Understanding Your Cat

Posts Tagged ‘cat’

Alex Ybarra

Now the animal rights group is back.

PETA has scheduled a protest Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the corner of University Avenue and Broadway, where it hopes to shed light on the Health Sciences Center’s use of live cats in the medical training exercise Pediatric Advanced Life Support, or PALS.

“Students at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are ramming tubes down the throats of cats and stabbing Read the rest of this entry »

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When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it’s normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 – 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on Read the rest of this entry »

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Cats that have been abused can appear severely maimed and damaged all over their exterior.  Some may appear to be in perfect shape on the outside, although all of the damage they sustained may be internal or emotional.  Even though physical damage is bad, emotional damage is much tougher to fix.  Cats who have physical abuse will still answer to a soft touch and soft voice, as long as they know that the abuse has come to an end.

When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, you’ll need to wait until the cat comes to you.  You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and not know if you plan to hurt him or not.  If you take your time and let him know that you are nothing to fear, he will eventually come to you.  When he starts to come to you, you can let him sniff you and pet him.  After a while, he will learn that he can trust you and he will come to you when you call him.

Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as Read the rest of this entry »

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Brian Morelli • Iowa City Press-Citizen • April 16, 2009

A troupe of felines showed off their talents on Wednesday evening in Iowa City.

Samantha Martin’s “Acro-Cats … Circus Cats of Chicago” performed their routine for about 125 people. The cats, many of which had been rescued, pushed balls, jumped across platforms and through hoops, jingled bells and even performed as a musical cat band called “The Rock Cats.”

“These cats all have their unique personalities,” Martin said. “We are just the roadies.”

All of this appeared to thoroughly entertain and delight the crowd of children and adults.

“It’s cute,” said Raquel Wray, 36, of North Liberty, who came down to check it out after she heard about it from a friend.

The act has drawn national attention, including being featured on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Animal Planet and PBS.

Brennen Tevis, 16, of Cedar Rapids, saw the act in Chicago a few weeks ago. When he heard it would be in Eastern Iowa, he decided to come. But, that’s not all. He said he spread the word at his school, Cedar Rapids Washington, and many students came to see it for themselves.

“I pretty much just had to say it was a cat circus,” Tevis said of how he convinced his friends to come.

Tevis identified himself as a cat lover and said he had to see the show one more time.

“It’s cats; I couldn’t resist,” he said.

Although the cats did a variety of tricks, they did so on their own time frame, not necessarily at the whim of Martin or her helpers.

“I gave up on making this a serious show two years ago when we bombed in Branson,” Martin said. “I let the cats control the show.”

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Observer-Dispatch
Posted Apr 04, 2009 @ 08:32 PM

Questions and answers with Dr. Greg Jamrosz, associate veterinarian, New Hartford Animal Hospital and Care Center in Washington Mills.

Question: I understand you were instrumental in starting the TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) clinic at Spring Farm CARES. What gave you the idea?

Answer: I read about a TNVR program started by a veterinarian in Syracuse (Dr. Lynne Swanson). I met with her and obtained the ideas, forms and advice needed to run a clinic. I attended one of their clinics, then we held a clinic with volunteers from both programs.

Q: When did the program begin and how many cats have been spayed/neutered?

A: Our first full year of clinics was in 2000. Since then, 2,959 cats have been neutered.

Q: How is the program funded?

A: Clinic supplies and equipment are purchased by Spring Farm CARES through contributions from supporters/donors. It is a 501C(3) not-for-profit organization. Labor is provided on a volunteer basis by veterinarians, veterinary professionals and dedicated individuals who believe in this cause.

Q: Some say TNVR programs work better than trapping and euthanizing or adopting out cats. Why?

A: Cats move into an area because of available resources: shelter, food and water. If you remove all the cats from a prime location, more cats will move in and the cycle will repeat. You would have to remove the source of the cats … pets who are abandoned or go astray. Although this first generation may be adoptable, their offspring are not properly socialized and are rarely adoptable. Most are fearful and aggressive toward people and would not make good pets. Also, shelter officials will tell you that there is already an over-abundance of cats and kittens and a shortage of good homes. Clinics stop the growth of colonies by halting reproduction. The cats never go away … their numbers are kept at a level we can tolerate and they live healthier lives.

Q: Can pregnant cats be spayed?

A: Most of our volunteers find this disturbing, but we sometimes have to do it. If a female has full-term kittens in her before she is fully anesthetized, we look for a foster home where she can deliver her kittens and make arrangements for them to be adopted out.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of cats that can be brought to the clinic?

A: Since we require cats be confined to traps or cages for a minimum of three days, we usually limit each person to 12 cats.

Q: Why do cats have their ears tipped (cropped)?

