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Declawing: Is It Good or Bad?
By Kathryn Yen
Cat breeders, owners and lovers all over the world have debated this question – should we or shouldn't we declaw our indoor cats? Some claim it to be a cruelty; others contend that it is not a problem. Which is right?
Ultimately, it is up to you as the cat's owner to judge whether or not declawing is something you want to do. I would simply like to lay out my reasons for thinking the way I do about this issue.
Just think about it; how many cats would be homeless if we never declawed them? The owners get frustrated with torn curtains and ripped up sofas, and abandon the cats out on the street. This sounds harsh, but its true. There really are people out there who just dump their cats off on the side of the road. Why do they do it? Because they are sick of their cats destroying their furniture! Now, if cats were declawed, the furniture is safe, which equals happy owner, happy cat. Most cats don't even notice the difference between when they had claws and when they didn't; they still rub their paws on the scratching post as if they had claws.
Do you see how declawing is best in the end? What do you think a cat would pick if he had a choice: no claws, but living in a warm, comfortable home with loving owners, or having claws, only to have to use them for defense in the wild when he is thrown out by an irate owner?
Our cats are declawed only in their front paws, leaving the back ones just in case they get out and have the need to climb a tree. Back claws tend to not be much of a problem, as it is mainly the front ones that are used destructively on furniture, and we just keep their back claws trimmed so they are not an issue. It is best to declaw cats when they are kittens, though it is possible to declaw an older cat. If you are planning to declaw your kitten, but leave the back claws in, it is best that from the beginning you start "massaging" your kitten's paws. This gets them used to having their paws handled, so that when nail-trimming time comes, they don't fight you when you try to trim their claws.
So, here's to scratch-free furniture!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
I Just Got A Kitten - Now What?
By Kathryn Yen
You just came home with a new kitten. What happens now?
Before you bought your kitten, you probably already purchased the basics:
- Litter box, kitty litter, scoop
- Kitten food and dishes
The first thing to do when you get home with the cat is place him in the litter box. The reason for this is that if he explores the house in relation to the litter box, he will always be able to find his way back (meaning, if he can find his way out, he can find his way back in).
I recommend keeping the kitten in a small, enclosed area, such as a bathroom or bedroom (with the doors shut) for the first few days, with a litter box, food, and water, of course. A new home is a frightening experience for cats, and letting yours get used to a small space at first will make things less complicated for everyone. Once your kitten is comfortable in the small area, you can slowly introduce new rooms. It’s normal for cats to not want to come out of their “comfort zone” for a while; so don’t worry, he will come out eventually. Cats are curious by nature, so you generally don’t have to wait too long!
Keep the litter box in an easy-to-access place. If you are re-locating the litter box from where it was in the enclosed area, again place your kitten in the litter box so that he knows where it is.
Also keep the food and water in a convenient place. Many cats are very social, and may like to eat their meals when the rest of the family does, so you might consider putting the food and water close by your meal table.
Then, beside keeping the food and water bowls full and the litter box clean, enjoy your kitten! Get him some fun toys, and play with him. Snuggle him. Be the happy owner of a happy cat!
Introducing A New Kitten Into A
Home That Already Has A Cat
By Tara Yen
You are reading the newspaper in the morning and you come across an advertisement for 6-week-old kittens. Your first thought is: "Oh, I want one!" but how will your other cat that has lived with you for years react to this new intruder? Here are some tips on how to deal with your older cat, and newer cat.
After picking out which kitten you want, you think of a closed off place where the kitten can spend it's first night. Put a litter box in the area you have decided as well as food, water, and a soft blanket for kitty to curl up on. Take a bath towel and rub it on your cat that you already own. This puts your older cat's smell on the towel. When you are ready to take your new kitten home, rub the towel on the kitten so that when the meeting time comes, your cat can smell itself on the intruder. You can put your kitten in a carrier, of just carry it in the towel. When you get home, go directly to the enclosed area. Allow the kitten and the cat to sniff each other under the door. Let it spend a few nights in the area, and then carry it out so it can see the rest of the house. Then bring it back to it's area and let it spend another night there.
