PEI Animal Rescue & Information

Getting a pet is just the tip of the iceberg especially if the owner decides to keep it indoors.  Before deciding on which animal to get, it is best to read up on the frequent problems that happen so one can be ready to overcome them.

A cat is a cute furry animal that do not usually need to be given a bath like dogs.  This is as cats are able to clean up themselves very well.  But there is more to just giving them food or brushing their fur and these are things the owner must anticipate.

Cats like dogs that have not been trained how to behave indoors can create a lot of problems.  The claws of this animal can scratch and ruin the furniture.  If the creature has not also been toilet trained, the house will smell and the owner will have to clean up after it.

There are ways to solve the clawing problem.  One way is declawing it when your pet is still a kitten.  Since some people find this to be cruel to the animal, then one would have to buy a scratching post and teach it to scratch on the surface when the animal feels like doing it.

Since the kitten does not know what the scratching post is for, it is best to teach it by grabbing its paws and doing the motion.  This will take some time to learn so one should observe that cat and practice it often.

Another product for training cats is a litter box.  This is to solve the waste problem that will happen if the cat has not yet been trained on what to do should it feel the urge.  These can be purchased at the local pet store and choosing one should depend on the size of the cat.

Using the litter box will take some time and practice so one should keep a close watch on the cat.  Should it start behaving like it is about to do it, one should carry the cat immediately to the litter box. Another way of teaching it is picking up the waste, putting it in the box then putting the cat in the box to get used to the smell.

Cats like other animals need time to exercise.  To prevent this animal from ruining the house, one should buy toys such as a stuffed animal or a ball for the animal to play with.

There are many varieties of cat training products available on the market which can be found in the local pet store or online.  The person has to know what is needed in order to make the pet good for the indoors.

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It is given that the cat is an adorable and lovable pet.  But if it starts to mess the house with all its litter, then it starts to annoy the heck out of an owner.  What to do?  Of course, cat training devices are there to solve this problem.  Remember that a cat is intelligent, therefore constant push from the owner and assistance from a training device can whip out a litter-free, sensible kitty.

Here are some of the cat training devices that can magically transform a misbehaved pet to an obedient one:

1. “The Potty-Cat”

This quirky and cute-looking system is a magic of sorts as it has everything - a handy manual and the device that can train the cat without him knowing about it!   No more foul litter, just a smart-aleck of a cat!  Incredible and true!

2. “Pet Agree Training Device”

What does it do?   Its ultrasonic system emits sounds that can easily catch the pet’s attention.  With its built-in verbal orders, the cat is trained in an instant!

3. “SSSCAT”

Because it combines the power of an aerosol can and a motion detector, the SSSCAT emits sound and the spray that can shoo the cat away from places where it is prohibited.

4. “Electrostatic Pet Scat Mat”

The name sounds ominous but the “Electronic Pet Scat Mat” is pretty harmless. But that doesn’t mean it is ineffective. The electrical pulse and the static electricity can keep the pet cat from messing around the sofas, windows and front yards.

5. “Pet Boundary Indoor Pet Barrier System”

It keeps the cat away as it makes its own “unwanted zone” that can be as far as ten feet. The owner just has to place the transmitter to the collar and voila.

6. “Scarecrow Water Spraying Animal Repeller”

Introducing the Scarecrow Water Spraying Animal Repeller which goes to water-spraying when it notices an intruder aka the pet cat.

7. “Tattle Tale Vibration Alarm Pet Trainer”

Pets keep out!  That’s what this device intends to warn the pet cats.  Advanced as it is with the structural vibration technology, the Tattle Tale is so sensitive it detects vibration right away even if there is no apparent movement.

8. “Cat Stop! Ultrasonic”

Gardens and front yards will no longer welcome the cats, because of its high-quality motion sensor.

Cat training devices abound, the cat lover will never run out of alternatives on how to keep his cat from getting litter-crazy.

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A true-blue cat aficionado wants the best for his cat…the best cat beds, cat cages, cat bowls, cat condos and yes, cat collars!  What makes a good collar?  These articles enlighten every cat owner on what collar or harness is appropriate for your beloved pet. Here are some of them:

1. 2 in 1 Reflecting Flea and Tick Collar for Cats

What can be more reliable than a 2 in 1 collar?  Its effectiveness lasts up to five months and it can protect any cat from fleas, ticks and other nasty insects.  With its Reflective Material technology courtesy of 3M Scotchlite, the “reflective strip” works like wonders. All the owner has to do is stretch the collar and put it on the pet so the killing action begins.

