Sunday, June 18, 2006

Cat Care Can Lengthen Your Life

By: Bruce Walls
This article covers just about all aspects I have always felt about Cat and Dog ownership, and the benefits they can bring us besides companionship. We have two indoor cats and they get the Royal Treatment, and are treated just like our children.

Research suggests that spending time providing cat care may actually increase both your life span, and your quality of life. Studies have shown that the relaxation and happiness that come from spending time with a domestic animal like a cat or a dog have numerous health benefits. Cat care that involves directly interacting with your pet may help you make your life longer, healthier and happier.

The research done on the correlation between spending time with a pet and having better than average health is conclusive. A study conducted at Brooklyn College in New York followed a number of heart disease sufferers after they were discharged from the hospital. The single social factor that was shown to be the strongest predictor of survival was pet ownership.

Other studies have proved that citizens who put time into dog care or cat care visited their general practitioners less frequently than non pet-owners, and were less likely to require prescription drugs. Because of the mental stimulation and positive emotions associated with spending time with a pet, treatment centers and retirement homes across the nation are encouraging people to bring pets to visit residents who are in recovery.

This suggests that even short term exposure to a cat or dog can have positive health benefits. If this is the case, just imagine what spending time with a cat every day can do for your body and your mind!

As an aside pets are also used in prisons where contact between pet and inmate has improved the behavior patterns and tendencies of the inmate involved. This is more proof that pets have such an influence on the well being of their handler or owner. Who can forget the 'Birdman of Alcatraz' and his care of birds.

Some experts theorize that the reason why engaging in hands on care of a cat can both increase your life span and improve your health has to do with the simple fact that cat care offers you stability.

Cat care is a daily activity that requires you to spend at least a little bit of time each day sharing love and affection with another living being. This gives your day a little bit of structure that can help you stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at you. Pet care is a regular, steady routine that can help you stay motivated and focused on making progress in all arenas of your life.

Daily care of your pet can help you feel positive and confident, two traits which research suggest can greatly improve your chances of beating a disease or making a speedy recovery from a medical procedure. Offering your pet loving care is a boon to your health because it makes you feel like a great person every single day. The love your cat shows you when you provide top shelf care can help you shake off negative feelings and emotions like sadness or anger. Cat care can help you manage stress and keep an upbeat attitude.

What all of this research adds up to is that pet care is good for your health. Making cat care a part of your routine can help you take a positive, enjoyable step towards a healthier lifestyle in the present and the future.

The better care that you can provide for your pet, the more affection and happiness your pet can offer you in return. Think of great cat care as a way to say thank you to your cat for the health benefits that it offers you.
Bruce Walls is a writer and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com/.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Build Your Own Dog First Aid Kit

By: Laura Anderson

Having spent time living in the country it is amazing the trouble dogs can get into. This list will give you a heads up on treating minor problems, or gaining valuable time getting to the vet.

One of the first things to do when you get a new puppy is to build a first aid kit. You can never be too safe or too prepared. Remember you are the first line of care after an accident or injury. It could be quite a while before your puppy is able to receive medical care for an injury or poisoning, make sure you are prepared to help him through the immediate danger and pain.

You can purchase ready made first aid kits just about anywhere. There is one available through our store if you would rather spend your time engaging in other worthwhile exercises like playing fetch!

However, it doesn?t take much to build a first aid kit. Here are some of the most important things to have on hand. You could make all the difference in a life threatening situation. Make sure you are prepared!


A plastic TOOL OR TACKLE BOX

saline solution (to wash cuts )

karo syrup or glucose(for hypoglycemia)

bandage scissors

sterile gauze pads

alcohol prep pads for instruments

cold pack (break and use)

heat pack (break and use)

vetwrap flexible non-adhesive bandage

provodine-iodine ointment

magnifying glass

gloves

opticlear eye wash

iodine prep (betadine) solution

emergency blanket (silver metallic)

2" brown gauze rolls

triple antibiotic ointment (polysporin)

tweezers or hemostat

first aid booklet

splint (paint stir sticks or shims work well)

2" elasticon tape bandaging

1" standard porus tape bandaging

Peroxide (to induce vomiting)

Benedryl (1/2 -1 mg per pound of body weight for allergic

Aloe Vera gel (burns)

pack of guaze 4X4s

Ascriptin or other enteric coated aspirin

Laura Anderson http://www.puppys-place.com

Monday, June 12, 2006

Caring For A Cat Or Kitten

By: Paul Hegarty

Caring for a cat or kitten begins with a knowledge of basic first aid. This will be very useful especially in emergency situations. If you have a nearby vet clinic that offers first aid training you are doing both yourself and your cat a service by enrolling.