Next day:
It is time to introduce
"kitten" to "cat"! Again bring the kitten out and set it
directly in the litter box. Let it come out by itself and let your older cat
see the new kitten. Let the kitten roam about, keeping an eye on it and your
older cat. Let your kitten spend another night in it's area and the next night
leave the door open to the rest of the house. Your cats will gradually get used
to each other. If your older cat is a girl, she may "adopt" your new
kitten, and act like it's mother.
Have fun with your new
kitten!
Tara J. Yen is the youngest daughter of David and Annette Yen, and enjoys making toys and playing games to amuse her happy cat, Scamper, of whom she is the happy owner.
What You Need for a New Kitten
By Kathryn Yen
Below is listed all the essential things you need for a new kitten!
• Kitten food
Probably the best kitten food would be Iams or Science Diet. Make sure the package says "Kitten" on it. Many people will say that you should feed cats both wet and dry food, but we prefer to use just dry. There are several downsides of wet food. It isn't as healthy for the cat's teeth, and you will probably have to get teeth cleanings at the vet. Dry food scrapes the teeth when the cat chews, and so helps with tartar build up. We have a nine year old cat, Basha, who has never had wet food and has never had to have her teeth cleaned. If you feed your cat wet food it will probably mean you will need to have teeth cleanings for him/her. Wet food has also been thought to potentially cause kidney problems, so I would definitely recommend feeding your cat dry food exclusively.
• Food and water dishes
There are lots of cute dishes for food and water, but you can always just use any bowls you have on hand already. If you feel like going all out, you could get a pet fountain, but this is definitely not necessary. We have found that a self-dispensing food dish is very helpful, particularly if you are going on a trip. It is just a dish with a container on top that dispenses the food (you may have to pull the food down sometimes, as most are not automatic).
• Litter box
Any large sterlite type container will do. You could go with a self-scooping litter box, but we have found it to be easier and cheaper to just get an inexpensive container and clean it manually. With the self-scooping ones, you still have to empty out the little bag where it dumps the waste.
If you want you can get litter box liners, which are basically garbage bags that line the litter box. I personally don't care for them, but if you think they would help it won't hurt.
• Kitty litter
There are many different kinds of kitty litter, but we like the hard clumping kind. The least dusty we have found is Tidy Cats "Crystal Blend" and Tidy Cats "Small Spaces". You could also go with non-clumping litter, but that is much more of a hassle.
• Litter scoop
Larger is better. Need I say more?
• Cat wipes and stain remover
This is the not-so-cute part of having a cat! It may sound strange, but there are wipes for cats! This will be helpful if your kitty has trouble adjusting to the food you are feeding her/him, if the food she was being fed different food before. When we first got our kittens, they had this sort of problem, and we often had a smelly mess on our hands. These wipes make it a lot easier to clean your cat up if she/he has an accident!
There is a special odor and stain remover especially for pets. This in case your cat gets a hairball and deposits it on your living room floor or doesn't quite make it to the litter box in time. This isn't that important if you don't have carpet, but will be very helpful if you do!
•Nail clippers
Not the regular kind, obviously; the kind for cats. It is very helpful if you massage and rub your kitten's paws while he/she is still a kitten, as you will have much less trouble trimming his/her nails later on. We made the mistake of not doing this with Basha, and now it's a three-person job to trim her nails. Many cats are declawed; generally just in the front though, in case your cat gets out and has a need to climb a tree.