A: So they can be recognized from a distance as already neutered and will not be put through anesthesia and surgery unnecessarily if they are caught and brought to the clinic or a veterinary hospital.

Q: Which local communities have problems with feral cats?

A: We have had cats come in from all over Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties and have worked with groups from Dolgeville and Watertown. The problem seems to be everywhere.

Q: Is there any way for community members to get involved?

A: If we could educate people to neuter their pets and keep their cats indoors it would help. Dumping unwanted cats and assuming they will survive on their own or find a home is also a big problem.

Q: When are the clinics this year?

A: April 26, May 17, June 7, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6. For reservations, call Spring Farms CARES at 737-9339. A telephone interview will determine if cats are eligible for the clinic. Pets are not allowed. Also, this is “field surgery.” It is adequate, but not optimal, to safeguard the health of cats and outcome of the surgery. Spring Farm CARES’ Happy Hearth program handles neutering services for pets in veterinary hospitals.

Q: What do you personally get out of your involvement in the program?

A: Two things: We often hear criticism that veterinarians are only interested in making money. This is an opportunity to use my best skills to help the community and animals and prove critics wrong. It is also a chance to address a serious animal welfare problem that no other program in our area does.

Technorati Tags: cat, cats, feral cats

By DR. PATTY KHULY
drkhuly@dolittler.com

Got a cat? Then you probably have a litterbox. As more cat owners tune in to the importance of keeping cats indoors (for their safety and for environmental concerns), the litterbox issue is becoming more critical to the health and welfare of our felines.

Here’s the scoop:

The most common behavior problem reported in cats is ”house soiling.” It’s also the No. 1 reason cats are remanded to shelters.

There are three reasons cats tend to exhibit what we euphemistically call, ”elimination disorders:” Medical, such as a urinary tract infection; communication, as when your kitty’s stressed over something and announcing his presence; and litterbox issues.

Many times cats just don’t like their litterbox accommodations. Something may be ”off.” And any number of circumstances can make the bathroom box less appealing. Next thing you know, she’s not using it.

So take heed of the following:

• Cleanliness. Stay at least one step ahead of your cat’s litterbox cleanliness needs. If you’re just barely keeping up, the chances she’ll stray from her box increase exponentially if she’s stressed.

• Location. As in real estate, the location of the litterbox is critical. Moving it around can have disturbing side effects. But if he’s not using it all the time, you may need to try several locations to see what he likes best.

• Multiple cats. Here’s the key stat: 1.5 litterboxes for every two cats is considered the minimum. Sure, some can get away with less, but once you have three cats, you’re risking your cats’ comfort and your household’s aromatic integrity.

• Changes. Pick a product and litter depth your cats like and stick with them. The ones on sale look soooo tempting, but consider that your cats have to readjust significantly every time you make a change.

• Size. Yes, it’s been proven — bigger is better when it comes to litterboxes. Not only do cats feel more comfy and free in a sizable sand box, they also feel less threatened by invaders.

• Lids. Lids and close quarters can be especially disconcerting for cats who have to compete with other cats over territory. After all, how would you feel if you might be ambushed every time you left the bathroom?

• Litter. Studies show that cats prefer clumping litters. And odor-controlling litters can stretch the life of a slightly dirty box.

Dr. Patty Khuly practices in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to drkhuly@dolittler.com, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

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March 29, 7:51 PM · 1 comment

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This tech-savvy Seattle cat refuses to be a cliche.

Seattle cats have plenty to purr about these days.

On Friday, the CATalyst Council named Seattle one of the country’s top 10 best cities for cats.

A recently formed coalition of the veterinary community, academia, non-profits, industry and animal welfare organizations, CATalyst arrived at the rankings by examining various resources for cats in 25 metropolitan areas. Data such as cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary care, microchipping and cat-friendly local ordinances were considered.

Other top cities for feline friendliness included: Tampa, Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland, Denver, Boston, San Diego, Atlanta and Minneapolis.

The CATalyst Council is a national initiative that aims to raise the stature of "America’s number one companion" and to recognize and celebrate why cats are such popular companions.

Author: Melissa Kruse

Melissa Kruse is an examiner from Seattle, Washington. You can see Melissa’s articles on Melissa’s Home Page.

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The Complete Cat Health Care Guide

The Complete Cat Health Care Guide really is a complete compendium on cat care – and not just on the health of your cat, either. This useful owner’s manual covers all aspects of cat ownership in real detail, from the more frivolous aspects (ten reasons why cats make fantastic pets, how to play with your cat, etc) to the absolutely essential (healthcare, nutrition, first aid, and so on).

Why Does Anyone Need a Book on Cats?

Cats take care of themselves, right? You can buy a cat and not really need to research how to look after it, how to care for it, and what healthcare problems and potential behavioral issues you’ll need to look out for, right?

