Kitty love

Cats are self groomers who clean themselves by licking off any impurities or dead hair off its fur.Licking also helps the cat to cool its self while getting rid of sweat.A Cat also uses its tongue,which is rough like a brush,teeth,claws and their soft paws for cleaning and brushing its fur.It can stretch its body so much that it can clean certain seemingly inaccessible body parts by itself using its tongue.

But since it cannot reach all areas of its body,we need to do our part in getting the fella all cleaned up.

• Bathe the cat once a week in tepid water,with its head kept out and then dried thoroughly.
• Brush their hair regularly,to get rid of parasites or garden debris.
• Clean their ears and teeth every week.

How to clean a cat's ears

Heat some olive at body temperature,in a small container over a pan of warm water.Put a drop or two of the olive oil in the opening of the ear canal and gently massage to work the liquid around.Do the same for the other ear and then leave the cat on its own for 5 minutes,He'd be shaking his head the whole time which will dislodge any dirt and move it closer to the outer ear.Then Clean his ear using clean cotton balls.

How to clean a cats teeth

You will need cat tooth paste which you can get at pet stores and some gauze.Wrap the gauze around your fingers to make a finger brush.Put some tooth paste on it and start working on your cats teeth.Gently massage the gum's while your at it.

Human Allergies to Cats

Most people suffering from pet allergies,usually have mild or moderate allergies to pollen and mold.The symptoms of pet allergies are itchy eyes,runny nose,red itchy skin and rashes or asthma like symptoms.Pet 'hair' & 'dander' (dead skin) are allergy causing substances.Cat saliva,contains a common allergen,once it grooms itself the allergens are transferred to its hair and skin,which causes 'Dander'.This is the same in Dogs and Birds.The pets go about everywhere leaving their fur and dander.People inhale the dander which causes allergic reactions.

Although it is not advisable for people with allergies to have any furry pets,you don't have to get rid of your pet if you can make certain arrangements.

• Keep your Cat out of the Bedroom.
• Don't allow the cat onto your furniture,a very difficult task but keep trying!
• Clean and vacuum carpets and furniture regularly,to get rid of any pet hair or dander.
• Bathe your pet weekly.
• Brush your pets hair to reduce shedding.
• Use an allergy reducing spray on your pet to reduce the allergens.
  
• Wash your hands every time you handle your pet or the stuff it uses.
• Try taking allergy medicines.
  

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

AAT is a therapy that helps reduce depression and loneliness by letting patients have pets that are trained into the health care facilities.It also helps to improve health by reducing stress and high blood pressure in many different kinds of patients. So an adorable cuddly cat could actually be healthy for you!

If you are an animal lover, who has a pet dog at home and would also like to have a pet cat and you've heard the phrase, 'fighting like cats and dogs' so much,your wondering if the two species can get along?

When we humans ourselves need work on our relationship skills,wouldn't our pets need it too?So here's how you can help your cat and dog to get along in the same house hold.

First you need to introduce your pets to each other,if your thinking of putting them together in a room so they can get to know each other, forget it! unless of course your all prepared to see a dead kitty and a lot of damage!

Dogs need to mark their territory,they aren't that big on sharing their space with other animals.So you need to let him know there's an addition to the family by letting your cat roam the house,obviously when the dogs outside and on the leash.Cats love to roam and explore so hes going to be leaving his scent all over the place.Next you lock the cat in a room and let the dog roam the place,the scent of the cat will help the dog understand that the cat is part of the household.

After a few weeks of training your pets that way,its time to let them meet! But you need to be sure your dog will not attack your cat,so keep them at a safe distance.If your dog starts barking or growling,let him know that he is not to do so by saying 'no'  and make him realize the cat is also a pet.After the dog stops growling you know its safe to let them sniff each other and get friendly.Don't leave them alone just yet,you need make sure your dog sees the cat around the house as much as possible and train them to be together, by playing games that suit both your cat and dog.Once your confident enough to leave them alone, you know your not going to find a dead kitty and blood stained dog!

It is second nature for cats to bury its urine and feces.Indoor cats should be trained to use a litter/sand box.

To prepare the litter box

• Choose a litter box with an opening on one side and high sides,to prevent your cats litter being kicked out the sides.

• you can use any absorbent material such as shredded paper,sand or store bought 'litter',which is a loose granular material that absorbs moisture and odors. 

Start off with finding a private area to place the litter box.Training cats to litter in the box requires time and patience.Place your cat inside the litter box and let him sniff around in it,you can also gently move your cats paws in a digging motion,to help it realize what its supposed to do in there.Its natural that hes going to be jumping out of the box without doing the job in there until he realize what its for.Watch your kitty for some time, if you catch him sniffing at the floor behind furniture or in corners then you know hes about to go,so pick him up gently and place him in the litter box.if he jumps out,put him back in it.You may have to do this for quite some time until he gets the picture,once he does,that's his potty place for life!

You also need to make sure you clean the box and change the litter often,because cats are naturally clean animals.They will refuse to use the litter box if its not clean and instead go potty behind furniture or in corners.