Cats Only BlogCats Only BlogA blog for cats and the people who love them. Articles
Some basic tips on keeping your cat safe on Halloween.
2007-10-18 10:30:00 Halloween is now upon us. Halloween may be a fun and exciting time for you and your family however, it can be very stressful time for your cat. Here are some tips for keeping your cat safe on Halloween. Doorbells can be very stressful for your cat. During Halloween the door will be ringing much more than usual, this may upset your cat. Try and keep your cat away from this noise. Place your cat in a safe room along with its favorite bed and toy. This will help keep your cat from being upset with all the extra noise. You and your family may enjoy costumes but they can be very scary to your cat. Keep in mind your cat may not want to share in checking out all the scary costumes. Again it might be better to place your cat in a safe and secure place. Keep in mind the sounds of the season, scary soundtracks, people making noise, etc. This all can cause tremendous anxiety in your cat. Again your cat will enjoy a nice quiet place. Pay special attention if you own a black cat. Since people ar... More About: Tips , Basic , Halloween , Safe , Ween
The Five Most Popular Breeds of Purebred Cats for 1997 (according to the Ca
2007-08-14 13:43:00 1. Persian2. Maine Coon3. Siamese4. Abyssinian5. Exotic shorthair More About: Cats , Popular , Breeds , Five , Breed
Did you know?
2007-08-14 13:42:00 The most favorite breed registered with Cat Fanciers' Association is the Persian.A cats first year of life equals 15 years of human life ( in terms of developement ) after a cat's second year, a cat is 25 in human years. After that each year is qual to approx 7 years.A cat has five toes on front paws and only four on the back ones. However it is not uncommon for calls to have extra toes.A cat can hear at least 5 times keener than an adult human and cat's can rotate their ears 180Most cats have no eyelashes.Himalayan Cats -- the color of the points is heated-related -- cooler spots appear darker.Largest breed is Ragdoll -- average males weigh in around 20 pounds.The avearge domestic cat spends 15% of day grooming and 70% of the day sleeping.Cats cannot see directly under its nose. This might explain why cats may find it hard to find small treats on the floor.
Some tips on teaching your cat to come to you on command.
2007-08-14 12:10:00 Cats tend to like to do things the way they want to do them. In order to teach them something it has to be pleasurable and interesting to your cat. Here are a few tips on teaching your cat to answer to his/her name.1. While your cat is sitting with you and is in a happy mood, pet your cat and repeat his/her name a few times. If you do this over time your cat will associate the pleasure of being petted with his/her name.2. Also you can try the popular reward approach. If while petting your cat ans he/she looks at you when you say their name, reward with a treat. Soon your cat will associate his/her name with a treat.3. While your cat is sitting away from you call his/her name. If your cat responds offer a treat. Soon your cat will start responding to you from wherever you call from. More About: Tips , Teaching , Command , Teac , Some
Why is it that some cats develop FLUTD problems?
2007-08-14 11:47:00 FLUTD can occur in both male and female cats, and more commonly happens in cats between two and six years of age. However, cats of any age may be affected. FLUTD tends to be associated with a number of factors, including stress of any kind affecting the cat, obesity, cats housed indoors, urolithiasis (or stone formation), bacterial infections, seasonal weather, genetics or a difference among breeds, anatomic abnormalities, and stone formation in the lower urinary tract. Because male cats have a narrow urethra, they tend to be more prone to complete obstruction by the stones they form than are females, and without prompt veterinary treatment these obstructions can be serious. More About: Cats , Problems , Develop , Some
What you should know about traveling with your pet
2007-07-28 11:16:00 Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable ha... More About: Traveling , With You
FDA Expands Its Warning about the Risk of Botulism Poisoning From Certain C
2007-07-28 11:11:00 FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: July 21, 2007 Media Inquiries: Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242, kimberly.rawlings@fda.hhs.gov, Michael Herndon, michael.herndon@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA FDA Expands Its Warning about the Risk of Botulism Poison ing From Cert ain Castleberry Food Products and Dog Food The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding its July 18 warning to consumers. This expansion is for consumers and pet owners regarding canned food products and dog food produced by Castleberry Food Company of Augusta, Ga., due to the risk of botulinum toxin. Castleberry is expanding the recall to include all of the following canned products with all "best by" and code dates, and FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or eat any of the canned products listed in the table below. Hot Dog Chili Sauces SIZE UPC CODESAustex Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-97101 Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-99533 Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10 OZ 30300-00...
