Is Your Cat a Tree or Bush Dweller?

By Jackie Rosetti

Does your cat like high places or does he or she prefer to hideout in things near the floor?

Cats that attempt to get themselves into high places like on top of the kitchen cabinets or on top of the refrigerator, are tree dwellers. Cats that prefer to hide in or under things such as under the bed, behind pieces of furniture in paper bags or cardboard boxes are bush dwellers.

The tree dweller types need a cat tree. Cat trees allow kitty to climb to a higher place and watch the goings on. They can play king of the mountain from the highest level of their tree. Trees with multiple shelves (sometimes called perches), condos or hammocks allow them to choose the level of their domain. Most cat trees are supported by sisal covered poles for scratching enjoyment. They feel safe, but still included in activities within the household. Place the tree in front of a sunny window and kitty can have a warm, secure feeling while watching you, your family and maybe the dog. When things in the house get boring, there are birds to watch, bugs flying by, squirrels running up and down real trees and who knows what interesting small animal may be seen in the yard. Stalking birds and whatnot through the window is exciting, you'll notice your cats tail wagging in happiness just wishing that he or she could catch all those interesting things. The imaginary hunting will eventually tire kitty out and will almost certainly be followed by a nap in the sun that's shining in the window. You may even hear snoring as the security of being at a higher level will allow your cat to relax and snooze. Cat trees offer multiple levels for kitty to enjoy. Some offer a comfy hammock for your cat to relax in and some offer a variety of condos for kitty to hide in. Most cat trees offer a variety of levels and comforts that will surely get a four paw approval.

The bush dweller that prefers to be in the center of things, but maybe not participate would love a small condo. A cat condo is usually a plush covered box with an opening for kitty to climb in and hide, but still see all the activity that's going on around them. It offers comfort and makes a cat feel like he or she can see you but you can't see them. Condos give your cat privacy and a space all their own. When they want to join an activity, they rise with a stretch and slowly come out to join the fun. Some condos or covered boxes include a scratch area for kitty to use instead of using the couch or recliner. Cats love to hide in paper bags and cardboard boxes. A cat condo gives them a similar feeling of hiding, watching and choosing when they will join you and/or keeping an eye on when the food is being disbursed.

Observe your cat and decide if he or she is a bush or tree dweller. Today, cat trees are relatively inexpensive and can be delivered right to your door. Most are so easy to put together, a child could do it.

Presenting your cat with a new cat tree or cat condo lets them have their very own personal space and an area to scratch their little heart out on. You'll probably enjoy an extra lap sit or two for making your cat king of the mountain or beast of the bush.

Cat Toys For Less offers you an ever-growing selection of fun cat toys that will keep your special friend busy (and active) for hours. Keeping your indoor cat active helps prevent health risks such as obesity. http://www.cattoysforless.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Rosetti

Why And How to Choose A Cat Tree

By Deborah L Mills

Online you can see the different shapes, sizes, and colors of cat trees to choose from at your finger tips and from the comfort of your own home, or of course from your mobile device any where at any time, and have it delivered right to your door.

A cat's natural instinct is to climb and get the best vantage point they can find. They love to see what is going on and yes escape the from the dog or people at times.

There are many shapes and sizes of cat trees. There are round, square, ones for corners, short and wide trees. When picking out the right cat tree know where you want the tree and the dimensions of the area you have planned for the cat tree. That way you know what size to get there are small, medium, large or outdoor cat enclosures. The outdoor ones work for condo balconies and yes even RV's because they are portable and have carry cases. For inside a small house, or apartment there are nice small trees and even some mediums will fit, also they have the window seats. For a big area inside and depending how many cats you have (and yes if you have the lovely high energy pooch also) the large tree will give your cats a safe haven. With multi cats you will probably want a medium to a large tree with several rest areas so each cat has one. Some have toys attached to keep your cat(s) active. Some trees come with little house hideaways to sleep after playing. Trees with hideaways, perches and cradles are the ultimate trees, that way your cat will have plenty to places to rest and see what's up. Some of them come with tunnels also, which cats love. The cats love to look out the window so where ever you put the tree try to have it so they can see outside. My husband and I just love watching our two cats go up and down the tree playing with each other. They go up, like up the sides, like rockets.

