keep it warm. When a kitten is born it is constantly cold so you will have to keep the kittens wrapped up at all times in order for their bodies to not go into shock from all of the shivering that they do. By keeping them in an insulated box you will be able to ensure that they are warm and comfortable.

Another task that you will have to take care of is feeding the kittens. Sometimes when kittens are babies they do not understand how to get milk from their mother. That means that you will have to go to the pet store or look around online and see if you can find a can of kitty replacement milk to feed the baby kittens. You can easily find it in either place that you look but you will be able to get a better deal by shopping at an online store.

There are a lot of things that you will be responsible for when kittens are still babies. You will need to take them to the vet and have them checked out so that you will know that they are healthy.…

Scottsdale dog obedience training is one of the fastest-growing training industries in the United States. Our professional, qualified instructors will set you up on a scottsdale dog obedience training course to get your dog on the right track to a safe and healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s about safety, socialization, dog aggression, or even just keeping your pet safe and comfortable around other people, we can help. So whether you live in Scottsdale or are looking for an entirely home-based business that will take your pet to learn new tricks and enjoy life while doing it, we can provide you with an experience your pet will never forget.

We all know that loving dogs means taking care of them, but what about when they are growing and developing? There are many things owners need to do to care for their young dogs before they turn into fully-grown dogs. Luckily, many trained professionals offer free dog care, from puppy kindergarten classes to dog behavior modification courses to specialty pet spas and kennels. Training classes and obedience lessons are also available online. For those who love their dogs but don’t have the time to commit to full-time dog care, we’ve provided the resources to care for your pet and save you time, money, and aggravation.

Dog trainers and behavior consultants can help you with everything from obedience lessons to medications to holistic approaches when it comes to behavior problems. In-home dog trainers provide ongoing support, helping you identify and manage your pet’s behavior problems while providing tools for overcoming those challenges to resolve issues. Some may work with you to create a tailored program to address your unique needs and concerns. The critical thing to remember is that every pet is different, and some behavior is expected while other behavioral problems may be caused by underlying health or life issues. With the guidance of experienced, qualified dog trainers, you can begin to find solutions to challenging behavioral problems quickly and in a way that is safe for you and your pet.

A critical skill that a scottsdale dog obedience training professional can teach you is how to use words to communicate what you want from him. This includes proper greetings, requests for assistance, directions, and recommendations for items. By spending a few hours a week practicing acceptable word use, you can quickly learn to communicate with your pet without escalating situations. Once you have mastered this skill, you can use it immediately to defuse any negative interactions and turn those into loving, positive experiences with your pet.

If you have been having a problem disciplining your pet, you can start right away. First, make a list of how you usually communicate and take that same list with you to your obedience class. Your trainer can then review this list with you during your first meeting and create a new, positive way to communicate with your pet. This simple step will make an enormous difference in your relationship with your dog, and the results will surprise you.

When it comes to training dogs on a leash, one of the essential skills a trainer can teach you is not to give in to your dog’s need to feel safe. Using a short, firm “no,” followed by a soft “okay,” is a valuable lesson to teach your puppy not to grab your leash or jump on people. Dogs are naturally protective animals, and if they sense that their owner will blame them for an impending failure, they are likely to act out protectively. You can reinforce this message by repeating this sentence repeatedly as soon as you notice your puppy making a mistake. If you say the sentence too often, ask your trainer for help and perhaps add a “not” to the phrase.

Some dogs may have behavioral issues or be disoriented after being away from home for an extended time. To help your dog adjust to its new surroundings, try using the phrase “you’re welcome” when you introduce him to a new place. It’s also important to emphasize the word welcome instead of “ugh” or “um.” Other words you can use to say to welcome your new dog to your home include “Kisses,” “Hello,” and “Good morning.” These phrases are all good ways to tell your dog that you are glad he is here and want him to do what he does best: play and please his humans.

A scottsdale Phoenix pet owner can have a fulfilling and rewarding experience raising a pup or dog. Just remember that the best thing about raising a puppy is that you get to spend as much quality time together as possible. So, spend part of each day playing, walking, or just walking around with your new pup in the vicinity of your G-spot.…

Getting to Know Your Cat’s Sleeping Habits

When it comes to sleeping, cats are truly the experts. Any cat owner will tell you that their cat sometimes seems to sleep more than it does anything else! But, what they may not know is that there are a number of interesting facts regarding cats and sleep. Here is a look at a few of them.

Where Does Your Kitty Sleep?

While some cat owners will swear that their cats will sleep just about anywhere at any given time, cats actually do have their preferences. According to one survey that was conducted online, for example, older cats seem to prefer sleeping at the foot of the bed when they sleep with their owners, while younger cats seem to prefer sleeping on the pillow. Regardless of age, most cats are simply looking for a place that is warm and cozy for their naps. If it is warm outside, however, your cat will likely look for a shaded place to sleep. In the winter, on the other hand, it will seek out a heat source or a ray of sunshine to cuddle under. While temperature is important, the cat also wants to feel safe and comfortable in its chosen spot, which is why so many prefer to snuggle up next to their owners whenever they can.

Speaking of sleeping in bed with their owners, about 96% of those who participated in the survey admitted that they allow their feline friends to sleep in their bedrooms. Only about 50% of those cats, however, are allowed to sleep in the bed and about 38% of the cats actually sleep on the pillow.

How Long Does Your Kitty Sleep?

It may seem like your cat sleeps away its entire day because it does actually sleep for the majority of its day. In fact, experts estimate that the average cat sleeps anywhere from 13 to 16 hours per day. The exact amount of time a cat sleeps, however, varies from cat to cat. The age and personality of your cat are two of the biggest factors that determine how long your cat will sleep. If it is an older cat or one that is generally inactive, for example, it will likely sleep longer hours than one that is younger and likes to keep busy.