Cat Predicts Deaths Of Nursing Home Patients
2007-07-26 11:25:00 Click on this link interesting video of this cathttp://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player /popup/?rn=952695&cl=3469606&src= news More About: Home , Nursing Home , Deaths , Patients , Nursing
Taking Your Cat On A Plane
2007-07-09 13:13:00 Before flying with your cat, take the necessary steps to be fully prepared. Many necessities for air travel can be addressed long before leaving the ground. Book tickets according to seasonal temperature variances. Most airlines do not have temperature controlled cargo areas and do reserve the right to refuse animal service if the conditions are too extreme. During summer months it is best to fly at night, while in winter it is best to fly during the day. Double check airline policies. Cover yourself by documenting all conversations, including a list of whom you spoke with, where and when. Visit your cat's veterinarian a few days before you leave and ask for a current health certificate and an updated vaccinations certificate for your cat. Airlines and some county, national park and border patrol officials may require proof of an up-to-date health certificate. Get an airline-approved crate. Some airlines allow owners to carry small crates for tiny cats, as long as they fit unde... More About: Plane , Plan , Taking
What you should know about traveling with your pet
2007-07-05 15:54:00 Planning and Preparation Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives w... More About: Traveling , With You
CFA Championship Class
2007-06-20 15:16:00 The majority of cats start their show careers in the Kitten class, and once they reach the age of eight months advance from there to Cham pion ship Class (described here) or Premiership Class. All cats entered in the show compete against other cats of the same breed and sex and color for awards. Every registered cat over the age of eight months starts its show career in the Championship and Premiership in the OPEN class. A first place award (blue) in the OPEN class is accompanied by a red/white/blue Winners Ribbon. Once a cat has collected six of these winners ribbons, it becomes a Champion. At its next show it will be eligible to compete against other champions for points toward the Grand Champion title. After a judge has handled all of the open cats in a breed, division or color grouping, he judges the champions in that group. He then awards first, second and third place ribbons to the three best males, and to the three best females. Next, the judge moves on to the Grand Champions... More About: Ship
CFA Kitten Class
2007-06-20 15:15:00 The KITTEN competition is for unaltered or altered, pedigreed kittens between the ages of four and eight months. Kitten s compete with other kittens of the same breed, sex and color for first, second and third place ribbons. Each color group is also awarded Best of Color and Second Best of Color, and each breed is awarded Best of Breed and Second Best of Breed. When all kittens have been judged, the judge will call back kittens for his/her Top 10 Kitten Final. In an Allbreed ring, all kittens entered in the show compete for the finals, while in a specialty ring only the Longhair or the Shorthair kittens compete. More About: Class
Cats an Alzheimers Disease
2007-06-20 15:13:00 Ageing cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer's disease, a new study reveals. Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California have identified a key protein which can build up in the nerve cells of a cat's brain and cause mental deterioration. In humans with Alzheimer's disease, this protein creates ?tangles? inside the nerve cells which inhibit messages being processed by the brain. The team says that the presence of this protein in cats is proof that they too can develop this type of disease. By carrying out post-mortem examination of cats which have succumbed naturally to the disease, scientists may now be able to uncover vital clues about how the condition develops. This may eventually help scientists to come up with possible treatments. Researchers already thought cats were susceptible to dementia because previous studies had identified thick, gritty plaques on the outside of elderly cats' brain cells which are similar to those found... More About: Cats , Alzheimers , Disease , Ease , Seas
