Cat Lovers

Believe it or not, stress in cats is very common. In fact, cats are prone to anxiety. Stress can have some harmful effects on the well-being of your cat so it is important to recognize the signs, and if possible reduce the amount of stressors. Stress in cats can be triggered by what we might consider very minor things, but these issues represent changes to a cat’s habits and lifestyle and are therefore a cause of stress.

3 Behaviors Indicating Stress in Cats:

Excessive Grooming: Cats normally tend to groom themselves rather frequently but if you find that your cat seems to be doing so more often than usual, it is a sign that your cat is stressed. The opposite can also be true if a well groomed cat suddenly seems to care less about their appearance; it is a sign that something about their environment is making them unhappy.

Vocalizing: If your cat is normally very quiet and now seems to be constantly crying or vocalizing it is their way of saying that there is something disruptive in their environment, and they are feeling stress. In cats, stress can be relayed by hiding, or acting abnormally shy and fearful as well.

Not Using the Litter box: While there may be medical reasons for why your cat no longer uses the litter box, it could also be due to stress. If your cat has suddenly stopped using the litter box it is a good idea to have them looked over by a vet.

Reasons for Stress in Cats

A New Addition: While this could be anything from a new cat, to a new partner, to a new baby, what it really means a huge disruption of your cat’s routine. Introducing anything new to their environment is a cause of stress in cats, especially if the change happens quickly. It is important to realize that any changes to your routine also mean a change for your cat’s routine.

Someone Leaving: Just like adding someone to the family, someone leaving the family can be stressful to your cat. This is especially true if the person leaving is someone that was one of the primary caregivers for the cat or someone that the cat spent a lot of time with.

Something Changed: A change could be offering a different type of food or litter, or even the placement of the food bowls or the litter box. Once again this is all about changes to a cat’s routine and taking them out of their comfort zone. Make changes slowly whenever possible; to give your cat time to adjust.

When you think your cat is stressed it is important to spend more time with them and let them know that they are still loved. Always be patient with them and do not get angry if they are a bit grumpy with you.

Stress in cats can affect their overall health and well being, so try to lessen the impact of life’s changes, and take things slowly. You can download more free tips about using natural remedies to help you and your cat at http://Cat-Bladder-Problems.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Rieger

A cat can make a perfect companion for an elderly person, especially if they live on their own. As people get older, friends die or move away, they become less mobile and tend to spend more time in their home. In these circumstances a cat makes an ideal antidote to loneliness.

The big advantage of a cat as a pet is that they need minimum exercise and unlike a dog does not need to be taken for walks. Many older people tend to downside and live in smaller homes such as bungalows or flats and again this can make a cat more suitable a pet than a dog.

The best cat for an elderly person could be an older cat rather than a kitten. An older cat will be easier to cope with than a frisky kitten and most rescue societies will have plenty of older cats looking for good homes. As an older person tends to spend more time in their home it should not take too long for the owner and pet to bond.

If it is possible before a cat comes into an old persons home they should get someone to install a cat flap. Having to get up and open the door to let cat in and out can be tiring and even a little frightening on dark nights.

If you are getting a cat on behalf of an elderly person there are some items that you will also need to get. Feeding and water bowls, litter and litter tray and a grooming brush are essentials. You will also need to check that in the event of the older person going away on holiday or to hospital that there will be someone who can look after the cat.

Another point to consider is that vets bills which can be expensive and a drain on resources for an older person who is on a limited budget. Therefore, it is advisable to take out a pet insurance policy to cover these costs.

One major concern for old people when they consider getting any pet is that they are worried that it will outlive them. In this case they are worried about what will happen to their pet after they are gone. These days there are several schemes run by organizations such as in the UK the RSPCA who will agree to take and try and find a home for any pets left behind after a persons death.

Older people usually have more time to spend with their pets and as a result a strong bond can be formed between owner and cat. So if you know any lonely old person you could suggest they take a cat as a pet.