Despite the long hours of sleep that they clock in, it should be noted that cats generally do not sleep through an entire night. Therefore, if you allow your kitty to sleep in bed with you, it is possible that it will disturb you early in the morning when it gets up and decides it wants to eat or play while you are still trying to sleep.

If your cat is causing too much distraction during the night and making it difficult for you to sleep, you might want to consider setting up a sleeping space for it in another room. Keep in mind that cats like to sleep on top of something, so purchase a feline bed or simply fold up some blankets for your kitty to rest upon. This way, you can both get the rest you are looking for.…

Cat Litter Trays

By the time your new bundle of fluff arrives home she will already more than likely have learnt how to use cat litter trays by copying her Mum. Your kitten will have followed her Mum to the litter tray and mimicked her. If however your kitten was removed from her Mum too early chances are she may not have yet learnt how to use the tray and it will be your job as her new adopted Mum to train her.

The first most important thing to consider is the positioning of the letter tray. Ideally the tray should be placed away from her sleeping and eating area and in a quiet area of the house. Your kitten won’t use her tray is there are too many people around and will more than likely go and find somewhere quiet to attend to her needs. The general rule of thumb is to have one cat litter tray per cat and an extra one but you may want to consider having more in the house whilst your kitten is still young. During her first few months whilst her body is still developing, her bladder will be weak and if she is too far away from her tray she may not make it in time.

Another important factor to think about is the fact that cats are by nature extremely clean animals. Waste should be scooped out of the tray daily, the cat litter should be changed often and the actual tray should be cleaned regularly. You shouldn’t use strong smelling detergents as it will deter little kitty from using it, hot soapy water should do the trick. If you don’t maintain a regular schedule of keeping things clean the chances are your kitten will find a cleaner spot in the house to go.

The first few days for your kitten in her new home can be quite daunting for her, with all the new smells, noises, people to get used to and she certainly won’t know where her tray is. One of the first things you should do when she arrives home is pick her up and place her in the tray. You should routinely do this particularly after meal times and sleeping. Even if she doesn’t need to go, which she more than probably will, it is a constant reminder for her of where the tray is. Move the litter around with your fingers as she will associate the noise with toilet time. When she does use the tray give her plenty of praise and attention or even a small treat. If she has an accident and you catch her going outside of the tray don’t shout at her or reprimand her simply pick her up and place her in the tray. Remember she is only young and is still learning.…

A Ferret Toy – The Secret For Your Pet’s Happiness

Most owners keep their ferrets inside their cages since they are very active animals. But if you have at least three hours a day of your free time to supervise your ferrets and allow them to play with their ferret toys, your pet will be able to stay happy and healthy at all times. You can also use this so-called playtime to clean their cage or groom your pets. The more time of play you give to your ferret, the better it is for them. This is because they love to engage in recreational activities and they are truly one of the most mischievous creatures that you can bring home with you.

Ferrets are excellent jumpers so you can opt to give them some interactive cat playthings that are appropriate for them. An example of this is the kitty teaser, which is made up of a simple wire or a toy that is attached to a plastic string. These items are securely connected to a feather or other similar objects. This is great for your pets since this will bring out the hidden gymnastic abilities in them. You can also have any of those rubber toys that allow you to fill them up with peanut butter or any other mixture. This will give the ferret an opportunity to enhance their mental powers because they need to find ways on how they can effectively get the little food out of the toy.

You do not have to buy those luxurious toys if you do not have the budget. Ferrets will truly appreciate their owner’s effort to give them the tuff that they want. A simple interactive ferret toy will bring out the best in them and sure enough, they will be able to have some fun time. You can purchase these toys in stores or if you want to save money, you can go online and search for the one that you think they will like. There are a lot of sites that offer a wide variety of toys with affordable prices.

Whether you would like to give them some interactive toys or those that are squeaky so that they will b able to respond to the sounds, what matters is that you give them enough playtimes. They will be able to perform plain tricks such as rolling over or even standing up so that they can reach for a treat with the help of a simple yet efficient ferret toy.…

Supply Checklist For Bringing Home Your New Kitty

* Food

* Treats

* Food and Water Bowls

* Litter

* Litter Box

* Collar

* Name Tag

* Kitty Toys

* Kitty Bed

* Grooming Tools

* Scratching Post

* Kitty Carrier

* Lint Rollers

I recommend a higher quality of food for your kitty. It is more costly but is also more nutritious, which means your kitty can live a healthier life. You will notice a difference in their skin and coat when using a higher quality cat food.

I usually buy the cheaper kitty treats because I know that it is just a treat and is not something they need to live off of.

It is fun picking out the food and water bowls, but be mindful of its function. The plastic food bowls can harvest more bacteria then ceramic or glass. Ceramic and glass are also easier to clean in the dish washer.

Finding the right litter is very important. There are so many types, clump-able, non-clump-able, corn and even crystal. I have tried all of them but the choice is yours. Are you going to clean the litter box out every day? Then use the clump-able. If not use the non-clump-able. Do you have the litter box in a room you use all the time, if so I would use the corn or crystal litter for the smell. Whatever litter you train your cat on is what you should stick with. If you change the litter type your kitty may get mad and refuse to use the box.

There are many varieties of litter boxes, corner ones, covered ones and plain ones. I use a plain one because I have scoop-able (clump-able) litter and it is much easy for me to scoop it without the hassle of a lid. However covered litter boxes do help more with the smell.

