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Quick Tips for Your New Friend

Cat Nips

Bringing Kitty Home

 

Here's some helpfull information when bringing your new cat home.

 

To ensure a smooth transition into your household, select a small closed-in space, away from a lot of commotion or other pets. 

 

Be sure to provide your new cat with a litter box, food and water. Be sure the food and water bowls kept as far away from the litter box as possible. Also, keep toys and a scratching post in the room.

 

Allow your new cat become comfortable in this space before introducing him to the into the rest of your home so as not to overwhelm or frighten him. It's important to spend time with him in that room and allow his to grow comfortable with you, but if he’s hiding under the bed, don't attempt to force him out or may may only withdraw further.

 

If you have other cats, feed them on the oppsite sides of the closed door.  While they're eating, they will be able to smell each other. This process will help the cats become gradually acquainted for easier adjustment as opposed to a sudden introduction.

 

Within as little as a day or two, it's likely your cat will be eager to explore the rest of his new digs. If not, don't worry, some cats adjust quicker than others. It is important to be patient and allow him to time to grow comfortable.

Why does my cat constantly knock things off the table or shelf?

 

Some pets owners think it's funny, others find it annoying, either way, many cats have  a habit of  knocking things off a table.  This has lead to many broken glasses in countless homes across the world, but there is no need to cry over spolled milk, so to speak. But why are some cats so fond of this potentientially destructive and mess activity? If you're wondering if your cat is simply being obnixious or perhaps doing it to spite you in some way, the answer is No.  By nature cats are curious creatures.  Most likely your cat is bored and simply amusing himself. Idol paws are the devil's plaything.

 

Make sure you have plenty of toys to keep kitty amused. Of you already have toys, perhaps it's time for some new ones. And it's always a good idea to spend some time playing with your feline friend.  You'll find yourself cleaning up a lot less messes in the future.

Remember, idle paws are the devil's plaything.

Cat Facts

 

  • Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw.

 

  • Newborn kittens have closed ear canals that don't begin to open for nine days.When the eyes open, they are always blue at first. They change color over a period of months to the final eye color.

 

  • You can tell a cat's mood by looking into its eyes. A frightened or excited cat will have large, round pupils. An angry cat will have narrow pupils. The pupil size is related as much to the cat's emotions as to the degree of light.

 

  • It is a common belief that cats are color blind. However, recent studies have shown that cats can see blue, green and red

 

  • A cat can jump even seven times as high as it is tall.The cat's footpads absorb the shocks of the landing when the cat jumps.

 

  • Cats lack a true collarbone. Because of this lack, cats can generally squeeze their bodies through any space they can get their heads through. 

 

  • A female cat may have three to seven kittens every four months. This is why population control using neutering and spaying is so important.

 

  • Mother cats teach their kittens to use the litter box.

 

  • The way you treat kittens in the early stages of it's life will render it's personality traits later in life.

 

  • When well treated, a cat can live twenty or more years but the average life span of a domestic cat is 14 years.

 

  • Neutering a cat extends its life span by two or three years.

 

  • Some common houseplants poisonous to cats include: English Ivy, iris, mistletoe, philodendron, and yew.

 

  • Tylenol and chocolate are both poisionous to cats.

 

  • Many cats cannot properly digest cow's milk. Milk and milk products give them diarrhea.

 

  • If your cat pushes his face against your head, it is a sign of acceptance and affection.

 

  • It is estimated that cats can make over 60 different sounds

 

  • A cat that bites you for rubbing his stomach is often biting from pleasure, not anger.

 

  • In 1987 cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America.

Good Cats For Allergy Sufferers

 

You're an cat lover, but perhaps their mere presence causes you to itch, sneeze or other unpleasant syptoms which make nearly impossible for you to own a cat much less being around them for any period of time.  While all cats produce at least some allergens there are seven breeds that produce fewer allergens than others.  These breeds may gave you the option of being able to own a cat, however, make sure you spend some time with the kitty first to see how your allergies react before you adopt.  Be sure to consider all of each breed's characteristics to determine which is the best fit for your household.

