CATS INFO

TYPES OF CATS





HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR  CATS BEHAVIOUR

1. Understand that a cat can be just as loving, dependent, and attached to you as you like. Cats are affectionate and responsive. Every cat's behavior is a result of how he is treated. If you ignore your cat, he will ignore you. If you talk, pet, and play with him often, he will be attached to you.
• To get your attention, cats will often try to get your attention either by sitting close, brusing up against you legs or meowing. Some cats will even bat their eyelids, telling you that they are allowing you in their domain. So go ahead and fuss them!
• Try giving your cat full attention at least 15-30 minutes each day. This will result in a happy cat, which is more likely to bond to you.

              2.  Know that cats can take care of themselves when necessary. They don't need the same kind of care as dogs. But cats also dearly love companionship.

             3.Realize that most cat owners think of their cats as close companions or as                       members of the family.

                People talk to their cats, sleep with their cats, and celebrate with their cats on the                         holidays. Cats greet their owners at the door, follow them about, and come when they                   are called. They affectionately rub against and 'paddle' (this stems from the cats                           instinct to feed from their mother, stimulating the milk flow by paddling. The cat should                 never be stopped from doing this in a bad tempered way, as it will feel hurt!) on                             people when they are content.

             4.Realize that if your cat doesn't seem as friendly as you would like then start                  paying more attention to kitty. 

             Call his name when you come in the door and when you feed him. Get some toys and                  play with him.

                5.Understand why your cat urinates on your bed or your favorite chair                               when you are away for several days. Although you may think your cat did                     so out of spite, it is more likely that he felt separation anxiety. The cat was                     attracted to a place where your scent was strongest.

•  Getting into your plants and otherwise making a mess while you are gone could be your cat's way of relieving boredom. It also could be another way of relieving separation anxiety.
• The best way to handle the previous two problems is to "cat-proof" your house before you leave. Close the bedroom door and cover the planters with foil or plastic wrap to keep him out of the dirt. Leave lots of toys out. Ask your cat sitter to play with him while you are away.
• Cats feel jealousy so if you have gotten a new kitten and your older cat suddenly begins to misbehave realize he is jealous. Cats become stressed when any change in routine occurs. It is more likely the cat's eating, play, and sleeping schedules have been changed. You may show a different attitude toward your cat now than you did before. The best cure for "jealousy" is to return to a consistent schedule as soon as possible. Set aside time each day to play with your cat. Even if you have less time available, your cat will appreciate a regular play time.
• Perhaps you have seen your cat accidentally fall off somewhere he was lying. After the fall, he sits up, looks around, and quickly begins to groom himself.
• Although cats are said to be solitary animals, they do form bonds with each other. When two cats become close and one is lost or dies, the remaining cat may be depressed for months. A depressed cat may meow constantly or stop eating. Lots of loving and comfort is needed in this case.
• Cats are emotional creatures. Cats can feel lonely, bored, frightened, or stressed. They show stress in a variety of ways, from over-grooming to forgetting their toilet habits. Many behavior problems are caused by the cat's sensitive nature.

For New Cat Owners

1.   Keep your cat safe by keeping him indoors, safely confined to your property, or walked on a harness and leash


Doing so is best for you, your cat, and your community. Here are other ways to keep your cat safe and secure:
1. Always use a cat carrier when transporting your cat.
2. Make certain that all windows are securely screened.
3. Keep the washer and dryer closed, and check inside before each use. (Some cats like to climb in these appliances if they're left open.)
4. Get into the habit of ensuring that drawers, closets, and cupboards are uninhabited before you close them—a kitty may be lurking inside.


2.   Outfit your cat with a breakaway collar and visible ID that includes your name, address, and telephone number
No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance she may slip out the door. Your cat is more likely to get home safely if she has a collar and ID. Also, be a good citizen by complying with any local cat licensing laws.


3.   Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations
If you don't have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter, rescue group, or a pet-owning friend for a referral. Medical care is as essential for your cat as it is for you. If you are having trouble affording veterinary care, investigate our list of financial resources. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good general health before you introduce your new cat.


4.   Feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet and provide fresh water 24/7
Educate yourself on your cat's nutritional needs or ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.


5.   Keep the litter box clean
Cats are naturally clean, and most will instinctively use a litter box; you just have to show yours where it is. Don't place your cat in the box and make little scratching motions with her front paws. This will probably upset your cat and may make her leery of the box. Scoop the box at least once daily and periodically wash it with dish liquid and hot water. Because cats also value privacy, place the litter box in a convenient but quiet spot. We can help you get things off to a good start.




6.   Groom your cat often.
All cats, whether long- or short-haired, should be brushed regularly to keep their coats and skin healthy, prevent matting, and reduce shedding and hairballs. They also need to have their claws clipped to keep them from growing into their paws. Grooming is a good opportunity to discover any lumps, fleas, injuries, etc., and to bond with your kitty. If you want to find a groomer, read our advice on choosing one.


7.   Make time to play and provide entertainment
Cats often entertain themselves, but regular play sessions with your pet will provide her with the physical and mental stimulation she needs and strengthen the bond you share.
Give her toys and scratching posts to distract her from your household goods. Cats love to play and will appreciate simple and inexpensive toys. Ping-Pong balls and opened paper bags (remove the handles) can provide hours of fun. A comfortable perch by a window can become your cat's very own entertainment and relaxation center. Rotate toys to maintain your cat's interest in them.


You might want to invest in a kitty condo or cat tree—a structure typically covered in carpet or sisal (a rough material cats love to scratch) where your cat can climb, stretch, and hide to her heart's content while watching the world go by. But the best two things you can give your cat are love and playtime.


8.   Provide your cat with some basic training to help him get along in your home.
It's true that cats usually have their own ideas about how to do things. Even so, a positive approach can teach most cats not to scratch the couch, eat plants, or jump up on the kitchen counter. With repeated, gentle, and consistent training, your cat will learn the house rules. Don't ever yell or hit your cat.