When I was a child, I always had a cat. Back then, a cat was replaceable to most people, and if one got run over, killed by the neighbor’s dog, poisoned, or just disappeared, there was always another cat to be found.

Fortunately, attitudes have changed over time. These days many people recognize that animals deserve to be treated more humanely and not as a throw away pet.Certainly, I’ve gotten wiser as I’ve gotten older, and my cats have benefited from that.So I decided to take all the tips, tricks, and advice I learned and “compress” it into a sanity saving resource for anyone battling bad cat behavior.

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of people bringing cats indoors has been a trend toward having them declawed for their owner’s personal comfort.Declawing a cat is not a good or safe or reasonable thing to do!Look down at your hands and imagine having your fingertips, up to the first knuckle, being cut off. This is what it’s like to a cat to be declawed!Please know this: With a little work, it is easy to train your cat to use a scratching post and preserve that beautiful furniture and other decorations in the home.

Cats are clean animals. They prefer to “do their business” in sand or dirt . . . just about any substance they can paw at and cover their wastes up with. So don’t worry. You’re dealing with an animal that “wants” to use some device.In case you don’t realize it,cats prefer a litter box with privacy. Yes, if they were people, they would be the type that would not only close the bathroom door completely, they would probably lock the door as well

Cats meow; that’s the predominate way how cats communicate ,and the type of voice they use lets you know some idea of what they’re trying to tell you.A favorite method of communicating is the cat’s purr, which is unique to the feline species. You may already know that a cat purrs when he’s content.However, if you pay close attention to your cat, you’ll notice that he also purrs when he’s nervous, feeling a little uneasy or even if he’s in great pain.

Does your cat “head-butt” you? That’s the cat’s standard affectionate greeting. Try “head-butting” him back. Seriously. Not very hard of course. You’ll discover that he really enjoys this. You’ll also soon discover that you’ve got a bond forming with this feline.

Cats are truly one of the most interesting, unique pets you can own. Also,with the proper care, a cat will live a lot longer,healthier,life than you ever thought possible.
But, no matter how good your intentions are, you’re not being fair to your cat if you don’t learn how to care for him properly. It’s really easy to do…

Who Else Wants To Discover The Secrets To Having A Perfect Cat That Makes All of Your Friends In Envy Of You?And be able to have a relationship with your pet that you probably didn’t realize was possible!If you are a true cat lover, this is the most important article you’ll read all year.

Why?You ask,Because;

You’re about to learn exactly what your cat is communicating to you through body language and her various noises!

You’re about to discover exactly how to train your cat so it does exactly what you want, when you want (such as come when called, never scratch the furniture or bite, use the human toilet or litter box perfectly, eat what you give it, and be more affectionate!

You’ll have a much closer, happier relationship with your cat, even if you already get on really well!

You probably didn’t even realize you could train your cat. Well rest assured, it’s easy when you know how

For the true cat lovers among us,the following web site will have information that you will really be able to use:
http://allaboutcats2.blogspot.com/

Now not every one cat has the same needs.  There are numerous brands of cat litter out there on the market.  I will cover some life stages of the cat to coincide with which litter may be best for you cat and even some illnesses or ailments that can sometimes affect this decision.  It also depends on what you want, such as an eco friendly cat litter, which most people are turning to in this current global environment.

What is the best cat litter for kittens?  These guys have a few different needs when it comes to cat litter.  As a kitten, their bladders are quite small so need to urinate more frequently.  You will definitely want a good cat litter that has a very good absorbency, as they will urinate more than defecate.

Avoid cat litters that clump when something wet has touched it, as you will soon notice that your kitten seems to like the taste of cat litter!  This is a habit that he will grow out of, but if you have clumping cat litter, this will clump in his tummy, expand, and cause a very ill kitten.

Adult cats will vary slightly when it comes to asking the question ‘what is the best cat litter?’.  It can also depend on the time you have, what your living arrangements are like and so forth.

Clay cat litters have a tendency to track throughout your house, but have great absorbency.  Clumping cat litters are handy if you do not have a lot of time to clean your cat’s litter box every day or if your cat has an illness such as kidney problem which gives them a tendency to urinate more often in large amounts.  Sawdust is an excellent and cheap alternative if you are on a tight budget, but will not help prevent odors.

