The Benefits Of Owning A Cat
There are many benefits of owning a cat such as unconditional love and health benefits. A cat is a wonderful pet to have for a family, a single person, or the elderly.
Have you ever come home at night and been greeted by your cat walking in and out of your legs and rubbing up against you happy to see that you are home? How about when you are home alone on a cold Saturday night watching tv and your warm little kitty snuggles up with you curling up in your lap and purring loudly? What an experience it is having a cat as part of the family.
Cats don't require as much care as many other pets such as dogs because they are very independant and can use a litter box if you are not home. You can literally fill up a huge container of dry food and water and leave it there for a week if you need to go away on business or vacation and just have a friend stop over to keep your kitty company one or two times during that week. Cats also clean themselves. You could give them a bath once a year if you so desire but it is not necessary because they are very capable of keeping themselves very clean. Owning a cat has more benefits than downfalls by far. It is the perfect pet for the family and also for a single person.
Current research has demonstrated that pets in general can provide many physical and psychological benefits. Cats decrease blood pressure and can even lower cholesterol. They can also reduce the mortality rate related to heart disease. Cat ownership can lead to fewer office visits to the doctor and a significant reduction in minor health problems.
Cats can also provide emotional support from time to time when it is most needed. People who suffer from diseases can feel alone and a cat can decrease these feelings by creating intimacy with its owner. They provide unconditional love to their owner and other members of the family. If you think about it, a cat never gets mad at you or holds a grudge. A cat never talks behind your back and is physically and emotionally unable to hurt your feelings. This is why many people become so close to their cats and have such a hard time when their pet dies. They have nothing but good memories of their kitty.
It has been said that cats know when their owner is sick. Many people have noticed that when they have a cold or are stuck in bed with some kind of illness, their cat is right there snuggled up in bed or on the couch with them. They have also been known to be able to detect when their owner is emotionally upset.
The benefits of pet ownership can be strongest for men who have few confidants, but a close attachment to their pets, sleeping in the same room as their cat at night, for example, cuddling them frequently.
Cat companionship helps reduce the isolation that can accompany depression. Not only is depression often a stigmatizing condition, but many people lose friends and companions because of it. This can leave a person feeling very alone and desperate. The attachment that a cat provides can reduce feelings of stress and lonliness that are associated with depression, one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions.
Owning a cat can come in very handy for lonely senior citizens who don't get many visitors. Elderly people who find it hard to get out and visit others can experience lonliness quite often. Having a cat around for companionship is very beneficial to the elderly to keep them from feeling depressed and feeling like nobody loves them. Once again a cat loves to cuddle up to its owner and can make a person feel very loved and wanted. They are also very self entertaining having the ability to play with anything that moves, or anything that doesn't move for that matter.
People who are incapacitated can enjoy having a cat as a pet also because they are very self sufficient. They don't have to be taken out for a walk three times a day like a dog and they really don't need to get out and get physical exercise outside of the home.
The unconditional love that a cat gives to its owner when they are sick, lonely, or even if they lead a healthy lifestyle is incredible. Your little warm ball of fur is usually always happy and can help keep its owner feeling happy and loved.
So, next time you are sitting around trying to decide what kind of pet to pick for your family or a family member, consider a cat. Getting a cat that is approximately one year old has its benefits over getting a kitten because you can already get a feel for its personality. For instance, most kittens are very playful but can mellow out significantly once it reaches 6 months old. If you are looking for a cat that is patient because you have little children, you may want to be sure to get a full grown cat that has a reputation of being around other children.
A kitten can grow up to be very fiesty and uncontrollable or it could turn out to be laid back and mellow. If you have special needs or requirements from a cat, it would be better to pick an older one that has developed its permanent temperment.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Orphaned Kitten Care
Orphaned Kitten Care
Orphaned kitten care: How to care for an orphaned kitten, what to feed it, how to clean it, how to keep it warm, how to teach it to use a litter box.
So your children just brought home a kitten that is less than 6 weeks old, or you found a litter of kittens in your yard, and their eyes are still shut, what do you do?
If your children brought the kitten home find out where they got it from and if possible return it, but be forwarned, sometimes a mother cat will not take a kitten back that has been gone too long. The length of time will depend upon the age of the kitten and the individual cat.
If you found a litter in your yard, more than likely someone thought that it was a good place to dump an unwanted litter of kittens. If you have any ideas on who it was, feel free to vent your disgust with such cruel and inhumane treatment. Now comes the work-- you just became a mama cat.
