Pets Care

Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a problem. This problem is known as spraying, and is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.

Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem, but rather a problem with marking. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating. Pheromones are much like fingerprints with humans, as they are used to identify the cat to other animals.

When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing. If you raise your voice or show angry towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying.

Cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love. Often times cats that spray while in heat results in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months. Keep in mind that cats not only spray during heat, as some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed.

Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.

The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you advice, and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave stains all over your home.

A lot of people believe that cats work on their own agenda, not paying much attention to their owner – provided they have clean litter, food, and water.

Cats can behave in odd manners at times, which can easily confuse their owners and make it really hard to determine what the cat wants. As much as cat behavior can be confusing, there are some ways that you can solve common cat behavior mysteries.

A common behavior that almost all cats do is push their heads into any type of object that will allow them to do it. You’ve probably seen your cat do this before, probably against table legs, TV stands, or another object.

This can be noticed more when you have other people who own animals or those with allergies over at your house. When a cat notices this, he will rub his head against the person. In doing so, he will put a spot of saliva on the individual. In a cat’s mind, he owns what he puts his saliva on.

By putting his saliva on something, that object or person will have a familiar scent. Although this can be very annoying, you have to understand that other people in your home are seen as odd or weird to your cat. When a cat does this, he is simply trying to make the visitor belong.

When he brushes up against them and puts his saliva on them, he is trying to put his scent on them – which in his mind will mean that they belong in his territory.

Even though marking someone or something with saliva is beneficial to the cat, saliva is one of the most common forms of pet allergies. When someone wipes the saliva off them, the scent will be gone and the cat will go back and attempt to do it again.

Even though it may appear that cats target those with allergies, cats are actually just trying to make the visitor belong at the house. If the guest simply cannot take the saliva, allow the cat to rub himself on their pants leg a few times. Normally, this is all takes for a cat to leave the person alone.

Those of you who an indoor cat should expect the cat to spend quite a bit of time lying near windows. During this time, you may hear your cat make very strange noises or weird movements. You shouldn’t fear though, as he is simply acting out his hunting instincts. Whether it’s another cat or object outside moving about, the cat will see it and simply go into his native hunting instinct.

As most already know, cats love to play. They love to be played with, especially with toys. They will pounce on things on occasion, which should always be expected. If you try to prevent this type of behavior, your cat will take a very negative approach, and you’ll end up with a lot of broken things in your home. You can always play with your cat using a string, as he will love to chase the string around the room.

The longer you own your cat, the more odd behavior you’ll see him exhibit. Cats behave in strange ways, although they always have a reason for behaving the way they do. If you can understand why your cat behaves like he does, you’ll have no problems keeping him healthy and happy.

If you simply pay attention to your cat and the way he behaves at times – you’ll be able to understand him better than ever before.

A common misconception about cats is that they are on their own agenda and simply tolerate their owner’s existence, provided there’s food and a clean litter box. The seemingly erratic behavior that cats exhibit can confuse owners and guests alike and make it difficult to tell what exactly your cat wants. However, there are some common trends that will help take the mystery out of two of the more common behaviors.

One common thing you will inevitably see your cat do is push their head into anything that will support the weight: couch legs, tables, piles of paper and, if you’re lucky, maybe even your outstretched hand. You’ll notice this behavior even more when people who either own other animals are over, or people who are allergic are visiting.

The reason for all this is the same: the cat is trying to “own” the various things by putting their saliva on them. When your cat rubs the side of his mouth against things, he’s putting a little bit of saliva on it, creating a scent that will then be familiar and comforting to them.

This, coupled with the fact that it is also a soothing mechanism, explains why cats often prefer being stroked near the edges of their mouth. It will likely infuriate your allergic visitors to no end, but understand that the cat sees this visitor as an oddity, since they will likely have no scent at all.

Your cat simply wants this visitor to belong to the house and therefore will brush against them several times in an effort to put a scent on them.

Unfortunately, cat saliva is the most common form of pet allergy (contrary to the popular thought of pet dander) and thus a vicious cycle of cleaning off the saliva only to have the cat put the saliva back on later ensues.

Most people will just find it funny that the cat is targeting the allergic person, but to the cat, they are just trying to make the guest a member of the house. If your guest can stand it, let the cat rub on their pant leg a couple of times and likely that will be all it takes to have the cat leave them alone.