That's why I say give them room. Cats like to hang out on the tree just checking out what you are doing. The trees work out great for if you have a big dog. Put the cat food on a perch so the dog won't get to it. No dirty bowls on your counter and the food is safe from the dog. Most trees come with rope scratch post which hopefully will deter and claws on regular furniture. The trees also come in some different colors to fit your decor. There is a tree the fits every cats personality.

So as you see there are things to consider when purchasing a cat tree if you have any questions contact us a CatCondoConnection.com. We will be happy to help you find the cat tree for you and your cat so that you will both be happy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_L_Mills

How to Raise Baby Kittens 2 Weeks Of Age Through 5 Weeks Of Age By Vicki Stanley Brown

How to Raise Baby Kittens 2 Weeks Of Age Through 5 Weeks Of Age

By Vicki Stanley Brown

At two weeks of age I became the parent to two baby kittens, if you can call them kittens. I prefer to think of them as simply babies. They were so tiny both because of their age.

Both babies are female. I named them Joli and Molli. Joli is calico with dark blue/gray eyes. Molli is orange/blonde with light crystal blue eyes. I always use names that end with the letter I. This is probably due to my name which ends with the letter I as well, Vicki. Joli and Molli were strays found in my mother's neighborhood. The birth mother is calico and had a litter of 7 babies, as far as we know. She gave birth in a tree and only brought her litter down after their eyes had opened. According to research, kittens eyes open around 2 weeks of age.

I stopped at the Pet store for formula and bottles. Every few hours I fed them. At this age, two weeks old, they really didn't understand the bottle and I squeezed the bottle gently until formula dropped into their mouths encouraging them to drink. They did not like the store-bought formula at all and would not eat. I started to worry about them and decided to just let motherhood take over. They are very similar to a human baby so I would treat them like one. I knew how to take care of a child then I surly could take care of a kitten.

I gave them half/half creamer that I buy for my coffee. It is organic and has no added ingredients. I warmed it up and poured it into the bottles. The kittens loved it and drank right away. I continued to do this for several days until I felt I could introduce the formula again. I added a little formula at first to the creamer and increased it as they were accepting of it.

Each week changes occurred showing me they were growing and becoming actual kittens. When I first brought them home they would stay wherever I placed them with very little movement. They also slept a lot. They even fell asleep while drinking from the bottle.

We turned my bathtub into the nursery. I filled it with baby blankets that they could snuggle with. At this age they are unable to regulate their body temperature and need to be kept warm. At two weeks of age the kittens are trying to focus and pretty much just stare. They don't really react to sounds yet and do not move around very fast. They are just like a human baby.

Our next hurdle was using the bathroom. I had no idea they needed help with this. After feeding them and feeding them without seeing results come out I started getting concerned. I used a cue tip and gently massaged them until I started to see pee. This was a highlight during my day, I was so excited because this signified they were OK. One more step to kittenhood achieved.

We went from ½ of a bottle to them downing an entire baby bottle (4 tbsp) at a time by just over 3 weeks of age. Just like babies, the kittens were having side effects of the formula. One had loose stool and the other constipated. I adjusted the mixture again until I had it agreeable to each.

Now 3 weeks old the kittens are more aware of their surrounding. They notice toys even though they still don't know how to play with them. They are walking around better and only losing their balance a few times compared to taking a few steps and falling over at just under 3 weeks of age. Molli is trying to nurse off my dog Jacki but she is spayed. They have become friends and Jacki has started mothering them. She makes sure they stay in the correct room I put them in and cleans them. She also patrols their bed when Alli, our cat, comes around. This is interesting to watch since my dog has never had a litter.

At just over 4 weeks of age the kittens are now eating solid foods. They eat pieces of cheese and a little lunch meat, turkey. They still drink bottles though.

They have started tearing the nipples apart on the bottles indicating to me they are almost ready to drink from a bowl. I did attempt to give them formula from the bowl but they still snort it and cough. I brought out the spoon and simply poured a drop at a time into their mouths which they did drink. While feeding them bottles, if they attempt to chew on the nipple, I simple remove the bottle from their mouth and re-insert it until they decide to drink.