Be prepared if your orphaned kitten is less than two weeks old, it may not survive no matter what you do. Prior to two weeks they recieve a lot of important nutrients and care from the mother cat that we as humans cannot duplicate. You may be lucky, but try not to get too attached, but if you are taking on the responsibility of caring for the kitten you probably are already attached, so the previous caution is not going to work. Good luck.
Kittens are fairly simple to raise if you are prepared to spend the time caring for them. They require feeding, warmth, and lots of TLC. You will need the following:
An animal feeding bottle. When feeding them, experience has shown that eye droppers are not effective, unless you have a lot of patience and time.
Kitten formula. Available at most pet stores, and many large stores with a good pet department. Pick a brand and stick with it, much like a baby formula. Follow the directions of your vet, or if he/she is unavailable the directions on the container. Your vetanarian will probably be able to suggest the best one available in your area.
A cardboard box with some old rags, or towels lining the bottom. Your kitten will need to be kept warm and out of drafts, they are very susceptable to colds and chilling. I have had some success using an old heating pad on one side of the box. The kitten could curl up near the heating pad if it felt cold.
Now you have the equipment together, find a place to keep your kitten. A fairly quiet location, much like a mother cat would find, the bottom of a closet, under a table, or bed. Make sure it is reasonably accessible for your convenience. Generally speaking the dimmer the light the better for the kitten. You should make sure that the cloth on the bottom is soft, and dry. Old towels, worn out t-shirts, or jeans are ideal.
Your kitten will let you know when it is hungry by crawling around and mewing. The younger they are the more often they will need feeding. Make up the formula according to the vets or the label directions. Be sure it is body temperature, you wouldn't want to chill the kitten's stomach. Hold the kitten in your lap and angle the nipple so he/she can find it. Once the kitten has the nipple let them enjoy thier meal. Gently stroke the kitten while it is feeding, brushing the fur first back and then forward will help with digestion.
The kitten has finished and is starting to sleep, now is the time to burp the kitten. Yes just like a human baby your kitten will need burping. Now is the time to be thankful that, unlike babies, they very seldom spit up. Place the kitten on your shoulder and very gently pat it. You will hear a soft burp. After burping the kitten, take a warm damp washcloth and clean his/her face. Use gentle circular motions, covering the chin, sides and neck of your kitten. Mama cat washes her kittens several times a day. This serves several purposes: keeping them clean, bonding the kitten and the mother and ensuring that they are able to digest thier food.
You will need to encourage your kitten to evacuate its bowels, using a warm damp washcloth rub the abdomen in a circular motion. Your kitten may or may not go at this time, but check on a fairly regular basis and make sure you clean them up as soon as you are aware that they have gone. Just like babies they can get a rash. Unlike babies you can't use a diaper rash cream. once they are able to walk start encouraging them to use a litter box.
Dry your kitten off with a dry towel or washcloth, and let it sleep until the next feeding time. When your kitten is about 4 weeks old you can introduce kitten food, moistened with a little formula. The microwave is ideal for preparing it. about a tablespoon of dry kitten food, and two tablespoons of prepared formula in the microwave for 30 seconds and mash. Don't be disappointed if the first few times the kitten doesn't eat. It is a new taste/texture and will require some adjustment on the kittens part. Offering it before you bottle feed will help encourage him/her to eat.
As the kitten gets older they will start to look for a litter box. Find one that they can climb in and out of, an old shoe box lid filled with kitty litter is about the right size. When your kitten goes outside of the litter box just place him/her in and he will learn quickly that is where he is supposed to go. Sometimes you may have to show your kitten how to scratch and bury the litter, gently scratch the litter with one of the kittens paws when you put them in the litter box and they will soon get the idea.
Most kitten are weaned at about 6 to 8 weeks, so continue to supplement their dry food with formula until they are about 8 weeks old. They will need the extra nutrients and calories until they can consume enough kitten food to supply thier needs.
Enjoy your kitten, you have done a great job, and provided an independent friend for life. Generally I have found that bottle raised cats are friendlier, and more affectionate than others. I hope that you enjoy your new pet. Don't forget to get your kitten spayed/neutered as soon as your vet feels they are old enough. Your vet should be able to answer any other questions you might have.
Orphaned kitten care: How to care for an orphaned kitten, what to feed it, how to clean it, how to keep it warm, how to teach it to use a litter box.
So your children just brought home a kitten that is less than 6 weeks old, or you found a litter of kittens in your yard, and their eyes are still shut, what do you do?