Do you want your kitty to wear a collar? If so you will need to buy a collar that is designed for cats. It will be a break-away collars, so if your cat get the collar stuck on a fence it can still get away without choking itself. The collar does not do any good unless you also buy a name tag (*with a phone number*). This will be the only hope of getting your kitty back if it escapes.

Toys are a must if you have a kitten, they will help socialize the kitten.

Kitties also love their beds, however the kitty usually chooses where it wants to sleep all by themselves. I have several kitty beds, I put them in shots that my cats have already chosen to stay. For example, Madison loves to sleep on top of the dog kennel so she can look outside and enjoy the sunlight. I put a bed on top of that kennel and you will find her there most days.

Cats usually groom themselves, but sometimes their hair can get matted and will need to be brushed out. Cats with long hair will need to be brushed out more often then short haired cats. It may be best if you had a selection of brushed to use.

Is your kitty declawed? If not you will want a scratching post. If you don’t have a scratching post it will be very likely that you will have some torn up furniture in the first few month of owning a cat or kitten.

Your cat should always be transported in a carrier. When buying a carrier make sure to get it big enough that your cat fit into it as an adult. No need to waste money on a carrier that will be to small in 6 months.

Lastly, I would purchase a lint roller cats can shed a lot and you don’t want to go to work in a nice black suit and have white kitty hair all over it.…

Ferret Training – No Bites

The first thing we all want to do in ferret training is to teach him not to bite. If you have been suffered from ferret bites before, you know that this is a very important thing you must solve. If you want to keep the ferret as a pet, especially when there are kids in the house, the ferret bites must be resolve.

Ferrets often bite, but you have to understand that they do it just if they are scared of something. In this way they use their own defense tool – the sharp teeth. The young ferrets bite as a part of game, but also because in the early stage of life they don’t know how hard they should bite, in order to eat different kinds of food. They are doing experiments with their teeth that for you might look dangerous, but still it’s a major part of the ferret training life.

Some of the ferrets bite when they hear loud noises so if this is the case try to facilitate your ferret by reducing unwanted noises from the living area. By doing it you might get rid of the ferret bites without even conducting full ferret training. It’s true what they say that the solution to every problem is very simple.

There are so many other methods you can use to stop the ferret from biting. It all depends on the reason of bites. For example if he is sick or hurt than the right solution is to take him to the veterinarian. It is always advised to treat your lovely ferret with care, but if he in deep rages you can keep him in his cage just for a few minutes so he will calm down.

A very create idea to stop the ferret from biting is using the “bad taste ferret training”. In this method you cover your hands with a bitter taste of food, let’s say bitter melon. And put your fingers near his mouth. The ferret will avoid biting your fingers because he will want to avoid the bitter taste. After a few trainings he will remember not to bite your fingers.…

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?…

The Mystery of Kitten Behavior

When I watch my little kitten sometimes I think that he has unlimited energy. He loves to play, is very curious, and exploring is his favorite thing to do. Sometimes it gets him in to trouble so I gave him things to play with to prevent it. Kitten behavior can be a mystery to us humans.

Although toys are good there is something better you can give to you kitten. Your time and friendship is something that is most precious to your cat. Through playing with him you will develop a relationship that is necessary for you to live together happily. Of course, that is not saying that your cat needs more than your play ideas.

Your kitten needs you to develop instincts that are natural for him and to learn how to play safely and act on his instincts in a way that is acceptable to you. You will probably find your cat off hunting or jumping on things; this is an instinct that he needs to act upon. You should not get mad at your cat when he does it. Your cat will attack your legs to play with you. Learn to like it. Your cat does this to develop his instinct to hunt.

Little kittens are like children: they will test you to know what is allowed. If you do not teach him properly when he is young, you will have a problem when he is older. And just like the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, it is very hard to change a cat’s behavior when he is an adult. Use common sense to determine what kitten behavior is acceptable for you while keeping in mind the welfare of your cat.…

How To Introduce An Orphaned Kitten To A Foster Mother

Have you ever faced the daunting task of introducing an orphaned kitten to a foster-mother? It is not the easiest task in the world, but it is still doable with lots of time and commitment from you. In this article you will find a proven way to do this, as I had success with this method three times with three different mother cats and kittens.

It is only required to have a foster-mother feed the kitten if it still has not been weaned or it is too small or weak to eat on its own. You need to ensure that the mother cat has kittens of its own who still feed on her milk. You also need to ensure that she is healthy enough to feed another kitten before trying to get her to adopt the orphan. It is also best if she has more than one kitten as she will tend to notice the new addition much less if her brood is greater than one. However this method has worked well for me even with cats who have just one kitten with them.

First you need to ensure that the mother cat has a safe and comfortable place to feed her kittens. While she feeds her kittens. It is also good to introduce an object, which has the smell of the new orphan and let her sniff at it. When she has settled down to feed her kittens it is good to introduce the orphan to suckle from her. You may need someone to guide the orphan to suckle, while soothing the cat if she starts to get agitated. Do not use force on her, but you should proceed to soothe her by rubbing her head or the underside of the chin. This will calm her down.

However if she moves away do not worry, she will be back to feed her kittens again need to repeat the process again and again until she stops becoming agitated and settles down to feeding this kitten. You will need to be here each time it happens. If the kitten does not get much milk, you need to feed it with some formula for kittens or even babies if it is all you can get. I have used a pipette to do this for one of my kittens.

You will gradually find that the mother cat will take to licking the kitten. Sometimes she may hiss and take a spat at it. When this happens remove the kitten to stop it from getting hurt. Reintroduce it later so that it gets another chance. Eventually the mother cat will come around to licking it and before long she will not be able to make it out from her own litter.