Manufactured by Hartz, this collar is available for $6.

2. Elizabethan Collar or Clear Custom Collar

Famous for being lightweight and dependable, this collar can fit around the neck of any animal.  This is very ideal for cats as it can be applied easily, thanks to its Hook and Loop Fastener from Scotchmate.

3. Break-A-Way Safety Cat Collar

Any cat lover who goes ga-ga over colors, this one fits the bill.  Not only is it fashionable, it also guarantees safety of the cat.  Very adjustable and light at half a pound, one can never go wrong with Break-A-Way Safety  Cat Collar.

4. One Earth Herbal Dog Collar

The name says “dog” collar but it is also perfect for cats. Containing oil extracts like citronella, lemon grass and eucalyptus, this makes the cat more fragrant than ever!  It repels fleas and keeps the pet cat clean.  How can one go wrong with that?

5. FleaTrol Breakaway Cat Collar by Zodiac

How does it stand out among all the cat collars available in the market?  It has adulticides like Precor IGR that can crush fleas and ticks in an instant.  Its one-of-a-kind design lessens the choking risk, so the owner is assured of the pet’s safety. It is even waterproof, too!

6. Kong E-collar

This e-collar is very sturdy and light with a padded neckline that guarantees safety and comfort.  This e-collar is available in five sizes, with the smallest measuring 6 to 7.5 large diameter by 4.5 and the largest from 16 to 20 large diameter.

So every cat lover has a reason to rejoice for all these collars available. Any of the aforementioned choices efficiently works like magic.

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Cats are wonderful animals!  It is remarkable how well these animals have adapted to domesticity.  It has been estimated that they have been living in close contact with human beings for approximately 3,500 years.

Not only are they good for pets, but they are also very useful to humans.  The ancient Egyptians took care of them to get rid of the mice in their homes.

No wonder there have been hundreds and hundreds of books written that are devoted to the subject of these animals.  Most of these books have to do with cat training.

Since cats are predatory creatures by instinct; they still exhibit some behaviors that are best suited in the wilderness.  This sometimes becomes a problem for people who have cats living in their households .

That is why there are a lot of training books that have been written to address various issues concerning cat training.

Different types of training books

There are various different types of training books that are available in the market.  Some deal with the issue of cats’ health and their behavior.

Some are reference books written by veterinarians.  They offer insights and tips on how to  properly take care of cats.  These types of books can be used as a resource by owners when training their cats.

While other cat training books are categorized according to breed, some give those readers who are seeking to gain more knowledge on a specific breed of cats more extensive, and helpful information.

Where to get these books

These books can be purchased in local bookstores.  They can even be borrowed in libraries. But the most convenient place to get them would be online.  There’s a wide range of cat training books to choose from in the internet.

Rates and reviews of these books are also available.  This gives the buyer some insight about the book, helping them decide and pick out exactly the type of cat training book they are looking for.

Who buys these books?

Books on how to train cats are perfect for first time cat owners.  These books will offer them the much needed information they need in order to take care of their cats.

A lot of cat lovers also have a collection of cat books.  Ranging in topics from:  breed books, photography, fiction, cat care, training, nutrition, etc.

Cat training books are a perfect companion for any cat owner. Every cat owner should at least have one on their book shelf.

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A cat lover needs a reliable guide or manual to get through his cat’s training. It is not enough to just browse over websites for tips and other feline know-hows. What he needs are trusty cat training books ! Here are some of the best-selling and truly amazing cat training books that can have one’s pet cat do more than meowing and scratching:

1. “Guide to Well-Behaved Cat: A Sound Approach to Cat Training”

The book says it all. It aims to train the cat to behave. Written by Phil Maggiti, this book is packed with rich information and divided into four parts. The first chapter tackles the cat’s evolution, while the second is all about its domestication. Design and function of an ordinary cat is discussed in chapter three, while chapter four talks about human-pet relationship topics such as why does a kitty disobey the owner when it is called?

2. “Understanding or Training Your Cat or Kitten”

This acclaimed book is from H. Ellen Whiteley, a veterinarian who understands cats more than an average person does. This book contains 292 pages of important information that can truly make you understand, train and appreciate one’s pet cat.