Knowing what to do in an emergency situation will keep you calm so that you can help your cat in an efficient and effective manner. You may be able to limit your cats injuries or help save its life.

Below is a list of first-aid items to help care for your cat when those emergencies may arise.:

Antiseptic lotion - for cleaning wounds

Antiseptic wound powder - to treat wounds and promote healing

Cotton balls - to clean wounds and bathe eyes

Cotton swabs -to clean wounds and apply ointments

Pair of scissors with blunt tips and curved blades - to cut dressings to size and for clipping fur around wounds

Antihistamine -to ease insect bites and stings

Blunt-tipped tweezers -to remove insect stingers and ticks

Thermometer -for checking temperature

Petroleum jelly -apply to thermometer before inserting

Nonstick dressings and bandages - for bandaging cuts and to keep dressings in place

Surgical gloves -use when treating wounds

Heavy-duty gloves -to protect yourself when restraining your cat

Towel -to restrain your cat


These first-aid items can be bought from a local drugstore, your vet or a pet store. Having a home first-aid kit will enable you to treat minor injuries and keeps you prepared for an emergency. Knowing your cats personality and habits will help you detect any changes in demeanor and behavior, which may be signs that he or she is feeling sick.


If your cats eating habits change this can also suggest that it is sick and a veterinarian checkup is recommended. Caring for your cat or kitten is easier when you are prepared.
Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about caring for a cat.


Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Educational DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Discount Pet Drug Supplies

By: Kent Pinkerton


The modern urban lifestyle isn?t very suitable for our pets. Pollution, stress, depression, anxiety and unhealthy lifestyles are having a devastating effect on the lives of pets. Behavioral problems become a key issue in today's life, applicable to the owners as well as their pets.

In the same way, physical ailments like diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems are becoming more and more common in pets. As most of the pets are much more sensitive than human beings, a recent report says that even melancholy is a big problem in pets (although this is mostly referred to dogs).

Drugs and medications become major concerns if you want your pet to live a happy and healthy life. Just like humans, pets need proper health care to stay happy, healthy, and active. One should have a thorough knowledge regarding the potentiality of pet diseases, and should know more about flea prevention, hot spots, or hairballs. Pet supplies? health-care resources make it easy to find answers to the most common pet health questions.

There are many reasons why one should depend on discount pet drug supplies for a bright healthy life for their pets:

Professionals in this field have solved thousands and thousands of pet health problems and have tried to bring down the prices of these medicines. Discount pet drug supplies allow you to buy more drugs for your beloved pet.

The drugs that these discount suppliers offer are natural remedies, thousands of years of folklore, and the wonders of modern scientific technology applied to solving pet health issues.

Discount Pet Supplies provides detailed information on Discount Pet Supplies, Wholesale Discount Pet Supplies, Discount Pet Drug Supplies, Discount Pet Food and more. Discount Pet Supplies is affiliated with Custom Dog Tags.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Birds Egg Laying Can Kill Your Pet

By: Michael Russell

As I check out articles to post here for you I run across a lot of interesting ones that do not relate to dogs and cats, and I have decided to post them here. After all, it doesn't matter if our pet has fur, or scales, or feathers, or ?

Birds lay eggs; that's what they do. But did you know that this could be deadly for your pet?
My beloved bird is a cockatiel. She's a beautiful bird and a great companion. About twice a year she gets in a mood to respond to her God given natural activity of egg laying. The first time she ever did this it was really cute.

The problem was, the egg wasn't fertilized, so it wouldn't hatch. So after a while of the egg not hatching, she determined the trick was to lay another egg, only to get the same results. This led to more eggs until she had six or seven eggs she was watching over.

When I first got her I did some research on the Internet about cockatiels and bird care. So when this egg laying event was happening, I remembered reading something about it depleting them of calcium. I went back and read more about it. Sure enough, laying eggs depletes them of calcium and that is deadly to them.