To learn more about Cat Care visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk

Just as in humans, cats can develop a multitude of deadly medical conditions. One such condition that is seen frequently and is deadly would be feline leukemia. This disease is known also as FeLV. Leukemia, which is also found in humans, is a disease of the white blood cells. We can protect our kittens and cats from this disease by having them vaccinated.

With FeLV there are three categories of the illness. The first is a cancer of the white blood cells. The second is also a cancerous illness. It is lymphosarcoma which begins in the lymphoid cells around the lymph nodes. It causes problmes in the intestines, kidneys, liver, spine, brain, blood and the bone marrow. The third type to affect cats is a non-cancerous illness that is associated with FeLV and ca include immune suppression, anemia and arthritis.

Cats and kittens are usually exposed to this disease when they get into fights with other cats. FeLV is a virus that is generally spread by way of saliva and the injuries your kitten get through bites while fighting provide the entry point for the virus. Felines may also get FeLV from sharing foodstuff and bowls or by grooming one another as this allows for the virus in the saliva to enter the body through the mouth. A mother may transmit the virus to her young by grooming them.

If the cat contracts FeLV there can be a variety of results. Certain types of the disease cannot be cured and you will lose you cat therefore avoidance of the disease is important. Your cat may live a long time with the disease and treatment by your vet may help prolong your kitties life. Cats infected with FeLV are dangerous to other cats and they need to be contained and need to live a solo lifestyle.

To date there has been no confirmations of transmission of the disease to humans. Therefore your family should be save if you have a cat with this disease in your home. Because the virus cannot exist outside of a host cat for more than a few hours you would be safe bringing another cat or kitten into the home following removal of the diseased animal. Allow a couple of days to pass to assure adequate time has passed for the virus to die. Your vet can provide you with more information on this disease should you suspect a problem. They can also provide you with information regarding vaccinating your kitten.

Remember we must protect our cats health to assure a long life for you companion.

David Snyder is a cat owner who has faced some of the problems discussed and continues to try to keep his cat healthy for a long life. He posts more information on his blog on a regular basis. To visit his blog Cat’s Health Blog click Cat’s Health Blog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_K._Snyder

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There may be one member of the family who will not be over joyed at the arrival of a new baby. It is very easy for your cat to feel less than impressed at the arrival of another claim to your affections. However, if handled correctly your baby and cat could become the best of friends.

Tip 1. It is likely that you may change some of the house rules when the baby arrives. For instance, if a room that the cat use to sleep in has been converted to a nursery you should ban it from that room well before the baby is brought home. This way the cat will not associate the baby’s arrival with the restriction.

Tip 2. To be on the safe side take your cat to the vets for a complete check-up before the baby’s arrival. This way if there are any problems such as fleas or parasites they can be cleared up before the baby comes into the house.

Tip 3. If you have a cot or crib for your baby leave it out before the baby is born and deter the cat from either jumping into it or trying to use it as somewhere to sleep. Under no circumstances should a cat and baby be allowed to sleep together.

Tip 4. Cats can get jealous and there are several things you can do to avoid this happening. If there are already children in the house you can ask them to make a bit more of a fuss of the cat than they might normally do. When you come back from the hospital with your baby get the father to carry it into the house whilst you make a fuss of the cat. You will not have seen him for a day or two and he will have missed you so do not ignore it.

Tip 5. At some stage you are going to have to introduce the cat to the baby. Whilst you obviously will need to watch the situation closely do not hold the cat. Let it approach the baby in its own way, almost certainly sniffing and approaching carefully. Do not try and introduce them if the baby is tearful or crying as the noise may well put the cat off.

Tip 6. Babies are like cats in the fact that they sleep a lot. When your baby is sleeping find time to fuss your cat.

Tip 7. As the baby grows and begins to crawl around you will need to teach it how to pet the cat gently. Babies and cats can become firm friends but until the child is older possibly around 4 years you should never allow it to play with the cat unsupervised.

