Friday, October 26, 2007

Cat - Create A Healthy Environment for Your Cat

Start by keeping your cat free of fleas and ticks. This is often more challenging in the outdoor cat. Be persistent and try various flea and tick products to find one that gives good results. Remember to also treat and clean your cats bed once a week to reduce fleas. Vacuum your carpets especially where your cat likes to sleep. If your cat or home seem to be heavily infested consult your veterinarian for advice and alternatives.

Cats like to be clean and will usually attract your attention in one way or another when the litter box is overdue for a cleaning. Our cats will whine and fuss in the early morning to be let outside rather than use a smelly litter box. Our cats are also quite happy to use the bathroom floor or shower as an alternative. Thankfully we learned this communication method early on and have managed to meet their need in keeping the litter box clean and fresh. Some cats will scratch around in a dirty litter box and keep scratching for a while with the sand going everywhere. That is there form of communication. Even if the litter box looks clean, is clean of clumped litter, it may still smell of urine and will need a thorough wash and new litter to meet your cats standards.

Observing your cat on a daily basis, knowing its habits and personality will help you detect any changes. Noting any changes in your cat early can prevent future health concerns. Have cuddle time with your cat where you gently inspect its overall condition. Learn to look for any signs of illness such as fever or a dull coat. If your cat is not showing any specific signs, but you know he is simply not himself, there is no harm in calling your veterinarian for advice.

Taking time to create a healthy environment for you and your cat will enhance your relationship, keeping your cat comfortable and content. Remember a healthy cat is a happy cat.

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.

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Cat - Keep Your Cat Off of the Counter

Kitchen counters are like magnets to cats. Cats love high surfaces, and, as a bonus, the kitchen counter smells delicious. Your counter is often full of good things to eat, or at least, still smelling of them, and any self-respecting cat is required to investigate. It may seem impossible to keep your pet from "counter-surfing." Before kitty drives you to your wits' end, try a few simple tricks to discourage him.

Cats hate the sticky feeling of tape, so try applying some sticky-side up to the edge of the counter. The sensation of stickiness on your cat's paws may be enough to keep him off the counter. The disadvantage to this method is that you will have to keep applying the tape as long as you want to repel the cat, and cleaning the adhesive off your counter later can be a chore. Strips of aluminum foil are also suggested, as some cats hate not only the feel of it on their toes, but also the crackling noise. Be careful, though. Some cats find aluminum foil highly attractive and will pull it down for a toy. Make sure that your cat does not ingest any foil if this happens.

Another method of repelling your cat from the counter is to employ a loud noise that will upset your cat when he has done something wrong. A few pennies in an empty aluminum can, shaken when the cat is on the counter, can make him learn that the counter is off limits. If you place a few of these cans along the edge of the counter where the cat will be sure to knock them off when he jumps up, the resulting racket will bring down the cat. Other loud noise methods include a popped balloon, or slapping noisemakers based on mousetraps. The traditional water spray method can also work, though it is important to make sure that the cat connects the discomfort of being wet with the counter, and not with you.

It is also important to make sure that temptations that entice your cat to jump on the counter are reduced. Keep good smelling food off of the counter top, make sure that there are other high places that your cat can sit, and make sure your cat has ample space to roam. These steps, combined with the above preventatives, can help keep your cat off of the counter.

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