Recycled paper or wood pellet cat litters are a great alternative to help look after our earth as these will break down easily, but usually these are more expensive than the others.  If your cat, female or male, has not been fixed, there are some great crystal type cat litter out on the market that helps prevent odors.  If your cat has urinary problems frequently, there are even some crystal type litters that change color to indicate that there may be something wrong, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian for a check up.

Senior cats usually come with a few medical problems as they age, such as kidney failure, diabetes and some others that will increase their frequency to urinate and sometimes come with a foul smelling odor.  Choosing the best cat litter for these guys will be something with great absorbency and odor control to accommodate their needs.

Remember when changing the litter to a different type can upset your cat.  Your cat is a creature of habit, and will often not welcome such a sudden new change.  When introducing a new product, follow this rule:

First week:  3 quarters of the old mixed with 1 quarter of the new litter.

Second week:  1 half of the old mixed with 1 half of the new.

Third week:  1 quarter of the old mixed with 3 quarters of the new.

Fourth week:  100% of the new litter should now be offered and accepted.

If at any stage your cat has any problems with the new litter, go back a step and introduce the new litter more gradually.  Encourage your cat; never scold him as this could lead to more inappropriate toileting behavior, and if all else fails, contact your local veterinarian for advice.

Despite all this, there are cat owners who have successfully trained their cats to walk outdoors while wearing a lead or a leash, much like dogs who wear a leash to go out for a daily walk with their owners. It may sound absurd, but in some cats it can be done.

Teaching a cat to wear a leash is not an easy task. Your cat has to have the right personality for something like this, and as an owner you need to have an immense amount of patience.

The first few times you take your cat outside on a leash will probably result in a freaked out cat, especially if your cat has always been an indoor cat and has never really ventured outside.

All the new sights, sounds, and smells are bound to be quite overwhelming to your cat, and this is where your immense patience has to come in.

Don’t buy a leash that is designed for a small dog, but instead look into purchasing a leash or lead that is specifically designed with a cat in mind. These leads wrap around your cat, giving you control of the cat and keeping the cat from choking itself in a frantic attempt to get away.

You might want to practice on the lead at home a few times, although most cats will not like this at all. Don’t let this deter you from trying it outside, because for some cats the fact that they are outside is enough to make them tolerate the leash or lead. The cat might get so wrapped up in exploring the great outdoors that it doesn’t really notice the lead very much anymore, and this is the ideal situation.

You need to be persistent when trying to get your cat to accept the leash or lead. It should become obvious to you after a few tries whether your cat is going to ever develop an acceptance of the lead. If your cat is just as agitated and upset about the fourth or fifth venture outdoors with the lead as it was the first try, then it may just not be in the cards for your cat to ever accept this situation.

You can keep trying, but there are just some cats who won’t adjust to something like this. If, on the other hand, you notice that your cat seems just a little more at ease every time you go out with the leash or lead, then keep trying.

You may find that eventually your cat actually enjoys the walks outside, and gets really excited over the prospect of heading outdoors. It’s a great way to allow your cat to explore without worrying about where it will wind up.

Discover more articles by Virginia Sutherland such as Cat Health Sneeze and Cat Health Colds.

Although collars are generally thought to be for the canine kind, many cat owners choose to purchase collars for their favorite felines. There are many different kinds of cat collars on the market, so it is imperative that you choose the best option for your cat’s needs and body. Consider taking your cat along on a shopping trip to your local pet store-most welcome animals of all types-and try on different models to find the perfect fit. Keep in mind that although color, material, and style is important, these aspects should come second to the fit of the collar.

Traditionally, cats wear collars that hold their identification information and a bell. Ensuring your pet is properly identified is critical for any animal, especially one that you intend on letting outside. In case your cat becomes lost, you will have a much better chance of finding your lost loved on if he or she has the appropriate information securely attached to the collar. Most cat owners choose to attach a small bell or another type of noise making device in order to make small animals or birds aware of a predator’s presence. Cats tend to have retained more hunting instincts than domesticated dogs, so this is a viable concern with many cat owners tired of finding their feline bringing home helpless animals.