• Cat toys
Of course these are not necessary, but they are fun! You don't even have to go out and buy a lot of expensive toys either; usually the things cats like most are the things you already have in your house. Our cats' favorites are foil balls, string, and milk rings (those little rings that seal the milk cartons). When your kitten is older, you could also get her some catnip. It won't affect her till she's around 3 months old, but after that, if she has the usual reaction, she will act crazy and roll around on the ground. The cat equivalent of getting drunk!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
Although your cat may act independent, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten cat care essentials, and you'll have a rewarding relationship with your feline friend.
1. Provide your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, your cat could get lost or injured whilst outside. An ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
2. Keep the litter tray clean and topped up to the required level. This is good for both you and your cat.
3. Keep your cat indoors at night. Keeping your cat safely confined at night is best for you, your pet, and your community. Some owners keep their cat confined at all times.
4. Take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups. If you do not have a vet, ask your local animal shelter or look in the yellow pages.
5. Treat your cat with flee and tick treatment. This is easy to apply, but if you feel that you cannot do it then have it applied during your regular visit to the vet. Use a flee collar as in item 1.
6. Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep it healthier, less inclined to wander and will reduce the problem of too many cats.
7. Groom your cat often to keep its coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired cats need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs. It will also mean less hair on your cushions.
8. Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. If unsure ask your vet for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
9. Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on tables and worktops. Cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part. Provide a ready made 'scratching post.'
10. Play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide it with the physical exercise and mental stimulation it needs, as well as strengthening the bond you share.
Bruce Walls is an author and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Walls |
Cat Claws
By Tara J. Yen
Often cats rub their paws on carpet, couches, and your clothes. This is their way of sharpening their claws. But it is important to take care of their claws by clipping them. When they are kittens, rub their paws so they get used to someone handling their paws. This will help you when it comes to clipping their claws. If you have an older cat that isn't used to having it's paws handled, it may be harder to do. You can hold your cat like a baby in one arm and then use your other hand to clip the claws, or you can hold you cat on your shoulder, with someone else clipping the claws.
It is important to get guillotine clippers, which are made for cats. You can get these at pet shops or cat shows. Do not clip the claws to far, or you may run into a blood vessel, know as the quick, which runs close to the tip of the claw.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, it will not need its claws clipped as much. The claws are part of a cat's defense as well as a way for them to climb trees. If you cat is an indoor-only cat, I strongly suggest de-clawing your cat's front claws. However, I think it is best to leave their back claws in, incase they get out. It is a rather cruel thing to do, but your cat will not scratch up everything and will in short, be a great help.
If you do not feel comfortable clipping your cat's claws, ask your vet, who will do it for you.
Tara J. Yen is the youngest daughter of David and Annette Yen, and enjoys making toys and playing games to amuse her happy cat, Scamper, of whom she is the happy owner.
Good Human Food for Feline Consumption
By Kathryn Yen
If you have cats, chances are that they beg at the table! But how can you know what is really safe to give them? Sure, they look super cute, but you can't just give them whatever is on the table just because they have put on that winning, irresistible face.
Here is a little list of foods that are all right for our kitties to eat:
• Yogurt
This is very good for Kitty's tummy! Cats generally love yogurt. Some cats like the flavored kind, but if you want something that is healthier for your cat, plain yogurt is your best bet. They also tend to like sour cream as well, but that is also not as good for them as yogurt.
• Meat
It is said that raw meat is best for cats. Cooked meat, however, is okay as long as it is not overcooked or heavily seasoned. If you are preparing your meat for dinner, and your cat comes a-begging, you can go the raw meat route and give him a little piece before you start cooking it. Our cats love raw ground beef!
• Fish
Salmon is also fairly good for kitties. The fat that is in the salmon is healthy for your feline friends.
Another good fish product is the water from canned tuna. Because it is mostly water, if cannot do much harm. J It is not a very good idea to feed this in excess, as it is very tasty to kitties, and too much water could result in an – ahem – accident. Cats also love the water from canned chicken as well.
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
By Kathryn
Yen
What
happens when you have cats and you are moving to a new house? This can be a
difficult question. We hear horror stories of how people have lost their pets
during a move and never found them again. How can you prevent this from being
the case with your move?