Several changes have taken place during their fourth week. The kittens are now running around, aware of sounds, learning to climb, and actually playing with toys. Another change that occurred at the just over 4 weeks is learning to scratch the paper after using the bathroom. In the past the kittens would just relieve themselves without really knowing what to do. We used newspaper since they would eat the litter mix too. Last night was the first time that I saw them scratch the paper in trying to hide their waste.

My new babies are almost real kittens now. I miss them needing me but am glad they are perfectly healthy and developing normally.

Thanks for joining me on this out of the ordinary motherhood experience. I currently mother two human children, two tortoises, 2 baby kittens, and a dog. It is very rewarding seeing babies transform into adults. For more about me visit http://www.vickistoughlove.com and check out my other articles on ezine articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Stanley_Brown

Essential Cat Toilet Training Tips That Every Owner Should Know By David M. Gonzalez

Essential Cat Toilet Training Tips That Every Owner Should Know

By David M. Gonzalez

Cat toilet training may seem like something of a movie trick, but it can really happen. Humans can teach cats how to use the bathroom and forget about the litter box forever. However, it's important to be familiar with prerequisites for setting off on the right footing, if your cat is ever to learn the new toilet arrangement.

Follow a Strict Routine

One of the factors that make cat toilet training a feasible idea is that the pets are almost slaves to routine. Once they learn something, any contradictory disturbance can turn their life upside down. That's why a pet owner does well to stick to the training once it's started. For instance, once the litter box is off the table, it should never be an option again.

Avoid Accidents

Cat toilet training has its own minor risks for the pet, but an unpleasant experience can mean the end of training. Some people have seen cuts fall into the toilet never to try the system again. Thus, be careful with set up of trays and their size and introduce larger holes only when appropriate, otherwise, you might have a hard time convincing the cat that you're not trying to set up another death trap.

Be Patient

While cats are learners, rushing the lessons can be counterproductive. If you're too quick to introduce new steps that the cat can't measure up to, it will explore alternatives such as furniture or vegetation within the home compound. In the end, it won't have learnt anything worthwhile. Thus, cat toilet training calls for patience every step of the way.

Have Reasonable Expectations

If your cat can learn how to use the toilet on its own, that should be a milestone and congratulations should be in order at that point. It's not necessary that your cat learns how to flush the toilet, even if it can. Firstly, the 'standard' cat toilet training manual does not include such advanced lessons. Secondly, the cat that 'flushes' a toilet in "Meet the Parents", the movie that inspired the Litter Kwitter idea, was not trained to do that.

Not All Cats Can Learn

Outdoor cats are not the best of learners and it can be pretty difficult to tame them into an indoor toilet arrangement. However, it's all worth trying until a cat proves non-responsive. Certain cats will resist change at all costs, especially the type that seems harder to accomplish.

David is a dedicated cat owner with years of training and care experience under his belt. He loves educating owners about Cat Toilet Training, and understands a lot about the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M._Gonzalez

What's the All-Time Best Selling Cat Toy? By Jackie Rosetti

What's the All-Time Best Selling Cat Toy?

By Jackie Rosetti

You would think it's one of those cat toys that you see on TV right? You know the one that seems to have a TV commercial every ten minutes? While thousands of that [as seen on TV] toy may have been sold, the number sold does not surpass the all-time best selling toy for kitty. Which is... Mice, mice and mice!

If your cat has been part of your family for a while, I'm sure that mouse toys have been a hit in the entertainment department for your cat. Mice just never seem to fail at making your cat want to play.

If you're getting a new kitty, some of the necessities that should be included in your preparation for his or her arrival is, of course, cat toys. With a new cat or kitten, you don't yet know the preference of your fur baby. Therefore, it's best to get a variety of toys and let the cat decide which type of toy he or she likes best. Cats seem to like mice better than some of the other toy types because of their natural instinct to hunt mice.