A buckle collar is the easiest type for a cat to wear, since it can be put on and taken off quickly and easily. Try the collar on your cat to ensure he or she cannot wiggle out of the collar. Just as a loose collar is unacceptable, having a collar fitted too tight can cause discomfort or even pain if your pet feline. For a younger cat that will need a collar that grows with them, consider choosing an adjustable collar to save you from purchasing new ones in the future.

Some owners choose elastic collars that slip on and off over the cat’s head. These are great for cats that do not need the extra weight and bulk of a buckle. Keep in mind that any elastic collars should be fitted to your cat to ensure the collar is not too loose or too tight.

For indoor cats, consider choosing collars with breakaway panels or buckles that will immediately free the cat if he or she becomes caught on something inside your house. Similarly, you should choose collars made of materials that can easily be cut in case the animal becomes caught.

If you have an outdoor cat, look into a collar that uses reflective materials. These reflective materials will keep your precious feline safe at night. This is quite important, since animals are more likely to become injured or even killed since they cannot be seen. A reflective collar is also a good idea for indoor cats, since you can see the animal in the dark to avoid stepping on your pet.

Some cats enjoy taking walks in the great outdoors, but owners do not want them to be outdoors unattended. Outdoor cats can easily become lost, stolen, injured, or even killed. To solve this problem, some cat owners choose to walk their cats on a leash just like a dog. Instead of a regular collar, leash walking cats require a harness to prevent spine issues. If you are in the market for harnesses, there are two main types: the figure eight and the H-style. Depending on your individual cat and the fit, these harnesses are excellent for any cat that enjoys a walk in the park!

Once you have determined the specific type of collar for your cat, choose a color that fits his or her personality. Whether your feline wants a rocker look with black leather and metal studs or a pretty princess with pink rhinestones, the options are limitless!

To read about teacup pot belly pigs and dwarf pigs, visit the Types Of Pigs site.

There are several things you have to know before training your cat companion. cat behavior is very different than that of dogs and requires different training techniques.

- cats are not very enthusiastic in being trained
- they are not interested in pleasing their owners

Therefore, PATIENCE, consistency, a good reward or positive reinforcement system and an enjoyable experience for your cats are the key ingredients towards successful cat training sessions. Training your cats for proper toilet, litter box, playing and leash manners and patterns require a good amount of time and patience. The task of your cat is to do the lesson at hand but yours is the patience. Cat training aids like treats are essential.

Because of the known independent nature of cats, some owners view them as untrainable which is wrong. Besides, physical exertions and mental stimulation are good for your cat’s health. Your veterinarian may even suggest some helpful exercises and games for your cat. Behavior and psychology are the things you have to understand before training your cat. You may want to ask your veterinarians or consult books about cat training.

Cats respond to REWARDS or bribery very well. This is how they learn basic tricks. By words of praises, affection from pats, rubs and a loving voice and of course food, they can learn what you want them to learn fast and well done. They, too, have natural instincts and behaviors that help them do the tricks. At times, you would want them to use these instincts and aide them too in their training.

Here are some tips you can do to ensure success in changing cat behavior.

- Keep in mind that cats are not dogs. Their endurance for longer activities is less compared to dogs. Be sure to keep your training sessions to at least 15 minutes maximum per day. They respond very well to training before mealtimes when they are hungry.

- Cats are good in doing tricks especially when they are given rewards like foods and affection. Yelling, beating and force never work for them. Please be respectful of your cat at all times.

- If you catch their attention by using distinct sounds and commands, be sure that it is brief and repeated not more than twice. It will lose its effects if overused.

- Make your training session not only short but an enjoyable experience. Training your cat takes patience over many short sessions.

- Always make use of your cats name when commanding them. Afterwards, praise and reward them.

- Choose the best reward for your cat training.

- Cats have a sense of performance, the best time and who to perform for. Do not force them to do a trick in front of visitors.

- Be consistent in training your cat. Cats have very good memory.

For all you feline lovers, learn to do the tricks and practice PATIENCE. Training your cat should be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Proper cat behavior can be trained. Just remember to use your cat training aids as you go along. Your cat will be responsive and the rewards are well worth the effort.

If you are a cat owner, you must have given up on  obedience training at some point in your life. Maybe you thought cat training was similar to a dog’s and you have tried unsuccessfully to train your cat to do a simple task or to recognize your voice but ended up frustrated. You see, teaching cats obedience is vastly different from dog training.