There are
several paths you could take in order to achieve safety for your cat. 1. Ask a friend, neighbor, or relative
to cat-sit for you.
This would
involve the cat-sitter bringing the cat to his or her house for the duration of
the move. If you are moving out of state, this could be a very good option for
you, especially if you know of someone who lives near your new house that would
be willing to take charge of your cat. The smartest route would be to take your
cat there ahead of time, before the actual move. This way, kitty is out from
underfoot and you are not worrying yourself over whether or not she is safe. 2.
Put your cat in one of the rooms of your house with food, water, and a litter
box, and shut the door. This would probably work better if you are moving
somewhere locally, but would still be an option for moving out of state. Make
sure you place a sign on the door that says something to the effect of,
"Please keep door shut. Cat is inside," so your movers know not to
open that door. I hope these
suggestions have helped you, and I wish you the best success with your move!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
The Taming of the Stray
By Kathryn Yen
"Mom, Mom! Look at the little kittens outside!"
A few years ago, those were the words my younger sister and I were calling to our mom, as we watched four or five tiny stray kittens tumbling around in the grass in our neighbor's yard. From there, it seemed that more and more kittens kept appearing, and we didn't have any way to stop the increase! The mother of the cute little kittens we were observing was black and white, and we called her "Mama", as she was the one who seemed to be doing the bulk of the multiplying! Now, years later, we haven't seen Mama around very much, but we have seen one of those kittens of hers.
At first this beautiful black cat was very skittish of us, and, just to see what would happen, we began putting out little paper plates of cat food. Several times we saw her eating the food, and though at the beginning she would run away if she saw us in the window, soon she grew used to having us (and our indoor cats!) peering at her through the window. Then we started to move the dishes of food closer and closer to our back door. Once again, as soon as the bowl was right in front of the door, and she could see us, she would back away, but generally come right back to finish her meal.
After a short while, we were able to sit by the door while she ate without disturbing her. By this time, she had begun to come regularly every morning, at around eight o'clock a.m., for her breakfast. It was then we decided it was time we had a name to call her, besides "black kitty". We came to the conclusion that "Breakfast" was very fitting, and Breakfast she has been ever since!
Not long after this, Breakfast was comfortable enough with us to allow us to open the door and reach out our hand towards her (not too far, of course). She would even sniff our fingertips occasionally. Then one day we thought we would try giving her some plain yogurt on our finger. I was the first to try it, and she sucked it down eagerly, seeming only a little cautious about licking the yogurt off my finger. Soon she didn't mind if we came outside and fed yogurt to her. Once I tried a small piece of cheese, to see whether she would take it from my hand or not, and, I assure you, she did with a right good will!
Then we thought that since she was definitely beginning to trust us, we would venture to lightly stroke her. This we did when she was eating, and though she would start back, she never actually ran away.
One day, it happened. I was sitting outside with Breakfast, and reached out to try to pet her. To my surprise, she allowed me to pet her all the way from her head down her back! And added to the surprise was the fact that she loved it! She started rubbing her head on my hand and demanding more and more loving. This became a daily routine, and she would come by multiple times a day to be petted. Pretty soon we tried cautiously placing our hand under her front, to get her used to the feel of someone picking her up. She was not disturbed by this, and so we tried lifting her front ever so slightly. Now I am happy to say that she doesn't even care if we lift her entirely off the ground!
If you are hoping to tame a stray in your area, I encourage you to be very careful. All cats are different, and Breakfast had a loving temperament. The stray you hope to tame may not. Also keep in mind that strays are strays, which generally means that they have nice long, sharp claws! Be sure to remember to exercise caution.
Breakfast is such a sweet cat, and continues to delight us day after day!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
For those that love cats, having just one is never enough. Instead of having just one cat to call your own, you can have several. Those who have more than one cat realize that this is a good thing not only for the cat owner, but also for the cats as well. Cats like other cat company.