The overall best selling cat toy is the toy mouse. Of course, that in itself is not simple. Cat toy mice come in so many varieties that it can make your head spin. There are tiny mice, realistic looking mice, mice that rattle, some have catnip inside, some come in bright colors, some are natural colors, long tails, furry tails, corded tails, tails with bells, yarn tails, corded mice, yarn mice, you get the picture right?

Kitty needs a mixture of balls, mice, toys on a string and battery-powered toys are usually a hit too! Getting your new fur baby an assortment of toy types is a plus. This lets him or her choose what type of toy they like best.

Once your cat shows a preference to the type of toy they like best, branch out with some variations of that toy. For example, if your cat likes mice the best, you could literally provide a hundred different variations such as: Mice with feathers, bells or rabbit fur, plush mice, rattling mice, big mice, small mice and brightly colored or real looking mice. Then, let kitty decide which ones are the best for them.

When your cat has decided what type of toy mice they prefer, stock up! I can't say this enough! I talk with pet parents daily and I can't tell you the devastation they feel when their cats favorite toy suddenly gets discontinued by the manufacturer. It's not uncommon for a toy that's in demand to be discontinued and no longer available. You've never seen such a sad face as that on a cat that has just lost the very last one of his favorite and special toys. You'll find yourself turning the house upside down trying to find that special toy that has gone missing and your cat will continue to give you that sad face hoping that you find it. It helps to keep at least a few of the top picks of cat toys that your cat likes on hand. Then, if that toy becomes unavailable, you'll have some in reserve until you can find an alternative that kitty will hopefully like just as much.

Mice toys are without a doubt the most loved toy by cats and are probably less expensive than some of the other toy types. I sure hope you won't encounter that "look" from your cat when that loved toy disappears into who knows where!

Cat Toys For Less offers you an ever-growing selection of fun cat toys that will keep your special friend busy (and active) for hours. Keeping your indoor cat active helps prevent health risks such as obesity. http://www.cattoysforless.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Rosetti

Tips on Selecting the Best Cat Food for Your Kitty By Munira A

Tips on Selecting the Best Cat Food for Your Kitty

By Munira A

You want to have a healthy, active and happy cat. The health and mood of your feline pet depend greatly on the cat food which you provide to him. There are numerous products to select from so you will definitely benefit from some practical advice on how to make the right choice. Find out what you need to give to your kitty to ensure his wellbeing.

Make sure that your pet will get all necessary nutrients.

Felines are carnivores. This is the reason why cat food must be rich in healthy protein. The best sources of protein include beef, chicken, turkey and fish. Other types of meats are acceptable as well provided that they do not have high concentration of fat. In general, felines require some amount of fat, but it should form less than a fifth of their meal.

The food which you buy must provide carbohydrates as well. They can come from grains, rice or potatoes. It is a common misconception that felines do not need carbs. These animals metabolise carbs easily. At the same time, these nutrients are a great source of instant energy.

Felines need fibre, zinc, iron, calcium, vitamins B1, B6, B12, E and D and linoleic acid as well. These must come from their diet. Keep in mind that the sources of these compounds are typically by-products and oils. The by-products should not cause concern as they are animal organs and skin. Things like hooves and hair are not used.

Know how to read the label.

On the label of cat food, the ingredients are listed in order depending on their weight. You should expect to see the meat ingredients first followed by the sources of fat and carbs. The ingredients delivering vitamins and minerals are listed last.

The guaranteed analysis on the label enables you to compare the nutritious value of different foods. Just make sure that you compare likes with likes. You should compare canned products only to other canned ones and dry products only to other dry products.

Let your cat sample the food before buying larger amounts.

This is a simple technique which is bound to product good results. Sometimes, felines simply refuse to eat a certain type of food due to the scent which it produces or for another reason. You would not want to risk buying large amounts of a product before you are certain that your pet will eat it.

Finally, you should pick only healthy treats. Cat grass is an excellent choice since it is actually a healthy source of carbs. Catnip is another low-calorie cat food treat.

Shop online for top-quality Pet Supplies NZ at great prices. Choose from a wide selection of natural and healthy food for pet animals and farm animals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Munira_A