Cats are not obedient by nature and they don’t correlate your words to the action you want them to do. You have to be patient and determined with cats and you have to understand how their thoughts work. If the cat is not in the mood to obey your command or what you’re asking him to do is not in his nature, meting punishment on him will not change anything. Your cat will simply zone out on you and go where he can avoid you. To make cat obedience training a success for you and your cat, here are some tips to try.

The first thing to keep in mind about cat obedience training is that more weight is given to rewarding positive behavior rather than to punishing bad behavior.

Cats want affection and attention from their owners and speaking to him in a soothing voice and patting him when he does something you approve of is part of cat obedience training. Praise him when he gets into the litter box and refrain from scolding him when he doesn’t. Cats also love treats. Always keep some on hand and give him one when he gets into the harness without any resistance. This will make him associate the act with the treat and soon, he will get into the harness without any trouble as he anticipates his treat. Repeat this type of cat obedience training with everything else. Reward him for doing what you want but don’t punish him if he doesn’t. Stretch your patience and dig your feet in with determination. It won’t be long before you see the effectiveness of your training and you are the proud owner of an obedient pet cat.

In your training program, review the behaviors you are teaching your cat to do. The behaviors you have in mind might be activities that cats don’t consider normal or natural for them. Unlike for dogs, fetching a ball and returning it to you or jumping through hoops are not typical cat behavior and your cat can be obstinate and refuse to do them. Instead of thinking that your cat obedience training is not successful and blaming yourself, stop and think about your cat’s nature. Unreasonable commands are not part of cat obedience training.

Teach him to stay away from houseplants or keep out of high shelves, not to catch a Frisbee or to roll over. Knowing what and how to teach your cat is one way of turning him into the obedient pet he ought to be.

One of the most important things to do for your cats health care is observing your cats daily routine. Pay attention to these routines.

Manner of Grooming

These creatures are known to be vain. They spend a great deal of time grooming themselves. If they groom on one side more than the other this could be an indicator of fleas or ticks. This process might be painful to them. So interrupt and act upon it.

Take note if they stop cleaning up on their own. Your cat could be depressed. You should check with your vet if this happens

Eating Habits

By observing your cat daily, it will be easy for you to notice any changes to their eating style. Notice how much they normally eat and act if they vary from the norm. This may be an indication of something else. So this is also a good time to call on your vet

Behavior Patterns

If your friendly cat quickly becomes unfriendly, your awareness level should be triggered, and warning bells should go off. The way your cat walks should be noted also. You should become concerned if it appears to be walking strangely.

You are the owner so you must pay attention to all of your cats normal mannerisms. You should pay attention to their bowel movements. Just like humans, they may sometimes suffer from diarrhea or the like.

In most cases calling your vet is the best option, you could also do research on the internet for easy answers to small problems.

The largest resource by far for cat health care questions is the internet. So take time to read some info and apply it to your own pet cat.

One of the best places I have found on the internet for researching all cat care health questions is at:

Cat Care Resources

Jim Turner has been writing for years on many different subjects. All his articles are written with the aim of helping people solve a particular problem and hopefully make their lives a little bit better. His website on the subject of Cat Care can be seen at http://dynamicsolutions123.com/catcare

The sonic cat repeller incorporates a passive infra-red detector system, which constantly monitors a fan shaped area of a 98 degree arc, up to a distance of 12 metres.  It keeps your garden cat-free; with a sonic cat repeller you can protect your lawns and flowerbeds from unwanted cats.  The sonic cat repeller will help protect your garden habitat and encourage wildlife and birds back into it.  

Cat

Cats will become accustomed to the location of the device over time, so you may need to move it around every now and again to keep it an effective deterrent.  Cats are known to prey upon defenseless smaller animals and chase as well as scare birds with amazing regularity.  Cats, similar to other critters, mark their domain by excreting on the lawn and flower beds, marking them as their very own.  The sonic cat repeller dectects and repels cats from you garden lawns, flower beds and bird feeders.