Are you considering getting another cat? Many people wonder if their cat would be okay with another being around. If your cat is alone for a long period of time, then he may like having a cat around. Older cats will often develop a new lease on life when there is a new kitten introduced to the home. Some cats do like their solitude though and territorial issues can cause a problem.
New kittens mean having to go through all the frustrations with training all over again. You’ll also need to consider the added expense of all the vaccines as well. IF you add an older cat to the home, this too can be a challenge because the cat will need to adjust to the new home as well as to develop behavioral or health related problems.
When choosing another cat to bring into your home, you do not have to choose a cat that is the same breed at the one that you have. You may want to take care to choose the right combination though. For example a Rex with his silly behavior with a standoffish Russian Blue may not be the right combination. Cats will similar traits can work well together. The Himalayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds are so friendly that they are likely to adapt to any even some of the most demanding breeds.
Set up an area for that cat before bringing him home. He may do better if you allow him to stay in one area until he adjusts. Allow him to settle in for the day before you introduce him to the rest of your family.
You’ll want to allow the original cat some time to get used to having the other cat in his home. This may take some time. For a smooth transition, make sure he doesn’t have to share his own litter box, his food or his toys with the new cat. There are health reasons as well as feelings that should be thought of here. Cats who are forced to share a littler box may actually decide to create their own area for a private box.
There are many reasons to have more than one cat. For many of those reasons, you’ll be able to have that much more companionship with more cats.
Niall Kennedy is a lifelong pet lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about many aspects of cat health and happiness. You will also find great deals on medication for cats such as Frontline, Advantage and Revolution. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Kennedy
How to Train Your Cat to Come When You Call By Kathryn Yen
Training a cat - sound intimidating? It's not! There is a very easy ways to train your cat to come at your call. First you need to find something your cat really likes - maybe it's a favorite toy, or perhaps catnip or treats. You know how your cat comes running at the sound of the can opener? We will incorporate this same thing into training your kitty. Say the favorite thing is a toy. The next time you plan to play with your cat, show that toy to him, and say, "Come", or whatever you want the cat to come to, maybe his name. Consistency is the key here. Now every time you throw the toy, say the name or word. Soon he will associate that name or word with something good, that something being the toy. Maybe your cat loves tuna (what cat doesn't?), and he does come running at the sound of the can opener. Then, whenever you are using your can opener, call his name. See how simple it is? All it takes is making sure you are consistent. After a while, and your cat has got the idea that "Come" means something really good, you can start calling him and sometimes not giving him the thing he wants. Often cats will follow their owners all over the house if they keep calling the name or word! You could also pat your leg, or clap your hands gently instead of using words.
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
Three Proven Methods to Train Your Cat to Beg at the Table By Kathryn Yen Beg at the table? Okay, so
maybe this isn't exactly what you want to be training your cat to do. But if
you DON'T do what I tell you, then
you won't have an issue with your cats...well, begging at the table!
There are Three Proven Methods:
Number One - The Too-Cute-To-Resist Method
Step
1: Prepare a meat dish for dinner that is tempting to your cat (Suggestions:
steak, chicken, salmon, etc.). Make sure it can be cooked indoors so that the
smell will waft through the house and reach your cat's nose.
Step
2: While eating your meal, clink your silverware conspicuously to bring your
cat running from the far corners of the house - if the aroma of the meat hasn't
already lured her.
Step
3: Once kitty is sitting by the side of the table, keep your eyes on her face
while you slowly bring a bite of meat to your mouth. If her face does not
become instantly cuter, you have a serious problem.
Step
4: With your food suspended a few inches from your mouth, look your cat full in
the face and imagine saying "No." Can't do it, can you? Promptly cut
a small piece of the meat and give to your cat.
