Cats Is All About

When your kitten finally becomes an adult cat, you will appreciate the results of your careful effort to raise it properly. The well-behaved cat eats its regular food without fuss, is friendly to you and to others and keeps itself clean.

An adult cat often talks using a wide variety of purrs, chirps, and meows and cries to express many cat feelings and needs. If you pay attention your cats talking over a period of time, you may begin to understand these sounds.

A cat also shows its feelings in other ways. A steadily wagging tail means that it is getting angry. But when its ears lie back flat on its head, that means your cat is already angry.

When a cats ears point forward, it is interested in something and is alert. It may be listening to the sound of a mouse in the wall or to the footsteps of someone in another room.

A cats basic senses are all sharp. It sees, smells, hears and tastes well beyond the ability of humans. These talents, along with a cats excellent balance and strength, make it s superior hunter.

A cat takes great pride in its hunting ability and that cats instinct to hunt is so strong that you should not expect to change it. If your cat delivers a freshly killed mouse or bird to you, do not attempt to punish your cat. A cats urge to hunt is as natural for it as running and playing are for you.

Because you feed your cat every day, it does not need to hunt food. But a full stomach will not always keep a cat from the hunt. Hunting is too much fun! Of course, if your cat is always kept indoors and no mice live in your house, it will not have a chance to hunt. But never forget to close the birdcage door if you have a pet canary or parakeet.

Another strong instinct that your cat has is to scratch its nails. Unfortunately, some cats get into the habit of using furniture, drapes and rugs to do this. To prevent this from happening, provide your cat with scratching post, a small long nailed upright on a square plywood base. Wrap a small piece of carpet around the log to provide a pleasing texture for your cat to scratch.

Watch your cat from the time it is kitten. Whenever it begins to scratch on a chair or couch, pick the cat up and firmly say No! Then immediately take it to the scratching post. Never let it scratch elsewhere. Eventually, it will learn to scratch only at the post.

There are two situations that are particularly difficult for cats. You should be aware of how to handle both. One is travel and the other is a move to a new home.

When you take a cat with you a trip, much depends on how it behaves. Cats are all individuals. They react differently to different situations. But in practically all travel situations, it is best to confine your cat to a carrier. You can buy a cat carrier from most pet stores.

The easiest way to use the carrier is to let the cat get used to it ahead of time. A few weeks before your trip, put the carrier down on the floor and invite your cat to explore it. Eventually put your cat inside and close the door. Let the cat stay inside until it relaxes and settles down.

When you travel by car, never lock your cat (or any pet) inside the car with all the windows rolled up. For summer travel a wire-cage cat carrier will be most comfortable for your cat.

Before traveling, always call your vets office. Ask whether your cat will need a health certificate to travel in the state or country you intend to visit. The vet can arrange for any shots or official forms that are needed.

While travel can be hard on your cat, there is nothing more upsetting to him or her than a change of homes. Cats get very attached to places and moving will often result in either bad behavior or running away.

Prepare for this. In your new home, keep your cat in a room with familiar objects. Give the cat great deal for attention and affection. Perhaps give it a special treat at mealtime, such as fresh liver or kidney. Wait until all signs of nervousness and unusual behavior go away before allowing your cat outdoors. As you can see, cats are special animals. Their keen senses and their temperament require that you be considerate, gentle and kind. But cats are also appreciative. If healthy, they will pay back your kindness with great amounts of love and affection.