I decided I had to take away her eggs. I didn't want to lose her over this. So, away they went. I made sure she watched me do it so she would know it's dangerous to lay eggs in her cage. They won't lay them if they are not comfortable with the nesting area.

That didn't stop her. She started again and I took them away again. After a few rounds of this, I decided to pull the bedding out of the cage, thinking it would make it less 'homey' for her and she would knock of the egg laying. It did stop for the season, but a season later she got the call to lay again and we resumed the battle.

As the days and weeks went by, she insisted she was going to lay the eggs and I insisted she wasn't. But, she was winning, in spite of my removing them. Then it happened...
One day I walked by her cage and there she was, in the bottom of her cage, still and silent and her limbs and head were twisted into a nearly grotesque position and I couldn't tell if she was even still alive. I was devastated; even to the point of not being able to react.

The evidence seemed clear that I would lose her. This was not a goldfish, but a friend. We talked and played every day. We ate and went to sleep at the same time. She sat on my shoulder and cheered me on as I worked at my computer. There would be no replacement bird; no more than you can replace your child.

I couldn't think right so I had to call on a friend. As we raced down the highway towards the veterinarian, I kept talking to my bird hoping to keep her awake and maybe get that little 'peep' to tell me she was going to be okay.

We rushed her into the emergency room and the vet rushed her behind those swinging doors. Had I seen the last of my bird?

They came out and asked me to step back into another room, where I waited to hear the news. I was waiting for the 'bird nurse' to come out and break it to me, when the door opened and I only saw her back. She walked backwards through the door and as she cleared the door she turned around to reveal the white cage I had brought my pet bird in.

Inside that cage was a vibrant, confused and curious cockatiel who saw me and let out a loud chirp as if to ask, "What's up?" My bird was going to make it and doing just fine!

She had gone into a seizure because of calcium deficiency from laying the eggs. They gave her a shot of calcium to revive her. They also gave her a shot that was supposed to keep her from laying eggs. They said it might need to be done every month.

Sure enough, several weeks went by and she was back in the egg laying business. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't keep taking her to the veterinarian every month for expensive shots, but I couldn't go through that again.

I sat looking at her cage one day thinking about how I could make it less desirable for her to lay eggs. Finally, the light bulb went off.

I jumped up, went to the pet store and bought her a cage big enough for a parrot (remember, she's only a cockatiel). The reason I wanted this was because of the big grates on the bottom of the cage. She can still walk around the bottom of the cage, but she cannot nest an egg there because it falls through the grate.

Oh, she tried. She tried one time. She laid that egg and stared at it for days as it lay underneath that grate and she couldn't get to it. That was the last egg she ever laid. She doesn't need the shot either. She's in fine health and we're enjoying each other more than ever.
Isn't that grate (uh, great)?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Birds

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Cat Care Can Be A Treat For You

By: Bruce Walls
Although the phrase "cat care" may bring to mind thoughts of hard work or obligation, with the right attitude and a little information, cat care can become an enjoyable part of your day. If you do it right, caring for your cat can be something that you actually look forward to.

Helping your cat stay happy and healthy is only as much fun as you let it be, but by learning how to provide the optimum care for your beloved pet, you can make care routines a treat for both of you.

One important part of making cat care fun is taking enough time to enjoy it. If you whip through your care routine with one eye on the clock at all times, you won't be able to fully appreciate the experience of being with your pet. Try thinking of your pet's care as a chance to relax and escape the hassles of daily life.

Put on your favorite CD and relax as you complete care tasks like grooming your pet and playing with him or her to help you both bond and relax. The process of caring for a pet is an inherently satisfying and enjoyable one so long as you allow yourself to have fun while doing it instead of trying to rush through and minimize the time you take for cat care. After all, the time you spend with your cat is quality time indeed.

Another benefit of making cat care a pleasurable activity is education. Teaching yourself a bit more about pet care techniques can help you be certain that you are offering your cat the best possible care. The more you know about your pet's care, the better equipped you will be to keep your cat healthy and happy, and there are few things as satisfying as seeing your cat's health improve because of your love and attention.

If you want the care of your feline friend to be a reward for yourself as well as for your pet, it is important to make sure that you are doing a good job of it. The better you are at caring, the more fun you will have when caring for your cat.

