Understanding Your Cat

Latest understanding your cat news – Understanding Cat Sleeping Patterns

admin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:35:26 +0000

Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

Understanding Cat Sleeping Patterns

Prolonged periods of sleep are an important part of your pet's general health and wellness. They are also related to your domestic house cat's wild ancestry. Learning about your cat's sleeping patterns can help you understand other …

Guide to Understanding Pet Health Insurance for Dogs and Cats

If your cat or dog breaks a bone or gets into a toxic substance, there will be mammoth veterinarian bills to screen. Many pet health insurance plans will mask the majority of this expense. You never know when an accident will happen. …

Guide to Understanding Pet Health Insurance for Dogs and Cats

If your cat or dog breaks a bone or gets into a toxic substance, there will be ample veterinarian bills to shroud. Many pet health insurance plans will screen the majority of this expense. You never know when an accident will happen. …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

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Talking With Your Cat

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:05:19 +0000

Did you ever wish your cat could talk to you? Cats have a lot to say, but the challenge is figuring it out. And since they can’t form words, they only have body language, eye contact, and sounds at their disposal to explain things.

That means it’s up to us to pay attention and learn to read their signals. Yes, it’s our responsibility. We’re the ones who brought them inside and made pets of them. If we want harmony and a minimum of messy events, it’s in our own best interest to accommodate the cat.

Here are some common signals cats use to get our attention:

Sounds

Meow, yowl, purr, growl, hiss, grumble, snarl. All of these have nuances of pitch, duration and “attitude.” Add to that any personal variances for every cat, and you end up with a fairly complicated set of patterns we could be tempted to call “speech.”

However, since the basic sounds are colored by individual differences, there is no consistent pattern that could be regarded as feline speech. We only end up with a personal communication model that can be a point of reference between a cat and the owner who pays attention.

It’s also been shown that cats use different sounds with each other than those used with humans. Obviously, they know we don’t understand them, so they develop specific sounds as they learn what gets our attention. Then they expand on those. Cats are very smart!

Body Language

Most people are familiar with the arched back, usually accompanied by the bottle-brush tail, meaning they are frightened and unpredictable. This is not a good time to pick her up, unless you know your cat well enough to understand that your comforting embrace will calm her. Never approach a strange cat at this time.

Signs that a cat is comfortable, happy and confident include a perfectly upright tail, or the commonly seen “question mark” position. If the tail is held straight behind or appears “limp,” the cat is checking things out and hasn’t decided what attitude to display yet.

Watch how the cat walks. A slow slinking along the outer edges of a room tells you that she is wary and not sure of things. This is common with a new cat, as she looks around her new surroundings to ascertain safety and to locate strategic hiding places or escape routes. This is usually combined with the limp tail position. A confident cat will walk with purpose, along with an upright tail.

Head-butting and rubbing are signs of acceptance, “love” if you want to call it that, and good feelings experienced with you. Rubbing is a way for them to “mark” you, too. They have scent glands in their cheeks and above their eyes, so if you are being marked, just appreciate it. Don’t worry… only they can smell it.

Treading (or kneading) is another sign of contentment, as many cats will rhythmically step-step on you, alternating one foot, then the other. It’s a throwback to kittenhood, possibly, when they needed to press on their mothers to express milk during nursing. One thing it is not is a method of stealing a baby’s breath. What nonsense, but that belief still hangs on here and there.

Some cats will flop onto the floor in front of you, on their side. As you lurch aside to avoid stepping on them, usually at an unexpected moment, such as when you are carrying in the groceries, the cat may roll, making you step over her twice. While this is a show of complete trust in you, it’s probably not the smartest thing a cat can do. But some do it anyway. They simply know you aren’t going to step on them and all we can do is hope we never accidentally betray them!

And what’s with that funny face they make? Sometimes they pause after sniffing something, holding their mouth slightly open. It looks like they are saying, “Ewwww.” But actually they are evaluating the odor with a special nerve bundle called Jacobsen’s Organ.

Eye Contact

Cats are great with this one. They have very expressive eyes. Not only do they convey feelings to us with their eyes, but this is a major form of communication between them as well. In fact, a blind cat will be shunned by many cats, because that one can’t respond to the others appropriately. Cats who feel ignored will have less respect for the cat who is ignoring them. They often pick fights with those and may slap them as they walk by.

A wide eyed look is typical of kittens, as they are in learn mode and everything is interesting, or frightening. It’s the look of innocence and naivete, and we can see it in the eyes of most youngsters of any species. Be careful what you teach a cat at this time, because lessons learned now will stay with the cat throughout life.