CFA Top Ten Breeds
2007-06-20 15:09:00 PERSIAN MAINE COON EXOTIC SIAMESE RAGDOLL ABYSSINIAN BIRMAN AMERICAN SHORTHAIR ORIENTAL SPHYNX More About: Breeds , Breed
CFA Show Rules
2007-06-20 00:09:00 CFA Show Rule s cover all aspects of managing a cat show, exhibiting and judging. The requirements for entering and exhibiting at a show, detailed information on how to run a show, and the specifics of judging are all included in this booklet as well as information on scoring and Regional/National Awards. It is strongly suggested that anyone showing their cat be familiar with the Show Rules. The Show Rules may be purchased for a $5.00 fee. You can order the Show Rules online using a credit card, or by mail from: Cat Fanciers' Association P.O. Box 1005 Manasquan, NJ 08736-0805
History of the Abyssinian Cat Breed
2007-06-18 22:06:00 An exact history of the Abyssinian is still really an open debate. However there are a few theories about the Abyssinian history. One of the most popular theory is that the Abyssinian came from Egypt. It is well known the Egyptians thought highly of cats and they where a very important part of Egyptian life. Images that resemble Abyssinians have been found in Egyptian?s tombs. There is a report of a cat named ?Zulu? brought back to England from Egypt in 1868 that closely resembles the Abyssinian breed. Abyssinia (which is today modern day Ethiopia ) has many rivers and streams that connect to the Nile, which would further explain the breeds attachment to Egypt. It would be very easy for this breed to travel up and down the Nile. References to Abyssinian maidens who owned this breed, where supposedly highly desirable marriage partners. There is another theory that the breed originated in England. The theory is that the British started the breed by selective breeding. This would make ... More About: History , Hist , The A , Tory
Getting a new Kitten -- Tips for Kitten proofing your home.
2007-06-18 22:05:00 When bringing a new kitten into your home keep in mind that they will be very playful and curious, which as we all know can at times get them into trouble. That?s why it is very important to kitten proof your home as much as possible. When you are in the process of kitten proofing your home keep in mind that a kitten has a much lower vantage point than you. Try an visualize what your kitten sees from his/her vantage point. Okay lets take a look at some ideas to kitten proof your home. Make sure to secure all screens on windows, many kittens will enjoy sitting in a window and a loose screen can lead to a fall. Always make sure all cleaning supplies, paint, disinfectants, etc, are kept out of your kittens reach. Make sure to keep toilet lids closed. Kitten s are attracted to the water and may want to drink from the bowl. The lid could close trapping your kitten, not to mention the chemicals used to clean the toilet bowls are not healthy for your kitten. House plants are another potenti... More About: Tips , Home
What you should know about traveling with your pet
2007-06-14 14:08:00 Planning and Preparation Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives w... More About: Traveling , With You
Interested in a career in Veterinary technogoly here is some information an
2007-06-14 13:59:00 In recent years, the profession of veterinary medicine has become ever more sophisticated and complex. The public expects state-of-the-art veterinary care for its animals. To provide high quality service, today's veterinarians utilize the skills of trained professionals known as veterinary technicians. If you care about animals, enjoy working with your hands, are good at basic math and decision-making, like working with people and handling a variety of responsibilities, then the challenging career of veterinary technology may be just right for you.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe veterinary technician is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. All veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, ... More About: Information , Career , Form , Format , Teri
Managed Care for companion animals.