3. “Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat”

This book is a collaboration of Gary M. Landsberg, W. Hunthausen and L. Ackerman. Published by Elvesier Health Sciences, this is one of the most reputable books in cat training. Okay, so it is dual purpose - it is about cats and dogs, but it doesn’t matter. It is as informative as any other cat training book out there.

From discussing kitten development to suggesting therapy for behavior and diet-related problems, from approaching feline agression to finding out what the “European approach to behavior counseling” is, this book is indeed helpful.

4. “Cat Training in 10 Minutes”

The “Cat Training in 10 Minutes” is 142 pages of quirky information on how to communicate effectively with cats. Written by Miriam Fields-Banineau, a certified cat lover, this guide is easy to read and highly effective. Every cat owner can toilet-train his kitty in just a few reading sessions! It will not be long before the cat also follows the owner’s commands! The photographs in the book are very attractive as well.

Nobody says cat training is going to be easy. That’s why cat training books are available online so one can get the gist and be the best cat owner in town.

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Cats look cute and adorable. That is until they start biting poor unsuspecting human beings. Cats need to be taught good behavior. A lot of biting that is done by cat is a result of uncorrected bad behavior.

Keep in mind that cats came from the wild. Even though now cats have been domesticated and live in close contact with humans, their instincts remain the same. They are born hunters and are equipped with the natural tools designed to hunt a prey.

Cats have predatory instincts

Biting is a part of a cat’s defense mechanism. They do this when they feel threatened. Since biting is a cat’s way to protect themselves, humans have to be careful that their cats don’t think they are threatening them in any way when they are playing with their cats.

Remember that cats are predatory by nature. They exhibit this trait by playfully pouncing and biting the hands and feet of their owners.

It’s important for owners not to tolerate this behavior. Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.

Cat owners should not encourage their cats to think that their hands and feet are play things. A lot of cat owners who tolerate this behavior have scars to prove this unfortunate mistake.

Look for the cause

Sometimes cats exhibit bad behavior such as scratching and biting when they are ill or have an injury. They also do this when they feel anxiety or fear.

Cat owners need to pay close attention to the health of their cats. They also need to examine their cat’s environment to assess if there’s something about their surroundings that is causing their cat’s bad behavior.

Train your cat

When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and obedience! This encourages the cat to maintain a good attitude. You can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.

Fun activities

Sometimes cats bite when they get listless. When a cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stop to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity. Give the cat a toy to play with. This will get the cat’s attention, and keep the cat preoccupied.

Cats are wonderful pets to have. Not only are they clean creatures- they keep themselves clean by licking their fur. But they are also very useful. The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to catch rodents.

But first things first, cats need to be trained and taught the rules of the house. Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more biting!

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You may think that cats are very aloof, independent and likely untrainable to do some tricks, but think again. With the proper training habits and system, you will engage them in every fun activity you may like especially during playtime.

Kittens love to play as well as adult cats. But they want you to interact with them during playtime.

There are four games they love to play.

• wrestling with their co-felines or a toy;
• scooping fish in the floor or any toy will do;
• bird swat, and;
• prey pouncing.

You do not have to worry if your kittens wrestle with each other. It is definitely normal in their behavior and they are not likely to hurt each other. You can join the fun but see to it that you wear protective gloves.

Scooping a fish literally means finding an object on the floor. They will scoop it over their shoulders, turn it up side down and pounce it. Similarly, in prey pouncing, they would use an imaginary prey or you can make a toy for this game, and they will run and try to catch it. When they do, they pounce on it. Usually, it is their mother cat’s tail or your shoe or even another kitten.

Cats love to reach for dangling objects and toys. When they are successful in getting it, they smash it with one paw and finish off the prey. This is the bird swat game.

The difference in these games is that they are best with people’s interaction. Oftentimes, cat’s toys are free and you can readily make them but again, PARTICIPATION in the games is crucial.

Like in scooping a fish game, you can make your cat a toy with a feather string and a stick. You can enjoy watching your cat as he leaps for it. Once in a while let him get the thing so that he will not be easily bored.

Another good toy for cats is the classic crumpled paper. You can use it like a ball. Hide it behind your back, show it to your cat, and throw it. See how amazingly he will chase and tear it into pieces. Another handmade toy you can make for him is to cut up fuzzy pipe cleaner or make it into a ball and enjoy the same reaction from him as he chases and pounces on it it.

A popular toy that cats also enjoy is the grocery paper bag. You can do a lot of tricks to the bag and see how it can be fun.