If your cat is squinting at you, don’t get upset. Many people think this is how cats look at you when plotting revenge for something. However, after observing many hundreds of cats at the shelter and at home, and watching unowned cats outdoors, it’s become more obvious that this is a sign that the cat is content. Thus, if your cat is staring at you from a motionless posture, take it as a compliment, not an insult or a warning. She is in love with you. It comforts her to watch you, even if you aren’t doing anything. Cats do not have human emotions, and revenge is a human emotion. They simply do not have that in them.

In summary, learning your cat’s individual signals will lead to a better understanding between you, building a bond that most cat owners cherish.

Dr. Peters has more information on cat behavior and communication at http://www.theproblemcat.com/faq.html

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Understanding Your Ferret’s Diet

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:25:57 +0000

A ferret’s diet needs to be high quality in order to properly maintain their system. Your ferret’s diet will need to contain at least 36 percent of protein and 18-20 percent of fat to do this to the fullest extent. While there are several brands of ferret food on the market, you will still want to check the labels to make sure that each micronutrient they need is in there.

So what do ferrets eat? Well, in the wild, they eat meat. These predatory animals consume meat every single day, and would actually die of malnutrition without it. However, they would also die of malnutrition if they were fed a diet of strictly raw meat. As you probably already know, ferrets are quite energetic by nature. Your ferret’s diet needs to contain that balance of protein and fat to maintain that high energy level. This immediately takes dog food out of the picture when looking into the best food for your pet ferret. Dog food is one of the worst things you could feed your ferret, for it has too many carbohydrates for a ferret to process in his tiny intestinal tract.

When checking out food for your ferret, look at the amount of protein and fat it contains. Also look at the amount of carbs and fiber. Ferret food should be lower in fiber and carbs than it is in protein and fat. If you want to look outside the norm to feed your ferret, you could consider a high quality premium cat food. This does not include cat food bought at the local grocery store; that food does not contain nearly enough fat to nurture a ferret.

Sometimes a ferret can get particular about the type of food they eat, so it can be a good idea to choose three different types of ferret and premium cat food and alternate between them from the time your ferret is young. This way if one type of food is discontinued, you have two back ups available that your ferret is used to eating. You can also mix the three foods together so that your ferret doesn’t get used to one particular taste.

Dry pellets provide a wonderful source of nutrition for ferrets. Not only is it convenient, but the crunch of dry pellets helps to ward off plaque from building up on your pets teeth. Because ferrets cannot eat much in one sitting, leaving down a small bowl of dry pellets that your ferret can nibble on throughout the day may work best for both of you. An adult ferret typically only consumes about a quarter cup of food each day so you don’t need to leave much.

Water is also very important to your ferret, especially if you are leaving dry food out all day. While your ferret may only eat a quarter cup of food in a day, he will drink three times that! Be sure to leave out about one cup of water for your pet each day so he does not become dehydrated.

Feed your ferret properly and your feisty friend will provide you with years of companionship!

Scott Reinheart is a ferret enthusiast and author. He resides in Centerville, MD. He spends his time teaching others how to raise and properly care for ferrets. For more tips on ferret nutrition [http://www.eferretinfo.com/ferrets-food], visit his site by clicking here.

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Latest understanding your cat news – The Real Reason Why Talladega Was Soooo Boring … Possible Driver Protest?

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:55:09 +0000

Ok so you might find the next few links interesting. These are from around the web, just random snippets that I’ve picked up in my reading, but I found some very cool information in them. You might too. Here goes…

The Real Reason Why Talladega Was Soooo Boring … Possible Driver Protest?

by 4ever3 on Nov 4, 2009 1:48 AM EST in Bob's Articles 0 comments In a NASCAR teleconference on Tuesday Jimmie Johnson let the cat out of the bag as to why … Read More…

Osteoarthritis: What's All The Fuss About? Part 1

With gout and infectious arthritis, we can walk away understanding that those forms of arthritis can leave you with temporary discomfort from the attack or … Read More…

Animal expert to speak at UW-Rock County on Nov. 12

What people will glean from her program, she said, is a better understanding of why their pet does what he does and how to turn it around so he does what … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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YouTube – Dr. Randi Slideshow at the AMA

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:15:43 +0000

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Latest understanding your cat news – Association Forum – Electrical Dummy needs help

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:27:13 +0000

If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…

Association Forum – Electrical Dummy needs help

I have an 85 Standard Cat 25, it has a 30 amp outlet that hooks up to shore power. Shouldnt all i have to do is turn on the AC switch after connecting the 30 amp cord to power up the entire boat? I just replaced the the switch breaker and still …. Some of the tips, tricks , and ideas offered here will probably find your problem(s), but without basic electrical theory and understanding, you are entering the risk matrix much higher than is prudent. If you haven't already, …