Step
5: Repeat steps 2 through 4 several times, every time you eat. Within two to
five days, I guarantee that your cat will be fully trained. In fact, if you
want to invite friends to see how cute your cat is, always have them over for
dinner, when the cuteness will certainly be at its peak.
Number Two - The "Sit Up!" Method Note: This method can be
practiced & used either at the table or in the kitchen.
Step
1: Prepare a feline-tempting dish, as in Step 1 of "The
Too-Cute-To-Resist" Method.
Step
2: As in "The Too-Cute-To-Resist" Method, clink your silverware
rather loudly to bring your cat if the aroma of the meat has not brought her
running already.
Step
3: Cut a small piece of meat for your cat. Hold it about 5 or 6 inches above
her nose where she can see it and say, "Sit up!" Your cat should
immediately obey your command, by sitting up on her back haunches. When she has
done this, reward her with the piece of meat.
Step
4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times, whenever you eat or have something in
the kitchen that your cat likes (treats, etc.). Within 2 to 5 days, your cat
will be trained, and at every meal she will sit by your side and sit up
periodically throughout the entire meal!
Number
Three: The Make 'Em Meow Method Note:
This method may take more patience and time than the above methods, excepting
cases that involve very vocal cats.
Step
1: As in both of the above methods, prepare a tempting meat dish for dinner.
Always be sure that the savory aroma is circulating through the house.
Step
2: As before, if your cat has not already come at the smell of the meat
cooking, clink your silverware to lure her out.
Step
3: When your cat comes out, show her a piece of meat. Begin to talk to her,
saying things like, "You have to ask for it if you want it!"
"Talk to me!" and, "Meow for your chow!" Do not talk in a
constant strain, be sure to allow ample time for your cat to respond. Once she
meows, reward her and give her the meat.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 at every meal. Within 4 to 7 days, your cat should be trained and will keep up a fluent conversation during each meal.
Wishing you the best in all your training
adventures!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
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Keep your cat healthy and maximize bonding.
Playing with cats is not only fun, but it provides valuable exercise for cats of all ages and just as important, it strengthens the bond with your feline friend, which benefits you both. Kittens will play with anything. Just keep dangerous items like string, plastic bags, small indigestibles, and just about everything else away from the insatiable kitten if you're not supervising him. You'll enjoy playing with him with his toys, but be aware that he should learn early on that your hands are not toys. If you ignore this advice, you may learn to regret it when he grows up and develops full sized teeth and claws. Older cats might not be so fast and active but they still appreciate and benefit from the play.
Playing with your cat lets your cat hone his hunting skills, seeking the prey, making the stealthy approach, pouncing with conviction and enjoying the kill. It also maintains his health and weight, releases aggression, helps to gain confidence, strengthens the bond, is good cat care and is great fun.
Some good cat toys you can buy, balls with bells in them, catnip mice, and wand toys. Some other great toys you already have at home, wads of paper shaped into balls, ping pong balls, marbles, string with something tempting on the end and plastic tops from bottles. The old favorite, the cardboard box, is a great source of fun, especially when you are teasing the cat by tapping your finger on the other side or waggling your finger through the hand hold hole. Put the toys away after playtime. If a toy is always out, it can become boring, just like a dead mouse. Use your imagination and don't make it easy for the cat. Make him stretch to reach into a box to reach the toy. Let him win. Don't make it too easy, let your cat enjoy the pursuit. But when he comes in for the 'kill', let him score a direct hit and savor the thrill of victory. Afterwards praise and fuss your kitten and give him a nice big cuddle.
A fifteen minute session once a day and a second one if possible should be your aim. Of course we are all busy but it should be easy to find this time somewhere, what can be better than unwinding after a day's work by playing with your cat. Cat care and its knock on effects are important for you cat and for you the owner as well. So find that time and improve your bonding by playing with your feline friend.
I hope this article has given you some ideas on the benefits of good cat care and plying with you cat or kitten. Make a start today and see the benefits.