Playing with your cats can be a totally hilarious and exciting experience.

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Should a cat attend obedience classes?  Actually, there is no need to. Cats can develop good behavior with the proper training aids.

Cat Training Aids

Food Tray
The cat must be taught to eat only in their food trays to avoid begging constantly or having them steal food from the dining table.  These must be situated far from the dinner table.  It will also help to feed the cat before dinner.  They sleep after they eat.

Scratching Posts
It is part of the nature of the cat to claw, however this should not be tolerated.  It can be very damaging to the furniture.  This can be easily resolved by providing scratching posts for cats to claw on instead of the furniture.

Repellent
Liquid repellent can also be used to keep cats from scratching on certain furniture.  The taste of such repellents is so terrible that the cat will learn to stop from scratching eventually.

Yarns and Balls
Cats also need exercise.  They are generally playful.  Kittens like to play with just anything.  To avoid having them tinker with delicate things, it is good to give them yarns or soft balls to play with.  Older cats can be trained to use harmless leads.

Treats
Cats can be taught tricks.  They can be taught to shake hands or fetch something. However, to properly train cats, it is important to give them rewards when they successfully accomplished a task.  Treats are good rewards.

Litter Trays
One of the drawbacks of keeping a cat indoors is dealing with their dirt.  Litter trays will come in handy at this point.  This is a must in toilet training an indoor cat.

Water Spray
Fighting with other cats and caterwauling are also problematic cat situations.  Spraying the cats with water when they do these things will eventually keep them from doing them. The water spray is a helpful deterrent for other bad behaviors.

Cat Grass
Plant eating is also a habit of the cats.  They do this to induce vomiting and sometimes just out of curiosity.  Cat grass is a good substitute to keep your plants safe.

Nesting Spot
Cats enjoy going to elevated spots to see more.  It is their way of seeking company.  To keep them from jumping on furniture, it is best to get a nesting spot.  This should elevated and comfortable.  Rub a treat into the spot to attract the cat.

Training the cat with these aids will still require patience and consistency.  Still, this is worth all the efforts. The good behavior of the cat is reward enough.

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Cats are very lovable creatures.  They are tame, cuddly and are indeed beautiful.  Most cat owners want them to be indoors, to keep them safe and clean always.  However, keeping cats indoors poses the problem of dealing with their wastes.  Thus it is necessary to toilet train the cat.

Toilet Training Essentials

1. Cats should be trained early on.  It should start when the kitten is around 8 weeks old.

2. Before starting with the toilet training, make sure that the cat already responds to its name.  This will be very helpful in responding to the behavior of the cat.

3. Cats generally are not difficult to toilet train.  For one, they have the instinct already to bury their wastes.  Thus all that is needed is to provide a litter tray.

This can be bought in pet shops.  A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel.  The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.

4. Generally, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually.

5. For kittens or cats that still have to be trained, it is best to acquaint them with the litter tray.  The cat should be placed inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.

6. Make sure that the litter tray is placed in a quiet and secluded place.  Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.

7. When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior.

The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head.  Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat.

8. However, a cat or kitten being trained that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded.  The cat must be corrected immediately.  A loud and sharp “no” or squirting the cat with water are the usual ways to reprimand the cat.  Never use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to the owners.

The cat has to be constantly praised or reprimanded for its toilet behavior until it finally learns to go to the litter tray by itself.

Owning a toilet trained cat can be very rewarding. Attention and consistent effort will be greatly needed at the toilet training stage. Just be patient always.

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Cats in general are loveable creatures.  However, it is possible that some of them get on the bad side of the household.  Thus, it is necessary to address the situation when the cats are the problem.

Stray cats are actually the problem.  Cats that do not have owners to train them have made the whole neighborhood their home.  They ruin the garden.  They mess up the trash can.  Thus, one should seek for solutions that will keep the cats away.  Repel them.

At the same time, repelling cats should be done in the most ‘humane’ way possible. There are several options to consider in keeping those mean cats away, easily and safely.

Cat Powder
Easy to apply to the garden, these cat powders appeal to the instincts of the cats.  These contain the scent of a predator, usually a coyote.  Cats recognize the territoriality of animals, thus having such scent in the house would keep them away.

One only has to sprinkle this in the desired area.  The ones available in the market are usually not harmful to children and to the plants in the garden.

Sound Repellent
This creates sounds that are extremely annoying to a cat but remains undetected to humans.