Understanding Pet Astrology | Pet Source USA Blog

Pet astrology can provide a wealth of understanding of the behavior of your pet, but it brings pride to know how you fit your animal the cosmological universe. If your cat into a beautiful portrait paintings, which have the zodiac, …

RMP’Supdates: DEBO NAIR

Understanding Your Financial Incompetence 13. You: The Weaker Sex 14. Reasons to Give Flowers 15. How to Stay Awake in Public 16. Why it is Unacceptable to Relieve Yourself Anywhere but the Bathroom … A CAT always hits the litterbox. Better chance of training a CAT. No matter what your CAT drags into your house, you don't have to pretend you like it. You never have to spend time with your CAT's mother. If you ask enough times, a CAT may actually listen to you. …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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How To Stop Your Cat From Biting

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:10:15 +0000

Cats usually revert to instinctive behaviors when they are put in situations that trigger uneasiness. Biting and scratching is often a cat’s natural reaction to anxiety. How to stop your cat from biting begins by understanding your cat’s tendency toward their natural behaviors.

Biting and scratching behavior toward humans usually starts with kittens as “play” behavior. Kittens learn to hunt and defend themselves through their innate sense of play. When you use your hands for this type of play, kittens learn that your hands are objects in which they can practice their defensive and hunting skills.

Although cats develop many behaviors as kittens, there are times when their actions seem unexplainable. Cats are complex and sensitive creatures that can develop symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes this anxiety will cause them to react defensively in ways that don’t seem to make sense.

If your cat bites or scratches your skin, remember not to take it personally. There are many things that can cause this behavior. Your cat may have developed a fear of being pet a certain way as a kitten. Sometimes your cat is bored and you are the only moving object in the house for them to “play” with. Maybe your cats found biting and scratching to be a good way of getting your attention. Whatever the reason, you’re likely reading this article because you want to change your cat’s behavior!

Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to change an adult cats problematic behavior. Which behavior modification techniques you use will depend on your cat’s personality. Some cats are more sensitive than others so keep this in mind when exercising any of the following techniques. Next time your cat bites your skin:

Firmly yell “NO”, “OUCH”, or even “HISS” at your cat. You can be as forward with verbal scolding as you feel is necessary. Again, it depends on your cat and their level of sensitivity.
Slamming your hand down on the floor, or grabbing a pillow and hitting the floor (not the cat) can also be effective. When your cat doesn’t respond significantly to verbal scolding, hitting the floor can be a good alternative. This especially works well when combined with verbal scolding.
Grab your cat by the scruff of the neck and hold them close to the floor. This is a harsher disciplinary treatment for cats that are extra stubborn or rambunctious. It may sound a little extreme, but keep in mind it is the method that mother cats use to keep their kittens in line.

Use any or all of the above discipline techniques, depending on what the situation calls for. Sometimes only one technique is needed while other times you will want to use all three. The way to stop your cat from biting your bare skin is a step-by-step process so remember to be patient with your cat. Modification of your cat’s behavior will take time but change will happen if you remain committed.

WAIT! Don’t give up on your cat! A well planned behavior modification program may be all your kitty needs. Go here for simple, easy to follow reviews that will help get your feline inline!

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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Allen

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The top local news headlines from Yahoo! News – Yahoo! News

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:10:23 +0000

The top local news headlines from Yahoo! News – Yahoo! News

Manon Perdue shared with members of the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce on Friday morning a few ways to ensure small business success. Full Story;

Just as drivers’ education classes begin for teenagers excited to start driving, Kentucky is also enacting new regulations on teen drivers and the regulations will eventually extend to every driver in the commonwealth. Full Story;

It perhaps wasn’t as tough as they anticipated, but tourism and parks officials underwent a grilling from lawmakers Wednesday about a plan to save $6 million in the parks budget by privatizing some services, selling alcohol at a few parks and golf courses, and reducing employee hours. Full Story;

View the Summer 2010 edition of the Glasgow Daily Times’ Highland Quarterly magazine. CLICK HERE. Full Story;

Caverna High School’s site-based decision-making council has selected a new principal, after narrowing down a pool of 27 candidates to five. Full Story;

Lawmakers may be serious about addressing the rising costs and populations of the state’s prison and jail system. Full Story;

Everyone is looking for ways to save money on prisons and jails. But sometimes solutions aren’t as cheap as advertised while other proven ways to save are overlooked. Full Story;

A Barren County man was arrested Tuesday morning after being identified as the suspect in a burglary in Adair County. Full Story;

Byron Darnall floated an idea to members of the Glasgow Board of Education earlier this week — he wants them to consider purchasing iPads for Glasgow High School students and make the move toward electronic text. Full Story;