If your cat is an indoor cat, expect them to spend some time lounging near windows, especially during their playtime. You’ll probably hear strange meows that seem to stutter and come from the back of their throat. You may also see their tail flick violently, knocking down whatever is on or near the window ledge. Fear not, your cat is not sick or possessed, it’s simply acting out it’s hunting instinct on whatever creatures, leaves, or falling objects it sees outside.

Your best bet is to concede a window ledge or two in your home and to leave the shades pulled up enough so your cat can freely flick away, perhaps even pouncing into the window from time to time, without causing any damage.

Trying to fight this instinct will ultimately leave you with broken blinds, picture frames and whatever else you may have near the windows. If you want to see their behavior play out in full, drag an object on the ground with a piece of string and watch them go crazy to try and pounce it.

You’ll see very similar behaviors to what they show at the window ledge. Don’t worry, this behavior of pouncing is not only normal, it’s healthy. Play with your cats in this way to give them exercise and to let them pounce around.

These are just two of the many common behaviors you’ll see out of your cat in the years of owning one. By understanding why your cat behaves this way, you’ll be able to keep your cat happier and healthier. And you won’t have to spend your days wondering just what is possessing your cat today!

About the author

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Cats

Q. Does anybody know of a way to keep cats from using my garden and potted plants as a toilet?

* I found a remedy which works for us. I hope it does the same for you. We sprayed the plants with a solution of a little cayenne and water. It’s nontoxic to the animals, doesn’t hurt the plants, and boy, the cats sure hate the smell of it when they sniff around to prepare to answer nature’s call.

* One is to put human hair around your plants (on top of the soil). It’s my understanding that animals hate the smell and are deterred from it. Any hair salon would probably be more than happy to sweep some up into a bag for you. Another is one my neighbor uses. She puts moth balls around her plants. Again, I think it’s the smell. I don’t know, however, how viable either of these options are for a food garden.

* Moth Balls — place a few around the edges of garden, flower area, in pots, etc.–keeps them TOTALLY away!!! And doesn’t hurt the plants or vegetables at all.

* This is cat repellant recipe I heard on a radio gardening show that featured a well respected garden expert.

Her formula is simple:
* 2 parts cayenne pepper
* 3 parts dry mustard
* 5 parts flour

Mix it together and sprinkle where ever you wish to repel cats. It must be reapplied periodically and after a rain.

* I took plastic canvas of a complementary color, matching the flower pot, or using brown to blend with soil, and cut a cover to fit round the plant. My cats can not dig in the dirt, so they go elsewhere to “do their business”.

* If you place some lemon peel or any other citrus peel on the soil of potted plant, the cats should leave the flower alone as they do not like citrus smell.

* I use aluminum foil or pine cones around the bigger plants, put cayenne pepper on the soil of the smaller plants.

* My cats used to dig in the houseplants, which would annoy me to no end. So, one day I decided to cover the surface of the dirt in the pots with large pine cones that I had picked on a hiking trip. It worked! No longer did the kitties mess with my plants. The pine cones added a decorative flair, too. However, I now have three children, one of whom loved to grab the pine cones. I solved this problem by tying a large pretty scarf around the plant and covering the pine cones. No more hassles!

They’re cute, they’re loveable, and they can tear up your favorite chair before you can say, “bad cat!”

Well, of course I’m talking about America’s favorite pet – the cat. (I know, some of you think the dog is America’s favorite pet. But, us cat lovers know better.) But, as most people who have cats (particularly indoor cats) also know, these adorable creatures can make messes outside their boxes and tear up furniture if not properly trained. And the best time to do the training is when the cat is young.

Since there is no such thing as a “kittygarten,” it’s up to you make sure your kitten learns the rules of the house. And quick. Don’t let the kitten develop bad habits that will come to haunt you later. For example, while it might be cute when Kitty manages to climb up to your dining room table during dinnertime, it’s not so cute three years later and your cat is still interrupting your mealtime. The best time to put a stop to unwanted behavior is now.

Here are some tips that can help you train your kitten at home:

1. Kittens need exercise. If this is not done in the form of toys for Kitty to play with, Kitty will become restless and could do damage to you or your home. Make sure Kitty has plenty of his or her own toys to bite and kick and chase after. Notice I said “his or her own toys.” Toys do not include your body parts. Never let the kitten use your arm or feet as toys to bite. Again, it’s cute when they’re kittens, but when the 3-year-old cat attacks your bare feet because you made it think your feet are toys, it’s no longer cute. It’s painful.