Cat Scatmats
Some use the scatmats for the more stubborn ones.  These are thin mats that can be situated on the floor, garden furniture or window sills.  They are battery-charged.  Any animal that would walk on it will receive an unpleasant shock.  Cats are found to be sensitive to the mild shock, enough to discourage them from returning.

Water Sprayer
The market offers this very helpful repellent.  It is connected to the garden hose and has a sensor for movements.  Any unwarranted movement of a stray cat will result to a blast of water to fright the cats.

Liquid Repellent
It can be sprayed on any surface that cats may or constantly claw on.  It has a terrible taste that would be noticed by the cat when it grooms itself.  The cat will automatically avoid such locations.

Air Repellent
Some repellents use a blast of air to keep cats away.  Cats will find this scary.  The tools come with a distinct sound that will be helpful in scaring cats away.

Odor neutralizer
Cats often leave lingering scent trail on the garden that only attract more cats  The odor neutralizer will use enzymes that will rid of the odor and bacteria.  Just make sure that this is applied directly to the scent trail.

With these aids and tools at hand, the cat problem is resolved. These defenses are sure way to secure the household and get rid of the headache.

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Cats are neat animals.  They are also intelligent enough to be trained. Given those characteristics, it will be very easy for owners to teach their pets.  Here are some tips to guide owners in training their cats to use litter boxes.

1. Cleanliness is a must for cats.

Sometimes, even if the cat is already trained in using litter boxes, the owner usually finds his pet urinating or defecating  just a few inches away from the litter box. The cat wants to use the litter box, and this can be proven by the proximity of the waste to the litter box. However, because the litter box is dirty, the cat opted not to use it.

The point here is that cats prefer to expel body wastes on clean areas. So make it a point to regularly check if the litter box is always clean and ready for your cat’s use. The cleanliness of the area where the litter box is situated must also be checked frequently.

2. Cats do need privacy.    

Do not expect your cat to defecate or urinate in busy areas because they also have the need for privacy. That is why most cats prefer to do their thing behind furniture, or in corners of rooms.

To solve the problem, place litter boxes in areas where cats would be less likely to be disturbed.

3. Cats must be comfortable in using their litter boxes.   

Comfort is an issue in training cats to use litter boxes.  If cats don’t find using litter boxes convenient on their part, why will they use it?

Check if your cat is comfortable using open or closed litter boxes.

4. Take it easy.    

Most cat owners who train their pets for litter box use lack patience.  Thus, after a short period of time, they give up, or they use force in training their cats.  Both actions are wrong.

One must learn that patience is an important trait needed in training cats.

5. Cats seek rewards for a job well done.

If your cat uses the litter box, but did not feel that you appreciated its efforts, there is no reason for your cat to repeat using it again.

Make the task of using the litter box enjoyable and fulfilling for your pet by giving rewards.  After a while, your cat will be accustomed to the habit.

6. More cats = more litter boxes.

Place more litter boxes to accommodate all your pets.  Place them based on your cats’ preference.

Generally, training cats to use litter boxes is an easy thing for an owner who knows his cat well.

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Any cat owner will tell you, cats are wonderful pets to have around.  However, that same owner can also tell you that one of the downsides is needing to deal with their pet’s toilet business.

But that should not be a drawn out problem if you take the time and proper care in training your cat to use the litter box.

Before any training should commence, make sure you have the right litter box.  Choose one that is made of durable plastic for easy washing.  It should also be deep enough to contain just a little less than 2 inches of litter.

Do not think that by putting more litter in the box will mean fewer times you would have to change it.  Your cat will very likely refuse a soiled box even if there’s a lot of litter in it.

Cat litter comes in different varieties of grades and scents.  However, the benefits of scented litter only applies to the pet owners. In fact, cats dislike scented litter because it seems unnatural to them.  They will very likely reject eliminating in the box and go somewhere else.

The kind of litter grade your pet will prefer varies with each one, but it is observed that cats are particularly fond of smaller grades.  Perhaps this is because smaller grains make the litter softer.

Next, place litter boxes in areas where your cat usually soils.  You are building on the cat’s association of places and activities. Eventually, you may move the litter box around when your pet has gotten used to eliminating in the box.

Now that you have a good litter box set up, it’s time to teach your pet to use it.

Cats usually do their business after a meal or a nap.  So take note of these times. Before feeding take 10-15 minutes to play with your pet.