There are few experiences more rewarding than reveling in the knowledge that you have done a job well, and cat care is no exception. When you improve your skills or brush up on your cat care basics, you are taking steps to transform your pet care from a run of the mill experience to something that you can be proud of.

When you provide your cat with the optimum care for his or her personality, age, and type of cat, you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment in your abilities that is invaluable, and very enjoyable. When you improve your cat care skills, you can look forward to a happier cat, and to a happier you as well.

Bruce Walls is a writer and webmaster at http://www.catcarefacts.com.

Aquariums The Different Kinds

By: Michael Russell

Besides the enjoyment the aquarium can bring to you, just imagine the grand old time your cat could have trying to figure out how to get to the fish.

There are many different types of aquariums. There is pretty much one for each level of enthusiast and not all aquariums are for fish. There are aquatic plant aquariums as well and they are very beautiful.

One of the simplest of aquariums is a fish bowl. A fish bowl can even be part of a table arrangement. When one chooses a fish bowl it should be a big one. At least a gallon. You'll also need a small net and two 1 gallon bottles of drinking water that is not distilled or de-ionized, as tap water isn't safe for your fish. Even if water is treated with water conditioners it still wouldn't be safe. You will also need some floating fish food. You will need to fill your fish bowl 2' form the top of the bowl. Then you will need to cover your bowl with a clean plastic cover. Sometimes a clean lid from a coffee can will do.

You don't want your fish to jump out or another pet jumping in! You will need to replace about 20% of the water twice weekly and you can make your own bottled water by using the following method. Fill a bottle with tap water and leave about 2" of empty space at the top of the bottle. Add about five drops of water conditioner and then replace the cap tightly. You will need to let the bottle of water sit for at least three days before you use it for your fish.

There are also cool water aquariums. These aquariums sit at room temperature and do not require a heater. You need an aquarium and a cover. You should get an aquarium stand as well. You will need a five inch fish net, water conditioner and some food to feed your fish. . Make sure you read all the instructions from your aquarium and water conditioner. Make sure your aquarium is running for at least three days before you add any fish. Only add one fish at a time and wait for at least three weeks between fish. There is a maximum of one 1 foot fish per gallon.

Don't overcrowd your fish.

A Warm Water Aquarium will require more skill to maintain than a cool water aquarium. You'll need an aquarium, an aquarium cover, an stand and a power filter with a BIO-Wheel. You'll also need a 5-inch fish net and a bottle of water conditioner as well as fish food, such as floating flake food and freeze dried blood worms.

One other type of aquarium is the betta fish vase. This has become increasingly popular. Often times buyers of a Betta Fish Vase have been told that the Betta can live by eating the lily roots, this is a mistake. The Betta will eat the roots, but only out of desperation and it will not be a healthy fish.

The Betta should be fed floating food that is labeled for Betta Fish and freeze dried blood worms, which are actually mosquito larvae. Betta Fish usually do much better in a large fish bowl than in a vase. So if you happen to receive one, your fish may be better off if moved to a bowl. Please think twice before offering one as a gift.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aquariums

Monday, June 05, 2006

Air Purifier for Pet Allergy

By: Ed Sherbenou

Are you allergic to your pet?

Approximately two percent of the U.S. population, between 6 and 10 million people, is allergic to pet cats. One third of these insist on keeping kitty, despite prodding from medical professionals. Add dogs, birds, hamsters, and other pets, and you have a near majority of the population. Many people are allergic to a pet belonging to a loved one, which they may see only on occasional visits.

The good news is that no boa constrictor allergies have been reported.

Allergies to pets can take years to develop. Signs and symptoms, which can come and go with immune system depressing factors, may be mistaken for a series of "colds." Eventually a chronic condition develops which is diagnosed by provocative testing as an allergic reaction.
For many, this is a heartbreaking discovery, especially where the pet has been a lifelong companion.

Assuming the allergic person does give up the pet, cleaning can begin. After the pet is gone, it can take months or even years to remove pet allergen from a contaminated home. Yes, an air purifier will reduce airborne dander, allergen, and odor while pets are still present, but do not expect full allergy relief.