The baseball world shook Tuesday at news of the death of George Steinbrenner, the blustering, larger-than-life owner of the New York Yankees baseball franchise, but the shock was personal for Barren County Sheriff Chris Eaton. Full Story;

This 1998 Mercury Sable was driven by Christopher M. Pennington, 18, of Bowling Green was involved in a crash Tuesday. According to the Barren County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington was driving west on Burkesville Road on Tuesday at about 9:25 a.m. when he lost control on the wet roadway. Full Story;

Two Glasgow men were arrested after they were caught with an active methamphetamine lab early Wednesday morning. Full Story;

ACTION: School board members took the following action: Adopted the agenda: approved minutes of June 23 special-called meeting. Full Story;

ACTION: Magistrates took the following action: Approved minutes of June 29 special-called meeting; approved on first reading an ordinance changing employee health insurance plan to cover the single plan for a full-time county employee. Full Story;

Glasgow School Board members have a better idea what the new high school will look like when construction of the building is complete. Full Story;

The Glasgow Fire Department will receive the new fire truck they have been requesting for more than a year. Full Story;

A 7-year-old boy who sustained a head injury July 3 when his dirt bike struck a brick mailbox is improving in a Louisville hospital. Full Story;

The animals of Barren County now have a bigger and, volunteers say, better place to stay while they wait for an owner to take them home. Full Story;

Several hundred braved a blazing sun and blistering heat for a “Kentucky Freedom Festival 2010” on the lawn of the state capitol, and heard Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul say with the help of the TEA Party he can beat Democrat Jack Conway this fall. Full Story;

If there was ever a miracle child born to this world, Ava Grace Milam, 3-1/2, is that child. Full Story;

Area schools will continue a statewide pilot program begun in 2007, in which classrooms in public schools will become more energy efficient. Full Story;

A North Carolina man was killed Friday in a crash on interstate 65. Full Story;

A bank account has been established for those wishing to make donations to help with Hunter Cross’ medical costs and his family’s expenses. Full Story;

Photo Highlight Slideshow

A model wears a creation by fashion students during Berlin Fashion Week. AP/Markus Schreiber

Opinions & Editorials: Diverse views on news from the right, left, and center.

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Organic Cat Food – Feel Good About Your Cat Food Choice

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:05:19 +0000

Organic cat food seems like a logical step. Many people are eating healthier and becoming more conscious about the content of their food. As people become more conscientious about their own food they are also starting to think about what is in their pet’s food.

The Benefits Of Organic Cat Food

The pet food recalls have brought a lot of attention to pet food as well. The thought of your beloved cat getting seriously sick or even worse dying because you discover the food that you trusted to be safe was actually tainted invokes a horrible feeling. Unfortunately this was a reality for many pet parents.

But this did get many of us to question “what is in our cat food”? Unfortunately the answer isn’t very comforting. As I began researching so I could understanding pet food labels I was surprised at what I found. The more I read the more I was convinced I needed to start feeding my cats organic cat food.

Not to say that every single organic cat food is far superior, but most companies that produce strictly organic cat food are far more conscientious than mainstream companies, especially if you stick to trusted brand names.

The Unhealthy Truth

Producing pet food is a money making business (as everything seems to be). Most conventional pet food manufacturers cut corners to save money and inflate profits. They use by-products and cheap fillers along with additives, many of which aren’t good for cats.

I have heard and read hundreds of stories from pet parents about how they were able to overcome or reduce certain cat health problems by changing to a higher quality food. Many of the fillers cause problems in a cat’s system. They can become allergic or sensitive to these cheap ingredients and when they aren’t processing their food correctly or getting the nutrients they need it starts to take a toll on their immune system which eventually causes cat health problems in many cats.

Many hesitate to buy organic cat food because of the higher cost, but I have found in most cases it is actually more economical because by feeding my cats higher quality food they remain healthier and we spend far less at the vet. Outside of the financial factor it is always better avoiding the stress of extra vet visits.

Understanding and finding the best cat food to help you avoid certain Cat Health Problems can be challenging. To make it a little easier you can find comprehensive information and helpful tips at: Organic Cat Food

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Latest understanding your cat news – Is Cougar Dating here to stay?

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:07:39 +0000

Is Cougar Dating here to stay?

Understanding – She understands a man needs to feel like a hero. THE TOTAL PACKAGE – She has her act together mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally … Read More…

Best Friends, Really?

Next time you speak to your (hopefully neutered) cat, don't think he's ignoring you. That barely noticeable flick of his tail, whisker, … Read More…

Album Review: Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is… Awesome!

No pretense, no need for understanding. Just offerings of pure sunshine that range from the hip-hop beats of Biz Markie to dreary psychedelic-lite guitar of … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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