Allow about 15 minutes for the meal and clear up leftovers after that period.  When the meal is finished, play with your cat for another 10-15 minutes, this time somewhere near the litter box.

Lead your cat to the box.  Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue the cat with the texture of the litter, inviting it to step into it.

Encourage your pet once it steps inside, speaking to it in gentle tones.  Make the cat feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place.  Whether your cat soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone.  Eventually, your pet will like the litter box and do its business there.

Finally, be consistent and patient.  Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.

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Cats are more known to be feisty little creatures that don’t take too well to certain habits compared to its other household pet compatriot, the dog. Such habits for example are wearing a leash and being able to walk around tethered to it.

But leash wearing for cats is becoming more and more commonplace, especially with city dwellers, as it prevents the cat from wandering around and getting lost.

However, given the temperament of cats, the leashes to be used on them need to be both sturdy and as unobtrusive as possible. Below are some tips in choosing the right leash for your cat.

It is very likely that when you think of leash, next thing that comes to mind is a collar. However, a cat collar works differently than a dog collar. Cats have the uncanny ability to wiggle out of a lot of things, including collars. It is recommended that collars for cats should only be used as fashion accessories or identification tags.

If using a leash is your intention, go for a body harness design that wraps around your pet’s torso. This makes it harder for your cat to take off and the tension from the leash is removed from the cat’s neck, which will happen if you choose a collar.

Make sure that the material is durable but comfortable. Nylon is a good choice since it is both strong and pliable. This material is also machine-washable use the gentle cycle.

Next, the design of the harness should be able to wrap around the body, particularly around the stomach so it will cradle the weight around that area and off the neck and shoulders, which is very uncomfortable for your pet.

However, avoid designs that cover too much of your pet’s body. Although the material may be breathable, it may hamper ventilation making it more difficult for your pet to adjust to the idea of a leash quickly.

Another thing you should consider is the fit around the neck. A good fit is when you are able to comfortably slip two fingers in between the collar area and your cat’s neck. To make sure the leash will hold this particular area should be reinforced with additional stitching.

Investing time and energy for your peace of mind and your pet’s safety is always a good thing. And choosing the right harness and leash for your cat is a smart first step that will make wearing a leash a welcome experience for your pet.

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Just like humans, cats feel miserable when they are sick.  As a pet owner, it is your primary responsibility to keep your feline friends healthy and happy.

With proper care and nutrition you will have a friend for life in the form of your pet cat.

Here are some tips on how you can properly care for your cat’s health:

1.  Feed them properly.

Every cat has a preference when it comes to food. There are several types of cat food available in the market. Try each one until you find out which variety your cat prefers.

However, you can still try to mix the variety of cat food you prepare so that your pet will have a nutritious and balanced diet.

Commercial cat foods have been well-researched so you do not need to worry about the nutritional value of what you are feeding your pet.

Also, supply your pet  with  a lot of clean water to drink.  Having an ample supply of drinking water will lead to a healthier animal.

It does not matter if you serve dry, canned or moist cat food.  Just make sure that you preserve the freshness of the food that they eat.

You would also want to opt for a healthy and natural cat food.  Remember that it should be made of quality ingredients.

2 Remember that even domestic cats are natural hunters.

Mice can serve two purposes in your cat’s life: prey and dinner.  Hunting for mice would preserve their natural abilities to hunt and seek prey.

If you decide that you do not like the idea of your cat regularly “hunting” for dinner, make sure that you provide them with a proper diet. This will result to your cat ending up just chasing  and running after their prey for satisfying their natural hunting urges.

3. Watch out for unusual behavior.

If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, then the cat might not be at its best condition.

Try to look out for the following symptoms:

- being lethargic or less active than usual
- shedding of the fur or coat
- it has waxy ears
- looks poor and unhealthy

If you see these symptoms, you might want to change the food that you are serving your cat.

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Taking care of a cat can both be a rewarding and frustrating experience.

The rewarding part is coming home to a cute, furry little creature whose antics can bring a smile to your face.

The frustrating part is trying to house-train and litter train them.

You can get over the frustrating part by starting them young.

Once you have a  kitten that you plan to take home as a pet, you may start house-training them.  Crate training is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Cats can be your best friend for life if you just care for them properly.

If you will train them at a young age, they will learn to follow “house rules” and not litter on your bed or scratch your furniture with their claws.