This may take two or three days at the most even with the fiercest mother cats and the most wayward kittens. All you need is some patience and time to achieve success. So, next time you find an orphaned cat do not shy away from it you could follow the above steps and get a foster-mother to adopt it as her own.…

Tips to Know Before You Adopt a Ferret

So you want to or at least you are thinking about taking that first step to adopt a ferret. If this is so you will be happy to know that you have plenty of options on which to decide of where you are going to source your new pet. Because of this you are given the chance on whether to get him from a pet store, a rescue center, one taken care of by a friend, or other various places. No matter where you plan to get him there is one thing that is for sure and that is the fact that this is truly a rewarding experience to be in.

If you are ready to adopt a ferret here are few things that you may want to know:

As of these days, ferrets are considered to be one of the most popular pet there is in the entire United States as well as in other parts of the world. Next to dogs and cats, ferrets are among the most beloved animals to have in every home! Although this is good news, there is actually something bothering about this. It is the fact that more and more animals are finding their way into rescue shelters because of financial reasons or due to the fact that there are just some owners who aren’t responsible enough to take care of this pet properly.

If you want to save your cash from buying a ferret you may like the idea of going to your nearest rescue center and check out the selections they might have regarding these warm, lovable fur balls. In order to decide exactly which rescue center that you should get your pet from, you can try searching for them online, from magazines or your local newspaper. Remember though that the process of adopting from a shelter is never easy because people from the center will have to ask some things about your history and a little background information about you so they can be assured that you can take care of the ferret once it is inside your house.

Ferrets are normally friendly but if not trained the proper way you can expect some troubled times ahead if you are not careful. Because of this, you should always give your pet plenty of good, loving attention like the way you would give a puppy or kittens. Just be careful in the beginning that it is not a very good idea to allow your pet to stay inside the room with very small children because of the unintentional harm they may cause to kids.

Another concern that owners would normally face is the cleanliness of their pet. Well, ferrets are normally clean as they can be taught on how to use the litter box when nature calls. On the other hand, they can be very messy if they are not properly trained in this discipline.

Now that you know some of the tips to equip yourself with in owning this kind of pet, you can be prepared for the responsibilities involved when you are ready to adopt a ferret.…

How to Build a Cat Tree

No matter what kind of cat tree you want to build, you need to take into consideration the following three things – cost, size, and your construction experience. Don’t let any one of these things stop you from building your own cat tree, but do plan according for what you can manage.

Let’s start with experience. If this is your first time doing a project like this, you might want to look around and check out what others have done. This will give you ideas for your own project. However, if you have done this before, then you most likely have a good idea of what you want.

Beginners should start with a simple cat tree. This will – most likely – keep the costs down and the size of your project small. However, your cat will never know the difference, and will enjoy your hard work immensely – no matter what the size.

And, if you’re concerned about your budget, don’t worry – costs can be kept to a minimum, unless you’re building an extravagant cat tree or you just want to use really high quality materials. For instance, you can find scrap pieces of plywood from a construction site or carpet squares at a discount from a building store. Maybe a friend or relative just got done with a renovation project and there’s left-over scrap materials you can use on your project.

You can also go to your local lumber yard and ask them for scraps or partial pieces of plywood that only cost a couple of dollars, if anything. If you go to a carpet store, you’ll be able to find empty tubes or scraps of carpet for anywhere from a couple of dollars to free. By now, you should be getting the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to build something nice for your cat.

As far as size goes, you can go as simple as a 14″ x 14″ platform mounted to 12″ long center post sitting on a 2′ x 2′ base, all wrapped in carpet or fake fur. On the other hand, you might decide to go with a more expensive multi-story “cat condo” extravaganza – it’s all up to you and what your pocketbook can handle. Also, take into consideration on how much time you want to put into this project. After all, you can always start small and add to it as time progresses.

To build a simple cat tree, all you really need is a square piece of plywood, a wooden post of appropriate width, carpet, wood glue, and nails. Use the glue to attach the carpet to the base and the post, and use nails to attach the two pieces together. You can then use a spring or heavy rope to attach a fun cat toy to the top of the post so that your cat has something to play with.

Whatever method you use – and however much you spend – you can be sure that your cat will love her new home-built cat tree. As long as you build it with love and care – being sure that there are no dangerous corners, edges, or loose parts – your cat will enjoy its tree for years to come.…

Domestic Cat Behaviour: 5 Tips For a More Exciting Playtime

One of the top questions that people have about domestic cat behaviour is why their feline does not want to play with them. Usually the problem is not that the kitty doesn’t want to play, but instead, that the forms of play or toys offered to the cat are just plain boring. Every feline has a different personality, so the type of play that one cat is interested in, may be completely dull to another!

Your job is to find out what types of toys are the most exciting for your cat. To help you with your decision we have come up with the top 5 toy options to make playtime more fun.

Catnip Toys

Catnip toys have always been a favourite choice for cats and pet owners. Not only do these toys come in all sorts of shapes and materials, but they are stuffed with catnip too! The best way to play with a catnip toy is to place it beside your cat, slowly begin to move it around in front of or on top of Kitty, and finally to throw it across the room to see if she decides to chase it.

Strings

Wriggly, squiggly strings are a favourite form of prey for many felines. Any string-like item will do, just make sure to interest your kitty fully in the activity by dangling it in front of him, on top of him, or by slowly pulling the string past him. If your cat is interested in the game you will notice a sudden attentiveness to the string, and he may even get into a pouncing position to attack the string.

Laser Pointers

Cats go crazy for the little red dot that is just impossible to catch. Playing with this toy is simple, just shine the light anywhere in front of your kitty, and move it around for her to chase. You will want to make sure to shine the light only on areas around your cat. Never shine a light on a feline’s face, especially not in his eyes.