Bruce Walls is an author and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Walls |
By Kathryn Yen
• You make a remark to your cats, answer yourself for them, and really think that they are speaking the words.
• You wear a dust mask to clean the litterbox.
• The majority of your conversation is addressed to the kitties and consists mainly in telling them how cute they are.
• The cats have their own chair at the dinner table.
• Generally about half of your dinner (as long as it is meat) disappears down the cats' throats.
• You open a can of tuna specifically for the kitties.
• You no longer refer to the litterbox by it's rightful name, but rather the "poop box".
• Every piece of string that ever finds it's way into your house is saved "for the kitties".
• You have learned that everything is a toy.
• You have learned that everything belongs to the cats, including yourself.
• No matter how many feline companions you have, you still think you need more cats.
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.
Fun Games for you and your
Kitty
By Tara J. Yen
Many expenses have been made on toys for your cats (plastic balls with bells inside, fake mice that move when you pull the tail of the mouse, an remote control mouse, etc.) but did you know that most cats like the most inexpensive toys made out of foil, string/ribbon, wire, dowel rods, milk carton rings, sheets and your fingers?
Here are some simple games
that your cats will love:
1. "The Two Way Exercise
Game"
Take a small piece of foil
and shape it into a ball. Throw the foil ball and watch your cat run after it.
If your cat likes to play fetch, he/she will bring the foil ball back to you
and the game will go on. If your cat is too spoiled to play fetch, he/she has
the pleasure of running after it while you have to throw it, walk over to where
it is and throw it again so the game can go on. This can keep your cat busy for
quite a while. (Did I say "your cat"? I meant you.)
2. "The String
Game"
Cut a piece of string and
drag it around the house. Kitty will run after it and try and grab it. (Let
him/her get it sometimes so that he/she doesn't feel defeated.) Your cat may grab
the string in his/ her mouth and not let go. This can be used as a
"leash". Now you can keep your cat occupied and go jogging, just
inside your house.
3. "Rainbow
Ribbons"
Shape a piece of wire into a
circle and bend ends together. (Best with thicker wire, or braided wire.) Cut
multiple colored ribbons in six foot lengths and drape on the wire ring and tie
so it is doubled. Wave the ribbons in the air and on the ground while your
kitty chases them. This is my cat's favorite toy.
4. "The Flicking String
Game"
Tie a long string on a dowel
rod and at the other end of the string tie a fake flower or milk carton ring.
Do the same thing with this toy as you do with the "String" toy and
the "Rainbow Ribbons" toy. This toy has an advantage because of the
long rod so you have the ability to flick it more affectively.
5. "My Pretty Rings Game"
Simply throw a milk carton
ring back and forth like the "Two Way Exercise Game". If your cat
likes to play by itself, you can watch him/her as he/she pushes the ring under
a rug and then in your shoes. This
is my sister's cat's favorite game.
6. "The Exhilarating
Sheets Game"
When you are making your bed
and your cat comes wandering in, pick him/her up on your bed and throw the
sheets over him/her. This can go on and on until Kitty gets tired (I mean until
you get tired). If you want to upgrade it a little, tickle your kitty's back
with he/she is under the sheets. Your cat may flip over and try it grab it with
it's paws. Or slip your finger under the sheets while Kitty is on top of the
sheets and move it just enough to drive him/her crazy!
These are games that our cats
love, and I hope you and your cats will love them too. Don't buy a ton of cat
toys when they are on top of your leftover food (foil), on a gift bag
(string/ribbon), on your milk carton (milk carton ring) and in the dryer
(sheets).
Have fun playing with your
cat!
Tara J. Yen is the youngest daughter of David and Annette Yen, and enjoys making toys and playing games to amuse her happy cat, Scamper, of whom she is the happy owner.
Products mentioned in any of the above articles are recommendations only. Not all products will produce the same results in all cats. Please discuss with your veterinarian before using any new product with your pet.