A cat needs proper care, time and attention.  Here are some tips on how you can use crate-training work to your advantage:

1. Remember that crate training will take some time.

You need all the time and patience that you can muster as a cat owner to fully train a cat. This is why you have to start out while they are young.

Familiarize them with what they can and cannot do using the crate.

If you take your cat along with you when you travel and you are in a place where pets are not allowed to roam around freely, put them in a crate.

This would let your cat know that being outside is not that safe, so your pet will be content to stay inside the crate.

2. Select the perfect crate for your feline friend.

There are some materials that cats love to scratch with their claws.  This would make the time that they spend in the crate more bearable despite being confined.

There are metal and plastic crates that your cat can fit into.  Make sure that it can move freely when inside.  Also, you can put your cat’s favorite toy in the crate, like a ball of yarn or a small stuffed toy.

3. Crate-train your pet cat slowly, but surely.

Start by spending time with them while inside the crate.  Then you can introduce your cat to eating food inside the crate.  Do not worry if they do not respond positively the first time, as they will get used to it eventually.

Later on, they will learn to spend time in the crate when you are not at home or during the night.

The key here is to not let your cat feel frustrated inside the crate and spend enough time with them to make them feel loved and cared for.

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Clicker training incorporates the use of a clicker as a reward or encouragement when training a cat.

Cats are able to relate with the clicker, displaying good actions and behavior. Clicker training is often linked with conventional condition, where cats associate sound with food and operational condition and where cats execute movements for food.

A clicker is found to be more effective than verbal command because cats can hear clicker sounds more clearly than a voice, as human voice tones change while the clicker sound is always steady or constant.

The click is brief and concise, whereas a voice, phrase or a word, is fairly long in cats’ point of standing. To say “good boy” will take time than a click.

With the use of a clicker, cats can be successfully trained in three simple steps: obtaining the cats behavior, marking its behavior, and reinforcing its behavior.

Guidelines when training with a clicker:

1. To make a sound, push the clicker’s spring end and then release.  Treat the cat.

2. When you notice a behavior that you want your cat to continue on doing, click during while the behavior is being performed, never after it.

3. Click only once, to express enthusiasm towards the act of your cat and add more treats.

4. Note that practice periods should be short.  More can be learned in three brief five minute sessions per day than hours of boring and stressful repetition.

5. Correct bad acts by ignoring and clicking when good behavior is displayed.  Click when your kitten uses the litter box or when it plays on the scratch post, not on the furniture.

6. Click for accidental and voluntary actions nearing your objective.  You should entice the cat into a position, but never pull or push it or hold it.

7. Never wait until your cat performs the perfect act that you told it to do, instead click and reward for little actions towards the correct direction.  When your cat is signaled to sit and it crouches in its back, click.

8. Carry the clicker at all times when you are with your cat, so you can catch good acts.

9. Make sure to put aside the clicker when you are scolding your cat.

The non-confrontational character of a clicker makes it an ideal tool for training your cat.
You too, can be happy with the results, having achieved all positive behaviors that you worked for with your cat.  With lots of understanding, love, and patience, cat clicker training will continue to give you wonderful results that you and your cat will benefit from for years to come.

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Cat breeding is not as easy as just letting cats mate.  Breeding is not just about choosing cats to produce adorable kittens to earn money.  To breed cats is not the same as to produce them.  Breeding encompasses that stage.

Breeding cats involves scientific and systematic concepts.  Producing cats involves only common sense.   Breeding cats has an emotional aspect to it.  Fulfillment does not come from mere moneymaking.  Sacrifices have to be made to achieve the breeder’s goal: to safeguard the welfare of the cats.

A lot of things must be taken into consideration before breeding cats.  Here is a guide to help us better understand the dynamic process of cat breeding.

- A cat breeder’s concern is the preservation or improvement of cat pedigree.

This is a serious matter.  Selection of the parent cats is done on the basis of health, quality traits and reproducing capability.  A breeder will never pair cats carelessly.

- A cat breeder is dedicated to learn more about cats.

A lot of things must be learned regarding cat breeding.  Latest researches must be employed to properly select the cats to be bred.  The welfare of  the cats depends on how much the breeder knows.

- A cat breeder makes plans.

Breeding does not involve hasty actions.

- A cat breeder has to follow rules set by the government.

Breeders are obliged to register their cats to their respective breeds.  Certain taxes are imposed to hobbyists and to businessmen alike.

- A cat breeder’s primary motive is to take care of cats.  Monetary motives come after this.