Feathers

Felines love to catch feathers, especially when they are moving around in front of them. To initiate a playtime with feathers, rub the feather on your kitty’s nose or slowly drag the feather beside him. If he begins to get excited about the feather, you know you have found a winner and will be able to purchase all sorts of feathery toys that will excite your kitty for future playtimes.

Paper Bags and Cardboard Boxes

One of the strangest types of domestic cat behaviour is their interest in cardboard boxes and paper bags. Some cats will have no interest in the new toy you have just bought for them, and will instead be more excited by the box or bag that the present came in. The next time you find yourself with a spare box or bag, place it on the floor in front of your feline to see if he or she gives you any reaction. You may have to move the box or bag around a little bit to gain your cat’s attention, but this play option is sure to be a hit.

Try out these tips to see if you can make playtime more exciting for you and your feline friend. Remember to never leave any strings, feathers, or bag handles unattended, as these can be harmful items for your cat to play with on his own. If you’re still having a tough time enticing Kitty to play, try adding a sprinkle of catnip to the mix either on top of or inside of the toy. This addition will definitely make playtime more exciting for any cat.…

5 Tips For Choosing the Right Nutrition For Your Kitten

What you eat is what you are! This is right for the humans and also for the pets. You have to choose the right nutrition for your kitten so that it remains healthy always. Giving the right nutrition to your kitten would save you a lot of trips to the veterinarian and even a considerable amount of money spent on treatments. You can easily avoid serious medical conditions if you give proper nutrition to your kitten.

1. The cat needs proteins, amino acid, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty acids and water. You have to ensure that the food that you choose for your kitten is well balanced with all these ingredients in the right quantities. Protein can be got from fish, meat, and poultry. You might ask whether a cat needs carbohydrates. Although it is not necessary it is used to fill the stomach and is found in canned foods as fillers. The color and flavor vary with the brands.

2. You can give both dry and canned foods. Alternate these so that the cat gets both of these. Most of the cats do not drink much water. Hence canned foods are better since it has water in it. Dry foods are better for feeding freely. Minerals and vitamins are to be added to the food that you give. Do not give the same food all the time. Change the menu frequently so that the cat is not bored with the same food. Do we eat the same food all the time? We don’t. So it is fair that we do not expect the kitten to have the same food for every meal.

3. Give foods from different brands so that the kitten is not addicted to a certain brand or flavor. Food addictions should be avoided as you might not get the same food always. Hence it is better to rotate the brands of foods from the start.

4. See whether any particular food causes allergies in the kitten. Just like humans, the kittens are also allergic to certain foods. You have to note them down and avoid such foods in the future.

5. Cheaper brands are not cheaper on your wallet. Cats eat as much as they get the nutrition needed. Premium foods have the right nutrition even if fed in small quantities. Cheaper foods might not have the required nutrition and they are just fillers. Cats will eat more of such foods until they get the required nutrition. So you will end up spending the same amount on cheaper foods too. Hence it is better to choose premium brands.

Apart from these it is important that the cat food you buy adheres to the protocols set by the AAFCO. The nutrients should be at that level or more than that. Check for the protein source in the label and the expiration date of the food. Avoid labels that have ‘by-products’ and ‘preservatives’. Avoid cat foods that have corn meal fillers and excess of other fillers.…

Licking Away Fur – How to Put an End to Your Cat’s Baldness

What would you think if you had a lovely, fluffy kitty and it suddenly started to lose its hair? Unfortunately, this problem is more common than many people realize and, in many cases, the hair loss is actually the result of your kitty simply overgrooming or doing other things that are causing hair loss to occur. Just as humans can suffer from obsessive compulsive disorders that cause them to repeatedly engage in the same behavior, your cat may do the same thing when it comes to grooming. As a result, baldness, which is also referred to as alopecia may occur. At the same time, there are other potential causes of feline baldness that needs to be ruled out before you assume the alopecia is the result of overgrooming.

Exploring Other Potential Causes of Alopecia

In addition to excessive grooming, there are several other potential causes of alopecia. Some of these include:

o Skin Parasites – parasites such as fleas and mites may cause your cat’s skin to become irritated, which can lead to overgrooming. Fortunately, it is usually pretty easy to spot fleas and mites, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to diagnose this as the cause of the baldness. In addition, there are several medications and other products available on the market that can help you get rid of these parasites and give your cat some relief from the irritation.

o Fungal Infections – fungal infections can also cause hair to fall out or make it brittle, which makes its break easily and for your cat to appear bald. If your cat is suffering from a fungal infection, you will likely need to visit your vet for medication to clear up the condition.

o Hormones – certain hormonal conditions can also lead to hair loss. By performing a simple blood test, your veterinarian will be able to determine if hormones are causing your cat’s hair loss to occur.

o Allergies – allergies can cause several problems to develop in your kitty, including hair loss. In addition, allergies can lead to skin irritation, which may cause your cat to overgroom.

If all of these conditions have been ruled out, you may have a cat that suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there may be certain triggers or environmental factors that are causing your pet to overgroom. By understanding these triggers, you can more effectively treat the problem and, hopefully, put an end to your cat’s obsessive grooming.

Treating Overgrooming

In many cases, cats who overgroom are doing so in response to stress or anxiety. Therefore, one step in the treatment process may simply involve giving your cat anxiety medication or better yet, making changes in your household that will alleviate stress. For example, your cat may begin the behavior when a new cat is added to the household. By separating the cats and gradually reintroducing them, your cat’s stress and anxiety may be reduced and it may slow down on the grooming.

