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Pet Supplies - Cat Supplies - Pet Meds

• WooHoo! A Special page just for my Veterinarian visitors... Sign Up to Use Veterinarian Tools Just fill in the simple questionairre, and you will be e-mailed the password and URL for the page of tools. Sorry, just for vets, vet students and vet tech students!
  
  
• There are several pages that got updates or corrections. No big deal, but some links needed repairing, or I've added some. These reflected in the RSS feed (if you subscribe to that) and showed up. But only the pages I've listed here are actually "new."

• Cat Rules for the Discriminating Cat...A Special Christmas Gift for my readers.

• I need your help on this page due to a college being taken over by another entity. PCDI is no longer offering Veterinary Assisting, but it's now Ashworth College Online. If you take this course any time soon, please use the link on the page to e-mail your review of the program. The price is more competitive than it used to be, and the program looks like it is more extensive. It looks much better! But is it? Please tell me.

Articles

Cats Make Great Pets If...
Cat Astrology (Have some fun!)
5 Critical Steps for Older Cat Care
Vet Tech Resources
December Offers

Don't forget the interactive pages...

Bragging Rights For Readers
Bad Cat Behaviors From Readers
Submit Your Story or Tribute

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Use the Cat Whisperer Contact form if you or a friend has a problem that is involved or delicate.

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them By Ian White

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders.

Your Pet's Sun Sign Characteristics By Mona Magick

Aries cats and dogs are always full with energy. They love attention, petting and cuddling and are never shy. It may be very hard to keep up with these hyperactive animals. Quick tempered, they are not the type to back down from a fight. They are easily embarrassed, so don't scold them in public. Reward good behavior with a special snack. Strong flavored and spicy treats are their favorite. The most difficult aspect of keeping an Aries pet is to get them to obey you.Firmness, a schedule, and repetition is what is needed.

TAURUS (Apr 20- May 20)

Taurus pets are quiet and passive and are the easiest in the Zodiac to train. However, if they are provoked into fighting you have to watch out.These animals never give up a fight. They are cautious about meeting new people, but when they like you, you are a friend for life. They will always remember your "scent." These animals love to be outdoors, but may prefer sleeping to playing. They love to eat and may develop a weight problem. They are possessive and will guard their food and toys fiercely.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Gemini pets are curious, friendly and loaded with energy. These dogs may bark a lot. If possible, get a playmate for these animals as they hate to be alone. They are fast learners and can be trained well. Remember to always keep the door shut, or they will be off in a flash, exploring and looking for new friends. With both people and other animals, Gemini pets rarely have favorites. They just love the company of everyone.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

These little pets are very sensitive creatures and hate to be upset. They do not like loud noise or yelling. They are easily irritated by others and thrive on a calm and peaceful environment. Any change in their routine, or if a stranger is in the house, can cause them to retreat and be gone for hours and even days. Cancer pets are cautious about meeting new people. Once they trust you, though, you've made a friend for life. They do not like sharing the home with any other animals, as they want your undivided attention. They do not like to be left alone, and can tend to become a bit destructive if left alone for too long.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22)

Your Leo pets feel as if they are King or Queen of the Castle. They move around with Royal Grace. They love a good adventure and will roam as far as you will let them. They are born leaders and may soon have a pack of friends following them. They are quite curious and consider nothing off limits, which is a fitting attitude for King or Queen Of The Jungle. Leo animals love children and make perfect pets. They are very protective and would gladly give their lives for yours. Leo pets have a long memory and tend to have a long life span. Treat them kindly and they will remain friends for life.

VIRGO (Aug 23- Sep 22)

Virgo pets are wonderful companions and make great friends. A sixth sense lets them know when you are unhappy or sick, and they are always there to comfort you. They are shy animals, preferring their own company, and are content to play by themselves. They are reserve and won't show their affections easily. Don't expect your Virgo pet to come running to you when you get home. They will gladly spend entire evenings lying at your feet or resting their head on your lap. They are fussy eaters.

LIBRA (Sep 23- Oct 22)

Libra pets are easygoing and like lots of attention. Like the scales of justice that represents this sign, these pets divide their attention equally among all members of the family. They make wonderful companions and hate to be left alone. These pets love good food and soft music. Put music on when you leave home and they will remain mild mannered with a gentle disposition. They can be stubborn at times, and may disappear to sulk. Libra's will eat just about anything, combine this with a tendency to be lazy, and they can put on a lot of extra weight. Be sure to give them plenty of exercise.