A cat’s life is more important than money.  And it is more rewarding to see the kittens grow.  The money earned is just an additional reward.

- A cat breeder’s responsibility to the cats does not end.

His care for his cats does not end when the kittens were sold.

- A cat breeder holds the future of the cat’s offspring.

Whatever a cat breeder does affects the life of the kittens, thus extra care must be given by cat breeders when making decisions.

- A cat breeder knows when to stop breeding.

Breeding is not just about having many cats.  It is about taking care of all of them.

After learning about these things, it can be concluded that breeding is an arduous task indeed.  However, for those who are cat breeders at heart, all these hardships are worth the kittens they bred (not produced)!

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There is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable pets who purr on one corner of the house.  At times, they can be a menace to housekeeping too.  Scratches in furniture, broken ornaments, and ruined stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do.

There are reasons why cats misbehave.  And by knowing these reasons, cat owners can be capable of controlling their pets’ actions.

Here are some things about cats which cause misbehaviors together with tips on how to make them behave.

- Cats misbehave when they are bored.

Cats that don’t have much to do have no choice but to do obnoxious things.  They may be looking for attention, or they just needed something to do to spend their energy.

Whatever the case may be, these can be solved by allotting time for your cat to play with you.  However, do not do this immediately after your cat misbehaved.  Your cat will associate its misbehavior with you giving it more attention.

- Cats are naturally nocturnal animals.

Cats are more active during nighttime.  They can do more exciting activities by that time.

With this in mind, make your cat busy in the morning.  By doing this, the cat will be too exhausted to do things when it is time for his owners to sleep.

-Cats misbehave when they are sexually-driven.

Expect misbehavior when cats feel that it is time to mate.  Expect a lot of misbehavior for cats who are confined inside their homes when it happens!

Surgical procedures can be done to prevent misbehaviors caused by sexual urges.  Female cats can undergo spaying; male cats can undergo neutering.

- Cats misinterpret owners’ reaction to its misbehavior.

Owners usually get mad when their pets misbehave.  But they are vague in telling their pets that they are mad.  When owners reprimand their pets for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them.

Owners must be clear with their reactions.  If their pets misbehave, owners would make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game.

Remember that cats seek reward.  They avoid punishment.  Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when it happens.

By associating punishment for misbehaving cats learn what should not be done.

-Cats enjoy playing with certain things in the house.

There are things that cats love. It may be a curtain, or a pillow.

The good thing is they hate certain smells too.  Spray unpleasant smells on those things to keep cats away.

By knowing why pets misbehave owners have more chances to correct these bad habits!

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Cat and owner relationship is a complicated thing.  To give a statement on how it will go is more complicated. But for someone who knows how to use bribery to his advantage, he can sum it up in a statement:  Cats love rewards the same way that cat owners love obedient pets.

Using the “bribe” method is not as easy as just giving rewards to pets.  It cannot be contested that bribery has a lot of things to offer to trainers. But certain principles must be employed.  A systematic program must be adopted to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Here are some thoughts to consider in training cats using the “bribe” method.

1.   Cats are rewards seeking, punishment fearing creatures.

Cats will only do things that they find enjoyable and satisfying to do. If trainers want them to do something that they find pleasing, they will be more than willing to do so if the “bribe is right,” so to speak.

2.  Cats associate their actions with consequences.

Cats learn through experiences. They behave based on what they recall.  Let us take these two cases to further explain this concept:

-  Trainer A uses force whenever he sees his cat defecating in the wrong places.  He shouts at the cat, telling it to defecate in the assigned area.  He then presses its butt on the litter box.  He has done this routine a lot of times, but his cat never learned.

-  Trainer B rubbed his cat’s belly when it misbehaved.  The cat did stop misbehaving in that instance. However, Trainer B observed that his cat misbehaves more often than before.

Because cats associate their actions to the consequences, the trainers in both situations did not achieve their desired result . This failure can be associated with the use of wrong tactics to motivate the cats.

Employing the “bribe” method will be more effective in this situation.  Just remember that cats seek rewards.

3.  Systematic training will do the trick.

Trainers must design their training programs.  The program depends on their cats’ attitude. Things to be included in the program are the specific tasks that the trainers want their cats to do and the corresponding rewards.  This method will deliver the results that you want only if you stick to the program that you did. Consistency is a key factor at this stage.

As for the trainers, the only bribe that this article has to offer is that after this program, you will have more obedient cats.

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