Providing your cat with other activities may also help reduce its tendency to overgroom. By introducing new toys or engaging in new activities, your cat may find other ways to entertain itself that do not involve licking its fur away!…

How To Set Up Your Home For Your New Ragdoll

Before you can bring home your new Ragdoll kitten, you must make sure that your home is ready to receive it. You would want to ensure that your new addition to your family will find its new home welcoming, safe and comfortable.

Here is a breakdown of 5 places in your home that you should kitten-proof:

Bathroom

The bathroom can be place of danger for any kitten because more often than not, water can be left unattended in a bathtub or in a bucket. If your Ragdoll kitten gets thirsty, it may wander to the bathroom and try to drink from the tub or bucket. Your kitty could possibly fall into either the bucket or the tub so to avoid that, be sure to keep your bathtub drained and have a lid to cover buckets filled with water. Always keep the toilet seat covered, too.

Outdoors

Cats, by nature, love to explore and the outside world is just as fascinating to them as the inside of your home. However, Ragdoll kittens should not be allowed to go outside the confines of your home or apartment. You should also check which plants you have in your home that can be poisonous to your new pet. Do what’s necessary to keep them away from it.

Kitchen

As a place where you cook and prepare food, kittens love hanging out in the kitchen. You have to be watchful of your new Ragdoll kitty around kitchen appliances, their wires and other electrical appliances. Try to keep your sink drained of water to avoid having your pet fall into it. Keep cleansers, soaps, liquids and powders that they can open and spill or even ingest in high cupboards or cabinets with child-safety locks to avoid poisoning.

Living Room

Ragdoll kittens like to play on the floor but will also like to play on sofa, chairs and tables. It would be best to have a scratching post or a cat tree around so they have a proper place to relax or have fun. You should also put away your favorite breakables in another cabinet that is far from your new kitten’s reach.

Bedroom

To avoid choking, personal items that include needles, pins and other small objects should be kept in a drawer. Your Ragdoll kitten is curious about everything and will try to taste or swallow those small items. Curling iron, blowdryer and other accessories should also be hidden away after use to avoid burning and other accidents. Cats also find laundry baskets appealing so it would be good to have a cover for your laundry pile.…

Florida’s Snake Problem

Florida is being overrun with snakes like the Burmese python. They are putting the natural wildlife in the Everglades in danger. The population, estimated to be over 100,000 in the Everglades, will attack and consume any type of wildlife including an alligator.

The governor of Florida is considering signing a bill putting a bounty on a captured snake to reduce the population. This procedure was used to control the alligator population. Besides the bounty, the licensed trappers will keep the proceeds from selling the meat and skin. The trappers will be licensed and trained by the state to capture them. It will be considered very dangerous for anyone to try to capture them without the proper training. It is competing with the alligator as the number one predator in the area.

The burmese python is one of the six largest snakes in the world. It can be found near water or in trees. It can grow up to 18 feet and weigh 160 pounds. It is lighted colored with brown blotches outlined in black. It is found throughout Southeast Asia but has a presence in the United States due to the pet trade.

It is native to Southeast Asia. It is an excellent swimmer and climber and needs a source of water to survive. The Everglades is a perfect habitat for it. It is active during the night and will sleep during the day. It tends to live in the underbrush. Florida’s marshes and wetlands are ideal locations for it. It’s diet consists of birds and mammals but will attack anything for food. It will seize its’ prey with it’s teeth and crush it’s prey with it’s body.

It has been hunted for it’s skin, folk medicines and in some areas, food. It has also been captured for the pet industry. It has a reputation as being docile, but can kill a human being with it’s strength. It is usually afraid of people, but like any wild animal, it is unpredictable and may attack a human. It has an instinct to hunt and will try to escape from it’s cage in captivity. It is recommended that two people be presented when handling the python. If it does attack one person, the other person can unwrap it.

Because of the size it reaches at adulthood, it can outgrow it’s surroundings in captivity. As an adult, it requires a large amount of food and an expensive enclosure. Owners tend to overfeed it. Many owners cannot deal with it as an adult and will release to the wild. As in the situation in Florida, it can start to breed and overwhelm an area causing an imbalance with the natural wildlife.…

Shoe Lexicon – Part 1

These days the fashion magazines, blogs, and catalogues are littered with terms that are so alien, so unfamiliar, we simply don’t know what we’re buying anymore. Which is why I’ve put together a shoe lexicon that will serve as your guide when shopping for new shoes.

Peep Toe. As you probably can tell, a peep toe is a style of shoe that shows off a little bit of your toes. Typically, peep toes have a small crescent-shaped opening at the tip of the vamp of the shoe, big enough for your big toe and the one next to it to “peep” through. Although these days, some shoes just have a tiny teardrop-shaped hole big enough to shoe your big toe. Because of its playful design, many consider it the easygoing cousin of the pumps.

Tips When Wearing Peep Toes:

Get a pedicure. Granted that it only shows two of your toes or even less, the fact remains that it shows. So best to get a good pedicure when wearing peep toes. This can also be a great chance to show off your awesome nail color.

Brogues. Brogue shoes are a style of shoes that was extremely popular fashion among men. Also called wing tips, they are low heeled shoes that are ornately decorated with perforations, holes and different kinds of leathers. Just think back to what mob boys would wear for shoes and you typically have an idea what brogues are. However, fashion mavericks like Marlene Dietrich wore brogues that helped it transcend from a men’s shoe to a masculine-inspired fashion for women.

Tips When Wearing Brogue Shoes:

Balance it out. Because brogues are very manly, balance the look out by wearing a very girly A line skirt and a tank top. Don’t forget to add in accessories like a charm bracelet or silver bangle bracelets to complete the look.