2. Since kittens are not yet toilet trained, it’s best to start by teaching it what to do with a litter box. The litter box should be big enough for Kitty to enter and move around. If you adopted your kitten from the Humane Society or rescue group, chances are Kitty has been around a cat box. But, in case your new kitten has never been introduced to a litter box, you will have to make the introductions.

Cats usually do their business after a meal or a nap. So, after Kitty finishes her meal is finished, play with her for about10-15 minutes, somewhere near the litter box. Lead her to the box. Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue Kitty with the texture of the litter, inviting her to step into it. Encourage Kitty once she steps inside, speaking to her in gentle tones.

Make Kitty feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place. Whether she soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone. Eventually, she will like the litter box and do her business there. Finally, be consistent and patient. Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.

3. The claws of kittens are not that sharp yet compared to older cats, so right now Kitty isn’t too dangerous around the furniture. But, kittens grow up soon, and it’s best to teach them that a scratching post is where they should sharpen their claws, and not on your favorite chair. You might want to sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post to get Kitty interested. When you see Kitty sharpen her claws on the scratching post, be sure to praise her, or offer her a treat.

Praising the kitten for doing a good job and feeding it as a reward will help in teaching the kitten how to behave inside the house. It’s obvious to most of us, but it should be said – never shout at or hit your kitten.

Kittens are loveable animals and by spending some time daily with them, you’ll end up with a loveable, house-trained cat.

About the author

Shari Hearn is a writer, cat lover and owner of http://www.cattraining411.com

You can’t train a cat, like you can a dog. If you try to, you’ll probably cause behavioural problems later on. But you can teach it not to perform bad habits. But most times the owner will have to change to fit in with the cat.

Every one in your house, should agree with what you are going to allow the cat to do. Do not change the rules when you’ve decided them, as this can cause difficulties.

* If your cat trusts you, it will probably do what you want, so speak in a calm tone.
* Your cat can tell if you are anxious, so don’t worry if things go wrong. Keep calm and start again.
* Don’t force training on your cat, only attempt it when it seems happy to do so.
* Don’t move too quickly, or the cat might misunderstand.
* When teaching a kitten only do it for 1/2 hour a day and only repeat a few times. As an annoyed kitten will not learn anything.
* If you are forbidding something, be consistent. Don’t change your mind, and stick to the same command.
* If you’ve caught your cat doing something bad, give it a quick squirt of water from a plant sprayer. This will soon curb the behaviour.
* Never hurt or shout at your cat, or it will associate you with the unpleasantness. Instead put some dry beans in a tin and shake it briefly if you cat is being bad.
* When the cat obeys, praise and stroke it.
* Treat your cat with food when it does well, it will learn to associate a good behaviour with food. But don’t over do it, it will soon so it without help.
* Do not ignore your cat when you are mad at it, cats do not understand this behaviour and will feel insecure.

Your cat will not know from the start that it has to use a scratch post to sharpen its claws. You need to teach it to do so.

If your cat beings to attack the furniture, clearly say ‘NO’. Then take the cat to the scratching post and put its paws on it. You can scratch with your own nails too, as the noise will make the cat curious.

If your cat refuses to use the scratch post, then it may not like the fabric that covers it. Try putting an old piece of clothing that smells like you over the board; put some hemp rope around the scratching tree, or put down some straw mats, cats often like these better.

Make sure where your cat sleeps is quiet and comfortable. Provide your cat with a covered basket, with a soft filling such as a blanket or towel. You cat can get away in here and feel safe, but still be able to see things going on.

Don’t let your cat beg, once it has formed this habit, you won’t be able to break it. Don’t give in to a meowing cat! Keep your cat away from the dining table!

* Don’t offer your cat food from the table.
* Don’t give treats outside of feeding time, just because it wants them.
* Don’t put your cat on your lap when eating dinner at the table.
* Set your cat certain feeding times.
* Feed your cat when you eat, so it will be occupied.
* If you cat jumps on your lap or the chair next door while you are eating say ‘NO’ and place it far from the table.

About the author

www.caringforyourcat.info

You have settled into your favorite armchair, perhaps reading the final chapters of a gripping novel. Suddenly you are aware of the imploring stare of your cat sitting at your feet. You invite her onto your lap. Gently you begin to stroke her and your cat signals her appreciation with an audible purr.