If your children brought the kitten home find out where they got it from and if possible return it, but be forwarned, sometimes a mother cat will not take a kitten back that has been gone too long. The length of time will depend upon the age of the kitten and the individual cat.
If you found a litter in your yard, more than likely someone thought that it was a good place to dump an unwanted litter of kittens. If you have any ideas on who it was, feel free to vent your disgust with such cruel and inhumane treatment. Now comes the work-- you just became a mama cat.
Be prepared if your orphaned kitten is less than two weeks old, it may not survive no matter what you do. Prior to two weeks they recieve a lot of important nutrients and care from the mother cat that we as humans cannot duplicate. You may be lucky, but try not to get too attached, but if you are taking on the responsibility of caring for the kitten you probably are already attached, so the previous caution is not going to work. Good luck.
Kittens are fairly simple to raise if you are prepared to spend the time caring for them. They require feeding, warmth, and lots of TLC. You will need the following:
An animal feeding bottle. When feeding them, experience has shown that eye droppers are not effective, unless you have a lot of patience and time.
Kitten formula. Available at most pet stores, and many large stores with a good pet department. Pick a brand and stick with it, much like a baby formula. Follow the directions of your vet, or if he/she is unavailable the directions on the container. Your vetanarian will probably be able to suggest the best one available in your area.
A cardboard box with some old rags, or towels lining the bottom. Your kitten will need to be kept warm and out of drafts, they are very susceptable to colds and chilling. I have had some success using an old heating pad on one side of the box. The kitten could curl up near the heating pad if it felt cold.
Now you have the equipment together, find a place to keep your kitten. A fairly quiet location, much like a mother cat would find, the bottom of a closet, under a table, or bed. Make sure it is reasonably accessible for your convenience. Generally speaking the dimmer the light the better for the kitten. You should make sure that the cloth on the bottom is soft, and dry. Old towels, worn out t-shirts, or jeans are ideal.
Your kitten will let you know when it is hungry by crawling around and mewing. The younger they are the more often they will need feeding. Make up the formula according to the vets or the label directions. Be sure it is body temperature, you wouldn't want to chill the kitten's stomach. Hold the kitten in your lap and angle the nipple so he/she can find it. Once the kitten has the nipple let them enjoy thier meal. Gently stroke the kitten while it is feeding, brushing the fur first back and then forward will help with digestion.
The kitten has finished and is starting to sleep, now is the time to burp the kitten. Yes just like a human baby your kitten will need burping. Now is the time to be thankful that, unlike babies, they very seldom spit up. Place the kitten on your shoulder and very gently pat it. You will hear a soft burp. After burping the kitten, take a warm damp washcloth and clean his/her face. Use gentle circular motions, covering the chin, sides and neck of your kitten. Mama cat washes her kittens several times a day. This serves several purposes: keeping them clean, bonding the kitten and the mother and ensuring that they are able to digest thier food.
You will need to encourage your kitten to evacuate its bowels, using a warm damp washcloth rub the abdomen in a circular motion. Your kitten may or may not go at this time, but check on a fairly regular basis and make sure you clean them up as soon as you are aware that they have gone. Just like babies they can get a rash. Unlike babies you can't use a diaper rash cream. once they are able to walk start encouraging them to use a litter box.
Dry your kitten off with a dry towel or washcloth, and let it sleep until the next feeding time. When your kitten is about 4 weeks old you can introduce kitten food, moistened with a little formula. The microwave is ideal for preparing it. about a tablespoon of dry kitten food, and two tablespoons of prepared formula in the microwave for 30 seconds and mash. Don't be disappointed if the first few times the kitten doesn't eat. It is a new taste/texture and will require some adjustment on the kittens part. Offering it before you bottle feed will help encourage him/her to eat.
As the kitten gets older they will start to look for a litter box. Find one that they can climb in and out of, an old shoe box lid filled with kitty litter is about the right size. When your kitten goes outside of the litter box just place him/her in and he will learn quickly that is where he is supposed to go. Sometimes you may have to show your kitten how to scratch and bury the litter, gently scratch the litter with one of the kittens paws when you put them in the litter box and they will soon get the idea.
Most kitten are weaned at about 6 to 8 weeks, so continue to supplement their dry food with formula until they are about 8 weeks old. They will need the extra nutrients and calories until they can consume enough kitten food to supply thier needs.