Kitten Heels. There are many speculations on how the kitten heels came to be known as kitten heels. My favorite theory thus far is that it earned its moniker because as compared to the killer high heels models wear when they sashay down the catwalk, the modest height of these particular shoes’ heels are just kittens. I don’t know if the theory is true or not, but it’s a rather cute explanation though. However, kitten heels have slowly made their way to the catwalks middle of this year.

Tips When Wearing Kitten Heels:

Show Off Your Shoes. Maybe it’s its 1950s origins that make me want to favor dresses with this style of shoes, but generally wear something that will show them off is a good rule to follow. Bodycon skirts paired with a flowy top and kitten heels is a number one recommendation.…

Cat Sneezing Symptoms – 5 Main Causes

Kitten sneezing symptoms and cat sneezing symptoms, like human symptoms, are not in and of themselves a necessarily bad sign. However, chronic sneezing coupled with other symptoms can be especially concerning. Let’s take a look at some common cat sneezing symptoms and cat cold symptoms.

1 – Dust, Pollen, Cleaning Supplies, etc

Little Muffy sticks her investigative nose everywhere… in corners, under furniture, in old smelly shoes. Her sneezing may be nothing more than a healthy reaction to a common household irritant such as mold, dust, cleaning supplies or pollen, or some other mild cat sneezing allergies. As long as your cat is not frequently sneezing, mark it up to her curiosity.

2 – Upper Respiratory Infection

Cat upper respiratory infection symptoms can mirror cat sneezing allergies, and are the most common cause for continual cat sneezing. Comparable to the common cold in people, they can usually be cured by good food and rest. If the sneezing continues, a natural application of homeopathic medication can help. Borax and Phosphorous are two elements found to help alleviate kitten sneezing symptoms in cats of all ages. As always, contact a reputable source to obtain these remedies.

3 – Dental problems

The next major cause of sneezing in cats is dental disease. This is not generally something that cat owners think to check, but a disease in Tabby’s teeth can easily creep into her sinuses and infect her there. If your cat has pain when eating, or shows swollen gums, take her to a veterinarian for a dental cleaning.

4 – Feline Herpes

Actually rather common, the herpes virus usually causes cat sneezing symptoms and upper respiratory problems, possibly even cat vomiting symptoms, but only lasts a few weeks, then goes back into hibernation. If this virus inhabits your cat, he will have it his whole life. However, it is rarely a danger to his health. Pulsatilla was used in ancient Greece to cure runny eyes and noses, and is still used effectively in many homeopathic remedies for cats today.

5 – Feline Leukemia

The most dangerous cause of cat sneezing is Feline Leukemia. Leukemia weakens your cat’s immune system, and can cause your cat to contract other more dangerous diseases such as asthma. If the application of other common remedies and medication does not help, take your cat to a vet for a comprehensive checkup.

Cat sneezing symptoms can be early warning signs of a more serious problem, and are more serious when you notice kitten sneezing symptoms because of the youth of your pet, but are generally treatable by the application of safe, non-invasive, natural homeopathic medicines. Always make sure that anything you use on your feline friend is FDA approved and contains no artificial colors or preservatives.…

Should I Get Insurance For My Kitten

If you have a kitten and you are wondering whether you should get insurance for your pet, then the answer is a resounding yes. Kittens are just as prone to things like stomach upsets and ear infections as older cats, and it costs just as much to treat them.

It is always better to get a pet insurance plan while your cat is still young as most insurance policies exclude existing conditions, if you get it before problems can develop then your pet should be covered for everything. If you want the best for your kitten right from the beginning, then you really need to give serious consideration to purchasing pet insurance.

It’s an idea to take a good look around on the internet and at the information board in your local vet’s surgery because they often have some quite reasonable pet insurance plans. Take your time over making a decision because you don’t want to take on a plan and then find that it doesn’t cover everything that you want it to cover. In the UK pet plans have certain terms and conditions, understanding these fully is key to ensuring that your cat is fully covered. There are a number of things that you need to take into consideration when you are looking for a pet plan.

The breed of kitten that you have is important because some cats are more prone to certain conditions than others. Many people think that the alley cat is usually the most hardy but this is not always the case. If your kitten is a pedigree breed then you probably know something about its family history and this could be important when it comes to getting insurance for your pet. Where you live should also be taken into consideration here, cats and kittens are notorious for exploring the area where they live. If you live in an area where there is a lot of traffic then your kitten may be more at risk of being hurt in a road accident than if you lived somewhere quieter.

There are a number of different ways that you can insure your cat and it is easy to get a quote online or over the telephone. Some companies offer a discount when you pay for your cat insurance online and that is worth investigating further, particularly with some of the leading insurers. Before you start asking for quotes you need to know exactly what you want for your kitten and also what you can afford to pay in premiums and in excess.

With most pet insurance plans a higher excess, i.e., what you are required to pay towards the cost, which might be £50 or it might be 10 or 20 per cent of the total cost of a course of treatment. The more that you can pay in excess, then the less you will pay on your premiums – just as you might find with a car. It’s a good idea to insure your kitten once it is about eight weeks old, that way there is less chance it will have a pre-existing condition. Once you know what you want and what you can afford to pay, it is time to start looking for pet insurance quotes.…

Did She Miss the Litter Box Again?

Is “Oops, she did it again…” the new kitty pop song playing over and over in your head? When a cat develops disdain for and avoids the litter box he’s frequented in the past, you might want to consult your pet’s veterinarian.

A new habit like missing the litter box could be attributed to health issues like urinary tract infections, gastritis, or even cancer. Or your cat may be suffering from environmental stress. Moving to a new house, bringing a newborn baby home or introducing a second pet could be stress-inducing events for your cat whose selected protest involves that kitty toilet.

