Friday, September 25, 2009

Facts about Cats: Do you know this and that?


In order to care for your cat, you have to understand him or her. Cats are very interesting members of the animal kingdom. Some of them stay wild in the thick forests while some of them stay tamed in our homes. Wherever they are, cats are very interesting and they possess really exquisite characteristics. How much do you know about cats? Well, we hope top add more information to you:

  • Did you know that cats could see 6 times better than human beings? Yes, according to studies, it is during night time when cats could really see more than we could.
  • Anywhere in the world, cats are existent from steaming Africa to icy cool Greenland; you could surely find them in different corners of the world. They may have varied looks or characteristics by counting in the different factors.
  • Just like dogs, cats could swim it just so happened that they are not into it that much.
  • An eighteen-hour sleep is achievable by cats in hot countries. These areas include desert-like areas and in some angles, the tropics.
  • There are different cats and most of them have rare characters.
  • One of them inspired ancient Egyptians. This is the Sphynx. Actually, it does not have any hair at all.
  • There are cats called Manx which originate from the Isle of Man and that they do not have tails. They just have this so-called stub.
  • Who do not know the fastest animal? The Cheetah is of course another member of the cat family.
  • There are also fishing cats which really show great skills in catching fish.

These tidbits are just some of those cool yet factual things about cats. When your aim is to explore more about these animals, you could always use the power of the internet in order to familiarize yourself with the world around you.

When you wish to have your own cat, you could also consider those factors that may make or break your choice. There are actually different choices of cats for pets. In general, cats are very good pets for they are very affectionate.


According to research owning cats as pets is most beneficial for ill or old patients. It has been found out that animal like cats could reduce their depression and other negative feelings brought by solitude and sickness. (Read my article Cats Might be Lazy Slobs but They Bring Joy and Happiness)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Choosing a Good Cat Sitter


There will be times in your life when you have to leave home, and you can’t always take your cat with you, no matter how well behaved he or she may be. If you have to travel out of town, it is important to make sure that your cat’s health will be in good hands while you are gone. For this job, you’ll need a cat sitter. When hiring a cat sitter, make sure that you leave him or her with good information about your cats so that you can rest assured that they are safe and healthy.

In the best-case scenario, your cat sitter will be someone that you already know. Neighborhood teens make good cat sitters, as do relatives. You can also call a pet sitting company if you don’t have anyone else in mind. Whoever takes care of your cats, make sure that they are trustworthy and responsible to show up at your house every single day at the correct times. If you have multiple cats or other pets, or if you will be gone for over a week, it may be a good idea to have someone you know house sit and stay overnight in your home.

1. Before you leave, create an easy-to-read sheet of important information.

Start by listing your cats—include their names, fur color, special diet and medication, likes and dislikes, and favorite hiding place. You should also include step-by-step detailed instructions for cat care and the number for you and for your vet.

2. Make sure that your cat sitter has everything they need to care for your cat.

Leave everything in the open and make sure they are easy to use. If they aren't, leave a step by step instruction sheet or teach them yourselves. For example, don't forget to leave a can opener for your cat sitter!


3. Check if any of your cat or cats are ill or injured.

If any of your cats fall ill or are injured during your absence, your cat sitter will need to call a vet and possible even take your act to the vet’s office. Have the phone in an easy-to-locate place and leave cat carriers by the door. Also make sure that all cleaning supplies are easy for your cat sitter to find, including litter box materials.

4. Notify your vet.
If any of your cats need vet care, you will have to pay the vet bills. Leave a $20 bill (or more if you’ll be gone longer) for your cat sitter to specifically be used for the cats. Beyond that, call your vet to alert him or her that you will be out of town. Given your vet your credit card number, the phone number where you can be reached, and the name of your cat sitter, with the assertion that he or she will act in your place until you return home.

Following the instructions above will help keep your cat safe and healthy while you are away.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Deciding When to Call the Vet


The most important thing you can do for your cat is to keep him or her healthy. Because a cat cannot talk, you must be alert to changes in your cat. Fortunately, your cat can display symptoms that tell you what is wrong. Knowing when to call your vet is very important, but in this hard economic time, a wasted visit to the vet could cost a fortunate.

1. Knowing your cat’s normal behavior is important. You should know what his eating and elimination habits are. Some cats eat their meals in one sitting, while others eat bites all day. If your cat has had a chance in appetite, this could indicate a problem. Your cat should also be using the litter box regularly, and diarrhea, constipation, and straining to urinate are all causes for concern. Ever cat is different, so make sure to notice how your cat normally eats and eliminates in order to notice when something is wrong.

2. Know your cat’s daily activity schedule. If your cat is usually active and suddenly becomes lethargic, this is a cause for concern. However, slowly becoming less active is a natural part of aging, and some cats are naturally just not as energetic as others. Make sure you note sudden chances and call your vet if you are concerned. Watch for problems in your cat’s gait as well, as this could indicate arthritis or injury. Other things to watch for are activity and grooming habits. Cats are very neat and tidy creatures by nature, so your cat should be grooming him or herself regularly. Over-grooming may also be dangerous to your cat’s health. (See my post on Hairballs).

3. Know emergency situations. In general, if there is any doubt in your mind, call your vet or even take your cat straight to the vet’s office. For example, if a car hits your cat, you should take him or her to a vet even if he isn’t bleeding. Your cat could have suffered internal injuries. You should also consider it an emergency if your cat suddenly has an extreme change in health. For example, if your cat suddenly begins vomiting frequently, he or she may have been poisoned, which if not treated in time can be fatal.

4. Never take things into your own hands. The important thing is to never take matters into your own hands if you are unsure. A vet can make sure that your cat is healthy and happy. As a guardian for your pet, it is your responsibility to provide this care whenever necessary, and its always best to be safe.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Cats Might Be Lazy Slobs, But They Bring Joy and Happiness


Having a pet could help you lead a better more fulfilling life. It cannot be denied that pets bring an aura to the lives of people and brightens a home. Any pet can bring happiness to you and your family but cats do that ever so well.

What is it with cats? What makes them so special?

Are cats great companions because they are soft and cuddly or because they are low maintenance?

Research shows that having cats as pets could really lighten up a person’s physiological, emotional side. The benefits of keeping a cat could heal the wounds of solitude, age, stress and depression. In addition, cats are affectionate but less demanding, low maintenance and it would surely be very suitable for those who have a modern lifestyle.

Cats are confidence boosters.

It is believed that people who take care of pets are more likely to be caring than those who are not. When old or sick people have pet cats, they are less likely to feel unneeded or worthless. When a person feels needed, it radiates a very optimistic mind. It gives a person the strength to live on. Kids or young people, benefits from cats as well. It gives them a sense of responsibility. By learning to take care of cats and other animals, people learn how to take care of others too.

Cats relieves you from stress

According to medical studies, sitting on a chair, placing a cat on your lap and stroking its hair would let you feel comfortable and at peace. This would make you feel relaxed and would make you feel relieved from stress caused by whatever endeavor.

Cats as health angels

According to the Society for Companion Animal Studies, patients recover or live longer through animals. It has been discovered that having pets would definitely ease the cases of physiological or psychological impairment in people.

Cats as social catalysts

Cats could help you overcome hesitation and shyness. It would teach you what the essence of being with others and exploring the world is. When you go with you cat, people would be interested and you as a cat-lover would have to show your cat off.