Enjoy your kitten, you have done a great job, and provided an independent friend for life. Generally I have found that bottle raised cats are friendlier, and more affectionate than others. I hope that you enjoy your new pet. Don't forget to get your kitten spayed/neutered as soon as your vet feels they are old enough. Your vet should be able to answer any other questions you might have.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Kitten Care
New Kitten Care
New kitten care tips: introducing a new kitten to your other cats, what to do about cat food and toys, the litter box, etc.
Your mature cats may not be keen to have another cat take up residence in their house. Some simple steps can ensure the smooth integration of a new cat into the daily routine.
The fur will fly if the new tenant is a mature cat. You may even end up with some hefty vet bills.
Go with a kitten, preferably no older than eight weeks. Crusty as they may be, mature cats seem to have tolerance for a kitten. Some will avoid it at all costs, jumping to high points inaccessible to the rambunctious newcomer. From there, they'll settle and evaluate its antics.
Expect some hissing and cuffing about as the pecking order is worked out, but claws will rarely be bared by the mature cat(s). Try not to intercede; the cats will work it out themselves.
If your cats go outdoors, keep the new kitten indoors for a couple of weeks and provide it the same run of the house enjoyed by the other cats.
Do show it the litter box; put it in the litter box only when it's clean. If possible, do this within a half hour of bringing the kitten into the house.
Show it the location of the food and water dishes. With dry food, cats usually self-feed. There is no need for separate dishes. If the cats receive a daily helping of wet food, individual dishes for these are advisable. At first you'll have to keep an eye on this operation until the kitten finds out it should not stick its nose into another cat's dish. The mature cats have to realize they can't bully the kitten away from its own dish, too.
If you spot a mature cat or two placidly lying or sitting in the vicinity of the food dishes or the litter box, they may be doing it to prevent the kitten from access. Send them hiking!
Avoid the tendency to give the kitten individual attention. If anything, give the mature cats more. Let them know they're still important.
Ensure the new kitten has a safe haven, a hidey hole where the big cats can't reach it. From time to time the little one will need it.
This is the time to resurrect the cat toys: the stuffed mouse, the strings, the balls. The kitten will love them; and, when they think you're not watching, the mature cats will put aside their dignity and play with them, too.
Introducing a tom kitten can be tricky if you have a mature tom cat in residence. If the mature tom cat is not neutered, you may have a chance it will accept the interloper but relations will be very cool. You can also expect some serious territorial spraying to begin.
A new kitten in the house can re-vitalize the old gang. It's well worth the effort!
New kitten care tips: introducing a new kitten to your other cats, what to do about cat food and toys, the litter box, etc.
Your mature cats may not be keen to have another cat take up residence in their house. Some simple steps can ensure the smooth integration of a new cat into the daily routine.
The fur will fly if the new tenant is a mature cat. You may even end up with some hefty vet bills.
Go with a kitten, preferably no older than eight weeks. Crusty as they may be, mature cats seem to have tolerance for a kitten. Some will avoid it at all costs, jumping to high points inaccessible to the rambunctious newcomer. From there, they'll settle and evaluate its antics.
Expect some hissing and cuffing about as the pecking order is worked out, but claws will rarely be bared by the mature cat(s). Try not to intercede; the cats will work it out themselves.
If your cats go outdoors, keep the new kitten indoors for a couple of weeks and provide it the same run of the house enjoyed by the other cats.
Do show it the litter box; put it in the litter box only when it's clean. If possible, do this within a half hour of bringing the kitten into the house.
Show it the location of the food and water dishes. With dry food, cats usually self-feed. There is no need for separate dishes. If the cats receive a daily helping of wet food, individual dishes for these are advisable. At first you'll have to keep an eye on this operation until the kitten finds out it should not stick its nose into another cat's dish. The mature cats have to realize they can't bully the kitten away from its own dish, too.
If you spot a mature cat or two placidly lying or sitting in the vicinity of the food dishes or the litter box, they may be doing it to prevent the kitten from access. Send them hiking!
Avoid the tendency to give the kitten individual attention. If anything, give the mature cats more. Let them know they're still important.
Ensure the new kitten has a safe haven, a hidey hole where the big cats can't reach it. From time to time the little one will need it.
This is the time to resurrect the cat toys: the stuffed mouse, the strings, the balls. The kitten will love them; and, when they think you're not watching, the mature cats will put aside their dignity and play with them, too.
Introducing a tom kitten can be tricky if you have a mature tom cat in residence. If the mature tom cat is not neutered, you may have a chance it will accept the interloper but relations will be very cool. You can also expect some serious territorial spraying to begin.
A new kitten in the house can re-vitalize the old gang. It's well worth the effort!
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