Garden

The ultra sound significantly reduces the number of visits cats make to gardens & in many situations eliminated visits completely.  The IR sensor patrols a 98 degree sector with a range of 12 metres, I found this very reasonable as I don’t have a particularly huge garden.  A major problem is when cats trespass and mark their territory in homes and gardens as well as destroy plants and go through the rubbish in rubbish bins.  How the ultra sonic cat repeller works is it uses passive infra red technology to be able to detect a specific area around the house, or in the garden, that usually covers an area that is fan shaped.

Battery

Battery power is conserved by the PIR detection system, which allows the cat repeller to remain on stand-by between activation periods, therefore maximizing battery life.  The main advantage is that it is portable, quick to set up and is battery operated.  Again, you find the defender cat repeller remains in stand-by between activation periods, therefore maximizing battery life.

Perhaps you actually, in all seriousness, should buy the defenders mega-sonic cat repeller today, before the cats take over.  As soon as the Mega-Sonic Cat Repeller has found a cheeky cat, it lets off an endless high pitched ultra sound ranging from 18khz to 24,000Hz.  Keep nuisance cats from fouling your garden lawn, and protect flower beds, bird feeders and pond-life with this new long-range Sonic Cat Repeller.

The author writes on various topics and subjects including cat repellers, Further information on cat repellers can be found on the internet.

Has this ever happened to you? Your cat’s peeing outside the litter box, and you’re desperately trying to clean up after your cat, wondering if you’re actually doing anything to stop it from happening in the first place!

Well, if you’re like me, you probably want some quick solutions to the problem, or at least a list of checkpoints that you know you must, like a detective on a trail, work through, to get the litter box behavior problem under control.

By the time you finish this article, you will have learnt the 7 most important steps you must know, when it comes to this problem of the cat peeing outside the litter box.

Firstly, let’s have a look at the reasons why this happens. The reasons for peeing outside the litter box are:

1. A medical problem.

2. The cat that has never been properly house trained to use the litter box in the first place.

3. Problems with the litter tray itself.

4. An unpleasant event that occurred while the cat was at the litter box.

5. A temporary physical or emotional stress, or change in the household causing the cat to urinate in an area outside the box, which is perpetuated by the urine smell reminding the cat to return to the same area over and over again.

6. Old age causing a cat to not be easily able to get to the litter box.

Now, keep these causes in mind, when checking out the 7 action steps:

1. If there’s a change in toilet behavior with no obvious cause, it may be caused by illnesses such as urinary tract infections, blocked anal glands, worms and parasites, diabetes and tumors. These illnesses may have no other obvious signs, apart from this urination problem. So you must consider a visit to the vet. In other cases you may see symptoms such as lethargy, blood in the urine, diarrhea, or constant licking in the anal area. If you see this, then your first stop is the vet!

2. Look at the litter box itself. Ensure you’re cleaning out the waste once or twice a day, and changing the litter every 3-4 days for non-clumping litter (2-3 weeks for clumping litter). Clean the tray with hot water and mild detergent, without any strong odors such as citrus or ammonia, which will repel the cat from the box. If you have multiple cats, remember – the number of trays should equal number of cats, plus one or two. If you’ve changed brands of litter, this may have caused the problem as many cats dislike this change, especially to scented litter. Return to the older litter. If you want to change, introduce unscented litter gradually by mixing the old with the new over 2 weeks. And ensure that the location of the box is acceptable: no loud noises, has some privacy, and is not in view of other cats.

3. Consider adding in 1 more litter box to another suitable private location of the house. This is because sometimes it’s not the litter box that’s the problem, but a negative experience there. For example, if your kids played with the cat while she was on the litter box, or if the cat had pain when urinating, such as during a urine infection, after having kittens, or had a procedure done on the bladder or urethra at the vet, then the cat would associate pain with that litter box. Even if the pain is gone, the association and is still there.

4. Thoroughly clean the area that has been peed on. This is important because no matter what the cause, the fact that the urine remains on the bed, carpet, or sofa is a reminder for the cat to return to pee there. The cat’s sense of smell is more acute than ours, so ensure you clean with a solution such as Brampton’s Simple Solution. If you have remaining urine smell together with a bad association at the box, then you have 2 forces causing the problem to continue. So get rid of both!

5. Next, if possible, deny the cat access to the area that is peed on, especially if it’s an area that is repeatedly used. Many people forget to do this, and their problem is prolonged. By stopping access, the cycle of repeated urination is stopped. Will the cat pee somewhere else? Possible, though less likely if you provide a second litter box, show him where it is a few times, and also do the step 7 below.

