Cats

Tips For Selecting a Cat Condos

Cat condos are truly becoming works of art. They not only come in a wide range of heights, sizes, colors and shapes, but they are now being created to look like fabulous art pieces that fit just about any decor.

Feline condo designs range from ultra modern structures to ones made to resemble trees and waterfalls to elaborate castles complete with towers and turrets.

When selecting a condo for your cat, it is important that you not only keep in mind how the condo is built, and looks, but also at the features that it has to offer to your cat.

Cat condos are also made from a multitude of different materials that as a potential buyer you need to carefully examine. If you want your cat condo to double as a scratching post it is important that you make certain that the material provided for scratching is going to appeal to your cat.

Cats are very particular about where they scratch, hence their preference for the most expensive piece of furniture in the house. They like a surface that is thick enough to get their claws into but that will have some give to it. One of the best materials for this is sisal rope. Many cat condos offer areas where they use different colors of sisal rope to allow the cat a place to clean and sharpen his claws.

Sleeping areas on the condo are often made out of different fabrics to offer your pet a softer more relaxing area. Some condos use faux fur while others stick to the more traditional carpet like material.

One of the most important things to look at when buying a condo for your cat is what is under the material. You want to ensure that the condo has a good heavy base and will not tip or fall over. If a condo is not stable, your pet will not use it. Moreover, and obviously for the safety of your feline friend, you want to make certain that he will not be injured in a vigorous play session due to poor construction.

A cat condo is truly a great way of enriching the life of your pet. A cat that is indoors all the time will especially appreciate having his own space and play center.

Cat Collars and Leads 

Although most dog owners walk their dogs, cat owners rarely take their cats for a walk. All the same, it is possible to teach your cat to get used to a lead. Indeed, there are collars, harnesses, and leads designed purely for cats.

Dog collars, apart from being used to hold a tag to identify dogs should they run away, are really used as something to which to attach a lead, but the same isn't true of a cat collar. A collar can easily slip off over a cats head or worse, the elasticated variety can be stretched by a branch, then snap back on the cat's jaw, causing untold damage. They can be useful to hold an identity tag or the magnetic device which allows the cat in and out of the cat flap or a bell to warn the local bird population of the cat's approach but most vets don't recommend them because of the danger of jaw injury.

On the other hand, cat harnesses, if properly done up cannot slip off accidentally and can have a lead attached. The basic design is just a nylon harness but some are made to look like clothing. In either case, the most important aspect is the adjustability so that the harness can be as tight or loose as necessary.

Cat leads can be static or of the retractable variety but shouldn't be so heavy that your cat can't move under its weight. Retractable leads are great if you want your cat to be able to sniff around the bushes or other areas away from the roads but when walking close to traffic can be shortened to keep your cat by your side.

You will need to get your cat used to walking on a lead before taking him out but you can't train a cat in the same way as you can a dog. Jerking the lead when they wander from side to side won't make a cat come to heel. In fact, there is no guaranteed way of doing that but as cats are far smaller than dogs and unlikely to pull you over if they don't stay at heel, it probably doesn't matter very much. The best you can really expect is that you don't get scratched to pieces when you try to put your cat's harness on.

The simplest way to train your cat to get used to a lead is to put his harness on when he's only about eight weeks old. Leave him to walk around the house with it on for a few days and then add the lead. When he is accustomed to that, pick up the lead and try walking while pulling on it very gently while calling his name. Give him treats and strokes when he does come to your call and he'll soon get used to walking with you when he's wearing his harness and lead.
At this point, you can take him outside secure in the knowledge that he won't infuriate your neighbours by using their gardens for his toilet.

By : Rika Apriyanti

a comfortable cat beds is very important because cats spend a lot of their time for sleeping. getting a cat bed that will keep them warm is a good idea because cats very comfortable when they are sleeping.

If you are looking for a more traditional cat bed then why not consider a wicker cat bed. A window cat bed is also great, and then your cat can lie lazily in the sun in its cat bed looking out the window. Windowsill cat beds take into consideration the cat's curiosity.

If your cat is definitely a prince or princess then by all means a fancy cat bed or a designer cat bed is definitely what your cat needs. Or a cat bed tree, If you have multiple cats then look at getting a cat bunk bed for them to share. so this will make the cat became close and shared with other cats.

If your cat stay outside most of the time then look at getting your cat an outdoor cat bed or a cheep cat bed that you can replace every few months. Discount cat beds are also great for this reason. Don't forget to consider pet bedding for your cat bed.

It is important to remember that because cats do shed, to help keep the cat dander and cat hair a minimum in your house so a washable cat bed is very important. Another good ideas it to have two cat beds (even if you only have one cat) this will ensure that you wash your cat bed regularly because you know that there is always a clean one waiting to take its place.

Cat Scratching Post - Keeping Claws in Check

by : Rika Apriyanti

because cats love to play, so it is important to their overall health that they do. this is for both fitness reasons, to helps them exercise their basic instincts that are left over in their nature from the wild, and also to ensure they don't gain weight. A cat scratching post is a valuable cat accessory that ensures that cats will have adequate ways to play, without shredding up their owners pants leg or other household items. Their owners will love and It's an easy solution to cats.

A cat scratching post is fairly self-explanatory, it is a place for the cat to scratch on safely and keep their instincts sharp. The most basic versions consist of just a wooden board covered in carpeting that can be attacked at will by the cat, sharpening their claws and letting off steam. The rough fabric that covers a scratching post is capable of withstanding a great deal of abuse, from even the most unrelenting cats. These can come in all different heights and sizes, and be decorated with any color of fabric that a person prefers, to blend into home surroundings.

More elaborate cat scratching posts can include several different levels, with nooks to hide in or branches to climb. These can be especially satisfying for an indoor cat that still has the wild instincts of its outdoor neighbors and will want a real place to play. These posts can also be made of different materials besides the most basic wooden base, including plastic, cardboard, or wicker. Any material that serves as a strong support for the scratching fabric can be substituted in its place. Another style of scratching outlet is scratching mats, which allows the cat to sharpen its claws in an easy and efficient manner.

Trade shows and cat shows are a good place to see the whole rainbow of variety when it comes to which type of cat scratching post to buy. There are new innovations in cat accessories daily, with added toys like bells or catnip being built into the posts. The only thing to decide is how big is too big when it comes to finding a good toy for your cat, because you don't necessarily want the cat post to dominate the room, unless you have a room specially designed just for your cat.

Why Cat Scratcher ?

By. Tara Nemeth

Scratching is a normal and necessary behavior for cats. Scratching allows them to shed the outer layer of their claws, mark their territory (cats have scent glands on the pads of their feet and when they scratch they leave their scent behind as their way of saying "this is my territory") and provides a great way for them stretch out their muscles. Scratching is such an instinctive behavior in cats that even cats who have been declawed scratch on a regular basis.

Of course, knowing that scratching is a normal part of cat behavior is all well and good and does nothing to prevent you from tearing your hair out when your cat is using your couch as his favorite scratching post. Here are some tips for keeping your cat happy and your furniture and drapes intact. First, keep your cat's nails trimmed to help blunt damage to the furniture.

Second, provide your cat with a good quality scratching post. This is frequently the easiest and cheapest solution to solving the scratching problem. Quality scratchers are easy to come by, and can cost as little as $12-16 dollars. Offer your cat two or three quality cat scratchers and make sure they're well positioned! Cats love to scratch right after they wake up from a nap, so it is a good idea to put a scratcher near where your cat likes to sleep.

Third, use a harmless deterrent like Sticky Paws on your furniture. These simple steps will save your furniture and greatly improve your relationship with your cat.