2007-06-13 17:14:00 Managed health care for pets could be coming soon. Managed care for people, according to an American Medical Association policy, is "those processes or techniques used by any entity that delivers, administers, and/or assumes risk for health care services in order to control or influence the quality, accessibility, utilization, or costs and prices or outcomes of such services provided to a defined enrollee population." Managed care in human medicine is generally part of a health insurance program. Now managed care in veterinary medicine appears to be taking its own shape. Pethealth Inc., provider of PetCare insurance, and USA Managed Care Organization Inc., a preferred provider organization for people, have announced plans to offer a form of managed care for cats and dogs by creating the USA Pet Health Network. Mark Warren, Pethealth president and chief executive officer, said pet owners would participate by paying for an annual membership card. Then, network veterinarians would char... More About: Animals , Mana , Manage , Compa
Pet Health Insurance gains ground in North America
2007-06-13 17:02:00 Health insurance for companion animals can be almost as confusing as human health insurance, but it also can come in handy?particularly for an animal owner whose companion develops a major medical condition. In the United States, only a small percentage of pet owners carry health insurance for their animals. Pet insurance is the topic of many articles in the popular press, though, and insurers are selling more policies as pet owners become aware of the option. The AVMA supports the concept of companion animal health insurance. In part, the AVMA guidelines on pet health insurance state: "The Association recognizes that a viable companion animal health insurance program will be important to the future of the veterinary profession's ability to continue to provide high quality and up-to-date veterinary service." The National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues just recently launched a new benchmarking tool regarding pet health insurance: "Do your clients know how to cushion a fall... More About: America , Health , Insurance , North America , Ground
What you should know about selecting a cat
2007-06-12 16:48:00 Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason pets are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions before selecting a cat. What's special about cats? Cats make wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners for thousands of years. Easily house-trained and relatively low maintenance, cats make good indoor pets and most will readily adapt to a variety of environments. What choices do you have in cats? Purebred and mixed-breed cats come in a variety of shapes (head, ears, body, and tail), sizes, colors, personalities, and hair coats. Purebred cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain physical and behavioral charac... More About: Select , Sele
History of female veterinarians paved with individual struggles and triumph
2007-06-12 16:44:00 When Dr. Dorothy Segal enrolled in the Michigan State University preveterinary program in the 1930s, she had already overcome some challenges?a car crash delayed her planned entrance into college by almost six years?but it quickly became clear that there would be other hurdles in front of Dorothy and the other young women in her class. "There were seven girls in my class, and that was considered to be just an enormous amount (of women in veterinary school)," said Dr. Segal, now age 90. "The dean at the time (Dr. Ward Giltner) did not want women. He said, 'Go back to the kitchen.' He literally said that. The first speech he gave was, 'What are you doing here?' and he was not joking. I thought to myself, I'm going to make friends with that man if it kills me. ... Ultimately, we really became friends." Only two of the seven women bold enough to enter the Michigan State University veterinary program graduated and became veterinarians. Dr. Segal graduated in 1943, but she said she n... More About: History , Female , Individual , Triumph , Hist
Cats Bone Structure
2007-06-08 14:40:00 A cat?s bone structure is among its unique characteristics. Although man is more than 15 times the size of a cat, a cat has more bones in its body, about 244 compared with 206 in man. Many of the cat?s bones are in its tail, which is an indicator of a cat?s mood. A cat carrying its tail high is usually displaying pride and contentment. An extended tail generally tells you the cat is stalking. A tail being thrust from side to side may warn you that the cat is angry. A cat?s hind legs are longer and stronger than the front legs, enabling him to jump with skill. Observe a cat and you will notice it calculates distance before jumping. Another observation will show you that the cat walks or runs by moving the front and back legs on one side, and then the front and back legs on the other side. The camel and the giraffe are the only other animals that move in this way. Other four-legged animals move the left front leg at the same time as the right hind leg, and their right front leg wit... More About: Cats , Bone , Structure
Cats and Dogs -- 4 Keys to Keeping the Peace
2007-06-08 14:39:00 Cats and dogs can be wonderful companions. The key is to start them off right. Here are some tips to get you started. Try to create a good match. If you're looking to add a dog to your feline home, try to find one with a complementary personality. If you're looking at a shelter dog, find out its history, because you don't want a dog who was an avid cat chaser in his previous life. If your cat is very timid or nervous, don't pick a hyper dog who barks at everything. And training for the dog is essential. As soon as it's old enough (if it's a puppy), start doing basic training and socialization work. Your dog should be learning commands -- sit, stay, down, etc. Make proper introductions. Have your dog on a leash and come armed with lots of treats. The cat should be on the other side of the room (either in a cage or loose, depending upon his anxiety level). Work with your dog to have him focus on you -- and not the cat. The more the dog relaxes and doesn't zero in on Fluffy, th... More About: Peace , Dogs , Cats , Cats and Dogs , Keys