6. If you can’t stop the cat from accessing the area, make the area less attractive for peeing instead. You can do this by either placing a scent, or, by placing a bowl of dried cat food there. If using a scent, try citrus or eucalyptus. If using dried food, which often works better, ensure that you top up the food bowl during the day. Either way, once you have success, continue for another 1-2 weeks to ensure it stays that way.

7. If you’re at home when the cat is, then you have this step up your sleeve as well: the startle technique. Only do this method if you actually catch the cat about to urinate because if you do it at any other time, that cat will not be able to associate that urinating in the area with the unpleasant startle. Startle the cat with a loud “No!” or clap of the hands. Wait 5 minutes, then bring the cat to the litter tray, and if she toilets at the tray, reward her with praise and a food treat. As long as the length and enjoyment of the reward if far greater than the startle, this will be unlikely to cause stress. Use this method carefully as some cats may experience stress with it. Make sure that the cat seems relaxed after the food treat, and that it’s actually improving the situation.

If you follow the above steps, most problems of peeing outside the litter box will be solved within days or gradually improve over 1-2 weeks.

Remember in all cases, you’ll be even more effective if you reduce stress at the same time. This means more play time and attention.

In conclusion, it does take some effort and detective work to see what has caused the litter box behavior problem in the first place. And you now know how to apply 7 essential steps to help you solve this issue, as quickly and effectively as possible.

If you’d like to learn more advanced tips on solving your cat’s litter box behavior problem, go to the website described in the resource box below.

Learn about chihuahua behavior and chihuahua health problems at the Types Of Chihuahua site.

You get up in the morning and find that your kitty as scratched your favorite couch or piece of furniture, so teaching your cat to use a scratching post is just for you. Your cat by nature must scratch. She does this to stretch her back and to sharpen nails. In some cases, they scratch to shed an old nail sheath that is hanging off. In order to preserve your best furniture from be scratched, you must teach your kitten from scratching. You may be thinking that this cannot be done, but, you are wrong. Your cat can be taught not to scratch if you have the time and patience.

Beginning A Cat Scratching Session

Most importantly, you will need lots of time, patience and treats. One thing you should not do is to remove your pet’s claws. You can have your cat declawed. If your cat should somehow get out of your yard, she will have a difficult time in defending herself in the wild if her claws are removed. So, this should not be an option. What you can to is purchase a scratching post and then teach your cat how to use it.

Posts come in various shapes, sizes and forms and you have many options to select from. Some are small that can be hung on a door, to larger posts that have twists and turns for your cat to navigate through, giving them several options for their scratching needs. These posts are ideal which will provide your cat a good stretching session. Some posts come with catnip and a bell that rings when your cat is stretching. Cats like the sound of a mild ringing bell. Be sure the post is at least two feet tall as this will allow your cat to get a full body stretch for its back and shoulder muscles.

Some cats prefer a natural feel when it comes to material they want to scratch on. You can buy natural wood scratching boards.

Cardboard is also another option. Some cats like to get their claws into cardboard. You can purchase Alpine scratching boards which are made of cardboard and come with catnip and grooves to allow your cat to get their claws inside. What a great way to help prevent your cat from scratching the furniture.

Older Cats

If you should have an older cat, place catnip on the scratching post. This will help her to go to the place where the scratching post is located. You may begin to notice your cat gravitating to the post and sticking her claw into it. Another tip is to place the post near the place where kitty has scratched furniture and may encourage her to use the scratching post.

Place the post in a high traffic area of your house. Sometimes cats like to mark their territory by scratching that they feel is important to them.

Final Tip

One final tip, be sure to use lots of treats when you are teaching your cat to use the scratching post. Positive reinforcement such as “good girl” and verbal praise will also help. So, if you should see your cat goes the post, and never use it, give her some positive reinforcement and a treat. She will repeat the same behavior. Each time she goes to the post, give her a treat and verbal praise. She will catch on quickly.

You will have a happy cat and furniture that is not being clawed by your cat. 

If you want to learn more about cats, visit my website at www.petsstore4u.com. There you will find additional cat articles, cat gifts, cat furniture, cat supplies, cat training videos, cat toys, and organic cat food.