One hand holding your book the other hand continuing to pet your mouser, you again get lost in your novel. All is well in the world with you and with your cat.

Suddenly your cat bites your hand!

Why did kitty do that? Why did she bite the hand that strokes her?

The experts don’t agree on exactly why it is that some cats enjoy being petted, but end up biting. One thing that they do agree on is that when kitty bites at you, it’s a sure sign that she has decided that she’s had enough stroking.

Cats differ in the amount of petting they will accept, and not all cats respond by biting when they have had enough. Some cats simply jump from your lap and saunter off to investigate interests anew. But many cats will nip you and your animal is one of them.

Could you have known that a bite was on its way? Yes, there are often signs that cats give before biting. And, if you had not been so wrapped up in reading your novel, you may have paid heed to your little pets warning.

If kitty’s tail begins to twitch, in a rolling flick, watch out! She’s getting ready to chomp at your hand.

If your cats ears start turning towards the back of her head, or flatten against her head, that’s a warning a bite is coming.

If your cat suddenly becomes restless, or stiffens and stares at your hand, she could be about to nip you.

If you noticed any of these signals, simply stop stroking your cat. Your pet will either stay on your lap or jump down and walk off, whichever happens you don’t get bitten.

What you should not do is punish your cat for biting your hand. That simply does not work. Cats are more likely to identify the punishment with you rather than with their bad cat behavior.

If you miss a warning sign and kitty manages to get her jaws around your hand, try to resist the temptation to pull your hand away or push your cat away. Simply freeze. Chances are that your cat will not sink her teeth in, she has got her message across, and you have stopped petting her.

If you try and push your cat away it is likely that she will fight with your hand resulting in skin punctures for you. (An animal bite can become infected quite easily, if your cat does draw blood clean up the wound scrupulously and seek the advice of your doctor.)

Why do some cats behave in this aggressive way? The degree of tolerance to petting may be genetic, or it may be learned behavior. If when your cat was a kitten you allowed her to chew on your hand in play, she learned that biting human hands was an OK thing to do. So, when she feels that she has had enough stroking (she’s the boss remember,) she will bite at your hand to let you know – if you ignore her warning signals.

Some experts recommend the use of healthy tidbits, as a reward, in order to increase the time your cat will tolerate stroking. At the first warning signal offer kitty a treat, continue to stroke your cat gently for a time and offer her another reward. It is said that your cat will learn to connect petting with the tidbits and may, with patience, allow you to pet her for longer periods.

About the author

Best Cat Art

Hyperactivity and delinquency in pets

A hyperactive, out-of-control pet is enough to drive even the most laid back owner straight to therapy.

Some animals become increasingly hyperactive and delinquent over a period of time while others are that way from the start. Either way you need to do something to calm their errant ways!

It’s important to try to understand, if possible, why your pet is behaving the way he is. For instance, some breeds of pets such as border collies, are naturally more highly strung than others. Border collies are typically bred as working dogs so if instead they are kept as pets their owners need to be aware that they need lots of exercise and attention.

Other factors that can contribute to hyperactivity and delinquency include boredom, lack of stimulation, an inadequate diet (especially one with too much protein), allergies, stress, lack of attention and/or lack of exercise.

Recent environmental changes to their environment such as introducing a new pet or a new person to the home, moving house or even a new, particularly high-pitched doorbell can also contribute to problem behavior. Pets may feel insecure and fearful and ‘act out’, sometimes even becoming aggressive or displaying inappropriate sexual behavior.

What is Problem Pet Solution?

Problem Pet Solution contains selected herbal and homeopathic ingredients known for their calming properties as well as their ability to treat hyperactive, delinquent, overactive and highly strung pets.

It is also useful for pets who can become aggressive and irritable as well as those who have a high libido and tend to behave in a sexually inappropriate way towards people and other pets.

Excessive excitability of all kinds will respond very well to this remedy.

What are the ingredients of PetAlive Problem Pet Solution?

PetAlive Problem Pet Solution contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Scutellaria laterifolia (Scullcap) is one of the best known herbs for treating anxiety and other nervous disorders. Scullcap may be used for situational anxiety linked to a stressful event (e.g. a trip to the vet or a competitive event) or for more chronic nervous conditions. Providing tonic benefits for the entire nervous system, it helps to soothe and calm pets while also reducing excitability and hyperactivity.

Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) is widely used as a natural alternative to the prescription drugs for depression and anxiety. Research supports its effectiveness in stabilizing levels of neurotransmitters responsible for mood, sleep, concentration, libido and general feelings of well being. Many problem pets have an underlying depression and deep sense of insecurity. Some may also have high levels of irritability with a disposition to aggression. Regular use of St John’s Wort can help to reduce aggression levels, while calming your pet and inducing a greater sense of well being and relaxation.

Belladonna C30 is a proven homeopathic remedy which is used for treating a variety of physical and emotional conditions. It is included in this remedy for its benefits for highly strung and oversensitive animals, who are prone to sudden fits of aggression and tendency to scratch or bite. pets who are very sensitive to noise, light, touch and temperature changes will also benefit from this remedy.

Cantharis C30: A homeopathic remedy which also has many benefits, Cantharis helps to treat inappropriate and excessive sexual arousal and helps to prevent the embarrassing problem of pets (especially dogs!) who make unwelcome sexual advances to visitors or other animals. It will also help for pets prone to sudden fits of aggression, irritability and temper.

Nux Vom C30: A homeopathic remedy which is helpful for hyperactive pets who never sit still. It can also be very helpful for pets who are highly excitable and irritable as well as pets with excessive appetites who may also be prone to developing stress related digestive disorders.

Lactose (inactive ingredient)

(PetAlive Problem Pet Solution contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has PetAlive Problem Pet Solution helped others?

“We had really come to our wits end with our dog! She was a puppy we found at the Shelter and for two years we tried in vain to socialize her and get her to calm down. Nothing helped and we tried everything. One day my husband said that this dog has ADHD and the penny finally dropped! After some research we came up with your website and how glad we are that we did! We use the Problem Pet regularly and it helps to calm her down without changing her happy personality.” – Dana

“Since using problem pet my dog no longer humps every visitor that comes to our house which was such and embarrassment! Thank goodness for your remedy!” – Felicity B.

“If you have seen the cartoons of cats tearing up and down curtains and pouncing on victims then you have seen my Siamese cat. He behaves like a toy that you wind up in the morning and goes goes goes till he falls asleep at night (which doesn’t last long!) Not only that but he bites and scratches and comes home with torn ears. Your remedy seems to have made him more passive and even affectionate at last. It is almost as if he is also breathing a sigh of relief because he can relax for the first time. yesterday I found him napping in the sun which I have never seen before. I am very impressed with this remedy.” – D.F.

How do I use Problem Pet Solution?

Problem Pet Solution comes in convenient dissolvable granule form. The tiny granules are easy to administer to pets of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Dosage:

Cats and small dogs: Large pinch of Problem Pet Solution sprinkled into the mouth.
Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.
Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.

Acute Dose: Every 30 minutes for up to 6 doses or until symptoms subside.

Chronic Dose: Three times daily.

How long until we see results?

A calming effect is usually seen within days. With regular use you should gradually notice that your pet is less excitable.

Activity levels will be normalized and problem behavior related to over excitability, hyperactivity or excess libido will be greatly reduced.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of Problem Pet Solution will last for 15 – 30 days, depending on frequency of use as well as the size of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

* Regular exercise is essential. Hyperactive pets need a natural outlet for their energy and exhaustion can have a dramatically calming effect on a too active animal! Plus, exercise has been shown to have a mood-stabilizing, calming effect.
* Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic). Behavioral problems can often be related to food intolerances and an inadequate diet. A diet that is too high in protein can also cause anxiety or hyperactivity.
* Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible including pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke. Also make sure that food and water bowls are made of glass, stainless steel or porcelain. Cook food in stainless-steel pans, not aluminum or copper pans
* Don’t feed your pet chocolate as even a small amount can be toxic
* Use PetCalm to immediately calm a hyperactive and highly-strung pet.
* Instead of reacting to your pet’s bad behavior, try ignoring it and leaving the room — the idea being to eliminate any attention-seeking efforts on their behalf. A pet behaviorist will give you further advice and ideas.
* Take note of particular stressors in your pet’s environment that may be causing problems (particularly recent changes) and take whatever steps are feasible to minimize them.
* Ensure that your home is a secure environment where your pet feels safe.
* As a last resort, neutering or spaying may also have a calming effect on your pet.