 

  • Balinese: Sociable, intelligent and inquisitive, the Balinese are often referred to as the "long-haired Siamese."  Despite it appearance, it's one of the few breeds that produces less of the Fel D1 protein than other cats, thus causing fewer allergic reactions in allergy sufferers.  It has been noted that a mix breed cat with Balinese lineage also produces less of the Fel D1 protein, but with less of a guantee than a purebred.

 

  • Oriental Shorthair: A member of the Siamese family with the distictive wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes.  They prefer to live in pairs, or groups and seek human interaction. They're hypoallergenic, but it's still a good practice to groom your cat frequently (brushing as well as wiping her down) to keep dander to a minimum.

 

  • Javanese: Like the Balinese, the Javanese sports a medium-long single coat. Because of the lack of undercoat, they have less fur which translates into fewer allergens.

 

  • Devon Rex:  Emerged in England in the 1080's,  The Devon Rex is active, curious and people oriented.  They both shorter fur and less fur. Your Devon Rex will need to have her paw pads and ears cleaned of oil build-up frequently.

 

  • Cornish Rex: The Cornish Rex has no fur except for down (an fine undercoat). They are typically an extremely curious and friendly breed that gets along well with other companion animals as well as people. They tend to require more upkeep than the Devon Rex because they need frequent baths due to the oil buildup on their skin.

 

  • Sphynx: The hairless Sphynx is the cat most often associated with being hypoallergenic. Being hairless does not mean they're maintenance-free, in fact they require more grooming than many other breeds.  Body oils normally absorbed by fur tend to build up on their skin.  Your Sphynx will need frequent baths to remove the gummy buildup. Also her nails and her large ears will also require frequent cleanings.

 

  • Siberian: An ancient breed from Russia, SIberians are very popular.  Despite having a moderately long coat, the have less enzyme levels in their saliva.

Cat in a Box

 

It's commonly known that most cats LOVE boxes. They frequently hide in them, play with them and sleep inside, Just look at how many pictures and videos of cats in boxes are posted to social media sites. While we humans find our cats fascination with boxes funny and cute, our feline friends don't just play with cardboard boxes to entertain us.

 

They like the privacy and security of an enclosed space. Perhaps, sometimes a cat just wants to be left alone. A box offers that privacy from people and other pets.

 

They're fun. Boxes provide a source of entertainment for cats. They enjoy jumping in and out of a box, pouncing, stalking and climbing on top boxes.

 

Although domesticated, even house cats are instinctual predators. A box is a great spot from which to stalk and pounce on their prey, even if said prey is merely their favorite cat toy.

 

Luckily,a simple cardboard box of appropriate size for your cat is inexpensive. Instead of thrown out the box from your latest mail or UPS delivery, let your cat enjoy it. Place a blanket inside and quite possibly you just created they're new favorite spot.  Just make sure the box is the proper size and in a safe place and that your cat can easily get in and out of the box with no risk of becoming trapped inside.

Some Cats Can be Very Kneady

 

Cats often knead or smurgle (aka Making Biscuits) to show contentment, alleviate stress, or make their territory. While it's obvious cats enjoy it, their owners may not as their cute little paws can be a source of discomfort. 

 

Here are a few ways to allow your cat to knead without having to suffer:

 

  • Keep your cat’s claws trimmed.

 

  • Move your cat elsewhere.  Gently remove  from your lap whenever your cat gets started.

 

  • Distraction: Try petting yur cat,  or giving them a toy to occupy themselves.

 

  • Armor Up:  Only allow the cat on your lap only once you’ve covered yourself with a blanket.

Cat Toys

 

Like any young child, a cat can become easily bored with his toys.  In order to keep them fresh, try rotating your cat's toys weekly. Make only a few available at a time. Then, when you bring the "old" toys out after a while it's like they're new again.  If your cat has a favorite, you might want to leave that one out all the time.

 

Provide toys that offer different types of play and stimulation. From batting around balls and chasing them aross the floor to cuddling plush toys, there are a variety of cat toys available on the market. Cats are easily entertained so there's no need to spend tons of money on pets toys.  Be creative and you can use items around the house like cardboard boxes, paper bags and cardboad tubes from your roll of toilet paper. 

 

Many of your cat's toys should be interactive. Involving yourself in their playtime will strengthen the bond between cat and owner.

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