The answer (as all cat-lovers will already know) is, of course, definitely not!

Cat ownership implies a certain level of basic, non-negotiable responsibility. If you really want the best relationship that it’s possible to have with your cat, it’s worthwhile taking the time to find out what makes her tick. This means finding out how to keep her happy and healthy, how to supply her with adequate care and nutrition, how to help her adapt to your house (the house training secrets are a definite bonus!), how to prevent and deal with any behavioral problems that might eventuate, and in general how to achieve and maintain the kind of rewarding and mutually affectionate relationship with your cat that we’d all like to have.

The Contents: A More Detailed Look

Happily, this handy guide supplies you with all the information listed above – but it doesn’t stop there. The book takes a pleasantly proactive approach to the question of cat ownership: not only are practical how-to’s supplied, but the team at Kingdom of Pets have anticipated any and all of the problems you might have with your cat – and have listed all the trouble-shooting advice you’ll ever need to keep your relationship with your cat on an even keel.

The book’s laid out pretty logically: essentially, the first half of the book is dedicated to cat-care basics and the more ‘frivolous’ aspects of ownership (choosing your cat, things to avoid in a potential kitten/cat, detailed breed information, the homecoming, playtime suggestions, necessary and recommended supplies and toys, etc); the latter half of the book is where you should look for the nitty-gritty essentials (essential nutrition information, welcome and unwelcome cat behavior explained, how to deal with feline behavioral problems, basic first aid, common illnesses, healthcare options, and caring for the senior cat.)

Information I Found Particularly Useful

Everyone knows the basics of cat ownership: try to get yourself a healthy cat, make sure you’ve got a litter box, feed it regularly, etc etc. But it’s the details that seem to elude us – or me, certainly. How much are you meant to feed it? How are you actually meant to house train a cat? How should you react when your cat presents you with a gruesome, bloodied bird carcass? Why do cats destroy your furniture (and not the expensive carpet-post you bought) – and, more importantly, how can you stop them from doing this? How do you deal with aggression? How are you even meant to know which breed and individual cat is going to suit you the best?

The Complete Cat Health Care Guide has the answers to all these questions, and deals with the issues most pertinent to cat owners in a conversational yet informative style that’s very user-friendly. There’s no confusing terminology, no unclear or contradictory tips – nothing but relevant, helpful information, practical recommendations, and hands-on advice. It really is all covered!

The Best Parts

It’s pretty reassuring, from a consumer’s point of view, to be offered a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. Upon downloading this book, you get 60 whole days to read and trial the cat care information and strategies included in the volume – and if you’re not completely satisfied, a guaranteed full refund is available. It’s a refreshing show of confidence from the authors, and goes a long way towards assuaging any possible doubts that prospective buyers might have.

I’d definitely recommend this guide to anyone who’s even considering buying a cat: the information contained within is absolutely indispensable, and will go a long way towards guaranteeing a happy, healthy relationship with your pet.
Click Here For The Complete Cat Health Care Guide

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March 15, 11:02 PM · Add a Comment

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You can buy products used or make your own to save

Saving money is at the top of every news headline these days. The economy and its pitfalls have affected everyone, even our pets. But your cat doesn’t have to suffer the consequences. You can save money and pamper your feline at the same time. Here are some tips how:

FREE STUFF: All it takes is a little searching to find free samples all over the web, even for your cat. Companies such as Fancy Feast, Frontline, Purina and more often offer free products and discount coupons. All you have to do is search. You can start by going to such sites as http://www.whataboutcats.com/freeoffers/freeoffer1.html. Knowing your cat’s tastes and interests is a big help, then you can steer your savings towards the most appropriate money saving products and methods and Puss can still stay pampered.

CAT FOOD: Your cat’s most basic need is food, and of course you want to give your kitty the best, but often cat foods with unnecessary fillers (such as corn meal) raise their prices, claiming they fulfill all your cat’s needs and food groups. This is a marketing technique and don’t always go for it. Your cat is a carnivore. This means he needs meat to survive (or more to the point, Read the rest of this entry »

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February 18, 2009
My name is Ginger and I am a lovely feline here at the Second Chance Humane Society Shelter.

I am very excited for the day, (will it be today?!?!?), when my new family walks in the shelter door and chooses me for their new lifetime companion.

I don’t necessarily look forward to the having to get into cat carrier for the ride home, but I don’t know any cats that particularly care for that experience.

Thus for this week’s pet column I would like to share some secrets with all cat parents for making the travel experience more pleasant for your feline friends.

Often times the stress of just seeing a cat carrier can set many cats off and it becomes a battle of wits and patience for a cat parent to coax their cat into it. And if it were an emergency and you were trying to leave the house in a hurry, good luck. So the best practice is just that, to practice and allow your cat to Read the rest of this entry »

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