Pet allergen comes mainly from the animal's saliva, it is a protein transmitted by licking. Dogs show affection with direct licking and cats groom themselves with their tongues.
When her fur is "clean" and dry, with saliva proteins ready to fly off, kitty feels pretty and ready for petting. The very behavior that makes a particular animal a great pet, their ability to demonstrate affection in a manner humans can see, spreads the allergens.

Humans, after interaction with pets, carry the allergenic particles on their hands, clothing, and in their hair. Pet allergen can be scientifically measured. These tiny proteins are found in schools, hospitals, doctor's offices, and anywhere pet owners congregate.

Furniture and especially carpet form a reservoir for pet allergens. Foot traffic will stir them up far into the future. Animal dander (skin flakes), while only a carrier of the proteins, is very tiny and light, it floats in the air indefinitely.

Pet allergen protein particles are one tenth the size of mold spores or pollen, in the .1 micron range. This particle size is difficult to filter effectively. Particles carrying pet allergen collect on surfaces high in rooms, where cleaning is difficult. Any draft will start them floating again.
Air purifiers chosen to deal with a pet allergy situation will need to remove .1 micron sized protein fragments. Only a few premium air purifiers can do this consistently. A top of the line HEPA such as IQAir air purifier, or a HEPA equivalent air cleaner such as Blueair, would be better for pet allergen removal.

If you choose, as many will, to keep your pet, get a powerful air cleaner. It won't be cheap. Then try to restrict your pet from your bedroom. Close off your sleeping area and try to get it clean. The air purifier should be run on higher speeds days and at the highest speed you can sleep with at night, even if symptoms subside.

The author, Ed Sherbenou, has air purifier experience dating back to 1977. He offers fact, opinion, and the most detailed air purifier reviews on the web at http://www.air-purifier-power.com.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Birds Are People Too

By: Lance Winslow

Time for a little change of pace. I think the readers who are actually cats will really enjoy this subject.

Many bird lovers find themselves closer to birds than many people, indeed birds are our friends and they seem to be intrigued by humans for the most part. Many people have birds as pets and find them to be quite content to be our companions.

One author; Dale Sheldrake has written several books, which discuss how birds and people can communicate at times via brain waves or something other than verbal communication. His verified studies and research even show the ability of birds to communicate over many miles of separation. Yet how can this be? People cannot do that?

Well actually it appears people can. For instance have you ever heard your phone ring and just knew who it was or had been thinking about someone and suddenly they call? How do they do that anyway? Well, it turns out this is perfectly normal and although it does not happen so often in long-lost tribes they describe this ability as common and they use it to communicate. Very interesting.

And did you know that sometimes wild birds over 60 miles away and totally out of range will fly to a dead animal carcass which has been left right after the very first birds of their same species find it and land and start eating? How do they know? How do people communicate like this? My only question is how much abilities do we share with our feathered friends? Consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Thursday, June 01, 2006

So you're having kittens!

By: Jacqui Odell
So you're having kittens! Well, your mama cat, or "Queen", as a pregnant cat is referred to, is. Our cat recently had kittens, and after extensive research on the net for tips on what to expect, I found that experience is the best teacher. With that said, hopefully these tips of our cats' birth will help with your own experience.

The Basics:
As mentioned, a pregnant cat is called a Queen. The gestation period for a Queen is approximately 56-63 days. A queen typically will have anywhere from two to six kittens, sometimes more. Our cat had three. Several factors determine the litter size including age of the Queen, body size, how many male cats mated with her, and heredity.

Provided your Queen has a normal pregnancy, caring for her should be as normal. Ensure she always has access to fresh water and plenty of food. It's recommended that she be offered kitten food as that has a higher calorie count and extra nutrition her body will need. As well, continue to offer kitten food while she is nursing.

Allow her plenty of space to exercise, especially outside, if possible. Keep her moving and in shape for the birth and nursing period.

If she has a favorite area of the house, prepare it beforehand with towels, old clothes and similiar. Her birthing area is subject to change, though, the closer she comes to beginning labor. With our cat, she chose her spot mere minutes before her first kitten was born. I'd prepared a space in my closet, and in a big box, but she chose under my bed and would not have her kittens elsewhere. Keep her litter box nearby and her food and water, if possible. Mother cats who are attentive and interested in their kittens will not be away from them for very long.