Follow these simple tips and your new baby and the cat should become firm friends

To learn more about Cat Care visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_J_Bromley

Moving house with a cat can be traumatic and, of course, there is always the concern that your pet will not become accustomed to its new surroundings and try to return to what it sees as ‘home’. The following tips will help to ease the transition and ensure that your cat suffers the least amount of stress possible.

What to do on The Day of The Move

Before the removal van arrives, place your cat in a small room, such as a bedroom, on its own. Put all of his, or her, belongings, such as bed, food bowl and litter box, in the room, too. Ensure that the windows are closed and the door is firmly shut.

It is advisable to inform people that are assisting with the move that the room with your cat in should be kept closed.

Offer your cat a small meal and clean the litter box. Then, get his, or her, carrier ready. Some cat owners find that a pheromone spray is effective in calming their pet at times of stress. Alternatively, you may choose to place catnip into the carrier.

Do not place the cat in his, or her, carrier until everything else is packed. Then, move your pet and its belongings into the car.

Remember, if you are traveling a long distance, you may need to bring extra blankets in case your cat makes a mess in the carrier. When cleaning your cat and its carrier, ensure that he, or she, does not have an opportunity to make a break for it.

What to do During the Journey

Cats can become very stressed when traveling. To reduce your cat’s anxiety ensure that he, or she, is placed in the front of the moving van or passenger seat of the car. Never place him, or her, in the back of a van or trunk of a car.

In addition, ensure that the crate is secure; you may need to use the seatbelt.

If the journey is long, you may like to make provisions for breaks. However, it is wise not to leave the cat alone in the car. Of course, you may have to provide food and water for your cat, too. So it is advisable to purchase a cat leash before travel. Your cat should be allowed to become accustomed to a leash before using it on the day of travel.

If it is a warm day, ensure that you keep a window open at all times.

What to do in The New House

Reverse the packing procedure. In other words, the cat and its belongings should be removed first. Again, he, or she, should be confined to one room, and all windows and doors should be kept closed.

It is advisable to place a piece of furniture in the room with the cat, such as a chair, because the familiar smell will be comforting to your pet.

Additionally, you may like to use a cat pheromone spray or catnip to enforce the notion that the new home is a safe and comfortable place.

Once everything is unpacked, ensure that all doors and windows are closed and then allow your cat to explore the house. However, it is wise to avoid rooms that provide places to hide, such as utility rooms and garages.

Ensure that everybody in the house is calm while the cat explores its surroundings. This will reassure him, or her, that the new environment is safe.

If you allow your cat to roam outdoors, it is wise to keep him, or her, indoors for at least two weeks. Be sure that your cat is comfortable in its new home before letting him, or her, loose.

These tips are designed to reduce the stress of a cat when moving home. Of course, you may find other techniques that are more effective for your pet. Bear in mind that each cat is an individual and will therefore react to moving house differently.

Samantha Markham is currently composing articles on behalf of Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products, such as gifts for cats & cat lovers and cat memorials. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Markham

The cat is an ideal pet for the modern household. Most people spend a large portion of their day outside of their home. Time can be at a premium for many of us and a pet that requires a lot of our time and attention may not be a practical option. Cats on the other hand make only minimal demands on their owners and are for the most part independent creatures.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes from the small to the very large. With cats there is much less a variation in size and whether top pedigree or a true moggy they do not tend to take up a lot of space. This can be an important consideration if you live in an apartment or small house.

Cats also tend not to be as boisterous as dogs and are less demanding of their owners than a canine. That is not to say that cats do not need some attention because just like humans they enjoy some tender loving care. However, there is no need to take your cat for walks or exercise as cats have their own ways of exercising and keeping fit which do not need our help.

Cats make ideal companions for older people for the very reason that they are a low maintenance animal but who will show their owner a great deal of affection. With cats in some cases living for 20 years or more they are a long term companion.

Having a pet in the home can help to teach children responsibility by having them help take care of the pet and help in its grooming and feeding. Because these tasks are not too demanding the children are usually happy to do this. Cats, especially kittens really enjoy playing and by playing with the cat children can build a real bond with the cat.