SCORPIO (Oct 23- Nov 21)

Scorpio pets are extremely loyal. Kindness shown to these animals at an early age will come back to you for the rest of their pet life. If they are mistreated early in life, gaining their trust back will be a long and involved process. They tend to snap or nip if they have been mistreated. Scorpio pets are intimidating to other animals. Rarely will they back down from a confrontation. They are full of pent up energy and need to run around a lot to release it. Keep a close watch on them, however, as they are possessive and have a tendency to fight.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Sagittarius pets are the fun loving clowns of the animal world, and they are always eager to please. They love the outdoors, so be sure to give them plenty of room to roam. If you keep them inside for long periods of time, you may tend to break their spirit. They are intelligent animals but may seem to lack common sense. When they get over excited they become quite forgetful. They are one of the most loving pets in the Zodiac, so expect a face full of wet kisses when you walk through the door. As they tend to be forgetful, you must be firm when you discipline these animals. They will respond well.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Capricorn pets stay young forever and tend to act like little puppies or kittens well into old age. They have endless endurance and will play happily hours on end. They make the best playmates for children. They can be moody and tend to sulk if they don't get their way. Be patient when training these pets as they tend to be slow learners. These pets are more than loyal to the family. They are always determined to please and your patience will be well rewarded.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20- Feb 18)

They are truly the comedians of the Zodiac. They are gentle and loving with children and will bark or meow just to hear the sound of their own voices. They are extremely intelligent and unbelievably brained. You need lots of patience when you train them. They do not obey orders easily and the more you push them, the deeper they will put their paws into the ground and refuse to budge. Sometimes these pets don't want to be cuddled or petted, but remain aloof. Aquarius pets are curious and inquisitive and will literally push their noses into everything.

PISCES (Feb 19- Mar 20)

Piscean pets are the gentle, peace loving pets that hate shouting and fighting. They are sensitive to your moods and will plant themselves securely at your side if you are sick and upset. If your Pisces pet needs discipline, be very careful how you go about it. They tend to be quite intuitive and can sense when you are angry or upset. They don't need a lot of wide, open space and are good pets for people living in apartments. They also love music.

Stellar Blessings both to you and your pet(s)!
Mona Magick

5 Critical Steps for Older Cat Care by Michael D. Rosenthal

• appropriate amounts of regular exercise
  
• good health care from the time they are a kitten
  
• proper diet and nutrition
  
• stimulating lifestyle and nurturing
  

Without these elements in place, they will be susceptible to a lengthy list of physical conditions, diseases, and other feline problems characteristically associate with the feline aging process. Here are 5 critical steps to perform as your cat ages so that they reach their geriatric years in the best physical condition possible.

Monitoring Specific Aspects of Behavior - it is imperative that you monitor three aspects of your cat's behavior continually - bowel movements, urination, and water intake. Any change, no matter how slight, could be extremely significant. Conditions and problems that are caught in the earlier stages and addressed immediately could prevent dire consequences for your cat (and you).

Preventative Health Care - issues such as grooming, as well as dental, intestinal, and skin care and prevention of parasites should continue on an ongoing basis. You may want to consider brushing your cat's teeth since periodontal conditions become more apparent as your cat ages. In order to optimize coat and skin health, proper grooming is recommended, and it is speculated that this is therapeutically beneficial as well.

Proper Diet and Nutrition - the following dietary adjustments may be of benefit to your cat:

· Lowering caloric intake as they become less active and keeping an eye on their weight

· Senses of smell and taste decrease as a cat ages so it may be necessary to afford them with more palatable foods (i.e. warm, moist foods)

· Avoid excess phosphorous, protein, and sodium ingestion while increasing the intake of Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, and E. The addition of unsaturated fatty acids and zinc are acceptable dietary modifications in older felines. Ask your vet for assistance.

Regular Exercise - regular exercise in older cats is paramount, especially for those felines that are suffering with arthritis. Even if your cat is strictly an indoor pet, it is wise to encourage them to play as well as avoiding sleeping for hours at a time. This helps to maintain proper bowel functions, as well as muscle bulk and strength factors.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups - semi-annual check-ups are the recommended norm for an older feline. In so doing, there is more likelihood of catching serious problems early on - e.g. arthritis or cancer as examples.

Your cat's lifestyle can be evaluated correctly by your veterinarian and once your cat reaches 10 years of age you need to adjust their daily health regimen accordingly.

For more easy, practical tips on keeping your cats in an optimal state of feline health be sure to visit the author's cat health care site now.

Vet Tech Resources

* Bergen Community College
* Hillsborough Community College
* Indiana Business College
* Kent State University-Tuscarawas
* Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School-Houston
* Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College

December Offers

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