Pre-Labor:
Within a few days before active labor begins, your Queen's behavior may change. She may do a total one-eighty. If she seemed aloof and independant, she may become especially loving, clingy and needy, wanting to be held and be near you. If she was the cuddly type beforehand, she may become distant and want to be alone. You'll know birth is but a few days away if she changes her behaviors. Her appetite may decrease. This is perfectly normal. Continue to offer food and fresh water.

Labor and Delivery:
The day of labor, you likely will see marked changes in your Queen's behavior. She may meow, or speak loudly and frequently, and may act a bit frantic. She'll also likely be searching for her nest. It's best to allow her to birth where she chooses, unless that area is not safe. Wherever she chooses, she'll likely keep the kittens there for several days to weeks, although, if she's like our cat, she may move them a few times.

Right before the birth of the first kitten, you'll see greenish liquid. This is normal, and she'll clean it up. When you see this, you'll know birth is but minutes or a few hours away. You'll know what she needs- if she wants to be left alone, or if she wants you near.

With our cat, I allowed her to give birth to the first kitten on my bed, with plenty of towels. She loved it when I gently stroked her belly. I talked to her and helped her if she needed it.

Prepare to be very excited if you've never witnessed a live birth before! Don't be away too long if you wish to see it, because once labor is in full force, the baby will come out fast! First you'll see a dark and wet ball. That is the kitten in the sac. Once the kitten is out, there's nothing you can do but watch. Mama will cut the sac open, eat it and lick the baby to stimulate it to breathe. Don't be alarmed when you don't see the baby breathing in the first few minutes. If more than 4-5 minutes pass and the baby is not responsive, immediately contact your vet.

The mother will sever the umbilical cord and deliver the placenta, which she will eat. It's rich in nutrients and there is nothing for you to do until she delivers her litter. Then, you can quietly clean up and let her be provided all is well.

After her litter is delivered, and you are certain kittens and mother are doing well, you can leave her be. The kittens will nurse on their own and mama will continue to make sure they remain alert and well. Stay nearby if possible for the first day or so, and keep her food and water close by.

Enjoy your new family and expect many changes in the coming weeks!

LifeWriter is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Cat Health

By: Paul Hegarty

Paul offers some very good tips here on keeping your indoor cat healthy, and happy.

Keeping your cat healthy is the key to extending your cats life. Although cats are independent by nature they really do need a good caretaker. As an owner of a cat you take on the responsibility of caring for your cat and making sure its needs are met.

Your cat needs access to fresh water daily. The water bowl should be cleaned out regularly. Feed your cat good quality cat food. Ask your veterinarian whether the brand you feed meets your cats requirements for his lifestyle and age. Obesity in cats is common in indoor cats. If you have an indoor cat and he has free access to food all day, you may try a light variety to slim him down. If you have a senior indoor cat he may need more nutrients than the light food offers, so once again it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian.

Exercise is very important for your cat. An indoor cat will often eat out of pure boredom. Provide a selection of cat toys and cat furniture such as a cat tree, to entertain your cat. Even an outdoor cat can benefit from this. Taking time at the end of the day to play with your cat will help keep it active.

When we have been away from home and our cat has been indoors the entire day, we help him unwind his excess energy with a bouncing ball. As a kitten he learned to jump in the air and catch a bouncing ball and we keep him entertained for half an hour with his attempts. Our other cat prefers to play 'fetch', where we throw a toy mouse for her to run and find. She does not always bring it back, but as soon as I say "are you ready?" She jumps behind our bedroom door and gets prepared to stalk her prey.

Providing a good scratching post is a wise investment. It may well limit the damage to your furniture and it satisfies your cats need to scratch. Keeping your indoor cats nails trimmed is important to keep them in good condition and so that they do not get too long. If you notice your outdoor cat getting his claws stuck in carpet or fabric he may be in need of a trim too. Most outdoor cats are able to keep their claws worn to a reasonable length.

Grooming your cat regularly helps reduce shedding and prevents matted hair. Both long and short haired cats will benefit from a groom. A brush is often a better suited grooming tool than a comb as it does not pull the hair. Keep your cat free of fleas and ticks.

A healthy cat is a happy cat. Taking time to meet your cats needs will keep your cat comfortable and content. You are rewarded with a purring companion cuddled up in your lap.

Guide to Cats. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your cat, learn about cat health.
Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month?s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.