There is not really any need to find any particular area for your cat in your home. They will soon let you know where they prefer to settle down and sleep. Initially you may have to train them to use the litter tray and where to find their food and water. But cats are fast learners and as long as you clean out their litter tray once they have used it everything should be alright. Cats do hate dirty litter trays.

If it is possible to fit a cat door to allow the cat to come and go as it pleases this is excellent. If this is not practical then you might just need to open the door to let the cat in or out occasionally. Cats are basically very clean animals and will groom themselves but at times especially with long haired cats you should give them a good grooming using a comb and brush.

The rewards that you will receive for sharing your home with a cat far outweigh any cost either financial or in time. The love and affection that they will give you over the years is above price.

To learn more about Cat Care visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_J_Bromley

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Do you have a neutered male cat spraying all the time? Have you tried everything, but the spraying is still going on? If you answered yes to these questions here are 5 steps you can take towards solving this problem right now.

Male cats deal with stress and anxiety through spraying initially, but after a while it seems like it almost becomes a habit, long after any stress has gone away. It if was just caused by stress, you could remove that source and be done with it, but habits are much harder to break.

You should always have a male cat who is spraying checked out by the veterinarian first to rule out any possible medical causes of this behavior.

1. Identify
Try and identify the times of the day, circumstances, and areas that he sprays and see if there are any patterns you can pick up on and identify.

2. Clean
Clean the areas that he sprays with an enzymatic cleaner so there is no lingering smell (no further reward for him doing this behavior.)

3. Space
If he has his own space can you give him another litter box, or a bigger one? Although not directly related to spraying, sometimes changing the litter box situation can help a lot.

4. Pheromones
There are some cat pheromones on the market some people have used with great success. This can really help calm the cat down if it is due to stress, and is worth a last try.

5. Attention
Try to give more attention to him around the times that he does spray (before he does it if possible.) If he is busy getting attention or being active he might not feel the need to spray as much. Also if possible try and keep the same routine for him everyday, which might help calm him down.

Overall, it is important to at least figure out where and when he sprays the most, then your treatment plan can be the most effective.

If you need more assistance with neutered male cat spraying please visit http://www.ProblemCatBehaviors.com for a free cat behavior consultation.

In some cat books you may find a chapter about how to train your cat. However, I have yet to find a book that has a chapter on how to let your cat train you.

Obviously there are various things that you need to teach your cat, for instance where the litter tray is and how to use it. Also you will need to persuade it to abandon any habits that it has that annoy you such as scratching the furniture or jumping up onto the table when you are eating.

The point is though that teaching is a two way process. Note that I call it teaching and not training, it is impossible to train a cat to do anything that it does not want to do. Perhaps a cat may train its owner but I still prefer to call it teaching.

Cats are very clever animals but there are certain actions that they cannot do for themselves such as open and close doors. The first habits your kitten or cat will want to teach you are to leave doors open inside the house. This is important not only so that your cat has the free run of the house but so that it does not get accidently shut in a room. Your other family members will also have to be taught this.

Cats are often aloof but at times they, like the rest of us need some tender loving care. This they will often indicate by brushing against you or possibly rolling on their backs and lying there waiting for you to tickle their tummy. The trained cat owner will take this as a command, not a request, to spend some time fussing their pet. Normally this will be rewarded with a gentle purr and possibly the cat going to sleep on your lap.

You will also have to learn your cats moods which are normally indicated by a swishing of the tail. This could indicate that it has had enough petting and it now wishes to be left alone or that something else has annoyed it.

Cats are not really subtle creatures despite what some people say, if they are hungry the will sit by their food bowl until you notice. If they want to go out they sit by the door and just in case you miss the signs they will eventually miaow until someone notices and takes action.

Providing you learn the lessons your cat teaches you will have a very contented pet.

To learn more about Cat Care visit http://www.cat-lovers.co.uk