If you have ignored the litter box’s upkeep, your cat may very well ignore it too, choosing to use your shining clean bathtub or your nice, quiet bedroom closet. Think about how you’d feel about your own toilet if it were only flushed every few days. Ewwww. That’s precisely your kitty’s reaction too.

Cats are meticulously clean creatures, and they prefer a tidy quiet place to take care of their toilet needs. If you don’t provide it, they will find their own creative special place.

If you have a second cat, you might want to consider a second box for kitty litter. Make sure that your pet’s litter box is placed in a quiet, cat-friendly location away from the main traffic of your home. A bedroom or bathroom would work well as long as the cat has easy access and isn’t accidentally shut out from her necessary room.

Missing the litter box isn’t vengeful on your pet’s part and may signal a problem your vet can pinpoint. Book an appointment today and consult with your vet about your pet’s changed behavior. Your observations combined with the experience of the vets can provide the solution your cat needs.…

Bring Your Kitten Home

Before bringing a cat home

You need to make your house cat proof, it’s not just for the their safety but helps protect your goodies too. Make sure there are no loose wires they can get themselves tangled up in such as blind cords. Tidy away and electrical cables, I’ve known kittens who love trying to chew through them. Check if your house plants are poisonous to cats, as many are. If they are, you can guarantee your cat will try to eat them (after all curiosity killed the cat), so give them away to friends or family. Your cat will see areas of your home you haven’t seen in a long time so get down on the floor and see if there are any hazards at that level too.

Just before bringing them home make sure you’ve been shopping and have everything your they need. This is just a basic shopping list, there are extra things that you will need very soon after you’ve brought your new addition home such a scratching post and outdoor cat house.

litter tray

cat litter

grooming brush

food

toys

litter scoop (if you get clumping litter)

litter tray liners – changing the cat litter tray so much easier with these

carrier to carry your new cat home in and take to the vets

food and water bowls

Things to organise before bringing a cat home

You need to find a good vet and arrange an appointment for your new friend to have a check up and to discuss their vaccinations. It might also be an idea to arrange some time off work so you can spend time in the day with your new kitty – think of it as the cat owners alternative to maternity leave!

Actually bringing a cat home

When you get home, only allow your them to explore a very limited number of rooms so it’s not too overwhelming. Also make sure they have everything they need and they know where it is, so take them to their food and water. Pick them up and place them in their litter tray, they don’t have to stay there until they use it, just allow them to familiarise themselves with it.

If your kitten hides when you first bring them home, then leave them be and let them venture out in their own time. Try not to scare to them, don’t be too noisy and don’t invite everyone round to look at your new furry friend. If they’ve has been hiding for hours try to coax them out with a toy, food or catnip.

If they still don’t venture out move their food nearer to them and leave them for a while longer, once they get hungry enough they’ll come out for a munch. Don’t forget to move it back to where it belongs after they’d had this nibble as it’s important to show your cat where their things belong. It’s important to find out what brand of food your cat was previously on and stick to that for the time being, you can always change it later when they are more settled.

After a few days you’ll find they begin to come out of their shell and you should spend time interacting with them and develop a bond, but don’t pester them all the time, just like us they like to be left alone for a while as well.

You might find that after their visit to the vets for their check up, that they’re not too happy with you once you bring them home again, after all you did just put them in a little cage and take them to be prodded and poked, don’t worry, they’ll soon be demanding attention again.
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A Startled Ball of Fur

Something was moving down in the tall river grass of the jungle. I looked at Pedro, but his wrinkled face showed he knew no more than I. Again those tasseled tops of grass waved curiously, but the brooding stillness of the Mexican jungle remained unbroken. Expectantly we waited. It might have been many things. It might have been wild pig; those fierce little fearless devils that once had kept me perched in a mahogany tree throughout a long, sunny afternoon. Or it might have been alligator, or tapir, or even one of those half pygmy people of the poisoned darts. And since in jungle wisdom the unknown lies always close to the realm of danger, we kept very still behind our screen of low bamboo. And now all movement had ceased, and suddenly a cry, a kitten’s cry, thin and wailing, rose to our biding place.

Downstream a lurking alligator heard and cruised hopefully toward us as again, plaintive and despairing, came that whimpering cry. In two strides I was beside the riverbank and looking down upon a small, spotted face, from which two blue eyes blazed up in mingled fear and defiance. Behind me came Pedro’s grunt of surprise. “Tigritol A jaguar kitten!” Then he looked about in quick misgiving. “A poor place to meet the mother, senor.” But I was watching that startled ball of fur and life at my feet. He couldn’t have been more than two months old, perhaps less.

Watching me narrowly, he tried to draw back his lips and snarl and look very fierce, but he wasn’t quite equal to it, and finally, giving it up, he sank back on his haunches. I knelt beside him and held out my hand, but he raised a diminutive soft paw to tell me he was not to be trifled with. Very slowly I moved my hand nearer, and after a time his gesture of defiance faltered. Instead a look of interest crept into his eyes, and the bewhiskered nostrils twitched. Now he took a step forward, another step, and at last I felt his cold, wet nose touch my palm. Then a rough, red tongue emerged and scratched eagerly over my hand and along my wrist. It was tempting to accept this as a gesture of friendship, but I knew it was the taste of salt that drew him, probably the first this kitten had ever known, for he was still too young to have tasted blood.

For a time we watched each other, then very slowly I reached forward with my other hand and lifted him from the ground. He gave a faint hiss of fear, and I felt his claws close over my arm, but beyond that he made no move, and in another moment I was carrying him back toward camp. Disconsolately the alligator returned to his nap downstream. All the way back I could hear Pedro grumbling. What would the senor be doing with a jaguar kitten?…