Cat Box Diseases
2007-06-07 14:49:00 You are more likely to contract a disease from another human than from your cat. However, if you are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system, we want you to know that a parasite sometimes found in cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we suggest you wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat box filler. Or ask someone else to assume the litter box changing responsibilities at this time. For more information on toxoplasmosis, contact your doctor. More About: Diseases , Ease , Seas
ACTIONS REQUESTED OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
2007-06-07 14:47:00 On May 22-24, 2007 representatives of the United States Government met with representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China to request rapid action to accomplish certain goals related to food safety, as outlined below. U.S. representatives presented this request during several bilateral sessions conducted in conjunction with the second cabinet-level meeting under the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Washington D.C. Detailed information about the Chinese government's procedures, methodology, and technology for testing and quarantine, as well as information about its control measures; Raw data and the results of the testing by Chinese government entities of regulated products; The results of all tests for melamine in ingredients destined for human or animal consumption, on an ongoing basis; The imposition of a requirement for mandatory registration of Chinese firms that intend to export food and feed products to the U.S.; The prohibition of e... More About: The People , Este , The U
The 'Essentials' of a Dog's Healthy Coat from AVMA
2007-06-05 17:15:00 What a dog looks like on the outside is likely an indication of what is going on in the inside. If a dog's coat is matted, dull or has an unkempt appearance, chances are that the animal needs more essential fatty acids (EFAs) in its diet, according to a study appearing in the June 1 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). The study indicates that EFAs such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids play a critical role in the health of a dog's skin and coat and also contribute to the animal's overall good health. Pet owners are cautioned, however, that more is not necessarily better for healthy dogs. Only dogs in which skin and coat problems have been diagnosed by a veterinarian should receive essential fatty acid supplements like linseed oil or sunflower oil. "Pet foods are manufactured to maintain the health of healthy pets" and already contain adequate essential fatty acids, says Dr. John Bauer, a professor of clinical nutrition at Texa... More About: Healthy , Essentials , Essential , Heal
Ongoing recall investigation unraveling the facts
2007-06-05 16:59:00 Congress holds another hearing, considers legislation relevant to safety of pet foodMonths after the recalls of pet food began in mid-March, developments continued to unfold in response to the adulteration of ingredients from China. One of the revelations was that the ingredients in question were not wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, as the labels indicated. Both of the ingredients were actually wheat flour containing melamine and cyanuric acid. Another revelation was that some of the ingredients went into fish food for industrial aquaculture. The Food and Drug Administration previously traced pet food with the ingredients to hog and poultry operations. The Department of Agriculture released the hogs and poultry for processing after determining meat from the animals posed little risk to human health. By mid-May, Congress already had held three hearings relevant to the situation. The FDA's new assistant commissioner for food protection, David Acheson, MD, testified about th... More About: Facts , Recall , Investigation , Invest , Going
FDA Announces U.S. Source of Melamine-Contaminated Fish, Cattle, Sheep and
More articles from this author:2007-06-01 14:08:00 SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The FDA announced today that a U.S. company?Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio?has been identified as producing a melamine-contaminated ingredient used in domestic livestock feed as well as in domestic and exported fish feed. This is a separate contamination from the nationwide pet food recall that began March 16, in which the melamine-contaminated ingredient was imported from Chinese manufactures. Tembec has used the contaminated ingredient as a binding agent in two of its commercial fish feeds, AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, intended for domestic use as well as for export. The company also shipped the contaminated binding ingredient to Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo., for use in domestic livestock feed, Xtra-Bond, for cattle, goats and sheep.The FDA has advised that the contaminated fish feeds be recalled, but has not advised that the contaminated livestock feeds be recalled because they contain lower levels of melamine and melamine-related compounds, and therefor... More About: Fish , Melamine , Source , Sheep , Nate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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