The Best Definition of a Typical Cat
How many times have you heard that the typical cat is a predator? More times than you can imagine. But when you are trying to come up with the definition of a typical cat surely it is better to study the overall habits of a cat and come up with the best summary. For starters, what does a cat do during a typical day? Here is my list of the things that acts do:
• They purr.
• They sleep.
• They chase moving objects.
• They eat.
• They sleep some more.
I think the most common activities are sleeping and purring. From kittens to senior cats, purring is the earliest most easily distinguishable hallmark of all cats.
All Cats Purr
Whilst purring is common to all cats, it is not always indicative of its being happy. Sometimes, cats purr when they are distressed or sick. Some scientists believe that cats use purring as a mechanism to calm itself down in much the same way humans do during meditation. When they purr they produce similar brainwaves to the human ‘alpha wave’ patterns, which induce a feeling of inner calm. There have been recent suggestions that having a purring act on your lap will have a calming effect on you as well. In other words, the benefits of purring can be transferred. Many nursing homes for the elderly are keeping cats as pets for their residents with beneficial effects being noted.
Cats can sleep for up to sixteen hours a day as well as taking catnaps of ten or fifteen minutes at a time during periods of activity. Many cats also love catnip plant and will munch at it and roll around in it and, to all appearances, appear to be addicted to it. Any change in behavior should be carefully observed and may require a visit to the vet if you become concerned.

Your cat might seem to be an unusually good climber. This is typical of al cats. It is here that the similarity to a predator role is seen most clearly. From a high vantage point, the cat can observe the movement and presence of possible prey. They do this from a position of safety as they have excellent all round vision and can stay out of the way of danger. I think the best way to think of a cat is not so much as a predator, but an independent animal keeping up its hunting skills so they will always be prepared for the possibility that they may be abandoned by their owners. They maintain their independence and their predator behavior is nothing more than this.

Michael is the owner of Love Your Kitty, the BEST site for looking after your cat properly. You will also find great gift ideas for your kitty at www.PussyCatsAlive.com


How to Take Proper Care of Cats and Kittens
How to Take Proper Care of Cats and Kittens

Owning a new kitten is just about the most exciting time of your family life. Those first few weeks are something special which will live long in your minds. It’s also a great chance to involve your children in learning how to take care of their new pet. It can become a really meaningful bonding time for the entire family. What better way to introduce children to new responsibilities where they learn to become accountable for the smallest member of the family. children can learn to become more reliable and as well, they will appreciate the satisfaction that comes with the added responsibility.

Getting Your Kids Involved in Caring For Your Cats And Kittens
It’s always a good starting point to involve the kids in the selection and naming of your new cat. Just as important is making sure your children understand the range of caring activities that will be involved and to emphasize that they will be responsible, along with the rest of the family, for a living creature not a toy that can be put away. It is a whole new ball game.

Now, it’s not necessarily a difficult task to care for your pet if you really love them. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love their cat? I’ve seen people who say they hate cats simply melt after they’ve spent a few days with our family and go on to buy one for themselves. What I’m saying here is that although the enjoyment you will get from your kitty will have to be balance against the daily tasks of feeding, cleaning up the bowls, refreshing the water and the medical concerns like fleas, heartworm and general grooming and cleaning up cat hair. But, when all is said and done the time you have to allocate to these matters pales into insignificance when you experience the ultimate enjoyment of watching kitty at play and sleeping soundly on your lap.

I have found that kids really respond to the responsibilities when tasks are allocated equally among family members wherever possible. This ensures that tasks are seen as a family responsibility and can be a great learning experience and contribute to the children coming to understand that life’s pleasures are balanced with responsibilities and that is the way life works. If you concentrate only on the jobs that need to be done or leave the “dirty” tasks to only one family member, then it could lead to resentment and then everyone, including kitty, will lose out. Having a balanced approach to pet ownership will have life long benefits when you learn to enjoy your cat and take care of them with love. It’s a life lesson we can all benefit from.

Michael is the owner of Love Your Kitty, the BEST site for looking after your cat properly. You will also find great gift ideas for your kitty at www.PussyCatsAlive.com


Moving With Pets
Cat-fits in the car, guinea pigs escaped at the diner, the snake that got left behind, and the dog that bit the moving man... you could fill a book with tales of the trials of moving with pets. But it doesn't have to be that way, if you do some planning and follow good common sense.
Firstly, remember that your pet is also a member of the family, and deserves some consideration in the moving plans. Your pet will also be leaving familiar surroundings, and you'll have some trouble helping your pet understand what's happening and why. Your goal will be to get your pet out of your present home and into your new home as securely and smoothly as possible. Think about your pet's temperament and special needs and put together a plan to help your pet make the transition:
1. Plan for your pet's trip to the new home.
Most pets will make the move in a car with the rest of the family. In the event that you're traveling by air, you'll need to make arrangements for your pet several weeks in advance. If necessary, get your pet used to a carrier.
2. Make a moving day plan for your pet.
Ideally, on moving day your pet should stay elsewhere, preferably in a familiar place: a favourite kennel service, or at a kind friend or relative's home. With all the comings and goings at your house - strange people and vehicles, and constantly open doors - there are just too many chances for your pet to have a meltdown or meet with an accident. Stressed pets and movers don't mix well. If your pet must be in the house, find an empty room with the least commotion and put your pet there. Put a sign on the door to clearly indicate that the room is not to be entered. Ensure your pet has comfortable surroundings, enough fresh water and some familiar toys.
3. Try to keep a calm environment.
Your pet will be picking up on the family's signals in the weeks before and after the move. If you're experiencing stress, your pet will be tuning into the change. No matter how crazy life gets, try to maintain (as closely as possible) your pet's feeding, watering, play, and exercise routines. Keep their familiar foods, toys, and bedding accessible. After all, there is upheaval enough in their surroundings now!
4. Think about your pet's own personality.
Cats are far more territorial than dogs are. Cats need to feel that they are in control of a changing environment, whereas dogs are far more attached to their owner than they are to the actual house. So make sure your cat always has a nook or cranny or box to hide in or under at both ends of the move.
5. Make sure your pet is wearing identification.
Also, take a picture of your pet and jot down a written description. Pets can be unpredictable when their home life is upset. There is a higher risk of your pet escaping in the weeks before and after the move.
6. Prepare your pet for travel.
When travelling by car with your pet, remember to restrict its food intake several hours ahead of the trip, and during the trip too. Animals should be in a carrier unless you are absolutely sure that they will not get under a brake pedal or cause a dangerous commotion. Most cats will sleep away their long trip. Your dog will be much happier if it has been well exercised before the trip. Use a tranquilizer for your pet as a very last resort, and then only with your veterinarian's instructions.
7. Pack a travel kit for your pet.
Be sure that the food is easy to digest, and use water from your regular home supply; changing diet or water sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian for food recommendations. Don't forget extra food for the arrival (can opener too!), medications and vet records, familiar toys, new identification tags, and something with a reassuring scent.